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<p>CURWOOD: It's Living on Earth, I'm Steve Curwood. One of the most popular films to hit the screen recently is Gravity, which features a couple of astronauts - played by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney - untethered in space and bombarded by space junk.</p>
<p>[MOVIE CLIP]</p>
<p>In the movie Gravity, lost astronauts must make their way to the international space station (photo: bigstockphoto.com)</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Well, besides proving popular, this movie received special attention from the fraternity of astrophysicists - who, as experts often will - found some of the depicted science to be a bit wobbly. It also gives us an occasion to call up astrophysicist Neil de Grasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York - and one of those scientists who found some nits to pick in the film. Neil, its been a while. Welcome back to Living on Earth.</p>
<p>TYSON: Thank you. It has been a while. Yeah you don't call me, you don't text, you dont write, whereve you been?</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Well...</p>
<p>TYSON: A lot has happened in the universe since we last talked.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: You know, what can I say, um...</p>
<p>Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson (Photo: Chris Cassidy/ Casspix.com)</p>
<p>TYSON: [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Things are moving at warp speed sometimes, Neil.</p>
<p>TYSON: ...or faster.</p>
<p>CURWOOD:...or faster. [LAUGHS] So youve got yourself embroiled in a bit of a row over this new movie Gravity.</p>
<p>TYSON: You know, Im just...whats a scientist to do?</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Yeah, I know. [LAUGHS] Well, it all began when you fired off a few tweets questioning some of the science in the movie.</p>
<p>TYSON: It was like a dozen tweets. I could have sent 100 tweets telling everyone what they did right. I could have done that, but people presume that because I cited a few scientific faux pas that all of a sudden I didnt like the movie, I railed on the movie and all that. No, I thought the movie was fine. I mean, Ill take any space movie I can get these days. [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>CURWOOD:[LAUGHS] But what did they not quite get right?</p>
<p>TYSON: You know, just little niddly things. Like I said, people...it became a mountain when it was intended just to have fun. I hit the trifecta of the Today Show, Brian Williams, the NBC Nightly News and it was referenced on weekend update on Saturday Night Live. So I thought that people were overreacting really, but...</p>
<p>CURWOOD: [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>TYSON: So a few things. OK. Lets start simple. So Sandra Bullocks hair, as well as they did all the rest of the zero G representations, her hair didnt stand up on end...or maybe she used too much mousse? It looked a little bit like a wig actually, but in any case, you have everything else floating around and her hair just stuck to her head. I thought that was a little weird, but you know, you can let that one go.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: What about her tears?</p>
<p>TYSON: The tears. Theres been some discussion about that because therere some astronauts on the space shuttle who did some tear experiments to see what would happen if you cry. And so the surface tension of a tear...this is what keeps a droplet of water almost spherical on a clean surface, you know, like if you have a smooth marble surface and you drop some water on it, the water doesnt spread out across the entire surface, it just stays in a little ball. So that, whats called surface tension, its a chemical phenomenon on the surface of all liquids so it sticks to things, even to itself. So if you try to tear, its likely that the tear will stay on your eyelash or your...the upper or lower eyelashes...or stick to your cheek and just sort of stay there. And so some people criticize that but I didnt have an issue with that because shes about to die, or she thinks shes about to die, and so she might be tearing more than the astronaut who did the experimenting in space.</p>
<p>[LAUGHS]</p>
<p>CURWOOD: [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>TYSON: So I think you can cut a tear cleanly with a good blink, and then the tear floats away. I think that was the most poignant scene in the whole film, and so I give that two thumbs up for capturing an intimate and sensitive zero G moment.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: But there was some confusion about the various low Earth orbits out there.</p>
<p>Gravity director, Alfonso Cuarn (photo: Mario Antonia Pena Zapatera)</p>
<p>TYSON: Well, yes, so...I dont know if this is forgivable, but there they are fixing the Hubble telescope and stuff goes wrong and so they say, Lets just go to the space station. There it is! And they just jet-pack to the space station. The Hubble orbits at 360 miles up and the space station orbits at two-thirds that height, 230 miles up. So first of all, the space station would be below them, not above them, and its closest its 130 miles, at its closest. Youre going to jet-pack for 130 miles? Most of the time, you cant even see it. Earth has a huge surface area. So just to jet to that, and then, Oh, theres the Chinese space station. Lets go there.</p>
<p>You think that everythings in view and accessible by jet-pack, and so this is just completely unrealistic, and the orbits dont even match. The space station orbit is tipped, I think around 50 degrees relative to the equator, and thats so that it can go over the launch location in Russia where they send cosmonauts to the space station and now including the American astronauts because were hitching a ride on the Soyuz because we dont have a space shuttle. Im sorry, were not hitching, were buying the seats to the space station! So that orbit is tipped in that way, whereas, Hubble has an orbit that matches Cape Canaveral. Thats a whole different tilt. He didnt think that one through. Or maybe he did and ignored it, and thats possible too.</p>
<p>During the government shutdown, NASA was almost completely closed (photo: NASA)</p>
<p>CURWOOD: And yet you love this movie.</p>
<p>TYSON: I enjoyed it. Let me not say love it. I enjoyed it, and I thought it was a nice...99 percent of the movie is in zero G...has anyone done that before? I dont think so. So you cant fault someone for not getting everything perfect if they do something that no one has done before. So in that regard, I fully applaud Alfonsos efforts, the director.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: But next time, if he calls you as consultant, he wont get this wrong. [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>TYSON: Well, I dont claim total infallibility. Keep in mind, you only see whats wrong, after they got everything right. Even the movie 2001:The Space Odyssey from 1968, which gave so much attention to detail of zero G, got a couple of things wrong. Theres a point where the guys sipping liquid out of a sack in zero G, and then he stops sipping, and the liquid drops back down the straw. Well, it wouldnt do that if youre at zero G. It would just stay there in the straw. They cant think of everything. I think, Im complementing the film by citing the things they got wrong. I dont give a list of things that Star Wars got wrong, Im sorry. [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>CURWOOD: [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>The sun rising over the edge of the earth (photo: bigstockphoto.com)</p>
<p>TYSON: Some movies are not worth that effort. What you do with Star Wars is rather than say what they got wrong, you mention a couple of things that it got right. Right? So if the movie makes no attempt to be scientifically accurate, you find the things they got right, and then you applaud that. In Star Wars, the little double sun was a planet orbiting a binary star system. That was kind of cool, you know, they thought about that because there are binary stars out there, but I think many people, until that movie, didnt know there are star systems where there are multiple stars orbiting one another - two or more stars. So, thats something they thought about and they put it in the film. Thats good. I like that.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So the movie isnt the only thing about space in the news. A spacecraft called Cassini detected propylene, and thats what makes plastic, I think its number five on the recycling label. They found this on Saturns moon Titan. What do you make of this?</p>
<p>TYSON: Yeah, well, Titan is cool. Its almost like an early Earth, but just at a whole other range of temperatures. So we think of Earth...theres a temperature that allows liquid water and then the rocks are solid, and the air is oxygen and carbon dioxide. So we have this expectation for what is solid, what is liquid, what is gas. When you go to the moon Titan, Titan is very cold. It orbits Saturn, Saturns very far from the sun so the heat sources are very low, but at the very low temperatures that it is, different things are gas, different things are liquid, different things are solid.</p>
<p>For example, the rocks on Titan are ice, which is frozen water. The liquid on Titan is lakes of methane. And so everything is different, but when youre at a cold temperature, atoms like making molecules because they move really slow, and then they nestle next to another atom, and you can build these huge interesting molecules. If everything is hot, the heat energy breaks apart all your molecules, and theres a point, theres a temperature above which, there are no molecules and you just have atoms. Then you can start stripping electrons from atoms and then everything would ionize like hot stars, so like the center of the sun, theres no atoms, and theyre all stripped and there are no molecules. So on Titan you can make all kinds of complex molecules, and so sure, start tallying whats there.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So this could be a shopping mall for those of us here on Earth. I mean, lets say we run out of oil, maybe we get our plastic from space?</p>
<p>TYSON: [LAUGHS] Yeah, I mean space is vast, and has many more opportunities to make things than we do, so theres an old saying that unless its absolutely prohibited by the laws of physics, then its a certainty that its out there. [LAUGHS]</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So its interesting that the newest Mars Rover, named Curiosity, discovered water in the Martian dirt, but no methane.</p>
<p>TYSON: Yeah, so there was some early evidence that there might have been methane on Mars. Whats fun to think about, regarding methane, is that methane is not a particularly stable molecule. In other words, if Mars had methane when it formed, it wouldnt have it today because its chemically active. So if you see a constant source of methane in a place, we know its what they call biogenic processes - life-based processes that create methane - among them is what goes on in your lower intestine, especially farm animals, and this accounts for a large number of the flatulent volume that emanates from cows. So we know that life can make methane. So if you have methane emanating from Mars and its persistent, it can force the question, is there active life - biogenic life, biogenic processes - going on in the buried strata of the planet? And so no methane says maybe not, certainly theres no farm animals!</p>
<p>CURWOOD: But wait a second. Lets go back to Titan. Theres all this methane. Theres rivers of methane on Titan so I mean is there a lot of life down there that we have no idea about?</p>
<p>TYSON: [LAUGHS] Titan still needs extensive investigation. We just dont know how you would make life that doesnt involve liquid water. Thats really what it comes down to. Were not creative enough to figure that out. We like, actually we require, liquid water. We as not just humans but all life on Earth. So when we look for life elsewhere in the solar system, we hold up the requirement that water is there, otherwise we consider it low likelihood of finding life. It would be low likelihood of finding life as we know it. It could be life that doesnt require liquid water - maybe it just requires liquid.</p>
<p>So Titan, with liquid methane, maybe theres life forms that thrive on liquid methane. The liquid methane is the vehicle to carry nutrients and other things through the life form that could possibly evolve there. We dont know. We have a sample of one, as much as biologists applaud and celebrate the diversity of life on Earth, at the end of the day, they close the door and say, Look, guys, were all based on DNA, and so for that reason alone, we are a sample of one. And you can do some science, but you cant truly understand your sample, if you only have a sample of one.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So, speaking of Mars though, what have the Mars rovers been doing as the government has gone through this partial shutdown?</p>
<p>TYSON: Yeah, so the Mars rovers, they get their energy from the sun, and so, yeah, you keep people on staff as a minimum sort of support, life-support if you will...whatever the word is you would use for rover...rover life-support, but beyond that, no, youre not doing any interesting work. Its a tragedy really, especially since NASA got hit heavier that other agencies of the government on the premise that NASA is more expendable.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So let me ask you this. I mean, overall, how has the government squeeze on funding science - we had the sequester, this partial shutdown, - how has this impacted scientific research?</p>
<p>TYSON: Well, yeah, so its like everything. Its put this gap in funding, if you were going to receive money, you didnt receive money; its unfortunate, of course it affects everything. So I dont want to say fund science and nothing else. We want to run the damn country, right?</p>
<p>So I think the real solution here is...its - I dont blame Congress because we voted for everyone in Congress...we the electorate. So what you do is vote them all out of office next time around and put in people who in your best judgement would not be susceptible to this kind of tomfoolery.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: But how do scientists cope with someone saying, Hey, just put this experiment on pause for a month.</p>
<p>TYSON: Theres not much track record to say, this is what we usually do when governments shut down. [LAUGHS] Obviously we can still work, but certain machines that are supported by the government, for example, the National Radio Astronomy Observatories, including the VLA which was prominently featured in the movie Contact, and several others, theyre all shut down.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Wait. Wait. What if an asteroid heads our way? Are we going to miss this?</p>
<p>TYSON: Oh, yeah. Wouldnt that be interesting? Have you seen the poster that says, Asteroids. Natures way of asking Hows that space program coming along? You know, just at a time when earlier this year there was an asteroid strike over Chelyabinsk in Siberia, that was back in, what was it, February 15? An asteroid came in and exploded over that town, it shattered windows, it injured 1,000 people, and theres a shot across our bow right there, and that was an asteroid that had 25 times the energy of the bomb dropped in Hiroshima.</p>
<p>Thats just a reminder, and the solar systems a shooting gallery. If the government is closed, thats a bad excuse to give for not saving the planet. I joke about this, Id be embarrassed if aliens came and landed here and said, Oh, youve got a space program. What do you have in place to deflect asteroids? Nothing. Oh, the universe is full of energy. Where are you getting your energy source from? Oh, were fighting wars to pull it out from the ground from under where people live. I would just be embarrassed, and I dont want to tell the aliens about us.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: So, before you go, what about Voyager?</p>
<p>TYSON: Yeah, so Voyager, the Little Engine that Could! It just left the magnetic influence of the sun. The sun influences charged particles in its vicinity, and if you go out far enough, theres a point where you dont know if the sun is influencing you, or if the rest of the galaxy is, and across that boundary, thats where Voyager has voyaged, and thats the last important boundary that it will cross, and its a piece of human hardware with a record of our civilization on it. Little old record... sounds of heartbeats and greetings in 55 languages and music from cultures all around the world. This is affixed to a sign for any alien that might come across this spacecraft that could then...there are instructions on how to listen to this sound as well. And they could learn who and what we are. Some people criticized it because you dont give your return address to strangers in the street of your same species. On Voyager, were actually giving our return address to aliens who might come upon it and let them know exactly where Earth is if they find it. But its a...I think it was a project where the heart of everyone in it was in the right place, and it came out of the Carl Sagan and dream collaboration back in the 1970s.</p>
<p>CURWOOD: Neil de Grasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and head of the Hayden Planetarium. Thanks so much for taking this time, Neil.</p>
<p>TYSON: OK. Excellent. Thanks for having me!</p>
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curwood living earth im steve curwood one popular films hit screen recently gravity features couple astronauts played sandra bullock george clooney untethered space bombarded space junk movie clip movie gravity lost astronauts must make way international space station photo bigstockphotocom curwood well besides proving popular movie received special attention fraternity astrophysicists experts often found depicted science bit wobbly also gives us occasion call astrophysicist neil de grasse tyson director hayden planetarium new york one scientists found nits pick film neil welcome back living earth tyson thank yeah dont call dont text dont write whereve curwood well tyson lot happened universe since last talked curwood know say um astrophysicist neil degrasse tyson photo chris cassidy casspixcom tyson laughs curwood things moving warp speed sometimes neil tyson faster curwoodor faster laughs youve got embroiled bit row new movie gravity tyson know im justwhats scientist curwood yeah know laughs well began fired tweets questioning science movie tyson like dozen tweets could sent 100 tweets telling everyone right could done people presume cited scientific faux pas sudden didnt like movie railed movie thought movie fine mean ill take space movie get days laughs curwoodlaughs quite get right tyson know little niddly things like said peopleit became mountain intended fun hit trifecta today show brian williams nbc nightly news referenced weekend update saturday night live thought people overreacting really curwood laughs tyson things ok lets start simple sandra bullocks hair well rest zero g representations hair didnt stand endor maybe used much mousse looked little bit like wig actually case everything else floating around hair stuck head thought little weird know let one go curwood tears tyson tears theres discussion therere astronauts space shuttle tear experiments see would happen cry surface tension tearthis keeps droplet water almost spherical clean surface know like smooth marble surface drop water water doesnt spread across entire surface stays little ball whats called surface tension chemical phenomenon surface liquids sticks things even try tear likely tear stay eyelash yourthe upper lower eyelashesor stick cheek sort stay people criticize didnt issue shes die thinks shes die might tearing astronaut experimenting space laughs curwood laughs tyson think cut tear cleanly good blink tear floats away think poignant scene whole film give two thumbs capturing intimate sensitive zero g moment curwood confusion various low earth orbits gravity director alfonso cuarn photo mario antonia pena zapatera tyson well yes soi dont know forgivable fixing hubble telescope stuff goes wrong say lets go space station jetpack space station hubble orbits 360 miles space station orbits twothirds height 230 miles first space station would closest 130 miles closest youre going jetpack 130 miles time cant even see earth huge surface area jet oh theres chinese space station lets go think everythings view accessible jetpack completely unrealistic orbits dont even match space station orbit tipped think around 50 degrees relative equator thats go launch location russia send cosmonauts space station including american astronauts hitching ride soyuz dont space shuttle im sorry hitching buying seats space station orbit tipped way whereas hubble orbit matches cape canaveral thats whole different tilt didnt think one maybe ignored thats possible government shutdown nasa almost completely closed photo nasa curwood yet love movie tyson enjoyed let say love enjoyed thought nice99 percent movie zero ghas anyone done dont think cant fault someone getting everything perfect something one done regard fully applaud alfonsos efforts director curwood next time calls consultant wont get wrong laughs tyson well dont claim total infallibility keep mind see whats wrong got everything right even movie 2001the space odyssey 1968 gave much attention detail zero g got couple things wrong theres point guys sipping liquid sack zero g stops sipping liquid drops back straw well wouldnt youre zero g would stay straw cant think everything think im complementing film citing things got wrong dont give list things star wars got wrong im sorry laughs curwood laughs sun rising edge earth photo bigstockphotocom tyson movies worth effort star wars rather say got wrong mention couple things got right right movie makes attempt scientifically accurate find things got right applaud star wars little double sun planet orbiting binary star system kind cool know thought binary stars think many people movie didnt know star systems multiple stars orbiting one another two stars thats something thought put film thats good like curwood movie isnt thing space news spacecraft called cassini detected propylene thats makes plastic think number five recycling label found saturns moon titan make tyson yeah well titan cool almost like early earth whole range temperatures think earththeres temperature allows liquid water rocks solid air oxygen carbon dioxide expectation solid liquid gas go moon titan titan cold orbits saturn saturns far sun heat sources low low temperatures different things gas different things liquid different things solid example rocks titan ice frozen water liquid titan lakes methane everything different youre cold temperature atoms like making molecules move really slow nestle next another atom build huge interesting molecules everything hot heat energy breaks apart molecules theres point theres temperature molecules atoms start stripping electrons atoms everything would ionize like hot stars like center sun theres atoms theyre stripped molecules titan make kinds complex molecules sure start tallying whats curwood could shopping mall us earth mean lets say run oil maybe get plastic space tyson laughs yeah mean space vast many opportunities make things theres old saying unless absolutely prohibited laws physics certainty laughs curwood interesting newest mars rover named curiosity discovered water martian dirt methane tyson yeah early evidence might methane mars whats fun think regarding methane methane particularly stable molecule words mars methane formed wouldnt today chemically active see constant source methane place know call biogenic processes lifebased processes create methane among goes lower intestine especially farm animals accounts large number flatulent volume emanates cows know life make methane methane emanating mars persistent force question active life biogenic life biogenic processes going buried strata planet methane says maybe certainly theres farm animals curwood wait second lets go back titan theres methane theres rivers methane titan mean lot life idea tyson laughs titan still needs extensive investigation dont know would make life doesnt involve liquid water thats really comes creative enough figure like actually require liquid water humans life earth look life elsewhere solar system hold requirement water otherwise consider low likelihood finding life would low likelihood finding life know could life doesnt require liquid water maybe requires liquid titan liquid methane maybe theres life forms thrive liquid methane liquid methane vehicle carry nutrients things life form could possibly evolve dont know sample one much biologists applaud celebrate diversity life earth end day close door say look guys based dna reason alone sample one science cant truly understand sample sample one curwood speaking mars though mars rovers government gone partial shutdown tyson yeah mars rovers get energy sun yeah keep people staff minimum sort support lifesupport willwhatever word would use roverrover lifesupport beyond youre interesting work tragedy really especially since nasa got hit heavier agencies government premise nasa expendable curwood let ask mean overall government squeeze funding science sequester partial shutdown impacted scientific research tyson well yeah like everything put gap funding going receive money didnt receive money unfortunate course affects everything dont want say fund science nothing else want run damn country right think real solution isits dont blame congress voted everyone congresswe electorate vote office next time around put people best judgement would susceptible kind tomfoolery curwood scientists cope someone saying hey put experiment pause month tyson theres much track record say usually governments shut laughs obviously still work certain machines supported government example national radio astronomy observatories including vla prominently featured movie contact several others theyre shut curwood wait wait asteroid heads way going miss tyson oh yeah wouldnt interesting seen poster says asteroids natures way asking hows space program coming along know time earlier year asteroid strike chelyabinsk siberia back february 15 asteroid came exploded town shattered windows injured 1000 people theres shot across bow right asteroid 25 times energy bomb dropped hiroshima thats reminder solar systems shooting gallery government closed thats bad excuse give saving planet joke id embarrassed aliens came landed said oh youve got space program place deflect asteroids nothing oh universe full energy getting energy source oh fighting wars pull ground people live would embarrassed dont want tell aliens us curwood go voyager tyson yeah voyager little engine could left magnetic influence sun sun influences charged particles vicinity go far enough theres point dont know sun influencing rest galaxy across boundary thats voyager voyaged thats last important boundary cross piece human hardware record civilization little old record sounds heartbeats greetings 55 languages music cultures around world affixed sign alien might come across spacecraft could thenthere instructions listen sound well could learn people criticized dont give return address strangers street species voyager actually giving return address aliens might come upon let know exactly earth find ai think project heart everyone right place came carl sagan dream collaboration back 1970s curwood neil de grasse tyson astrophysicist head hayden planetarium thanks much taking time neil tyson ok excellent thanks
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<p>Church leaders have a responsibility not only to effectively manage conflict when it arises, but to promote peace and good congregational health. Stated one way, church leaders seek to prevent conflict.</p>
<p>Stated more positively and forcefully, however, church leaders need to be about the business of making peace.</p>
<p>This is the third part of a Leadership Link series on preventing conflict. In the first installment, we considered Christ’s character traits of hu­mility and sacrifice that made peace. In the second, we looked at his ability to balance kingdom needs with the needs of the people around him, a trait we called assertiveness, and at his nonviolent ap­proach. In those articles, we asked what about Jesus made him a peacemaker? Logically, the leaders of Christ’s church would seek to embody those same characteristics.</p>
<p>With this article we shift our focus from Jesus’ own traits to those of the early church. The example of Christ provides a model for us to use as individual peacemakers. The example of the early church provides a model showing how a church prevents destructive conflict and manages conflict when it does arise. Like churches in our era, the early church faced challenges both from within and without. This article looks at the Jerusalem church (Acts 6), and the next will examine the Jerusalem council (Acts 15).</p>
<p>The example of early church leaders</p>
<p>Deacons usually trace their scriptural roots to Acts 6:1-7. Although the seven who were chosen to serve were not called deacons at that point, it is likely that the practice of electing a team of servants, first instituted here in the Jerusalem church, became common in other churches as well. Even in that age, when something worked in one church others tried it, too. Gradually, these groups of “servants” (deacons) came to be called “servants” (deacons). Obviously, catchy names were not important to them.</p>
<p>The church in Jerusalem had grown rapidly. After Pentecost, when about 3,000 new Christians were added (Acts 2:41), the church continued to reach new people. As Acts 6 opens, the church is growing, but conflict looms on the horizon. “The Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” How these church leaders reacted to this potentially disruptive situation can provide guidelines for present-day church leaders who face conflict.</p>
<p>Listen to the people</p>
<p>The leaders of the early church were in touch with the feelings of the other members. When complaining started, they listened. An old adage says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Usually major conflicts do not simply erupt; they start small and escalate.</p>
<p>In our churches, people sometimes do not think their voices are heard. In fact, occasionally I will hear a disgruntled church member say, “They start all these programs and just assume we will support them and volunteer to serve in them without ever asking us how we feel or if we have a better idea!” By listening to the complaining the early church leaders avoided having a little problem become a big one.</p>
<p>Notice that the apostles were not threatened by voices raised in protest. They did not assume that grumbling indicated a lack of confidence in their leadership or a lack of spiritual maturity on the part of the grumblers. They listened to what the people were saying.</p>
<p>Take people and their needs seriously. Nothing discounts people more than treating them as if their opinions did not matter. Granted, some people are simply chronic complainers who are unhappy about almost everything, but to dismiss complainers generally is to invite trouble. A sign above a church ministry assistant’s desk illustrated this attitude. It read, “KWICHURBELLYACKEN.” The attitude some church leaders seem to have is “quit your bellyaching” whenever a complaint is made.</p>
<p>Apparently the apostles listened, evaluated the complaint and agreed that the Greek widows had, in fact, been neglected. But I wonder what would have happened if their evaluation had indicated that the Greek widows were being cared for just as well as their native Hebrew counterparts.</p>
<p>A business management principle cites, “Perception is reality.” Whether the church leaders agreed or not did not change the fact that the Greek widows believed they were being neglected. If the people believe there is a problem, there is a problem. Church leaders who make peace in their congregations take the people and their needs seriously.</p>
<p>The apostles knew that as important as reaching unbelievers was, that could happen only if there was peace in the fellowship. A demoralized, fractured, contentious church is hardly able to evangelize effectively.</p>
<p>Build flexibility into your practices</p>
<p>The apostles did not say, “If the Lord had wanted more leaders than 12 he would have appointed them.” They were open to finding new solutions to new problems. They were willing to put into practice a need that Jesus had already identified: “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins” (Mark 2:22). Clear­ly, he was saying that old ways of doing things are sometimes inadequate to handle new developments.</p>
<p>Early church leaders were willing to be flexible and change the way they did things. In this case, they shared their leadership with others for the good of the church. They suggested that seven others be brought into the circle of service to help them meet the growing demands of a growing church.</p>
<p>From this example a principle may be drawn. Church life is dynamic and ever changing. As the needs of people change, so must the way the church does things.</p>
<p>What resulted from their listening, taking the people seriously and flexibility? Destructive and disruptive conflict was avoided and the church continued to grow.</p>
<p>Jim White is executive editor of the Religious Herald.</p>
<p>Related stories: <a href="http://www.religiousherald.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=6198&amp;Itemid=9" type="external">• Blessed are the church leaders who make peace in their own congregations, part 4</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.religiousherald.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=6105&amp;Itemid=9" type="external">• Blessed are the church leaders who make peace in their own congregations, part 2</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.religiousherald.org/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=6088&amp;Itemid=9" type="external">• Blessed are the church leaders who make peace in their own congregations, part 1</a></p>
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church leaders responsibility effectively manage conflict arises promote peace good congregational health stated one way church leaders seek prevent conflict stated positively forcefully however church leaders need business making peace third part leadership link series preventing conflict first installment considered christs character traits humility sacrifice made peace second looked ability balance kingdom needs needs people around trait called assertiveness nonviolent approach articles asked jesus made peacemaker logically leaders christs church would seek embody characteristics article shift focus jesus traits early church example christ provides model us use individual peacemakers example early church provides model showing church prevents destructive conflict manages conflict arise like churches era early church faced challenges within without article looks jerusalem church acts 6 next examine jerusalem council acts 15 example early church leaders deacons usually trace scriptural roots acts 617 although seven chosen serve called deacons point likely practice electing team servants first instituted jerusalem church became common churches well even age something worked one church others tried gradually groups servants deacons came called servants deacons obviously catchy names important church jerusalem grown rapidly pentecost 3000 new christians added acts 241 church continued reach new people acts 6 opens church growing conflict looms horizon grecian jews among complained hebraic jews widows overlooked daily distribution food church leaders reacted potentially disruptive situation provide guidelines presentday church leaders face conflict listen people leaders early church touch feelings members complaining started listened old adage says ounce prevention worth pound cure usually major conflicts simply erupt start small escalate churches people sometimes think voices heard fact occasionally hear disgruntled church member say start programs assume support volunteer serve without ever asking us feel better idea listening complaining early church leaders avoided little problem become big one notice apostles threatened voices raised protest assume grumbling indicated lack confidence leadership lack spiritual maturity part grumblers listened people saying take people needs seriously nothing discounts people treating opinions matter granted people simply chronic complainers unhappy almost everything dismiss complainers generally invite trouble sign church ministry assistants desk illustrated attitude read kwichurbellyacken attitude church leaders seem quit bellyaching whenever complaint made apparently apostles listened evaluated complaint agreed greek widows fact neglected wonder would happened evaluation indicated greek widows cared well native hebrew counterparts business management principle cites perception reality whether church leaders agreed change fact greek widows believed neglected people believe problem problem church leaders make peace congregations take people needs seriously apostles knew important reaching unbelievers could happen peace fellowship demoralized fractured contentious church hardly able evangelize effectively build flexibility practices apostles say lord wanted leaders 12 would appointed open finding new solutions new problems willing put practice need jesus already identified one puts new wine old wineskins otherwise wine burst skins wine lost skins well one puts new wine fresh wineskins mark 222 clearly saying old ways things sometimes inadequate handle new developments early church leaders willing flexible change way things case shared leadership others good church suggested seven others brought circle service help meet growing demands growing church example principle may drawn church life dynamic ever changing needs people change must way church things resulted listening taking people seriously flexibility destructive disruptive conflict avoided church continued grow jim white executive editor religious herald related stories blessed church leaders make peace congregations part 4 blessed church leaders make peace congregations part 2 blessed church leaders make peace congregations part 1
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<p>SEATTLE — Hurtling space rocks like the one that traced a blazing streak across the Russian sky last year slam through Earth's atmosphere on a regular basis, according to data from a system used to detect nuclear weapons explosions. And there’s no way to tell when the next one is coming.</p>
<p>The bright flare of the Russian meteor was hard to miss, and left 1,200 people injured in February 2013. What the human eye missed was two separate high-altitude explosions that occurred over Argentina and the North Atlantic Ocean just months later. That’s according to data from an infrasound network used to track nuke tests, released Tuesday by the B612 Foundation.</p>
<p>Right now, we can only know about these incoming asteroids after the fact, the foundation said.</p>
<p>“Because we don’t know where or when the next major impact will occur, the only thing preventing a catastrophe from a ‘city-killer’-sized asteroid has been blind luck,” said B612 co-founder and CEO Ed Lu, a former NASA astronaut.</p>
<p>The two blasts are among 26 explosions attributed to incoming asteroids since 2000, based on an analysis of data from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization's sensor network.</p>
<p>None of the asteroids was detected in advance, and in most cases the explosions occurred too high up to have any impact on Earth. Nevertheless, their characteristic signals were registered by the CTBTO's network and analyzed by Peter Brown, a meteor researcher at Western University of Ontario.</p>
<p>Lu said that the statistical analysis was the subject of a <a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v503/n7475/full/nature12741.html" type="external">paper published in the journal Nature</a> last November, but that the specifics for asteroid impacts between 2000 and 2013 were laid out for the first time in a <a href="http://vimeo.com/92478179" type="external">video visualization</a> released Tuesday. Brown is continuing to analyze the impact data for a forthcoming scientific paper, Lu said.</p>
<p>The B612 Foundation released Brown's list to support its campaign to build and launch an asteroid-hunting Sentinel Space Telescope. Lu joined to join Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders and former shuttle astronaut Tom Jones to discuss the project Tuesday at Seattle's Museum of Flight.</p>
<p>Anders said the Sentinel project "sounds like something that we as humanity ought to be doing."</p>
<p>"This is what I think Earth Day is all about," Anders said as he stood in front of the <a href="" type="internal">"Earthrise" photo of our planet as seen from the moon</a> — the photo he took during his round-the-moon mission in 1968.</p>
<p>Blasts attracted attention</p>
<p>Each of the 26 explosions listed Tuesday gave off enough energy to equal the detonation of 1 kiloton or more of TNT. The Chelyabinsk blast was the biggest, at roughly 600 kilotons. In comparison, the nuclear blast that devastated Hiroshima in 1945 was 12 kilotons.</p>
<p>Three other explosions were recorded with an estimated energy release greater than 20 kilotons: over the Mediterranean Sea in 2002, <a href="http://www.antarctica.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/22213/0520cosmic20hole20in20one.pdf" type="external">the Southern Ocean in 2004</a>, and Indonesia in 2009. <a href="" type="internal">Witnesses marveled at the 50-kiloton Indonesian meteor blast,</a> and at the time, some experts said it was the biggest object to hit Earth in more than a decade.</p>
<p>The 2002 Mediterranean blast occurred during a face-off between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region. U.S. military officials said that if the asteroid had entered Earth's atmosphere a few hours earlier, <a href="http://www.spacedaily.com/news/deepimpact-02s.html" type="external">it might have touched off a nuclear war</a>.</p>
<p>Yet another explosion on the B612 list attracted attention in 2012, when a <a href="" type="internal">meteor streaked through the skies over Nevada and California</a>. That asteroid breakup released 5 kilotons of energy, experts said.</p>
<p>Although the Chelyabinsk meteor was the only one on the list to cause damage, Lu said the infrasound data suggested that asteroid impacts were at least three times more common than previously thought. Asteroids capable of wiping out a city, in the range of 130 feet (40 meters) in diameter, might blast Earth every century rather than every few hundred years, he said.</p>
<p>How big is the problem?</p>
<p>The most recent example of an asteroid impact capable of wiping out a city is the <a href="" type="internal">Tunguska blast of 1908</a>, which released on the order of 5,000 to 20,000 kilotons of energy (5 to 20 megatons). Fortunately, that asteroid blew up over Siberian forest land instead of a populated area, flattening 500,000 acres of trees but causing no known injuries.</p>
<p>Lu acknowledged that not every "city-killer" will kill a city. "The question is, really, what are we going to do about it?" he told NBC News. "Is this something where we want to sit here and just go, 'Well, we hope we're going to continue to get lucky'? ... One of the things we should be spending our effort on is protecting our own planet."</p>
<p>Experts say nearly all of the near-Earth asteroids big enough to wipe out civilization <a href="" type="internal">have been detected and are being tracked</a> — but they add that they've spotted only a small percentage of an estimated million smaller asteroids that are nevertheless capable of causing damage. Lu said <a href="" type="internal">B612 is seeking to raise about $250 million dollars</a> to put the Sentinel Space Telescope into an orbit that would detect far more such asteroids. Launch is currently planned for 2018.</p>
<p>NASA budgets about $40 million annually for asteroid detection, and in advance of Tuesday's news briefing, some scientists debated how much more money needs to be spent.</p>
<p>"We are doing plenty, spending more money to do more is silly, and usually justified by fear mongering. ... Once-a-century events with no more consequence than the worst hurricane each year seem unworthy of our worry or investment," Caltech astronomer Michael Brown said Monday in a series of Twitter updates.</p>
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seattle hurtling space rocks like one traced blazing streak across russian sky last year slam earths atmosphere regular basis according data system used detect nuclear weapons explosions theres way tell next one coming bright flare russian meteor hard miss left 1200 people injured february 2013 human eye missed two separate highaltitude explosions occurred argentina north atlantic ocean months later thats according data infrasound network used track nuke tests released tuesday b612 foundation right know incoming asteroids fact foundation said dont know next major impact occur thing preventing catastrophe citykillersized asteroid blind luck said b612 cofounder ceo ed lu former nasa astronaut two blasts among 26 explosions attributed incoming asteroids since 2000 based analysis data comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty organizations sensor network none asteroids detected advance cases explosions occurred high impact earth nevertheless characteristic signals registered ctbtos network analyzed peter brown meteor researcher western university ontario lu said statistical analysis subject paper published journal nature last november specifics asteroid impacts 2000 2013 laid first time video visualization released tuesday brown continuing analyze impact data forthcoming scientific paper lu said b612 foundation released browns list support campaign build launch asteroidhunting sentinel space telescope lu joined join apollo 8 astronaut bill anders former shuttle astronaut tom jones discuss project tuesday seattles museum flight anders said sentinel project sounds like something humanity ought think earth day anders said stood front earthrise photo planet seen moon photo took roundthemoon mission 1968 blasts attracted attention 26 explosions listed tuesday gave enough energy equal detonation 1 kiloton tnt chelyabinsk blast biggest roughly 600 kilotons comparison nuclear blast devastated hiroshima 1945 12 kilotons three explosions recorded estimated energy release greater 20 kilotons mediterranean sea 2002 southern ocean 2004 indonesia 2009 witnesses marveled 50kiloton indonesian meteor blast time experts said biggest object hit earth decade 2002 mediterranean blast occurred faceoff india pakistan disputed kashmir region us military officials said asteroid entered earths atmosphere hours earlier might touched nuclear war yet another explosion b612 list attracted attention 2012 meteor streaked skies nevada california asteroid breakup released 5 kilotons energy experts said although chelyabinsk meteor one list cause damage lu said infrasound data suggested asteroid impacts least three times common previously thought asteroids capable wiping city range 130 feet 40 meters diameter might blast earth every century rather every hundred years said big problem recent example asteroid impact capable wiping city tunguska blast 1908 released order 5000 20000 kilotons energy 5 20 megatons fortunately asteroid blew siberian forest land instead populated area flattening 500000 acres trees causing known injuries lu acknowledged every citykiller kill city question really going told nbc news something want sit go well hope going continue get lucky one things spending effort protecting planet experts say nearly nearearth asteroids big enough wipe civilization detected tracked add theyve spotted small percentage estimated million smaller asteroids nevertheless capable causing damage lu said b612 seeking raise 250 million dollars put sentinel space telescope orbit would detect far asteroids launch currently planned 2018 nasa budgets 40 million annually asteroid detection advance tuesdays news briefing scientists debated much money needs spent plenty spending money silly usually justified fear mongering onceacentury events consequence worst hurricane year seem unworthy worry investment caltech astronomer michael brown said monday series twitter updates
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<p>Hillary Clinton apparently told a group of Latin American bankers in 2013 that she envisions a "hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders," according to purportedly hacked emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta released Friday by WikiLeaks.</p>
<p>The Clinton campaign said Friday they "are not going to confirm the authenticity of stolen documents," though Podesta acknowledged on Twitter that he had been hacked. However, he suggested some emails may be "faked," echoing a claim Democrats made about previous disclosures of hacked emails by WikiLeaks, the transparency organization.</p>
<p>The Obama administration on Friday for the first time <a href="" type="internal">squarely blamed</a> Russian President Vladimir Putin's government for a wave of hacking attacks and email leaks, saying in a statement that the goal was "to interfere with the U.S. election process." A spokesman for Putin denied the allegations.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="" type="internal">U.S. Publicly Blames Russian Government for Hacks</a></p>
<p>Clinton campaign spokesperson Glen Caplin said the announcement "removed any reasonable doubt that the Kremlin has weaponized WikiLeaks to meddle in our election and benefit Donald Trump’s candidacy.”</p>
<p>WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange used to host a show on RT, the state-funded Russian media network. And while various Democratic groups have seen hacked emails released publicly, so far no major organizations supporting Trump appears to have been targeted.</p>
<p>Podesta’s emails, from his personal gmail account, appear to contain partial transcripts of numerous paid speeches that Clinton gave to financial institutions and other groups before running for president.</p>
<p>Most of the excerpts come from a January email sent by Clinton's research director, Tony Carrk, to top campaign aides, which laid out potential political vulnerabilities if the transcripts were made public. "There is a lot of policy positions that we should give an extra scrub," he wrote.</p>
<p>Indeed, their release contains quotes likely to create new headaches for Clinton on both her left and right flanks just ahead of Sunday’s second presidential debate.</p>
<p>In several speeches, many of them to Wall Street banks, Clinton said it was an "oversimplification" to blame the banking system for all of the 2008 global financial meltdown, and suggested the solution could come from "the people that know the industry better than anybody...the people who work in the industry."</p>
<p>And in an interview with Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein in 2013, Clinton approvingly invoked Bob Rubin, the former Treasury Secretary loathed on the left, to say that "part of the problem with the political situation, too, is that there is such a bias against people who have led successful and/or complicated lives."</p>
<p>Former primary opponent Bernie Sanders repeatedly called on Clinton to release the transcripts of her paid speeches, suggesting they would show she had been friendlier to banks behind closed doors than she was on the campaign stump in a Democratic primary.</p>
<p>Clinton said in a debate that she would "certainly look into" releasing the transcripts, but ultimately never did.</p>
<p>"If anything, this increases the burden on her to keep the volume high on her strong campaign promises and to appoint people for positions like Treasury Secretary and Attorney General who have a proven track record of challenging corporate power," said Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee in response to the leaks.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, her comments to the former Brazilian bank Banco Itau in June of 2013 will likely play directly into Donald Trump’s hands.</p>
<p>"My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders, some time in the future with energy that is as green and sustainable as we can get it, powering growth and opportunity for every person in the hemisphere," Clinton told bank employees, expressing a dream for which there is no record of her expressing in private or public before or since.</p>
<p>In the same speech, she also said single-payer health care systems, like those in "Scandinavia, Canada" "can get costs down" while also providing healthcare that is as "good or better" than the American system, though she added that it comes with the tradeoff of "things like waiting times" for procedures.</p>
<p>In another speech, Clinton says terrorism is "not a threat to us as a nation," before clarifying that she means "it is not going to endanger our economy or our society, but it is a real threat," according to the documents.</p>
<p>While Clinton appears to have consolidated her polling advantage in the past week, the leaks could soften support among the left-leaning millennials who favored Sanders in the primary and whom she has been desperately been trying to lock down. And after a week of <a href="" type="internal">nothing but bad news</a> for Trump, the release will hand the GOP nominee new ammunition to use against his opponent in Sunday’s debate.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="" type="internal">GOP Rebukes Trump Over Lewd Remarks About Women</a></p>
<p>Meanwhile, in one 2014 speech to "Goldman-Black Rock" — presumably a joint audience of employees of the bank Goldman Sachs and hedge fund BlackRock — Clinton said she worries about the "growing sense of anxiety and even anger in the country over the feeling that the game is rigged," which she said she never experienced with her "solid middle class upbringing."</p>
<p>"And now, obviously, I'm kind of far removed because the life I've lived and the economic, you know, fortunes that my husband and I now enjoy, but I haven't forgotten it,” she said according to the leaked documents.</p>
<p>And ironically, in a 2013 speech to National Multi-Housing Council, Clinton says "you need both a public and a private position" on key policies to get things done.</p>
<p>"It is unsavory, and it always has been that way," she said, citing historical examples of presidents cutting private deals to make major changes. "But if everybody's watching, you know, all of the back room discussions and the deals, you know, then people get a little nervous."</p>
<p>Friday’s statement from the U.S. government on hacking, which according to one senior official is based on forensic analysis, marks the first explicit public accusation from Washington.</p>
<p>The U.S. Intelligence Community linked the Kremlin to disclosures by DCLeaks.com, WikiLeaks and Guccifer 2.0, which have leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee and former Secretary of State Colin Powell, among others.</p>
<p>Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the hacking charge as “nonsense,” according to the news agency Interfax, saying American cyber spies attack Russia every day, but they don’t complain about it.</p>
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hillary clinton apparently told group latin american bankers 2013 envisions hemispheric common market open trade open borders according purportedly hacked emails clinton campaign chairman john podesta released friday wikileaks clinton campaign said friday going confirm authenticity stolen documents though podesta acknowledged twitter hacked however suggested emails may faked echoing claim democrats made previous disclosures hacked emails wikileaks transparency organization obama administration friday first time squarely blamed russian president vladimir putins government wave hacking attacks email leaks saying statement goal interfere us election process spokesman putin denied allegations related us publicly blames russian government hacks clinton campaign spokesperson glen caplin said announcement removed reasonable doubt kremlin weaponized wikileaks meddle election benefit donald trumps candidacy wikileaks editor julian assange used host show rt statefunded russian media network various democratic groups seen hacked emails released publicly far major organizations supporting trump appears targeted podestas emails personal gmail account appear contain partial transcripts numerous paid speeches clinton gave financial institutions groups running president excerpts come january email sent clintons research director tony carrk top campaign aides laid potential political vulnerabilities transcripts made public lot policy positions give extra scrub wrote indeed release contains quotes likely create new headaches clinton left right flanks ahead sundays second presidential debate several speeches many wall street banks clinton said oversimplification blame banking system 2008 global financial meltdown suggested solution could come people know industry better anybodythe people work industry interview goldman sachs ceo lloyd blankfein 2013 clinton approvingly invoked bob rubin former treasury secretary loathed left say part problem political situation bias people led successful andor complicated lives former primary opponent bernie sanders repeatedly called clinton release transcripts paid speeches suggesting would show friendlier banks behind closed doors campaign stump democratic primary clinton said debate would certainly look releasing transcripts ultimately never anything increases burden keep volume high strong campaign promises appoint people positions like treasury secretary attorney general proven track record challenging corporate power said adam green progressive change campaign committee response leaks meanwhile comments former brazilian bank banco itau june 2013 likely play directly donald trumps hands dream hemispheric common market open trade open borders time future energy green sustainable get powering growth opportunity every person hemisphere clinton told bank employees expressing dream record expressing private public since speech also said singlepayer health care systems like scandinavia canada get costs also providing healthcare good better american system though added comes tradeoff things like waiting times procedures another speech clinton says terrorism threat us nation clarifying means going endanger economy society real threat according documents clinton appears consolidated polling advantage past week leaks could soften support among leftleaning millennials favored sanders primary desperately trying lock week nothing bad news trump release hand gop nominee new ammunition use opponent sundays debate related gop rebukes trump lewd remarks women meanwhile one 2014 speech goldmanblack rock presumably joint audience employees bank goldman sachs hedge fund blackrock clinton said worries growing sense anxiety even anger country feeling game rigged said never experienced solid middle class upbringing obviously im kind far removed life ive lived economic know fortunes husband enjoy havent forgotten said according leaked documents ironically 2013 speech national multihousing council clinton says need public private position key policies get things done unsavory always way said citing historical examples presidents cutting private deals make major changes everybodys watching know back room discussions deals know people get little nervous fridays statement us government hacking according one senior official based forensic analysis marks first explicit public accusation washington us intelligence community linked kremlin disclosures dcleakscom wikileaks guccifer 20 leaked emails democratic national committee former secretary state colin powell among others putin spokesman dmitry peskov dismissed hacking charge nonsense according news agency interfax saying american cyber spies attack russia every day dont complain
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<p>STAFF CHANGES</p>
<p>• Randy T. McDaniel, to Calvary Church, Floyd, as senior pastor.</p>
<p>• Willard D. Bowen, to Welcome Grove Church, Warsaw, as pastor.</p>
<p>• Robert Putt, now serving as pastor of West Lynchburg Church, Lynchburg. He had served as interim pastor.</p>
<p>• Robert Breckenridge, to Powers Memorial Church, Hopewell, as pastor, effective June 14.</p>
<p>• Allen Mahan, to Scottsburg Church, Scottsburg, as pastor.</p>
<p>• Adam Smith, to Union Level Church, South Hill, as interim pastor.</p>
<p>• Marty Bean, to Fairfields Church, Burgess, as interim pastor.</p>
<p>• Kathi Traficanti, to Second Church, Richmond, as minister of adult education.</p>
<p>• Brian A. Burnette, to Grandin Court Church, Roanoke, as minister of childhood education.</p>
<p>• Robyn Boring, to First Church, West Point, as director of music and youth.</p>
<p>ORDINATIONS</p>
<p>• Lauren Deer, youth minister at Biltmore Church, Glen Allen, was ordained to the gospel ministry on April 19 by Tabernacle Church, Richmond.</p>
<p>• Joe Kendrick, director of youth at Hatcher Memorial Church, Richmond, was ordained to the gospel ministry by the church on May 3.</p>
<p>RETIREMENTS</p>
<p>• Gerald R. Chancellor has announced plans to retire as pastor of Elk Creek Church, Mineral, effective Aug. 30. This will be his third retirement. In 1992 he retired as chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve; in 1999 as pastor of First Church, Seagoville, Texas; and this year from Elk Creek Church.</p>
<p />
<p />
<p>C. Larry Frakes has retired as senior pastor of Cool Spring Baptist Church in Mechanicsville after 25 years of ministry there. He and his wife, Barbara, were honored with a celebration service and reception on Sunday, March 29. They were presented with a water color of the church done by church member Sam Williams.</p>
<p>CHURCH EVENT</p>
<p>• Thalia Lynn Church, Virginia Beach, continues to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Baptists with&#160; Dan Vestal, executive coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,&#160; speaking on May 31 at 11 a.m. on the topic, “Does It Make Sense to be a Baptist Today?”&#160;</p>
<p>REVIVALS/HOMECOMINGS</p>
<p>• Buffalo Church, Buffalo Junction; revival May 17-20; Jeff Williams, evangelist.</p>
<p>• Clincho Missionary Church, Clincho; revival May 24-27; Roger Roller, evangelist.</p>
<p>• Craigs Church, Spotsylvania; revival May 14-17; Gary Linton, evangelist.</p>
<p>• Dublin Church, Dublin; lay renewal weekend, May 15-16.</p>
<p>• Dundas Church, Dundas; revival May 17-18; Charles P. Anderson Jr., evangelist.</p>
<p>• Hardy Central Church, Richmond; revival May 17-20; Vander Warner Jr., Paul Beith, William Corey Jr., Stephen Smith and Thomas Gaskins, evangelists.</p>
<p>• Hillcrest Church, Danville; 50th homecoming May 17; former pastor Frank Raymond III, guest speaker.</p>
<p>• Olivet Church, Mattaponi; homecoming May 17; Eddie Heath, guest speaker.</p>
<p>• Pleasant Grove Church, Hillsville; revival May 17-20; Dwight Sechrist, evangelist.</p>
<p>OTHER</p>
<p>• Lynn Litchfield has recently resigned as chaplain at the Fluvanna Women’s Correctional Center. Julie Perry has been called to this position, beginning in September.</p>
<p>DEATHS</p>
<p>• Virginia Mayo Grist, widow of Rev. Arthur W. Grist, died March 21 at the age of 94. Survivors include two sons, Arthur M. and Robert E. Grist; a daughter, Patricia G. Russell; three grandsons; and a sister. A funeral service was held March 29 at Beulah Church, Aylett.</p>
<p>• Former Virginia Baptist pastor Brian Allen Hamrick died April 24 in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 32. He had served as pastor of Fairfields Church, Burgess, before being called as pastor of First Church, Clewiston, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; two sons, Nathan and Luke; his parents, Janet and Wayne Hamrick; and a brother, Mark. A funeral service was held April 29 at First Church, Clewiston. A second service was held at Huguenot Road Church, Richmond on May 1. Burial took place in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.</p>
<p>• Retired Virginia Baptist pastor Ira D. Hudgins died April 28 in Franklin at the age of 91. He had served as pastor of Franklin Church, Franklin, from 1951 to 1983. Upon retirement, he was interim pastor of numerous churches in Blackwater Association. Hudgins was involved in denominational life having served on the Virginia Baptist Mission Board and as trustee of the Religious Herald, the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the University of Richmond. He served as trustee of the Southern Baptist Annuity Board and the Radio and Television Commission, SBC. He had served as moderator for Blackwater Association. Hudgins is survived by his wife, Janet Carter Hudgins; sons Carter, Stephen, David and Jonathan Hudgins; one sister and brother; and nine grandchildren. A memorial service was held on May 2 at Franklin Church, Franklin.</p>
<p>MISSION MOMENTS</p>
<p>• Twenty-five people from seven churches in Shiloh Baptist Association went to Port Sulphur, La., as a missions team Feb. 7-15. The group worked on six homes in various stages of completion while there. Pictured is the team from Shiloh Association.</p>
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staff changes randy mcdaniel calvary church floyd senior pastor willard bowen welcome grove church warsaw pastor robert putt serving pastor west lynchburg church lynchburg served interim pastor robert breckenridge powers memorial church hopewell pastor effective june 14 allen mahan scottsburg church scottsburg pastor adam smith union level church south hill interim pastor marty bean fairfields church burgess interim pastor kathi traficanti second church richmond minister adult education brian burnette grandin court church roanoke minister childhood education robyn boring first church west point director music youth ordinations lauren deer youth minister biltmore church glen allen ordained gospel ministry april 19 tabernacle church richmond joe kendrick director youth hatcher memorial church richmond ordained gospel ministry church may 3 retirements gerald r chancellor announced plans retire pastor elk creek church mineral effective aug 30 third retirement 1992 retired chaplain us air force reserve 1999 pastor first church seagoville texas year elk creek church c larry frakes retired senior pastor cool spring baptist church mechanicsville 25 years ministry wife barbara honored celebration service reception sunday march 29 presented water color church done church member sam williams church event thalia lynn church virginia beach continues celebrate 400th anniversary baptists with160 dan vestal executive coordinator cooperative baptist fellowship160 speaking may 31 11 topic make sense baptist today160 revivalshomecomings buffalo church buffalo junction revival may 1720 jeff williams evangelist clincho missionary church clincho revival may 2427 roger roller evangelist craigs church spotsylvania revival may 1417 gary linton evangelist dublin church dublin lay renewal weekend may 1516 dundas church dundas revival may 1718 charles p anderson jr evangelist hardy central church richmond revival may 1720 vander warner jr paul beith william corey jr stephen smith thomas gaskins evangelists hillcrest church danville 50th homecoming may 17 former pastor frank raymond iii guest speaker olivet church mattaponi homecoming may 17 eddie heath guest speaker pleasant grove church hillsville revival may 1720 dwight sechrist evangelist lynn litchfield recently resigned chaplain fluvanna womens correctional center julie perry called position beginning september deaths virginia mayo grist widow rev arthur w grist died march 21 age 94 survivors include two sons arthur robert e grist daughter patricia g russell three grandsons sister funeral service held march 29 beulah church aylett former virginia baptist pastor brian allen hamrick died april 24 fort myers florida age 32 served pastor fairfields church burgess called pastor first church clewiston florida survived wife katherine two sons nathan luke parents janet wayne hamrick brother mark funeral service held april 29 first church clewiston second service held huguenot road church richmond may 1 burial took place peninsula memorial park newport news retired virginia baptist pastor ira hudgins died april 28 franklin age 91 served pastor franklin church franklin 1951 1983 upon retirement interim pastor numerous churches blackwater association hudgins involved denominational life served virginia baptist mission board trustee religious herald virginia baptist childrens home family services virginia baptist historical society university richmond served trustee southern baptist annuity board radio television commission sbc served moderator blackwater association hudgins survived wife janet carter hudgins sons carter stephen david jonathan hudgins one sister brother nine grandchildren memorial service held may 2 franklin church franklin mission moments twentyfive people seven churches shiloh baptist association went port sulphur la missions team feb 715 group worked six homes various stages completion pictured team shiloh association
| 548 |
<p>This past Saturday at the Vatican, Pope Francis sat to address a group of several hundred children. He held an orange life jacket in his lap. What he planned to talk about was obvious. There are few people these days who can see that classic orange vest and think of anything but desperate refugees pouring across the Aegean or Mediterranean Sea, fleeing war and poverty.</p>
<p>The refugees “are not a danger,” <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/29/refugee-crisis-13000-people-rescued-in-mediterranean-in-one-week" type="external">he told the crowd</a>. “They are in danger.” The pope was referring to growing anxiety in much of Europe about an influx of refugees and migrants from places like Eritrea, the Gambia, Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and even countries as far as Myanmar.</p>
<p>Facing this anti-immigrant backlash, European leaders <a href="http://www.migrationpolicy.org/news/paradox-eu-turkey-refugee-deal" type="external">signed a deal</a> with Turkey in March to control the flow of refugees to Greece, which is where many of them would begin their journey across the Balkans to western Europe. Last year more than a million people made that trek. As of March 20, the route was practically closed. Under the deal, Greece can send newly arrived refugees back to Turkey. In return, the European Union will help finance Turkish refugee camps.</p>
<p />
<p>Reuters</p>
<p>That’s not the end of the problem, of course. Hundreds of thousands of people are still fleeing their homes for reasons far outside of their control. They will just have to find another way to seek safety — and they already are. Tens of thousands of refugees, helped by smugglers, are making the very dangerous boat journey from Libya to Italy. Last week more than 700 people drowned attempting the trip. Some 13,000 others were rescued, plucked out of the sea by multinational teams of emergency workers.</p>
<p>More from Longreads on Conflict: ' <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/article/6655497/2015/09/23/daily-hustle-survive-life-syrian-refugee" type="external">The daily hustle of a Syrian refugee</a>' by Paul Wood</p>
<p>A lot <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/article/6655497/2015/09/23/daily-hustle-survive-life-syrian-refugee" type="external">has been written about refugees</a> in the last two years. But rarely do we hear from the refugees themselves in more than just soundbites. So we commissioned essays from five young Syrians who all made the difficult decision to leave their homes — who made the menacing journey out of the country, to Turkey, to Greece and across southern Europe.</p>
<p>Here are their stories, in their own words.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>By Ahmad Shihabi, 28.</p>
<p>I am Palestinian Syrian. That means I am a refugee twice over.</p>
<p>My family first became refugees in 1948. They left Palestine to escape the violence and upheaval that took place during the creation of Israel. We call it the Nakba. Like many other Palestinians at the time, my family fled to Syria. They eventually settled in Yarmouk, an unofficial refugee camp south of Damascus.</p>
<p>That’s where I was born, in 1987. Yarmouk is like a city. It has schools and hospitals and other services all within about a one-mile area. It’s populated by both Palestinians and Syrians.</p>
<p>I finished my high school education in the camp’s school. While I was studying, when I was 16, I started my first job in my uncle’s publishing house as a typist. I worked there for six years. Then I moved to work in the journalism field with one of the Palestinian magazines that was based in the camp. I was an editor. I tried to collect some money to be able to reach university and complete my studies as a journalist. But it was too expensive. And once the Syrian crisis began, it was nearly impossible for me to even get to the university from where I lived in Yarmouk. My dreams were on hold.</p>
<p>The Syrian revolution started in March 2011. The pro-democracy protests eventually spread to Damascus, close to the Yarmouk camp. We as Palestinians supported the Syrian people. But at the same time, we didn’t like taking a public position against the Syrian regime. The government considers us guests, even though many of us have lived in Yarmouk our whole lives. So getting involved in the conflict could be dangerous for us. If we decided to take action, the whole camp would be under fire. So instead we worked to make our area a safe place for the Syrian people who were fleeing regime attacks on neighboring towns and cities.</p>
<p>We started bringing people into our homes, schools and hospitals. We gave them food, medicine and everything they needed. We received more than 200,000 people. We were refugees taking in refugees. And we succeeded for one year in keeping our area safe. Mostly. During this time, this first year of the conflict, we had some rockets and bombs fall on Yarmouk. Two of them struck near our house. At the beginning of 2012, my brothers and I decided to send my parents and little sisters to our relatives in Lebanon. It was the last time I saw them. After that the Lebanese government closed its borders to Palestinians.</p>
<p>"It was a scene that reminded all of us of the photos we had seen of the Palestinian Nakba in 1948."</p>
<p>I call my family every day. I miss them every moment. They supported me in all of my choices in this life. I could never have imagined that we’d be separated like this. I last saw my sisters when they were 6 and 12 years old. They never got to complete their education. My father and brothers are working to secure a decent life for all of them in Lebanon. But it is hard. They don’t have a residency permit or work permits because they are Palestinians. Maybe someday I can visit them again.</p>
<p>It wasn’t long until the safety we tried to create in Yarmouk fell apart completely. On Dec. 17, 2012, everything changed. The camp was directly shelled by Syrian military planes. Then opposition fighters entered the camp, declaring that the area was now under their control. It was no longer safe for us civilians. Yarmouk had become a front line in the Syrian conflict.</p>
<p>The next day we watched as what seemed like a million people left their homes, carrying what they could, and walked out of Yarmouk. It was a scene that reminded all of us of the photos we had seen of the Palestinian Nakba in 1948. After three days on the road, many of us couldn’t find a safe place to sleep. So we went home. I returned to Yarmouk with about 50,000 other people. We stayed under partial siege for six months. We went out every day to find food and other basic supplies, crossing both regime and opposition checkpoints inside and outside the Yarmouk camp. It was terrifying. We walked beneath the eyes of snipers and were at their mercy. We couldn’t see them clearly but we felt their presence and witnessed their actions many times. They could finish our life whenever they wanted. But it was either risk getting killed by a gun or risk dying of hunger.</p>
<p>Finally, in June 2013, I left my house and the camp completely. I went to Damascus, where my girlfriend and I rented a flat. The flat was in the neighborhood of Qudsia, which was under opposition control. But they had a truce so it was safer. It was still hard to live though. We worked at the same magazine. Both of us got $175 per month. Our flat’s rent alone was $200.</p>
<p>After struggling to get by there for about a year, a friend of mine came to me and asked if I wanted to leave the country. I told him that it was impossible for me because I was Palestinian. I wouldn’t be allowed into either Lebanon or Jordan. As Palestinian refugees in Syria, we don’t have formal papers and so are not recognized by other countries. This makes it difficult to move around. He then suggested Turkey. But Turkey was far and you’d have to cross through a lot of dangerous parts of the country. I asked him how we’d do it. “Illegally,” he told me. “I have a smuggler. He will take us to the Turkish border.”</p>
<p>"I had never experienced things like this, terrorists and military operations, weapons in the streets. Before, the children had gone to school. Syrians are simple people, not extremists. They accepted each other without consideration of race or religion or even nationality. Now I can see that Syria is truly destroyed."</p>
<p>It was very hard to decide if I wanted to leave this country without coming back again. I was born here. I studied here. I worked here. Even if it’s dangerous, it is my country. I like this country. My first steps in this life were on this land. And, most important for me, Syria — especially the Yarmouk camp — is my strongest connection to Palestine.</p>
<p>I told my girlfriend about the idea. At first she didn’t accept it because the Syrian north was under the control of ISIS and it seemed impossible to pass through checkpoints without being caught. That’s what we had heard on the news. I told her there was a smuggler and I got assurances that everything would be under control.</p>
<p>“If you want to go, I will be with you,” she said. It scared me to risk her life as well as mine. She is a Christian and if she was discovered by ISIS they might kill us. We agonized over the decision for two months. Finally, we decided that we would leave Syria illegally. The smuggler told us that we’d leave on the first of September. He said my girlfriend had to wear a hijab and that we also had to hide our phones and memory cards. All we could take with us was some clothes.</p>
<p>The smuggler gave us a plan for the journey. We would drive from Damascus to Manbij, which is halfway between Aleppo and Raqqa. Raqqa is where ISIS is based. From Manbij, we would walk over the border and into Turkey.</p>
<p>At 7 a.m. on Sept. 1, 2014, we left. We did not know if we would ever see home again. We drove for more than 13 hours with seven other friends and more than 50 people who lived in Manbij and were going home. They didn’t know anything about who we were or where we were going. The smuggler was the driver. We passed 47 regime checkpoints. Everything was under the control of the smuggler. He took our ID cards and our money. We paid more than $50 per person so the smuggler could bribe his way through the checkpoints. I think the other people knew that we were trying to leave the country. They could tell we were Palestinians. And no Palestinians live in Manbij. But they didn’t say anything.</p>
<p>While we drove, passing through checkpoints, we saw the massive scale of destruction across the country. We drove through many places, including Homs and Hama. I was shocked by the devastation. Why? Is this just for power? Or the price of freedom? Anyone can say what they want but we have one result: Our country is destroyed. After we passed all the regime’s checkpoints, the driver warned us that we had entered ISIS territory. After about a mile, we arrived at another checkpoint. Everyone was nervous. ISIS doesn’t allow women to sit near men, so all the women backed up and sat down at the end of the bus. I saw one soldier who looked very young. His gun was taller than him. He just checked the men’s ID cards and then told us we could go.</p>
<p>"Every step I took it seemed like I was losing one of my memories of this country. Every step I took I felt I was failing my friends, my family, my home at Yarmouk."</p>
<p>We were very lucky that nothing more happened. And we were relieved because we didn’t expect any more checkpoints. But I was also shocked. How can they let a child hold a gun and give him the power to kill people? I had never experienced things like this, terrorists and military operations, weapons in the streets. Before, the children had gone to school. Syrians are simple people, not extremists. They accepted each other without consideration of race or religion or even nationality. Now I can see that Syria is truly destroyed.</p>
<p>We arrived at Manbij at 8 p.m. the same day. The smuggler took us to another smuggler. He told him that we were going to Turkey. We followed this new smuggler to his car. He drove us to the Turkish border. He told us, don’t be afraid. All we have to do is walk a mile, through the darkness. He told us that we couldn’t use any small light, no phone, nothing — or the Turkish police would see us. They were watching.</p>
<p>So we walked. We walked for one hour. Every step I took it seemed like I was losing one of my memories of this country. Every step I took I felt I was failing my friends, my family, my home at Yarmouk. Then I heard someone whisper, “It’s Turkey.”</p>
<p>Ahmad received his residency visa, which will allow him to stay in Germany for at least 3 years, a couple weeks ago. He is now living in Greiz, a small town of about 20,000 people in eastern Germany, not far from the Czech Republic. He plans to move to Berlin.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>By Yilmaz Ibrahim Basha, 24.</p>
<p>In 2013, I was captured and imprisoned by ISIS.</p>
<p>"I was a journalist. I had been trying to make a film in Raqqa. They took my camera. They took my laptop. And they took all my film. They nearly took my life."</p>
<p>I was held in a prison cell in Raqqa, the capital of the Islamic State, for a month. The first cell was a tiny closet, 3 feet wide and only a foot deep. I stood in there with three other guys for 12 hours. It was dark, like a grave. I could hardly breathe. In the early morning they took us to a bigger cell to pray and I stayed there for two more days. Most of the prisoners were Free Syrian Army fighters, journalists and activists. They questioned me twice during those two days. They thought I was a paid spy for America and Turkey. Eventually they led me out of the cell, blindfolded and handcuffed. Some of them said they would take me to Mosul in Iraq to their military court. Others said they would kill us in the center of Raqqa, which was a famous place for public executions. All that turned out to be lies just to terrify us. They put us in a minibus and drove for about two hours. I thought we were really going to Iraq. Then they stopped in the desert; I could just see through the band over my eyes. Some prisoners started praying because they thought we would be executed. They made us hold each other’s hands. They took us down inside a basement. They put us in a small room and took our blindfolds off. We were five people. They brought a small dish of rice and three pieces of bread for us all. They beat me with a cable.</p>
<p>I was a journalist. I had been trying to make a film in Raqqa. They took my camera. They took my laptop. And they took all my film. They nearly took my life.</p>
<p>After a month, they finally released me. It was thanks to some members of local clans in Raqqa that I knew before. They negotiated for my release. I was so happy to be free again. But I was not really free. Syria was no longer a safe place for me. Fighters from ISIS could come for me again any time. And when I called my family to tell them I was released, my father told me I shouldn’t go back to my home in Ras al-Ein, which is in northwest Syria, near the Turkish border. He said the situation there was too dangerous for me. I was wanted by the regime and other parties for my work as a journalist. So I made some calls to friends. I determined that Turkey was the safest place for me to go.&#160;</p>
<p>At that time, in July 2013, it was still possible to safely cross the border with Turkey. I decided to go to Istanbul because it was a big city and I thought that finding a job there might be easier for me. But the French Embassy in Ankara had asked to meet me, so I went there first. They wanted to ask me about the French journalists who had been kidnapped by ISIS. They thought I might have some information about them. They also asked me about ISIS in general, and about my experience in Raqqa.</p>
<p>When I finally arrived in Istanbul I went to a hostel first with some friends and tried very hard to find a job. But it was all in vain. The little money I had saved was becoming less and less every day. Without work it is difficult anywhere. In Turkey, searching for a proper job is like looking for a needle in a pile of straw. They ask you to work no less than 15 hours a day with a salary that will not be enough to cover even rent. I started to become hopeless and desperate. Language was the first problem since I didn't speak any Turkish. Being Syrian was another problem because they didn't like us. Employers discriminated against us. I met people who were forced to do hard labor for little money. They lived like robots. I didn’t want that.</p>
<p>But as they say, when a door closes another one opens. There was a conference in Istanbul to discuss the situation in Syria. That was September 2013. I was invited to it because I was an activist and a former prisoner. At the conference I met Ahmad Tuma, who is the head of the exiled Syrian interim government. He knew I had worked before in the media and asked me to work with them as a photographer and cameraman. I was excited to become part of a project that might shed light on Syria's conflict and the terrible existence of so many Syrian refugees. I wanted the whole world to see these facts, to understand the devastation of what was happening.</p>
<p>So I moved to Gazientap, which is close to the Syrian border. That’s where the new headquarters of the Syrian interim government would be. A few months later my family called. It was bad news. They had been forced from their homes by the Kurds in Syria because they were my family and I had been working for the opposition government. The Kurds told them that I had to surrender myself or they would take my father instead. So my family decided to make a run for Turkey.</p>
<p>"I tried to look for a job again. But working in Istanbul is like slavery. You work long hours for little money. And sometimes they cheat and don't pay."</p>
<p>Incredibly, they made it. It was my father, my sister and my aunt, who has been like a mother to us after my mother died of breast cancer in 2010. I went and met them in Urfa, which is in southeastern Turkey. When I was a prisoner I thought I would never see them again. I was so happy. But I was also sad. They lost everything because of me. They comforted me saying all was OK. They told me they were proud and willing to give everything for my safety. It was a moment full of joyful tears. But I still felt guilty about what happened.</p>
<p>From that time on I became responsible for my whole family at my young age of 22. I searched for a new flat so they could live with me. I found a small flat for 1,000 Turkish lira ($340) per month, which was a big amount for a small place. But I had no choice. Many people in Turkey won’t rent to Syrians.&#160;</p>
<p>I started working with foreign journalists as a freelancer, translator and story finder. I worked with the Daily Telegraph and the BBC and many others. I liked that; it was an amazing experience to do what I really liked. My excitement for working with the government began to fade away pretty quickly. They weren’t sincere in their concerns about refugees, or even Syria, I thought. So I left them in December 2014 and decided to go back to Istanbul.</p>
<p>Eventually my cousin called me from Syria. He proposed the idea of going to Europe. But it was winter and I didn't want to leave my fiancé alone at that time. She had just come to Turkey from Iraq, so we postponed leaving until summer. I met my fiancé online. We got to know each other for about six months while she was in Erbil, Iraq. When she moved to Turkey we met for the first time and our relationship became strong. We were married last August.</p>
<p>I went to Istanbul this time with promises from Syrian friends living there to help me&#160;find a flat and a job. My family moved to live in a shared house with my uncle near the Syrian border. But nothing was easy. One night while I slept, I was robbed. Our money and our mobile phones were stolen. The people I thought were friends were only using me. When they needed my money they were friends. But when they got their own jobs, they turned their backs to me. I tried to look for a job again. But working in Istanbul is like slavery. You work long hours for little money. And sometimes they cheat and don't pay.</p>
<p>I tried working again with foreign journalists. I traveled between Istanbul and the Syrian border, researching stories about refugees and former members of ISIS. Finally, spring came. And with it new ideas of starting a new life in Europe. I wanted to achieve my dreams of studying photography. Pursuing my dreams in Syria was too dangerous, and in Turkey it was impossible because I wasn’t a resident. Europe seemed like the only place I could go after them.</p>
<p>My cousin came from Syria and we carefully planned the trip for about a month. We studied the routes and made all the necessary arrangements. With a big group, we headed to Izmir, a town in Turkey that is on the Aegean Sea. From there we would board a boat, face new dangers and challenges, and hopefully start a new life. Maybe I’d be able to bring old dreams to life once again. It was difficult to leave my fiancé, but we had no other choice — I didn't want her to go through the illegal process to get to Europe. I thought that if I go first and get residence in Europe, then she could meet me after.</p>
<p>But after four months apart, it was taking too long. So she decided she would make the trip as well.</p>
<p>Yilmaz got his 3-year residency visa several months ago. He now lives in Berlin, where he is studying art and photography at a local university. His wife is Zozan Khaled Musa, who writes about her journey across Europe to meet him below.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>By Rena Khalid Moussa, 29.</p>
<p>Staying in Turkey was not possible anymore. The idea of Europe controlled my mind. In Turkey, even if you have a university degree, finding a good job is like a fantasy.&#160;</p>
<p>I started my journey in Istanbul. The first stop was Izmir on the Aegean Sea. I called my neighbors from Syria, who I knew were living in Izmir, to ask if I could stay a few days until the smuggler called to say it was time to leave. After two days with them, the person I was relying on to arrange things with the smuggler called me to go to the meeting point. I was only a few steps out of the house when he called again to say that the trip had been canceled that night —&#160;the weather had changed. So I went back to my friends’ home.</p>
<p>The next day he called me again. He said we would do it today. So I packed my bag and took my life jacket, which cost a lot of money. There was traffic so I was a half-an-hour late to meet him. The smuggler was mad at me. He said that my bag was too heavy and that I couldn’t take it. I told him I have important things in my bag. I said I was a woman, and a woman needs to have many things, not like men.</p>
<p>"The idea of a safe trip and good weather was just a lie that we used to comfort ourselves. I knew that all of them were liars, getting rich in the trade of humans."</p>
<p>We got into a taxi to go to the meeting point with the others. On the way I gave him 1,200 euros ($1,300). That was the price for crossing the sea to Greece, where I’d be able to begin making my way into Europe. Before we arrived at the coast, he got a call from the other smugglers. They told him to go back because the trip was canceled again. We had to pay for the taxi. Another 200 Turkish lira ($70). I was not really surprised. I expected anything from an illegal trip. I took my money and decided to find another smuggler to deal with. The idea of a safe trip and good weather was just a lie that we used to comfort ourselves. I knew that all of them were liars, getting rich in the trade of humans.</p>
<p>After two more days, I finally found a boat. I went to a small mosque and from there they took us to an abandoned house. We all gathered in one place. Then they put us all in a big truck, like a flock of sheep. We arrived at 9 p.m. to an empty place. Only the sound of water and wind could be heard. We were not allowed to talk or turn on flashlights. So we put on our life jackets in the darkness. They asked the men to help fill the inflatable boat with air. It took them about two hours. When they finished, they told us to go down to the beach in small groups without noise. After that they brought the raft to the beach and rearranged us until we could all fit inside. I don't know exactly how many people we were because it was night. But I think that with the children, we were about 60.</p>
<p>The men sat on the edge of the boat and women at the bottom. I was sitting next to the engine, the lowest part, nearest&#160;to the water. We thought that the trip was only one or two hours, maybe even less. But what we didn't know was that our souls were just a game for these people. We were not even in the sea. That's what I finally realized, although it was deadly dark. It was some kind of narrow river or channel. The engine was started by the driver, which is usually one of the refugees. They would drive the boat in exchange for free passage. But this time it was one of the smuggler's men. Two of them came with us until we arrived at the point where we thought the river emptied into the sea.</p>
<p>I took my phone and turned on the GPS. I was shocked to find out that the channel was so long. The location was still far from the sea. It took us more than two hours in that river alone. The engine got stuck many times in the weeds. It stopped each time. When we arrived at the sea, another boat was waiting to take the Turkish driver and replace him with an Algerian refugee. When the new driver took the grip, the boat sped round and round, creating waves. All the people on the raft began to panic. We shouted that we wanted to go back. But no one listened. Finally, the Algerian got control of the boat and we began to calm down. But now we were in the sea and the waves were so high that sometimes I felt like the boat was going on the top of a mountain and coming down. There was no light but the moon. The stars were shining in the sky.</p>
<p>"When the boat was going up and down the waves, people's voices were rising with prayers. For me it was ironic that most humans don't remember God unless they are in trouble."</p>
<p>I don't know why but I was not so afraid. Before I boarded the boat I thought that the most horrible part of the journey would be the sea, especially at night. When the boat was going up and down the waves, people's voices were rising with prayers. For me it was ironic that most humans don't remember God unless they are in trouble. Prayers became as loud as the boat was high on the waves. The men said they could see the lights of the island. It is hard to stay calm when you are in a struggle with life and death. It seemed like an endless journey. After two more hours we saw the lights of a ship. It was the Greek Coast Guard. Finally, we felt safe. It didn’t come too near that it would bring us waves that might turn us upside down. Instead it went behind us, turning its lights toward the island so that we could see it. It was now near. I don’t know how but I fell asleep for a few minutes, although no man can think of sleeping.</p>
<p>With the help of the coast guard, after one more hour, we arrived to the island safe. After five dangerous hours, we were happy and thankful to be alive. That was all we could think of at that moment.</p>
<p>Rena is living now in Minden but plans to move soon to Bielefeld, a medium-sized city in northwestern Germany. Rena had her interview with immigration a couple months ago, but is still waiting to get word of her approval for a 3-year residency visa.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>By Zozan Khaled Musa, 25.</p>
<p>After a long dark journey in the Aegean Sea, I arrived to the small Greek island of Nera at about 3:30 on the cold morning of Oct. 3, 2015.&#160;There were many local fishermen who helped us after the boat landed. They wanted to have the boat’s engine, which was valuable to them. It was an unbelievable relief to see our feet on land again. We decided to rest in a small room near the beach. There was not enough room for all of us. So only the women and children stayed inside. I made my bag a pillow and my jacket a blanket, but it was so cold that I couldn't close my eyes.&#160; When there was enough light, we walked to the local police station. It was about two-and-a-half miles away.</p>
<p>"In Nera, when my turn came to get inside the office, they wrote the number '17' on my hand. I will never forget the day that I became just a stupid number on a long inhuman list."</p>
<p>Many boats arrived to the island that night. Hundreds of people were standing in a line waiting their turn to be registered so they could take another boat to the main island of Kos. In Nera, when my turn came to get inside the office, they wrote the number “17” on my hand.&#160;I will never forget the day that I became just a stupid number on a long inhuman list. How shameful for humanity that so many people became nonhuman in that single helpless moment. I did all the procedures as best I could and headed to Kos, where the authorities waited for us with a paper with each one of our names on it. That paper allowed us to get on a ship going to Athens. It was a 12-hour journey. I made it to Athens the next morning and parted from my husband's friend’s family and met a Greek friend who was helping me get on a bus to the Macedonian border. It was 11 p.m.</p>
<p>I arrived at the border a 6 a.m. I had a small argument with a security guard at the border because he was not being fair. Some people had been waiting for a long time, but he was letting the new ones in before them. “You seem nervous. If you want, you can go back to your country and stay there,” he told me. I would not have kept silent, but a friend calmed me down. Being a refugee or a war victim doesn't mean I have to shut up when I am treated badly. I fled Syria not to have Europe's money or financial benefits. I fled because the whole world became suddenly and intentionally blind, deaf and mute toward our human mad disaster in Syria.</p>
<p>We paid 25 euros ($27) each to board an old trash pile they called a train.&#160;No words can describe its dirt and terrible smell. Then, when everyone was piled in, it moved as if walking on eggs. That’s what we say in Syria about slow things. But finally I was on the Serbian border. It was then that I began to wish I never had started this journey. I had the worst experience after walking a long way, about four miles, to the first town where the registration center was. I can't remember the name of the town. I was so tired. But I wish I knew it so I could tell the world how bad it was there. It was supposed to be a place for people to have some rest. But refugees were out in the streets and were allowed only to get in for a few minutes to put their details on papers and to become a number again. It was a shock to see thousands of people waiting and pushing each other, and how badly everyone was being treated by the Serbian police. It is an experience you would never want to go through unless you are truly desperate. Some people I met there said they had been sleeping in the street for days while waiting for that silly registration&#160;paper.&#160;</p>
<p>Nothing in such a journey is rational or human.&#160;</p>
<p>After the hopeless waiting, I got to know a Serbian journalist. She was a nice lady and she helped me get in faster. She even managed to help me get permission to take the bus to Croatia for a few hours so I could see a completely different place, where people behaved differently. I saw real humans with real compassion. They were amazingly respectable people. I was given some hot tea and some rest. That same day I took the train to Hungary. On that train, I finally got some sleep.&#160;</p>
<p>In Hungary, I didn't see anything since I arrived at night and immediately got on the train. But I did see the new fences on its borders with Croatia, which would be closed only a week after my arrival in Germany. Another door closed in the faces of refugees. In a few hours I was in Vienna, Austria. I spent a night in a sports complex that had been turned into a place for refugees. That night I slept as if I had never slept before, although it was an open place where all people there can see you.</p>
<p>In the morning I went to the main train station and booked a ticket to Germany. I was so afraid that I would be caught in Passau, the town in Germany that is on the Austrian border. I wanted so badly to see my husband, who was already in Germany. On the way I didn't speak a single Arabic word so that no one would know that I was a refugee. I met some Americans on the train. They were tourists. I had a small chat with them about their trip. We also talked about the refugees. The woman was not happy with them at all. They both didn't know that I was myself a refugee until we arrived at the border. I saw the German police waiting to get on the train. I pretended to be sleeping. But I could hear what was going on. I closed my eyes for about a half an hour, a moment that felt endless. Migrants and refugees&#160;were caught and brought out of the train. As for me, maybe my ability to speak some English and the fact that I don’t wear a hijab — most of the other women were wearing it — helped me not be spotted.</p>
<p>After the train doors closed, I sighed in relief. I opened my eyes from my fake sleep to see from the windows hundreds of children, women and men — old and young — standing in a row with the police surrounding them. That was my first experience in Germany. I was happy that I could pass safely but it was not nice to see those helpless people out there as if they were criminals, especially those who were not wanting to stay in Germany. I put myself in their shoes. It's hurtful when you see others look at you in a certain way, assuming that you came because of poverty. That's what most people think of the word “refugee.”</p>
<p>Zozan is Yilmaz's wife. She is now living in a tiny town of about 5,000 people in northern Germany, close to the Netherlands. She has an interview this week with the immigration office. Then she will have to wait for approval to get her 3-year residency visa. Then she will be able to move to Berlin, where she will reunite with Yilmaz.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>By Hassan Jamous, 24.</p>
<p>Hurray! Finally, I am in Germany. “Out of the truck,” the smuggler shouted. “We are in Munich.”</p>
<p>I didn’t really care where we were. I just wanted to get out of that chicken truck fast. I took a long breath and I looked around. “Are we really in Germany?” I asked myself. It was the morning. I didn’t see anyone. The other 20 Syrians who were with me in the truck started to change their clothes quickly. I didn’t really have any good clothes. All I had was dirty jeans and an ugly jacket. I didn’t know what to do. I was expecting the police to come at any time and arrest us.</p>
<p>But for the moment I just tried to enjoy the quiet and the clean air after a long, noisy trip. I didn’t know any of the other refugees who were with me. We only met at the smuggler’s house back in Budapest. “Wait for 15 minutes and then go away from here,” the truck’s driver told us. Then he drove away. We waited. And then I decided to look for the first police officer I could find on the road.</p>
<p>"I am no longer in my house. I am not sitting in my kitchen with my family, waiting for my mother to prepare a nice meal. This is my new temporary life now."</p>
<p>Then I noticed two guys and a little boy looking at me. They were Syrians from Damascus as well. “Where are you from?” asked the oldest one. “Damascus,” I replied. “Do you speak English?” I said I spoke a little bit. “We are going to a city called Saarbrücken. They say the people there are very nice and the procedures are faster there for refugees.” I thought, why not?</p>
<p>We stopped a cab and I told him in English that we wanted to go to the main bus station. “No problem,” he said. “But do you have money?” I answered with a big laugh, “Yes, we do.” It was like he knew that this was our first hour here in Germany. Maybe it was the color of our skin. In the cab, I stared out the window at this beautiful land. Can I build a future here? I wondered. Can I really call this land a second home? My thoughts were interrupted by the taxi driver’s voice. “We are here,” he said.</p>
<p>We took the first bus headed to Saarbrücken. It was a six-hour ride. I spent most of it sleeping like a baby. I was desperately hungry and tired. There was a camp for refugees in Saarbrücken. I saw a lot of nationalities at the camp, not just Syrians. There were a lot of lines and a lot of noise. They gave me some food and sent us to a room. I ate very fast and slept.</p>
<p>The first full day at Saarbrücken was very hard on me. I had to wait in lines for food and papers. But I had to just deal with it. I am no longer in my house. I am not sitting in my kitchen with my family, waiting for my mother to prepare a nice meal. This is my new temporary life now. After about a week they transferred me to another camp. I didn’t know why. I asked the administrator and she said kindly that this is normal here in Germany. You will be transferred to another camp in Treir, she told me. She had a very beautiful smile.</p>
<p>They gave us train tickets and a map. During the trip I was looking at the German people’s faces in the train and wondering, “Is it really OK to be here?” I didn’t feel comfortable. Everything was new and I felt weak. The Treir camp was smaller and it contained about a fifth of the refugees that the other camp had. There were no places to sleep. We spent the first night in the hallway. Then we were transferred again. This camp just didn’t have enough space. I was so tired of traveling. I just wanted to be in one place. Everyone treated us nicely. There were big smiles everywhere. They do really have a difficult job. I thought the people would hate us here.</p>
<p>I always had to wait a long time to get on a bus, or to get food, or to get into the shower. You can’t make any real friendships in the camps. You don’t know who will go or who will stay. You just wait to get transferred to a house if you’re lucky.</p>
<p>By my 28th day in Germany, I was used to being in the camps. I had developed strategies to get food. People tried to forget and move on. They played sports to amuse themselves. I thought the children were really happy. They were playing all the time, running and fighting. It was a scene that is hard to see in Syria anymore. I was sleeping in a tent with 200 other people in it. The most difficult part was sleeping. There was always someone doing something loudly — a kid crying or a drunk laughing. It wasn’t a perfect life but we could be patient. At least it was safe.</p>
<p />
<p>Hassan stands in front of a whiteboard during German language classes in his new hometown.</p>
<p>Hassan Jamous</p>
<p />
<p>They drove those of us who were moving to Stadecken-Elsheim to the municipal office first where we registered our names. The employees were very nice and smiling again. They said in English that six people would live in the house until we got our 3-year residence visas. That was OK, five is better than 200. They drove us to the house. I didn’t see anyone in the streets but I had the feeling that everyone knew we were coming. Day after day my trust became stronger. I helped my roommates when they wanted to go to the doctors and dentists. At first I was really shy about speaking with the Germans. But wherever I went I saw smiles.</p>
<p>"It occurs to me that everyone here is smiling at us, but we are not smiling. It seems like we forgot how. It seems that in the end I didn’t need food or money or even a safe country. All I needed was a good honest smile."</p>
<p>One day, a volunteer came to us to help us with everything. She’s teaching us German and we call her Migy. I call her my German mother in my heart. I owe her a lot of things. It occurs to me that everyone here is smiling at us, but we are not smiling. It seems like we forgot how. It seems that in the end I didn’t need food or money or even a safe country. All I needed was a good honest smile.</p>
<p>After 10 months of waiting, I received my residence visa. I am allowed now to stay for three years to work and study. I still have to work on my language skills.</p>
<p>It’s a long road for the future. I don’t feel weak anymore, although I feel in pain each time I hear the news. We did create some problems in Europe. I feel pain when I see new political parties take advantage and get stronger because of us. On the TV we are big in numbers. They are saying that most of us are not educated enough. Or that we are radicals. It’s a price we have to accept for the things that happened in Syria.</p>
<p>But I am a human with big dreams. I will work hard to prove them wrong.</p>
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past saturday vatican pope francis sat address group several hundred children held orange life jacket lap planned talk obvious people days see classic orange vest think anything desperate refugees pouring across aegean mediterranean sea fleeing war poverty refugees danger told crowd danger pope referring growing anxiety much europe influx refugees migrants places like eritrea gambia nigeria libya syria afghanistan iraq even countries far myanmar facing antiimmigrant backlash european leaders signed deal turkey march control flow refugees greece many would begin journey across balkans western europe last year million people made trek march 20 route practically closed deal greece send newly arrived refugees back turkey return european union help finance turkish refugee camps reuters thats end problem course hundreds thousands people still fleeing homes reasons far outside control find another way seek safety already tens thousands refugees helped smugglers making dangerous boat journey libya italy last week 700 people drowned attempting trip 13000 others rescued plucked sea multinational teams emergency workers longreads conflict daily hustle syrian refugee paul wood lot written refugees last two years rarely hear refugees soundbites commissioned essays five young syrians made difficult decision leave homes made menacing journey country turkey greece across southern europe stories words 160 ahmad shihabi 28 palestinian syrian means refugee twice family first became refugees 1948 left palestine escape violence upheaval took place creation israel call nakba like many palestinians time family fled syria eventually settled yarmouk unofficial refugee camp south damascus thats born 1987 yarmouk like city schools hospitals services within onemile area populated palestinians syrians finished high school education camps school studying 16 started first job uncles publishing house typist worked six years moved work journalism field one palestinian magazines based camp editor tried collect money able reach university complete studies journalist expensive syrian crisis began nearly impossible even get university lived yarmouk dreams hold syrian revolution started march 2011 prodemocracy protests eventually spread damascus close yarmouk camp palestinians supported syrian people time didnt like taking public position syrian regime government considers us guests even though many us lived yarmouk whole lives getting involved conflict could dangerous us decided take action whole camp would fire instead worked make area safe place syrian people fleeing regime attacks neighboring towns cities started bringing people homes schools hospitals gave food medicine everything needed received 200000 people refugees taking refugees succeeded one year keeping area safe mostly time first year conflict rockets bombs fall yarmouk two struck near house beginning 2012 brothers decided send parents little sisters relatives lebanon last time saw lebanese government closed borders palestinians scene reminded us photos seen palestinian nakba 1948 call family every day miss every moment supported choices life could never imagined wed separated like last saw sisters 6 12 years old never got complete education father brothers working secure decent life lebanon hard dont residency permit work permits palestinians maybe someday visit wasnt long safety tried create yarmouk fell apart completely dec 17 2012 everything changed camp directly shelled syrian military planes opposition fighters entered camp declaring area control longer safe us civilians yarmouk become front line syrian conflict next day watched seemed like million people left homes carrying could walked yarmouk scene reminded us photos seen palestinian nakba 1948 three days road many us couldnt find safe place sleep went home returned yarmouk 50000 people stayed partial siege six months went every day find food basic supplies crossing regime opposition checkpoints inside outside yarmouk camp terrifying walked beneath eyes snipers mercy couldnt see clearly felt presence witnessed actions many times could finish life whenever wanted either risk getting killed gun risk dying hunger finally june 2013 left house camp completely went damascus girlfriend rented flat flat neighborhood qudsia opposition control truce safer still hard live though worked magazine us got 175 per month flats rent alone 200 struggling get year friend mine came asked wanted leave country told impossible palestinian wouldnt allowed either lebanon jordan palestinian refugees syria dont formal papers recognized countries makes difficult move around suggested turkey turkey far youd cross lot dangerous parts country asked wed illegally told smuggler take us turkish border never experienced things like terrorists military operations weapons streets children gone school syrians simple people extremists accepted without consideration race religion even nationality see syria truly destroyed hard decide wanted leave country without coming back born studied worked even dangerous country like country first steps life land important syria especially yarmouk camp strongest connection palestine told girlfriend idea first didnt accept syrian north control isis seemed impossible pass checkpoints without caught thats heard news told smuggler got assurances everything would control want go said scared risk life well mine christian discovered isis might kill us agonized decision two months finally decided would leave syria illegally smuggler told us wed leave first september said girlfriend wear hijab also hide phones memory cards could take us clothes smuggler gave us plan journey would drive damascus manbij halfway aleppo raqqa raqqa isis based manbij would walk border turkey 7 sept 1 2014 left know would ever see home drove 13 hours seven friends 50 people lived manbij going home didnt know anything going smuggler driver passed 47 regime checkpoints everything control smuggler took id cards money paid 50 per person smuggler could bribe way checkpoints think people knew trying leave country could tell palestinians palestinians live manbij didnt say anything drove passing checkpoints saw massive scale destruction across country drove many places including homs hama shocked devastation power price freedom anyone say want one result country destroyed passed regimes checkpoints driver warned us entered isis territory mile arrived another checkpoint everyone nervous isis doesnt allow women sit near men women backed sat end bus saw one soldier looked young gun taller checked mens id cards told us could go every step took seemed like losing one memories country every step took felt failing friends family home yarmouk lucky nothing happened relieved didnt expect checkpoints also shocked let child hold gun give power kill people never experienced things like terrorists military operations weapons streets children gone school syrians simple people extremists accepted without consideration race religion even nationality see syria truly destroyed arrived manbij 8 pm day smuggler took us another smuggler told going turkey followed new smuggler car drove us turkish border told us dont afraid walk mile darkness told us couldnt use small light phone nothing turkish police would see us watching walked walked one hour every step took seemed like losing one memories country every step took felt failing friends family home yarmouk heard someone whisper turkey ahmad received residency visa allow stay germany least 3 years couple weeks ago living greiz small town 20000 people eastern germany far czech republic plans move berlin 160 yilmaz ibrahim basha 24 2013 captured imprisoned isis journalist trying make film raqqa took camera took laptop took film nearly took life held prison cell raqqa capital islamic state month first cell tiny closet 3 feet wide foot deep stood three guys 12 hours dark like grave could hardly breathe early morning took us bigger cell pray stayed two days prisoners free syrian army fighters journalists activists questioned twice two days thought paid spy america turkey eventually led cell blindfolded handcuffed said would take mosul iraq military court others said would kill us center raqqa famous place public executions turned lies terrify us put us minibus drove two hours thought really going iraq stopped desert could see band eyes prisoners started praying thought would executed made us hold others hands took us inside basement put us small room took blindfolds five people brought small dish rice three pieces bread us beat cable journalist trying make film raqqa took camera took laptop took film nearly took life month finally released thanks members local clans raqqa knew negotiated release happy free really free syria longer safe place fighters isis could come time called family tell released father told shouldnt go back home ras alein northwest syria near turkish border said situation dangerous wanted regime parties work journalist made calls friends determined turkey safest place go160 time july 2013 still possible safely cross border turkey decided go istanbul big city thought finding job might easier french embassy ankara asked meet went first wanted ask french journalists kidnapped isis thought might information also asked isis general experience raqqa finally arrived istanbul went hostel first friends tried hard find job vain little money saved becoming less less every day without work difficult anywhere turkey searching proper job like looking needle pile straw ask work less 15 hours day salary enough cover even rent started become hopeless desperate language first problem since didnt speak turkish syrian another problem didnt like us employers discriminated us met people forced hard labor little money lived like robots didnt want say door closes another one opens conference istanbul discuss situation syria september 2013 invited activist former prisoner conference met ahmad tuma head exiled syrian interim government knew worked media asked work photographer cameraman excited become part project might shed light syrias conflict terrible existence many syrian refugees wanted whole world see facts understand devastation happening moved gazientap close syrian border thats new headquarters syrian interim government would months later family called bad news forced homes kurds syria family working opposition government kurds told surrender would take father instead family decided make run turkey tried look job working istanbul like slavery work long hours little money sometimes cheat dont pay incredibly made father sister aunt like mother us mother died breast cancer 2010 went met urfa southeastern turkey prisoner thought would never see happy also sad lost everything comforted saying ok told proud willing give everything safety moment full joyful tears still felt guilty happened time became responsible whole family young age 22 searched new flat could live found small flat 1000 turkish lira 340 per month big amount small place choice many people turkey wont rent syrians160 started working foreign journalists freelancer translator story finder worked daily telegraph bbc many others liked amazing experience really liked excitement working government began fade away pretty quickly werent sincere concerns refugees even syria thought left december 2014 decided go back istanbul eventually cousin called syria proposed idea going europe winter didnt want leave fiancé alone time come turkey iraq postponed leaving summer met fiancé online got know six months erbil iraq moved turkey met first time relationship became strong married last august went istanbul time promises syrian friends living help me160find flat job family moved live shared house uncle near syrian border nothing easy one night slept robbed money mobile phones stolen people thought friends using needed money friends got jobs turned backs tried look job working istanbul like slavery work long hours little money sometimes cheat dont pay tried working foreign journalists traveled istanbul syrian border researching stories refugees former members isis finally spring came new ideas starting new life europe wanted achieve dreams studying photography pursuing dreams syria dangerous turkey impossible wasnt resident europe seemed like place could go cousin came syria carefully planned trip month studied routes made necessary arrangements big group headed izmir town turkey aegean sea would board boat face new dangers challenges hopefully start new life maybe id able bring old dreams life difficult leave fiancé choice didnt want go illegal process get europe thought go first get residence europe could meet four months apart taking long decided would make trip well yilmaz got 3year residency visa several months ago lives berlin studying art photography local university wife zozan khaled musa writes journey across europe meet 160 rena khalid moussa 29 staying turkey possible anymore idea europe controlled mind turkey even university degree finding good job like fantasy160 started journey istanbul first stop izmir aegean sea called neighbors syria knew living izmir ask could stay days smuggler called say time leave two days person relying arrange things smuggler called go meeting point steps house called say trip canceled night 160the weather changed went back friends home next day called said would today packed bag took life jacket cost lot money traffic halfanhour late meet smuggler mad said bag heavy couldnt take told important things bag said woman woman needs many things like men idea safe trip good weather lie used comfort knew liars getting rich trade humans got taxi go meeting point others way gave 1200 euros 1300 price crossing sea greece id able begin making way europe arrived coast got call smugglers told go back trip canceled pay taxi another 200 turkish lira 70 really surprised expected anything illegal trip took money decided find another smuggler deal idea safe trip good weather lie used comfort knew liars getting rich trade humans two days finally found boat went small mosque took us abandoned house gathered one place put us big truck like flock sheep arrived 9 pm empty place sound water wind could heard allowed talk turn flashlights put life jackets darkness asked men help fill inflatable boat air took two hours finished told us go beach small groups without noise brought raft beach rearranged us could fit inside dont know exactly many people night think children 60 men sat edge boat women bottom sitting next engine lowest part nearest160to water thought trip one two hours maybe even less didnt know souls game people even sea thats finally realized although deadly dark kind narrow river channel engine started driver usually one refugees would drive boat exchange free passage time one smugglers men two came us arrived point thought river emptied sea took phone turned gps shocked find channel long location still far sea took us two hours river alone engine got stuck many times weeds stopped time arrived sea another boat waiting take turkish driver replace algerian refugee new driver took grip boat sped round round creating waves people raft began panic shouted wanted go back one listened finally algerian got control boat began calm sea waves high sometimes felt like boat going top mountain coming light moon stars shining sky boat going waves peoples voices rising prayers ironic humans dont remember god unless trouble dont know afraid boarded boat thought horrible part journey would sea especially night boat going waves peoples voices rising prayers ironic humans dont remember god unless trouble prayers became loud boat high waves men said could see lights island hard stay calm struggle life death seemed like endless journey two hours saw lights ship greek coast guard finally felt safe didnt come near would bring us waves might turn us upside instead went behind us turning lights toward island could see near dont know fell asleep minutes although man think sleeping help coast guard one hour arrived island safe five dangerous hours happy thankful alive could think moment rena living minden plans move soon bielefeld mediumsized city northwestern germany rena interview immigration couple months ago still waiting get word approval 3year residency visa 160 zozan khaled musa 25 long dark journey aegean sea arrived small greek island nera 330 cold morning oct 3 2015160there many local fishermen helped us boat landed wanted boats engine valuable unbelievable relief see feet land decided rest small room near beach enough room us women children stayed inside made bag pillow jacket blanket cold couldnt close eyes160 enough light walked local police station twoandahalf miles away nera turn came get inside office wrote number 17 hand never forget day became stupid number long inhuman list many boats arrived island night hundreds people standing line waiting turn registered could take another boat main island kos nera turn came get inside office wrote number 17 hand160i never forget day became stupid number long inhuman list shameful humanity many people became nonhuman single helpless moment procedures best could headed kos authorities waited us paper one names paper allowed us get ship going athens 12hour journey made athens next morning parted husbands friends family met greek friend helping get bus macedonian border 11 pm arrived border 6 small argument security guard border fair people waiting long time letting new ones seem nervous want go back country stay told would kept silent friend calmed refugee war victim doesnt mean shut treated badly fled syria europes money financial benefits fled whole world became suddenly intentionally blind deaf mute toward human mad disaster syria paid 25 euros 27 board old trash pile called train160no words describe dirt terrible smell everyone piled moved walking eggs thats say syria slow things finally serbian border began wish never started journey worst experience walking long way four miles first town registration center cant remember name town tired wish knew could tell world bad supposed place people rest refugees streets allowed get minutes put details papers become number shock see thousands people waiting pushing badly everyone treated serbian police experience would never want go unless truly desperate people met said sleeping street days waiting silly registration160paper160 nothing journey rational human160 hopeless waiting got know serbian journalist nice lady helped get faster even managed help get permission take bus croatia hours could see completely different place people behaved differently saw real humans real compassion amazingly respectable people given hot tea rest day took train hungary train finally got sleep160 hungary didnt see anything since arrived night immediately got train see new fences borders croatia would closed week arrival germany another door closed faces refugees hours vienna austria spent night sports complex turned place refugees night slept never slept although open place people see morning went main train station booked ticket germany afraid would caught passau town germany austrian border wanted badly see husband already germany way didnt speak single arabic word one would know refugee met americans train tourists small chat trip also talked refugees woman happy didnt know refugee arrived border saw german police waiting get train pretended sleeping could hear going closed eyes half hour moment felt endless migrants refugees160were caught brought train maybe ability speak english fact dont wear hijab women wearing helped spotted train doors closed sighed relief opened eyes fake sleep see windows hundreds children women men old young standing row police surrounding first experience germany happy could pass safely nice see helpless people criminals especially wanting stay germany put shoes hurtful see others look certain way assuming came poverty thats people think word refugee zozan yilmazs wife living tiny town 5000 people northern germany close netherlands interview week immigration office wait approval get 3year residency visa able move berlin reunite yilmaz 160 hassan jamous 24 hurray finally germany truck smuggler shouted munich didnt really care wanted get chicken truck fast took long breath looked around really germany asked morning didnt see anyone 20 syrians truck started change clothes quickly didnt really good clothes dirty jeans ugly jacket didnt know expecting police come time arrest us moment tried enjoy quiet clean air long noisy trip didnt know refugees met smugglers house back budapest wait 15 minutes go away trucks driver told us drove away waited decided look first police officer could find road longer house sitting kitchen family waiting mother prepare nice meal new temporary life noticed two guys little boy looking syrians damascus well asked oldest one damascus replied speak english said spoke little bit going city called saarbrücken say people nice procedures faster refugees thought stopped cab told english wanted go main bus station problem said money answered big laugh yes like knew first hour germany maybe color skin cab stared window beautiful land build future wondered really call land second home thoughts interrupted taxi drivers voice said took first bus headed saarbrücken sixhour ride spent sleeping like baby desperately hungry tired camp refugees saarbrücken saw lot nationalities camp syrians lot lines lot noise gave food sent us room ate fast slept first full day saarbrücken hard wait lines food papers deal longer house sitting kitchen family waiting mother prepare nice meal new temporary life week transferred another camp didnt know asked administrator said kindly normal germany transferred another camp treir told beautiful smile gave us train tickets map trip looking german peoples faces train wondering really ok didnt feel comfortable everything new felt weak treir camp smaller contained fifth refugees camp places sleep spent first night hallway transferred camp didnt enough space tired traveling wanted one place everyone treated us nicely big smiles everywhere really difficult job thought people would hate us always wait long time get bus get food get shower cant make real friendships camps dont know go stay wait get transferred house youre lucky 28th day germany used camps developed strategies get food people tried forget move played sports amuse thought children really happy playing time running fighting scene hard see syria anymore sleeping tent 200 people difficult part sleeping always someone something loudly kid crying drunk laughing wasnt perfect life could patient least safe hassan stands front whiteboard german language classes new hometown hassan jamous drove us moving stadeckenelsheim municipal office first registered names employees nice smiling said english six people would live house got 3year residence visas ok five better 200 drove us house didnt see anyone streets feeling everyone knew coming day day trust became stronger helped roommates wanted go doctors dentists first really shy speaking germans wherever went saw smiles occurs everyone smiling us smiling seems like forgot seems end didnt need food money even safe country needed good honest smile one day volunteer came us help us everything shes teaching us german call migy call german mother heart owe lot things occurs everyone smiling us smiling seems like forgot seems end didnt need food money even safe country needed good honest smile 10 months waiting received residence visa allowed stay three years work study still work language skills long road future dont feel weak anymore although feel pain time hear news create problems europe feel pain see new political parties take advantage get stronger us tv big numbers saying us educated enough radicals price accept things happened syria human big dreams work hard prove wrong
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<p>WENHAM, Mass. (RNS) — For the past decade, sociologist D. Michael Lindsay has been living the very phenomenon he’s studied in depth: evangelicals climbing the ranks of secular institutions and becoming American elites.</p>
<p>Yet in a surprise move, this 39-year-old rising star has traded a tenure-track position at Rice University to become president of Gordon College, a respected outpost of evangelicalism 25 miles north of Boston.</p>
<p>Some of Lindsay’s former students have wondered why he would leave a highly ranked university with a growing, well-funded sociology department. For Lindsay, it’s a matter of calling.</p>
<p />
<p>“I know that I’m the right person for Gordon,” Lindsay said, “because what I bring to the table today is what Gordon happens to need right now.”</p>
<p>A Southern Baptist with Mississippi roots, Lindsay burnished his national reputation with his 2007 book, Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite. His broader research interest deals with leadership, and on Sept. 16, he’ll be inaugurated as the youngest leader in Gordon’s 122-year history.</p>
<p>Though he’s never been a college president before, Lindsay has spent countless hours talking with CEOs, big city mayors and even former U.S. presidents about their lives and work. His Platinum Study, eaturing interviews with 550 leaders in various fields, is said to represent the largest body of interview data ever collected from a cross section of American leaders.</p>
<p>He’s also no stranger to helping institutions grow. He’s built a reputation as a capable fundraiser for numerous projects, including Rice's Program for the Study of Leadership, which he founded.</p>
<p>Now Lindsay plans to leverage both his experience and his power-packed Rolodex to help Gordon raise its profile. Starting Oct. 14 in downtown Boston, he’ll conduct a series of onstage interviews with corporate executives whom he’s interviewed for the Platinum Study.</p>
<p>While snagging Lindsay is a coup for Gordon, Paul Corts, president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, hopes Lindsay can help galvanize interest in data collection and analysis across Christian higher education.</p>
<p>“We want to take advantage of his background and skills,” Corts said. “Research is increasingly important for us and our institutions. … So having people like this in our leadership will be very helpful to our whole movement.”</p>
<p>If personal style is any indicator, Lindsay is apt to hold Gordon and Christian higher education to high standards. Lindsay expected all his research assistants to wear sharp business casual attire when working on his projects. If a student’s cell phone ever rang during class, Lindsay would assess a $5 fine to help pay for an end-of-semester party at his home.</p>
<p>“He was the only faculty member in the department who was always here every Saturday,” said Elaine Howard Ecklund, who also teaches in Rice's sociology department. “When you’re writing personal thank-you notes to everyone you meet, in addition to doing your scholarly work, it means you put in a lot of hours.”</p>
<p>Here at Gordon, Lindsay’s stately new office looks as if he hasn’t had time to unpack. There’s no dust, clutter or signs of work in progress — just books in shelves so high that they require a ladder to reach.</p>
<p>Relaxed in pressed slacks and a patterned sport jacket, Lindsay smiles warmly as he talks about three young daughters and his wife, Rebecca. He says he feels comfortable at Gordon, despite his young age and lack of experience in college administration.</p>
<p>In his work, Lindsay said he found that the most successful leaders are those “who found their talents and skills matched up with what was needed at a particular time at a particular organization.”</p>
<p>Location, however, doesn’t hurt. Boston, he said, “is where the world comes to study,” and Gordon’s location is an ideal position to build bridges between evangelicals and the broader community.</p>
<p>“Because there’s so much intellectual activity in Boston, there’s an opportunity for conversation, for alliances, for collaboration that you just don’t find in other places,” he said.</p>
<p>In studying leadership, Lindsay says he’s not pushing an evangelical agenda or “trying to help people who I like to get power or have influence or shape public policy.” Instead, he’s curious how effective leaders get to where they are, and what helps them exercise good judgment over the long term.</p>
<p>Lindsay followed his mother, Susan Lindsay, from Catholicism to evangelicalism in his youth. At First Baptist Church in Jackson, Miss., an 11-year-old Lindsay committed his life to following Jesus.</p>
<p>Though he’s a Southern Baptist, Lindsay has also spent time in the Assemblies of God and the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and even sent his eldest daughter to a Jewish preschool.</p>
<p>At Rice, many Christian students knew him as an evangelical and wanted to work with him, according to Orestes “Pat” Hastings, one of Lindsay’s former research fellows. But Lindsay took pains to assemble teams where Christians and non-Christians could bring their respective viewpoints to bear.</p>
<p>“He thought that by having a diverse research team, he was less likely to miss an insight or important idea,” Hastings said.</p>
<p>Once he gets settled, Lindsay plans to teach sociology at Gordon and to stay active in sociological research. Meanwhile, some are hoping his career path will inspire more evangelicals to also find their callings in Christian colleges.</p>
<p>“It’s a very hopeful sign for Christian higher education that Gordon has been able to attract him,” said Michael Beaty, a Baylor University philosopher who studies Christian higher education. “I’m hopeful that it means we’re going to see an increasing number of senior administrators who return to Christian colleges and universities [after finding] success in secular academic institutions. But we’ll have to wait and see.”</p>
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wenham mass rns past decade sociologist michael lindsay living phenomenon hes studied depth evangelicals climbing ranks secular institutions becoming american elites yet surprise move 39yearold rising star traded tenuretrack position rice university become president gordon college respected outpost evangelicalism 25 miles north boston lindsays former students wondered would leave highly ranked university growing wellfunded sociology department lindsay matter calling know im right person gordon lindsay said bring table today gordon happens need right southern baptist mississippi roots lindsay burnished national reputation 2007 book faith halls power evangelicals joined american elite broader research interest deals leadership sept 16 hell inaugurated youngest leader gordons 122year history though hes never college president lindsay spent countless hours talking ceos big city mayors even former us presidents lives work platinum study eaturing interviews 550 leaders various fields said represent largest body interview data ever collected cross section american leaders hes also stranger helping institutions grow hes built reputation capable fundraiser numerous projects including rices program study leadership founded lindsay plans leverage experience powerpacked rolodex help gordon raise profile starting oct 14 downtown boston hell conduct series onstage interviews corporate executives hes interviewed platinum study snagging lindsay coup gordon paul corts president council christian colleges universities hopes lindsay help galvanize interest data collection analysis across christian higher education want take advantage background skills corts said research increasingly important us institutions people like leadership helpful whole movement personal style indicator lindsay apt hold gordon christian higher education high standards lindsay expected research assistants wear sharp business casual attire working projects students cell phone ever rang class lindsay would assess 5 fine help pay endofsemester party home faculty member department always every saturday said elaine howard ecklund also teaches rices sociology department youre writing personal thankyou notes everyone meet addition scholarly work means put lot hours gordon lindsays stately new office looks hasnt time unpack theres dust clutter signs work progress books shelves high require ladder reach relaxed pressed slacks patterned sport jacket lindsay smiles warmly talks three young daughters wife rebecca says feels comfortable gordon despite young age lack experience college administration work lindsay said found successful leaders found talents skills matched needed particular time particular organization location however doesnt hurt boston said world comes study gordons location ideal position build bridges evangelicals broader community theres much intellectual activity boston theres opportunity conversation alliances collaboration dont find places said studying leadership lindsay says hes pushing evangelical agenda trying help people like get power influence shape public policy instead hes curious effective leaders get helps exercise good judgment long term lindsay followed mother susan lindsay catholicism evangelicalism youth first baptist church jackson miss 11yearold lindsay committed life following jesus though hes southern baptist lindsay also spent time assemblies god christian missionary alliance even sent eldest daughter jewish preschool rice many christian students knew evangelical wanted work according orestes pat hastings one lindsays former research fellows lindsay took pains assemble teams christians nonchristians could bring respective viewpoints bear thought diverse research team less likely miss insight important idea hastings said gets settled lindsay plans teach sociology gordon stay active sociological research meanwhile hoping career path inspire evangelicals also find callings christian colleges hopeful sign christian higher education gordon able attract said michael beaty baylor university philosopher studies christian higher education im hopeful means going see increasing number senior administrators return christian colleges universities finding success secular academic institutions well wait see
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<p>By Robert Dilday</p>
<p>The responses of Christians in the American South toward the institution of slavery and those it enslaved were inconsistent and complex — bequeathing a legacy which continues to complicate racial reconciliation 150 years after emancipation, said the president of the University of Richmond.</p>
<p>But “talking about the very past that first divided us and has divided us for so long can be a valuable place to come together, a place to find what can more fully unite us,” Edward Ayers told participants at a conference on racial reconciliation.</p>
<p>Ayers was one of several keynote speakers at “Faith, Freedom, Forgiveness: Religion and the Civil War, Emancipation and Reconciliation in Our Time,” the three-day annual conference of the Baptist History &amp; Heritage Society held last week.</p>
<p>Several hundred people gathered for the society’s meeting in Richmond, a city with a troubled racial past. That past can be better understood by focusing on individuals, Ayers said, including one of his predecessors — 19th-century Baptist minister Robert Ryland, who was the University of Richmond’s first president.</p>
<p>“Ryland tried to behave in a Christian way with the African-American people even as he presided over what he realized was a compromised expression of the Church,” said Ayers.</p>
<p>“We’re not sure what to do with such a person,” he added. “To live as a white person in the [antebellum] South was to be unavoidably implicated in its system. To give all you had to the Confederacy also was to be implicated.” Ryland did both, he noted.</p>
<p />
<p>Baptized in Bruington (Va.) Baptist Church in 1824, Ryland earned two degrees from Washington’s Columbian College, now George Washington University but then a school with close Baptist ties. After serving as a pastor in Lynchburg, Va., he was named head in 1841 of what became the University of Richmond, a position he held until 1866.</p>
<p>“Ryland embodied the struggles of his time and place” over slavery and race, said Ayers, noting the pastor once wrote, “I feel the perplexity of the subject.” While Ryland believed Scripture implicitly sanctioned slavery, he was reluctant to be its advocate. “He didn’t think slavery itself was a sin but that grievous sins were constantly connected with it,” said Ayers.</p>
<p>A ‘bold experiment’</p>
<p>At about the time Ryland became president of UR, he assumed the pastorate of Richmond’s First African Baptist Church. The congregation had recently been organized by black members of First Baptist Church, actively encouraged by First Baptists’ white members, who wanted to worship without the “disruptive” presence of its many African-Americans — both enslaved and free.</p>
<p>Virginia law, ever sensitive to unrest among the state’s enslaved population, prohibited blacks from gathering in large numbers without the presence of white men. To comply with the law, First African would require a white pastor, and the church turned to Ryland.</p>
<p>“It would have been wise for such a man [as Ryland] to keep his head down,” said Ayers. “Maybe he should have thought about not complicating his life, but in those years he became part of this bold experiment. … He felt he had no right to excuse himself from helping to forward this cause. … He took the job, knowing he would lose status and be under deep suspicion” — from both whites and blacks.</p>
<p>During his tenure as pastor, Ryland saw successes — the church eventually drew more than 3,000 worshippers, raised enough in “penny offerings” to pay Ryland’s salary, and engaged in benevolent acts in the city.</p>
<p>‘Dreams of freedom’</p>
<p>But the experience also exacerbated his “perplexity” over slavery and highlighted the inconsistencies in both his and society’s views. “Ryland said he treated the congregation just as he would a white congregation,” said Ayers. “He wrote, ‘If they were slaves, I thought of them as Christ’s freedman; if free, then as Christ’s bondsmen.’ Immediately after writing those words, however, Ryland described his aim “to preach out of their minds dreams and fancies.”</p>
<p>“Were those dreams of freedom or of reuniting a family?” asked Ayers.</p>
<p>A catechism Ryland compiled for his congregation also reflected the dichotomy. It included injunctions to “obey your master,” yet was criticized by Richmond’s mayor because it suggested slaves ought to be able to read — a crime in antebellum Virginia.</p>
<p>In the 1850s a series of events left their mark on Ryland, said Ayers. Church members who had found their way North to freedom frequently wrote to family and friends remaining in Richmond, sending the letters to their former pastor. At the end of each worship service, Ryland distributed the letters — unopened — to their recipients.</p>
<p>At one point it was discovered that some of the letters detailed escape routes for enslaved Richmonders, prompting white leaders in the city to insist Ryland open each document before delivering it.</p>
<p>‘A profound silence’</p>
<p>“Ryland responded, ‘My role is to preach the gospel, not to be a policeman,’” said Ayers. But Ryland recognized the danger to himself and the church. “He was equally mortified to think he would be expected to turn people in or that he would aid people running away from slavery,” Ayers said.</p>
<p>After the Civil War, Ryland lost most of his possessions, retaining only a cow whose milk he sold from door to door to support himself. The university, also destitute, could no longer pay him and he stepped down from the presidency, as well as from the pastorate of First African, which could now employ a black leader.</p>
<p>He briefly taught at a new theological institute for black ministers which eventually became Virginia Union University, but in 1868 he moved to Kentucky, where he was president of two female colleges.</p>
<p>Before he died in 1899, he would be able to write that blacks “are our fellowmen, and some are our fellow Christians,” said Ayers. “But most Southerners didn’t follow his lead. … Long before official segregation settled over the South, a profound silence developed between black and whites.”</p>
<p>“[Ryland] holds up a mirror to our own time,” he said. “How will we be judged by those who follow us? We too are complicit in the injustice that is all around us in this nation.</p>
<p>“We are reminded that people are people and the conditions in which we live matter. They define our lives … It’s not enough to change hearts and minds. We also much change the conditions in which people live.”</p>
<p>Robert Dilday is managing editor of the Religious Herald.</p>
| false | 3 |
robert dilday responses christians american south toward institution slavery enslaved inconsistent complex bequeathing legacy continues complicate racial reconciliation 150 years emancipation said president university richmond talking past first divided us divided us long valuable place come together place find fully unite us edward ayers told participants conference racial reconciliation ayers one several keynote speakers faith freedom forgiveness religion civil war emancipation reconciliation time threeday annual conference baptist history amp heritage society held last week several hundred people gathered societys meeting richmond city troubled racial past past better understood focusing individuals ayers said including one predecessors 19thcentury baptist minister robert ryland university richmonds first president ryland tried behave christian way africanamerican people even presided realized compromised expression church said ayers sure person added live white person antebellum south unavoidably implicated system give confederacy also implicated ryland noted baptized bruington va baptist church 1824 ryland earned two degrees washingtons columbian college george washington university school close baptist ties serving pastor lynchburg va named head 1841 became university richmond position held 1866 ryland embodied struggles time place slavery race said ayers noting pastor wrote feel perplexity subject ryland believed scripture implicitly sanctioned slavery reluctant advocate didnt think slavery sin grievous sins constantly connected said ayers bold experiment time ryland became president ur assumed pastorate richmonds first african baptist church congregation recently organized black members first baptist church actively encouraged first baptists white members wanted worship without disruptive presence many africanamericans enslaved free virginia law ever sensitive unrest among states enslaved population prohibited blacks gathering large numbers without presence white men comply law first african would require white pastor church turned ryland would wise man ryland keep head said ayers maybe thought complicating life years became part bold experiment felt right excuse helping forward cause took job knowing would lose status deep suspicion whites blacks tenure pastor ryland saw successes church eventually drew 3000 worshippers raised enough penny offerings pay rylands salary engaged benevolent acts city dreams freedom experience also exacerbated perplexity slavery highlighted inconsistencies societys views ryland said treated congregation would white congregation said ayers wrote slaves thought christs freedman free christs bondsmen immediately writing words however ryland described aim preach minds dreams fancies dreams freedom reuniting family asked ayers catechism ryland compiled congregation also reflected dichotomy included injunctions obey master yet criticized richmonds mayor suggested slaves ought able read crime antebellum virginia 1850s series events left mark ryland said ayers church members found way north freedom frequently wrote family friends remaining richmond sending letters former pastor end worship service ryland distributed letters unopened recipients one point discovered letters detailed escape routes enslaved richmonders prompting white leaders city insist ryland open document delivering profound silence ryland responded role preach gospel policeman said ayers ryland recognized danger church equally mortified think would expected turn people would aid people running away slavery ayers said civil war ryland lost possessions retaining cow whose milk sold door door support university also destitute could longer pay stepped presidency well pastorate first african could employ black leader briefly taught new theological institute black ministers eventually became virginia union university 1868 moved kentucky president two female colleges died 1899 would able write blacks fellowmen fellow christians said ayers southerners didnt follow lead long official segregation settled south profound silence developed black whites ryland holds mirror time said judged follow us complicit injustice around us nation reminded people people conditions live matter define lives enough change hearts minds also much change conditions people live robert dilday managing editor religious herald
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<p>CPS is in the midst of launching the first phase of its new principal screening policy, sending out portfolio packages to the 600 candidates currently on the School Board’s principal eligibility list.</p>
<p>Those candidates, most of them assistant principals and teachers, will have three months after receiving their package to complete a portfolio demonstrating their leadership experience and the academic progress of the children they have worked with.</p>
<p>If they miss the deadline, they will have to start from scratch, completing all the new eligibility requirements that the School Board adopted in February. If a review committee determines the portfolio falls short, the candidate will lose eligibility and have to undergo additional training that might include a paid internship.</p>
<p>CPS says its new guidelines are intended to “raise the bar” and provide local school councils with an improved pool of principal candidates. The requirements come as the system faces a leadership void, with nearly 400 current principals eligible to retire over the next four years.</p>
<p>Nancy Laho, chief officer of principal preparation and development for CPS, says the board needs to take responsibility for having approved some principals in the past who “were not ready yet, but could have been” with additional preparation.</p>
<p>Laho says the portfolios should include testimonials from at least three references, and essays reflecting on a candidate’s leadership experiences.</p>
<p>The portfolios will be reviewed by a committee of three representatives from Laho’s office and two from the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, which worked closely with CPS on the portfolio requirements. The two groups also had input from focus groups, assistant principals and other organizations like the Chicago Public Education Fund, an offshoot of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, and the Financial Research and Advisory Committee (FRAC) of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago.</p>
<p>The review committee will use a scoring rubric, or guide, that is aligned with the school district’s seven leadership standards. Those standards, which were also used in the now-defunct Principal Assessment Center put together by FRAC, range from curricular management to basic leadership and interpersonal skills.</p>
<p>The new policy takes effect July 1st.</p>
<p>National trend, but activists fear favoritism</p>
<p>School officials say it’s critical to find better candidates, given the increasingly complex demands that principals face. And tougher standards are part of a national trend, says Milli Pierce, former director of the Harvard Principal Center.</p>
<p>Savvy superintendents have to choose from a shrinking pool of candidates who can operate effectively in complicated urban districts that face increasing accountability, Pierce says.</p>
<p>With superintendents facing stiffer consequences for picking ineffective principals, some are even going beyond the standard background checks and visiting schools where applicants once worked, Pierce adds. “They’re doing everything they can to make good decisions [because] heads are rolling, starting at the top.”</p>
<p>In Chicago, some local school councils also have made school visits.</p>
<p>The new requirements have raised the ire of some activists, who say the standards will encourage favoritism and stifle interest from out-of-town talent.</p>
<p>“I just don’t think this is a process that’s worth trying to perfect,” says Julie Woestehoff of Parents United for Responsible Education. She is especially critical of the personal interview requirement.</p>
<p>Before 1988, CPS used interviews and exams to screen candidates. Woestehoff says the interview process back then was biased in favor of the politically connected. Its “cultural approach” also favored white men, she says.</p>
<p>Clarice Berry, president of the Principals’ Association, agrees that interviews could easily be conducted unfairly. To guard against that, she suggests sequestering a group of applicants and asking each one the same questions. Berry says representatives of school reform groups might be included among the interviewers, along with CPS officials and experienced, successful principals. The principals’ group expects to work with CPS to develop the interview protocol.</p>
<p>Martin Haberman, a professor at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, says CPS should consider using an interviewing system that compares a candidate’s answers to those given by established principals. Haberman has designed such a system, using hundreds of interviews with principals whose effectiveness in highly bureaucratic urban school districts has been confirmed by student achievement and parental support. Fifteen urban districts use Haberman’s system.</p>
<p>Haberman says his interview tests an applicant in 11 areas that range from curricular and administrative leadership to community relations skills. Typically, an unsuccessful principal either “schmoozes” well but lacks vision, or sets good goals but cannot get along with people, he says.</p>
<p>Haberman, who has worked with and observed CPS for 45 years, also questions whether the district can keep politics out of the principal selection process. “Chicago wants to go on selecting people with methods that have no predictive validity,” he says.</p>
<p>Laho says the design of the interview is on the backburner while the details of the portfolios and exams are hammered out. The writing sample requirement will be outsourced to a company that builds web-based, supervised and timed writing systems. A request for proposals is in development, she says.</p>
<p>‘Devil is in the details’</p>
<p>Prospective principals will also have to pass an approved program of study that relates to school leadership. Laho says her office soon will work with the Principals’ Association, the Illinois Administrators Academy and university partners to identify classes for this requirement.</p>
<p>The tight implementation schedule concerns some reformers. Don Moore of Designs for Change, which trains local school councils to select principals, says, “There are all kinds of ‘under construction’ signs. … The [specifics] should have been spelled out from the beginning.”</p>
<p>Others, however, applaud the board.</p>
<p>One of them is Peter Martinez, director of the Center for School Leadership (CSL) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, which prepares aspiring principals for leadership in urban schools.</p>
<p>CSL helped FRAC run the Principal Assessment Center in 2002. From December 2000 to April 2003, CPS required principal candidates to go through the center to get an idea of their strengths and weaknesses, but did not require candidates to share results with LSCs. Candidates were put through scenarios of problems principals commonly face; trained observers scored them.</p>
<p>Martinez says the School Board cut the program because of its costs, and adds that he’s glad to see a new evaluative gateway to the principalship emerge. The real test for CPS will be to implement the selection process fairly.</p>
<p>Says Martinez, “The devil is in the details.”</p>
<p>To contact John Myers, call (312) 673-3874 or send an e-mail to [email protected].</p>
| false | 3 |
cps midst launching first phase new principal screening policy sending portfolio packages 600 candidates currently school boards principal eligibility list candidates assistant principals teachers three months receiving package complete portfolio demonstrating leadership experience academic progress children worked miss deadline start scratch completing new eligibility requirements school board adopted february review committee determines portfolio falls short candidate lose eligibility undergo additional training might include paid internship cps says new guidelines intended raise bar provide local school councils improved pool principal candidates requirements come system faces leadership void nearly 400 current principals eligible retire next four years nancy laho chief officer principal preparation development cps says board needs take responsibility approved principals past ready yet could additional preparation laho says portfolios include testimonials least three references essays reflecting candidates leadership experiences portfolios reviewed committee three representatives lahos office two chicago principals administrators association worked closely cps portfolio requirements two groups also input focus groups assistant principals organizations like chicago public education fund offshoot chicago annenberg challenge financial research advisory committee frac civic committee commercial club chicago review committee use scoring rubric guide aligned school districts seven leadership standards standards also used nowdefunct principal assessment center put together frac range curricular management basic leadership interpersonal skills new policy takes effect july 1st national trend activists fear favoritism school officials say critical find better candidates given increasingly complex demands principals face tougher standards part national trend says milli pierce former director harvard principal center savvy superintendents choose shrinking pool candidates operate effectively complicated urban districts face increasing accountability pierce says superintendents facing stiffer consequences picking ineffective principals even going beyond standard background checks visiting schools applicants worked pierce adds theyre everything make good decisions heads rolling starting top chicago local school councils also made school visits new requirements raised ire activists say standards encourage favoritism stifle interest outoftown talent dont think process thats worth trying perfect says julie woestehoff parents united responsible education especially critical personal interview requirement 1988 cps used interviews exams screen candidates woestehoff says interview process back biased favor politically connected cultural approach also favored white men says clarice berry president principals association agrees interviews could easily conducted unfairly guard suggests sequestering group applicants asking one questions berry says representatives school reform groups might included among interviewers along cps officials experienced successful principals principals group expects work cps develop interview protocol martin haberman professor university wisconsin milwaukee says cps consider using interviewing system compares candidates answers given established principals haberman designed system using hundreds interviews principals whose effectiveness highly bureaucratic urban school districts confirmed student achievement parental support fifteen urban districts use habermans system haberman says interview tests applicant 11 areas range curricular administrative leadership community relations skills typically unsuccessful principal either schmoozes well lacks vision sets good goals get along people says haberman worked observed cps 45 years also questions whether district keep politics principal selection process chicago wants go selecting people methods predictive validity says laho says design interview backburner details portfolios exams hammered writing sample requirement outsourced company builds webbased supervised timed writing systems request proposals development says devil details prospective principals also pass approved program study relates school leadership laho says office soon work principals association illinois administrators academy university partners identify classes requirement tight implementation schedule concerns reformers moore designs change trains local school councils select principals says kinds construction signs specifics spelled beginning others however applaud board one peter martinez director center school leadership csl university illinois chicago prepares aspiring principals leadership urban schools csl helped frac run principal assessment center 2002 december 2000 april 2003 cps required principal candidates go center get idea strengths weaknesses require candidates share results lscs candidates put scenarios problems principals commonly face trained observers scored martinez says school board cut program costs adds hes glad see new evaluative gateway principalship emerge real test cps implement selection process fairly says martinez devil details contact john myers call 312 6733874 send email editorcatalystchicagoorg
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<p>Editor's note: This article is part of an ongoing series about how Vladimir Putin is attempting to remake Russia.&#160;Read previous articles about <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111026/russia-putin-advances-eurasian-union" type="external">the "Eurasian Union"</a> and efforts to <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111010/russia%E2%80%99s-military-attempts-building-21st-century-fighter-" type="external">regain Moscow's superpower status</a>.</p>
<p>MOSCOW, Russia - Vladimir Putin is spinning a beguiling vision of Russia's future that could reshape global economic and military realities.</p>
<p>He imagines his country as the core of a mighty "Eurasian Union," a confederation of former Soviet states spanning two continents, from the Sea of Japan to the Baltic.</p>
<p>"We suggest creating a powerful supra-national union capable of becoming a pole in the modern world, and at the same time an effective bridge between Europe and the dynamic Asia-Pacific Region," Putin wrote in the Moscow daily Izvestia earlier this month.</p>
<p>But Putin's dream is hobbled by one big, inconvenient fact: <a href="http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/europethecis/russia/NHDR_Russia_2008_Eng.pdf" type="external">Russia's population is shrinking dramatically</a>.</p>
<p>More: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111026/russia-putin-advances-eurasian-union" type="external">Putin advances Eurasian Union</a></p>
<p>By mid-century there may not be enough working-aged adults to man the country's factories or defend its borders. The decline is most pronounced in those areas that should constitute the heartland of the future Eurasian Union: Siberia and the Russian far east, which abut the teeming economic powerhouses of China, South Korea and Japan.</p>
<p>It's tough just to get by with a shrinking population, no less re-establish yourself as a global power - especially in a sprawling neighborhood like Russia's.</p>
<p>The former Soviet Union built cities and planted industries along its 2,600-mile border with China. It used the arbitrary powers of an authoritarian state to ensure that its claims of eternal suzerainty over those far-flung territories were anchored by concentrations of ethnic-Russians. But since the collapse of the USSR, the number of Russians inhabiting the eastern lands has plummeted by almost 20 percent. The young and best-qualified people have headed to Moscow in search of economic opportunity, and the exodus is accelerating.</p>
<p>More: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111010/russia%E2%80%99s-military-attempts-building-21st-century-fighter-" type="external">Can Russia regain its superpower status? The fighter jet is key.</a></p>
<p>Mother Russia appears in no condition to generate more warm bodies, even if the state was able to develop economic or other programs to entice Russians to return to Siberia.</p>
<p>Russian fertility rates have been falling for decades. They stood at 1.4 babies per woman in 2010, far below the 2.1 needed to naturally replenish the population. Death rates, particularly among males between the ages of 25 and 45, spiked in the post-Soviet period and still remain considerably higher than births. As a result, Russia's population has been simultaneously contracting and aging. That's a double-whammy that holds dire implications for Putin's hopes of returning Russia to the world's center stage as a great power.</p>
<p>Drowning in vodka</p>
<p>In 1991, Russia's population was nearly 150 million. According to the US Census Bureau's international data base it's currently just under 139 million. Projections show it plunging to 128 million in 2025, and to 109 million in 2050.</p>
<p>"Here in Russia we have a European birth rate, but an African death rate," said Yury Krupnov, director of the independent Institute of Demography, Migration and Regional Development in Moscow.</p>
<p>"A special feature in Russia is the super-death rate for working age males, which is five times higher than the comparable rate in Europe and has crippling implications for our economic development."</p>
<p>The astronomical mortality rate for young Russian men is due to a post-Soviet cocktail of bad news: deteriorating environmental conditions, collapsing health care, rising accidents due to decayed infrastructure and growing social violence.</p>
<p>More: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/110929/russia-another-billionaire-stands-the-kremlin" type="external">Another billionaire stands up to the Kremlin</a></p>
<p>But the single biggest cause, according to a 2009 article in The Lancet, a respected medical journal, is the post-Soviet explosion in alcoholism. Extreme even by traditionally hard-drinking Russian standards, alcohol abuse leads to an estimated 600,000 premature deaths each year.</p>
<p>Some warn of even more alarming consequences for the future from a population drowning in vodka. "If this tendency continues, Russia will die out," said Svetlana Bocherova, chair of Good Without Borders, a Moscow-based family advocacy group.</p>
<p>"By the 2020's the schools will be empty of children. By the next decade there won't be enough workers or soldiers. By 2050, we won't have enough people to call ourselves a country."</p>
<p>Cash for moms</p>
<p>In hopes of reversing these trends, Putin introduced a series of measures during his first two terms as president. These include huge cash bonuses - typically about $10,000, enough to buy a small flat in a provincial Russian town - for women who have more than two children, and generous resettlement programs for ethnic Russians who choose to be repatriated from former Soviet republics in the Baltics and central Asia.</p>
<p>Putin's successor, Dmitry Medvedev, launched a tough anti-alcohol campaign reminiscent of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's draconian attempts to wean his countrymen from the vodka bottle.</p>
<p>And there have been some successes in the past few years. Death rates have stabilized, birth rates rose markedly over the past decade, and male life expectancy has jumped from a low of 58 years in 2003 to 63 today.</p>
<p>"There are some positive changes, but they're not enough to overcome the negative trends," said Anatoly Vishnevsky, a demographer with the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. "In fact, the growth in birth rates is already falling off. We need more comprehensive solutions."</p>
<p>Eurasian ambitions</p>
<p>This may be where Putin's idea of a Eurasian Union comes in. The former Soviet Union drew heavily on labor and military reserves from its teeming, mainly-Muslim central Asian republics, where high birth rates are still driving rapid population growth. Even today, most construction and other unskilled work around prosperous Moscow is done by migrant workers from Tajikistan and other poverty-stricken but still largely Russian-speaking former Soviet republics.</p>
<p>Some analysts suggest that a formal confederation of states under Russian hegemony would allow the Kremlin to restore some Soviet-era economic synergies, including orderly transfers of labor - on a temporary basis - from populous central Asian republics to zones of Russian economic development.</p>
<p>That might avoid the painful political issue of formulating an immigration policy similar to those of the European Union or the US, in which large numbers of outside workers come, stay and often place themselves on a path to citizenship.</p>
<p>"There is strong social resistance in Russia to allowing permanent immigrants from Asian countries," said Vishnevsky. "This is going to be problem No. 1 in Russian politics for a long time to come."</p>
<p>But Putin's scheme may not offer any solution for the growing problem of depopulation in Russia's own vast Asian lands. Analysts point out that efforts to entice ethnic Russians from former Soviet republics to settle in Siberia or the Russian far east have achieved meager results.</p>
<p>"Of course ethnic Russian immigrants prefer to come to Moscow, where the opportunities are, and not go to some backward place in the middle of Siberia which is being abandoned by its own inhabitants," said Nikolai Petrov, a regional expert with the Carnegie Center in Moscow.</p>
<p>In the long run, Russia's demographic dilemma may force Putin to drop Soviet revivalism, slash government controls and initiate genuine liberal market reforms, said Yevgeny Gontmakher, an economist with the Institute for Contemporary Development, a Moscow think tank linked to Medvedev.</p>
<p>"We don't require that every square kilometer of Russia be inhabited, but for solid strategic reasons we do need the Russia-China border to be populated" with Russians, he says. "If Russia wants to be a part of that economically dynamic region, the only way is to bite the bullet, open up and reform.</p>
<p>"It may be possible to reverse our dismal demographic trends, but it will require fundamental changes in the way our leaders think. We need to create economic opportunities, and drop all these grand plans based on state methods. It's a historic task facing our nation, and there isn't much time left to come to grips with it."</p>
<p>Editor's note: this article is part of Putin's Progress, an ongoing series about how Vladimir Putin is attempting to remake Russia. Read recent articles about <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111026/russia-putin-advances-eurasian-union" type="external">the "Eurasian Union"</a> and efforts to <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111010/russia%E2%80%99s-military-attempts-building-21st-century-fighter-" type="external">regain Moscow's superpower status</a>.</p>
<p>Editor's note II: After publication of this article, a Forbes blogger took issue with some of the facts in the piece. GlobalPost investigated these allegations, and found them to be without merit. <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union?page=0,1" type="external">Click here to read GlobalPost's response</a> to the Forbes blogger. <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union?page=0,2" type="external">Click here to read Fred Weir's response</a>.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>This is GlobalPost's Europe editor writing. I am responding to a posting by Forbes blogger Marc Adomanis, who alleged factual inaccuracies in a recent article by Fred Weir, titled <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union" type="external">Russia's shrinking population mars Putin's superpower ambitions</a>. Neither Adomanis nor Forbes ever contacted us, and their blog was posted on Reddit prior to us learning of these allegations.</p>
<p>We looked into every detail, and found the allegations to be without merit. We stand by Fred Weir's story.&#160;Here are the details of GlobalPost's investigation:</p>
<p>- Adomanis takes issue with Weir's statement that "Russian death rates have stabilized in recent years." Here, Adomanis illustrates his point with a chart that appears to show a decline in the death rate. But that's only because Adomanis starts at 2003, the year that Russia posted its worst death rate since 1950, at 16.4 per 1,000. (This is like posting a chart that begins in the depths of the mortgage meltdown to show what a great investment the S&amp;P 500 is.)</p>
<p>Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union, the death rate never exceeded 11.6, and it averaged 9.3. The average since 1991 has been 14.7, according to the Rostat data that Adomanis uses. Since 2004, the death rate has been 16 per 1,000, 16.1, 15.2, 14.6 and 14.7, according to Rostat.</p>
<p>Weir is right and Adomanis is wrong - the current death rate has dropped to the post-Soviet average - in other words, it has stabilized.</p>
<p>Here's a link to the Rostat death rate data: <a href="http://bit.ly/u2vQUP" type="external">http://bit.ly/u2vQUP</a></p>
<p>And here's a chart that shows Russia's death rate since 1950. The blue line is the post-Soviet average. The dashed vertical line is where Adomanis' chart begins.&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>- Adomanis says Weir is wrong in stating that "Russian fertility rates have been falling for decades." Oddly, to "prove" his point, Adomanis links to a chart that ... illustrates clearly that he (Adominis) is wrong. Adomanis' chart shows a fertility rate of 2.52 in 1960, 1.99 in 1970, 1.89 in 1980, 1.89 in 1990, 1.21 in 2000 and 1.54 in 2009. The 2009 number is up from 1.3 in 2006. Still, this is clearly a downward trend, even if there are occasional upticks, including one in the last few years and another in the 1980s. More importanly, Russian fertility has remained well below the 2.1 rate required for replacement.</p>
<p>The fertility drop is even more pronounced if you look at previous decades - down from nearly 7 in 1925 and about 3 in 1950; see page 26 of the UN report linked above for a chart).</p>
<p>So Weir is correct: Russia's fertility has been declining for decades.</p>
<p>For the record, here's the chart Adomanis uses: <a href="http://bit.ly/sXgYsz" type="external">http://bit.ly/sXgYsz</a></p>
<p>- Adomanis says that Weir's population figure for Russia is wrong. The difference: Adomanis used the Russian government's numbers, while Weir used the US government's. It matters little whether Russia's population is 142 million (per Rostat) or 139 million (per the US government), a difference of about 2 percent. What matters is that Russia's population has shrunk, it is shrinking, and is expected to continue doing so. It's currently **shrinking** at a rate of 0.47 percent per year. That makes it 222nd in the world in terms of population growth.</p>
<p>In suggesting that GlobalPost got its facts wrong, Adomanis is at odds with Foreign Affairs magazine ("Russia's Demographic Disaster") as well as the United Nations, which in 2008 dedicated a report to the matter, titled "Russia Facing Demographic Challenges," which can be found here:</p>
<p><a href="http://bit.ly/uHYyLq" type="external">http://bit.ly/uHYyLq</a></p>
<p>If you're interested in checking Weir's numbers, the demographic projections are on page 25.</p>
<p>- Adomanis doubts that 600,000 people die in Russia from alcohol deaths, as Weir claims. Weir's figure was used in two 2009 articles published in the prestigious journal, The Lancet. Here are links to the articles: <a href="http://bit.ly/sanka4" type="external">http://bit.ly/sanka4</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/vTnWSu" type="external">http://bit.ly/vTnWSu</a>. Adomanis bases his assertion not on actual alcohol mortality data, but on a speculative extrapolation from Rostat data. We will use Lancet's numbers.</p>
<p>We stand by all of the facts - as well as the larger themes - in <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union" type="external">Fred Weir's article</a>.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Editors note: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union?page=0,1" type="external">GlobalPost investigated</a> Forbes' blogger's assertions of factual innacuracies in detail, and found them to be entirely without merit. Below is Fred Weir's response to the blogger.</p>
<p>MOSCOW - A blogger named Mark Adomanis has taken exception to <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union" type="external">my GlobalPost article on Russia's demographic crisis</a>. He implies that my work gives a false view of population dynamics in this country over the past several years.</p>
<p>In his blog, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/markadomanis/2011/11/03/fred-weir-on-russian-demographics-where-are-the-fact-checkers-when-you-need-them/" type="external">posted on the prestigious Forbes.com site</a>, Mr. Adomanis makes harsh allegations about the quality of my work.</p>
<p>Mr. Adomanis blog is sub-titled, "Where are the fact-checkers when you need them?" He goes on to say that my story is "littered with basic factual errors" and concludes: "It's really not that hard to get this stuff right. . . so it really frustrates me when professional journalists can't seem to do it."</p>
<p>When you insert those kind of statements about a colleague into the public record they can do real harm, and so you'd better know what you're talking about.</p>
<p>Does Mr. Adomanis present any kind of case that might justify those assertions?</p>
<p>No. His critique consists of a few quibbles that might make for an interesting coffee break dispute among demographers, but in no way affect the basic facts that I reported.</p>
<p>I interviewed several scientists in the course of researching that story. Bad journalism, which is what Mr. Adomanis seems to be accusing me of, would consist of misrepresenting, misunderstanding, cherry-picking or otherwise distorting what the sources told me. And they told me the following key facts about Russia's demographic crisis:</p>
<p>1) Russia's birthrates are too low to sustain the population, and vigorous social measures implemented under Vladimir Putin have not been sufficient to fix that problem.</p>
<p>2) Russia's mortality rates, particularly among working-age males, are disastrously high. Much of this is down to catastrophic post-Soviet rates of alcoholism. As Yury Krupnov, a leading Russian demographer, told me: "Here in Russia we have a European birth rate, but an African death rate."</p>
<p>3) Internal exodus is hollowing out Siberia and Russia's far eastern regions, leaving vast swathes of strategically vital territory virtually uninhabited.</p>
<p>From these facts, I drew the journalistic conclusion that Putin's efforts to restore Russia's superpower status, and particularly the dream of an eastern-oriented "Eurasian Union," face severe long-term physical challenges that may make them unrealizable.</p>
<p>In a story like this it is important to check the wider literature, to make sure your sources aren't oddballs of some kind. I consulted the most comprehensive study ever done on Russia's demographic crisis, the massive 2009 UNDP-sponsored report <a href="http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/europethecis/russia/NHDR_Russia_2008_Eng.pdf" type="external">entitled "Russia Facing Demographic Challenges"</a> that was prepared by an all-Russian team of scientists, and covers virtually every aspect of the problem.</p>
<p>I also had a look at an almost equally weighty, but more recent (2011) study prepared by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development, entitled "The Waning World Power" - <a href="http://www.berlin-institut.org/selected-studies/the-waning-world-power.html" type="external">here's an English-language version</a>.</p>
<p>Over the years I have written on Russia's demographic crisis several times, and in the past I've been deeply indebted to the work of Murray Feshbach - whom I've had the pleasure of knowing personally - one of the leading demographers in the US, who has spent decades studying Russia's population decline. Some of his more recent articles can be found <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/03/AR2008100301976.html" type="external">here</a> and <a href="http://www.rferl.org/content/Russia_Is_Dying_To_Learn_Its_Census_Data/1869329.html" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>To put it bluntly, the entire scientific literature on this subject agrees that the three points I outline above are factually accurate. Of course demography is a tricky science, and future projections may vary between more optimistic and more pessimistic ones. But they invariably predict radical, long-term depopulation for Russia. Indeed, the only person I've ever encountered who appears to argue otherwise is Mr. Adomanis.</p>
<p>On his specific points of criticism:</p>
<p>First, he accuses me of misstating the fertility rate of Russian women, which I said stood at 1.4 babies-per-woman in 2010. I got that figure from the US Census Bureau's international data base, which <a href="http://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/country.php" type="external">can be accessed here</a>. Mr. Adomanis' second complaint is that I employed data from the US Census Bureau, rather than Russia's official statistical service Rosstat.</p>
<p>Well, I did that because one of the experts I interviewed said she was dubious about Rosstat's figures, which are somewhat more rosy than those employed by the global community, and pointed to the long-standing tendency of Russian state statisticians to tweak their data to please politicians. If Rosstat's figures were wildly different from those that are generally accepted, I would have had a duty to my readers to at least mention that. But, the thing is, they're not.</p>
<p>Rosstat puts Russia's fertility rate at just over 1.5 babies-per-woman, which may be a difference that demographers can get excited about, but it is not one that changes the basic outlook in any way: the level at which populations become sustainable, according to all sources, is 2.1 babies-per-woman.</p>
<p>Next, Mr. Adomanis takes me to task for saying that Russia's death rate "has stabilized" in recent years rather than saying it's shown improvement. Actually, the passage in my story reads: "And there have been some successes in the past few years. Death rates have stabilized, birth rates rose markedly over the past decade, and male life expectancy has jumped from a low of 58 years in 2003 to 63 today." Then follows a quote from demographer Anatoly Vishnevsky, who is one of the authors of the massive UNDP population report, who states flatly that the improvements are not enough to overcome the negative trends, and that the recent growth in birth rates are already flagging. On this point, it's not clear what Mr. Adomanis' argument is, except that he seems displeased with the conclusion that the population crisis remains with us.</p>
<p>[Editor's note: according to Rosstat data, the death rate trend has settled at 14.7 percent, which is the average for post-Soviet Russia. In other words, the rate has in fact "stabilized." See <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union?page=0,1" type="external">this posting for more information</a>.]</p>
<p>The other main point on which Mr. Adomanis takes issue is my citation of a 2009 report from the medical journal, The Lancet, which found alcohol abuse leads to 600,000 (mostly male) premature deaths in Russia each year. That study can be <a href="http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)61165-X/fulltext" type="external">found here</a>.</p>
<p>Mr. Adomanis slams the report in The Lancet (a highly respected medical journal) as outdated and based on bad methodology. The Lancet is hardly the only piece of evidence pointing to catastrophic rates of alcoholism in Russia, which continue to impact heavily on the country's population dynamics. But, again, virtually all experts say the same thing.</p>
<p>A couple of years ago I covered the <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2009/0916/russia-vows-to-take-on-vodka-consumption" type="external">campaign launched by President Dmitry Medvedev</a> aimed at countering Russia's tidal wave of alcohol abuse. I quoted President Medvedev as saying the problem is a "national disaster. . . The alcohol consumption we have is colossal. ... I have been astonished to find that we drink more now than we did in the 1990's, even though those were very tough times." And this is from a guy who definitely gets his data from Rosstat.</p>
<p>My personal, anecdotal observations jibe very closely with what the experts say. A couple of years ago I traveled out to several Volga towns (Myishkin, Ryabinsk, Yaroslavl) with a group of Russian doctors who were touring local orphanages. Everywhere we found the orphanages stuffed with children, the vast majority of whom were not technically orphans at all, but children who'd been abandoned by or taken away from incompetent parents. In Ryabinsk, a former closed military-industrial city, I was told the city had one orphanage in 1991; it has six now. Every doctor, child care worker and official that I talked with specifically identified rampant alcoholism as the prime cause, the scourge that is blighting their communities.</p>
<p>So, if Russia's mass alcoholism catastrophe is a thing of the past, as Mr. Adomanis appears to be alone in claiming, I'm going to take a good deal more convincing.</p>
<p>Given the consensus of expert opinion on these matters, I found myself wondering why Mr. Adomanis had singled me out for special attention. But now I see that he didn't.</p>
<p>A very similar blog post by him, also on the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/markadomanis/2011/10/31/a-reply-to-nicholas-eberstadts-the-dying-bear-russias-demographics-are-not-exceptional/" type="external">Forbes website here</a>, attacks a recent Foreign Affairs article by Nicholas Eberstadt, entitled "The Dying Bear," in rather similar terms. Mr. Eberstadt's piece, which is an exhaustive, scholarly review of the evidence, comes to extremely dire conclusions about Russia's demographic future. Mr. Adomanis' subsequent attack blog accuses Mr. Eberstadt of being "consistently hysterical" and littering his piece with "legerdemain."</p>
<p>Which leads to the question, who is Mark Adomanis, and why is he saying these things? His thumbnail bio suggests he is a student, who has "been lucky enough to be educated first at Harvard and then at Oxford." In which subjects, he doesn't say. Other blog postings of his suggest a strong interest in Russian politics, and the fact that he is an occasional contributor on the Kremlin-funded English-language satellite news station Russia Today, or RT as it prefers to be known. Beyond that, he doesn't provide enough information to answer the question.</p>
<p>In any case, we do have something in common after all. I have had a lifelong fascination with Russia - I've lived and worked as a journalist in Moscow for the past 25 years - and I happen to have been a fairly frequent guest commentator on RT.</p>
<p>I'm not going to question Mr. Adomanis' motives. However, I do have my doubts about his expertise. And on one matter I am certain: when he accuses me of bad journalism, he is wrong.</p>
<p>&#160;Editor's note: Read also <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/russia/111102/russia-population-superpower-health-soviet-union?page=0,1" type="external">GlobalPost's response</a> to Mr. Adomanis.&#160;</p>
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editors note article part ongoing series vladimir putin attempting remake russia160read previous articles eurasian union efforts regain moscows superpower status moscow russia vladimir putin spinning beguiling vision russias future could reshape global economic military realities imagines country core mighty eurasian union confederation former soviet states spanning two continents sea japan baltic suggest creating powerful supranational union capable becoming pole modern world time effective bridge europe dynamic asiapacific region putin wrote moscow daily izvestia earlier month putins dream hobbled one big inconvenient fact russias population shrinking dramatically putin advances eurasian union midcentury may enough workingaged adults man countrys factories defend borders decline pronounced areas constitute heartland future eurasian union siberia russian far east abut teeming economic powerhouses china south korea japan tough get shrinking population less reestablish global power especially sprawling neighborhood like russias former soviet union built cities planted industries along 2600mile border china used arbitrary powers authoritarian state ensure claims eternal suzerainty farflung territories anchored concentrations ethnicrussians since collapse ussr number russians inhabiting eastern lands plummeted almost 20 percent young bestqualified people headed moscow search economic opportunity exodus accelerating russia regain superpower status fighter jet key mother russia appears condition generate warm bodies even state able develop economic programs entice russians return siberia russian fertility rates falling decades stood 14 babies per woman 2010 far 21 needed naturally replenish population death rates particularly among males ages 25 45 spiked postsoviet period still remain considerably higher births result russias population simultaneously contracting aging thats doublewhammy holds dire implications putins hopes returning russia worlds center stage great power drowning vodka 1991 russias population nearly 150 million according us census bureaus international data base currently 139 million projections show plunging 128 million 2025 109 million 2050 russia european birth rate african death rate said yury krupnov director independent institute demography migration regional development moscow special feature russia superdeath rate working age males five times higher comparable rate europe crippling implications economic development astronomical mortality rate young russian men due postsoviet cocktail bad news deteriorating environmental conditions collapsing health care rising accidents due decayed infrastructure growing social violence another billionaire stands kremlin single biggest cause according 2009 article lancet respected medical journal postsoviet explosion alcoholism extreme even traditionally harddrinking russian standards alcohol abuse leads estimated 600000 premature deaths year warn even alarming consequences future population drowning vodka tendency continues russia die said svetlana bocherova chair good without borders moscowbased family advocacy group 2020s schools empty children next decade wont enough workers soldiers 2050 wont enough people call country cash moms hopes reversing trends putin introduced series measures first two terms president include huge cash bonuses typically 10000 enough buy small flat provincial russian town women two children generous resettlement programs ethnic russians choose repatriated former soviet republics baltics central asia putins successor dmitry medvedev launched tough antialcohol campaign reminiscent former soviet leader mikhail gorbachevs draconian attempts wean countrymen vodka bottle successes past years death rates stabilized birth rates rose markedly past decade male life expectancy jumped low 58 years 2003 63 today positive changes theyre enough overcome negative trends said anatoly vishnevsky demographer higher school economics moscow fact growth birth rates already falling need comprehensive solutions eurasian ambitions may putins idea eurasian union comes former soviet union drew heavily labor military reserves teeming mainlymuslim central asian republics high birth rates still driving rapid population growth even today construction unskilled work around prosperous moscow done migrant workers tajikistan povertystricken still largely russianspeaking former soviet republics analysts suggest formal confederation states russian hegemony would allow kremlin restore sovietera economic synergies including orderly transfers labor temporary basis populous central asian republics zones russian economic development might avoid painful political issue formulating immigration policy similar european union us large numbers outside workers come stay often place path citizenship strong social resistance russia allowing permanent immigrants asian countries said vishnevsky going problem 1 russian politics long time come putins scheme may offer solution growing problem depopulation russias vast asian lands analysts point efforts entice ethnic russians former soviet republics settle siberia russian far east achieved meager results course ethnic russian immigrants prefer come moscow opportunities go backward place middle siberia abandoned inhabitants said nikolai petrov regional expert carnegie center moscow long run russias demographic dilemma may force putin drop soviet revivalism slash government controls initiate genuine liberal market reforms said yevgeny gontmakher economist institute contemporary development moscow think tank linked medvedev dont require every square kilometer russia inhabited solid strategic reasons need russiachina border populated russians says russia wants part economically dynamic region way bite bullet open reform may possible reverse dismal demographic trends require fundamental changes way leaders think need create economic opportunities drop grand plans based state methods historic task facing nation isnt much time left come grips editors note article part putins progress ongoing series vladimir putin attempting remake russia read recent articles eurasian union efforts regain moscows superpower status editors note ii publication article forbes blogger took issue facts piece globalpost investigated allegations found without merit click read globalposts response forbes blogger click read fred weirs response160 160 globalposts europe editor writing responding posting forbes blogger marc adomanis alleged factual inaccuracies recent article fred weir titled russias shrinking population mars putins superpower ambitions neither adomanis forbes ever contacted us blog posted reddit prior us learning allegations looked every detail found allegations without merit stand fred weirs story160here details globalposts investigation adomanis takes issue weirs statement russian death rates stabilized recent years adomanis illustrates point chart appears show decline death rate thats adomanis starts 2003 year russia posted worst death rate since 1950 164 per 1000 like posting chart begins depths mortgage meltdown show great investment sampp 500 prior fall soviet union death rate never exceeded 116 averaged 93 average since 1991 147 according rostat data adomanis uses since 2004 death rate 16 per 1000 161 152 146 147 according rostat weir right adomanis wrong current death rate dropped postsoviet average words stabilized heres link rostat death rate data httpbitlyu2vqup heres chart shows russias death rate since 1950 blue line postsoviet average dashed vertical line adomanis chart begins160 adomanis says weir wrong stating russian fertility rates falling decades oddly prove point adomanis links chart illustrates clearly adominis wrong adomanis chart shows fertility rate 252 1960 199 1970 189 1980 189 1990 121 2000 154 2009 2009 number 13 2006 still clearly downward trend even occasional upticks including one last years another 1980s importanly russian fertility remained well 21 rate required replacement fertility drop even pronounced look previous decades nearly 7 1925 3 1950 see page 26 un report linked chart weir correct russias fertility declining decades record heres chart adomanis uses httpbitlysxgysz adomanis says weirs population figure russia wrong difference adomanis used russian governments numbers weir used us governments matters little whether russias population 142 million per rostat 139 million per us government difference 2 percent matters russias population shrunk shrinking expected continue currently shrinking rate 047 percent per year makes 222nd world terms population growth suggesting globalpost got facts wrong adomanis odds foreign affairs magazine russias demographic disaster well united nations 2008 dedicated report matter titled russia facing demographic challenges found httpbitlyuhyylq youre interested checking weirs numbers demographic projections page 25 adomanis doubts 600000 people die russia alcohol deaths weir claims weirs figure used two 2009 articles published prestigious journal lancet links articles httpbitlysanka4 httpbitlyvtnwsu adomanis bases assertion actual alcohol mortality data speculative extrapolation rostat data use lancets numbers stand facts well larger themes fred weirs article160 160 editors note globalpost investigated forbes bloggers assertions factual innacuracies detail found entirely without merit fred weirs response blogger moscow blogger named mark adomanis taken exception globalpost article russias demographic crisis implies work gives false view population dynamics country past several years blog posted prestigious forbescom site mr adomanis makes harsh allegations quality work mr adomanis blog subtitled factcheckers need goes say story littered basic factual errors concludes really hard get stuff right really frustrates professional journalists cant seem insert kind statements colleague public record real harm youd better know youre talking mr adomanis present kind case might justify assertions critique consists quibbles might make interesting coffee break dispute among demographers way affect basic facts reported interviewed several scientists course researching story bad journalism mr adomanis seems accusing would consist misrepresenting misunderstanding cherrypicking otherwise distorting sources told told following key facts russias demographic crisis 1 russias birthrates low sustain population vigorous social measures implemented vladimir putin sufficient fix problem 2 russias mortality rates particularly among workingage males disastrously high much catastrophic postsoviet rates alcoholism yury krupnov leading russian demographer told russia european birth rate african death rate 3 internal exodus hollowing siberia russias far eastern regions leaving vast swathes strategically vital territory virtually uninhabited facts drew journalistic conclusion putins efforts restore russias superpower status particularly dream easternoriented eurasian union face severe longterm physical challenges may make unrealizable story like important check wider literature make sure sources arent oddballs kind consulted comprehensive study ever done russias demographic crisis massive 2009 undpsponsored report entitled russia facing demographic challenges prepared allrussian team scientists covers virtually every aspect problem also look almost equally weighty recent 2011 study prepared berlin institute population development entitled waning world power heres englishlanguage version years written russias demographic crisis several times past ive deeply indebted work murray feshbach ive pleasure knowing personally one leading demographers us spent decades studying russias population decline recent articles found put bluntly entire scientific literature subject agrees three points outline factually accurate course demography tricky science future projections may vary optimistic pessimistic ones invariably predict radical longterm depopulation russia indeed person ive ever encountered appears argue otherwise mr adomanis specific points criticism first accuses misstating fertility rate russian women said stood 14 babiesperwoman 2010 got figure us census bureaus international data base accessed mr adomanis second complaint employed data us census bureau rather russias official statistical service rosstat well one experts interviewed said dubious rosstats figures somewhat rosy employed global community pointed longstanding tendency russian state statisticians tweak data please politicians rosstats figures wildly different generally accepted would duty readers least mention thing theyre rosstat puts russias fertility rate 15 babiesperwoman may difference demographers get excited one changes basic outlook way level populations become sustainable according sources 21 babiesperwoman next mr adomanis takes task saying russias death rate stabilized recent years rather saying shown improvement actually passage story reads successes past years death rates stabilized birth rates rose markedly past decade male life expectancy jumped low 58 years 2003 63 today follows quote demographer anatoly vishnevsky one authors massive undp population report states flatly improvements enough overcome negative trends recent growth birth rates already flagging point clear mr adomanis argument except seems displeased conclusion population crisis remains us editors note according rosstat data death rate trend settled 147 percent average postsoviet russia words rate fact stabilized see posting information main point mr adomanis takes issue citation 2009 report medical journal lancet found alcohol abuse leads 600000 mostly male premature deaths russia year study found mr adomanis slams report lancet highly respected medical journal outdated based bad methodology lancet hardly piece evidence pointing catastrophic rates alcoholism russia continue impact heavily countrys population dynamics virtually experts say thing couple years ago covered campaign launched president dmitry medvedev aimed countering russias tidal wave alcohol abuse quoted president medvedev saying problem national disaster alcohol consumption colossal astonished find drink 1990s even though tough times guy definitely gets data rosstat personal anecdotal observations jibe closely experts say couple years ago traveled several volga towns myishkin ryabinsk yaroslavl group russian doctors touring local orphanages everywhere found orphanages stuffed children vast majority technically orphans children whod abandoned taken away incompetent parents ryabinsk former closed militaryindustrial city told city one orphanage 1991 six every doctor child care worker official talked specifically identified rampant alcoholism prime cause scourge blighting communities russias mass alcoholism catastrophe thing past mr adomanis appears alone claiming im going take good deal convincing given consensus expert opinion matters found wondering mr adomanis singled special attention see didnt similar blog post also forbes website attacks recent foreign affairs article nicholas eberstadt entitled dying bear rather similar terms mr eberstadts piece exhaustive scholarly review evidence comes extremely dire conclusions russias demographic future mr adomanis subsequent attack blog accuses mr eberstadt consistently hysterical littering piece legerdemain leads question mark adomanis saying things thumbnail bio suggests student lucky enough educated first harvard oxford subjects doesnt say blog postings suggest strong interest russian politics fact occasional contributor kremlinfunded englishlanguage satellite news station russia today rt prefers known beyond doesnt provide enough information answer question case something common lifelong fascination russia ive lived worked journalist moscow past 25 years happen fairly frequent guest commentator rt im going question mr adomanis motives however doubts expertise one matter certain accuses bad journalism wrong 160editors note read also globalposts response mr adomanis160
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<p>As the saying goes, in Japan you are born Shinto, married Christian, and die Buddhist. Even though only a tiny fraction of Japan is Christian, a majority of couples have Western-style "white weddings."? To meet the rising demand for ministers, wedding companies have lowered the bar and are now hiring any white person to officiate.</p>
<p>The "white wedding"? in Japan copies an archetypal Western ceremony. There are all the traditional elements: live music, an expensive white dress, and a giant cross hanging in the background. The couple swaps rings, cuts a cake at the reception, and at the end, the bride throws a bouquet to the next lucky girl. But perhaps the most essential part of the event is a minister who looks the part. In other words, a white person.</p>
<p>At this hotel near the central train station in Nagasaki, wedding planners are putting on a typical ceremony. A string quartet and organ play Pachabel's Cannon in D to open the service and then minister Wayne Hamilton takes over.</p>
<p>From behind the podium, Hamilton reads in both Japanese and English, delivering all of the traditional lines: A speech about the rings and their significance, the "do you take this man, do you take this women"? bit, and of course the climactic,"you may now kiss the bride."?</p>
<p>At the end the choir sings a weddingifed version of "All You Need is Love,"? and the crowd showers the newlyweds with rose petals supplied by the highly organized hotel staff.</p>
<p>But in this case, the couple has not really been married. This is only a mock ceremony. The hotel is photographing it to advertise its wedding services. That explains why the groom only gave his would-be, model-of-a-bride a little peck on the cheek instead of a full-on kiss.</p>
<p>It also explains why the groom is a young, photogenic white guy with perfect teeth and curly brown hair. Wedding services often use white grooms in their advertising material. It's a common scheme to sell the "white wedding"? fantasy to Japanese women.</p>
<p>For the most part Japanese couples get married in either lavish hotel lobbies like this or in one of the many ornate chapels built to accommodate the booming wedding business.</p>
<p>You see the advertisements for wedding services all over Japan'the movie-set chapels, churches like Disneyland castles, and happy brides in bright white wedding dresses. Nils Olsen, a Christian missionary from Washington state, says that "basically, the Japanese social concept of a wedding is that it's fashionable."? He would know. Olsen has been putting on weddings in Japan for 20 years.</p>
<p>Olsen is one of the few ministers in Japan that's actually ordained. He says that when he started there were far less "fake ministers,"? and that the money was better than it is now. Way better. He used to make almost $400 per wedding ceremony. Since wedding providers started hiring any white person to do his job, Olsen's pay has been cut in half.</p>
<p>Unlike most white guys doing the wedding gig, Olsen is in it for more than just the money. He spends a few hours with each couple, introducing them to Christianity and rehearsing the ceremony. Most couples, he says, have no clue about the religion. They don't know basics like the meaning of the cross or narrative of Jesus. He shows them a video explaining the religious themes of the wedding and gives them a translated Giddeon's bible.</p>
<p>Most stand-in ministers put in far less time then Olsen. Many aren't even religious at all. Several that I met are actually too embarrassed about their profession to speak with me. The one who will talk doesn't want to use his real name because he is afraid he is doing something illegal by ministering weddings.</p>
<p>"Tom,"? as I call him, is an American student in Japan who does weddings for the same reason he teaches English. Money. He says, "I'm not ordained, I'm not religious, I don't understand anything that I'm reading in the actual ceremony."?</p>
<p>As long as his visa allows him to work, "Tom's"? wedding gig is totally legit. Marriage ceremonies in Japan are completely separate from the legal stuff at City Hall.</p>
<p>Anyone can officiate because the whole thing is just for show. "Tom"? says he feels ridiculous when he administers weddings, and that the only reason they hired him was because of his race: "I'm white, I'm young, and that's it. That's the only thing that they care about. I'm a photo model is what I feel like. I'm a photo priest."?</p>
<p>An English friend got him the job. He gave Tom the priest outfit, complete with rosary and cross, along with a binder full of notes. For the first few weddings, Tom was really nervous. He was worried that he was pronouncing everything correctly, and that his English sounded "English enough."?</p>
<p>But "Tom"? soon realized everyone was nervous and confused. He says there are only a few things you can't mess up.</p>
<p>You need to pronounce the couples names right, the couple needs to get the right rings on the right fingers, and at the end they need to kiss at the right moment. And, hopefully, on the lips.</p>
<p>The only instruction the wedding organizers gave him was to smile more, clap louder, and make sure to pronounce the word "kiss"? with a really strong Japanese accent. So now he says "you may kissu the bride."? It helps avoid confusion.</p>
<p>After every ceremony, Tom strips down to his t-shirt and jeans and sneaks out of the ornate chapel through a back door. On the way out, someone hands him an envelope with about $200 in yen. When I tell him that real ministers used to make twice that, his eyes widen.</p>
<p>That would have been great, he says. It's really expensive to live here.</p>
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saying goes japan born shinto married christian die buddhist even though tiny fraction japan christian majority couples westernstyle white weddings meet rising demand ministers wedding companies lowered bar hiring white person officiate white wedding japan copies archetypal western ceremony traditional elements live music expensive white dress giant cross hanging background couple swaps rings cuts cake reception end bride throws bouquet next lucky girl perhaps essential part event minister looks part words white person hotel near central train station nagasaki wedding planners putting typical ceremony string quartet organ play pachabels cannon open service minister wayne hamilton takes behind podium hamilton reads japanese english delivering traditional lines speech rings significance take man take women bit course climacticyou may kiss bride end choir sings weddingifed version need love crowd showers newlyweds rose petals supplied highly organized hotel staff case couple really married mock ceremony hotel photographing advertise wedding services explains groom gave wouldbe modelofabride little peck cheek instead fullon kiss also explains groom young photogenic white guy perfect teeth curly brown hair wedding services often use white grooms advertising material common scheme sell white wedding fantasy japanese women part japanese couples get married either lavish hotel lobbies like one many ornate chapels built accommodate booming wedding business see advertisements wedding services japanthe movieset chapels churches like disneyland castles happy brides bright white wedding dresses nils olsen christian missionary washington state says basically japanese social concept wedding fashionable would know olsen putting weddings japan 20 years olsen one ministers japan thats actually ordained says started far less fake ministers money better way better used make almost 400 per wedding ceremony since wedding providers started hiring white person job olsens pay cut half unlike white guys wedding gig olsen money spends hours couple introducing christianity rehearsing ceremony couples says clue religion dont know basics like meaning cross narrative jesus shows video explaining religious themes wedding gives translated giddeons bible standin ministers put far less time olsen many arent even religious several met actually embarrassed profession speak one talk doesnt want use real name afraid something illegal ministering weddings tom call american student japan weddings reason teaches english money says im ordained im religious dont understand anything im reading actual ceremony long visa allows work toms wedding gig totally legit marriage ceremonies japan completely separate legal stuff city hall anyone officiate whole thing show tom says feels ridiculous administers weddings reason hired race im white im young thats thats thing care im photo model feel like im photo priest english friend got job gave tom priest outfit complete rosary cross along binder full notes first weddings tom really nervous worried pronouncing everything correctly english sounded english enough tom soon realized everyone nervous confused says things cant mess need pronounce couples names right couple needs get right rings right fingers end need kiss right moment hopefully lips instruction wedding organizers gave smile clap louder make sure pronounce word kiss really strong japanese accent says may kissu bride helps avoid confusion every ceremony tom strips tshirt jeans sneaks ornate chapel back door way someone hands envelope 200 yen tell real ministers used make twice eyes widen would great says really expensive live
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<p>For survivors of the world's first nuclear attack, the day America unleashed a terrible bomb over the city of Hiroshima remains seared forever in their minds.</p>
<p>Though their numbers are dwindling and the advancing years are taking a toll, their haunting memories are undimmed by the passage of more than seven decades.</p>
<p>On the occasion of Barack Obama's offering of a floral tribute on Friday at the cenotaph in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park — the first ever visit by a sitting US president — some of them share their stories with AFP.</p>
<p>Emiko Okada, now 79, was about 1.7 miles from ground zero and suffered severe injuries in the blast. Her sister was killed.</p>
<p>"All of a sudden a flash of light brightened the sky and I was slammed to the ground. I didn't know what on earth had happened. There were fires everywhere. We rushed away as the blaze roared toward us.</p>
<p>"The people I saw looked nothing like human beings. Their skin and flesh hung loose. Some children's eyeballs were popping out of their sockets.</p>
<p>"I still hate to see the glow of the setting sun. It reminds me of that day and brings pain to my heart.</p>
<p>"In the aftermath, many children who had evacuated during the war came back here, orphaned by the bomb. Many gangsters came to Hiroshima from around the country and gave them food and guns.</p>
<p>"President Obama is a person who can influence the world. I hope that this year will be the beginning of knowing what actually happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki under the mushroom clouds."</p>
<p />
<p>An atomic cloud billows, following the explosion of the first atomic bomb to be used in warfare in Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945.&#160;</p>
<p>U.S. Army/Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum/Reuters&#160;</p>
<p>Keiko Ogura, now 78, has devoted her life to keeping alive the memory of the devastating day.</p>
<p>"Shortly after (the bomb exploded) it rained. It was a sticky black rain and made my clothes wet.</p>
<p>"I saw a line of seriously burnt people, like silent ghosts.</p>
<p>"Suddenly, a girl grabbed my leg and said in a weak voice: 'Give me water.' Others also said: 'Water. Water.'</p>
<p>"I brought water to them, but some died right after they drank it. I regretted giving it to them.</p>
<p>"I saw smoke from a nearby park where bodies were being cremated. Sometimes I could smell the bodies burning.</p>
<p>"We faced the horror (of nuclear weapons). I tell everybody that it was hell. But they don't understand.</p>
<p>"There is no peace in Hiroshima. There is horror here."</p>
<p>Park Nam-Joo, now 83, is an ethnic Korean, who has suffered from breast and skin cancer because of the radiation she was exposed to that day.</p>
<p>An estimated 20,000 Koreans were among the dead in Hiroshima. Many had been taken to Japan as forced labourers during its 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula:</p>
<p>"Everything was broken to pieces. Everywhere was rubble. It's beyond description. It was inhumane.</p>
<p>"Hiroshima was a sea of fire. People bled from everywhere on their bodies: 'I'm burning. I'm burning. Please help,' they cried.</p>
<p>"The wounds of the living were infested with maggots. There was no medicine for it.</p>
<p>"People say human life is to be revered but the lives of those who died in the atomic bombing were just like those of insects.</p>
<p>"I still shed tears when I recall the scene. Many people don't want to remember that.</p>
<p>"I want people to know that not only Japanese but Korean, Chinese and others also suffered in the atomic bombing.</p>
<p>"I'm Catholic. Wearing a rosary and with a statue of the Virgin Mary next to me, I pray at night for a peaceful passage to heaven."</p>
<p />
<p>Destroyed houses and buildings are seen after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945.</p>
<p>Shigeo Hayashi/Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum/Reuters</p>
<p>Misako Katani, now 86, is one of the rare survivors of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.</p>
<p>When her mother and sister were killed in the Hiroshima bomb she took their ashes to the ancestral graveyard in Nagasaki —&#160;only to be caught up in the second atomic blast.</p>
<p>"My father told me 'Your mom and Tamie (Katani's sister) should be there.' So I removed the rubble and found my mother's ashen bones.</p>
<p>"I put them into a box. And then I found bones which were too fragile to pick up. My father said: 'Those are Tamie's.' I guess my mother tried to escape while holding my sister. And then the house collapsed on them and they burned to death.</p>
<p>"I still vividly remember the scene. It's unforgettable. I almost cry when I revisit the past.</p>
<p>"I suffered from a lot of lung afflictions such as pneumonia. Whenever I sit at our family Buddhist altar, I tell my late mother, 'Hi mom, please take me to your place.' but she never does.</p>
<p>"The color of my memories is grey.</p>
<p>"I don't dislike America although I hated it in the past. I want to meet (President Obama) and tell him, 'Please do not wage war anymore'."</p>
<p>Survivor Shigeaki Mori, 77, smiling at his home in a suburb in Hiroshima November 30, 2014. Mori was eight&#160;when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, incinerating the city. He continues&#160;to suffer health problems caused by exposure to radiation to this day.</p>
<p>Thin Lei Win/Reuters</p>
<p>Shigeaki Mori, now 79, is known for his study of the fate of US prisoners of war who were in Hiroshima. He now researches the fate of Australian POWs in Nagasaki.</p>
<p>"I was blown into a river while walking on a bridge. I was under the mushroom cloud. I decided to stay in the river for a while.</p>
<p>"I crawled up out of the water and saw a woman tottering toward me. Blood was everywhere on her body, and internal organs hung from her abdomen. While holding them, she asked me where she could find a hospital. Crying, I ran away, leaving her alone.</p>
<p>"People who were still alive were collapsed all around me. I escaped by stamping on their faces and heads. I heard screams from a broken down house. But I ran away as I was still a child with no power to help."</p>
<p>Sunao Tsuboi, now 91, is co-chairperson of the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations. He suffered serious burns and developed cancer and other diseases, but remains active in his lifelong campaign for a nuclear free world.</p>
<p>"I suffered burns all over my body. I had a terrible experience. Naked, I tried to run away for about three hours on August 6 but finally could no longer walk. I then wrote on the ground (with a small rock), 'Tsuboi dies here.'</p>
<p>"I lost consciousness several times and eventually came to on September 25.</p>
<p>"I can tolerate hardships for the sake of human happiness. I may die tomorrow but I'm optimistic. I will never give up. We want zero nuclear weapons.</p>
<p>"An apology doesn't matter. I just want (President Obama) to come and visit Hiroshima and see real things and listen to the voice of survivors."</p>
<p>This is part of a multimedia series on Hiroshima survivors that AFP is running ahead of US President Barack Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima.&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>Doves fly over the Peace Memorial Park with a view of the gutted A-bomb dome at a ceremony in Hiroshima, Japan August 6, 2010.&#160;</p>
<p>Kyodo/Reuters</p>
<p>si/kgo/hg/tm</p>
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survivors worlds first nuclear attack day america unleashed terrible bomb city hiroshima remains seared forever minds though numbers dwindling advancing years taking toll haunting memories undimmed passage seven decades occasion barack obamas offering floral tribute friday cenotaph hiroshima peace memorial park first ever visit sitting us president share stories afp emiko okada 79 17 miles ground zero suffered severe injuries blast sister killed sudden flash light brightened sky slammed ground didnt know earth happened fires everywhere rushed away blaze roared toward us people saw looked nothing like human beings skin flesh hung loose childrens eyeballs popping sockets still hate see glow setting sun reminds day brings pain heart aftermath many children evacuated war came back orphaned bomb many gangsters came hiroshima around country gave food guns president obama person influence world hope year beginning knowing actually happened hiroshima nagasaki mushroom clouds atomic cloud billows following explosion first atomic bomb used warfare hiroshima japan august 6 1945160 us armyhiroshima peace memorial museumreuters160 keiko ogura 78 devoted life keeping alive memory devastating day shortly bomb exploded rained sticky black rain made clothes wet saw line seriously burnt people like silent ghosts suddenly girl grabbed leg said weak voice give water others also said water water brought water died right drank regretted giving saw smoke nearby park bodies cremated sometimes could smell bodies burning faced horror nuclear weapons tell everybody hell dont understand peace hiroshima horror park namjoo 83 ethnic korean suffered breast skin cancer radiation exposed day estimated 20000 koreans among dead hiroshima many taken japan forced labourers 19101945 colonial rule korean peninsula everything broken pieces everywhere rubble beyond description inhumane hiroshima sea fire people bled everywhere bodies im burning im burning please help cried wounds living infested maggots medicine people say human life revered lives died atomic bombing like insects still shed tears recall scene many people dont want remember want people know japanese korean chinese others also suffered atomic bombing im catholic wearing rosary statue virgin mary next pray night peaceful passage heaven destroyed houses buildings seen atomic bombing hiroshima japan august 6 1945 shigeo hayashihiroshima peace memorial museumreuters misako katani 86 one rare survivors hiroshima nagasaki mother sister killed hiroshima bomb took ashes ancestral graveyard nagasaki 160only caught second atomic blast father told mom tamie katanis sister removed rubble found mothers ashen bones put box found bones fragile pick father said tamies guess mother tried escape holding sister house collapsed burned death still vividly remember scene unforgettable almost cry revisit past suffered lot lung afflictions pneumonia whenever sit family buddhist altar tell late mother hi mom please take place never color memories grey dont dislike america although hated past want meet president obama tell please wage war anymore survivor shigeaki mori 77 smiling home suburb hiroshima november 30 2014 mori eight160when united states dropped atomic bomb hiroshima incinerating city continues160to suffer health problems caused exposure radiation day thin lei winreuters shigeaki mori 79 known study fate us prisoners war hiroshima researches fate australian pows nagasaki blown river walking bridge mushroom cloud decided stay river crawled water saw woman tottering toward blood everywhere body internal organs hung abdomen holding asked could find hospital crying ran away leaving alone people still alive collapsed around escaped stamping faces heads heard screams broken house ran away still child power help sunao tsuboi 91 cochairperson japan confederation hbomb sufferers organizations suffered serious burns developed cancer diseases remains active lifelong campaign nuclear free world suffered burns body terrible experience naked tried run away three hours august 6 finally could longer walk wrote ground small rock tsuboi dies lost consciousness several times eventually came september 25 tolerate hardships sake human happiness may die tomorrow im optimistic never give want zero nuclear weapons apology doesnt matter want president obama come visit hiroshima see real things listen voice survivors part multimedia series hiroshima survivors afp running ahead us president barack obamas historic visit hiroshima160 doves fly peace memorial park view gutted abomb dome ceremony hiroshima japan august 6 2010160 kyodoreuters sikgohgtm
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<p>SEPT. 14, 2010</p>
<p>By KATY GRIMES</p>
<p>A ballot initiative designed to make it easier for the Legislature to pass the annual budget has supporters and opponents up debating the actual intent of the initiative, as well as the ballot measure language.</p>
<p>What both sides can agree upon is that Proposition 25 would lower the legislative vote threshold to a majority vote from two-thirds, so that lawmakers could pass state budgets.</p>
<p>The non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/25_11_2010.pdf" type="external">analysis</a> and <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_source/BalDetails.aspx?id=871" type="external">summary</a> for a Yes/No vote reads:</p>
<p>An popular provision in the proposition would prevent legislators from being paid if they fail to deliver a budget to the governor later than June 15. But according to Beth Miller, the NO on Prop 25 spokeswoman, the pay forfeiture issue within the initiative is designed to trick voters into passing the proposition, based on emotional issues. “Voters are very angry with legislators, and would like to see legislators pay for late budgets with their salaries,” said Miller.</p>
<p>“Proposition 25 was brought to us by the same politicians who created this budget mess in Sacramento,” said Miller. “They want to lure voters into the measure, that in no way guarantees that lawmakers would not receive their pay and perks.”</p>
<p>“With a simple majority vote, it should come as no surprise that this measure makes it easier for the state Legislature to raise taxes on Californians,” said Miller.</p>
<p>“However, a more disturbing element of the initiative would prevent voters from initiating future budget and spending ballot referendums, defying Article II of the constitution,” said Miller.&#160;(Article II of the California Constitution reads, “All political power is inherent in the people…” and “…the people reserve to themselves the powers of initiative and referendum.”)</p>
<p>“The Legislature does not have to pass a legitimate budget, just that they get a budget – even a budget full of garbage — to the governor by June 15 every year,” said Miller.</p>
<p>Supporters of the proposition say that the change would more quickly facilitate the California budget process, and could prevent state workers and vendors from being furloughed or forced to go unpaid.</p>
<p><a href="http://cavotes.org/vote/election/2010/november/2/ballot-measure/changes-legislative-vote-requirement-pass-budget" type="external">The League of Women Voters</a> supports the measure and lists on the League Web site that the reason to support the measure is the habitually late budgets.</p>
<p>The league did not return phone calls by press time, but according to the League <a href="http://cavotes.org/vote/election/2010/november/2/ballot-measure/changes-legislative-vote-requirement-pass-budget" type="external">Web site</a>, “One of the consequences of the two-thirds vote requirement can be seen in our state’s budget history. Over the past 30 years, the Legislature has passed a budget bill by the June 15th deadline only five times.”</p>
<p>The league listed a few of the most egregiously late budgets on the Web site including, the 2008-2009 budget not signed until Sept. 23, 2008, the second latest budget was 2002-2003, and was not signed until Sept. 5, 2002, and the third latest budget was in 1992-1993, was not signed until Sept. 2, 1992.</p>
<p>A coalition of taxpayers and employers called <a href="http://www.no25yes26.com/" type="external">Stop Hidden Taxes is opposing Prop. 25.</a> It is sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce and California Taxpayers’ Association.</p>
<p>“Other states have passed budgets within the time frame allotted,” David Kline, communications director for the NO on Proposition 25 campaign, and vice president of communications at the <a href="http://www.caltax.org/" type="external">California Taxpayer’s Association</a>. Kline said that California used to impose a two-thirds vote only if there was a 5 percent tax increase proposed within a budget, and a simple majority vote if less than a 5 percent tax increase was proposed in the budget.</p>
<p>“Until recently, the California Legislature and governor passed the budget – for many years,” said Kline.</p>
<p>Both Miller and Kline said that in 2009, the Legislature passed a majority vote budget anyway, and sent it to the governor, even though it was not legal. “They constantly see just how far they can push the current rules,” said Kline, “and have a tendency to push everything.”</p>
<p>“Both the supporters and contributors of Prop 25 seem to want a majority vote on tax increases,” added Kline.</p>
<p>It is not completely clear whether the initiative would allow the Legislature to increase taxes with a simple majority vote.</p>
<p>Kline addressed the ballot language lawsuit and said that the <a href="http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i854_initiative_09-0057.pdf" type="external">Proposition 25</a> language is a challenge to understand. “Yet, the ballot initiative would amend the California Constitution. Voters should never doubt what they are about to vote on – language should speak for itself, but does not,” said Kline. “Ballot language has become so difficult to understand.”</p>
<p>The title and summary of <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/25_11_2010.aspx" type="external">Proposition 25</a>,&#160;prepared by Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office, was challenged in court by opponents to remove a “misleading” sentence from the title, because it said that it would not affect the supermajority vote for a tax hike. A Sacramento Superior Court judge had ruled that the attorney general’s title and summary and ballot label for Prop. 25 was “false and misleading” and ordered it to be removed.&#160;But an appeals court recently overturned the Superior Court ruling allowing the ballot language to remain.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/25_11_2010.pdf" type="external">analysis</a> by the LAO does not appear to clear up the language confusion. The LAO states, “Proposition 25’s provisions do not specifically address the legislative vote requirement for increasing state tax revenues, but the measure states that its intent is not to change the existing two-thirds vote requirement regarding state taxes.”</p>
<p>The LAO explained in the <a href="http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2010/25_11_2010.pdf" type="external">analysis</a> “Since 1980, the Legislature has met its June 15 constitutional deadline&#160;for sending a budget to the governor five times. During that same period, a final&#160;budget — passed by the Legislature and approved by the governor — was in place prior&#160;to the July 1 start of the fiscal year on 10 occasions, including three times since 2000.”</p>
<p>Other Prop. 25 supporters include: the California Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, the California School Employees Association, the California Teachers Association, the California Faculty Association, the California Nurses Association and the California Professional Firefighters.</p>
<p>The YES on Proposition 25 campaign spokesman did not return calls by press time. CalWatchdog will continue with updates on this proposition.</p>
| false | 3 |
sept 14 2010 katy grimes ballot initiative designed make easier legislature pass annual budget supporters opponents debating actual intent initiative well ballot measure language sides agree upon proposition 25 would lower legislative vote threshold majority vote twothirds lawmakers could pass state budgets nonpartisan legislative analysts office analysis summary yesno vote reads popular provision proposition would prevent legislators paid fail deliver budget governor later june 15 according beth miller prop 25 spokeswoman pay forfeiture issue within initiative designed trick voters passing proposition based emotional issues voters angry legislators would like see legislators pay late budgets salaries said miller proposition 25 brought us politicians created budget mess sacramento said miller want lure voters measure way guarantees lawmakers would receive pay perks simple majority vote come surprise measure makes easier state legislature raise taxes californians said miller however disturbing element initiative would prevent voters initiating future budget spending ballot referendums defying article ii constitution said miller160article ii california constitution reads political power inherent people people reserve powers initiative referendum legislature pass legitimate budget get budget even budget full garbage governor june 15 every year said miller supporters proposition say change would quickly facilitate california budget process could prevent state workers vendors furloughed forced go unpaid league women voters supports measure lists league web site reason support measure habitually late budgets league return phone calls press time according league web site one consequences twothirds vote requirement seen states budget history past 30 years legislature passed budget bill june 15th deadline five times league listed egregiously late budgets web site including 20082009 budget signed sept 23 2008 second latest budget 20022003 signed sept 5 2002 third latest budget 19921993 signed sept 2 1992 coalition taxpayers employers called stop hidden taxes opposing prop 25 sponsored california chamber commerce california taxpayers association states passed budgets within time frame allotted david kline communications director proposition 25 campaign vice president communications california taxpayers association kline said california used impose twothirds vote 5 percent tax increase proposed within budget simple majority vote less 5 percent tax increase proposed budget recently california legislature governor passed budget many years said kline miller kline said 2009 legislature passed majority vote budget anyway sent governor even though legal constantly see far push current rules said kline tendency push everything supporters contributors prop 25 seem want majority vote tax increases added kline completely clear whether initiative would allow legislature increase taxes simple majority vote kline addressed ballot language lawsuit said proposition 25 language challenge understand yet ballot initiative would amend california constitution voters never doubt vote language speak said kline ballot language become difficult understand title summary proposition 25160prepared attorney general jerry browns office challenged court opponents remove misleading sentence title said would affect supermajority vote tax hike sacramento superior court judge ruled attorney generals title summary ballot label prop 25 false misleading ordered removed160but appeals court recently overturned superior court ruling allowing ballot language remain analysis lao appear clear language confusion lao states proposition 25s provisions specifically address legislative vote requirement increasing state tax revenues measure states intent change existing twothirds vote requirement regarding state taxes lao explained analysis since 1980 legislature met june 15 constitutional deadline160for sending budget governor five times period final160budget passed legislature approved governor place prior160to july 1 start fiscal year 10 occasions including three times since 2000 prop 25 supporters include california federation teachers american federation state county municipal employees american federation teachers aflcio california school employees association california teachers association california faculty association california nurses association california professional firefighters yes proposition 25 campaign spokesman return calls press time calwatchdog continue updates proposition
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<p>As a 6th-grader, “Juan” racked up 24 days of suspension for disruptive behavior and finally an expulsion from his Back of the Yards elementary school. Still, Assistant Principal Rhonda Hoskins, Seward Elementary’s disciplinarian, remembers him fondly. “He was a likable kid,” she says with a half-smile, both wry and wistful. “We all liked him.”</p>
<p>Sixth-grade teacher Robert Zarnowski admits he often needs a photo to jog his memory of a former student. “But Juan, he’s a standout. Juan was a good guy. If Juan walked down the street, I’d be the first one to greet him, and the last one to want to see him leave.”</p>
<p>Juan, not his real name, left Seward in May 1998 to face his year of expulsion. A year and a summer later, he resumed his troubled school career as an 8th-grader at nearby Lara Academy. That school year left him without an 8th-grade diploma, and Juan left school altogether.</p>
<p>Now 15, Juan often speaks of his past with surprising candor. Talking excitedly about life on the street, the brushes with danger, the easy money, his words tumble out, and an occasional grin crinkles up his round face. Considering his future, however, he grows somber. “I could have been the next biggest lawyer in the world, the biggest cop,” he reflects, “but now I’m going to be the biggest gang-banger that died in the world.”</p>
<p>Zarnowski considers 6th grade a fork in the road for many troubled kids, a last chance to get themselves on the right path. If only Juan had come to Seward sooner, or stayed with them longer, that might have made all the difference, he thinks.</p>
<p>A veteran teacher, he mourns for all the children who start school full of enthusiasm and gradually lose hope. “In this case, it breaks my heart.”</p>
<p>Juan doesn’t remember much about his early years of school, except for getting in trouble. “I would always go to detention, man,” he says with a short laugh. “Mostly everyday,” and mostly for fighting. “I was a bully.”</p>
<p>Recalling his early home life, he avoids specifics and talks philosophically about how too many children are exposed to “guns or drugs or somebody getting shot or somebody getting beat up.”</p>
<p>Scenes like this play through a little kid’s mind, he says. “He keeps seeing and seeing and seeing,” Juan explains, turning his head back and forth as if viewing a stream of images.</p>
<p>Juan moved to Chicago in 1989 at about the age of 4. His mother, “Maria,” says she wanted to escape a hard life in rural Texas where she had been born, the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She followed a girlfriend north, taking Juan, a younger daughter and a son of about 6. She left behind Juan’s father, also a Mexican immigrant, and two older sons.</p>
<p>Maria had dropped out of high school after giving birth to her second child. For a time, she worked cleaning houses but eventually went on disability. In Chicago, she moved from apartment to apartment. Juan would attend four elementary schools—one on the North Side and Hammond, Finkl and Spry on the near Southwest Side—before enrolling at Seward.</p>
<p>Juan’s kindergarten year went smoothly, Maria recalls. “I never had no complaints.” But from 1st grade on, he was in trouble—”for not listening, for not sitting down, for talking too much, having tantrums.”</p>
<p>A school counselor talked to him, she says. “But it didn’t do no good.”</p>
<p>Juan doesn’t remember any counseling. “Just detention.”</p>
<p>Outside of school, Juan was into more serious trouble. When he was 10 or 11, his mother recalls, some older boys “gave him the first pistol to hide. He was dumb enough to carry it,” and the police nabbed him.</p>
<p>By 5th grade, Juan was so frustrated with school work that he often wanted to hit somebody or yell out: “Leave me alone, I want to do it by myself, stop telling me how to do it!”</p>
<p>He discovered that marijuana soothed him and so began to smoke a joint on his way to school and hide it in his sneaker. “When I’m high, I don’t see the board, I don’t see the teacher,” he explains. “I just see myself, one table, and one pencil, right there with my paper and just doing the work.”</p>
<p>Judging by his math and reading scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, Juan fell behind early and never caught up. At the end of 3rd grade, he was about two years below level. During 4th grade, he made a two-year gain in reading and over a year in math. But in 5th grade, he showed almost no progress at all.</p>
<p>By the time he arrived at Seward, he was still two years behind in both subjects. But Zarnowski encouraged him, Juan says. “He would be like, ‘How you doing, Juan?’ with a big smile. ‘Yeah, Juan! You’ve got the next question.'”</p>
<p>Reading that question would be a struggle. “I would be mumbling through the words, and he would be like, ‘Come on, come on. A little louder now.’ So I would try. He would help me with the words. But it never worked.”</p>
<p>Praising Juan’s one academic strength, Zarnowski says, “He was verbal. He could discuss things.” Despite low skills, the teacher says Juan made an effort in class, although he never turned in homework. Zarnowski suspects Juan had limited support at home. “I think getting here was all on him.”</p>
<p>Even so, the boy maintained fairly good attendance, school records show. Juan was suspended that year for disruptive behavior outside his 6th grade classroom, but Zarnowski cannot recall a single incidence of misbehavior in class, until the day in mid-February when Juan brought a knife to school.</p>
<p>Once each semester, Seward conducted a security sweep with assistance from central office security personnel. Students in grades 6 to 9 would pass through a metal detector at the front door, and security would check each bag. Juan’s knife did not set off the detector. Security did not find anything in his book bag, Assistant Principal Hoskins later testified at his expulsion hearing.</p>
<p>Upstairs in his classroom, Juan could not resist the urge to boast.</p>
<p>“And of course it came to me, ‘Juan has got a knife,'” Zarnowski recalls sadly. “‘Juan do you have something?’ ‘Yeah, I’ve got a knife.'”</p>
<p>Following district policy, Seward filed a police report and notified the regional office, which would set the expulsion proceedings in motion.</p>
<p>The knife, Hoskins would later testify, had a three-inch blade that flipped out of a brown suede holder. “I don’t think he considered it a weapon, maybe,” she suggested at the mid-April expulsion hearing at Pershing Road.</p>
<p>Juan’s mother described it that day as a pocket knife on a key chain, a memento that his father (actually a stepfather) had given to him before recently leaving the family.</p>
<p>“It was kind of depressing,” Juan says of his stepfather’s departure. He carried the knife with him every day after that. He knew it was wrong to bring it to school, he confessed at the hearing.</p>
<p>Dr. William McMiller, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says he has seen many boys like Juan “who are just yearning for father figures.” If the knife represented his stepfather, McMiller explains, school rules were not going to keep him from carrying it.</p>
<p>Juan had the misfortune to appear before the School Board’s hearing officer in the early days of the district’s Zero Tolerance Policy against drug and weapon possession.</p>
<p>A 1996 state law made expulsion the standard penalty for carrying a weapon to school, with exceptions permitted. Expulsions in CPS soared from 80 in 1995-96 to 668 in 1997-98, the year Juan was expelled.</p>
<p>“Clearly a weapon and clearly a dangerous weapon,” the School Board attorney said in his closing statement, adding that the boy “needs to be dealt a lesson about the bad judgement he has displayed.”</p>
<p>A year later, a student with the same violation might have been referred to the School Board’s new SMART program (Saturday Morning Alternative Reach out and Teach). Students caught with small amounts of drugs or weapons other than firearms may be spared expulsion if they attend this eight-week program.</p>
<p>Juan’s disciplinary record also may have figured into the decision to expel him. He had been suspended a total of 14 days on top of the 10 he had earned for carrying the knife. His mother told the hearing officer that the other suspensions were for back-talk and cursing. Hoskins was not asked to confirm that account, and she has declined further comment.</p>
<p>The board attorney recommended a year of expulsion and alternative school placement. Juan’s mother readily agreed, insisting that alternative school was what she had wanted for him all along, anyway.</p>
<p>Juan didn’t protest either, according to the transcript. “I do want to go to alternative school,” he told the hearing officer. But today what he remembers saying is, “F—yous. I won’t go to school.”</p>
<p>In a letter dated May 28, 1998, the School Board formally expelled him for the entire 1998-99 school year.</p>
<p>Had he remained in school, his low ITBS scores would have landed him in summer school. He also would have been tested for special education placement, Zarnowski says.</p>
<p>Instead, Juan was referred to a “safe school” for expelled students, a program the board launched in 1996 in anticipation of its zero-tolerance crackdown.</p>
<p>Of the safe schools operating in 1998-99, four enrolled students Juan’s age, and all provided round-trip bus service. Juan’s mother doesn’t recall the name of his school, remembering only that the neighborhood seemed dangerous. “No way he was going to go there.”</p>
<p>The School Board does allow safe school students to switch campuses, according to the Office of Specialized Services. Legally, however, expelled students are not required to attend school, nor is the School Board obligated to educate them.</p>
<p>Fall came, and Juan stayed home. Judging from various accounts, his misbehavior quickly escalated. In 1998, he came under a parole officer’s purview. He acknowledges four felony convictions for what he and his mother describe as non-violent offenses such as drug and weapon possession.</p>
<p>Maria says she sent Juan’s older brother back to Texas after he joined a gang and nearly lost his life. Juan also joined a gang but declines to give specifics about when and how, saying only that he considers them “familia.”</p>
<p>“Once a Saint, always a Saint,” he declares. “Even though you’re retired, you got your kid and you moved away, you’re still a Saint, you still got your love. You come back to the hood. You still know how to shake up.” Juan demonstrates the gang shake with both hands, one turned upside down. “You be like, ‘What’s up doc?'”</p>
<p>In spring 1999, Juan’s family spent several months in a small town in California as Maria and her partner seem to have briefly reunited. Juan and his sister attended school there, the family says. With no gang bangers around, Maria recalls, Juan spent afternoons skating or at the movie theater.</p>
<p>That fall, they returned to Back of the Yards, and Juan enrolled at Lara Academy, a few blocks from Seward.</p>
<p>Records from Juan’s California school never appeared at Lara, so they placed him in 6th grade. In October, Lara promoted him to 8th grade due to his age, school records show, and referred him for after-school tutoring.</p>
<p>Juan’s probation officer approved of the switch. “It was good for his self esteem,” she says.</p>
<p>By Juan’s standardized test scores, he was now about four years below his assigned grade level in reading.</p>
<p>From November on, school staff wrote him up for a string of incidents, including failure to wear a school uniform, classroom disruptions, profanity towards teachers, and disrespect to staff. Mid-winter, he spent two weeks in juvenile detention for an outside incident.</p>
<p>Lara suspended him four times for a total of 21 days and repeatedly called Maria in for conferences. Maria says she rarely attended.</p>
<p>“Parents get burned out by their own kids,” notes UIC’s McMiller. “They get tired of being embarrassed, if they care. And if they don’t care, what’s the point [of a conference] anyway?”</p>
<p>Suspending a troubled student repeatedly also tends to backfire, he adds. “He doesn’t feel like he’s part of the classroom anymore. So he’s going to act up again.” McMiller recommends counseling instead.</p>
<p>Lara Principal Louise Eggert and two of Juan’s 8th-grade teachers declined requests for interviews.</p>
<p>Juan thinks teachers should work harder to see “what’s kicking” in a kid’s brain. “They ought to talk to him, ‘Is there anything wrong with you? Can I help you?’ Get to know a kid. Sometimes all they’re there for is to teach and leave.”</p>
<p>By the end of 8th grade, Juan again missed his test score cutoffs by a wide margin; he was still four years below in reading. He sat and watched Lara’s graduation ceremony “just to see how it looks,” but it left him near tears. “I wanted to cry so bad and grab one of them and … just slice somebody.”</p>
<p>He didn’t bother with summer school, and remembers hearing he was headed to a transitional school at 51st and Princeton, one of nine that CPS opened in 1997 for older students repeating 8th grade.</p>
<p>The school at that location, Olive Academic Preparatory Center, says that although Lara Academy does refer students to them, Juan never appeared on their list, and so they never went looking for him.</p>
<p>In any case, the school’s location in rival gang territory still would have kept him away. The would have been true for Kelly High School, he says, had he been promoted.</p>
<p>Juan’s probation officer doesn’t blame him; she works with many children in his neighborhood who avoid those schools because of gang harassment.</p>
<p>“As soon as they step out of the school, they can get killed, they can get beat up,” she explains.</p>
<p>Irene Dugan Institute, an alternative high school, opened in fall 1998 across from Seward largely to give kids in Juan’s neighborhood a safer option. She would love to send him there, but as with other alternative schools for dropouts, students must be at least 16, the age at which compulsory attendance ends.</p>
<p>“So what do I do with him?” she asks. “Just wait. That’s a shame, because he’s wasting his time. He’s not getting educated.”</p>
<p>Ask Juan where he sees himself in five years, and he replies “To tell you the truth, probably dead.” Marijuana helps him cope with that fear, he says. “It’s not right,” he acknowledges, “but for somebody like me, you could say it would be good to block it out. Hide the pain away.”</p>
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6thgrader juan racked 24 days suspension disruptive behavior finally expulsion back yards elementary school still assistant principal rhonda hoskins seward elementarys disciplinarian remembers fondly likable kid says halfsmile wry wistful liked sixthgrade teacher robert zarnowski admits often needs photo jog memory former student juan hes standout juan good guy juan walked street id first one greet last one want see leave juan real name left seward may 1998 face year expulsion year summer later resumed troubled school career 8thgrader nearby lara academy school year left without 8thgrade diploma juan left school altogether 15 juan often speaks past surprising candor talking excitedly life street brushes danger easy money words tumble occasional grin crinkles round face considering future however grows somber could next biggest lawyer world biggest cop reflects im going biggest gangbanger died world zarnowski considers 6th grade fork road many troubled kids last chance get right path juan come seward sooner stayed longer might made difference thinks veteran teacher mourns children start school full enthusiasm gradually lose hope case breaks heart juan doesnt remember much early years school except getting trouble would always go detention man says short laugh mostly everyday mostly fighting bully recalling early home life avoids specifics talks philosophically many children exposed guns drugs somebody getting shot somebody getting beat scenes like play little kids mind says keeps seeing seeing seeing juan explains turning head back forth viewing stream images juan moved chicago 1989 age 4 mother maria says wanted escape hard life rural texas born daughter mexican immigrants followed girlfriend north taking juan younger daughter son 6 left behind juans father also mexican immigrant two older sons maria dropped high school giving birth second child time worked cleaning houses eventually went disability chicago moved apartment apartment juan would attend four elementary schoolsone north side hammond finkl spry near southwest sidebefore enrolling seward juans kindergarten year went smoothly maria recalls never complaints 1st grade troublefor listening sitting talking much tantrums school counselor talked says didnt good juan doesnt remember counseling detention outside school juan serious trouble 10 11 mother recalls older boys gave first pistol hide dumb enough carry police nabbed 5th grade juan frustrated school work often wanted hit somebody yell leave alone want stop telling discovered marijuana soothed began smoke joint way school hide sneaker im high dont see board dont see teacher explains see one table one pencil right paper work judging math reading scores iowa tests basic skills juan fell behind early never caught end 3rd grade two years level 4th grade made twoyear gain reading year math 5th grade showed almost progress time arrived seward still two years behind subjects zarnowski encouraged juan says would like juan big smile yeah juan youve got next question reading question would struggle would mumbling words would like come come little louder would try would help words never worked praising juans one academic strength zarnowski says verbal could discuss things despite low skills teacher says juan made effort class although never turned homework zarnowski suspects juan limited support home think getting even boy maintained fairly good attendance school records show juan suspended year disruptive behavior outside 6th grade classroom zarnowski recall single incidence misbehavior class day midfebruary juan brought knife school semester seward conducted security sweep assistance central office security personnel students grades 6 9 would pass metal detector front door security would check bag juans knife set detector security find anything book bag assistant principal hoskins later testified expulsion hearing upstairs classroom juan could resist urge boast course came juan got knife zarnowski recalls sadly juan something yeah ive got knife following district policy seward filed police report notified regional office would set expulsion proceedings motion knife hoskins would later testify threeinch blade flipped brown suede holder dont think considered weapon maybe suggested midapril expulsion hearing pershing road juans mother described day pocket knife key chain memento father actually stepfather given recently leaving family kind depressing juan says stepfathers departure carried knife every day knew wrong bring school confessed hearing dr william mcmiller professor child adolescent psychiatry university illinois chicago says seen many boys like juan yearning father figures knife represented stepfather mcmiller explains school rules going keep carrying juan misfortune appear school boards hearing officer early days districts zero tolerance policy drug weapon possession 1996 state law made expulsion standard penalty carrying weapon school exceptions permitted expulsions cps soared 80 199596 668 199798 year juan expelled clearly weapon clearly dangerous weapon school board attorney said closing statement adding boy needs dealt lesson bad judgement displayed year later student violation might referred school boards new smart program saturday morning alternative reach teach students caught small amounts drugs weapons firearms may spared expulsion attend eightweek program juans disciplinary record also may figured decision expel suspended total 14 days top 10 earned carrying knife mother told hearing officer suspensions backtalk cursing hoskins asked confirm account declined comment board attorney recommended year expulsion alternative school placement juans mother readily agreed insisting alternative school wanted along anyway juan didnt protest either according transcript want go alternative school told hearing officer today remembers saying fyous wont go school letter dated may 28 1998 school board formally expelled entire 199899 school year remained school low itbs scores would landed summer school also would tested special education placement zarnowski says instead juan referred safe school expelled students program board launched 1996 anticipation zerotolerance crackdown safe schools operating 199899 four enrolled students juans age provided roundtrip bus service juans mother doesnt recall name school remembering neighborhood seemed dangerous way going go school board allow safe school students switch campuses according office specialized services legally however expelled students required attend school school board obligated educate fall came juan stayed home judging various accounts misbehavior quickly escalated 1998 came parole officers purview acknowledges four felony convictions mother describe nonviolent offenses drug weapon possession maria says sent juans older brother back texas joined gang nearly lost life juan also joined gang declines give specifics saying considers familia saint always saint declares even though youre retired got kid moved away youre still saint still got love come back hood still know shake juan demonstrates gang shake hands one turned upside like whats doc spring 1999 juans family spent several months small town california maria partner seem briefly reunited juan sister attended school family says gang bangers around maria recalls juan spent afternoons skating movie theater fall returned back yards juan enrolled lara academy blocks seward records juans california school never appeared lara placed 6th grade october lara promoted 8th grade due age school records show referred afterschool tutoring juans probation officer approved switch good self esteem says juans standardized test scores four years assigned grade level reading november school staff wrote string incidents including failure wear school uniform classroom disruptions profanity towards teachers disrespect staff midwinter spent two weeks juvenile detention outside incident lara suspended four times total 21 days repeatedly called maria conferences maria says rarely attended parents get burned kids notes uics mcmiller get tired embarrassed care dont care whats point conference anyway suspending troubled student repeatedly also tends backfire adds doesnt feel like hes part classroom anymore hes going act mcmiller recommends counseling instead lara principal louise eggert two juans 8thgrade teachers declined requests interviews juan thinks teachers work harder see whats kicking kids brain ought talk anything wrong help get know kid sometimes theyre teach leave end 8th grade juan missed test score cutoffs wide margin still four years reading sat watched laras graduation ceremony see looks left near tears wanted cry bad grab one slice somebody didnt bother summer school remembers hearing headed transitional school 51st princeton one nine cps opened 1997 older students repeating 8th grade school location olive academic preparatory center says although lara academy refer students juan never appeared list never went looking case schools location rival gang territory still would kept away would true kelly high school says promoted juans probation officer doesnt blame works many children neighborhood avoid schools gang harassment soon step school get killed get beat explains irene dugan institute alternative high school opened fall 1998 across seward largely give kids juans neighborhood safer option would love send alternative schools dropouts students must least 16 age compulsory attendance ends asks wait thats shame hes wasting time hes getting educated ask juan sees five years replies tell truth probably dead marijuana helps cope fear says right acknowledges somebody like could say would good block hide pain away
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />May 22, 2012</p>
<p>By Wayne Lusvardi</p>
<p>The mere mention of the words Cap and Trade in California and people just tune out because it sounds too complicated to understand.&#160;&#160; While it is complicated, it is nevertheless understandable.</p>
<p>What we’re learning about the California’s Cap and Trade program is that it is ending up as a giant government program to socialize the extraordinarily high rates that will be added to your electricity, natural gas and water bills from shifting to 33 percent green power in California by 2020.</p>
<p>Plans are in the works to include some form of rebate in your water and power bills for the higher cost of green power.&#160; But it will be politically determined who gets larger or smaller rebates.&#160; According to a report by the think tank <a href="http://next10.org/sites/next10.org/files/20120503_PUC%20Allocation%20Options_V12_0.pdf" type="external">Next 10,</a> low-income and low-volume energy users are insulated by law against any energy increases in their utility bills due to the high cost of Green Power.&#160; So it will be the middle class that ends up bearing the higher costs for green power for lower-income communities.</p>
<p>By socialized electricity rates is not meant the placing of power companies under government ownership or control.&#160;&#160; What is meant is the spreading of higher energy costs from rebates by a formula to be politically determined.&#160; Assembly Bill 32,&#160;the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, did not nationalize or socialize the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Means_of_production" type="external">means of producing</a> electric power.&#160; But it will be&#160;socializing or spreading the higher cost of green power to the middle class.</p>
<p>But this raises an issue: Who brought to the voters a bill or ballot proposition to socialize electricity rates resulting from expensive green power?&#160;&#160; Answer: No elected legislator has publicly stated that the intent of Cap and Trade was to socialize power rates.&#160; But that is the apparent end result.</p>
<p>For any&#160;“tax, charge, levy, or tax allocation,” didn’t <a href="http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_26,_Supermajority_Vote_to_Pass_New_Taxes_and_Fees_(2010)" type="external">Proposition 26</a>, passed in 2010,&#160; require a two-thirds vote of the electorate?</p>
<p>The problem is that&#160;AB 32&#160;was passed not by the people, but&#160;by a majority vote of the state legislature and signed by the governor in 2006.</p>
<p>AB 32 authorized the California Air Resources Board to adopt rules for what is called a Cap and Trade program at a later date.&#160; Cap and Trade is a program that requires industrial and utilities to buy pollution credits in an auction.&#160; The proceeds of that auction would be collected by CARB.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sgc.ca.gov/" type="external">Strategic Growth Council</a>, authorized under <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_0701-0750/sb_732_bill_20080930_chaptered.html" type="external">AB 732</a>, in 2008 would reallocate the proceeds of the Cap and Trade auctions to reduce high utility bills and fund anti-pollution projects.&#160; The Strategic Growth Council was originally funded by $500,000 from <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_84,_Bonds_for_Flood_Control_and_Water_Supply_Improvements_%282006%29" type="external">Prop. 8</a>4 — the Water Bond Act of 2006.</p>
<p>CARB adopted the Cap and Trade portion of AB 32 on Dec. 17, 2010.</p>
<p>Usurping Democracy?</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>But <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_26,_Supermajority_Vote_to_Pass_New_Taxes_and_Fees_%282010%29" type="external">Prop. 26</a>, limiting any new “taxes, charges, levies or tax allocations,” passed by a vote of 52.5 percent on Nov. 10, 2010.</p>
<p>So there has been no vote about either Green Power or Cap and Trade.</p>
<p>But does Prop. 26 restrict CARB and the Strategic Growth Council from collecting pollution taxes under the guise of an auction and then redistributing the proceeds to reduce the high cost of Green Power?</p>
<p>To answer this question, we contacted reputable legal experts. An agency which “implements” a fee under an existing law passed in 2006 does not probably require a supermajority vote under Prop 26.</p>
<p>However, this may not mean that any piece of subsequent legislation adopted by the Legislature can go beyond the intent of AB 32 and Cap and Trade.&#160; There are several bills in the legislature queuing up to tap Cap and Trade proceeds to fund “schools, hospitals, affordable housing,” etc.&#160; Gov. Brown has also proposed tapping Cap and Trade funds to finance the California High-Speed Rail. Neither of these is likely to be considered a legal use of Cap and Trade funds at this time.</p>
<p>But what is being considered a legal use of the $6.25 to $12.5 billion per year in Cap and Trade taxes is energy rebates to “customers” and funding for a stimulus program of home energy efficiency projects. Ratepayers would get rebates to reduce the shock of high Green Power costs; or they would get home insulation grants or loans.</p>
<p>The California Energy Commission estimates <a href="http://www.energy.ca.gov/ab758/documents/AB_758_Technical_Support_Contract_Scope_of_Work.pdf" type="external">40 percent</a> of the state’s housing stock already is energy efficient due to Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency regulations adopted in 1978 under AB 758.&#160; The 60 percent of older housing, commercial and industrial building stock built prior to 1978 would be the likely target for Cap and Trade building energy improvement projects.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/asm/ab_1101-1150/ab_1103_bill_20071012_chaptered.html" type="external">Assembly Bill 1103</a>, authored by Assemblywomen Lori Saldana, D-San Diego,&#160;and passed in 2007, would require owners and operators of non-residential buildings to disclose a building’s energy performance ratings to any prospective buyers, tenants, or even lenders financing any building sale.&#160; AB 1103 would assign “benchmark” energy ratings to buildings and would encourage building owners to “upload” their rating to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager each year.&#160; Electric and gas utility companies would be required to upload all energy consumption data on each building into the same database.&#160; There is no exemption provided in this bill for historical properties, churches or “as-is” real estate transactions.</p>
<p>The California Public Utilities Commission has been requiring regulated public utilities to offer home and commercial energy efficiency rebate programs since the oil embargo and resulting energy crisis of the mid-1970’s.&#160;&#160; California’s <a href="http://www.huduser.org/portal/periodicals/em/summer11/highlight1.html" type="external">Statewide Multi-family Housing Energy Efficiency Rebate Program</a> completed retrofits on 330,437 apartment units alone from 2005 to 2006 at a cost of about $50 million.</p>
<p>According to the U.S. Census, there are 4,199,785 apartment units in California.&#160; Almost 8 percent of those were retrofitted with energy efficiency improvements from just 2004 to 2006.&#160; How California could suck up $6.25 to $12.5 billion per year in more building energy improvements, as recommended by the <a href="http://www.next10.org/sites/www.next10.org/files/20120503_PUC%20Allocation%20Options_V12_0.pdf" type="external">University of California,&#160;Berkeley</a> and Next-10, is questionable.</p>
<p>Of the 18 spending options for Cap and Trade proceeds recommended by the think tank <a href="http://next10.org/sites/next10.org/files/C%26T_Options_ES_Final120509.pdf" type="external">Next 10</a>, five of them involve building energy efficiency improvements.&#160; As already stated, these have been undertaken by public utilities for decades and would be redundant to their ongoing programs.</p>
<p>Offsetting general gund expenditures is probably legally excluded at this time.</p>
<p>The State Legislative Office has already recommended against using Cap and Trade taxes to fund high-speed rail.</p>
<p>Establishing a green bank could lead to a repeat of another <a href="" type="internal">bubble</a> like the mortgage sub-prime loan program.</p>
<p>If energy bill rebates are implemented ratepayers may believe that energy costs are lower and use more energy.&#160; Or ratepayers may believe that if they use more energy that they will receive more rebate.&#160; Thus, Cap and Trade could backfire.</p>
<p>Sending monthly rebates to energy customers separately might raise public perception problems of why utility rates were raised in the first place and then absurdly rebated back to them.</p>
<p>In short, California evidently doesn’t yet know what to do with huge amount of taxes that will be collected from industries and utilities under Cap and Trade.&#160; As with all complex public policies, there is still a large amount of uncertainty as to the outcome of California’s Cap and Trade program.&#160; And the <a href="" type="internal">unintended negative consequences</a> that could arise from such a program are a growing concern.</p>
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may 22 2012 wayne lusvardi mere mention words cap trade california people tune sounds complicated understand160160 complicated nevertheless understandable learning californias cap trade program ending giant government program socialize extraordinarily high rates added electricity natural gas water bills shifting 33 percent green power california 2020 plans works include form rebate water power bills higher cost green power160 politically determined gets larger smaller rebates160 according report think tank next 10 lowincome lowvolume energy users insulated law energy increases utility bills due high cost green power160 middle class ends bearing higher costs green power lowerincome communities socialized electricity rates meant placing power companies government ownership control160160 meant spreading higher energy costs rebates formula politically determined160 assembly bill 32160the global warming solutions act 2006 nationalize socialize means producing electric power160 be160socializing spreading higher cost green power middle class raises issue brought voters bill ballot proposition socialize electricity rates resulting expensive green power160160 answer elected legislator publicly stated intent cap trade socialize power rates160 apparent end result any160tax charge levy tax allocation didnt proposition 26 passed 2010160 require twothirds vote electorate problem that160ab 32160was passed people but160by majority vote state legislature signed governor 2006 ab 32 authorized california air resources board adopt rules called cap trade program later date160 cap trade program requires industrial utilities buy pollution credits auction160 proceeds auction would collected carb strategic growth council authorized ab 732 2008 would reallocate proceeds cap trade auctions reduce high utility bills fund antipollution projects160 strategic growth council originally funded 500000 prop 84 water bond act 2006 carb adopted cap trade portion ab 32 dec 17 2010 usurping democracy 160 prop 26 limiting new taxes charges levies tax allocations passed vote 525 percent nov 10 2010 vote either green power cap trade prop 26 restrict carb strategic growth council collecting pollution taxes guise auction redistributing proceeds reduce high cost green power answer question contacted reputable legal experts agency implements fee existing law passed 2006 probably require supermajority vote prop 26 however may mean piece subsequent legislation adopted legislature go beyond intent ab 32 cap trade160 several bills legislature queuing tap cap trade proceeds fund schools hospitals affordable housing etc160 gov brown also proposed tapping cap trade funds finance california highspeed rail neither likely considered legal use cap trade funds time considered legal use 625 125 billion per year cap trade taxes energy rebates customers funding stimulus program home energy efficiency projects ratepayers would get rebates reduce shock high green power costs would get home insulation grants loans california energy commission estimates 40 percent states housing stock already energy efficient due title 24 building energy efficiency regulations adopted 1978 ab 758160 60 percent older housing commercial industrial building stock built prior 1978 would likely target cap trade building energy improvement projects assembly bill 1103 authored assemblywomen lori saldana dsan diego160and passed 2007 would require owners operators nonresidential buildings disclose buildings energy performance ratings prospective buyers tenants even lenders financing building sale160 ab 1103 would assign benchmark energy ratings buildings would encourage building owners upload rating us environmental protection agencys energy star portfolio manager year160 electric gas utility companies would required upload energy consumption data building database160 exemption provided bill historical properties churches asis real estate transactions california public utilities commission requiring regulated public utilities offer home commercial energy efficiency rebate programs since oil embargo resulting energy crisis mid1970s160160 californias statewide multifamily housing energy efficiency rebate program completed retrofits 330437 apartment units alone 2005 2006 cost 50 million according us census 4199785 apartment units california160 almost 8 percent retrofitted energy efficiency improvements 2004 2006160 california could suck 625 125 billion per year building energy improvements recommended university california160berkeley next10 questionable 18 spending options cap trade proceeds recommended think tank next 10 five involve building energy efficiency improvements160 already stated undertaken public utilities decades would redundant ongoing programs offsetting general gund expenditures probably legally excluded time state legislative office already recommended using cap trade taxes fund highspeed rail establishing green bank could lead repeat another bubble like mortgage subprime loan program energy bill rebates implemented ratepayers may believe energy costs lower use energy160 ratepayers may believe use energy receive rebate160 thus cap trade could backfire sending monthly rebates energy customers separately might raise public perception problems utility rates raised first place absurdly rebated back short california evidently doesnt yet know huge amount taxes collected industries utilities cap trade160 complex public policies still large amount uncertainty outcome californias cap trade program160 unintended negative consequences could arise program growing concern
| 740 |
<p>APATZINGAN, Mexico — Businessman Carlos Halabe at last feels safe enough to describe the terror his city endured under the thumb of Mexico’s Knights Templar gang.</p>
<p>“They controlled all social and economic life here,” says Halabe, the 42-year-old head of the chamber of commerce in Apatzingan, a city of 120,000 people in the citrus-growing lands along the Pacific coast of Michoacan state ( <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Apatzingan+map&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=20.694462,-99.865723&amp;spn=12.414013,19.138184&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;channel=sb&amp;hnear=Apatzing%C3%A1n,+Michoac%C3%A1n,+Mexico&amp;gl=us&amp;t=m&amp;z=6" type="external">map</a>).</p>
<p>“They killed many business owners, kidnapped people who objected, obligated us to close businesses, collected very high extortion,” he says. “This was utter hell.”</p>
<p>Apatzingan was once ruled by the <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/mexico/130602/explainer-who-are-mexicos-knights-templar" type="external">Knights Templar</a>, which officials say also runs meth-smuggling routes.</p>
<p>But the gangsters seemingly evaporated from the city on Feb. 8, when anti-Templar <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfvdAm7k23I" type="external">militias marched</a> into the city backed by federal police. Hundreds of soldiers and cops now patrol the city’s streets, while militia gunmen man checkpoints on its outskirts.</p>
<p>A wary calm reigns here, as it does in nearby towns freed from the Templars' grip over the past year. Federal officials have declared victory. They’re moving to essentially deputize hundreds of the militiamen, converting the untrained armed civilians into local police.</p>
<p />
<p>Mexican federal police and militias can be friends, for now.</p>
<p>Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images</p>
<p>Though thankful for the respite, Halabe and many other local residents remain far from convinced. Federal government efforts have proved short-lived and ineffective in the past seven years of narco violence that have left as many as 100,000 Mexicans dead or missing.</p>
<p>Residents here are asking: Would gangsters as brutal and feared as the Knights Templar so easily surrender millions of dollars in profits from drug running, extortion and other rackets? Can untrained civilians really bring a lasting solution that thousands of troops couldn’t? What becomes of the deputies once the sheriff rides away?</p>
<p>“We have more uncertainty than security,” says Halabe. He recounts how he shuttered his lumber business for most of January after Templar extortion demands rose sixfold to $2,500 a month.</p>
<p>“What happens when the federal government leaves?” he asks.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/mexico/140116/california-mexican-michoacan-self-defense-knights-templar" type="external">California kids enlist in Mexico militias to rout a drug cartel</a></p>
<p>The dominance of the Templars and other criminal gangs over large corners of Mexico has vexed President Enrique Peña Nieto through his first 14 months in office. The issue has hobbled his efforts to change the country’s image from drug war slaughterhouse to oil-pumping dynamo.</p>
<p>He made a forceful economic pitch Wednesday afternoon in a brief meeting with President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.</p>
<p>Peña Nieto long downplayed the gang threat. He was forced to change course in recent months, as the illegally armed vigilante militias captured towns surrounding Apatzingan and vowed to invade the city to free it from the Templars.</p>
<p>The president in mid-January dispatched 10,000 federal police and troops to the region and named a special envoy to supplant Michoacan state’s governor. He offered vigilantes uniforms and paying jobs within rural and town police forces.</p>
<p>Order was restored in Apatzingan and outlying communities, with scarcely a shot fired.</p>
<p>“The government realized that it couldn't handle things and helped us more,” says “Comandante Cinco” (Commander Five), in charge of the several hundred militia gunmen camped on the edges of Apatzingan.</p>
<p>"We’re glad that there wasn’t anyone killed, that blood wasn’t spilled," he adds.</p>
<p>“What we want is for the Templars to simply get out of here."</p>
<p>Michoacan’s gangs have changed names, bosses and rackets over the years. Bought-off or terrified local and state officials did little or nothing to prevent them from strengthening their hold on the western Mexican state, security analysts say.</p>
<p>The Templars emerged three years ago from a split within La Familia Michoacana, a violent organization that was cobbled together last decade from smaller bands.</p>
<p>Both cartels initially vowed to protect Michoacan’s people from extortion, kidnapping and other abuses by out-of-state gangs. Both ended up extorting, kidnapping and murdering people here, locals and officials say.</p>
<p>The Templars and La Familia both produce meth and marijuana for sale to consumers in the United States and Mexico, according to officials in Washington and Mexico.</p>
<p>The Templars went even further than their predecessors, many townspeople say: raping schoolgirls, confiscating lime and avocado groves, driving farmers and merchants out of business with impossible extortion demands.</p>
<p />
<p>A militia member who goes by "Aparato" holds a rocket launcher in Apatzingan. Click here for more photos.</p>
<p>Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images</p>
<p>Encouraged by business leaders, citizens decided to stand up to the Templars where officials wouldn’t.</p>
<p>Some, including Mexico's attorney general, have alleged the citizen militias — which call themselves “autodefensas,” or self-defense forces — are backed and armed by other criminal gangs. Militia leaders vehemently deny those allegations.</p>
<p>Either way, they made impressive gains. As the militias claimed dozens of communities, the Templar hold crumbled.</p>
<p>“That’s the self-defense [militias'] greatest success,” said Jaime Rivera, a political science professor at Michoacan’s state university. “They broke the fear and turned it back on the Templars.”</p>
<p>Yet hundreds, perhaps thousands of Templar gunmen remain at large somewhere in Michoacan. They still control politicians and police forces, experts say. Their grip has weakened but may not be entirely released.</p>
<p>“It scares me to talk about these things,” says Gonzalo Zaragoza, an office supply merchant in Apatzingan.</p>
<p>He was recently accused of collaborating with the militias on a Facebook page he said was Templar-linked.</p>
<p>He reckons, “Although supposedly they’re no longer here, they still are.”</p>
<p>The Templars have been know to retaliate against their rivals when the opportunity arises. Victims have been strung up, gunned down or decapitated. Scores of bodies have been uncovered in recent months from clandestine graves in northern parts of the state controlled by the rival Zetas gang.</p>
<p />
<p>Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, the militias are deflecting government demands to disarm. They’re keeping assault rifles and other weapons mostly out of sight, but close at hand.</p>
<p>As many as 600 militia members so far have signed up to become uniformed rural and city police officers, officials <a href="http://www.noroeste.com.mx/publicaciones.php?id=925633" type="external">say</a>. But the process will be tricky and slow: Recruits have to be vetted, trained, assigned and kept in line.</p>
<p>“The fact that we’ve made a deal with the government doesn’t mean we are going to be tied down,” militia spokesman Estanislao Beltran, called “Papa Smurf,” says of the police arrangement. “If we see it’s beneficial and advances the struggle, all right. If not, we'll have to find another alternative.”</p>
<p>Still, there are hundreds more well-armed vigilantes who somehow will have to be demobilized.</p>
<p>Will the menial jobs available to many of the young militiamen satisfy them after they've tasted respect, power and victory in the anti-Templar campaign? Or, with the drug trade untouched, could some of today’s vigilantes become tomorrow's lords of vice?</p>
<p>Michoacan’s criminal circle might well remain unbroken.</p>
<p>“It's calm right now but this is going to continue,” says Fidencio Urtiz, 36, a grade school principal and top elected leader in a poor village near Apatzingan that militiamen seized last week. “Ask children what they want to be when they grow up and they say gangsters.”</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/mexico/140207/mexican-drug-war-guerrero-militias" type="external">Why Mexico's drug war isn't about the drugs</a></p>
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apatzingan mexico businessman carlos halabe last feels safe enough describe terror city endured thumb mexicos knights templar gang controlled social economic life says halabe 42yearold head chamber commerce apatzingan city 120000 people citrusgrowing lands along pacific coast michoacan state map killed many business owners kidnapped people objected obligated us close businesses collected high extortion says utter hell apatzingan ruled knights templar officials say also runs methsmuggling routes gangsters seemingly evaporated city feb 8 antitemplar militias marched city backed federal police hundreds soldiers cops patrol citys streets militia gunmen man checkpoints outskirts wary calm reigns nearby towns freed templars grip past year federal officials declared victory theyre moving essentially deputize hundreds militiamen converting untrained armed civilians local police mexican federal police militias friends alfredo estrellaafpgetty images though thankful respite halabe many local residents remain far convinced federal government efforts proved shortlived ineffective past seven years narco violence left many 100000 mexicans dead missing residents asking would gangsters brutal feared knights templar easily surrender millions dollars profits drug running extortion rackets untrained civilians really bring lasting solution thousands troops couldnt becomes deputies sheriff rides away uncertainty security says halabe recounts shuttered lumber business january templar extortion demands rose sixfold 2500 month happens federal government leaves asks globalpost california kids enlist mexico militias rout drug cartel dominance templars criminal gangs large corners mexico vexed president enrique peña nieto first 14 months office issue hobbled efforts change countrys image drug war slaughterhouse oilpumping dynamo made forceful economic pitch wednesday afternoon brief meeting president barack obama canadian prime minister stephen harper peña nieto long downplayed gang threat forced change course recent months illegally armed vigilante militias captured towns surrounding apatzingan vowed invade city free templars president midjanuary dispatched 10000 federal police troops region named special envoy supplant michoacan states governor offered vigilantes uniforms paying jobs within rural town police forces order restored apatzingan outlying communities scarcely shot fired government realized couldnt handle things helped us says comandante cinco commander five charge several hundred militia gunmen camped edges apatzingan glad wasnt anyone killed blood wasnt spilled adds want templars simply get michoacans gangs changed names bosses rackets years boughtoff terrified local state officials little nothing prevent strengthening hold western mexican state security analysts say templars emerged three years ago split within la familia michoacana violent organization cobbled together last decade smaller bands cartels initially vowed protect michoacans people extortion kidnapping abuses outofstate gangs ended extorting kidnapping murdering people locals officials say templars la familia produce meth marijuana sale consumers united states mexico according officials washington mexico templars went even predecessors many townspeople say raping schoolgirls confiscating lime avocado groves driving farmers merchants business impossible extortion demands militia member goes aparato holds rocket launcher apatzingan click photos alfredo estrellaafpgetty images encouraged business leaders citizens decided stand templars officials wouldnt including mexicos attorney general alleged citizen militias call autodefensas selfdefense forces backed armed criminal gangs militia leaders vehemently deny allegations either way made impressive gains militias claimed dozens communities templar hold crumbled thats selfdefense militias greatest success said jaime rivera political science professor michoacans state university broke fear turned back templars yet hundreds perhaps thousands templar gunmen remain large somewhere michoacan still control politicians police forces experts say grip weakened may entirely released scares talk things says gonzalo zaragoza office supply merchant apatzingan recently accused collaborating militias facebook page said templarlinked reckons although supposedly theyre longer still templars know retaliate rivals opportunity arises victims strung gunned decapitated scores bodies uncovered recent months clandestine graves northern parts state controlled rival zetas gang alfredo estrellaafpgetty images surprisingly militias deflecting government demands disarm theyre keeping assault rifles weapons mostly sight close hand many 600 militia members far signed become uniformed rural city police officers officials say process tricky slow recruits vetted trained assigned kept line fact weve made deal government doesnt mean going tied militia spokesman estanislao beltran called papa smurf says police arrangement see beneficial advances struggle right well find another alternative still hundreds wellarmed vigilantes somehow demobilized menial jobs available many young militiamen satisfy theyve tasted respect power victory antitemplar campaign drug trade untouched could todays vigilantes become tomorrows lords vice michoacans criminal circle might well remain unbroken calm right going continue says fidencio urtiz 36 grade school principal top elected leader poor village near apatzingan militiamen seized last week ask children want grow say gangsters globalpost mexicos drug war isnt drugs
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<p />
<p>TBEC Review / flickr</p>
<p />
<p>Restrictive new anti-tobacco ordinances are spreading across the San Francisco Bay Area like a cigarette-sparked wildfire. Northern California cities already have some of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the nation, but a raft of new laws and proposals take aim at <a href="https://www.fda.gov/tobaccoproducts/labeling/productsingredientscomponents/ucm2019416.htm" type="external">“flavored”</a> tobacco products such as menthol cigarettes and fruity mini-cigars.</p>
<p>Health officials argue that these flavored products are particularly <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article140622513.html" type="external">appealing to teens</a>, and that their bans are designed to keep young people from picking up an unquestionably dangerous habit. They also argue that the purveyors of menthol cigarettes, for example, target minority communities, and lead to ongoing health problems there.</p>
<p>The ordinances, however, share one trait that has advocates for tobacco “harm reduction” concerned. They make no distinction between combustible tobacco products – i.e., cigarettes, cigarillos, pipe tobacco and cigars – and smokeless products such as e-cigarettes and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snus" type="external">snus</a> (Swedish-style spit-less tobacco that one places on one’s upper lip).</p>
<p>Tobacco “harm reduction” is a public health strategy designed to reduce the harmful effects of cigarette smoking by encouraging smokers to switch to far-less dangerous – not safe, but less dangerous – types of tobacco-related products. For instance, <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/e-cigarettes-around-95-less-harmful-than-tobacco-estimates-landmark-review" type="external">Public Health England</a>, the United Kingdom’s main public-health agency, argues that vaping is 95 percent safer than cigarette smoking and therefore is a potentially beneficial alternative to smoking.</p>
<p>“About 40 percent of former and current adult smokers predict that removing their ability to choose flavors would make them less likely to remain abstinent or attempt to quit,” wrote Carrie Wade, the R Street Institute’s director of harm-reduction policy, in a recent <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/nixing-e-cigarettes-because-of-flavor-is-nonsensical/article/2621614" type="external">Washington Examiner column</a>. “While the vast majority of quit attempts are of the ‘cold turkey’ variety, e-cigarettes beat out both nicotine replacement therapies like the patch or nicotine gum and prescribed drugs like Chantix and Zyban.”</p>
<p>Vape liquids are not actually tobacco but mostly contain nicotine. They almost always are flavored. Many adult e-cigarette users prefer vaping with flavored liquids than vaping with those that have a tobacco flavor. These local bans on flavors, by the way, follow a recent statewide law that taxes vaping liquids at the same rate as cigarettes. The California <a href="https://www.boe.ca.gov/industry/cigarettes_tobacco_products.html" type="external">Board of Equalization</a> is currently working out the details of that taxation edict.</p>
<p>Wade described the essence of tobacco harm-reduction policy: make it easier for smokers to switch to smoking alternatives that cause fewer health-related problems. It might be ideal, health-wise if every smoker simply went “cold turkey,” but that’s not likely to happen, so <a href="http://www.tobaccoharmreduction.org/faq/harmreduction.htm" type="external">harm-reduction</a> advocates see vaping as a reasonable alternative. They see efforts to limit access to liquids and to boost taxes on them as policies that work against this harm-reduction approach.</p>
<p>Even California’s official <a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/" type="external">Tobacco Education and Research Oversight Committee</a> explained, in a public meeting earlier this year, that insufficient numbers of smokers participate in medically approved nicotine-replacement therapies. The committee, however, made no effort to distinguish between degrees of harm, and one member depicted vaping as just another form of smoking. In Bay Area cities and elsewhere, public-health officials argue that vaping is still dangerous – and they argue (despite contrary evidence) that it serves as a gateway for teens to actual smoking.</p>
<p>As a result of the new rules, it will become increasingly difficult for nicotine-addicted northern Californians to purchase and use vaping products. That’s particularly true <a href="http://www.rstreet.org/outreach/coalition-opposes-novato-city-council-proposed-tobacco-ordinance/" type="external">as neighboring counties and cities embrace similar bans</a>. Supporters of these bans admit that it is one of their goals to have such ordinances spread from one community to another, thus making it more difficult for people to simply go to a neighboring city to grab some vape juice.</p>
<p>Some proposals have become law, such as one in the Marin County city of Novato. Others are under consideration. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now considering a ban after one of its committees recently approved a new proposal. Likewise, <a href="http://sfist.com/2017/04/19/sf_could_ban_flavored_tobacco_produ.php" type="external">officials in San Francisco</a> and Oakland have also introduced flavor bans.</p>
<p>San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen’s public statements focus on the sale of mentholated tobacco products. She explains that 80 percent of African-American smokers use menthol products. Nevertheless, <a href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=5122447&amp;GUID=27E11B11-169F-4284-8C38-756AECC3981A" type="external">her proposal</a> includes all flavored tobacco, which includes vaping liquids. Oakland Councilmember Annie Campbell Washington, who led a 2016 campaign to increase soda taxes in the city, has introduced a similar measure that includes vapor products in the flavoring ban.</p>
<p><a href="https://spectator.org/the-ever-expanding-reach-of-anti-tobacco-zealots/" type="external">Novato’s ordinance</a>, which goes into effect January 2018, requires that all residential leases in the city include a clause calling it a “material breach of the agreement for tenant or any other person subject to the control of the tenant … to violate any law regulating smoking while anywhere on the property.” In other words, tenants can be evicted from their apartments not only if caught smoking – but if they or their guests are caught vaping.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://cchealth.org/tobacco/" type="external">Contra Costa County health department</a> justifies its proposal by stating that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, and includes various chemicals known to cause cancer and lung problems. But harm-reduction advocates don’t claim that vaping is totally safe, only that it is far safer than cigarette smoking.</p>
<p>Given the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Is-San-Francisco-really-America-s-most-liberal-6412585.php" type="external">political bent of Bay Area cities and counties</a>, it seems likely that most if not all of these proposals will eventually become law. The question remains whether in their zeal to improve the public’s health, these officials are embracing policies that will make actual smoking-related health improvements that much harder to attain.</p>
<p>Steven Greenhut is Western region director for the R Street Institute. Write to him at [email protected].</p>
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tbec review flickr restrictive new antitobacco ordinances spreading across san francisco bay area like cigarettesparked wildfire northern california cities already toughest antismoking laws nation raft new laws proposals take aim flavored tobacco products menthol cigarettes fruity minicigars health officials argue flavored products particularly appealing teens bans designed keep young people picking unquestionably dangerous habit also argue purveyors menthol cigarettes example target minority communities lead ongoing health problems ordinances however share one trait advocates tobacco harm reduction concerned make distinction combustible tobacco products ie cigarettes cigarillos pipe tobacco cigars smokeless products ecigarettes snus swedishstyle spitless tobacco one places ones upper lip tobacco harm reduction public health strategy designed reduce harmful effects cigarette smoking encouraging smokers switch farless dangerous safe less dangerous types tobaccorelated products instance public health england united kingdoms main publichealth agency argues vaping 95 percent safer cigarette smoking therefore potentially beneficial alternative smoking 40 percent former current adult smokers predict removing ability choose flavors would make less likely remain abstinent attempt quit wrote carrie wade r street institutes director harmreduction policy recent washington examiner column vast majority quit attempts cold turkey variety ecigarettes beat nicotine replacement therapies like patch nicotine gum prescribed drugs like chantix zyban vape liquids actually tobacco mostly contain nicotine almost always flavored many adult ecigarette users prefer vaping flavored liquids vaping tobacco flavor local bans flavors way follow recent statewide law taxes vaping liquids rate cigarettes california board equalization currently working details taxation edict wade described essence tobacco harmreduction policy make easier smokers switch smoking alternatives cause fewer healthrelated problems might ideal healthwise every smoker simply went cold turkey thats likely happen harmreduction advocates see vaping reasonable alternative see efforts limit access liquids boost taxes policies work harmreduction approach even californias official tobacco education research oversight committee explained public meeting earlier year insufficient numbers smokers participate medically approved nicotinereplacement therapies committee however made effort distinguish degrees harm one member depicted vaping another form smoking bay area cities elsewhere publichealth officials argue vaping still dangerous argue despite contrary evidence serves gateway teens actual smoking result new rules become increasingly difficult nicotineaddicted northern californians purchase use vaping products thats particularly true neighboring counties cities embrace similar bans supporters bans admit one goals ordinances spread one community another thus making difficult people simply go neighboring city grab vape juice proposals become law one marin county city novato others consideration contra costa county board supervisors considering ban one committees recently approved new proposal likewise officials san francisco oakland also introduced flavor bans san francisco supervisor malia cohens public statements focus sale mentholated tobacco products explains 80 percent africanamerican smokers use menthol products nevertheless proposal includes flavored tobacco includes vaping liquids oakland councilmember annie campbell washington led 2016 campaign increase soda taxes city introduced similar measure includes vapor products flavoring ban novatos ordinance goes effect january 2018 requires residential leases city include clause calling material breach agreement tenant person subject control tenant violate law regulating smoking anywhere property words tenants evicted apartments caught smoking guests caught vaping contra costa county health department justifies proposal stating ecigarettes contain nicotine addictive includes various chemicals known cause cancer lung problems harmreduction advocates dont claim vaping totally safe far safer cigarette smoking given political bent bay area cities counties seems likely proposals eventually become law question remains whether zeal improve publics health officials embracing policies make actual smokingrelated health improvements much harder attain steven greenhut western region director r street institute write sgreenhutrstreetorg
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />Aug. 27, 2012</p>
<p>By Steven Greenhut</p>
<p>SACRAMENTO — During recent travels to Madison and Milwaukee for some research about reform-minded Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s survival of a union-backed recall, I found little residual anger among the friendly folks there, despite seemingly endless pitched political battles that divided families and led to angry water-cooler discussions.</p>
<p>Perhaps the central issue — Walker’s Act 10 plan that rolled back collective-bargaining excesses — has been resolved, or perhaps Wisconsinites simply got tired of two historic recall elections, legislators who bolted the state to avoid voting on legislation, endless national media attention and union protesters swarming the Capitol and screaming into their bullhorns.</p>
<p>Midwestern culture values community and “nice,” and the ongoing events in Wisconsin strained the social fabric. Californian residents, typically oblivious to events east of the Sierra Nevada, owe a debt of gratitude to the folks in Packer country. Had Wisconsin voters replaced their governor and other Republican officials, the message would have been heard nationwide: Pension reform, and efforts to rein in the public-sector union power at the root of the problem, would be dead for years.</p>
<p>Instead, Walker is becoming a national GOP figure. Another budget reformer from Wisconsin, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, is on the GOP presidential ticket. And Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, from Kenosha, will no doubt tout the Wisconsin reforms as Republicans gather in Tampa for their national convention.</p>
<p>Wisconsin’s Progressive political tradition rivals California’s, which only highlights the disparity between the two states as California’s leaders refuse to even acknowledge fiscal reality, let alone confront it in a serious way. Walker and his reforms were sparked by a $3.6 billion budget deficit, which is a rounding error in California budget terms. But his understanding of the core issue — the abuses perpetrated by the privileges and greed of public sector unions — may have stemmed from his stint as the county executive in Democratic Milwaukee County, where he had to clean up an ugly pension scandal where government workers were granting themselves outrageous bonuses.</p>
<p>Wrote Bruce Murphy in the Madison alternative weekly called the Isthmus, “In the bitter aftermath of the failed recall, there will be many blaming a vast right-wing conspiracy, out-of-state billionaires like the Koch brothers, and Gov. Scott Walker’s polarizing, take-no-prisoners style. But Democrats and unions might want to take a look in the mirror. For it was their willingness to abuse government benefits — with sweetheart deals benefiting only a minority of workers — that led directly to defeat.”</p>
<p>In California, sweetheart deals are a daily occurrence. In San Francisco, police and fire officials are granting themselves half-million-dollar payouts as they leave government “service.” The ranks of the <a href="http://database.californiapensionreform.com/" type="external">$100,000 pension</a> club are escalating rapidly, even as <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/08/17/MOODY-S-WARNS-OF-MASS-CALIFORNIA-MUNICIPAL-BANKRUPTCIES" type="external">Moody’s Investor Services warns</a> of a coming tsunami of municipal bankruptcies across the state. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System, which has itself been through a disgusting “pay for play” scandal, believes that bankrupt Stockton ought to stiff its bondholders — the same ones that gave the city $125 million in pension bonds to help it make good on pension promises it couldn’t afford to pay — rather than trim the lucrative pensions received by city retirees.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, cities slash public services and the state’s leadership demands <a href="http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_30,_Sales_and_Income_Tax_Increase_(2012)" type="external">higher taxes</a> even as they embrace costly new programs (i.e., high-speed rail) that will mainly benefit government employees and special interests.</p>
<p>The ongoing state parks scandal is a poster child for the problems here. As the San Jose Mercury News <a href="http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_21150193/state-parks-scandal-honor-system-used-keep-track" type="external">reported</a>, “With state leaders scrambling to find out how state parks officials kept tens of millions of dollars hidden for more than a decade, California’s top finance officials Tuesday acknowledged what could be a far bigger problem:</p>
<p>“They have no system in place to account for $37 billion in ‘special funds’ scattered throughout state government. Instead, finance officials revealed, they rely on an honor system to track money that could be stashed away in untold accounts similar to the funds that turned up last week, sparking a scandal in the state parks department.”</p>
<p>Parks officials were allowing many parks potentially to be closed while they had money “stashed away” in hidden accounts. Thanks to this “honor” system, dishonorable state employees were granting themselves huge vacation buyouts, all done secretly, accounting for it through Post-It notes to “ <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/21/4646682/hidden-parks-funds-spark-outrage.html" type="external">avoid a paper trail</a>,” as the Sacramento Bee reported.</p>
<p>This is the same basic storyline repeated across the state: Government is not serving the people, but the people within government are serving themselves. This touches on the nature of government, although overly large and unaccountable ones are more plagued by such corruption than others. As the free-market writer Frederic Bastiat wrote, “The state is that great fiction by which everyone tries to live at the expense of everyone else.” We should at least recognize the truth and not deceive ourselves about talk of “public service.”</p>
<p>These attitudes — the raiding of public treasuries for personal gain, the refusal to rein in unsustainable pension benefits that dwarf those earned by people in the private sector — reflect a “corruption” of public service, in the words of San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, a progressive reformer. That’s what these debates are about, and what people in Wisconsin — despite the discomfort of it all — decided to hash out in a series of elections and budget reforms.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Californians are steadfastly avoiding that needed debate. Perhaps voters here are still burned out from the 2003 recall election, in which voters booted a terrible governor and replaced him with someone not much better.</p>
<p>Or perhaps it’s a reflection of California “exceptionalism” — the idea that the normal rules don’t apply here, and that we can have everything without making any tough choices.</p>
<p>Either way, we need to learn some lessons from the Badger State and have our defining debate over unions, or watch helplessly as cities go under and services deteriorate.</p>
<p>Steven Greenhut is vice president of the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity. He is based in Sacramento. Write to him at: [email protected].</p>
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aug 27 2012 steven greenhut sacramento recent travels madison milwaukee research reformminded wisconsin republican gov scott walkers survival unionbacked recall found little residual anger among friendly folks despite seemingly endless pitched political battles divided families led angry watercooler discussions perhaps central issue walkers act 10 plan rolled back collectivebargaining excesses resolved perhaps wisconsinites simply got tired two historic recall elections legislators bolted state avoid voting legislation endless national media attention union protesters swarming capitol screaming bullhorns midwestern culture values community nice ongoing events wisconsin strained social fabric californian residents typically oblivious events east sierra nevada owe debt gratitude folks packer country wisconsin voters replaced governor republican officials message would heard nationwide pension reform efforts rein publicsector union power root problem would dead years instead walker becoming national gop figure another budget reformer wisconsin us rep paul ryan gop presidential ticket republican national committee chairman reince priebus kenosha doubt tout wisconsin reforms republicans gather tampa national convention wisconsins progressive political tradition rivals californias highlights disparity two states californias leaders refuse even acknowledge fiscal reality let alone confront serious way walker reforms sparked 36 billion budget deficit rounding error california budget terms understanding core issue abuses perpetrated privileges greed public sector unions may stemmed stint county executive democratic milwaukee county clean ugly pension scandal government workers granting outrageous bonuses wrote bruce murphy madison alternative weekly called isthmus bitter aftermath failed recall many blaming vast rightwing conspiracy outofstate billionaires like koch brothers gov scott walkers polarizing takenoprisoners style democrats unions might want take look mirror willingness abuse government benefits sweetheart deals benefiting minority workers led directly defeat california sweetheart deals daily occurrence san francisco police fire officials granting halfmilliondollar payouts leave government service ranks 100000 pension club escalating rapidly even moodys investor services warns coming tsunami municipal bankruptcies across state california public employees retirement system disgusting pay play scandal believes bankrupt stockton ought stiff bondholders ones gave city 125 million pension bonds help make good pension promises couldnt afford pay rather trim lucrative pensions received city retirees meanwhile cities slash public services states leadership demands higher taxes even embrace costly new programs ie highspeed rail mainly benefit government employees special interests ongoing state parks scandal poster child problems san jose mercury news reported state leaders scrambling find state parks officials kept tens millions dollars hidden decade californias top finance officials tuesday acknowledged could far bigger problem system place account 37 billion special funds scattered throughout state government instead finance officials revealed rely honor system track money could stashed away untold accounts similar funds turned last week sparking scandal state parks department parks officials allowing many parks potentially closed money stashed away hidden accounts thanks honor system dishonorable state employees granting huge vacation buyouts done secretly accounting postit notes avoid paper trail sacramento bee reported basic storyline repeated across state government serving people people within government serving touches nature government although overly large unaccountable ones plagued corruption others freemarket writer frederic bastiat wrote state great fiction everyone tries live expense everyone else least recognize truth deceive talk public service attitudes raiding public treasuries personal gain refusal rein unsustainable pension benefits dwarf earned people private sector reflect corruption public service words san jose mayor chuck reed progressive reformer thats debates people wisconsin despite discomfort decided hash series elections budget reforms unfortunately californians steadfastly avoiding needed debate perhaps voters still burned 2003 recall election voters booted terrible governor replaced someone much better perhaps reflection california exceptionalism idea normal rules dont apply everything without making tough choices either way need learn lessons badger state defining debate unions watch helplessly cities go services deteriorate steven greenhut vice president franklin center government public integrity based sacramento write stevengreenhutfranklincenterhqorg
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<p>How shall we handle it when the forces of modern tolerance finally shed their sheep’s clothing and begin baring their teeth? &#160;In the last several months this question has moved from the realm of the theoretical to become intensely practical. &#160;Let me explain…</p>
<p>Fifteen&#160;years ago, while Hollywood was actively casting a vision for the time when homosexuality was embraced as a fully normative part of life, as far as most of the rest of the world outside of Tinseltown went, sexual orientation was something people should keep to themselves. &#160;The assumption was that a person was heterosexual, but if that wasn’t the case you didn’t really talk about it. &#160;That’s simply the way the culture was and the fact is that a lot of gay people suffered a lot of silent (and not so silent) persecution because of it. &#160;They knew they still weren’t really accepted into polite society and struggled along in silence with few resources available to meaningfully help ease the pain of this rejection. Indeed, Hollywood aside, being told you’re normal when everybody else seems to think you’re not doesn’t really help.</p>
<p>But, a strong cultural wind was beginning to blow. &#160;The normalcy campaign waged mostly on the small screen, but in a number of other places as well, began to have the desired effect. &#160;There was another worldview trend, though, whose billows had grown full enough to fill the cultural sails for many years to come. &#160;This second trend was tolerance. &#160;Not just any tolerance, though. &#160;The liberal virtue of tolerance has been around for a long time. &#160;Classically defined it is a willingness to respectfully engage with the views and opinions of another person all the while disagreeing with vigor and working to see them painted as wrong in the public mind. &#160;May the best ideas win. &#160;This new tolerance was related to the classical version only in that they bore the same name. &#160;Now tolerance was defined not as a respectful engagement with a position you oppose, but rather a dropping of all opposition to that position. &#160;In fact, any opposition to a belief or opinion different from your own rendered you intolerant–one of the gravest sins of our modern age. &#160;And, while Hollywood created the narrative that allowed people to think differently about the issue of homosexuality, it was this new tolerance that…encouraged…them to follow through and act differently.</p>
<p>Today those cultural winds have become a full force gale. &#160;Hollywood, the media, and all who follow on their cultural train including many politicians are convinced that the time for storytelling has ended. &#160;It is now time for action. &#160;This modern notion of tolerance has been set in place as the supreme silent law of the land (silent law being the unspoken, unwritten code that tends to govern behavior even and especially where actual laws do not exist). &#160;No longer is it acceptable to think or act in a way that violates the new cultural orthodoxy. &#160;The punishments for doing so are often swift and severe. &#160;Things have progressed beyond even that, though. &#160;Now, individuals who publicly embody the new normalcy are treated as national heroes, while those who make similarly public displays of their values and beliefs yet whose values and beliefs break from orthodoxy are treated with ridicule and disdain.</p>
<p>Some examples will perhaps help make my point. &#160;Late last year an interview with Phil Robertson became public in which he expressed his beliefs that homosexuality is a sin. &#160;The calls and petitions and protests for his firing and worse were immediate. &#160;A&amp;E quickly announced their shock and disapproval of his remarks and affirmed that he would be banned from future filming. &#160;The family (and a large portion of the country) quickly came to Phil’s defense and A&amp;E quietly backed down (you don’t kill your cash cow when it’s producing) much to the horror of the defenders of the new orthodoxy.</p>
<p>A few weeks ago the Supreme Court announced it would not take the case of the New Mexico photographer who had been fined for refusing to shoot a gay wedding ceremony (which was and is not even legal in the state) thus allowing to stand a decision which held that giving up closely held religious views that depart from this new orthodoxy is a price of citizenship in our great nation.</p>
<p>In March World Vision announced a hiring policy change to include the hiring of gay individuals in state-recognized marriages (an interesting choice of words if you think about it). &#160;This traditionally evangelical organization’s embrace of the new orthodoxy was greeted with both shock and fanfare. &#160;When they reversed course a few days later in large part because of the immense pressure to do so from their many evangelical supporters the accusations of homophobia and bullying couldn’t be flung fast enough or far enough.</p>
<p>Interestingly, shortly after this the now-former CEO of Mozilla, Brendan Eich, was forced from his position by the board when it became public knowledge that he gave a donation to California’s Proposition 8 campaign. &#160;Soon after this came calls in some circles for what amounted to a witch hunt to root out and drive out others who, like Brendan, had acted in accordance with their non-orthodox values. &#160;For the record then, he was fired because of a non-work related action stemming from a personal belief that had absolutely no impact on his job performance. &#160;Public acknowledgements of this obvious case of bullying were much slower in coming than after the World Vision reversal, reversal.</p>
<p>Last week in the NFL draft cultural commentators waited with baited breath as Michael Sam’s named was not called in draft selection after draft selection until at the tail end of the process the St. Louis Rams picked him up. &#160;Cue the ticker tape. &#160;The kiss shared with his boyfriend was played ad nauseam&#160;so that there was no question he was going to be the first, courageous, heroic, openly gay professional football player. &#160;There was talk of a CNN reality show about the whole thing. &#160;The festive occasion was marred, however, when upon watching the kiss, Don Jones, a Miami Dolphins player publicly tweeted his disgust at an act he considers morally abnormal. &#160;He was promptly fined and sentenced to several weeks of what amount to re-education classes. &#160;Now, you may or may not agree with his opinion and the way it was expressed, but that’s a rather draconian punishment for merely expressing an opinion, particularly one that has no bearing on his job performance, don’t you think?</p>
<p>Finally, last week the news also broke that HGTV was cancelling a new show before it even it the airwaves. &#160;The reason? &#160;A couple of gay rights groups wrote a letter to the network complaining that the Christian brothers, David and Jason Benham, hosting the show were racist and homophobic based on the comments one of them made–fully consistent with the faith they profess–at a prayer rally during the Democrat National Convention in Charlotte in 2012. &#160;The irony here? &#160;HGTV already knew about the comments and had originally decided to go with the show anyway. &#160;In spite of a growing grassroots campaign of support, this obvious example of bullying was generally greeted by the media with silence. &#160;Why? &#160;Because the brothers had the gall to break with the new orthodoxy. &#160;They got what was coming to them. &#160;In case you’re keeping score, this situation unfolded exactly opposite of the Phil Robertson-A&amp;E story. &#160;We have seen a full 180 degree turn in the space of six months.</p>
<p>So again, how shall we handle it when the forces of modern tolerance finally shed their sheep’s clothing and begin baring their teeth? &#160;In the last six months alone it’s become pretty clear that the wool is off and the teeth are out. &#160;The way forward for Christians who consider the teachings of guys like Paul on homosexuality to mean what they say? &#160;My suggestion would be a tenacious hold on the truth combined with a radical application of grace; a generous dose of wisdom paired with a liberal scoop of courage. &#160;We live in a post-Christian world. &#160;It’s not going to like us or our positions on social issues. &#160;Our job, however, is still to proclaim the Gospel with winsome boldness and to be ready with a loving embrace when the wheels fall off the wagon. &#160;Let us move forward with all the wisdom of a serpent and all the innocence of a dove.</p>
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shall handle forces modern tolerance finally shed sheeps clothing begin baring teeth 160in last several months question moved realm theoretical become intensely practical 160let explain fifteen160years ago hollywood actively casting vision time homosexuality embraced fully normative part life far rest world outside tinseltown went sexual orientation something people keep 160the assumption person heterosexual wasnt case didnt really talk 160thats simply way culture fact lot gay people suffered lot silent silent persecution 160they knew still werent really accepted polite society struggled along silence resources available meaningfully help ease pain rejection indeed hollywood aside told youre normal everybody else seems think youre doesnt really help strong cultural wind beginning blow 160the normalcy campaign waged mostly small screen number places well began desired effect 160there another worldview trend though whose billows grown full enough fill cultural sails many years come 160this second trend tolerance 160not tolerance though 160the liberal virtue tolerance around long time 160classically defined willingness respectfully engage views opinions another person disagreeing vigor working see painted wrong public mind 160may best ideas win 160this new tolerance related classical version bore name 160now tolerance defined respectful engagement position oppose rather dropping opposition position 160in fact opposition belief opinion different rendered intolerantone gravest sins modern age 160and hollywood created narrative allowed people think differently issue homosexuality new tolerance thatencouragedthem follow act differently today cultural winds become full force gale 160hollywood media follow cultural train including many politicians convinced time storytelling ended 160it time action 160this modern notion tolerance set place supreme silent law land silent law unspoken unwritten code tends govern behavior even especially actual laws exist 160no longer acceptable think act way violates new cultural orthodoxy 160the punishments often swift severe 160things progressed beyond even though 160now individuals publicly embody new normalcy treated national heroes make similarly public displays values beliefs yet whose values beliefs break orthodoxy treated ridicule disdain examples perhaps help make point 160late last year interview phil robertson became public expressed beliefs homosexuality sin 160the calls petitions protests firing worse immediate 160aampe quickly announced shock disapproval remarks affirmed would banned future filming 160the family large portion country quickly came phils defense aampe quietly backed dont kill cash cow producing much horror defenders new orthodoxy weeks ago supreme court announced would take case new mexico photographer fined refusing shoot gay wedding ceremony even legal state thus allowing stand decision held giving closely held religious views depart new orthodoxy price citizenship great nation march world vision announced hiring policy change include hiring gay individuals staterecognized marriages interesting choice words think 160this traditionally evangelical organizations embrace new orthodoxy greeted shock fanfare 160when reversed course days later large part immense pressure many evangelical supporters accusations homophobia bullying couldnt flung fast enough far enough interestingly shortly nowformer ceo mozilla brendan eich forced position board became public knowledge gave donation californias proposition 8 campaign 160soon came calls circles amounted witch hunt root drive others like brendan acted accordance nonorthodox values 160for record fired nonwork related action stemming personal belief absolutely impact job performance 160public acknowledgements obvious case bullying much slower coming world vision reversal reversal last week nfl draft cultural commentators waited baited breath michael sams named called draft selection draft selection tail end process st louis rams picked 160cue ticker tape 160the kiss shared boyfriend played ad nauseam160so question going first courageous heroic openly gay professional football player 160there talk cnn reality show whole thing 160the festive occasion marred however upon watching kiss jones miami dolphins player publicly tweeted disgust act considers morally abnormal 160he promptly fined sentenced several weeks amount reeducation classes 160now may may agree opinion way expressed thats rather draconian punishment merely expressing opinion particularly one bearing job performance dont think finally last week news also broke hgtv cancelling new show even airwaves 160the reason 160a couple gay rights groups wrote letter network complaining christian brothers david jason benham hosting show racist homophobic based comments one madefully consistent faith professat prayer rally democrat national convention charlotte 2012 160the irony 160hgtv already knew comments originally decided go show anyway 160in spite growing grassroots campaign support obvious example bullying generally greeted media silence 160why 160because brothers gall break new orthodoxy 160they got coming 160in case youre keeping score situation unfolded exactly opposite phil robertsonaampe story 160we seen full 180 degree turn space six months shall handle forces modern tolerance finally shed sheeps clothing begin baring teeth 160in last six months alone become pretty clear wool teeth 160the way forward christians consider teachings guys like paul homosexuality mean say 160my suggestion would tenacious hold truth combined radical application grace generous dose wisdom paired liberal scoop courage 160we live postchristian world 160its going like us positions social issues 160our job however still proclaim gospel winsome boldness ready loving embrace wheels fall wagon 160let us move forward wisdom serpent innocence dove
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<p>Editor's Note:&#160;As part of our <a href="http://theworld.org/globalnation" type="external">Global Nation</a> coverage, which focuses on a changing America as its population becomes more diverse, stories related to Latin America are prevalent. Today, we are pairing with an exciting project called <a href="http://radioambulante.org/en/" type="external">Radio Ambulante</a>. Together, we will focus on bringing stories from Latino communities across the U.S.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Felipe Montes’s story begins in October of 2010, in Sparta, a small mountain town in North Carolina. After breakfast with his wife, Marie Montes, and their young kids, he walked to the courthouse for a routine parole meeting.</p>
<p>He had wracked up too many traffic violations.</p>
<p>But this time, immigration officers were waiting for Montes. After almost a decade of living in the United States without papers, he was deported to Mexico, away from his family.</p>
<p>In Mexico, Montes worked non-stop, anything to not miss his wife and kids.</p>
<p>“I just get up in the mornings, at six in the morning, every day, no matter if it’s Saturday or Sunday,” Montes said.</p>
<p>And then things got worse. Montes’s wife, Marie, had debilitating health issues. She struggled without Montes; he was the kids’ primary caretaker and family breadwinner. Soon after he was sent to Mexico, officials from the county Department of Social Services put the couple’s three young U.S.-born sons, Isaiah, Adrian and Angel, in foster care.</p>
<p>From Mexico, Montes said he could care for his kids. He and his wife agreed that if the boys could not remain with her, social services should send them to Mexico to be with their father.</p>
<p>For the next two years, Montes fought to reclaim his children.</p>
<p>Montes isn't alone. The U.S. deported at least 180,000 parents of U.S. citizen children in the past two years, based on government data requested by the news site <a href="http://colorlines.com/" type="external">Colorlines.com</a>. It has left thousands of children in foster care.</p>
<p>Donna Shumate is Montes’s court-appointed attorney in the child welfare case. As the legal case began, Shumate realized the state of North Carolina lacked clear policies for reuniting families separated by deportation.</p>
<p>“I asked the question of the social worker on the witness stand a few times, if the Department of Social Services had a policy with dealing with parents who were not U.S. citizens, who were actually located outside of the country, whether it be Mexico, France, Canada, wherever,” Shumate said. “And each time I asked the question, the answer was, ‘No, we do not have a policy.’”</p>
<p>Without any clear rules to guide social services, county officials argued that Felipe and Marie’s kids should stay in foster care. Those officials and the foster families involved declined interviews for this story.</p>
<p>As for Montes, the outlook was grim. He was in Mexico and couldn't defend himself in person. He faced permanent separation from his kids.</p>
<p>Then, last August, after immigration advocates rallied around his case, calling on local officials to reunite the family, U.S. immigration officials made the rare decision to allow Montes to return, temporarily, to North Carolina to fight for his kids.</p>
<p>But his return wasn't easy. When he first visited with his sons in a room in the basement of the Department of Social Services building, Isaiah, 5, asked Montes, “Are you going to adopt me?”</p>
<p>“I didn’t come to adopt you, I’m your father,” Montes responded. “I’ve come for you because I love you.”</p>
<p>In court, Montes argued he had always cared for his kids. I’m their father, he said.</p>
<p>After months of hearings, the judge ruled in Montes’s favor. Donna Shumate, Montes’s attorney, said ultimately the judge found Montes had been a fit parent.</p>
<p>“The judge found, as a fact, that Felipe was not unfit and that he had not acted inconsistently with his constitutional status as a parent,” Shumate said. “It’s not a test over whether children are better off in the United States or in Mexico. It doesn’t make him unfit that he was undocumented here, it doesn’t make him unfit that he was deported.”</p>
<p>In March, nearly two and a half years after he was deported, Montes boarded a plane to Mexico, this time with his sons. Because of her health, his wife Marie didn’t follow.</p>
<p>The father and his sons live in the Mexican state of Michoacán, located in the country’s rural central area. They live with Montes’s mother and siblings in a tiny house. The kids seemed happy, playing in the street with neighbors. But they were also in a country they had never known.</p>
<p>“Everything for them is new,” Montes said. “It’s totally different than what used to be.”</p>
<p>He talked about work being more available in the U.S., and that the kids were used to playgrounds and front yards with grass. In contrast, Montes says, Mexico looks bland to the kids — just dry fields.</p>
<p>But one person was thrilled about the family’s arrival in Michoacán: Montes’s mom, Griselda. She had not seen her son for years, and she’d never met her three grandchildren. She called them precious.</p>
<p>Montes tried to ease the transition for his sons. The first day he left the house to look for work, he left a list of English translations for his mom. She took care of the kids, but only speaks Spanish. Montes wrote down that when the kids say, “I want something to eat,” it’s "quiero algo de comer" in Spanish.</p>
<p>After a week though, the boys were already beginning to understand their grandmother’s Spanish.</p>
<p>But after being separated first from their father when he was deported, and then taken from Sparta and the foster homes where they lived for two years, the children worried about abandonment every time their father walked out the door.</p>
<p>Montes tells his kids, “I never left you. I just got deported last time.”</p>
<p>Montes is also struggling in Mexico. Home is in North Carolina with his wife. And he has a landscaping job waiting for him there. In Mexico, he found some work loading scrap metal onto trucks. But it barely pays, and it’s why Montes headed to the U.S. in the first place.</p>
<p>“For the whole month I’ve been in Mexico, I’ve worked five days, total,” Montes said. “The problem is, I tell my mama, I start getting depressed and upset about it because I’m not working and I’m not providing for the kids.”</p>
<p>Montes hopes he will be able to return to the U.S. with his kids, for good.</p>
<p>“I can come back to America and be with my wife and my kids, start a new life, together, like a family, like it used to be before the deportation,” Montes says.</p>
<p>For that to happen, he is betting on the immigration reform bill being debated by Senators now. In it, there is a provision that would let deportees with kids, parents or spouses in the U.S. apply to return.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>This story was also made possible by contributions from Colorlines, Culture Strike and the Ford Foundation.</p>
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editors note160as part global nation coverage focuses changing america population becomes diverse stories related latin america prevalent today pairing exciting project called radio ambulante together focus bringing stories latino communities across us 160 felipe montess story begins october 2010 sparta small mountain town north carolina breakfast wife marie montes young kids walked courthouse routine parole meeting wracked many traffic violations time immigration officers waiting montes almost decade living united states without papers deported mexico away family mexico montes worked nonstop anything miss wife kids get mornings six morning every day matter saturday sunday montes said things got worse montess wife marie debilitating health issues struggled without montes kids primary caretaker family breadwinner soon sent mexico officials county department social services put couples three young usborn sons isaiah adrian angel foster care mexico montes said could care kids wife agreed boys could remain social services send mexico father next two years montes fought reclaim children montes isnt alone us deported least 180000 parents us citizen children past two years based government data requested news site colorlinescom left thousands children foster care donna shumate montess courtappointed attorney child welfare case legal case began shumate realized state north carolina lacked clear policies reuniting families separated deportation asked question social worker witness stand times department social services policy dealing parents us citizens actually located outside country whether mexico france canada wherever shumate said time asked question answer policy without clear rules guide social services county officials argued felipe maries kids stay foster care officials foster families involved declined interviews story montes outlook grim mexico couldnt defend person faced permanent separation kids last august immigration advocates rallied around case calling local officials reunite family us immigration officials made rare decision allow montes return temporarily north carolina fight kids return wasnt easy first visited sons room basement department social services building isaiah 5 asked montes going adopt didnt come adopt im father montes responded ive come love court montes argued always cared kids im father said months hearings judge ruled montess favor donna shumate montess attorney said ultimately judge found montes fit parent judge found fact felipe unfit acted inconsistently constitutional status parent shumate said test whether children better united states mexico doesnt make unfit undocumented doesnt make unfit deported march nearly two half years deported montes boarded plane mexico time sons health wife marie didnt follow father sons live mexican state michoacán located countrys rural central area live montess mother siblings tiny house kids seemed happy playing street neighbors also country never known everything new montes said totally different used talked work available us kids used playgrounds front yards grass contrast montes says mexico looks bland kids dry fields one person thrilled familys arrival michoacán montess mom griselda seen son years shed never met three grandchildren called precious montes tried ease transition sons first day left house look work left list english translations mom took care kids speaks spanish montes wrote kids say want something eat quiero algo de comer spanish week though boys already beginning understand grandmothers spanish separated first father deported taken sparta foster homes lived two years children worried abandonment every time father walked door montes tells kids never left got deported last time montes also struggling mexico home north carolina wife landscaping job waiting mexico found work loading scrap metal onto trucks barely pays montes headed us first place whole month ive mexico ive worked five days total montes said problem tell mama start getting depressed upset im working im providing kids montes hopes able return us kids good come back america wife kids start new life together like family like used deportation montes says happen betting immigration reform bill debated senators provision would let deportees kids parents spouses us apply return 160 story also made possible contributions colorlines culture strike ford foundation
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<p>Michael Feinstein says he’s cultivated a niche career by staying busy and giving his audience ways to grow musically with him. (Photo by Gilles Toucas courtesy Strathmore)</p>
<p>Michael Feinstein Sinatra Centennial</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Friday, Dec. 11</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>8 p.m.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>$55-125</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>Music Center at Strathmore</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>5301 Tuckerman Lane</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>North Bethesda, Md.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://strathmore.org/" type="external">strathmore.org</a></p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>With two albums and a PBS special dedicated to Frank Sinatra, out crooner Michael Feinstein, who’s been called the “ambassador of the Great American Songbook” is no stranger to the music of “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”</p>
<p>On Friday, Dec. 11, the eve of Sinatra’s 100th birthday, Feinstein will bring his Sinatra Centennial show to the Strathmore. We spoke to him by phone from Manhattan last week. His comments have been slightly edited for length.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>WASHINGTON BLADE: You’ve recorded a lot of Sinatra material. Will this show be mostly those songs or others as well?</p>
<p>MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: Yes, it will include some of those things.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Tell us a bit more.</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: The concert is the centenary tribute to Sinatra, literally the day before his hundredth birthday and we have a fantastic swing band, a 17-piece big band that will be playing this music, which will consist of familiar Sinatra songs and some less familiar things that I think tell the story of his life and career. The show is not your typical Sinatra tribute in that I have no desire to imitate him or sound like him or do arrangements exactly as he did them. It’s my interpretation and my point of view of this great artist and a chance to share this musical experience with people that helps illuminate the glory of what he left for us. It’s a very personal tribute and a very upbeat, fun show with a lot of humorous anecdotes. Very interactive. … I was lucky to get to know him and he was very nice to me.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Will you be doing any Christmas material as well?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: No Christmas material is planned. I assume people will be hearing enough Christmas music.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Why has Sinatra lasted?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: Sinatra lasts because his art is timeless. He took what we now call the Great American Songbook and helped elevate it to its current status as being appreciated for its uniqueness of artistic expression. When he started singing these songs, he was one of the few who recognized that these were classics and many of them were fairly new then. Some were only 10 or 15 years old when he sang them but at that point he already perceived them as being set apart from other pop music that was happening at the time and that helped build an audience appreciation for Cole Porter or George Gershwin or Irving Berlin or you name it. Throughout his career he always championed and mentioned the names of his songwriters and brought them to Carnegie Hall or the Hollywood Bowl or whoever. He’s one of the key components of why these songs have survived.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Albums were kind of a different animal then and were recorded very quickly. Obviously his songs have lasted but do his albums still stand up today?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: They were able to be recorded quickly because of the level of talent involved and that was just the way it was done. … The fact that they could record an album like “Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!” in a day or two days is pretty remarkable and spectacular and that’s because all those musicians played live perfectly so there was no need for overdubbing, no need for the technology that we use now to compensate for lesser ability and sloppy craft in some cases. I mean, I love technology now and it has affected the evolution of recorded music in a great way, but in those times, that was just the way it was done. Recorded live and Sinatra was prepared like an athlete prepares for an event. He was in shape and he went out and did it.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Frank Sinatra Jr. was here with a tribute show to his dad a few months ago. Have you seen his show?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: I know Frank Jr. but I’ve never seen his tribute. But I’ve spent time with him and am very fond of him.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: So often when the public is interested in old school pop culture all they care about is who was sleeping with whom or who was gay and this kind of thing. You’re so knowledgeable about songwriters and craft and that side of it. Does this endless preoccupation with the stars’ personal lives ever annoy you or is there enough space to discuss craft that it’s satisfaction enough?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: The reason Frank Sinatra survives is because of his art and all the other stuff is sensational. I understand why it interests people and they love to connect that to his art and there is certainly, to a degree, a connection. His marriage and tempestuous relationship with Ava Gardner famously affected the way he sang torch songs in that phase of his life. But ultimately it’s about the art and the craft. It doesn’t frustrate me that people are interested in the other aspects because hopefully it will lead them to the art. Many years ago I was at the funeral of Jay Livingston, an Oscar-winning songwriter. We were at his service at Westwood Cemetery where Marilyn Monroe is buried and a lot of other famous people. I noticed some young girls gathered around Marilyn’s crypt and they started talking to me. They said, “Oh, we love Marilyn Monroe.” And I said, “What movies do you like?” And they said, “Oh, we’ve never seen any of her movies.” It made me laugh. But hopefully they’ll discover why Marilyn Monroe was a star.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: You’ve done a lot of work for music conservation. What did you make of the recent news that the University of California at Santa Barbara has digitized thousands of old wax cylinders from the turn of the century and made them available for digital download?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: Yes, they’re opening a new facility in January and it’s just an extraordinary place. David Seubert is part of the recording preservation board of which I’m also a member and you know we have, in Carmel, Indiana, the foundation that I started, the Great American Songbook Foundation and we have a similar but different archive for American popular music and we’ve digitized a couple of thousand lacquer discs that we hope to put online. The cylinders are available to put online because they’re so old, there are no copyright issues. RCA gave permission to the university to put them online but the problem is that a lot of things can’t legally be put online because of copyright issues so that’s what’s wonderful about what they’ve been able to accomplish. We hope to be able to put a lot of ours online and we just had a meeting about that last week. That’s the key to the survival of this music.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: I saw a photo of you recently with Tab Hunter. Did you meet him recently?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: Tab is a friend and his partner, Allan (Glaser), they live in Montecito and I have a ranch a few miles away so we spend a lot of time together when we’re in the same part of the world.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: All kinds of pop and rock acts are having charts made of their hits and doing shows with various orchestras. What do you make of this trend?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: I guess it’s an inevitable progression of one’s career where eventually they’ll start performing with symphonies. With the aging of their audience, orchestras are looking for more repertoire that they can perform to draw in these audiences. Sometimes these shows are sublime and sometimes not so good. It depends on whether the artists have had orchestrations made that really use the symphony to augment their art or if they just have the symphony playing what we call footballs, whole notes with the strings just sort of sawing away this incidental accompaniment. I’ve seen both but I don’t want to say which is which.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: Do you have a new album planned for 2016?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: I am working on a project that unfortunately I can’t speak about yet but it’s going to be a massive, multi-CD project and something quite unique in my discography. That has a great deal of my focus right now.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: You have carved out an interesting musical niche for yourself it appears. Has that been difficult? Have there been label people along the way who’ve pushed you to be more commercial?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: My career has been constant and that’s been a great gift because when I look at who was starting at the same time, a lot of them are not around anymore. I’m lucky I’m still doing what I love and I have new faces in my audience all the time. It’s an evolving audience and something I didn’t expect would happen. … There’s a core audience of the material and it doesn’t matter whether it’s mainstream or not in that most pop music is only a flash in the pan. It’s of the moment, then it fades. So to have the resonance, the life of this music to embrace, is really special and extraordinary.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p>BLADE: You and Terrence Flannery have been married several years now. How’s married life?</p>
<p>FEINSTEIN: It’s wonderful. My relationship with Terrence deepens in a way that is beautiful. All relationships take work and we work very hard at staying connected and growing in ways that will serve both of us and try to put good in the world. … Judge Judy, who is a friend, pushed us to get married when there was that window of opportunity the first time in California and the minute we did, it was life changing. … It’s been wonderful.</p>
<p>Michael Feinstein (Photo by Zach Dobson; courtesy Strathmore)</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Frank Sinatra</a> <a href="" type="internal">Judge Judy</a> <a href="" type="internal">Michael Feinstein</a> <a href="" type="internal">Sinatra Centennial</a> <a href="" type="internal">Strathmore</a> <a href="" type="internal">Terrence Flannery</a></p>
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michael feinstein says hes cultivated niche career staying busy giving audience ways grow musically photo gilles toucas courtesy strathmore michael feinstein sinatra centennial 160 friday dec 11 160 8 pm 160 55125 160 music center strathmore 160 5301 tuckerman lane 160 north bethesda md 160 strathmoreorg 160 two albums pbs special dedicated frank sinatra crooner michael feinstein whos called ambassador great american songbook stranger music ol blue eyes friday dec 11 eve sinatras 100th birthday feinstein bring sinatra centennial show strathmore spoke phone manhattan last week comments slightly edited length 160 washington blade youve recorded lot sinatra material show mostly songs others well michael feinstein yes include things 160 blade tell us bit feinstein concert centenary tribute sinatra literally day hundredth birthday fantastic swing band 17piece big band playing music consist familiar sinatra songs less familiar things think tell story life career show typical sinatra tribute desire imitate sound like arrangements exactly interpretation point view great artist chance share musical experience people helps illuminate glory left us personal tribute upbeat fun show lot humorous anecdotes interactive lucky get know nice 160 blade christmas material well feinstein christmas material planned assume people hearing enough christmas music 160 blade sinatra lasted feinstein sinatra lasts art timeless took call great american songbook helped elevate current status appreciated uniqueness artistic expression started singing songs one recognized classics many fairly new 10 15 years old sang point already perceived set apart pop music happening time helped build audience appreciation cole porter george gershwin irving berlin name throughout career always championed mentioned names songwriters brought carnegie hall hollywood bowl whoever hes one key components songs survived 160 blade albums kind different animal recorded quickly obviously songs lasted albums still stand today feinstein able recorded quickly level talent involved way done fact could record album like songs swingin lovers day two days pretty remarkable spectacular thats musicians played live perfectly need overdubbing need technology use compensate lesser ability sloppy craft cases mean love technology affected evolution recorded music great way times way done recorded live sinatra prepared like athlete prepares event shape went 160 blade frank sinatra jr tribute show dad months ago seen show feinstein know frank jr ive never seen tribute ive spent time fond 160 blade often public interested old school pop culture care sleeping gay kind thing youre knowledgeable songwriters craft side endless preoccupation stars personal lives ever annoy enough space discuss craft satisfaction enough feinstein reason frank sinatra survives art stuff sensational understand interests people love connect art certainly degree connection marriage tempestuous relationship ava gardner famously affected way sang torch songs phase life ultimately art craft doesnt frustrate people interested aspects hopefully lead art many years ago funeral jay livingston oscarwinning songwriter service westwood cemetery marilyn monroe buried lot famous people noticed young girls gathered around marilyns crypt started talking said oh love marilyn monroe said movies like said oh weve never seen movies made laugh hopefully theyll discover marilyn monroe star 160 blade youve done lot work music conservation make recent news university california santa barbara digitized thousands old wax cylinders turn century made available digital download feinstein yes theyre opening new facility january extraordinary place david seubert part recording preservation board im also member know carmel indiana foundation started great american songbook foundation similar different archive american popular music weve digitized couple thousand lacquer discs hope put online cylinders available put online theyre old copyright issues rca gave permission university put online problem lot things cant legally put online copyright issues thats whats wonderful theyve able accomplish hope able put lot online meeting last week thats key survival music 160 blade saw photo recently tab hunter meet recently feinstein tab friend partner allan glaser live montecito ranch miles away spend lot time together part world 160 blade kinds pop rock acts charts made hits shows various orchestras make trend feinstein guess inevitable progression ones career eventually theyll start performing symphonies aging audience orchestras looking repertoire perform draw audiences sometimes shows sublime sometimes good depends whether artists orchestrations made really use symphony augment art symphony playing call footballs whole notes strings sort sawing away incidental accompaniment ive seen dont want say 160 blade new album planned 2016 feinstein working project unfortunately cant speak yet going massive multicd project something quite unique discography great deal focus right 160 blade carved interesting musical niche appears difficult label people along way whove pushed commercial feinstein career constant thats great gift look starting time lot around anymore im lucky im still love new faces audience time evolving audience something didnt expect would happen theres core audience material doesnt matter whether mainstream pop music flash pan moment fades resonance life music embrace really special extraordinary 160 blade terrence flannery married several years hows married life feinstein wonderful relationship terrence deepens way beautiful relationships take work work hard staying connected growing ways serve us try put good world judge judy friend pushed us get married window opportunity first time california minute life changing wonderful michael feinstein photo zach dobson courtesy strathmore 160 frank sinatra judge judy michael feinstein sinatra centennial strathmore terrence flannery
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<p>Anthony Cappetta</p>
<p>In reading the recent guest essay that the Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellows wrote about the soon-to-debut PARCC test, I was flabbergasted to see their opening paragraph end with the absurd statement that by participating in the test roll-out this year, “students in Chicago will be able to do something amazing: They have the opportunity to pilot the PARCC without the fear of failure.”</p>
<p>I did not enter the profession of education to inspire my students to be great test-takers.&#160; I hope no teacher did.&#160; The notion that piloting a standardized test for which the publishing giant Pearson received a multi-million dollar <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/05/05/pearson-of-course-wins-huge-common-core-testing-contract/" type="external">no bid contract</a> would be an amazing opportunity for our students is down right inflammatory. Instead of letting our students be guinea pigs for testing companies, I hope we as a profession are driven to create the opportunities that change our student’s hearts and minds for the overall betterment of society.</p>
<p>For example, I was astonished a few years ago when some of my students put in numerous hours after school to raise money for earthquake survivors in Haiti even though their own families were barely making ends meet. I was surprised to learn last year that two of my senior students had already started their own business, trying to develop insulin patches instead of using needles.&#160; I get goose bumps thinking back when an incredibly shy student volunteered to explain her mathematical thinking at the board for the first time and her classmates give her the biggest high-fives as she walked back to her seat after nailing it. As I recall the amazing things students have done over the years, I never recall their performance on standardized tests.</p>
<p>I hope that all my students will go on to be a part of a new generation that accomplishes amazing things by finally solving social issues such as child hunger, rampant drug addiction, stubbornly persistent segregated housing, economic volatility and global warming. In order to creatively problem-solve such issues, and the many others that face our world today, our students will need a set of skills that no standardized test can accurately assess.</p>
<p>They will have to use technological advancements that have not yet been invented.&#160; They will have to unite people from across the political spectrum, interact with citizens from across the globe, and navigate ever-changing geopolitical conflicts.&#160; Most importantly, our students will have to figure out how to challenge unjust practices in our own country, just as generations before them challenged slavery and Jim Crow. The fight for marriage equality has been almost fully won across the nation, but as the recent protests against police brutality have underlined, racial equality is still something that eludes our country.</p>
<p>Fighting against unjust policies is where we teachers can lead by example and teach our students “real-life” lessons.&#160; In their essay, the Teach Plus Fellows agree that teachers should not have to teach to a test, yet they seem to conclude that we are helpless in changing the policies that mandate such tests.&#160; In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.&#160; We can and must challenge harmful educational practices.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.amstat.org/policy/pdfs/ASA_VAM_Statement.pdf" type="external">recent report</a>, the American Statistical Association (ASA), the largest organization representing professionals in the field of statistics and one of the nation’s leading scholarly organizations, deconstructed a central feature of the Obama’s administration “Race to the Top” initiative: tying school rankings and teacher evaluations to student test scores. The ASA issued a short but stinging statement that strongly warned against the misuse of value-added models (VAMs) for education assessment.</p>
<p>The report notes that VAMs are generally based on standardized test scores and do not directly measure potential teacher contributions toward other student outcomes.&#160; It goes on to say that VAMs typically measure correlation, not causation: Effects – positive or negative – attributed to a teacher may actually be caused by other factors that are not captured in the model.&#160; Furthermore, the report says that most VAM studies have found that teachers account for about 1% to 14% of the variability in test scores, and that the majority of opportunities for quality improvement are found in system-level conditions. The report explicitly asserts that ranking teachers by their VAM scores can have unintended consequences that reduce quality.</p>
<p>This means that at best, teachers have no control over 86% of what students score on standardized tests, and, at worst 99% of student standardized tests scores are out of the teacher’s control. Coming from the foremost organization on statistics, we should immediately stop any school closings or teacher evaluations based on test scores and further study what purpose, if any, standardized tests serve.&#160; The educational justice movement here in Chicago and across the country has been demanding this for the past few years, but unfortunately, very little has changed. Yet.</p>
<p>That brings me back to how teachers can truly educate their students and lead by example.&#160; We must challenge and protest unjust policies like VAM that stigmatize our urban students, teachers and school systems as “failing”.&#160; Last year, thousands of students opted out of standardized tests, and some teachers took the bold move of boycotting the test altogether.&#160; This is the creative resistance that is necessary to turn the tide against the harmful practice of using VAMs to evaluate teachers and schools.&#160; Let’s seize this opportunity to PARK the PARCC in a low-stakes environment before CPS and other school districts across the country have the opportunity to turn it into a high-stakes test.&#160; Not only will we stand on the right side of history, we also will challenge our students to think about what actions they can take to change the world they live in.</p>
<p>Anthony Cappetta is a math teacher at Lindbom Math and Science Academy, an active member of the CORE caucus of the Chicago Teachers Union, and a member of the Catalyst Editorial Advisory Board, as is a former Teach Plus fellow.</p>
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anthony cappetta reading recent guest essay teach plus teaching policy fellows wrote soontodebut parcc test flabbergasted see opening paragraph end absurd statement participating test rollout year students chicago able something amazing opportunity pilot parcc without fear failure enter profession education inspire students great testtakers160 hope teacher did160 notion piloting standardized test publishing giant pearson received multimillion dollar bid contract would amazing opportunity students right inflammatory instead letting students guinea pigs testing companies hope profession driven create opportunities change students hearts minds overall betterment society example astonished years ago students put numerous hours school raise money earthquake survivors haiti even though families barely making ends meet surprised learn last year two senior students already started business trying develop insulin patches instead using needles160 get goose bumps thinking back incredibly shy student volunteered explain mathematical thinking board first time classmates give biggest highfives walked back seat nailing recall amazing things students done years never recall performance standardized tests hope students go part new generation accomplishes amazing things finally solving social issues child hunger rampant drug addiction stubbornly persistent segregated housing economic volatility global warming order creatively problemsolve issues many others face world today students need set skills standardized test accurately assess use technological advancements yet invented160 unite people across political spectrum interact citizens across globe navigate everchanging geopolitical conflicts160 importantly students figure challenge unjust practices country generations challenged slavery jim crow fight marriage equality almost fully across nation recent protests police brutality underlined racial equality still something eludes country fighting unjust policies teachers lead example teach students reallife lessons160 essay teach plus fellows agree teachers teach test yet seem conclude helpless changing policies mandate tests160 fact nothing could truth160 must challenge harmful educational practices recent report american statistical association asa largest organization representing professionals field statistics one nations leading scholarly organizations deconstructed central feature obamas administration race top initiative tying school rankings teacher evaluations student test scores asa issued short stinging statement strongly warned misuse valueadded models vams education assessment report notes vams generally based standardized test scores directly measure potential teacher contributions toward student outcomes160 goes say vams typically measure correlation causation effects positive negative attributed teacher may actually caused factors captured model160 furthermore report says vam studies found teachers account 1 14 variability test scores majority opportunities quality improvement found systemlevel conditions report explicitly asserts ranking teachers vam scores unintended consequences reduce quality means best teachers control 86 students score standardized tests worst 99 student standardized tests scores teachers control coming foremost organization statistics immediately stop school closings teacher evaluations based test scores study purpose standardized tests serve160 educational justice movement chicago across country demanding past years unfortunately little changed yet brings back teachers truly educate students lead example160 must challenge protest unjust policies like vam stigmatize urban students teachers school systems failing160 last year thousands students opted standardized tests teachers took bold move boycotting test altogether160 creative resistance necessary turn tide harmful practice using vams evaluate teachers schools160 lets seize opportunity park parcc lowstakes environment cps school districts across country opportunity turn highstakes test160 stand right side history also challenge students think actions take change world live anthony cappetta math teacher lindbom math science academy active member core caucus chicago teachers union member catalyst editorial advisory board former teach plus fellow
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<p>Blue Baby Syndrome is a horrible disease. <a href="http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/methaemoglob/en/" type="external">According to the World Health Organization</a>, it is “caused by the decreased ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body. One of the most common causes is nitrate in drinking water. It is most important in bottle fed infants and water from wells in rural areas is of special concern.”</p>
<p />
<p>Ammonium nitrate fertilizer</p>
<p />
<p>To deal with the problem in California’s rural areas, Assemblyman Henry T. Perea, D-Fresno, has introduced <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=ab_69&amp;sess=CUR&amp;house=B&amp;author=perea" type="external">Assembly Bill 69</a>. According to the bill’s language, it “Establishes the Nitrate at Risk Area Fund to fund&#160;solutions for disadvantaged communities with&#160;nitrate-contaminated drinking water.”</p>
<p>The bill imposes a tax of 1 percent of fertilizer sold, which would be increased to 4 percent by 2016. As <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/asm/ab_0051-0100/ab_69_bill_20130711_amended_sen_v96.pdf" type="external">Legistats noted</a>, “For the gardener, and additional 1 percent is probably not much, but this could add up for the large farmer, and will unfortunately not be a significant deterrent to putting nitrogen in the ground.”</p>
<p>As I will review, despite the alarmism, the science actually is against nitrates in the water causing Blue Baby Syndrome in California.</p>
<p>“Birth Defects Linked to Bad Valley Water” blared the newspaper headlines all across California on July 13 and 14 (see <a href="http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/07/13/3386677/birth-defects-linked-to-bad-valley.html" type="external">here</a>, <a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/07/15/196723/birth-defects-linked-to-bad-water.html#.UezDRWT7380" type="external">here</a>, <a href="http://hanford.bako.com/news/Birth-Defects-Linked-To-Bad-Valley-Water/12673" type="external">here</a>, <a href="http://www.voicesfromthevalley.org/news/" type="external">here</a>, <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/15/5568213/birth-defects-linked-to-bad-water.html" type="external">here</a>, <a href="http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2013/07/16/3111648/birth-defects-linked-to-bad-valley.html" type="external">here</a>, and <a href="http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/features/green/16694-birth-defects-linked-to-bad-water-in-california-s-san-joaquin-valley" type="external">here</a>).&#160;The study referred to is,&#160; <a href="http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/121/6/ehp.1206249.pdf" type="external">“Prenatal Nitrate in Drinking Water and Selected Birth Defects in Offspring of Participants in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study,”</a>&#160;conducted at Texas A&amp;M Health Sciences Center and published in the June 14 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives.</p>
<p>This study is being used in the California news stories to justify a statewide fertilizer tax to fund water improvements for unapproved residential encampments in rural areas that lack water service.</p>
<p>However, buried underneath the headlines, I found that the study was conducted not on wells in California, but on wells in Texas and Iowa.</p>
<p>In addition, the study:</p>
<p>* Did not disclose if new mothers were asked if they had taken at least <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002092.htm" type="external">400 milligrams of folic acid during pregnancy</a>, which prevents most birth defects.</p>
<p>* Did not disclose mothers were asked how much alcohol they consumed during pregnancy, which could also cause birth defects.</p>
<p>* Did not control for social class of mothers with babies born with birth defects. This is important because babies that drank bottled water, and thus presumably had higher incomes to buy the bottled water, suffered many fewer birth defects.</p>
<p>* Was unable to definitively conclude that nitrates caused birth defects. That’s because the research design of the study was not based on clinical data or on the scientific method but on the subjective recollections of mothers and estimates of how much water was consumed.&#160;</p>
<p>Nitrate is produced naturally from decomposed vegetative matter, animal waste and fertilizer used in farming and home landscaping.&#160; At high dosages, nitrate can cause birth defects and “Blue Baby Syndrome,” as well as providing health benefits such as <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8638524" type="external">treating cardiovascular disease</a>.</p>
<p>The Texas A&amp;M study is contradicted in a presentation by <a href="http://www.yatedo.com/p/Bruce+Macler/normal/75edd796b620609940b92bbf3bd8f6bb" type="external">Bruce A. Macler</a>, a&#160;PhD in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. He presented his paper, &#160; <a href="http://www.epa.gov/region9/ag/workshop/nitrogen/index.html" type="external">“Reactive Nitrogen Research Workshop,”</a>&#160;to&#160;the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 workshop&#160;held June 4 and 5, in Fresno.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.epa.gov/region9/ag/workshop/nitrogen/2013/macler-nitrate-released.pdf" type="external">Macler said</a>&#160;Blue Baby Syndrome is “rare, typically from accidental nitrate or nitrite ingestion at high (greater than 1000 mg) levels.&#160; Some families are congenitally predisposed.&#160; Otherwise, (nitrates are) not a public health issue at ambient (normal) levels.”</p>
<p>Macler added, “Methemoglobinemia [Blue Baby Syndrome] in infants is typically associated with diarrhea and suggests a fecal association.”</p>
<p>Macler’s overview of the research findings contradicted the Texas A&amp;M study:</p>
<p>* Data show increasing level of Blue Baby Syndrome with nitrate were from wells with pre-existing bacterial contamination;</p>
<p>* Clinical studies of nitrate exposure alone showed little or no Blue Baby Syndrome;</p>
<p>* Bacterial contamination or illness is a co-factor.&#160;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.epa.gov/region9/ag/workshop/nitrogen/2013/macler-nitrate-released.pdf" type="external">Macler’s</a> review of 42 cases of Blue Baby Syndrome and other birth defects in California conducted by the U.S. EPA over 13 years showed:</p>
<p>* No cases were associated with nitrate;</p>
<p>* Only four of 42 cases were located in areas where wells are used;</p>
<p>* National figures are similar: it is rare to find a clear association with drinking water;</p>
<p>* There is no direct “smoking gun” of nitrates and cancer;</p>
<p>* High nitrate doses in animals do show effects but human data tends to be negative;</p>
<p>* Perchlorate, which is a potential health threat by blocking iodine absorption to the unborn and infants, is 240 times more potent than nitrates;</p>
<p>* Products like Benzocaine, an anti-itch ointment, improperly used by parents to treatment diaper rash could be a cause of Blue Baby Syndrome.&#160;</p>
<p>Data from an&#160; <a href="http://www.ehib.org/projects/LEHR_HC_010600.pdf" type="external">EPA California study of 2000</a> also indicated the areas with the highest incidence of Blue Baby Syndrome were all urban areas: Pasadena, San Francisco, San Fernando, La Puente and Colton.&#160; Agricultural areas with untreated well water did not have the highest incidence rates in California.</p>
<p>Macler further reported that only 37 smaller local water systems in California, serving 12,000 people (0.03 percent of state population), are currently out of compliance with the nitrate Maximum Contamination Level and all making progress to comply.</p>
<p>The AB 69 bill analysis also noted, “A <a href="http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/" type="external">recent University of&#160;California at Davis (UCD) report</a>, Addressing Nitrate in&#160;California’s Drinking Water, showed that nitrate loading to&#160;groundwater in the area is widespread and chronic, and is&#160;overwhelmingly the result of crop and animal agricultural&#160;activities.”</p>
<p>However, the UC Davis study merely looked at&#160;the occurrence of nitrate in four rural counties. It&#160;mistakenly defined nitrate contamination with its occurrence in the environment.&#160;&#160;Occurrence is not necessarily contamination.&#160;&#160;&#160;Nitrogen is everywhere; 78 percent of the air we breathe is nitrogen.&#160;&#160;Without nitrogen, plants won’t grow.</p>
<p>Nitrate is in most of the vegetables we eat.&#160;&#160; <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrosamine" type="external">Nitrosamines</a>&#160;are potentially cancer-causing and can be produced by frying food.&#160;&#160;Nitrosamines are also produced naturally in the human body by enzymes.&#160;&#160;According to&#160; <a href="http://www.epa.gov/region9/ag/workshop/nitrogen/2013/macler-nitrate-released.pdf" type="external">Macler</a>, nitrate and nitrite do not “demonstrably” cause cancer.</p>
<p>So this is a tax increase to solve a problem that doesn’t exist.</p>
<p>When the Legislature returns from its recess, AB 69 will be taken up in the Committee on Agriculture in the state Senate.</p>
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blue baby syndrome horrible disease according world health organization caused decreased ability blood carry vital oxygen around body one common causes nitrate drinking water important bottle fed infants water wells rural areas special concern ammonium nitrate fertilizer deal problem californias rural areas assemblyman henry perea dfresno introduced assembly bill 69 according bills language establishes nitrate risk area fund fund160solutions disadvantaged communities with160nitratecontaminated drinking water bill imposes tax 1 percent fertilizer sold would increased 4 percent 2016 legistats noted gardener additional 1 percent probably much could add large farmer unfortunately significant deterrent putting nitrogen ground review despite alarmism science actually nitrates water causing blue baby syndrome california birth defects linked bad valley water blared newspaper headlines across california july 13 14 see here160the study referred is160 prenatal nitrate drinking water selected birth defects offspring participants national birth defects prevention study160conducted texas aampm health sciences center published june 14 issue environmental health perspectives study used california news stories justify statewide fertilizer tax fund water improvements unapproved residential encampments rural areas lack water service however buried underneath headlines found study conducted wells california wells texas iowa addition study disclose new mothers asked taken least 400 milligrams folic acid pregnancy prevents birth defects disclose mothers asked much alcohol consumed pregnancy could also cause birth defects control social class mothers babies born birth defects important babies drank bottled water thus presumably higher incomes buy bottled water suffered many fewer birth defects unable definitively conclude nitrates caused birth defects thats research design study based clinical data scientific method subjective recollections mothers estimates much water consumed160 nitrate produced naturally decomposed vegetative matter animal waste fertilizer used farming home landscaping160 high dosages nitrate cause birth defects blue baby syndrome well providing health benefits treating cardiovascular disease texas aampm study contradicted presentation bruce macler a160phd biochemistry university california berkeley presented paper 160 reactive nitrogen research workshop160to160the us environmental protection agency region 9 workshop160held june 4 5 fresno macler said160blue baby syndrome rare typically accidental nitrate nitrite ingestion high greater 1000 mg levels160 families congenitally predisposed160 otherwise nitrates public health issue ambient normal levels macler added methemoglobinemia blue baby syndrome infants typically associated diarrhea suggests fecal association maclers overview research findings contradicted texas aampm study data show increasing level blue baby syndrome nitrate wells preexisting bacterial contamination clinical studies nitrate exposure alone showed little blue baby syndrome bacterial contamination illness cofactor160 maclers review 42 cases blue baby syndrome birth defects california conducted us epa 13 years showed cases associated nitrate four 42 cases located areas wells used national figures similar rare find clear association drinking water direct smoking gun nitrates cancer high nitrate doses animals show effects human data tends negative perchlorate potential health threat blocking iodine absorption unborn infants 240 times potent nitrates products like benzocaine antiitch ointment improperly used parents treatment diaper rash could cause blue baby syndrome160 data an160 epa california study 2000 also indicated areas highest incidence blue baby syndrome urban areas pasadena san francisco san fernando la puente colton160 agricultural areas untreated well water highest incidence rates california macler reported 37 smaller local water systems california serving 12000 people 003 percent state population currently compliance nitrate maximum contamination level making progress comply ab 69 bill analysis also noted recent university of160california davis ucd report addressing nitrate in160californias drinking water showed nitrate loading to160groundwater area widespread chronic is160overwhelmingly result crop animal agricultural160activities however uc davis study merely looked at160the occurrence nitrate four rural counties it160mistakenly defined nitrate contamination occurrence environment160160occurrence necessarily contamination160160160nitrogen everywhere 78 percent air breathe nitrogen160160without nitrogen plants wont grow nitrate vegetables eat160160 nitrosamines160are potentially cancercausing produced frying food160160nitrosamines also produced naturally human body enzymes160160according to160 macler nitrate nitrite demonstrably cause cancer tax increase solve problem doesnt exist legislature returns recess ab 69 taken committee agriculture state senate
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<p>SANTIAGO — A Ku Klux Klan-like group believed to be made up of large landowners in southern Chile is vowing to kill as many indigenous Mapuche as it can in retaliation for land occupations by the Mapuche.</p>
<p>In late July, a gun-toting anonymous spokesman for the “Hernan Trizano Commando” announced his group had a stash of weapons and a list of Mapuche leaders it would proceed to assassinate “so they stop messing around with our lands.”</p>
<p>“The main Mapuche leaders are going to disappear from the face of the earth with the dynamite we will put in their belts if they insist on their demands for lands,” said the commando spokesman in a press interview.</p>
<p>Large farmers and industrialists currently hold much of the land that the Mapuche claim as ancestral territories. Frustrated by the slow and inefficient government program that would return some of those lands to them, and feeling rebuffed by the authorities, dozens of Mapuche communities are resorting to simultaneous land takeovers, meeting with fierce police repression.</p>
<p>Some Mapuche organizations have increasingly adopted radical tactics in recent decades, turning to arson and other acts of violence against those they accuse of usurping their lands. Those arrested are often tried under controversial Pinochet-era antiterrorist legislation, which <a href="http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/chile1004.pdf" type="external">international rights groups say</a> violates due process. The Mapuche is the largest group of indigenous peoples in Chile, making up about 10 percent of the total population, and is concentrated largely in the Araucania region, more than 420 miles south of the capital. The ongoing conflict over land ownership is rooted in the loss of ancestral lands during the Chilean military occupation in the 19th century.</p>
<p>Special police forces from the capital have been sent to the region to evacuate occupied territories and last week they killed 24-year old Mapuche Jaime Mendoza during a forced evacuation, further fueling the conflict. Autopsy reports revealed that the unarmed youth had been shot in the back as he tried to escape police persecution. Mendoza is the third Mapuche to die over the past seven years at the hands of police in similar circumstances. Dozens of others have been injured.</p>
<p>“The government’s response has been more repression. The use of force is completely disproportionate. Just in Temucuicui, where 80 families live, there are 300 police agents posted there permanently,” said Richard Caifal, a lawyer of Mapuche origin who provides legal assistance to the Temucuicui community that has been spearheading the occupations this year, and whose leaders were targeted by the Trizano commando.</p>
<p>The Catholic Church's subcommittee on Mapuche affairs condemned the repression, saying it stems from discrimination and racism. The church has traditionally acted as mediators between the government and Mapuche. “We are concerned about the progressive criminalization of Mapuche demands, reducing it to an issue for the police. The Mapuche are not criminals or terrorists," it said in a public statement.</p>
<p>Protests have now spread well beyond the Araucania region and the indigenous groups themselves. The violence has also brought once-divided Mapuche communities together again. Days after Mendoza’s death, 60 communities came together to form the new Mapuche Territorial Alliance and announce more land occupations.</p>
<p>“We don’t want any more scraps. We want to recover our original territory, but the government won’t listen. That’s why we’ve united to take action,” said spokesman and leader of the Temucuicui community, Juan Catrillanca, who claims another 60 communities have asked to join them.</p>
<p>By the early 20th century, following the military occupation of the Araucania region, the 10 million hectares of Mapuche territory had shrunk to 500,000 hectares. Lands were handed over to foreign and Chilean settlers, who throughout decades expanded their property with fraudulent purchases and relocation of border fences.</p>
<p>With the agrarian reform in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the state began expropriating lands to hand over to Mapuche farmers, but the 1973 military coup abruptly ended the process and much of the land remained in a legal limbo. Plots were auctioned off cheap to large economic groups, which, thanks to new incentives to foment the lumber industry, wiped out native woods in Mapuche territory to plant pine and eucalyptus. The Mapuche lands were further reduced to a total of 300,000 hectares. “Western culture conceives property through legal land titles, but the Mapuche cosmovision considers that the land belongs to them because they have always lived on it. In their collective subconscious, they believe the impoverishment of their people is due to the usurpation of their lands,” said Hernando Silva, coordinator of the legal department at the Observatory on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Temuco. About 38 percent of Mapuches live in poverty.</p>
<p>Efforts to return the land have progressed slowly. In 1994, the government set up a National Indigenous Commission, CONADI, in charge of complex negotiations with large landholders to purchase a portion of their land to return to Mapuche communities. Since then, the government has bought or regularized 170,000 hectares for the Mapuche.</p>
<p>Last year, President Michelle Bachelet announced a Multicultural Social Pact to ensure their legal, cultural and territorial rights, including the restitution of lands to 115 communities by next year. However, there are hundreds more communities claiming ancestral lands.</p>
<p>What the government fails to understand, said former Temuco mayor Francisco Huenchumilla, of Mapuche origin, is that the conflict over lands demands a political solution.</p>
<p>“There is a permanent sense of injustice in this that can only be solved through dialogue, policies and understanding," he said. "This requires understanding the historical truth, because if the government thinks this is just an issue for the police, it is very mistaken.”</p>
<p>The Hernan Trizano Commando has its own Nazi-like “solution” for the Mapuche: “The final solution to this problem is to create an indigenous reservation between Peru and Bolivia. Building them houses and giving them food and clothing is much cheaper than giving them lands in Temucuicui, which they won’t use to plant anything,” said its spokesman.</p>
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santiago ku klux klanlike group believed made large landowners southern chile vowing kill many indigenous mapuche retaliation land occupations mapuche late july guntoting anonymous spokesman hernan trizano commando announced group stash weapons list mapuche leaders would proceed assassinate stop messing around lands main mapuche leaders going disappear face earth dynamite put belts insist demands lands said commando spokesman press interview large farmers industrialists currently hold much land mapuche claim ancestral territories frustrated slow inefficient government program would return lands feeling rebuffed authorities dozens mapuche communities resorting simultaneous land takeovers meeting fierce police repression mapuche organizations increasingly adopted radical tactics recent decades turning arson acts violence accuse usurping lands arrested often tried controversial pinochetera antiterrorist legislation international rights groups say violates due process mapuche largest group indigenous peoples chile making 10 percent total population concentrated largely araucania region 420 miles south capital ongoing conflict land ownership rooted loss ancestral lands chilean military occupation 19th century special police forces capital sent region evacuate occupied territories last week killed 24year old mapuche jaime mendoza forced evacuation fueling conflict autopsy reports revealed unarmed youth shot back tried escape police persecution mendoza third mapuche die past seven years hands police similar circumstances dozens others injured governments response repression use force completely disproportionate temucuicui 80 families live 300 police agents posted permanently said richard caifal lawyer mapuche origin provides legal assistance temucuicui community spearheading occupations year whose leaders targeted trizano commando catholic churchs subcommittee mapuche affairs condemned repression saying stems discrimination racism church traditionally acted mediators government mapuche concerned progressive criminalization mapuche demands reducing issue police mapuche criminals terrorists said public statement protests spread well beyond araucania region indigenous groups violence also brought oncedivided mapuche communities together days mendozas death 60 communities came together form new mapuche territorial alliance announce land occupations dont want scraps want recover original territory government wont listen thats weve united take action said spokesman leader temucuicui community juan catrillanca claims another 60 communities asked join early 20th century following military occupation araucania region 10 million hectares mapuche territory shrunk 500000 hectares lands handed foreign chilean settlers throughout decades expanded property fraudulent purchases relocation border fences agrarian reform late 1960s early 1970s state began expropriating lands hand mapuche farmers 1973 military coup abruptly ended process much land remained legal limbo plots auctioned cheap large economic groups thanks new incentives foment lumber industry wiped native woods mapuche territory plant pine eucalyptus mapuche lands reduced total 300000 hectares western culture conceives property legal land titles mapuche cosmovision considers land belongs always lived collective subconscious believe impoverishment people due usurpation lands said hernando silva coordinator legal department observatory rights indigenous peoples temuco 38 percent mapuches live poverty efforts return land progressed slowly 1994 government set national indigenous commission conadi charge complex negotiations large landholders purchase portion land return mapuche communities since government bought regularized 170000 hectares mapuche last year president michelle bachelet announced multicultural social pact ensure legal cultural territorial rights including restitution lands 115 communities next year however hundreds communities claiming ancestral lands government fails understand said former temuco mayor francisco huenchumilla mapuche origin conflict lands demands political solution permanent sense injustice solved dialogue policies understanding said requires understanding historical truth government thinks issue police mistaken hernan trizano commando nazilike solution mapuche final solution problem create indigenous reservation peru bolivia building houses giving food clothing much cheaper giving lands temucuicui wont use plant anything said spokesman
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<p>An estimated 4 billion people-about two-thirds of the world's population-learn through the spoken word rather than the written word. A new missions partnership is devising a strategy to plant churches among these “oral learners.”</p>
<p>A “new wave” of missions outreach has been launched by four evangelical organizations that have commissioned the first overseas workers in a unique partnership focused on billions of people who cannot be reached with traditional methods.</p>
<p>Epic Partners-a global missions partnership founded by the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, by Campus Crusade for Christ, by Wycliffe Bible Translators and by Youth With A Mission-uses chronological Bible storying to communicate God's Word and plant churches among unreached people groups that are “oral learners.”</p>
<p>An estimated 4 billion people-about two-thirds of the world's population-learn through the spoken word rather than the written word. Mission efforts focused on increasing literacy rates and providing written materials simply do not work in any significant way, said Avery Willis, recently retired senior vice president of overseas operations for the International Mission Board.</p>
<p>Willis, who spoke during an Epic Partners commissioning service in Asia in mid-October, said rethinking the concept is simple.</p>
<p>“We must meet people on their own terms,” Willis said. “Where is the barrier? Is it in them or in us? The difficulty lies with us, the literates. We've been handicapped by literacy.</p>
<p>“We've got to lay that aside and communicate in a manner that connects with the people we are trying to reach-and that is through orality.”</p>
<p>If manufacturers can sell products in the most remote parts of the globe, why shouldn't the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ also be available, asked Steve Douglass, president of Campus Crusade.</p>
<p>“We've spent millions of budget dollars on unreached people groups,” Douglass said. “Why can't we reach them? If Coca Cola can do it, why can't [the message of] Jesus Christ?”</p>
<p>Because Epic Partners personnel will be working in locations that are often dangerous and gospel-resistant, the ministry destinations of the new workers could not even be discussed at the commissioning service. Attendees ended the service by encircling each person, family and team to pray for guidance and protection.</p>
<p>Each organization participating in the Epic partnership brings its own unique ministry tools to the table:</p>
<p>• In the past few years, Wycliffe Bible Translators has found ways to accelerate the process of putting Bible stories into the heart language of an unreached people group.</p>
<p>• YWAM excels in training young people and nationals to be enthusiastic soul-winners.</p>
<p>• Campus Crusade is known for its longstanding commitment to evangelistic audio-visual products, such as the Jesus film and facilitating local peoples and partnerships.</p>
<p>• The International Mission Board specializes in church-planting strategies and has conducted nearly two decades of research onorality and chronological Bible storying.</p>
<p>“We're seeing that we can get the job done,” Douglass said, noting that although these four groups founded Epic Partners, they believe others also will catch the vision and come alongside the work.</p>
<p>“What we're committed to doing at Epic Partners is passing the ball. We're not ball-hogging. That's how you win,” Douglass said, adding that the task will be completed through the involvement of the local church “taking the ball” and maximizing the use of resources and funds.</p>
<p>“A new wave in missions is coming,” Douglass added. “It can crush, or it can be ridden. If the wave is ridden, there is no limit to what we can see. We will not see increases of 10 percent, but a 10-time increase.”</p>
<p>The Epic Partners commissioning service officially launched that wave of missions advance-primarily focusing on South Asia. Some of the field workers commissioned are self-supporting volunteers while others are financially supported by the parent organization. But all received training through their individual sending entities before beginning specialized training in issues of orality.</p>
<p>Organizers of the Epic partnership envision three types of projects:</p>
<p>• Epic Ventures: a team or teams working with existing field personnel among an unreached people group to assess the need for a chronological storying approach.</p>
<p>• Epic Quests: partners jointly engaging an unreached people group through a two-year program with a chronological storying approach to church planting.</p>
<p>• Epic Journeys: short-term evangelism and church-planting initiatives using audio recordings of Bible stories produced by an Epic Venture or Epic Quest project.</p>
<p>“I've been a part of commissioning about 7,000 people over the past 10 years,” Willis said. “I don't know if there is a group I'm more pleased to see go out than this Epic group.”</p>
<p>David Hamilton, international associate provost for YWAM's University of the Nations in Hawaii, quoted an African Maasai proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.”</p>
<p>“Partnership is at the foundation of God's intentions. It's not just strategic, it's essential,” he added.</p>
<p>If oral learners who have never been touched with the gospel are going to be reached, missions organizations and workers must be reprogrammed in their thinking-not only concerning orality, but also about partnering with others.</p>
<p>“A gateway is opening to a whole new way to do missions together. Ego and logo are just stashed someplace else,” Douglass said in his charge to those attending the Epic Partners commissioning service.</p>
<p>“This causes you to believe that the Great Commission can get done. And each organization involved has got the picture that God has called us to do something special together.”</p>
<p>Baptist Press</p>
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estimated 4 billion peopleabout twothirds worlds populationlearn spoken word rather written word new missions partnership devising strategy plant churches among oral learners new wave missions outreach launched four evangelical organizations commissioned first overseas workers unique partnership focused billions people reached traditional methods epic partnersa global missions partnership founded southern baptist conventions international mission board campus crusade christ wycliffe bible translators youth missionuses chronological bible storying communicate gods word plant churches among unreached people groups oral learners estimated 4 billion peopleabout twothirds worlds populationlearn spoken word rather written word mission efforts focused increasing literacy rates providing written materials simply work significant way said avery willis recently retired senior vice president overseas operations international mission board willis spoke epic partners commissioning service asia midoctober said rethinking concept simple must meet people terms willis said barrier us difficulty lies us literates weve handicapped literacy weve got lay aside communicate manner connects people trying reachand orality manufacturers sell products remote parts globe shouldnt good news salvation jesus christ also available asked steve douglass president campus crusade weve spent millions budget dollars unreached people groups douglass said cant reach coca cola cant message jesus christ epic partners personnel working locations often dangerous gospelresistant ministry destinations new workers could even discussed commissioning service attendees ended service encircling person family team pray guidance protection organization participating epic partnership brings unique ministry tools table past years wycliffe bible translators found ways accelerate process putting bible stories heart language unreached people group ywam excels training young people nationals enthusiastic soulwinners campus crusade known longstanding commitment evangelistic audiovisual products jesus film facilitating local peoples partnerships international mission board specializes churchplanting strategies conducted nearly two decades research onorality chronological bible storying seeing get job done douglass said noting although four groups founded epic partners believe others also catch vision come alongside work committed epic partners passing ball ballhogging thats win douglass said adding task completed involvement local church taking ball maximizing use resources funds new wave missions coming douglass added crush ridden wave ridden limit see see increases 10 percent 10time increase epic partners commissioning service officially launched wave missions advanceprimarily focusing south asia field workers commissioned selfsupporting volunteers others financially supported parent organization received training individual sending entities beginning specialized training issues orality organizers epic partnership envision three types projects epic ventures team teams working existing field personnel among unreached people group assess need chronological storying approach epic quests partners jointly engaging unreached people group twoyear program chronological storying approach church planting epic journeys shortterm evangelism churchplanting initiatives using audio recordings bible stories produced epic venture epic quest project ive part commissioning 7000 people past 10 years willis said dont know group im pleased see go epic group david hamilton international associate provost ywams university nations hawaii quoted african maasai proverb want go fast go alone want go far go someone partnership foundation gods intentions strategic essential added oral learners never touched gospel going reached missions organizations workers must reprogrammed thinkingnot concerning orality also partnering others gateway opening whole new way missions together ego logo stashed someplace else douglass said charge attending epic partners commissioning service causes believe great commission get done organization involved got picture god called us something special together baptist press
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<p>LA LIMA, Honduras - Emerald green banana plantations stretch to the horizon in northern Honduras. But these fields - indeed, the entire banana supply chain for the US supermarkets - could face ruin if a plant disease now ravaging Asia gains a foothold in Latin America.</p>
<p>The soil-born fungus, called Tropical Race Four, turns banana trees a sickly yellow as they wither and die. There is no treatment or cure for the blight, which has taken out millions of acres of bananas in Asia.</p>
<p>"No banana can survive Race Four," said Juan Fernando Aguilar, a banana breeder at the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Investigation. "If it reaches Latin America it will devastate banana exports."</p>
<p>Sitting behind his desk in La Lima, the country headquarters for Chiquita Brands, Aguilar explains that the banana business dug its own hole. In their campaign to replace apples with bananas as America's cheapest and most popular fruit, Chiquita, Dole and other companies found it more efficient to grow, pack and ship a single variety, known as the Cavendish.</p>
<p>Besides its blandly sweet taste, the Cavendish resists bruising or ripening too fast, making it an ideal fruit for export. This business model prospered over the past century but critics have long warned of the folly of depending on a single variety.</p>
<p>Across the Americas, diseases like southern corn blight and coffee rust devastated those crops until farmers began planting different hybrids, according to Randy Ploetz, a plant pathologist at the University of Florida who first identified Race Four. Yet the banana industry insists on uniformity and is paying the price.</p>
<p>"Monoculture, whether corn, bananas, or whatever, means that if a virulent pathogen infects a genetically uniform host, the disease will go through that planting like wild fire," Ploetz said.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Until recently, Race Four was kept under control because Asian growers using small plots planted a wide variety of bananas mostly for domestic consumption. Usually, just a few acres, rather than huge tracts of mass-produced bananas, were lost.</p>
<p>The dynamic shifted after the Cold War when new markets for bananas opened in Russia, Saudi Arabia and other countries that lie too far away from Latin America, which supplies the US and Europe. Following the model in Latin America, Malaysia, India, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Australia began planting enormous fields of Cavendish bananas for export.</p>
<p>Then, Race Four reared up. The extent of the damage is hard to measure because many countries refuse to provide data, Ploetz said. But scientists say the fungus has caused tens of millions of dollars in losses. In Malaysia, one newspaper dubbed the disease - <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/01/10/110110fa_fact_peed" type="external">the HIV of banana plantations</a>.?</p>
<p>Race Four has yet to reach Latin America. But Aguilar says it may be only a matter of time until travelers bring back the infected soil on their boots or via the dirt-enshrouded roots of plant seedlings imported from Asia.</p>
<p>At the end of a recent trip to banana fields in China, where Race Four has plagued production in the Pearl River delta, Aguilar was advised by his hosts to burn his boots.</p>
<p>Juan Fernando Aguilar in the lab where he is trying to breed a new Cavendish banana resistant to the killer Tropical Race Four fungus. (John Otis/GlobalPost)</p>
<p>"All these countries have quarantine laws on the books but the extent of the enforcement varies," Ploetz said. "The cat is out of the bag. Race Four is popping up all over the place."</p>
<p>Such warnings may seem over-the-top - until one examines recent history.</p>
<p>In the early 20th century, banana companies also relied on a single variety, known as the Gros Michel. But the Gros Michel was susceptible to a precursor of Race Four known as Panama Disease. Production plummeted and the banana companies faced bankruptcy.</p>
<p>Chiquita and Dole began replanting, en masse, with the Cavendish. The new banana proved resistant to Panama Disease. But if Race Four reaches the Americas, the companies have run out of mass-market substitutes.</p>
<p>It turns out that breeding bananas can be far more difficult than other crops. Chiquita and Dole are said to be working on a Race Four-resistant Cavendish hybrid in an effort to retain the other qualities of the fruit. But the Cavendish is nearly sterile and so far the experts have been stumped.</p>
<p>Sweating under the tropical sun, Aguilar spends his days cross-pollinating different varieties in gardens and greenhouses behind his office in La Lima. Over the years, thousands of experiments have produced exactly one banana resistant to Race Four but it turned out to be a variety of Cavendish that was almost inedible.</p>
<p>In Australia, scientists are using genetic modification in search of a Race Four-resistant Cavendish. But many consumers are turned off by genetically modified products, which they consider "Franken-Food."</p>
<p>Either way, a more perfect banana may provide only temporary respite, because it could still be targeted by some new disease, Ploetz says.</p>
<p>Dan Koeppel, author of "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World," claims that one answer is in diversity and small-scale production. Just as apples, grapes, and other fruit come in a variety of colors, sizes and flavors, bananas - despite their uniformity at US supermarkets - have much more to offer.</p>
<p>Indeed, there are more than 1,000 varieties of bananas around the world. India alone grows 670. Many are plantains, a staple across much of Asia and Latin America, which are large cooking fruit that are fried, baked or boiled. Finger bananas are smaller and far sweeter than the Cavendish. Other so-called dessert bananas taste like apples and even ice cream.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/120720/ted-honduras-utopia-paul-romer-charter-cities" type="external">How a TED talk inspired a utopian vision in Honduras</a></p>
<p>Variety may be the antithesis of large-scale agriculture. But Koeppel claims that smaller producers and specialty distributors could partially displace the giants and says their new offerings - such as organic coffee and heirloom fruit - would garner higher prices.</p>
<p>"Imagine being able to serve a Ugandan matooke - the comforting dish of steamed plantains eaten all across Africa's central and eastern highlands - using that country's native Mongo Love banana," <a href="" type="external">Koeppel wrote in Saveur</a> magazine.</p>
<p>"Imagine tasting a coconut-, cardamom-, and raisin-stuffed Nenthra Pazham from India's Kerala state, without leaving home. Imagine your kids getting their daily potassium from a sweet, bright-orange banana grown on the island of Pohnpei, in Micronesia."</p>
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la lima honduras emerald green banana plantations stretch horizon northern honduras fields indeed entire banana supply chain us supermarkets could face ruin plant disease ravaging asia gains foothold latin america soilborn fungus called tropical race four turns banana trees sickly yellow wither die treatment cure blight taken millions acres bananas asia banana survive race four said juan fernando aguilar banana breeder honduran foundation agricultural investigation reaches latin america devastate banana exports sitting behind desk la lima country headquarters chiquita brands aguilar explains banana business dug hole campaign replace apples bananas americas cheapest popular fruit chiquita dole companies found efficient grow pack ship single variety known cavendish besides blandly sweet taste cavendish resists bruising ripening fast making ideal fruit export business model prospered past century critics long warned folly depending single variety across americas diseases like southern corn blight coffee rust devastated crops farmers began planting different hybrids according randy ploetz plant pathologist university florida first identified race four yet banana industry insists uniformity paying price monoculture whether corn bananas whatever means virulent pathogen infects genetically uniform host disease go planting like wild fire ploetz said160160 recently race four kept control asian growers using small plots planted wide variety bananas mostly domestic consumption usually acres rather huge tracts massproduced bananas lost dynamic shifted cold war new markets bananas opened russia saudi arabia countries lie far away latin america supplies us europe following model latin america malaysia india china taiwan philippines australia began planting enormous fields cavendish bananas export race four reared extent damage hard measure many countries refuse provide data ploetz said scientists say fungus caused tens millions dollars losses malaysia one newspaper dubbed disease hiv banana plantations race four yet reach latin america aguilar says may matter time travelers bring back infected soil boots via dirtenshrouded roots plant seedlings imported asia end recent trip banana fields china race four plagued production pearl river delta aguilar advised hosts burn boots juan fernando aguilar lab trying breed new cavendish banana resistant killer tropical race four fungus john otisglobalpost countries quarantine laws books extent enforcement varies ploetz said cat bag race four popping place warnings may seem overthetop one examines recent history early 20th century banana companies also relied single variety known gros michel gros michel susceptible precursor race four known panama disease production plummeted banana companies faced bankruptcy chiquita dole began replanting en masse cavendish new banana proved resistant panama disease race four reaches americas companies run massmarket substitutes turns breeding bananas far difficult crops chiquita dole said working race fourresistant cavendish hybrid effort retain qualities fruit cavendish nearly sterile far experts stumped sweating tropical sun aguilar spends days crosspollinating different varieties gardens greenhouses behind office la lima years thousands experiments produced exactly one banana resistant race four turned variety cavendish almost inedible australia scientists using genetic modification search race fourresistant cavendish many consumers turned genetically modified products consider frankenfood either way perfect banana may provide temporary respite could still targeted new disease ploetz says dan koeppel author banana fate fruit changed world claims one answer diversity smallscale production apples grapes fruit come variety colors sizes flavors bananas despite uniformity us supermarkets much offer indeed 1000 varieties bananas around world india alone grows 670 many plantains staple across much asia latin america large cooking fruit fried baked boiled finger bananas smaller far sweeter cavendish socalled dessert bananas taste like apples even ice cream globalpost ted talk inspired utopian vision honduras variety may antithesis largescale agriculture koeppel claims smaller producers specialty distributors could partially displace giants says new offerings organic coffee heirloom fruit would garner higher prices imagine able serve ugandan matooke comforting dish steamed plantains eaten across africas central eastern highlands using countrys native mongo love banana koeppel wrote saveur magazine imagine tasting coconut cardamom raisinstuffed nenthra pazham indias kerala state without leaving home imagine kids getting daily potassium sweet brightorange banana grown island pohnpei micronesia
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<p>By Karen Feathers</p>
<p>When we first met Diana in late October 2001 at the Berizka Baby House in Kiev, Ukraine, we saw a very quiet and withdrawn little 2-year-old who sucked the inside of her mouth out of fear and was afraid to make eye contact.</p>
<p>Diana was a 17-pound “Ukrainian pixie,” as my husband called her, with a little sprout of hair poking up on top of her head whose brown eyes stole our hearts. Who was to know that God would have a plan for us to begin a ministry to an early intervention center for children with disabilities called the pahinets, which means “little sprouts”?</p>
<p>Who was to know that this little girl with her once hidden sparky personality and with her will to communicate and to engage herself in every aspect of life would motivate so many in Fork Union, Va., to believe in a better future for other Ukrainian orphans like her?</p>
<p>God knew and planned our lives accordingly to be ready to meet the calling of our hearts that has gone beyond a mission for adoption. He knew we would respond to the calling for a greater cause of fighting for the lives and rights of children of Ukraine with disabilities.</p>
<p>Our journey began in November 1998 with the birth of our fourth child, Erin-a beautiful little girl with Down's Syndrome and significant heart defects. She was welcomed into the world with open arms by her parents, three older brothers and a loving community and supportive church. After a couple of years with Erin, we felt God was leading our family to adopt another little girl with Down's Syndrome.</p>
<p>We felt Erin would need a sibling close to her age, and we felt that we had something to give another child like Erin, based on what we had learned as a family through the “Babies Can't Wait” early intervention program in our community. We had been educated and encouraged by special-needs educators and therapists and home and later in the public school program that began at the age of 2. We lived in a community that valued our daughter and encouraged our family. We were learning many things about God's unconditional love from Erin.</p>
<p>We quickly learned about the process of adoption. Parents of children with Down's Syndrome in Ukraine are encouraged to relinquish parental rights after birth and the children are placed in orphanages. Around the age of 4, these children are sent to Level 4 orphanages where they are institutionalized under poor conditions. Many do not live beyond the first year.</p>
<p>While in Ukraine preparing to take Diana home with us, we had several opportunities to explain the educational and therapeutic services available to children and families in the United States through federal programs and public education. We described the learning potential of children with Down's Syndrome and showed pictures of Erin at school interacting with nondisabled peers.</p>
<p>The officials, including the judge in court on adoption day, marveled at this concept of these “imbeciles” being important to families, going to schools and being included in society. The orphanage director asked me to return with people who could train people in techniques of early intervention for children with disabilities.</p>
<p>That led to the formation of the Ukraine Special Needs Orphanages Fund Inc., a non-profit organization based in Fork Union. Churches have responded to the call to minister with us across the Central Virginia Baptist Association. Joined with churches in the Northstar Church Network through New Hope Baptist Church of Alexandria, we have held fundraising basketball tournaments. Several Virginia Baptists have offered mission support for the needed therapy supplies and training professionals for mission trips to the Kiev, Vorzel, Rivne and Lutsk regions of Ukraine over the past four years.</p>
<p>Ministry opportunities have grown to include working with baby houses, older orphanages, an intake facility and an early intervention center for children with disabilities. Mission teams included construction workers and Vacation Bible School teams, along with the special needs professionals working to establish supportive relationships and developing improvements. We are working to understand an evolving society and to validate the need for change.</p>
<p>On our trips, we have found brave parents of children with special needs who are trying to keep their children at home within a society offering only a kindergarten education and limited therapy services to children with disabilities. We are collaborating with the Ukrainian-American Birth Defects Program to implement training programs for professionals and university students in teacher education; to fund the publishing of Small Steps, an early intervention curriculum; and to encourage parent advocacy as parents approach city officials to ask for more education and services for their children.</p>
<p>We have even been asked to write to President Yuschenko's wife to ask for her support of educational opportunities for the special children of Ukraine.</p>
<p>Our Ukrainian pixie has become an integral part of our family and community, and her determined spirit to live life to the fullest has fueled the mission of the Ukraine Special Needs Orphanages Fund Inc. As a family and community of Virginia Baptists, we have joined together on mission trips to Ukraine to bring God's message of the value of the lives of the children of Ukraine with special needs. These children have a right in this world to live and to be educated and to know that there is a God who has a plan for their lives for a better future within their society.</p>
<p>Special to the Herald</p>
<p>Karen Feathers is president of the Ukraine Special Needs Orphanages Fund Inc. and is a member of Fork Union Baptist Church.</p>
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karen feathers first met diana late october 2001 berizka baby house kiev ukraine saw quiet withdrawn little 2yearold sucked inside mouth fear afraid make eye contact diana 17pound ukrainian pixie husband called little sprout hair poking top head whose brown eyes stole hearts know god would plan us begin ministry early intervention center children disabilities called pahinets means little sprouts know little girl hidden sparky personality communicate engage every aspect life would motivate many fork union va believe better future ukrainian orphans like god knew planned lives accordingly ready meet calling hearts gone beyond mission adoption knew would respond calling greater cause fighting lives rights children ukraine disabilities journey began november 1998 birth fourth child erina beautiful little girl downs syndrome significant heart defects welcomed world open arms parents three older brothers loving community supportive church couple years erin felt god leading family adopt another little girl downs syndrome felt erin would need sibling close age felt something give another child like erin based learned family babies cant wait early intervention program community educated encouraged specialneeds educators therapists home later public school program began age 2 lived community valued daughter encouraged family learning many things gods unconditional love erin quickly learned process adoption parents children downs syndrome ukraine encouraged relinquish parental rights birth children placed orphanages around age 4 children sent level 4 orphanages institutionalized poor conditions many live beyond first year ukraine preparing take diana home us several opportunities explain educational therapeutic services available children families united states federal programs public education described learning potential children downs syndrome showed pictures erin school interacting nondisabled peers officials including judge court adoption day marveled concept imbeciles important families going schools included society orphanage director asked return people could train people techniques early intervention children disabilities led formation ukraine special needs orphanages fund inc nonprofit organization based fork union churches responded call minister us across central virginia baptist association joined churches northstar church network new hope baptist church alexandria held fundraising basketball tournaments several virginia baptists offered mission support needed therapy supplies training professionals mission trips kiev vorzel rivne lutsk regions ukraine past four years ministry opportunities grown include working baby houses older orphanages intake facility early intervention center children disabilities mission teams included construction workers vacation bible school teams along special needs professionals working establish supportive relationships developing improvements working understand evolving society validate need change trips found brave parents children special needs trying keep children home within society offering kindergarten education limited therapy services children disabilities collaborating ukrainianamerican birth defects program implement training programs professionals university students teacher education fund publishing small steps early intervention curriculum encourage parent advocacy parents approach city officials ask education services children even asked write president yuschenkos wife ask support educational opportunities special children ukraine ukrainian pixie become integral part family community determined spirit live life fullest fueled mission ukraine special needs orphanages fund inc family community virginia baptists joined together mission trips ukraine bring gods message value lives children ukraine special needs children right world live educated know god plan lives better future within society special herald karen feathers president ukraine special needs orphanages fund inc member fork union baptist church
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<p>First Read is a morning briefing from Meet the Press and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.</p>
<p>Closing ugly</p>
<p>Given the campaign we’ve watched over the past year, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the closing arguments from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are incredibly negative. Trump has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-n102EAYPA&amp;feature=youtu.be" type="external">a TV ad</a> referring to “pervert Anthony Weiner,” and he has made the false charge that Clinton is “under criminal investigation,” which NBC’s reporting doesn’t back up. Meanwhile, Clinton is throwing the kitchen sink at Trump, re-litigating his issues with women (Alicia Machado) and noting that Trump was endorsed by the KKK newspaper, which Trump’s campaign has disavowed. (NBC's Leigh Ann Caldwell sums up the negative closing arguments <a href="" type="internal">here</a>.) But these ugly closing arguments do create a HUGE opening for either candidate to rise above the negativity -- and make the other side pay for it. For Trump, it’s displaying remorse or humility. For Clinton, it’s making a plea for trust and transparency. Indeed, it’s the current occupant of the White House who knows how to fight but also to inspire. “Right now, young people, you have this opportunity that doesn’t come around all the time where history can move, you can bend the arc of history in a better direction you can reject divisiveness, mean spiritedness, we don’t have to go backwards, we can go forward,” President Obama said in Jacksonville, FL yesterday. “You have this precious chance to shape history don’t let it slip away.”</p>
<p>“The FBI is Trumpland”</p>
<p>Maybe the biggest political story out there are the multiple reports that the damaging leaks hitting the Clinton campaign appear to be coming from a band of FBI agents hostile to Clinton, especially in the New York office.</p>
<p>And then there’s this from Rudy Giuliani on Fox News two days before Comey’s announcement last week: “I think he’s [Donald Trump] got a surprise or two that you’re going to hear about in the next few days. I mean, I’m talking about some pretty big surprises,” Giuliani said, per <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/11/03/meet-donald-trump-s-top-fbi-fanboy.html?via=desktop&amp;source=twitter" type="external">The Daily Beast</a>. “We’ve got a couple of things up our sleeve that should turn this thing around.” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq1hcKlFUZk" type="external">Here’s the video</a>. Giuliani was asked about that video this morning on Fox News:</p>
<p>STEVE DOOCY: Two – a couple days before this all broke, you’re on with Martha McCallum, and you looked at Martha and go, well look out, something’s coming down, and certainly it did. What did you know? And a lot of other networks are pointing that out -</p>
<p>RUDY GIULIANI: Well, it’s very simple.</p>
<p>BRIAN KILMEADE: - as if you were part of that?</p>
<p>RUDY GIULIANI: I’m not part of it at all. All I heard were former FBI agents telling me that there’s a revolution going on inside the FBI and it’s now at a boiling point, and –</p>
<p>It’s the final Friday of the 2016 election, so watch out!</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/us/politics/presidential-election.html?partner=rss&amp;emc=rss&amp;smid=nytpolitics&amp;smtyp=cur&amp;_r=0" type="external">New York Times’ Maggie Haberman</a> smartly observes that Fridays have brought most of the bombshell news of this presidential race. “The last day of the workweek has often proved meddlesome for both Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton. Key moments in the F.B.I.’s email investigation landed on Fridays; and a 2005 audio recording of Mr. Trump bragging about sexual assault was also revealed on a Friday. The week could end quietly, or it could close with yet another in a series of wave-making afternoons.”</p>
<p>The final candidate travel schedules (so far)</p>
<p>Here’s what we know of Clinton’s final travel schedule, per NBC’s Monica Alba: PA-&gt;MI-&gt;OH-&gt;FL-&gt;PA-&gt;NH-&gt;OH-&gt;PA. And here’s Trump’s final travel sked, per NBC’s Peter Alexander: NH-&gt;OH-&gt;PA-&gt;FL-&gt;NC-&gt;NV-&gt;CO-&gt;IA-&gt;WI-&gt;MI-&gt;PA. How do you know Trump is behind? Because when you embark on a 10-state, 11-stop blitz at the end -- a la Bob Dole in ’96 -- you’re not trying to pick one state to flip in order to win. You’re trying to flip multiple states.</p>
<p>Early voting ends today in Nevada and tomorrow in North Carolina</p>
<p>With President Obama stumping in North Carolina -- in Fayetteville and Charlotte -- it’s worth remembering that early voting ends tomorrow in the Tar Heel State. And it ends today in Nevada and Georgia, where a new <a href="" type="internal">NBC/WSJ/Marist poll</a> showed Trump leading by just one point in the Peach State. As of yesterday, some 33 million Americans have already voted, and here are the numbers in the battlegrounds:</p>
<p>*** The battleground ad spending one week out: Speaking of numbers, here are the ad-spending figures – to date – between Team Clinton (campaign + outside groups) and Team Trump in the key battleground states.</p>
<p>First Read’s downballot race of the day: CA-49</p>
<p>California Republican Darrell Issa built a national profile during his time as the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, the GOP congressional panel famed for its recent bedeviling of the Obama administration. But Issa, the wealthiest member of Congress and a booster of Donald Trump, now finds himself in a highly competitive race in a district with a relatively well-educated population and growing share of Hispanic voters. He faces Democrat and retired Marine colonel Doug Applegate.</p>
<p>On the trail</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton stumps in Pittsburgh at 12:45 pm ET, Detroit at 5:15 pm ET, and then with Jay-Z in Cleveland at 8:00 pm ET… Donald Trump hits Atkinson, NH at noon ET, Wilmington, OH at 4:00 pm ET, and Hershey, PA at 7:00 pm ET… Mike Pence is in Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida… Tim Kaine also is in the Sunshine State… President Obama stumps in Fayetteville, NC at 3:25 pm ET and Charlotte at 7:15 pm ET… Vice President Joe Biden is in Wisconsin… Bill Clinton is in Colorado… And Bernie Sanders campaigns in Iowa.</p>
<p>Countdown to Election Day: 4 days</p>
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first read morning briefing meet press nbc political unit days important political stories matter closing ugly given campaign weve watched past year shouldnt surprise anyone closing arguments hillary clinton donald trump incredibly negative trump tv ad referring pervert anthony weiner made false charge clinton criminal investigation nbcs reporting doesnt back meanwhile clinton throwing kitchen sink trump relitigating issues women alicia machado noting trump endorsed kkk newspaper trumps campaign disavowed nbcs leigh ann caldwell sums negative closing arguments ugly closing arguments create huge opening either candidate rise negativity make side pay trump displaying remorse humility clinton making plea trust transparency indeed current occupant white house knows fight also inspire right young people opportunity doesnt come around time history move bend arc history better direction reject divisiveness mean spiritedness dont go backwards go forward president obama said jacksonville fl yesterday precious chance shape history dont let slip away fbi trumpland maybe biggest political story multiple reports damaging leaks hitting clinton campaign appear coming band fbi agents hostile clinton especially new york office theres rudy giuliani fox news two days comeys announcement last week think hes donald trump got surprise two youre going hear next days mean im talking pretty big surprises giuliani said per daily beast weve got couple things sleeve turn thing around heres video giuliani asked video morning fox news steve doocy two couple days broke youre martha mccallum looked martha go well look somethings coming certainly know lot networks pointing rudy giuliani well simple brian kilmeade part rudy giuliani im part heard former fbi agents telling theres revolution going inside fbi boiling point final friday 2016 election watch new york times maggie haberman smartly observes fridays brought bombshell news presidential race last day workweek often proved meddlesome mr trump mrs clinton key moments fbis email investigation landed fridays 2005 audio recording mr trump bragging sexual assault also revealed friday week could end quietly could close yet another series wavemaking afternoons final candidate travel schedules far heres know clintons final travel schedule per nbcs monica alba pagtmigtohgtflgtpagtnhgtohgtpa heres trumps final travel sked per nbcs peter alexander nhgtohgtpagtflgtncgtnvgtcogtiagtwigtmigtpa know trump behind embark 10state 11stop blitz end la bob dole 96 youre trying pick one state flip order win youre trying flip multiple states early voting ends today nevada tomorrow north carolina president obama stumping north carolina fayetteville charlotte worth remembering early voting ends tomorrow tar heel state ends today nevada georgia new nbcwsjmarist poll showed trump leading one point peach state yesterday 33 million americans already voted numbers battlegrounds battleground ad spending one week speaking numbers adspending figures date team clinton campaign outside groups team trump key battleground states first reads downballot race day ca49 california republican darrell issa built national profile time chairman house oversight committee gop congressional panel famed recent bedeviling obama administration issa wealthiest member congress booster donald trump finds highly competitive race district relatively welleducated population growing share hispanic voters faces democrat retired marine colonel doug applegate trail hillary clinton stumps pittsburgh 1245 pm et detroit 515 pm et jayz cleveland 800 pm et donald trump hits atkinson nh noon et wilmington oh 400 pm et hershey pa 700 pm et mike pence michigan north carolina florida tim kaine also sunshine state president obama stumps fayetteville nc 325 pm et charlotte 715 pm et vice president joe biden wisconsin bill clinton colorado bernie sanders campaigns iowa countdown election day 4 days
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<p>It was 10 minutes past 11 a.m., a Sunday morning in early spring, and as usual I was running a bit late, while running up the stairs of the British Humanist Society’s headquarters in central London to attend a secular church meeting with a friend.</p>
<p>I got up to the balcony and pushed open the big heavy door, and within a second of quickly looking around at the figures filling up the balcony, I suddenly felt so alone and so out of place.</p>
<p>I suddenly felt like a little immigrant kid who was not supposed to be there.</p>
<p>All the people around me were in their late 20s or early 30s, upper middle class, and clearly open minded enough to spend their Sunday morning listening to essays, rather than sleeping off hangovers.</p>
<p>Well, here’s the deal: Everyone was also white, and very British. While they laughed at the pop song they were singing and the dance moves of the guy onstage, I felt like they were in on something that I was not invited to, like they were sharing a joke that I was not privy to, able to understand glances with codes I was unaware of.</p>
<p>I shouldn’t feel that way; I was born in Iran but have been in Britain since I was 2.&#160;I went to some of the fanciest schools here&#160;and have spent nearly all my career at the national broadcaster. On top of that, I’ve also always relished being an individual and am comfortable doing my own thing too. So I shouldn’t feel alarmed if I am left out.</p>
<p>But bursting onto the balcony was like barging into a closed closet, one which I’d known was there for a long time, but which I was happy to walk past without opening and delving into.</p>
<p>“You don’t belong here,” a voice inside me said.</p>
<p>I live a charmed life here in London, working and hanging out in a very international circle. My British friends and colleagues are pretty international too, many either partly grew up overseas or speak a few different languages themselves, and have an interest in the world. I had a wonderful and open-minded education: My middle and high school looked like something out of Harry Potter, complete with an organ, a harp and cloisters. It was the sort of high achieving academic place where feisty young women were also nurtured to be creative and expressive. Most importantly, our emotional health was a priority, and we were really well looked after.</p>
<p>And yet, in this immensely open and nurturing environment, I don’t recall there being a single conversation about race. I don’t recall there being an acknowledgement that quite a few of the girls there didn’t know about what to wear for our annual Christmas services in the church, or didn’t have family knowledge on the intricacies of which universities had what sort of reputation and which doors those could open and close. And there were plenty of us who didn’t have British parents: There were a handful of other girls with Iranian families, a few Japanese, one Korean, a couple from the Middle East and a healthy contingent of Italians. All were born or raised in the UK.</p>
<p>And yet we all pretended like everyone was the same, like we all had the same experiences with our families, like we all shared the same cultural nuances as the majority Brits. And what’s especially odd is that there didn’t appear to be much allegiance among us non-Brits either, some sort of banding-together. It’s like we ourselves were ignoring that we were different and unacknowledged.</p>
<p>In contrast to this, I spent the last year in New York at graduate school. Americans talk about race — so much. At first I found it odd and sort of annoying. Who are these people, I’d think, constantly ... emoting? Always over analyzing things and blowing them out of proportion? Talking about their feelings in depth, and with near strangers too? And talking about race again and again, and if not in person then in endless comment pieces online.</p>
<p>The other thing that struck me was this pride in being both American and from somewhere else too. People are Chinese American, African American, Mexican American and so on, and the fact that they are one doesn’t seem to negate the other. I should be "British Iranian"&#160;I guess, but I don’t really think that term is used, or know what it means. It just doesn’t feel right.</p>
<p>I find myself always hovering over the ethnicity&#160;box in various surveys, not knowing what to put. I often wish there was a box for "Londoner," as that’s the only category which feels right. Then I remember that’s not an ethnicity, but rather another way of saying "international person who hangs out with other international people," which then further highlights not feeling like a local.</p>
<p>And even the other Americans have a pride to them that has gotten me into trouble a few times. I can drop jokes with Iranian&#160;Americans about weird things non-Iranians do, but the once or twice I made damning statements about Americans I was very clearly and sternly told not to offend them that way. These experiences were at once disorientating for me, and also made me sad at my own lack of loyalty to Britain.</p>
<p>And that goes to the heart of how things are done over here. No one really talks about anything. And by not talking about things, that means that they aren’t acknowledged, it means they aren’t seen as being important or worthy of thought and consideration, of even existing in the first place.</p>
<p>I face almost zero overt hostility or racism over here; I once had a guy on the train keep hissing "I don’t like Arabs" at me, but then he was French, and an Englishman kindly came to my defense with a "leave her alone mate." And another time an old lady at a bus stop started lecturing me about being a foreigner. And I think that is it. I’m sure there is plenty of hidden hostility, but I do appreciate that day-to-day life is pretty harmonious and conflict-free here.</p>
<p>But on the other hand, we don’t have belonging either. I can’t imagine marrying a British person, or spending time in close proximity with a friend’s family at their home. I often feel like the exotic person in the room, where my life experiences and home culture are really interesting and fascinating but this curiosity feels more like they are looking in at a curious museum exhibit from their position of being rooted and established and belonging, rather than like a hand outstretched or a call to form a genuine connection.</p>
<p>In all aspects of life, growing and learning and improving require effort, they require asking hard questions and facing up to unpleasant truths. There is no progress without discomfort. And that is the problem with the UK and race. Things are nice and non-confrontational, and there is a general daily level of serenity which is really nice. But it’s just that. It’s nice and inoffensive, but doesn’t go anywhere.</p>
<p>You can’t integrate immigrants into a society by ignoring the fact that they are immigrants in the first place, by not wanting to talk about it, by pretending that everything is fine and that there is no problem, that people and their cultures aren’t different, and that immigrant kids often feel weird because they don’t look like the locals, and they don’t get a lot of the local nuances, that they aren’t OK with their kids taking part in a lot of activities and that their family lives are so different from those of the local kids. You can’t have them feel at home if there is no awareness that all immigrant kids have an internal struggle between trying to reconcile the home culture with the host, by ignoring the fact that every day they are facing challenges from two different cultures where they have to try their best to fit in with both.</p>
<p>You can’t have immigrant children grow up to feel like they belong if you don’t acknowledge them in the first place. That is akin to saying they don’t exist, that there are no issues or challenges and that they aren’t welcome nor is there the intention of opening up a permanent seat at the table to them.</p>
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10 minutes past 11 sunday morning early spring usual running bit late running stairs british humanist societys headquarters central london attend secular church meeting friend got balcony pushed open big heavy door within second quickly looking around figures filling balcony suddenly felt alone place suddenly felt like little immigrant kid supposed people around late 20s early 30s upper middle class clearly open minded enough spend sunday morning listening essays rather sleeping hangovers well heres deal everyone also white british laughed pop song singing dance moves guy onstage felt like something invited like sharing joke privy able understand glances codes unaware shouldnt feel way born iran britain since 2160i went fanciest schools here160and spent nearly career national broadcaster top ive also always relished individual comfortable thing shouldnt feel alarmed left bursting onto balcony like barging closed closet one id known long time happy walk past without opening delving dont belong voice inside said live charmed life london working hanging international circle british friends colleagues pretty international many either partly grew overseas speak different languages interest world wonderful openminded education middle high school looked like something harry potter complete organ harp cloisters sort high achieving academic place feisty young women also nurtured creative expressive importantly emotional health priority really well looked yet immensely open nurturing environment dont recall single conversation race dont recall acknowledgement quite girls didnt know wear annual christmas services church didnt family knowledge intricacies universities sort reputation doors could open close plenty us didnt british parents handful girls iranian families japanese one korean couple middle east healthy contingent italians born raised uk yet pretended like everyone like experiences families like shared cultural nuances majority brits whats especially odd didnt appear much allegiance among us nonbrits either sort bandingtogether like ignoring different unacknowledged contrast spent last year new york graduate school americans talk race much first found odd sort annoying people id think constantly emoting always analyzing things blowing proportion talking feelings depth near strangers talking race person endless comment pieces online thing struck pride american somewhere else people chinese american african american mexican american fact one doesnt seem negate british iranian160i guess dont really think term used know means doesnt feel right find always hovering ethnicity160box various surveys knowing put often wish box londoner thats category feels right remember thats ethnicity rather another way saying international person hangs international people highlights feeling like local even americans pride gotten trouble times drop jokes iranian160americans weird things noniranians twice made damning statements americans clearly sternly told offend way experiences disorientating also made sad lack loyalty britain goes heart things done one really talks anything talking things means arent acknowledged means arent seen important worthy thought consideration even existing first place face almost zero overt hostility racism guy train keep hissing dont like arabs french englishman kindly came defense leave alone mate another time old lady bus stop started lecturing foreigner think im sure plenty hidden hostility appreciate daytoday life pretty harmonious conflictfree hand dont belonging either cant imagine marrying british person spending time close proximity friends family home often feel like exotic person room life experiences home culture really interesting fascinating curiosity feels like looking curious museum exhibit position rooted established belonging rather like hand outstretched call form genuine connection aspects life growing learning improving require effort require asking hard questions facing unpleasant truths progress without discomfort problem uk race things nice nonconfrontational general daily level serenity really nice nice inoffensive doesnt go anywhere cant integrate immigrants society ignoring fact immigrants first place wanting talk pretending everything fine problem people cultures arent different immigrant kids often feel weird dont look like locals dont get lot local nuances arent ok kids taking part lot activities family lives different local kids cant feel home awareness immigrant kids internal struggle trying reconcile home culture host ignoring fact every day facing challenges two different cultures try best fit cant immigrant children grow feel like belong dont acknowledge first place akin saying dont exist issues challenges arent welcome intention opening permanent seat table
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<p>BRUSSELS — Since filing my story about <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/france/090410/bordeaux-glass-half-empty" type="external">Bordeaux’s 2008 vintage</a>, the first results of the annual tastings have come pouring in.</p>
<p>The world’s capricious economic climate is creating a potential hangover, forcing many winemakers to lower their prices. The famed St. Emilion chateau Angelus decided on April 7 to put half its 2008 production on sale for 50 euros a bottle — still expensive, to be sure — but 40 percent less than last year. Another famed Chateau, Giscours, is offering a free 13th bottle for every dozen purchased.</p>
<p>At the same time, critics have expressed surprise about the quality of the actual wine produced in 2008.</p>
<p>“Bordeaux 2008 is, quite frankly, a vintage that has taken most of us by surprise,” noted U.K. wine merchant Berry Brothers &amp; Rudd on its blog this weekend. “Who would have thought that after months of continuous bad weather and setbacks in the vineyards, and weeks of speculation about the quality of the wines, that we would actually come away with anything better than mediocre praise for these specimens? But there’s no denying that many of the wines surpassed our expectations.”</p>
<p>Jancis Robinson, the venerable U.K. wine critic, said many of these refreshing wines will be “an agreeable shock" to those who had doubted the vintage.</p>
<p>With prices coming down in 2008, some long overpriced, delicious Bordeaux finally may become affordable. Before giving some recommendations, let me express two caveats. First, I have not tasted the 2008 vintages, which remain in barrels and are only sold now as “futures” to be delivered in two years time. I have only tasted older vintages. And second, Bordeaux is a giant appellation, with wines running from $5 to $500 a bottle, with quality stretching from the barely quaffable to the sublimely exquisite. This means it is necessary to sift through the massive offering before buying.</p>
<p>My tastes are markedly modernist: I like wines with fresh fruit and a forward, pleasing favor, not traditional Bordeaux that I often find has too many notes of tough leather. I admire the new generation of Bordeaux winemakers who are leveraging technology and hard work to produce riper grapes and more full-bodied wines. Among my favorites, in a wide variety of price ranges, are:</p>
<p>1. <a href="http://www.denisdubourdieu.com/index.html" type="external">Chateau Reynon, Clos Floridenne and Chateau Doisy-Daene</a>: These are the family domains of oenology professor Denis Dubordieux. More than any other single individual, he has revolutionized the making of white wines in Bordeaux. Instead of stuffy, heavy whites, he produces clean, fresh wines. Chateau Renon, less than $10, is a flavorful, almost 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc. Clos Floridenne, $20 to $25, is a much more ambitious, full-bodied, oak-aged white. Doisy-Daene, a Sauternes selling for about $40, is one of the nicest sweet wines I know — tangy, not cloying.</p>
<p>2. <a href="http://www.thunevin.com/" type="external">Chateau Valandraud</a>: This St. Emilion Grand Cru epitomizes the so-called “garagiste” movement. Instead of coming from a treasured parcel of land and being produced in a massive palace, it is made from Merlot grapes that come from an undistinguished vineyard that are vinified in the garage of Jean-Luc Thunevin’s St. Emilion home. But Thunevin picks such ripe grapes and concentrates them so much that he creates an annual blockbuster. Valandraud, made in small quantities, can run hundreds of dollars a bottle, but check out Thunevin’s <a href="http://www.thunevin.com/" type="external">other wines</a>. He also writes an amusing blog.</p>
<p>3. <a href="http://www.vieux-chateau-certan.com/vieux_chateau_certan_uk.html" type="external">Chateau du Pin</a>: This is another famed “garage” red wine fancied by connoisseurs and collectors, with only a few thousand bottles produced each year and demand that drives prices to the stratosphere, often more than $1,000 a bottle. Belgian Jacques Thienpoint makes it in the village of Pomerol. A more accessible and to my mind, equally delicious Pomerol Merlot from the Thienpoints is Chateau Vieux Certan, with prices — about $100 a bottle — that are high but not totally out of reach.</p>
<p>4. <a href="http://www.reignac.com/" type="external">Chateau du Reignac</a>: An ambitious entrepreneur named Yves Vatelot has transformed this domain into one of the most dynamic in Bordeaux. Since Reignac’s vineyards are not from a prestigious village, the wine sells for much less, as little as $30 a bottle&#160;— though in blind tastings I have attended it has equaled Bordeaux’s best. Reignac produces both attractive, richly scented whites and rich, robust reds.</p>
<p>5. <a href="http://www.expressionfronsac.com/chateau-fontenil.php" type="external">Chateau Fontenil</a>: This is the leading wine from Fronsac, the home estate for famed “flying” winemaker Michel Rolland, who makes fantastic wine around the world, from Lapostelle in Chile to Harlan Estate in California. The movie "Mondovino" vilified Rolland as a wicked magician responsible for homogenizing the world’s wines&#160;— if ever an unfair portrait existed, it was that one. Rolland is a bon vivant, who produces generous, full-bodied, fresh fruit-filled wines that are simply delicious. Before he arrived, Fronsacs were uniformly harsh; he made them supple and sinuous. Fontenil costs about $50 a bottle and is a bargain.</p>
<p>5. <a href="http://www.chateau-lascombes.com/" type="external">Chateau Lascombes</a>: All the previous red wines listed are from the “Right Bank” around the village of St. Emilion and are based on Merlot grapes. The Left Bank on the Medoc peninsula depends mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon. This estate is right across the street from Chateaux Margaux, one of the region’s Grandes Dames. In 2001, Yves Vatelot and U.S.-based Colony Capital purchased it and upgraded the wine (and the prices). The vintages I have tasted are luscious and full-bodied, yet retain a distinctive Margaux feminine perfume. Prices are about $75 a bottle.</p>
<p>6. Chateau Charmail: This Left Bank wine comes from an undistinguished part of the Medoc and often costs less than $20 a bottle. It’s a bargain. By harvesting ripe grapes and slowing fermentation by immersing the picked fruit in carbonic acid (sounds weird, but it helps preserve freshness), this is one of the fullest fruit, most pleasant year-in, year-out Bordeaux around. Another similar good name in budget Left Bank Medoc is <a href="http://www.cambon-la-pelouse.com/" type="external">Chateau Cambon La Pelouse</a>.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost on wine:</p>
<p><a href="../../../../../../dispatch/argentina/090302/the-rise-argentinian-wine" type="external">The rise of Argentinian wine</a></p>
<p><a href="../../../../../../dispatch/germany/090305/reviving-german-wines" type="external">Reviving German wines</a></p>
<p><a href="../../../../../../video/commerce/090222/the-recession-wine-bad-economy-good-news-chiles-low-cost-grapes" type="external">Is a bad economy good news for Chile's low-cost grapes?</a></p>
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brussels since filing story bordeauxs 2008 vintage first results annual tastings come pouring worlds capricious economic climate creating potential hangover forcing many winemakers lower prices famed st emilion chateau angelus decided april 7 put half 2008 production sale 50 euros bottle still expensive sure 40 percent less last year another famed chateau giscours offering free 13th bottle every dozen purchased time critics expressed surprise quality actual wine produced 2008 bordeaux 2008 quite frankly vintage taken us surprise noted uk wine merchant berry brothers amp rudd blog weekend would thought months continuous bad weather setbacks vineyards weeks speculation quality wines would actually come away anything better mediocre praise specimens theres denying many wines surpassed expectations jancis robinson venerable uk wine critic said many refreshing wines agreeable shock doubted vintage prices coming 2008 long overpriced delicious bordeaux finally may become affordable giving recommendations let express two caveats first tasted 2008 vintages remain barrels sold futures delivered two years time tasted older vintages second bordeaux giant appellation wines running 5 500 bottle quality stretching barely quaffable sublimely exquisite means necessary sift massive offering buying tastes markedly modernist like wines fresh fruit forward pleasing favor traditional bordeaux often find many notes tough leather admire new generation bordeaux winemakers leveraging technology hard work produce riper grapes fullbodied wines among favorites wide variety price ranges 1 chateau reynon clos floridenne chateau doisydaene family domains oenology professor denis dubordieux single individual revolutionized making white wines bordeaux instead stuffy heavy whites produces clean fresh wines chateau renon less 10 flavorful almost 100 percent sauvignon blanc clos floridenne 20 25 much ambitious fullbodied oakaged white doisydaene sauternes selling 40 one nicest sweet wines know tangy cloying 2 chateau valandraud st emilion grand cru epitomizes socalled garagiste movement instead coming treasured parcel land produced massive palace made merlot grapes come undistinguished vineyard vinified garage jeanluc thunevins st emilion home thunevin picks ripe grapes concentrates much creates annual blockbuster valandraud made small quantities run hundreds dollars bottle check thunevins wines also writes amusing blog 3 chateau du pin another famed garage red wine fancied connoisseurs collectors thousand bottles produced year demand drives prices stratosphere often 1000 bottle belgian jacques thienpoint makes village pomerol accessible mind equally delicious pomerol merlot thienpoints chateau vieux certan prices 100 bottle high totally reach 4 chateau du reignac ambitious entrepreneur named yves vatelot transformed domain one dynamic bordeaux since reignacs vineyards prestigious village wine sells much less little 30 bottle160 though blind tastings attended equaled bordeauxs best reignac produces attractive richly scented whites rich robust reds 5 chateau fontenil leading wine fronsac home estate famed flying winemaker michel rolland makes fantastic wine around world lapostelle chile harlan estate california movie mondovino vilified rolland wicked magician responsible homogenizing worlds wines160 ever unfair portrait existed one rolland bon vivant produces generous fullbodied fresh fruitfilled wines simply delicious arrived fronsacs uniformly harsh made supple sinuous fontenil costs 50 bottle bargain 5 chateau lascombes previous red wines listed right bank around village st emilion based merlot grapes left bank medoc peninsula depends mostly cabernet sauvignon estate right across street chateaux margaux one regions grandes dames 2001 yves vatelot usbased colony capital purchased upgraded wine prices vintages tasted luscious fullbodied yet retain distinctive margaux feminine perfume prices 75 bottle 6 chateau charmail left bank wine comes undistinguished part medoc often costs less 20 bottle bargain harvesting ripe grapes slowing fermentation immersing picked fruit carbonic acid sounds weird helps preserve freshness one fullest fruit pleasant yearin yearout bordeaux around another similar good name budget left bank medoc chateau cambon la pelouse globalpost wine rise argentinian wine reviving german wines bad economy good news chiles lowcost grapes
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<p>Editor's note: This is a developing story. For up-to-the-minute news out of Ukraine, please visit our <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/140218/fresh-clashes-kyiv-protesters-demand-parliamentary-vote" type="external">live blog</a>.&#160;</p>
<p>LISBON, Portugal —&#160;For many watching on television screens around the world, the bloodbath in Ukraine is disturbing but distant.</p>
<p>Seeing how Western governments placed Ukraine's simmering crisis on the back burner for months, it's hard not to recall British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's 1938 quote about events in pre-World War II Czechoslovakia: "A quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing."</p>
<p>Europe in 2014 is not the tinderbox it was in the 1930s, and Ukraine on Friday may just have pulled back from the brink of disaster. But here are five possible scenarios that show why the West should nevertheless care about what happens in this not-so-far-away country.</p>
<p>1. Civil war</p>
<p>Ukraine is a country the size of France.&#160;Its population is double that of Syria, and more than 10 times the size of Bosnia's.</p>
<p>If the bloodletting in Kyiv this week turn outs to be the first stage of a civil war, such a conflict has the potential to unleash a conflagration on a scale not seen in Europe since World War II.</p>
<p>The impact on Ukraine's 45 million people would be tragic.&#160;Historic cities like Kyiv, Lviv or Odessa could be left facing the destruction inflicted on Aleppo or Sarajevo.&#160;The European Union would have to cope with an unprecedented refugee crisis that would risk undermining traditional democratic parties as far-right groups exploit discontent over such an influx from the east.</p>
<p>That's supposing such a conflict would be limited to Ukraine. As casualties mount among civilians and pro-Western forces, pressure would grow for international intervention, perhaps along the lines of NATO's airstrikes in Bosnia and Kosovo. With Moscow supporting the other side, that would raise the prospect of a direct conflict between Russia and the Western allies.</p>
<p>2. Victory for Yanukovych and Putin</p>
<p>If President Viktor Yanukovych's ongoing crackdown succeeds in crushing the demonstrators, Ukrainians can expect their country to be sucked back into the Russian orbit.&#160;The hoped-for "association agreement" with the European Union setting the country's limping economy on a Western path would be buried.</p>
<p>Instead Ukraine would likely become part of a Russian-dominated Eurasian Union — along with other authoritarian former-Soviet states like Belarus and Kazakhstan.</p>
<p>The EU's "eastern partnership" plan to build an arc of Western-style democracies along its borders would be left in tatters. In its place would be a new, Cold War-style division of the continent.</p>
<p>Emboldened by such a success in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin could be expected to pursue a more aggressive foreign policy elsewhere, asserting Moscow's influence in Central Asia, the Caucasus and even putting pressure on EU and NATO members in the Baltic states and elsewhere in eastern Europe.</p>
<p>A Ukraine locked into a hostile Russian camp could also open EU nations to economic blackmail — given that so many of them depend on Russian oil and gas pumped through Ukrainian pipelines.</p>
<p>3. Partition</p>
<p>A glance at results from the 2010 presidential election that brought Yanukovych to power will show the extent of Ukraine's divisions. The north and west voted solidly for pro-Western candidate Yulia Tymoshenko, who is now in jail, the south and east supported Yanukovych.</p>
<p>The risk of Ukraine splitting apart is real.&#160;Protesters in Lviv — the main city in the west — have already threatened to secede should the Yanukovych regime consolidate its grip in Kyiv.&#160;Easterners, encouraged by Russia, could do the same if pro-Western forces gain the upper hand in the capital.</p>
<p>Crimea — a largely Russian-speaking Black Sea region, where the Russian navy maintains a major base — could be a flashpoint.</p>
<p>Russian officials have said Moscow would be prepared to fight to regain it if Ukraine shifts westward.&#160;Moscow has history here. It has supported breakaway movements to undermine other westward-leading former Soviet nations like Georgia and Moldova.</p>
<p>In Ukraine, such developments could create dangerous poles of instability on Europe's southeast flank.</p>
<p>4. Radicalization</p>
<p>Ukraine's protesters are not all brave democrats fighting for freedom.&#160;Among them are hardline nationalists with xenophobic and anti-semitic leanings.</p>
<p>This week's bloody clampdown risks further radicalizing demonstrators, pushing more into the hardline camp.&#160;That risk will grow if Europe and the United States are perceived to be failing in providing support for the democrats, raising the prospect of moderates becoming marginalized as Ukraine's conflict polarizes between pro-Russian Yanukovych supporters and radical nationalists.</p>
<p>5. Ukraine resurgent</p>
<p>This week's violence has seriously damaged hopes that Ukraine can emerge peacefully from the crisis as a democracy that maintains good relations with both Russia and the West.</p>
<p>Any deal that emerges from Friday's negotiations to get Yanukovych to agreed on the formation of a transitional government, constitutional reform and early elections will be fragile.&#160;Few in the opposition trust him and many will find it impossible to work with the man they hold responsible for this week's death toll. Furthermore, Putin could sink a deal he sees taking Ukraine out of Russia's grasp.</p>
<p>Yet there remains some hope of a solution — if Putin, Yanukovych and the opposition see that the dangers of confrontation outweigh those of compromise; if Russia and the West agree to jointly help rebuild Ukraine's weakened economy; and if they allow the country to choose its own path which could enable continued economic ties with both.</p>
<p>Should that happen, a stable and prosperous Ukraine could still become an important partner for Europe and the United States and a bridge between east and west.&#160;</p>
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editors note developing story uptotheminute news ukraine please visit live blog160 lisbon portugal 160for many watching television screens around world bloodbath ukraine disturbing distant seeing western governments placed ukraines simmering crisis back burner months hard recall british prime minister neville chamberlains 1938 quote events preworld war ii czechoslovakia quarrel far away country people know nothing europe 2014 tinderbox 1930s ukraine friday may pulled back brink disaster five possible scenarios show west nevertheless care happens notsofaraway country 1 civil war ukraine country size france160its population double syria 10 times size bosnias bloodletting kyiv week turn outs first stage civil war conflict potential unleash conflagration scale seen europe since world war ii impact ukraines 45 million people would tragic160historic cities like kyiv lviv odessa could left facing destruction inflicted aleppo sarajevo160the european union would cope unprecedented refugee crisis would risk undermining traditional democratic parties farright groups exploit discontent influx east thats supposing conflict would limited ukraine casualties mount among civilians prowestern forces pressure would grow international intervention perhaps along lines natos airstrikes bosnia kosovo moscow supporting side would raise prospect direct conflict russia western allies 2 victory yanukovych putin president viktor yanukovychs ongoing crackdown succeeds crushing demonstrators ukrainians expect country sucked back russian orbit160the hopedfor association agreement european union setting countrys limping economy western path would buried instead ukraine would likely become part russiandominated eurasian union along authoritarian formersoviet states like belarus kazakhstan eus eastern partnership plan build arc westernstyle democracies along borders would left tatters place would new cold warstyle division continent emboldened success ukraine russian president vladimir putin could expected pursue aggressive foreign policy elsewhere asserting moscows influence central asia caucasus even putting pressure eu nato members baltic states elsewhere eastern europe ukraine locked hostile russian camp could also open eu nations economic blackmail given many depend russian oil gas pumped ukrainian pipelines 3 partition glance results 2010 presidential election brought yanukovych power show extent ukraines divisions north west voted solidly prowestern candidate yulia tymoshenko jail south east supported yanukovych risk ukraine splitting apart real160protesters lviv main city west already threatened secede yanukovych regime consolidate grip kyiv160easterners encouraged russia could prowestern forces gain upper hand capital crimea largely russianspeaking black sea region russian navy maintains major base could flashpoint russian officials said moscow would prepared fight regain ukraine shifts westward160moscow history supported breakaway movements undermine westwardleading former soviet nations like georgia moldova ukraine developments could create dangerous poles instability europes southeast flank 4 radicalization ukraines protesters brave democrats fighting freedom160among hardline nationalists xenophobic antisemitic leanings weeks bloody clampdown risks radicalizing demonstrators pushing hardline camp160that risk grow europe united states perceived failing providing support democrats raising prospect moderates becoming marginalized ukraines conflict polarizes prorussian yanukovych supporters radical nationalists 5 ukraine resurgent weeks violence seriously damaged hopes ukraine emerge peacefully crisis democracy maintains good relations russia west deal emerges fridays negotiations get yanukovych agreed formation transitional government constitutional reform early elections fragile160few opposition trust many find impossible work man hold responsible weeks death toll furthermore putin could sink deal sees taking ukraine russias grasp yet remains hope solution putin yanukovych opposition see dangers confrontation outweigh compromise russia west agree jointly help rebuild ukraines weakened economy allow country choose path could enable continued economic ties happen stable prosperous ukraine could still become important partner europe united states bridge east west160
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<p>Four years ago a line in Keith Getty’s song “In Christ Alone” sparked a debate over the meaning of the atonement. In nearly two months since the Southern Baptist Convention nearly failed to pass a resolution condemning the alt-right movement, African-American Southern Baptists are singing a different tune, akin to the 1982 hit by the English punk rock band the Clash: “Should I stay or should I go?”</p>
<p>Planners of the 2017 SBC annual meeting June 13-14 in Phoenix breathed a sigh of relief after a resolution headed toward death in committee survived parliamentary procedure and led to passage of a face-saving Resolution No. 10, “ <a href="http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/2283/on-the-antigospel-of-altright-white-supremacy" type="external">On The Anti-Gospel Of Alt-Right White Supremacy</a>.”</p>
<p>The SBC resolution decried alt-right white supremacy “as antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ” and repudiated “white supremacy and every form of racial and ethnic hatred as a scheme of the devil intended to bring suffering and division to our society.”</p>
<p>But the way a mostly white Resolutions Committee handled the original draft measure submitted by a black pastor continues to bother those seeking more racial diversity in leadership of the nation’s second-largest faith group behind Catholics.</p>
<p>Lawrence Ware, a lecturer at Oklahoma State University not well known in SBC circles, cast the first stone with a July 17 <a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/opinion/why-im-leaving-the-southern-baptist-convention.html?emc=edit_th_20170717&amp;nl=todaysheadlines&amp;nlid=57641063&amp;_r=0&amp;referer=" type="external">op-ed</a> in the New York Times saying he was renouncing his ordination in a Southern Baptist church. Ware later <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/49279" type="external">said</a> he probably would have “softened” some of his language if he had known the column was going to make headlines across the country for weeks.</p>
<p>Ripples went out in rebuttals including Pastor Dwight McKissic’s Aug. 2 Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/08/02/im-a-black-pastor-heres-why-im-staying-in-the-southern-baptist-convention/?utm_term=.440c6b96aa03" type="external">perspective</a> on why as a black pastor he is staying in the Southern Baptist Convention.</p>
<p>McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, added in a blog Aug. 3 it is unfortunate that the committee’s decision not to move forward with his original <a href="https://dwightmckissic.wordpress.com/2017/05/27/resolution-on-the-condemnation-of-the-alt-right-movement-and-the-roots-of-white-supremacy/" type="external">proposed</a> resolution on “Condemnation of the ‘Alt-Right’ Movement and the Roots of White&#160;Supremacy” turned out to be the biggest story of the convention.</p>
<p>McKissic said the committee’s inaction on his resolution was the result of “a systemic majority culture mindset that still dominates and rules the SBC” that “will only change as committees become more diverse.”</p>
<p>“The Resolutions Committee rejected my resolution not because of a sympathy or support of white supremacy or the alt-right,” McKissic said. “Their rejection was personal, directed toward me because of my outspokenness on race and other issues.”</p>
<p>Earon James</p>
<p>Pastor Earon James of Relevant Life Church in Pace, Fla., said in an <a href="https://www.raanetwork.org/pass-mic-sbc-alt-right-condemning-white-supremacy/" type="external">interview</a> with the Reformed African American Network that even though he has been a Southern Baptist only a short while, he found the initial response to McKissic’s resolution “extremely discouraging.”</p>
<p>“The only thing I could think of was that it was like watching a bride and a groom standing at the altar and when the one who is officiating the wedding gets to the groom, initially he says no,” James told podcast <a href="https://www.raanetwork.org/about/founders/" type="external">co-hosts</a> Tyler Burns and Jemar Tisby. “So then his brothers are like: ‘What are you doing? You can’t do this. It’s embarrassing.’</p>
<p>“So they take him into a side room and they coach him up a little bit,” the pastor said. “Hey, man, this looks bad. The optics are not good. You can’t tell her no in front of everybody like that. You’ve got to say ‘yeah,’ whether you feel it or not.”</p>
<p>“They bring him out in front of everybody, and then he’s ready to say yes,” James said. “But here’s a question: should she?”</p>
<p>Joseph Caldwell, president at Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies, addressed “ <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-pastor-mckissics-language-matters-southern-baptist-caldwell" type="external">Why Pastor McKissic’s Language Matters and the Southern Baptist Convention Should Be Ashamed</a>” as “a white guy who has spent most of his life and ministry in SBC churches and institutions” married for 21 years to a black wife “who has no problem calling me on my latent racism and self-righteous crusading.”</p>
<p>“White folks need to stop believing they have the right to set the agenda, language and tone of discussions on race in America,” Caldwell said.</p>
<p>Rather than “just a matter of parliamentary procedure,” Caldwell said, the Resolutions Committee’s handling of McKissic’s motion “really was a matter of using it to silence legitimate non-white voices in the SBC.”</p>
<p>Resolutions Committee chairman Barrett Duke said at the convention the committee rejected McKissic’s original resolution because it was “poorly written” and “inflammatory.”</p>
<p>Dwight McKissic</p>
<p>McKissic, who in previous years has offered resolutions applauding the election of Barack Obama as president and last year’s denunciation of the Confederate flag, called the episode “an example of the majority culture mindset that rules the SBC.”</p>
<p>“Who determined the resolution was poorly written and inflammatory?” he asked. “Were those determinations factual? Did one black person agree that it was poorly written and inflammatory?”</p>
<p>James said on the Reformed African American Network podcast that he personally preferred McKissic’s version.</p>
<p>“When I read through Resolution No. 10, I’m reading and reading, and I don’t mean to sound crass, but I was waiting for it to get to the point,” he said. “You’re reading through all of these different points within the resolution that seem to —&#160;I don’t know any other way to say this, but —&#160;say let’s pat ourselves on the back for the progress that we’ve made, the steps that we’ve already taken. Let’s prove our innocence, so to speak, and then let’s get to the point. To be quite honest, for me, as a black man, it came off as hollow.”</p>
<p>Jemar Tisby, president of the Reformed African American Network, said that even though he isn’t a Southern Baptist, he was troubled by how the Resolutions Committee went out of its way to present the final version as “our resolution,” re-written without input from the original author.</p>
<p>“It feels like theological policing that an African-American pastor in good standing authored this resolution,” Tisby said on the “Pass the Mic” <a href="https://www.raanetwork.org/pass-mic-sbc-alt-right-condemning-white-supremacy/" type="external">podcast</a>. “The wording was deemed too inflammatory, confrontational, however you want to describe it; they didn’t like it. And so a group of mostly white men has to rewrite it and that’s the one that gets passed? That’s troublesome to me.”</p>
<p>In his Washington Post article, McKissic said that like Ware, he, too, has in the past considered leaving the SBC, but he stays because he loves the denomination and wants to work from the inside toward change.</p>
<p>Fred Luter, the only African American to be elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention, <a href="https://www.namb.net/send-network-blog/dont-ditch-your-denomination-fred-luter" type="external">described</a> on a North American Mission Board blog how the denomination helped Franklin Avenue Baptist Church grow from a dying Southern Baptist mission to one of the largest churches in the state.</p>
<p>Atlanta pastor Gabriel Stovall <a href="http://www.bpnews.net/49280/why-im-staying-in-the-southern-baptist-convention" type="external">said</a> in an article in Baptist Press that when Southern Baptists were silent about police shooting black men and he saw some pastors shilling for Donald Trump he wondered if he is in the right place, but he still believes in the SBC’s emphasis on ministry and missions.</p>
<p>Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, <a href="said" type="external">said</a> it’s time for white leaders like him to listen to people of color. “We aren’t just pursuing diversity to no end,” he said. “We want to see people come to Christ from every nation, tribe and tongue.”</p>
<p>“It’s time for Southern Baptists to make crystal clear —&#160;no one in our ranks is ‘in someone else’s house!’” Akin said. “We should not stop and we will not stop working until everyone feels that this is their home. We are brothers and sisters, we are family and we need each other.”</p>
<p>“Yes, these conversations are uncomfortable,” Akin said. “But sometimes we must push through the uncomfortable to get to the beautiful.”</p>
<p>As the Clash <a href="https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tqg7uo7ep33hjjl3wem4mwxwygq?lyrics=1&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=search&amp;utm_campaign=lyrics&amp;pcampaignid=kp-lyrics" type="external">put it</a>: “If I go there will be trouble, and if I stay it will be double.”</p>
<p>Previous stories:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">In annual meeting do-over, Southern Baptists denounce ‘alt-right’ white supremacy</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Satisfaction guaranteed: Southern Baptists refute efforts to soften the atonement</a></p>
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four years ago line keith gettys song christ alone sparked debate meaning atonement nearly two months since southern baptist convention nearly failed pass resolution condemning altright movement africanamerican southern baptists singing different tune akin 1982 hit english punk rock band clash stay go planners 2017 sbc annual meeting june 1314 phoenix breathed sigh relief resolution headed toward death committee survived parliamentary procedure led passage facesaving resolution 10 antigospel altright white supremacy sbc resolution decried altright white supremacy antithetical gospel jesus christ repudiated white supremacy every form racial ethnic hatred scheme devil intended bring suffering division society way mostly white resolutions committee handled original draft measure submitted black pastor continues bother seeking racial diversity leadership nations secondlargest faith group behind catholics lawrence ware lecturer oklahoma state university well known sbc circles cast first stone july 17 oped new york times saying renouncing ordination southern baptist church ware later said probably would softened language known column going make headlines across country weeks ripples went rebuttals including pastor dwight mckissics aug 2 washington post perspective black pastor staying southern baptist convention mckissic pastor cornerstone baptist church arlington texas added blog aug 3 unfortunate committees decision move forward original proposed resolution condemnation altright movement roots white160supremacy turned biggest story convention mckissic said committees inaction resolution result systemic majority culture mindset still dominates rules sbc change committees become diverse resolutions committee rejected resolution sympathy support white supremacy altright mckissic said rejection personal directed toward outspokenness race issues earon james pastor earon james relevant life church pace fla said interview reformed african american network even though southern baptist short found initial response mckissics resolution extremely discouraging thing could think like watching bride groom standing altar one officiating wedding gets groom initially says james told podcast cohosts tyler burns jemar tisby brothers like cant embarrassing take side room coach little bit pastor said hey man looks bad optics good cant tell front everybody like youve got say yeah whether feel bring front everybody hes ready say yes james said heres question joseph caldwell president memphis center urban theological studies addressed pastor mckissics language matters southern baptist convention ashamed white guy spent life ministry sbc churches institutions married 21 years black wife problem calling latent racism selfrighteous crusading white folks need stop believing right set agenda language tone discussions race america caldwell said rather matter parliamentary procedure caldwell said resolutions committees handling mckissics motion really matter using silence legitimate nonwhite voices sbc resolutions committee chairman barrett duke said convention committee rejected mckissics original resolution poorly written inflammatory dwight mckissic mckissic previous years offered resolutions applauding election barack obama president last years denunciation confederate flag called episode example majority culture mindset rules sbc determined resolution poorly written inflammatory asked determinations factual one black person agree poorly written inflammatory james said reformed african american network podcast personally preferred mckissics version read resolution 10 im reading reading dont mean sound crass waiting get point said youre reading different points within resolution seem 160i dont know way say 160say lets pat back progress weve made steps weve already taken lets prove innocence speak lets get point quite honest black man came hollow jemar tisby president reformed african american network said even though isnt southern baptist troubled resolutions committee went way present final version resolution rewritten without input original author feels like theological policing africanamerican pastor good standing authored resolution tisby said pass mic podcast wording deemed inflammatory confrontational however want describe didnt like group mostly white men rewrite thats one gets passed thats troublesome washington post article mckissic said like ware past considered leaving sbc stays loves denomination wants work inside toward change fred luter african american elected president southern baptist convention described north american mission board blog denomination helped franklin avenue baptist church grow dying southern baptist mission one largest churches state atlanta pastor gabriel stovall said article baptist press southern baptists silent police shooting black men saw pastors shilling donald trump wondered right place still believes sbcs emphasis ministry missions danny akin president southeastern baptist theological seminary said time white leaders like listen people color arent pursuing diversity end said want see people come christ every nation tribe tongue time southern baptists make crystal clear 160no one ranks someone elses house akin said stop stop working everyone feels home brothers sisters family need yes conversations uncomfortable akin said sometimes must push uncomfortable get beautiful clash put go trouble stay double previous stories annual meeting doover southern baptists denounce altright white supremacy satisfaction guaranteed southern baptists refute efforts soften atonement
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<p>In the first set of hearings on proposed turnarounds, district officials made their case that Casals and Piccolo elementary schools need a whole new set of staff. But they were countered by parents and teachers who asserted the schools had already suffered repeated changes in programs and turnover in leadership.</p>
<p>The hearings, which took place at district headquarters, were peaceful compared to many <a href="http://catalyst-chicago.org/2012/01/tensions-rife-school-closing-hearings/" type="external">community hearings</a> on school closings that took place earlier this month.&#160;</p>
<p>Some have argued against the turnarounds, especially at Casals where about 60 percent of students are meeting standards on the ISAT. About 100 elementary schools have worse composite ISAT scores.</p>
<p>But Jacare Thomas, data strategist for the Garfield-Humboldt Park Elementary Network, made presentations at both hearings on the schools’ lack of progress. She showed a growing gap between the percentage of students meeting state standards on the ISAT test at each of the schools, and in their network and CPS as a whole.</p>
<p>&#160;“The school is not making progress in catching up to the rest of the district,” he said of Casals.</p>
<p>He also used value-added data, which compares students’ progress to that of other demographically similar students around the district, to show that students at both schools are making slower gains than the district average. Casals’ math scores, for instance, put the school in the bottom 13 percent of CPS elementary schools.</p>
<p>Denise Little, chief of schools for the network, also listed the strategies CPS had tried with the schools over the years. At Casals, she said, the district abandoned direct instruction for balanced literacy and supplied the school with additional leveled books; added staff; expanded the Chicago Math and Science Initiative; developed a comprehensive math instruction plan; and offered special interventions for English language learners.</p>
<p>&#160;Through the Reading First program, the district lowered class sizes, hired reading specialists, and bought additional materials, she said.</p>
<p>&#160;However, 2nd-grade teacher Andrew Mackow argued the various programs were part of the problem. “In three years, our school has been assigned four area leaders,” he said. “Each leader has required our classroom staff to change their classroom curriculum. Every single person has come in with their own vision, and completely changed the way we teach.”</p>
<p>&#160;And, Mackow added, the leaders moved on before all their initiatives were fully implemented.</p>
<p>&#160;“After finally finding the perfect fit, we are being denied the opportunity to work with Ms. Little and see our efforts culminate in academic excellence,” he said.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;The school’s retired principal, Paula Jeske, who left in October, echoed Makow’s sentiments – though she said there had actually been five area officers. “We have had so many different people telling us to march to so many different drumbeats, some days I didn’t know if we were coming or going,” she said.</p>
<p>Piccolo bilingual teacher Claudia Nunez raised similar concerns about her school. “We are on our third change of curriculum in 5 years,” she said. This year, Piccolo got a new principal. “In just four months, our new administration at Piccolo has increased parent involvement.”</p>
<p>She added, the school went from having 561 suspensions last year to, this year, only 30 so far.</p>
<p>Parent Elisa Nigaglioni said through an interpreter that she has volunteered at Casals 40 hours a week for the past year. She asked the district to take parents’ vote against the turnaround into consideration. (Out of about 200 families at the school, 183 cast votes, with 171 opposing the turnaround.)</p>
<p>“If you want to help somebody, one of the things you have to do is ask them what they want, not impose it upon them,” Nigaglioni said.</p>
<p>Teacher Sharon Herod-Purham took issue with the district’s presentation and distributed results from Humboldt Park schools’ fall Scantron test results, which show the school tied for 9th&#160;in its network for math, and ranked 7th&#160;for reading, out of 22 schools.</p>
<p>At both hearings, Keisha Campbell – the principal of Howe, another turnaround – touted the gains Academy for Urban School Leadership is making. The Academy for Urban School Leadership, a not-for-profit educational management organization, is slated to manage the turnarounds at Casals and Piccolo. AUSL brings in special after-school programs, teacher coaching, and social-emotional learning curricula, she said.</p>
<p>A few audience members supported the turnaround. At the Piccolo hearing, a group called Final Phaze Dance Troupe, which also attended a Jan. 20 hearing on the Price closure <a href="http://catalyst-chicago.org/2012/01/tensions-rife-school-closing-hearings/" type="external">showed up.</a> Turnaround opponents were not impressed with the comments, asking how much they’d been paid to show up.</p>
<p>&#160;The group’s coach, Maurice Jones, said that no outside groups had even covered the cost of transportation for the dancers. “They paid their own way,” he said, and noted that it was the third hearing the group had attended.</p>
<p>&#160;Khristtian Locke, a member of the group and a Columbia College sophomore who is studying music business management, said he was just concerned about failing schools. “I wanted to come here and have a say-so about what’s going to happen,” he said.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;“There is a need of them turning the school around,” he told the hearing officer. “I don’t think CPS should keep prolonging the failure. I think CPS should go ahead and close the school.”</p>
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first set hearings proposed turnarounds district officials made case casals piccolo elementary schools need whole new set staff countered parents teachers asserted schools already suffered repeated changes programs turnover leadership hearings took place district headquarters peaceful compared many community hearings school closings took place earlier month160 argued turnarounds especially casals 60 percent students meeting standards isat 100 elementary schools worse composite isat scores jacare thomas data strategist garfieldhumboldt park elementary network made presentations hearings schools lack progress showed growing gap percentage students meeting state standards isat test schools network cps whole 160the school making progress catching rest district said casals also used valueadded data compares students progress demographically similar students around district show students schools making slower gains district average casals math scores instance put school bottom 13 percent cps elementary schools denise little chief schools network also listed strategies cps tried schools years casals said district abandoned direct instruction balanced literacy supplied school additional leveled books added staff expanded chicago math science initiative developed comprehensive math instruction plan offered special interventions english language learners 160through reading first program district lowered class sizes hired reading specialists bought additional materials said 160however 2ndgrade teacher andrew mackow argued various programs part problem three years school assigned four area leaders said leader required classroom staff change classroom curriculum every single person come vision completely changed way teach 160and mackow added leaders moved initiatives fully implemented 160after finally finding perfect fit denied opportunity work ms little see efforts culminate academic excellence said160 160the schools retired principal paula jeske left october echoed makows sentiments though said actually five area officers many different people telling us march many different drumbeats days didnt know coming going said piccolo bilingual teacher claudia nunez raised similar concerns school third change curriculum 5 years said year piccolo got new principal four months new administration piccolo increased parent involvement added school went 561 suspensions last year year 30 far parent elisa nigaglioni said interpreter volunteered casals 40 hours week past year asked district take parents vote turnaround consideration 200 families school 183 cast votes 171 opposing turnaround want help somebody one things ask want impose upon nigaglioni said teacher sharon herodpurham took issue districts presentation distributed results humboldt park schools fall scantron test results show school tied 9th160in network math ranked 7th160for reading 22 schools hearings keisha campbell principal howe another turnaround touted gains academy urban school leadership making academy urban school leadership notforprofit educational management organization slated manage turnarounds casals piccolo ausl brings special afterschool programs teacher coaching socialemotional learning curricula said audience members supported turnaround piccolo hearing group called final phaze dance troupe also attended jan 20 hearing price closure showed turnaround opponents impressed comments asking much theyd paid show 160the groups coach maurice jones said outside groups even covered cost transportation dancers paid way said noted third hearing group attended 160khristtian locke member group columbia college sophomore studying music business management said concerned failing schools wanted come sayso whats going happen said160 160there need turning school around told hearing officer dont think cps keep prolonging failure think cps go ahead close school
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<p>Parents must take the lead in guiding children to love and learn the Bible, but the church should help, according to specialists in children’s ministry.</p>
<p>The process begins at birth, directing children toward God long before they even know about the Bible, explained Teri Shipley, family minister at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit, Mo.</p>
<p>“I’m a big believer in starting a child’s spiritual development from the moment the child is born,” Shipley said. “When we’re rocking babies …, we tell them: ‘God made you special. … God gave you fingers and toes.’</p>
<p>“As a child gets older, we can begin to talk about themes: ‘God loves us. God created us. We are to love one another.’ The goal is to get children to understand God loves them.”</p>
<p>Such</p>
<p />
<p>comprehension of God’s love forms a foundation for receptivity to knowing the Bible — God’s story, she said.</p>
<p>Parents and children’s Sunday school teachers are partners in helping children know and love that story, added Diane Smith, children’s ministry strategist for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board.</p>
<p>“We are working together,” Smith said, noting most congregations provide take-home materials for children’s classes, and parents can use that material to reinforce their children’s Bible study at home.</p>
<p>But the foundation for teaching the Bible to children is simple — read it to them, Smith stressed.</p>
<p>“Read Bible stories to them. Read the Bible to them,” she said. “And don’t quit. Parents often stop reading with children when the children learn to read. Don’t stop. Keep on reading.”</p>
<p>Diane Lane, the preschool/children’s ministry specialist for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, echoed that advice.</p>
<p>“Parents need to be reading the Bible at home,” Lane said, advocating parents practice the same techniques for reading the Bible with their children that also are used to build basic literacy.</p>
<p>For example, “hold the younger ones when you’re reading the Bible to them,” she said. This provides a sense of comfort and security, which children need. And when they feel comfortable and secure hearing the Bible, they transfer those positive feelings to their own feelings about the Bible.</p>
<p>Also, as children learn to read, parents should sit down with their own Bibles and read along as their children read from their personal Bibles, she said.</p>
<p>That points to another important step in developing love for the Bible, Lane said. Children should receive their own Bible “as early as age 3, if not earlier.”</p>
<p>Another significant tool for helping children learn about the Bible is reading from Bible storybooks.</p>
<p>Smith particularly advises parents who are new Christians to read to their children from a good Bible storybook. “As you read to the children, you, too, learn those stories. And you make them part of your life,” she explained.</p>
<p>Parents should supplement readings from Bible storybooks by reading the same stories directly from the Bible, Lane said. “Parents need to take the child’s own Bible and say, ‘Here is the story in our Bible.’ This helps children make the connection” between Bible stories and the Bible.</p>
<p>And whether children are hearing the Bible read to them or reading it themselves, they need a translation they understand, she advised.</p>
<p>“If they don’t understand it, they won’t continue,” she warned.</p>
<p>&#160;Children should be expected to take their Bibles with them to church, Lane said, noting children learn to understand the Bible is important when parents carry their own Bibles to church and instruct children to do the same.</p>
<p>Beyond carrying and reading the Bible, children should memorize Scripture, Smith suggested. “Children can learn a verse a week, and then you can talk about it — about how we live it out,” she said.</p>
<p>Incorporating Bible stories and Bible knowledge into daily life is enormously important, Shipley urged.</p>
<p>“Constantly talk to your children [about God’s love and Bible themes] as you go about your day,” she said, noting this is a central concept in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, which says: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”</p>
<p>Talking with children about faith is vital, Smith concurred. Children need to hear adults discuss their faith in terms of the issues and stresses of life. And they need to hear caring adults pray about those concerns. Faith can permeate every kind of discussion, she added.</p>
<p>Building biblical literacy and forming faith in children “means teaching about God’s love in everyday life,” Shipley said. “This sounds simplistic, but loving others isn’t simple, and letting God love you is not simple.”</p>
<p>A significant aspect of training children is helping them focus on God’s love and care, not on rules and judgment, she added.</p>
<p>“Rules make us feel comfortable, but they can put us in a judgmental frame of mind,” she said. “It’s important to teach children not to be judgmental.”</p>
<p>And teaching them to love and care for others can come naturally, she observed.</p>
<p>For example, when children hear a siren, teach them to pray for the people who must be hurting. “When someone approaches a door, open it for them. Learning to live out God’s love in their daily lives is going to make God’s love real for them,” she said.</p>
<p>Smith also encouraged churches to conduct a joint Bible study for adults and children in grades one through six, at least quarterly. This provides children and their parents with “common language” for discussing important topics, like baptism, the Lord’s Supper and tithing.</p>
<p>“Perhaps they will have the same language, and this will help them talk about these things at home,” she explained.</p>
<p>Materials for parent/child Bible studies include “Firm Foundations for Families,” produced by the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, and “Take it Home,” published by Gospel Light, she said.</p>
<p>If children are going to become biblically literate, then churches must teach parents how to teach their children about the Bible, Smith said.</p>
<p>“Think about faith formation: Seven-eighths of Christian education happens outside the church walls. The average ‘churched’ child receives 37 hours of Bible study in church per year, compared to 5,480 waking hours. … We can’t separate [the education of] children from their parents.”</p>
<p>Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard.</p>
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parents must take lead guiding children love learn bible church help according specialists childrens ministry process begins birth directing children toward god long even know bible explained teri shipley family minister cornerstone baptist church lees summit mo im big believer starting childs spiritual development moment child born shipley said rocking babies tell god made special god gave fingers toes child gets older begin talk themes god loves us god created us love one another goal get children understand god loves comprehension gods love forms foundation receptivity knowing bible gods story said parents childrens sunday school teachers partners helping children know love story added diane smith childrens ministry strategist virginia baptist mission board working together smith said noting congregations provide takehome materials childrens classes parents use material reinforce childrens bible study home foundation teaching bible children simple read smith stressed read bible stories read bible said dont quit parents often stop reading children children learn read dont stop keep reading diane lane preschoolchildrens ministry specialist baptist general convention texas echoed advice parents need reading bible home lane said advocating parents practice techniques reading bible children also used build basic literacy example hold younger ones youre reading bible said provides sense comfort security children need feel comfortable secure hearing bible transfer positive feelings feelings bible also children learn read parents sit bibles read along children read personal bibles said points another important step developing love bible lane said children receive bible early age 3 earlier another significant tool helping children learn bible reading bible storybooks smith particularly advises parents new christians read children good bible storybook read children learn stories make part life explained parents supplement readings bible storybooks reading stories directly bible lane said parents need take childs bible say story bible helps children make connection bible stories bible whether children hearing bible read reading need translation understand advised dont understand wont continue warned 160children expected take bibles church lane said noting children learn understand bible important parents carry bibles church instruct children beyond carrying reading bible children memorize scripture smith suggested children learn verse week talk live said incorporating bible stories bible knowledge daily life enormously important shipley urged constantly talk children gods love bible themes go day said noting central concept old testament book deuteronomy says commandments give today upon hearts impress children talk sit home walk along road lie get talking children faith vital smith concurred children need hear adults discuss faith terms issues stresses life need hear caring adults pray concerns faith permeate every kind discussion added building biblical literacy forming faith children means teaching gods love everyday life shipley said sounds simplistic loving others isnt simple letting god love simple significant aspect training children helping focus gods love care rules judgment added rules make us feel comfortable put us judgmental frame mind said important teach children judgmental teaching love care others come naturally observed example children hear siren teach pray people must hurting someone approaches door open learning live gods love daily lives going make gods love real said smith also encouraged churches conduct joint bible study adults children grades one six least quarterly provides children parents common language discussing important topics like baptism lords supper tithing perhaps language help talk things home explained materials parentchild bible studies include firm foundations families produced virginia baptist mission board take home published gospel light said children going become biblically literate churches must teach parents teach children bible smith said think faith formation seveneighths christian education happens outside church walls average churched child receives 37 hours bible study church per year compared 5480 waking hours cant separate education children parents marv knox editor baptist standard
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<p>The US says it has put Syria "on notice" that it will pay “a heavy price” if it uses chemical weapons against its own people.</p>
<p>The White House says Syria appears to be&#160;preparing just such an attack, the latest escalation in a multisided civil war in Syria since 2011.</p>
<p>“A heavy price,” in this context, is widely seen in foreign policy circles as code for military action.</p>
<p>The Trump administration is also warning Syria's allies, Iran and Russia, that they would also be held responsible for any chemical attack.</p>
<p>“This is a really dangerous situation,” says Borzou Daragahi, a correspondent for BuzzFeed News in Istanbul. “It’s how big wars start, actually.”</p>
<p>Moscow has called the US assertions “unacceptable,” and it may not be a coincidence that Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad made his first public visit to the Russian air base in western Syria on Tuesday. Assad’s regime circulated pictures of him sitting in the cockpit of a Russian Su-35 warplane.</p>
<p />
<p>Syria's President Assad is pictured sitting in a Russian fighter plane&#160;during a visit to a Russian air base, Tuesday, June 27, 2017.&#160;</p>
<p>Sana/Handout via Reuters&#160;</p>
<p>The symbolism was obvious. The Su-35 is a fighter jet&#160;designed to intercept other warplanes, rather than a ground attack aircraft. Ostensibly, Russian forces are in Syria simply to fight ISIS, which does not have an air force.</p>
<p>Russia has installed and manages a fairly sophisticated air defense system in Syria, which could pose a significant threat to US airplanes.</p>
<p>The US also says it is only in Syria to fight ISIS. But the Trump administration launched a missile strike on an air base of the Syrian government in April, after a previous chemical attack. The Syrian government, for its part, has always denied using chemical weapons, despite verification by international scientific organizations of chemical deaths and injuries.</p>
<p>But the bigger context is the fact that the so-called Islamic State is losing control of its self-proclaimed caliphate&#160;and is facing military defeat in Raqqa in Syria, and Mosul in Iraq.</p>
<p />
<p>Newly liberated Iraqi children gesture to motorists in West Mosul, Iraq, on June 27, 2017.&#160;</p>
<p>Erik De Castro/Reuters</p>
<p>Russia, Turkey, Iran and the US already have troops on the ground and have recruited and deployed local allies, some of whom have already confronted each other and caused casualties. Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan have also gotten involved, but to a lesser extent.</p>
<p>The defeat of ISIS could, for example, end with Iranian allies and proxies in control of a land corridor from Tehran to the border with Israel. That’s also a major concern for US ally&#160;Saudi Arabia, which is involved in a kind of Cold War with Iran for influence in the Middle East. The Saudis have been fighting Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen since 2015.</p>
<p>The US is also increasingly willing to confront the growing influence and regional power of Iran. In stark contrast to the Obama administration, the Trump White House has openly sided with the Saudis.</p>
<p>Both National Security Adviser&#160;H.R. McMaster&#160;and Defense Secretary&#160;James Mattis&#160;have written about or articulated the need to contain Iran and to contain the spread of Iranian power in the Middle East.</p>
<p>Daragahi says there’s the potential for a major war. &#160;&#160;</p>
<p>“I don’t think anyone wants a big war,” he says. “I don’t think the Pentagon wants a big war. They want to contain Iran. They want to contain Iran’s ambitions.”</p>
<p>“I don’t think Iran wants a big war with the US," he adds. “They want, in their own words, to stop the spread of US influence in the Gulf region and the Middle East. They see that as a strategic threat.”</p>
<p>But Daragahi says the Iranians also see the various crises in the Middle East as an opportunity&#160;“to fulfill a destiny that they feel is their birthright, to some extent.”</p>
<p>“So, there’s a real conflict of ideological goals and strategic considerations,” he says. “Yes, we could stumble into a big, ugly war that we didn’t plan. ... And those are always the worst.”</p>
<p>Over the last couple of centuries or so,&#160;argues Daragahi, "the big wars have happened because&#160;of miscalculations and accidents, between the great powers, sort of stumbling into wars.”</p>
<p>“And this is the kind of situation we’re getting into now, with all these big powers crowded around in various corners of Syria; each trying to anticipate what the other side is going to do; each rather confident of its moral and strategic position; each poising itself for where it will take land or take opportunities or take resources, once ISIS falls.”</p>
<p>It’s a perilous situation, he says, which requires diplomacy, subtlety and "real communications" between the parties. But Daragahi highlights that there is very little real communication taking place. Instead, he says, “there’s a lot&#160;[of] ham-handed rhetoric on the part of both the Trump administration, the Kremlin and the regimes in Tehran and Damascus.”</p>
<p>No one, he says, “is speaking intelligently or wisely about it.”</p>
<p>If the US decided to hammer Syria, Russia could choose to allow that to happen. “I think they would probably not respond reciprocally if that were to happen,” says Daragahi. In other words, they would avoid a head-on confrontation with US military power.</p>
<p>“But there are&#160;other ways that Russia or its allies could respond, asymmetrically,” he adds. “They could have the Syrian regime or one of its militia proxies hit a US asset in the region, not necessarily just in Syria. So,&#160;there are&#160;ways of extracting a penalty that falls short of all-out confrontation with the US.”</p>
<p>There was confusion in Washington on Tuesday morning when sources at the Pentagon and in the State Department told reporters that they had no knowledge of any Syrian chemical preparations and that they were not consulted about the new threat issued by the White House.</p>
<p>“We’re still not clear about where the information is coming from,” says Daragahi. “Our military and intelligence contacts say they have no idea what the White House is talking about.”</p>
<p>But a Defense Department spokesman later echoed the White House statement.</p>
<p>Daragahi says the threat from the White House is being seen in the region as “credible,” despite the apparent confusion.</p>
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us says put syria notice pay heavy price uses chemical weapons people white house says syria appears be160preparing attack latest escalation multisided civil war syria since 2011 heavy price context widely seen foreign policy circles code military action trump administration also warning syrias allies iran russia would also held responsible chemical attack really dangerous situation says borzou daragahi correspondent buzzfeed news istanbul big wars start actually moscow called us assertions unacceptable may coincidence syrias president bashar alassad made first public visit russian air base western syria tuesday assads regime circulated pictures sitting cockpit russian su35 warplane syrias president assad pictured sitting russian fighter plane160during visit russian air base tuesday june 27 2017160 sanahandout via reuters160 symbolism obvious su35 fighter jet160designed intercept warplanes rather ground attack aircraft ostensibly russian forces syria simply fight isis air force russia installed manages fairly sophisticated air defense system syria could pose significant threat us airplanes us also says syria fight isis trump administration launched missile strike air base syrian government april previous chemical attack syrian government part always denied using chemical weapons despite verification international scientific organizations chemical deaths injuries bigger context fact socalled islamic state losing control selfproclaimed caliphate160and facing military defeat raqqa syria mosul iraq newly liberated iraqi children gesture motorists west mosul iraq june 27 2017160 erik de castroreuters russia turkey iran us already troops ground recruited deployed local allies already confronted caused casualties saudi arabia israel jordan also gotten involved lesser extent defeat isis could example end iranian allies proxies control land corridor tehran border israel thats also major concern us ally160saudi arabia involved kind cold war iran influence middle east saudis fighting iranianbacked rebels yemen since 2015 us also increasingly willing confront growing influence regional power iran stark contrast obama administration trump white house openly sided saudis national security adviser160hr mcmaster160and defense secretary160james mattis160have written articulated need contain iran contain spread iranian power middle east daragahi says theres potential major war 160160 dont think anyone wants big war says dont think pentagon wants big war want contain iran want contain irans ambitions dont think iran wants big war us adds want words stop spread us influence gulf region middle east see strategic threat daragahi says iranians also see various crises middle east opportunity160to fulfill destiny feel birthright extent theres real conflict ideological goals strategic considerations says yes could stumble big ugly war didnt plan always worst last couple centuries so160argues daragahi big wars happened because160of miscalculations accidents great powers sort stumbling wars kind situation getting big powers crowded around various corners syria trying anticipate side going rather confident moral strategic position poising take land take opportunities take resources isis falls perilous situation says requires diplomacy subtlety real communications parties daragahi highlights little real communication taking place instead says theres lot160of hamhanded rhetoric part trump administration kremlin regimes tehran damascus one says speaking intelligently wisely us decided hammer syria russia could choose allow happen think would probably respond reciprocally happen says daragahi words would avoid headon confrontation us military power are160other ways russia allies could respond asymmetrically adds could syrian regime one militia proxies hit us asset region necessarily syria so160there are160ways extracting penalty falls short allout confrontation us confusion washington tuesday morning sources pentagon state department told reporters knowledge syrian chemical preparations consulted new threat issued white house still clear information coming says daragahi military intelligence contacts say idea white house talking defense department spokesman later echoed white house statement daragahi says threat white house seen region credible despite apparent confusion
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />April 16, 2013</p>
<p>By Katy Grimes</p>
<p>At the California Democratic Party Convention this past weekend, Democrats killed&#160;efforts led by other Democrats to call for much needed public school reforms.</p>
<p>Convention delegates even passed a resolution slamming education reform groups like <a href="http://www.studentsfirst.org" type="external">Students First</a> and <a href="http://www.dfer.org" type="external">Democrats for Education Reform</a>, claiming they are merely front groups for Republicans and Wall Street money.</p>
<p>The stark divide appears to be between supporters of the California teachers’ unions on the one hand; and on the other hand, supporters of school choice and linking teacher evaluations to student performance.</p>
<p>During the 2010-11 school year, more than <a href="http://tcenews.calendow.org/releases/the-california-endowment-highlights-216715" type="external">720,000 students</a>&#160;in California’s public schools were suspended or expelled. In 2009-10, more than <a href="http://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/resources/projects/center-for-civil-rights-remedies/school-to-prison-folder/summary-reports/suspended-education-in-california" type="external">400,000 students</a>&#160;in California public schools were suspended at least once.</p>
<p>Are there really that many discipline problems in California’s public schools?</p>
<p>While many different <a href="http://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/resources/projects/center-for-civil-rights-remedies/school-to-prison-folder/summary-reports/suspended-education-in-california" type="external">public policy groups</a> have been busy providing research focused on the higher rates of the suspensions and expulsions of minority students, the sheer numbers of suspensions indicate a growing problem, but not necessarily with misbehaving students.</p>
<p>“Too many schools have implemented overly aggressive policies,” Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, D-Sacramento, said. Dickinson is the chairman of the Assembly select committee which heard testimony from experts last week about what is going on in California schools, and how delinquency prevention can take place.</p>
<p>After the hearing, I asked Dickinson about the suspension problem, and he acknowledged that many teachers aren’t dealing with the problems. He said most are just making the problem student someone else’s problem by suspending them.</p>
<p>But missing from the list of experts and speakers were teachers. Teachers are the front line of defense in dealing with real disciplinary problems, and should have been present at the hearing to discuss why so many students are being suspended.</p>
<p>“Schools need to figure out what is the institutional change they want,” said Lance Izumi, <a href="http://special.pacificresearch.org/notasgoodasyouthink/about.html" type="external">&#160;director of Education Studies at the Pacific Research Institute, CalWatchdog.com’s parent think tank.</a> “Are suspensions just the easy way of doing things?”</p>
<p>Many of today’s schools sound more like prisons that healthy bastions of educational learning.</p>
<p>Elijah Muhammad, a student at Sacramento City College, told the committee in 2011, while still in high school, that he was falsely charged with assault&#160;and put in jail. Once he was cleared of the assault charges, he tried to go back to his high school, but the administration would not let him. He ended up graduating from a continuation high school, and is now a college student.</p>
<p>He said he tried to speak with the administration about his unique situation, but no one would even meet with him. He was treated like a criminal.</p>
<p>Gabriel Browner, a student at Grant Union High School, said that at his high school, the students&#160;are targeted by teachers, who suspend the&#160;same students over and over. And Browner told of an interesting and vindictive twist: in-school suspensions.</p>
<p>Browner said if a student is disciplined with an in-school suspension, they attend suspension in another room in the school, but are not allowed to make up class work or tests. Students can have up to three in-school suspensions before an out-of-school suspension is issued.</p>
<p>Browner said many of the teachers are vindictive, and the suspensions are bullying tactics. He said teachers abuse&#160;“willful defiance,” the catchall behavior label for any disruption in classrooms.</p>
<p>Some experts believe the in-school suspensions were created to save the school&#160;funding which is based on&#160; <a href="http://www.edsource.org/1077.html" type="external">Average Daily Attendance</a>per pupil.&#160;The schools get the money only if a student attends class.</p>
<p>After the 1999 shootings at Colorado’s Columbine High School, many schools adopted policies that required harsh penalties for even minor misconduct. This was done with the hope that schools would somehow become safer.&#160;&#160;“ <a href="http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/zerotolerance.asp" type="external">Zero tolerance</a>” became the school rallying cry.</p>
<p>The term “willful defiance” is currently under scrutiny, as its vague definition is what has allowed teachers to suspend so many students for any behavior that disrupts class.</p>
<p><a href="http://legalclips.nsba.org/?p=13732" type="external">Experts</a> argue it is a catchall phrase that needs to be eliminated because of the overuse for even trivial offenses. And many <a href="http://legalclips.nsba.org/?p=13732" type="external">experts</a> say it is disproportionately used against&#160;African-American and Latino boys, and harms the students who need most to stay in school.</p>
<p>Dickinson has authored <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/asm/ab_0401-0450/ab_420_bill_20130215_introduced.html" type="external">AB 420</a> to limit the use of willfully defying authorities or disrupting school activities as a reason to suspend or expel students.</p>
<p>Rosalinda Hill and Maisie Chin, co-founders of Community Asset Development Re-Defining Education, <a href="http://www.cadre-la.org" type="external">CADRE</a>, said it took many students and their families speaking up about the suspension policies to bring this problem to a head.</p>
<p>In lieu of holding just parents accountable, <a href="http://www.cadre-la.org" type="external">CADRE</a> works with and organizes parents to be able to dig in to the obstructions parents find, as well as the often poor treatment of their children.</p>
<p>But what CADRE found is that students aren’t just receiving suspensions, many are “pushed out” of school.</p>
<p>Dickinson asked Chin how the state might pay for the changes. Chin said there is profiting off of the suspensions because of the many programs created.</p>
<p>Chin said educators instead have to stop looking at these issues as programs, and recognize schools have to develop students as human beings, and not just teach to the tests.</p>
<p>Dr. Robert Ross, President of <a href="http://tcenews.calendow.org/releases/the-california-endowment-highlights-216715" type="external">The California Endowment</a>, &#160;a health foundation created “to address the health needs of Californians,”&#160;said his organization recently conducted a poll, which found:</p>
<p>* Four in five voters believe that California school discipline policies need changing.</p>
<p>* Californians voice high levels of support for preventive approaches to school discipline, such as teaching character development and conflict resolution from a young age and teaching positive behavior and skills for managing emotions and making better decisions.</p>
<p>* The survey shows 85 percent of respondents said teachers should have more tools to manage discipline in their classroom, with large majorities supporting expanding student access to counseling services, mental health and substance abuse services.</p>
<p>* Voters understand the serious consequences that can occur when children are suspended or expelled from school.</p>
<p>* Students favor counselors over armed guards in schools.</p>
<p>Ross said schools need more mental health care as well as nurses available to students.</p>
<p>The next hearing held by the Assembly Select Committee needs to have the CTA present.</p>
<p>“The clash over education had been building throughout the three-day convention, underscoring a larger debate taking place in education circles,” the Los Angeles Times reported. “A spokeswoman for StudentsFirst said the party failed over the weekend to discuss any concrete steps to improve education.”</p>
<p>The suspension issue isn’t just a discussion of race; it’s a bigger issue of California public schools adequately educating all of the students in attendance, and not just the compliant ones.</p>
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april 16 2013 katy grimes california democratic party convention past weekend democrats killed160efforts led democrats call much needed public school reforms convention delegates even passed resolution slamming education reform groups like students first democrats education reform claiming merely front groups republicans wall street money stark divide appears supporters california teachers unions one hand hand supporters school choice linking teacher evaluations student performance 201011 school year 720000 students160in californias public schools suspended expelled 200910 400000 students160in california public schools suspended least really many discipline problems californias public schools many different public policy groups busy providing research focused higher rates suspensions expulsions minority students sheer numbers suspensions indicate growing problem necessarily misbehaving students many schools implemented overly aggressive policies assemblyman roger dickinson dsacramento said dickinson chairman assembly select committee heard testimony experts last week going california schools delinquency prevention take place hearing asked dickinson suspension problem acknowledged many teachers arent dealing problems said making problem student someone elses problem suspending missing list experts speakers teachers teachers front line defense dealing real disciplinary problems present hearing discuss many students suspended schools need figure institutional change want said lance izumi 160director education studies pacific research institute calwatchdogcoms parent think tank suspensions easy way things many todays schools sound like prisons healthy bastions educational learning elijah muhammad student sacramento city college told committee 2011 still high school falsely charged assault160and put jail cleared assault charges tried go back high school administration would let ended graduating continuation high school college student said tried speak administration unique situation one would even meet treated like criminal gabriel browner student grant union high school said high school students160are targeted teachers suspend the160same students browner told interesting vindictive twist inschool suspensions browner said student disciplined inschool suspension attend suspension another room school allowed make class work tests students three inschool suspensions outofschool suspension issued browner said many teachers vindictive suspensions bullying tactics said teachers abuse160willful defiance catchall behavior label disruption classrooms experts believe inschool suspensions created save school160funding based on160 average daily attendanceper pupil160the schools get money student attends class 1999 shootings colorados columbine high school many schools adopted policies required harsh penalties even minor misconduct done hope schools would somehow become safer160160 zero tolerance became school rallying cry term willful defiance currently scrutiny vague definition allowed teachers suspend many students behavior disrupts class experts argue catchall phrase needs eliminated overuse even trivial offenses many experts say disproportionately used against160africanamerican latino boys harms students need stay school dickinson authored ab 420 limit use willfully defying authorities disrupting school activities reason suspend expel students rosalinda hill maisie chin cofounders community asset development redefining education cadre said took many students families speaking suspension policies bring problem head lieu holding parents accountable cadre works organizes parents able dig obstructions parents find well often poor treatment children cadre found students arent receiving suspensions many pushed school dickinson asked chin state might pay changes chin said profiting suspensions many programs created chin said educators instead stop looking issues programs recognize schools develop students human beings teach tests dr robert ross president california endowment 160a health foundation created address health needs californians160said organization recently conducted poll found four five voters believe california school discipline policies need changing californians voice high levels support preventive approaches school discipline teaching character development conflict resolution young age teaching positive behavior skills managing emotions making better decisions survey shows 85 percent respondents said teachers tools manage discipline classroom large majorities supporting expanding student access counseling services mental health substance abuse services voters understand serious consequences occur children suspended expelled school students favor counselors armed guards schools ross said schools need mental health care well nurses available students next hearing held assembly select committee needs cta present clash education building throughout threeday convention underscoring larger debate taking place education circles los angeles times reported spokeswoman studentsfirst said party failed weekend discuss concrete steps improve education suspension issue isnt discussion race bigger issue california public schools adequately educating students attendance compliant ones
| 659 |
<p>Democratic and Republican presidential contenders have very different ideas about how to fix education in the United States. With the primary season still underway, Catalyst examined the education platforms of the two major candidates still in the running from each party.</p>
<p>Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama offered comprehensive platforms focused on preschool access, recruiting high-quality teachers and principals for high-poverty schools, curbing dropouts and increasing access to college. Both candidates want to offer college tuition tax credits and increase Pell grants for low-income students.</p>
<p>Clinton and Obama also would make it easier for families to apply for financial aid for college by scrapping the lengthy Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and allowing parents to simply check a box on their tax return that states they are applying for aid; families would receive a coupon from the U.S. Department of Education notifying them of the amount of grants and loans they qualify for.</p>
<p>On the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee offer few specifics, but focus on pledges to support home schooling, more charters and more school choice (which typically translates into support for vouchers).</p>
<p>Here are highlights from their platforms, along with links to their Web sites.</p>
<p>Hillary Clinton: The Youth Opportunity Agenda</p>
<p>See details of her education plan <a href="http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/education/" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>Clustering her ideas for education, career training and social support for young people under the banner of a “Youth Opportunity Agenda,” Clinton includes proposals ranging from more preschool to offering tuition tax credits for college.</p>
<p>Following are more highlights:</p>
<p>Universal preschool: Clinton proposes to spend $5 billion to give states matching funds for high-quality universal preschool for 4-year-olds. Funding would increase to $10 billion within five years.</p>
<p />
<p>More college prep: Clinton would double federal funding for school-community partnerships that prepare kids for college. One such program is GEAR-UP, which provides middle and high school students with mentoring, tutoring and other support.</p>
<p>Recruit teachers and principals: Clinton proposes spending $500 million on financial incentives to attract experienced, high-quality teachers to low-income schools as teachers and coaches; provide performance-based rewards to teachers in schools that make achievement gains; and offer on-the-job training to principal candidates along with mentors during their first two years at a school.</p>
<p>Curb dropouts: Clinton proposes awarding $250 million per year in competitive grants to cities that develop local strategies to cut the dropout rate and keep at-risk youth in school.</p>
<p>College support: Community colleges would get $500 million in incentive grants to raise graduation rates and increase transfers to four-year institutions. Clinton also proposes a $250 million fund to provide grants to four-year colleges for programs aimed at increasing graduation rates for low-income and minority students.</p>
<p>Clinton’s platform also states that she supports early college high schools (in which students simultaneously earn a diploma and an associate’s degree); favors a common, national measure for high school graduation rates so that data are accurate and comparable among states; and wants to institute a new GI Bill that would pay all tuition and fees for veterans.</p>
<p>Barack Obama: Lifetime Success through Education</p>
<p>See details of his full plan <a href="http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>Unlike Clinton, who makes little mention of the controversial No Child Left Behind law, Obama’s platform affirms the candidate’s support for the goals of the law and outlines a plan to overhaul it by improving student assessments and offering incentives, rather than imposing sanctions, to hold states accountable for raising achievement.</p>
<p>Following are more highlights:</p>
<p>Early childhood: Obama proposes a $10 billion per year “Zero to Five” plan that includes challenge grants to states to create or expand infant, toddler and preschool programs; an expansion of Head Start and Early Head Start (for infants and toddlers); universal preschool for 4-year-olds; and increased funding for Child Care Development Block Grants and home visits by nurses to expectant low-income mothers. Obama also would establish a Presidential Early Learning Council to help states develop ways to blend programs and disseminate research and best practices.</p>
<p>Recruiting teachers: Obama would establish Teaching Service Scholarships of up to $25,000 to recruit prospective teachers in high-needs areas, such as math and science. He also would require teacher preparation programs to be accredited and favors development of a teacher performance assessment that would help states and districts do a better job of measuring teacher quality.</p>
<p>Citing Chicago’s Academy for Urban School Leadership as one example, Obama also pledges to develop 200 new teacher residency programs across the country. He also would provide better professional development through school-university partnerships, provide funding for mentoring programs and help school districts and teacher unions create ‘career ladders’ for teachers.</p>
<p>Recruiting principals: Obama would support principal development through incentive grants to help states and districts establish leadership academies at universities or other institutions. He also favors funding to help states craft new credentialing systems for principals that would require them to continue training in their first few years on the job.</p>
<p>Closing the achievement gap: Obama would offer grants to help districts pay for longer school days, improve middle-grades education, support alternative programs for dropouts and summer school programs for struggling students. Obama would double funding for the 21st Century Learning Centers after school initiative.</p>
<p>College access: To help 11th-graders determine whether they are on-track to get into college, Obama would spend $25 million to provide states with matching grants to develop Early Assessment Programs for these teens. He also would provide funds to help community colleges develop new technical career programs, improve graduation rates and increase transfers to 4-year institutions.</p>
<p>John McCain: Excellence, Choice, and Competition in American Education</p>
<p>See his full education proposal <a href="http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ce50b5-daa8-4795-b92d-92bd0d985bca.htm" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>The Arizona senator offers a long list of detailed tax cut proposals on his campaign Web site, but few specifics about how he would revamp education. His one-page statement on education focuses on a promise to “fight for the ability of all students to have access to all schools of demonstrated excellence, including their own homes.”</p>
<p>McCain pledges to “place parents and children at the center of the education process, empowering parents by greatly expanding the ability of parents to choose among schools for their children.” He believes “all federal financial support must be predicated on providing parents the ability to move their children, and the dollars associated with them, from failing schools.”</p>
<p>Mike Huckabee: Education and the Arts</p>
<p>See details of his plan <a href="http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&amp;Issue_id=7" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p>Huckabee claims test scores in Arkansas rose “dramatically” after he instituted education reforms as governor. He says our future economy depends on a creative generation. “Music and the arts are not extraneous, extra-curricular or expendable—I believe they are essential. I want to provide every child with these ‘Weapons of Mass Instruction.'”</p>
<p>Like McCain and Romney, Huckabee is a big supporter of school choice, charter schools and homeschooling. Also like his chief competitors, Huckabee’s Web site is short of details about how much his proposal would cost or how he would pay for them after abolishing personal, corporate, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare and self-employment taxes and replacing them with a national sales tax—a key campaign promise.</p>
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democratic republican presidential contenders different ideas fix education united states primary season still underway catalyst examined education platforms two major candidates still running party democrats hillary clinton barack obama offered comprehensive platforms focused preschool access recruiting highquality teachers principals highpoverty schools curbing dropouts increasing access college candidates want offer college tuition tax credits increase pell grants lowincome students clinton obama also would make easier families apply financial aid college scrapping lengthy free application federal student aid form allowing parents simply check box tax return states applying aid families would receive coupon us department education notifying amount grants loans qualify republican side arizona sen john mccain former arkansas gov mike huckabee offer specifics focus pledges support home schooling charters school choice typically translates support vouchers highlights platforms along links web sites hillary clinton youth opportunity agenda see details education plan clustering ideas education career training social support young people banner youth opportunity agenda clinton includes proposals ranging preschool offering tuition tax credits college following highlights universal preschool clinton proposes spend 5 billion give states matching funds highquality universal preschool 4yearolds funding would increase 10 billion within five years college prep clinton would double federal funding schoolcommunity partnerships prepare kids college one program gearup provides middle high school students mentoring tutoring support recruit teachers principals clinton proposes spending 500 million financial incentives attract experienced highquality teachers lowincome schools teachers coaches provide performancebased rewards teachers schools make achievement gains offer onthejob training principal candidates along mentors first two years school curb dropouts clinton proposes awarding 250 million per year competitive grants cities develop local strategies cut dropout rate keep atrisk youth school college support community colleges would get 500 million incentive grants raise graduation rates increase transfers fouryear institutions clinton also proposes 250 million fund provide grants fouryear colleges programs aimed increasing graduation rates lowincome minority students clintons platform also states supports early college high schools students simultaneously earn diploma associates degree favors common national measure high school graduation rates data accurate comparable among states wants institute new gi bill would pay tuition fees veterans barack obama lifetime success education see details full plan unlike clinton makes little mention controversial child left behind law obamas platform affirms candidates support goals law outlines plan overhaul improving student assessments offering incentives rather imposing sanctions hold states accountable raising achievement following highlights early childhood obama proposes 10 billion per year zero five plan includes challenge grants states create expand infant toddler preschool programs expansion head start early head start infants toddlers universal preschool 4yearolds increased funding child care development block grants home visits nurses expectant lowincome mothers obama also would establish presidential early learning council help states develop ways blend programs disseminate research best practices recruiting teachers obama would establish teaching service scholarships 25000 recruit prospective teachers highneeds areas math science also would require teacher preparation programs accredited favors development teacher performance assessment would help states districts better job measuring teacher quality citing chicagos academy urban school leadership one example obama also pledges develop 200 new teacher residency programs across country also would provide better professional development schooluniversity partnerships provide funding mentoring programs help school districts teacher unions create career ladders teachers recruiting principals obama would support principal development incentive grants help states districts establish leadership academies universities institutions also favors funding help states craft new credentialing systems principals would require continue training first years job closing achievement gap obama would offer grants help districts pay longer school days improve middlegrades education support alternative programs dropouts summer school programs struggling students obama would double funding 21st century learning centers school initiative college access help 11thgraders determine whether ontrack get college obama would spend 25 million provide states matching grants develop early assessment programs teens also would provide funds help community colleges develop new technical career programs improve graduation rates increase transfers 4year institutions john mccain excellence choice competition american education see full education proposal arizona senator offers long list detailed tax cut proposals campaign web site specifics would revamp education onepage statement education focuses promise fight ability students access schools demonstrated excellence including homes mccain pledges place parents children center education process empowering parents greatly expanding ability parents choose among schools children believes federal financial support must predicated providing parents ability move children dollars associated failing schools mike huckabee education arts see details plan huckabee claims test scores arkansas rose dramatically instituted education reforms governor says future economy depends creative generation music arts extraneous extracurricular expendablei believe essential want provide every child weapons mass instruction like mccain romney huckabee big supporter school choice charter schools homeschooling also like chief competitors huckabees web site short details much proposal would cost would pay abolishing personal corporate gift estate capital gains alternative minimum social security medicare selfemployment taxes replacing national sales taxa key campaign promise
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<p>New Hampshire summit opens window into current GOP</p>
<p>Saturday’s Republican gathering in New Hampshire did little to tell us who’s up and who’s down in the GOP’s 2016 field -- remember, that election is still two years away. But it did tell us that today’s Republican Party is more distant from the Bush family (especially George W. Bush and brother Jeb) than at any point since the 43rd president left office in early 2009. At the New Hampshire Freedom Summit -- which heard from the likes of Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee, and Rand Paul -- Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) delivered one of the more well-received lines at the conference when she criticized the Common Core education standards that Jeb Bush supports. “We need to replace Common Core with some common sense!” she said. In fact, NBC’s Kasie Hunt says Common Core was the loudest applause line at the confab. The crowd also <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/203407-bush-draws-boos-from-conservatives" type="external">booed</a> when another speaker, Donald Trump, mentioned Jeb Bush’s recent remark that illegal immigration is “act of love.” After the event, Rand Paul later told <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/04/full-transcript-sen-rand-paul-on-this-week/" type="external">ABC</a> that Jeb could have been “more artful” with his words. “I don't want to say, oh, he's terrible for saying this. If it were me, what I would have said is, people who seek the American dream are not bad people," Paul said. "However, we can't invite the whole world.</p>
<p>Speakers rail against Common Core, immigration reform, NSA surveillance, and the TSA</p>
<p>The speakers also railed against the NSA surveillance program that first began during the Bush administration. "Anybody got a cellphone? You're under surveillance," <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/conservatives-rand-paul-ted-cruz-test-u-presidential-000730340.html" type="external">Paul said as he held one up</a>. "Here's the thing: It's none of their damn business what you do with your cellphone." And Mike Huckabee complained about the TSA -- also created during Bush’s presidency -- as he talked about voter ID laws. “My gosh, I’m beginning to think that there’s more freedom in North Korea sometimes than there is in the United States,” Huckabee said, per <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/new-hampshire-freedom-summit-ted-cruz-rand-paul-mike-huckabee" type="external">MSNBC’s Benjy Sarlin</a>. “When I go to the airport, I have to get in the surrender position, people put hands all over me, and I have to provide photo ID and a couple of different forms and prove that I really am not going to terrorize the airplane -- but if I want to go vote I don’t need a thing.”</p>
<p>If he runs in 2016, can Jeb Bush shape this party? Or will the party shape him?</p>
<p>On “Meet the Press” yesterday, GOP strategist Mike Murphy, who is advising Jeb Bush, commended the former Florida governor for supporting what he believes (like immigration reform and Common Core) and for making the argument to the public and his party. “We've lost sight of politicians who tell you what they think is right, they make an argument for it, and then you figure it out,” Murphy told NBC’s David Gregory. “And that's who Jeb Bush is. He's not a typical weather-vane kind of guy. So if he runs, that's what you're going to get. I think it's what the country's looking for.” The question for Bush, however, is if that’s what today’s Republican Party is looking for, too.</p>
<p>Sebelius meets the press: “Meet the Press” also ran an interview that NBC’s Andrea Mitchell conducted with departing HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.</p>
<p>On Hillary and Boeing</p>
<p>Don’t be surprised if we see plenty more of these kind of articles between now and 2016 if Hillary Clinton runs for president. Here’s the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/for-hillary-clinton-and-boeing-a-beneficial-relationship/2014/04/13/21fe84ec-bc09-11e3-96ae-f2c36d2b1245_story.html" type="external">Washington Post</a> on then-Secretary of State Clinton getting Russia to sign a multi-billion-dollar deal with Boeing, and then Boeing later writing a checks 1) for a U.S. pavilion at the World’s Fair and 2) for the Clinton Foundation’s work to rebuild Haiti. “Clinton functioned as a powerful ally for Boeing’s business interests at home and abroad, while Boeing has invested resources in causes beneficial to Clinton’s public and political image.” More from the story: “Clinton spokesman Nick Merrill said that her advocacy for Boeing’s jet deal was ‘the job that every Secretary of State is supposed to do and what the American people expect of them — especially during difficult economic times. She proudly and loudly advocated on behalf of American business and took every opportunity to promote U.S. commercial interests abroad.’ Boeing spokesman Sean McCormack said that the company sees its cooperation with the government to encourage exports and create jobs as a ‘mutual institutional interest, versus a personal one.’”</p>
<p>A tense situation Ukraine</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine is getting more and tense. The <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/15/world/europe/russia-east-ukraine.html?hp&amp;_r=0" type="external">New York Times</a>: “A deadline set by the Ukrainian government for pro-Russian militants in the country’s east to vacate occupied buildings passed on Monday without signs of an effort to enforce it. Commandos who engaged in gunfights with men who had set up roadblocks stormed a Ukrainian police station in Slovyansk on Sunday, but there were no signs after the deadline passed at 9 a.m. Monday that they had attempted to approach the city again. Elsewhere in eastern Ukraine on Monday, a pro-Russian mob broke into a police station in the city of Horlivka, near the Russian border, The Associated Press reported.” Vice President Biden will head to Ukraine later this month.</p>
<p><a href="http://is.gd/ccxyrR" type="external">Click here to sign up for First Read emails.</a> Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone. Check us out on <a href="http://is.gd/TzuR1b" type="external">Facebook</a>and also on <a href="http://is.gd/hkhSDT" type="external">Twitter</a>. Follow us @ <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/chucktodd" type="external">chucktodd</a>, @ <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mmurraypolitics" type="external">mmurraypolitics</a></p>
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new hampshire summit opens window current gop saturdays republican gathering new hampshire little tell us whos whos gops 2016 field remember election still two years away tell us todays republican party distant bush family especially george w bush brother jeb point since 43rd president left office early 2009 new hampshire freedom summit heard likes ted cruz mike huckabee rand paul rep marsha blackburn rtn delivered one wellreceived lines conference criticized common core education standards jeb bush supports need replace common core common sense said fact nbcs kasie hunt says common core loudest applause line confab crowd also booed another speaker donald trump mentioned jeb bushs recent remark illegal immigration act love event rand paul later told abc jeb could artful words dont want say oh hes terrible saying would said people seek american dream bad people paul said however cant invite whole world speakers rail common core immigration reform nsa surveillance tsa speakers also railed nsa surveillance program first began bush administration anybody got cellphone youre surveillance paul said held one heres thing none damn business cellphone mike huckabee complained tsa also created bushs presidency talked voter id laws gosh im beginning think theres freedom north korea sometimes united states huckabee said per msnbcs benjy sarlin go airport get surrender position people put hands provide photo id couple different forms prove really going terrorize airplane want go vote dont need thing runs 2016 jeb bush shape party party shape meet press yesterday gop strategist mike murphy advising jeb bush commended former florida governor supporting believes like immigration reform common core making argument public party weve lost sight politicians tell think right make argument figure murphy told nbcs david gregory thats jeb bush hes typical weathervane kind guy runs thats youre going get think countrys looking question bush however thats todays republican party looking sebelius meets press meet press also ran interview nbcs andrea mitchell conducted departing hhs secretary kathleen sebelius hillary boeing dont surprised see plenty kind articles 2016 hillary clinton runs president heres washington post thensecretary state clinton getting russia sign multibilliondollar deal boeing boeing later writing checks 1 us pavilion worlds fair 2 clinton foundations work rebuild haiti clinton functioned powerful ally boeings business interests home abroad boeing invested resources causes beneficial clintons public political image story clinton spokesman nick merrill said advocacy boeings jet deal job every secretary state supposed american people expect especially difficult economic times proudly loudly advocated behalf american business took every opportunity promote us commercial interests abroad boeing spokesman sean mccormack said company sees cooperation government encourage exports create jobs mutual institutional interest versus personal one tense situation ukraine meanwhile situation ukraine getting tense new york times deadline set ukrainian government prorussian militants countrys east vacate occupied buildings passed monday without signs effort enforce commandos engaged gunfights men set roadblocks stormed ukrainian police station slovyansk sunday signs deadline passed 9 monday attempted approach city elsewhere eastern ukraine monday prorussian mob broke police station city horlivka near russian border associated press reported vice president biden head ukraine later month click sign first read emails text first 622639 sign first read alerts mobile phone check us facebookand also twitter follow us chucktodd mmurraypolitics
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<p>&#160;</p>
<p>In its first year, Urban Prep Academy for Young Men received 280 applications for 150 freshmen slots. As word has spread about the city’s only all-boys public school, applications to the Englewood charter have risen apace, to 422 in 2007 and 583 this year.</p>
<p>To meet the growing demand, Urban Prep is ramping up quickly, recently winning approval to add new campuses in two of the district’s high-needs communities—East Garfield Park and South Shore. School officials hope the new schools will help address a vexing concern at the original Englewood campus: an influx of students from outside the neighborhood, threatening to divert the school’s community-oriented mission.</p>
<p>As part of his pitch for new schools, in fact, Executive Director Tim King noted that the new campuses would allow Urban Prep to serve more children within their own communities. (King is a member of the Catalyst Chicago editorial board.)</p>
<p>Although data from the state do not indicate whether charter applications are from inside or outside the community, a Catalyst analysis of student commuting data for 2007 found evidence that charters are attracting more outside families. Among charters opened since 2004, when Renaissance 2010 was launched, the percentage of students who commute to school from 6 miles away or more has increased—to 13 percent for elementary students, up from 9 percent; and 15 percent for high school students, up from 10 percent.</p>
<p>Some charters have begun to restrict their recruiting, and in some cases negotiate community set-asides, to ensure that the original charter mission—serving a particular neighborhood—remains in focus.</p>
<p>So far, 10 charter campuses have boundaries that ensure preference in admissions to neighborhood students. While these attendance zones resolve the problem of neighborhood access, they fly in the face of school choice orthodoxy, which calls for citywide schools that spur competition and ensure all students have an equal shot at enrolling. Charter advocates say the rising demand is a signal that more charters, not attendance zones, are needed.</p>
<p>Setting boundaries</p>
<p>A 2004 state law permits up to 10 attendance boundaries for charters, assuring some preference for neighborhood children in admissions. So far, boundaries have been set for:</p>
<p>&#160;Greg Richmond, former head of the district’s Office of New Schools and now president of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, says boundaries are exceedingly rare nationwide. But in Chicago, neighborhood pressure sparked a change to the state’s charter law in 2004 to allow for up to 10 attendance zones. The issue flared up, Richmond recalls, when charters opened in overcrowded Latino communities that demanded access.</p>
<p>Although its mission is to serve Englewood students first, King says the school should remain open citywide. “We’re the only option in town if you want to send your son to an all-boys school and you want to do it for free,” King says. Still, student recruiting is strictly limited to Englewood and nearby parts of Washington Park, Greater Grand Crossing and Auburn Gresham.</p>
<p>During the community planning process for Urban Prep’s new schools, King says the issue of access came up repeatedly. “In every single meeting and every single interview, at least one person brought it up,” he notes. But the details of how to guarantee community access at the new schools are still being worked out.</p>
<p>At Perspectives Charter Schools on the Calumet High campus, Director of Community Relations Ray Thompson says the school has struck an agreement with the alderman and community organizations to recruit students solely in Auburn Gresham and ensure that at least 70 percent of all students are from nearby.</p>
<p>In Douglas, where the charter recently opened its new IIT campus, Thompson says the same concerns are being hashed out. By word-of-mouth, the new campus drew in students from several neighborhoods away. Thompson says a group of parents at Perspective’s South Loop-Joslin campus told friends at Murray Language Academy—a well-regarded magnet school in Hyde Park—to consider the new IIT school.</p>
<p>Perspectives has reached out to Stateway Community Partners, an organization that helps families who have moved back into renovated public housing at the Park Boulevard complex across from the new charter, to begin recruiting students.</p>
<p>At the University of Chicago charter schools, just one campus, North Kenwood/Oakland, is without an attendance zone. At the other campuses, the aldermen and community activists demanded boundaries.</p>
<p>Recruiting may become more important for North Kenwood/Oakland, since the mix of students at the charter needs to mirror that of the regular schools that are part of its professional development network.</p>
<p>Gentrification may eventually make that mission harder to fulfill. “[Expensive] condos are going up and, unfortunately, they will weed out some people. That’s an issue on the horizon, but right now, most of the school is African American and low-income,” says Michael Lee Yow, the charter’s new director of family and community engagement.</p>
<p>Yow notes that North Kenwood prides itself on the ability to teach children from a wide range of backgrounds, from homeless students to kids from two-parent homes to children who live with their grandmother because their parents are unable to take care of them. But the charter’s goal is to serve children in the community and ensure that families understand the application process.</p>
<p>Yow agrees that the University of Chicago name is a draw for middle-class, stable families from elsewhere. But, he adds, “all we can do is make sure we get applications in the hands of those who need it most.”</p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a></p>
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160 first year urban prep academy young men received 280 applications 150 freshmen slots word spread citys allboys public school applications englewood charter risen apace 422 2007 583 year meet growing demand urban prep ramping quickly recently winning approval add new campuses two districts highneeds communitieseast garfield park south shore school officials hope new schools help address vexing concern original englewood campus influx students outside neighborhood threatening divert schools communityoriented mission part pitch new schools fact executive director tim king noted new campuses would allow urban prep serve children within communities king member catalyst chicago editorial board although data state indicate whether charter applications inside outside community catalyst analysis student commuting data 2007 found evidence charters attracting outside families among charters opened since 2004 renaissance 2010 launched percentage students commute school 6 miles away increasedto 13 percent elementary students 9 percent 15 percent high school students 10 percent charters begun restrict recruiting cases negotiate community setasides ensure original charter missionserving particular neighborhoodremains focus far 10 charter campuses boundaries ensure preference admissions neighborhood students attendance zones resolve problem neighborhood access fly face school choice orthodoxy calls citywide schools spur competition ensure students equal shot enrolling charter advocates say rising demand signal charters attendance zones needed setting boundaries 2004 state law permits 10 attendance boundaries charters assuring preference neighborhood children admissions far boundaries set 160greg richmond former head districts office new schools president national association charter school authorizers says boundaries exceedingly rare nationwide chicago neighborhood pressure sparked change states charter law 2004 allow 10 attendance zones issue flared richmond recalls charters opened overcrowded latino communities demanded access although mission serve englewood students first king says school remain open citywide option town want send son allboys school want free king says still student recruiting strictly limited englewood nearby parts washington park greater grand crossing auburn gresham community planning process urban preps new schools king says issue access came repeatedly every single meeting every single interview least one person brought notes details guarantee community access new schools still worked perspectives charter schools calumet high campus director community relations ray thompson says school struck agreement alderman community organizations recruit students solely auburn gresham ensure least 70 percent students nearby douglas charter recently opened new iit campus thompson says concerns hashed wordofmouth new campus drew students several neighborhoods away thompson says group parents perspectives south loopjoslin campus told friends murray language academya wellregarded magnet school hyde parkto consider new iit school perspectives reached stateway community partners organization helps families moved back renovated public housing park boulevard complex across new charter begin recruiting students university chicago charter schools one campus north kenwoodoakland without attendance zone campuses aldermen community activists demanded boundaries recruiting may become important north kenwoodoakland since mix students charter needs mirror regular schools part professional development network gentrification may eventually make mission harder fulfill expensive condos going unfortunately weed people thats issue horizon right school african american lowincome says michael lee yow charters new director family community engagement yow notes north kenwood prides ability teach children wide range backgrounds homeless students kids twoparent homes children live grandmother parents unable take care charters goal serve children community ensure families understand application process yow agrees university chicago name draw middleclass stable families elsewhere adds make sure get applications hands need myerscatalystchicagoorg
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<p>By 2020, every high school student in California’s public and charter schools will be able to take at least one ethnic studies class.</p>
<p>It’s thanks to a bill that California state Rep. Luis Alejo and the California Latino Legislative Caucus. In doing so, they joined the ranks of educators, students, activists and elected officials who have pushed for courses&#160;that better reflect&#160; <a href="" type="internal">America’s changing demographics</a>.</p>
<p>More about ethnic studies:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">California will soon provide ethnic studies classes for all high schoolers. Here's why.</a></p>
<p>It’s not a new movement. At the height of the fight for civil rights in the 1960s, coalitions like the Third World Liberation Front argued for universities to introduce more courses on non-European histories and cultures, create better opportunities and services for students of color, and increase&#160;hiring of non-white faculty. Their efforts led to the country’s first College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University in 1969, and spurred the rise of ethnic studies programs across the country.</p>
<p>Yet the roots of the struggle to make the education system in the United States more inclusive along lines of race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexuality go back earlier than the 1960s. One man — an immigrant who first came to the United States from Lebanon in 1913 — helped pave the way for greater diversity in American academics by pioneering the study of Islam in the United States. And it was all thanks to a broken arm.</p>
<p>Or at least that’s how Philip Khuri Hitti tells the story in his unpublished memoir, tucked away in his collection of personal and professional records that the Hitti family donated to the University of Minnesota’s <a href="http://cla.umn.edu/ihrc/ihrc-archives" type="external">Immigration History Research Center Archives</a>.</p>
<p />
<p>If you were to stack all of the boxes of material in Hitti’s archival collection at the University of Minnesota, it would reach two stories high. In addition to being a prolific scholar and educator, Hitti was a collector of visual materials documenting Arabic culture — including this 1930 image of an astrolabe.</p>
<p>Courtesy of the Philip Khuri Hitti Papers, Immigration History Research Center Archives, University of Minnesota</p>
<p>Naturally, Hitti and his brother jumped onto the donkey as soon as they were out of their dad’s line of sight.</p>
<p>The fun and games lasted until the trio crossed paths with another donkey, throwing theirs into a stir, braying and jumping until the two boys fell to the ground. His brother was fine. Hitti, however, was not. The fall sent his bone through the skin of his right arm.</p>
<p>Hitti’s mother usually took care of the family’s medical needs. Repairing a compound fracture, however, was outside her skills. Village elders offered a range of remedies; one woman bent Hitti’s broken arm at the elbow and exposed it to steam rising from a brew of weeds and leaves. Hitti fainted. When he awoke, his wound remained.</p>
<p>Around that time, a graduate of the school of medicine at the Syrian Protestant College — known today as the American University of Beirut — was traveling through Shemlan and heard that a local boy required medical attention. His prognosis: Hitti’s arm had developed gangrene. He had to choose between death or the hospital.</p>
<p>After two surgeries and several months in recovery at a hospital about 15 miles away in Beirut, Hitti’s family held a meeting. Their prognosis: “Such a boy cannot make his living here; send him away to school.”</p>
<p />
<p>A street in Beirut named for Hitti commemorates his achievements.</p>
<p>Courtesy of the Philip Khuri Hitti Papers, Immigration History Research Center Archives, University of Minnesota</p>
<p>Hitti had spent his earliest years as a student taking classes under an oak tree in the yard of his village’s church, and ended up in high school only as a side effect of a boyhood injury. College, he wrote, was “no nearer than the moon in pre-space days.”</p>
<p>But he excelled and, eventually, attended Syrian Protestant College just like the student who sent him to the hospital.</p>
<p />
<p>Hitti remembered being able to see the main building of Beirut’s Syria Protestant College from his home in Shemlan. Here’s what the school, now the American University of Beirut, looks like today.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66543362@N00/9691111395/" type="external">marviikad/Flickr</a>&#160;(CC BY-SA 2.0)</p>
<p>Hitti arrived in the US in 1913 and ultimately finished his Ph.D. at Columbia University in the summer of 1914. World War I temporarily interrupted his plans to return to Lebanon after graduating.</p>
<p>Hitti couldn’t help&#160;but feel out of place during his stint in wartime America. As far as he knew, he was the first “Near Easterner” to pursue a doctoral degree in the US. When he spoke with Americans who learned that the Lebanon he called home wasn’t in Pennsylvania or New Hampshire, but was a country on the other side of the world, Hitti felt like “a fossil on exhibit from some bygone age.”</p>
<p>He did return to Lebanon, though, in 1920 as a professor of Oriental history at the renamed American University of Beirut. A few years later, Princeton received a surge in funding for the study of the Middle East. One Princeton graduate left behind enough money to support scholarships and a library in the “ancient Oriental field.” Another donated enough Arabic books and manuscripts to start the <a href="http://rbsc.princeton.edu/collections/robert-garrett-collection-syriac-manuscripts" type="external">Robert Garrett collection</a>, which Hitti described as “one of the richest, if not the richest, of its kind connected with any university in the West or East.” In February&#160;1926, Hitti returned to the US as an assistant professor of Semitic literature at Princeton.</p>
<p>Princeton may have had resources. But Hitti was perturbed by the university’s lack of coursework on Islam — the curriculum only offered classes that taught Islam as it related to Christianity and Judaism. As for language, Hitti explained there were no classes at Princeton or anywhere else in the US that focused on “Arabic for its own sake, as a carrier of a major world culture and as a key to one of the richest literatures.”</p>
<p>The courses Hitti taught were literally locked away in the ivory tower. When he first started teaching, the university tucked his classes away on the library’s edges, right next to patrons strolling the stacks and searching for books.</p>
<p>“The more I became aware of this giant blind spot in the American curriculum,” Hitti wrote, “the more I was determined to find a remedy for it.”</p>
<p>Hitti went to work. In addition to creating graduate courses in Arabic, Turkish and Persian languages, Hitti and the colleagues he recruited taught courses on the literature, history, religion, economics, sociology, politics and arts of the Near East.</p>
<p>When he tried to convince university administrators about “the merits of Islamic Studies,” Hitti remembered feeling like “Americans had inherited from Europeans a measure of political and religious prejudice against Islam.”</p>
<p>It took 20 years, but in the mid-1940s Hitti founded and became the first director of Princeton University’s Program in Near Eastern Studies.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://archive.aramcoworld.com/issue/197104/a.talk.with.philip.hitti.htm" type="external">1971 interview in “Saudi Aramco World,”</a> Hitti said that the deployment of Allied troops to North Africa and western Asia in World War II set the stage for increased interest in Middle Eastern studies — including in the US government, which began sending soldiers to Princeton so they could study Arabic. Tensions between Palestine and the emerging nation-state of Israel also played a key role in generating the financial and political support necessary for his program to get off the ground. Oil companies like Aramco and private philanthropic organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation, motivated by geopolitical maneuvering in the Middle East, helped foot the bill for Princeton’s Near Eastern Studies program.</p>
<p>Also:&#160; <a href="" type="internal">More American than apple pie, Muslims have been migrating to the US for centuries</a></p>
<p>Hitti played a major role in laying the foundation for the academic study of the Middle East in the US. But his legacy is not unproblematic. When discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict, he challenged Israel’s right to the land by suggesting their claim “had no more validity than a claim by Indians to the United States.” Scholar John Tofik Karam argued in an article in the “International Journal of Middle East Studies,” meanwhile, that Hitti’s role in helping create a program in Near Eastern studies owed too much to American political and military interests.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, nearly 40 years after his death in 1978, Hitti’s work to create more room for non-Eurocentric curriculum in American education is an important note in the ongoing struggle for ethnic and area studies in the US.</p>
<p>The Princeton program Hitti founded continues today. In addition, in March 2016, students and faculty gathered to protest budget cuts that <a href="https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/03/03/iconic-ethnic-studies-college-san-francisco-state-says-it-cant-pay-its-bills" type="external">threatened to undercut San Francisco’s College of Ethnic Studies</a>.</p>
| false | 3 |
2020 every high school student californias public charter schools able take least one ethnic studies class thanks bill california state rep luis alejo california latino legislative caucus joined ranks educators students activists elected officials pushed courses160that better reflect160 americas changing demographics ethnic studies160 california soon provide ethnic studies classes high schoolers heres new movement height fight civil rights 1960s coalitions like third world liberation front argued universities introduce courses noneuropean histories cultures create better opportunities services students color increase160hiring nonwhite faculty efforts led countrys first college ethnic studies san francisco state university 1969 spurred rise ethnic studies programs across country yet roots struggle make education system united states inclusive along lines race ethnicity religion gender sexuality go back earlier 1960s one man immigrant first came united states lebanon 1913 helped pave way greater diversity american academics pioneering study islam united states thanks broken arm least thats philip khuri hitti tells story unpublished memoir tucked away collection personal professional records hitti family donated university minnesotas immigration history research center archives stack boxes material hittis archival collection university minnesota would reach two stories high addition prolific scholar educator hitti collector visual materials documenting arabic culture including 1930 image astrolabe courtesy philip khuri hitti papers immigration history research center archives university minnesota naturally hitti brother jumped onto donkey soon dads line sight fun games lasted trio crossed paths another donkey throwing stir braying jumping two boys fell ground brother fine hitti however fall sent bone skin right arm hittis mother usually took care familys medical needs repairing compound fracture however outside skills village elders offered range remedies one woman bent hittis broken arm elbow exposed steam rising brew weeds leaves hitti fainted awoke wound remained around time graduate school medicine syrian protestant college known today american university beirut traveling shemlan heard local boy required medical attention prognosis hittis arm developed gangrene choose death hospital two surgeries several months recovery hospital 15 miles away beirut hittis family held meeting prognosis boy make living send away school street beirut named hitti commemorates achievements courtesy philip khuri hitti papers immigration history research center archives university minnesota hitti spent earliest years student taking classes oak tree yard villages church ended high school side effect boyhood injury college wrote nearer moon prespace days excelled eventually attended syrian protestant college like student sent hospital hitti remembered able see main building beiruts syria protestant college home shemlan heres school american university beirut looks like today marviikadflickr160cc bysa 20 hitti arrived us 1913 ultimately finished phd columbia university summer 1914 world war temporarily interrupted plans return lebanon graduating hitti couldnt help160but feel place stint wartime america far knew first near easterner pursue doctoral degree us spoke americans learned lebanon called home wasnt pennsylvania new hampshire country side world hitti felt like fossil exhibit bygone age return lebanon though 1920 professor oriental history renamed american university beirut years later princeton received surge funding study middle east one princeton graduate left behind enough money support scholarships library ancient oriental field another donated enough arabic books manuscripts start robert garrett collection hitti described one richest richest kind connected university west east february1601926 hitti returned us assistant professor semitic literature princeton princeton may resources hitti perturbed universitys lack coursework islam curriculum offered classes taught islam related christianity judaism language hitti explained classes princeton anywhere else us focused arabic sake carrier major world culture key one richest literatures courses hitti taught literally locked away ivory tower first started teaching university tucked classes away librarys edges right next patrons strolling stacks searching books became aware giant blind spot american curriculum hitti wrote determined find remedy hitti went work addition creating graduate courses arabic turkish persian languages hitti colleagues recruited taught courses literature history religion economics sociology politics arts near east tried convince university administrators merits islamic studies hitti remembered feeling like americans inherited europeans measure political religious prejudice islam took 20 years mid1940s hitti founded became first director princeton universitys program near eastern studies 1971 interview saudi aramco world hitti said deployment allied troops north africa western asia world war ii set stage increased interest middle eastern studies including us government began sending soldiers princeton could study arabic tensions palestine emerging nationstate israel also played key role generating financial political support necessary program get ground oil companies like aramco private philanthropic organizations like rockefeller foundation motivated geopolitical maneuvering middle east helped foot bill princetons near eastern studies program also160 american apple pie muslims migrating us centuries hitti played major role laying foundation academic study middle east us legacy unproblematic discussing israelpalestine conflict challenged israels right land suggesting claim validity claim indians united states scholar john tofik karam argued article international journal middle east studies meanwhile hittis role helping create program near eastern studies owed much american political military interests nevertheless nearly 40 years death 1978 hittis work create room noneurocentric curriculum american education important note ongoing struggle ethnic area studies us princeton program hitti founded continues today addition march 2016 students faculty gathered protest budget cuts threatened undercut san franciscos college ethnic studies
| 836 |
<p>Mwewa Mwange says that she is shy and avoids conversations, too afraid of awkward moments. But ever since she became eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, she slowly came out of her shell.</p>
<p>She is one of almost 700,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children who have <a href="" type="internal">DACA</a>, which offers temporary protection from deportation and the opportunity to apply for work permits. But she’s specifically passionate about black immigrants, a demographic she says often gets ignored in immigrant advocacy circles.</p>
<p>“I can step out of this shadow or out of this hiding and be able to tell my story because other people can’t,” she says. “Because in telling my story, other people are finally hearing like, ‘Wait, there’s undocumented black people?’”</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">See the full DACA Diaries series.</a></p>
<p />
<p>Mwange came to the US with her mom from Zambia when she was 4 years old. Mwange is not her real family name — she asked that we not use her real name because of her immigration status. The family arrived legally; they came on visitor visas and applied for the diversity visa lottery several times. The <a href="" type="internal">program allows 50,000 people, selected at random from millions of applicants, to be screened and reviewed for possible passage to the US</a>. Mwange's family didn't catch that lucky break and overstayed their visas. They joined the ranks of <a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/04/09/a-rising-share-of-the-u-s-black-population-is-foreign-born/" type="external">some 600,000 undocumented black immigrants</a> currently in the country who don't have authorization. There are&#160;about 3.8 million black immigrants overall, according to a Pew Research Center report.</p>
<p>But they face being detained at higher rates than other immigrants. According to a report from the advocacy group Black Alliance for Just Immigration, black immigrants are just 5.4 percent of undocumented people in the US and 7.2 percent of the total noncitizen population. Yet they make up 10.6 percent of all immigrants who were&#160;in removal proceedings — in the process of being deported — between 2003 and 2015 ( <a href="https://www.sccgov.org/sites/oir/Documents/sobi-deprt-blk-immig-crim-sys.pdf" type="external">PDF</a>). Nana Brantuo, communications director for the organization, says it's about policing.</p>
<p>“Our immigration system is deeply intertwined with our criminal justice system,” she says. “Because black immigrants tend to be situated in major urban areas that prioritize policing policies like ‘stop-and-frisk,’ there’s an unfortunately higher likelihood of them encountering law enforcement.”</p>
<p>And each time an immigrant encounters law enforcement is a chance for them to also be targeted for immigration violations.</p>
<p>Being policed is not this group's only distinction, though. Black immigrants are also some of the most educated among immigrants in the US. Immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher than the the general immigrant or US-born population, <a href="https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/sub-saharan-african-immigrants-united-states" type="external">according another Migration Policy Institute study</a>. Despite this, stereotypes about black immigrants persist. Most recently, President Donald Trump allegedly referred to places where predominantly black immigrants come from, including Haiti and countries in Africa, as " <a href="" type="internal">shithole countries</a>."</p>
<p>Mwange would like to follow in the footsteps of many of her family and peers by earning an advanced degree in community health.</p>
<p>Growing up, Mwange, now 21, always had big dreams of college. At one point she wanted to be a pediatric cardiologist and live in Alaska. But just as she was finishing high school, Mwange realized her path to higher education and a career would be harder than she thought. While filling out mock job applications in a financial planning course, a classmate asked if she had memorized her Social Security number.</p>
<p>Undocumented immigrants don’t have them.</p>
<p>“That dream pretty much died right then when I realized just what being an undocumented immigrant meant,” she says.</p>
<p />
<p>Mwewa Mwange says her DACA status and being able to enroll in&#160;college has opened up a whole world of activism to her. She's especially passionate about speaking out for black immigrants.&#160;</p>
<p>Kenya Downs/PRI</p>
<p>Mwange and her family have lived in Maryland for nearly 20 years. She attended a US high school, but was not considered a state resident because of her immigration status. Mwange applied anyway, using her local address. Out of the 12 schools she applied to, only two accepted her, including the University of Maryland. If she weren't considered a resident, tuition would cost&#160; <a href="https://www.admissions.umd.edu/finance/costs.php" type="external">$32,000 per year, compared to the $10,000 her neighbors pay</a>.</p>
<p>Maryland passed a Dream Act in 2012, offering limited in-state tuition for student residents without legal authorization to live in the US. But it’s a law that didn't help Mwange. The Dream Act was restricted to high school graduates who first attend community college before transferring to a four-year institution. Since Mwange had already been accepted to two universities, she was ineligible.</p>
<p>Getting a higher degree for Mwange was unaffordable and thus out of reach.</p>
<p>“My life would be much different than all my [high school] classmates around me who didn’t have to factor their immigration status into their futures,” says Mwange.</p>
<p>But Mwange did qualify for DACA, and once she got that status she could also pay in-state tution.</p>
<p>“I know that I’m blessed to a certain extent because DACA came for me in my early adulthood when I’m just starting my post-high school career,” she says. “I was spared a lot of the stress and trauma older recipients faced with years of not being able to work or go to school.”</p>
<p>She enrolled at the University of Maryland in 2014. Still, college can be expensive and Mwange is ineligible for federal aid and many scholarships. Before she began spring semester in 2017, she decided to take time off to save money.</p>
<p>It was then, in September 2017, that the <a href="" type="internal">Trump administration announced it would phase out DACA</a>. In January, a federal judge&#160;ordered the program partially reinstated while legal challenges continue, but the administration has already appealed the ruling. The Justice Department also announced that it plans to ask the Supreme Court to hear the case.</p>
<p>A semester has now turned into a year, and Mwange's&#160;grappling with the possibly of not being able to return to the university.</p>
<p>“Because they accepted me with my local address before, I don’t think I’ll suddenly become an international student at Maryland, but I don’t really know what’s in store for me now,” she says. “It’s just another thing I have to put off later and instead focus on how do I make sure, should anything happen, that when [my DACA status] does expire, I can at least survive for some time.”</p>
<p>Mwange says DACA opened up a whole new world of activism for her, including working as the Washington, DC,&#160;regional lead for the UndocuBlack Network. The group serves black, undocumented immigrants nationwide. She’s focused on bridging the cultural gaps between black immigrants and African Americans, and educating others on the unique challenges black, undocumented immigrants face, including the exclusion some experience working in other immigrant circles.</p>
<p>“Every chant is in Spanish. There’s no inclusion there and if we speak up, it’s like, ‘Well, why would you expect any different?'" she says. “As a black, undocumented immigrant, already the rest of the world doesn’t want you. So there’s that added feeling of, ‘I don’t belong here.’”</p>
<p>More: <a href="" type="internal">Bambadjan Bamba explains what</a> <a href="" type="internal">it's like to be an undocumented Hollywood star</a></p>
<p>Mwange is cautiously hopeful that Congress will pass legislation to resolve the statuses of the nearly <a href="http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states" type="external">1.3 million undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children</a> and all undocumented immigrants overall. She&#160;wants to participate in the dual struggle to fight anti-immigrant bias and white supremacy.</p>
<p>Her education is vital to that mission.</p>
<p>“I may have to delay finishing my degree longer to save, but not finishing isn’t an option,” she says while preparing for her commute from her job at an accounting firm to a special DACA informational meeting hosted by UndocuBlack. “I feel an obligation to fight for racial and social justice and to continue my advocacy on behalf of my people. There’s too much at&#160;stake to return to the shadows.”</p>
<p>Mwange says she knows other DACA recipients in her community of African immigrants who have quit their jobs before their work permits expire, or stopped showing up to school for fear of being arrested.</p>
<p>That's what concerns Mwange most: the dejection that many DACA recipients feel after first experiencing the optimism of being temporarily recognized by the country they call home.</p>
<p>“You’re more than DACA,” Mwange says. “You’re more than undocumented.”</p>
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mwewa mwange says shy avoids conversations afraid awkward moments ever since became eligible deferred action childhood arrivals daca slowly came shell one almost 700000 undocumented immigrants brought us children daca offers temporary protection deportation opportunity apply work permits shes specifically passionate black immigrants demographic says often gets ignored immigrant advocacy circles step shadow hiding able tell story people cant says telling story people finally hearing like wait theres undocumented black people see full daca diaries series mwange came us mom zambia 4 years old mwange real family name asked use real name immigration status family arrived legally came visitor visas applied diversity visa lottery several times program allows 50000 people selected random millions applicants screened reviewed possible passage us mwanges family didnt catch lucky break overstayed visas joined ranks 600000 undocumented black immigrants currently country dont authorization are160about 38 million black immigrants overall according pew research center report face detained higher rates immigrants according report advocacy group black alliance immigration black immigrants 54 percent undocumented people us 72 percent total noncitizen population yet make 106 percent immigrants were160in removal proceedings process deported 2003 2015 pdf nana brantuo communications director organization says policing immigration system deeply intertwined criminal justice system says black immigrants tend situated major urban areas prioritize policing policies like stopandfrisk theres unfortunately higher likelihood encountering law enforcement time immigrant encounters law enforcement chance also targeted immigration violations policed groups distinction though black immigrants also educated among immigrants us immigrants subsaharan africa likely hold bachelors degree higher general immigrant usborn population according another migration policy institute study despite stereotypes black immigrants persist recently president donald trump allegedly referred places predominantly black immigrants come including haiti countries africa shithole countries mwange would like follow footsteps many family peers earning advanced degree community health growing mwange 21 always big dreams college one point wanted pediatric cardiologist live alaska finishing high school mwange realized path higher education career would harder thought filling mock job applications financial planning course classmate asked memorized social security number undocumented immigrants dont dream pretty much died right realized undocumented immigrant meant says mwewa mwange says daca status able enroll in160college opened whole world activism shes especially passionate speaking black immigrants160 kenya downspri mwange family lived maryland nearly 20 years attended us high school considered state resident immigration status mwange applied anyway using local address 12 schools applied two accepted including university maryland werent considered resident tuition would cost160 32000 per year compared 10000 neighbors pay maryland passed dream act 2012 offering limited instate tuition student residents without legal authorization live us law didnt help mwange dream act restricted high school graduates first attend community college transferring fouryear institution since mwange already accepted two universities ineligible getting higher degree mwange unaffordable thus reach life would much different high school classmates around didnt factor immigration status futures says mwange mwange qualify daca got status could also pay instate tution know im blessed certain extent daca came early adulthood im starting posthigh school career says spared lot stress trauma older recipients faced years able work go school enrolled university maryland 2014 still college expensive mwange ineligible federal aid many scholarships began spring semester 2017 decided take time save money september 2017 trump administration announced would phase daca january federal judge160ordered program partially reinstated legal challenges continue administration already appealed ruling justice department also announced plans ask supreme court hear case semester turned year mwanges160grappling possibly able return university accepted local address dont think ill suddenly become international student maryland dont really know whats store says another thing put later instead focus make sure anything happen daca status expire least survive time mwange says daca opened whole new world activism including working washington dc160regional lead undocublack network group serves black undocumented immigrants nationwide shes focused bridging cultural gaps black immigrants african americans educating others unique challenges black undocumented immigrants face including exclusion experience working immigrant circles every chant spanish theres inclusion speak like well would expect different says black undocumented immigrant already rest world doesnt want theres added feeling dont belong bambadjan bamba explains like undocumented hollywood star mwange cautiously hopeful congress pass legislation resolve statuses nearly 13 million undocumented immigrants brought us children undocumented immigrants overall she160wants participate dual struggle fight antiimmigrant bias white supremacy education vital mission may delay finishing degree longer save finishing isnt option says preparing commute job accounting firm special daca informational meeting hosted undocublack feel obligation fight racial social justice continue advocacy behalf people theres much at160stake return shadows mwange says knows daca recipients community african immigrants quit jobs work permits expire stopped showing school fear arrested thats concerns mwange dejection many daca recipients feel first experiencing optimism temporarily recognized country call home youre daca mwange says youre undocumented
| 784 |
<p>CAIRO — The call to prayer rings out over Sherif El-Sabbahy’s neighborhood just before noon, echoing across the urban landscape, drowning out the honking traffic and the chatter of the street market. From his window, El-Sabbahy, 20, can see the stream of men, prayer mats slung over their shoulders, heading to the mosque. But he doesn’t follow.</p>
<p>He nudges his 17-year-old brother. “You ready to go?”</p>
<p>His brother doesn’t look up from the game of “Throne Rush” he is playing on Facebook. “Five minutes,” he says.</p>
<p>According to the Quran, the Friday sermon is obligatory, and El-Sabbahy is the kind of Muslim who once took such responsibilities seriously. But his faith, like that of many young Egyptians of his generation, has become more complicated since the country’s 2011 revolution.</p>
<p>Mosques have long been central to political dialogue in Egypt, where, the Pew Research Center reports, 95 percent of the population is Muslim and 75 percent identify religion as a “very important” part of their lives. But over the past three years, a tug-of-war between Islamists and the military’s repressive “deep state” have turned mosques into a political battleground.</p>
<p>As the government <a href="https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/13506-egypt-arrests-193-muslim-brotherhood-supporters" type="external">continues to arrest Muslim Brotherhood sympathizers</a> more than a year after the military ousted and imprisoned President Mohamed Morsi, who is a Brotherhood leader, the conflict has made it difficult for many to “simply be religious,” said Nathan Brown, a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who specializes in Egyptian politics and religion. “In a lot of mosques, where you could have ignored the politics before, you can’t anymore,” he said.</p>
<p>Some young worshippers say they’re struggling to feel the spirit above the vitriol. Some have started skipping out on formal worship services because they no longer feel comfortable in mosques, choosing, instead, to observe Muslim traditions at home. Others have given up their faith altogether.</p>
<p>“Politics should just not mix with religion,” El-Sabbahy said. “When it does, things get ugly. It’s like religion becomes some sort of weapon for whichever regime comes into power.”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>By the time El-Sabbahy gets to the mosque, slips out of his flip-flops, and settles cross-legged on the floor, the imam is about three quarters of the way through his sermon and only a few men have rolled out their prayer mats. Ten minutes later, the imam is finished and worshippers are overflowing into the street.</p>
<p>Since Morsi’s ouster last July, El-Sabbahy said, the preaching has become “dull and repetitive” and “usually just endorses the politicians in authority.”</p>
<p>“So I just tend to come at the end of the sermon, a few minutes before the prayer to save my mood of spirituality,” he said.</p>
<p>In recent months, the Ministry of Religious Endowment has issued a number of strict regulations to <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/egypt-bans-unlicensed-preachers-tightens-grip-mosques-165825378.html" type="external">tighten the state’s grip on religious gatherings</a>, including firing more than 10,000 preachers and shutting down thousands of small, informal mosques.</p>
<p>The government now dictates the topics to be discussed each Friday. Only preachers who were educated at Al-Azhar, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious schools for Islamic studies, are allowed to give sermons. Any imam affiliated with a political group is banned from preaching — regardless of educational credentials.</p>
<p>Experts say the government’s attempts to control speech are aimed at the Muslim Brotherhood, Sisi’s main political rival.</p>
<p>President Sisi began his term by vowing to fight the Brotherhood’s “extremism” and depoliticize religious worship. As one of its first moves, his cabinet announced plans in June to launch an educational campaign to fight “faith fatigue” brought on by the standoff between politics and religion.</p>
<p>Rather than separating politics and worship, however, the regulations suggest a plan to nationalize religion, said Brown, of the Carnegie Foundation. From a human rights perspective, this is “alarming” because the government doesn’t have the money or the manpower to enforce religious restrictions nationwide. So, in practice, Sisi’s plan to unify religion is quickly becoming a tool to smother dissent.</p>
<p>“They can crack down whenever they want,” he said. “It’s kind of like a sword hanging over popular forms of religious expression, essentially criminalizing what plenty of people see as normal behavior.”</p>
<p>Sheikh Mohamed Nossairy, a former secretary general of the Independent Syndicate of Imams, for example, said he was stripped of his title after he addressed Morsi supporters during <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/08/rabaa-deaths-crime-against-humanity-hrw-20148884531513947.html" type="external">a mass sit-in at Rabaa al-Adawiya Square</a> last summer. Government forces dispersed the sit-in on August 14, 2013, massacring hundreds of Morsi supporters.</p>
<p>Since then, Nossairy said, fellow imams with real or perceived connections to the Brotherhood have been incarcerated on what he claims are “made up charges," including fraud and funding a terrorist organization.</p>
<p>Even government-approved, Al-Azhar-educated preachers who don’t have political connections are now more careful with their words, however.</p>
<p>“I feel that the Ministry of Endowment is being managed by a security cap,” said Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Kremah, during a televised interview with private satellite channel El-Mehwar on June 28.</p>
<p>Congregations, in the meantime, are shrinking, imams said.</p>
<p>The restrictions are “intimidating” to worshippers, said Nossairy, accusing the government of driving youth away and creating an immoral generation that “would prefer to sit at a bar over a mosque, for fear of being tortured by state security.”</p>
<p>The culture of fear has made it impossible for imams to address the difficult topics that Egyptians are facing, El-Sabbahy said.</p>
<p>After the Rabaa massacre, for example, El-Sabbahy said, “people needed comfort and guidance.” His imam, who had enthusiastically supported Morsi before the overthrow, was suddenly silent.</p>
<p>“Your imam should be the person you go to when you have questions about God and about life,” he said. “But I don’t feel comfortable doing that anymore because everyone knows they are motivated by politics. If I have a question, I go home and look it up on the Internet.”</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>On the dusty walk home from the mosque, El-Sabbahy and his brother gossip. His brother had heard that the government was restricting the length of traditional Ramadan services from two hours to 45 minutes. El-Sabbahy reacts to the news with a disapproving tsk.</p>
<p>“Did you know it’s even illegal to pray for deliverance from ‘the tyrants’?" he says.</p>
<p>The government has denied the more radical accusations, and a little on-the-ground digging suggests they are likely unfounded. El-Sabbahy, though, like many Egyptians, has become suspicious after years of political interference in his religious routines.</p>
<p>“Of course I don’t believe them,” he said. “This is the least to be expected.”</p>
<p>Each political entity to take the country’s helm over the past three years has attempted to seize control of Egypt’s mosques to further its political agenda, said Amr Ezzat, a researcher at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, who published a study last week examining the politicization of Egypt’s mosques. Hosni Mubarak, for example, was criticized for issuing permits only to preachers who aligned with his political party, the National Democratic Party. When Morsi took power, he filled the mosques with Islamist preachers.</p>
<p>While Islamists blame harsh government restrictions for youth disaffection, others point a finger at the Islamists, who they say turned mosques into political rallies.</p>
<p>As the country struggled to assemble a post-revolutionary democracy, religiously affiliated political parties like the Muslim Brotherhood’s now-outlawed Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafist Al Nour Party started making the rounds during prayers, distributing brochures touting their political ideologies.</p>
<p>Sheikh Ahmed Abdel Rehim, an Al-Azhar educated imam who works in Cairo, said his mosque was “occupied” by Salafi leader Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, who used the space each Saturday to rally supporters for a presidential bid.</p>
<p>“He invaded the mosque with his 5,000 followers,” Abdel Rehim said. “I could not stop them, so I just stayed in my room until they left.”</p>
<p>Egyptians have historically welcomed an intersection between Islam and government. In 2010, 95 percent of Egyptians who said Islam played a large role in politics identified that as a good thing, according to the Pew Research Center. Among those who thought Islam played a small role in politics, 80 percent said it should have more influence.</p>
<p>In the scuffle for power that followed Egypt’s 2011 revolution, however, the religious struggled to come to a consensus about how Islam should be applied to government.</p>
<p>While Nossairy argues that “Islam is politics,” Abdel Rehim advocates for a looser relationships between mosque and state. Islamic morals, such as eschewing dishonesty, should “regulate” politics, he said, but politicians should not twist Islamic script to support their political desires.</p>
<p>Sheikhs who lobby hard for political Islam are “con artists,” Abdel Rehim said.</p>
<p>“They use their position to scam the people,” he said. “Unfortunately, young people have this misconception that they represent Islam. But the fact is, nobody represents Islam. Everyone makes mistakes and sins.”</p>
<p>The political tension has set worshippers against one another.</p>
<p>Before the revolution, people didn’t care whether an imam was Al-Azhar affiliated, a Salafi, or a Muslim Brotherhood member, said Ezzat, from the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.</p>
<p>“It didn’t matter,” he said. “They were all sheikhs. Sometimes, if you were feeling lazy, you’d just pray at the mosque closest to your house.”</p>
<p>By the end of Morsi’s rule, though, fistfights were breaking out over the preacher’s identity, Ezzat said. In one particularly dramatic incident, former Minister of Endowment Talaat Afify was dragged off the pulpit and kicked onto the street because he was believed to be allied with the Muslim Brotherhood.</p>
<p>For some, particularly in intellectual circles, the solution was adopting an approach to politics that resembles American-style secularism, Brown said.</p>
<p>Mohamed Khaled, 25, a lawyer whose name has been changed for safety reasons, stopped attending worship services after an imam told him how to vote on a constitutional referendum. He no longer considers himself Muslim.</p>
<p>“Politics is a dirty game,” he said. “I believe it should have nothing to do with religion.”</p>
<p>El-Sabbahy still considers Islam his guiding light and feels conflicted about skipping worship services. But, he, too, is finding himself hoping for a time when the government will stay out of Egypt’s mosques.</p>
<p>“This isn’t just hurting my spirituality,” he said. “This is hurting my country.”&#160;</p>
<p>More on GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/140904/egypt-jihadist-group-claims-deadly-sinai-bombing" type="external">Egypt jihadist group claims deadly Sinai bombing</a></p>
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cairo call prayer rings sherif elsabbahys neighborhood noon echoing across urban landscape drowning honking traffic chatter street market window elsabbahy 20 see stream men prayer mats slung shoulders heading mosque doesnt follow nudges 17yearold brother ready go brother doesnt look game throne rush playing facebook five minutes says according quran friday sermon obligatory elsabbahy kind muslim took responsibilities seriously faith like many young egyptians generation become complicated since countrys 2011 revolution mosques long central political dialogue egypt pew research center reports 95 percent population muslim 75 percent identify religion important part lives past three years tugofwar islamists militarys repressive deep state turned mosques political battleground government continues arrest muslim brotherhood sympathizers year military ousted imprisoned president mohamed morsi brotherhood leader conflict made difficult many simply religious said nathan brown senior associate carnegie endowment international peace specializes egyptian politics religion lot mosques could ignored politics cant anymore said young worshippers say theyre struggling feel spirit vitriol started skipping formal worship services longer feel comfortable mosques choosing instead observe muslim traditions home others given faith altogether politics mix religion elsabbahy said things get ugly like religion becomes sort weapon whichever regime comes power time elsabbahy gets mosque slips flipflops settles crosslegged floor imam three quarters way sermon men rolled prayer mats ten minutes later imam finished worshippers overflowing street since morsis ouster last july elsabbahy said preaching become dull repetitive usually endorses politicians authority tend come end sermon minutes prayer save mood spirituality said recent months ministry religious endowment issued number strict regulations tighten states grip religious gatherings including firing 10000 preachers shutting thousands small informal mosques government dictates topics discussed friday preachers educated alazhar one worlds oldest prestigious schools islamic studies allowed give sermons imam affiliated political group banned preaching regardless educational credentials experts say governments attempts control speech aimed muslim brotherhood sisis main political rival president sisi began term vowing fight brotherhoods extremism depoliticize religious worship one first moves cabinet announced plans june launch educational campaign fight faith fatigue brought standoff politics religion rather separating politics worship however regulations suggest plan nationalize religion said brown carnegie foundation human rights perspective alarming government doesnt money manpower enforce religious restrictions nationwide practice sisis plan unify religion quickly becoming tool smother dissent crack whenever want said kind like sword hanging popular forms religious expression essentially criminalizing plenty people see normal behavior sheikh mohamed nossairy former secretary general independent syndicate imams example said stripped title addressed morsi supporters mass sitin rabaa aladawiya square last summer government forces dispersed sitin august 14 2013 massacring hundreds morsi supporters since nossairy said fellow imams real perceived connections brotherhood incarcerated claims made charges including fraud funding terrorist organization even governmentapproved alazhareducated preachers dont political connections careful words however feel ministry endowment managed security cap said alazhar sheikh ahmed kremah televised interview private satellite channel elmehwar june 28 congregations meantime shrinking imams said restrictions intimidating worshippers said nossairy accusing government driving youth away creating immoral generation would prefer sit bar mosque fear tortured state security culture fear made impossible imams address difficult topics egyptians facing elsabbahy said rabaa massacre example elsabbahy said people needed comfort guidance imam enthusiastically supported morsi overthrow suddenly silent imam person go questions god life said dont feel comfortable anymore everyone knows motivated politics question go home look internet dusty walk home mosque elsabbahy brother gossip brother heard government restricting length traditional ramadan services two hours 45 minutes elsabbahy reacts news disapproving tsk know even illegal pray deliverance tyrants says government denied radical accusations little ontheground digging suggests likely unfounded elsabbahy though like many egyptians become suspicious years political interference religious routines course dont believe said least expected political entity take countrys helm past three years attempted seize control egypts mosques political agenda said amr ezzat researcher egyptian initiative personal rights published study last week examining politicization egypts mosques hosni mubarak example criticized issuing permits preachers aligned political party national democratic party morsi took power filled mosques islamist preachers islamists blame harsh government restrictions youth disaffection others point finger islamists say turned mosques political rallies country struggled assemble postrevolutionary democracy religiously affiliated political parties like muslim brotherhoods nowoutlawed freedom justice party salafist al nour party started making rounds prayers distributing brochures touting political ideologies sheikh ahmed abdel rehim alazhar educated imam works cairo said mosque occupied salafi leader hazem salah abu ismail used space saturday rally supporters presidential bid invaded mosque 5000 followers abdel rehim said could stop stayed room left egyptians historically welcomed intersection islam government 2010 95 percent egyptians said islam played large role politics identified good thing according pew research center among thought islam played small role politics 80 percent said influence scuffle power followed egypts 2011 revolution however religious struggled come consensus islam applied government nossairy argues islam politics abdel rehim advocates looser relationships mosque state islamic morals eschewing dishonesty regulate politics said politicians twist islamic script support political desires sheikhs lobby hard political islam con artists abdel rehim said use position scam people said unfortunately young people misconception represent islam fact nobody represents islam everyone makes mistakes sins political tension set worshippers one another revolution people didnt care whether imam alazhar affiliated salafi muslim brotherhood member said ezzat egyptian initiative personal rights didnt matter said sheikhs sometimes feeling lazy youd pray mosque closest house end morsis rule though fistfights breaking preachers identity ezzat said one particularly dramatic incident former minister endowment talaat afify dragged pulpit kicked onto street believed allied muslim brotherhood particularly intellectual circles solution adopting approach politics resembles americanstyle secularism brown said mohamed khaled 25 lawyer whose name changed safety reasons stopped attending worship services imam told vote constitutional referendum longer considers muslim politics dirty game said believe nothing religion elsabbahy still considers islam guiding light feels conflicted skipping worship services finding hoping time government stay egypts mosques isnt hurting spirituality said hurting country160 globalpost160 egypt jihadist group claims deadly sinai bombing
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<p>WASHINGTON (ABP)—With many Republicans concerned their party's leading presidential candidates are not sufficiently conservative on social issues, Democrats have what may be their most faith-friendly crop of candidates in recent years.</p>
<p>According to experts in politics and religion, faith-savvy Democrats may be able to woo religious voters in ways previous Democratic nominees did not.</p>
<p>Barry Hankins, a professor of history and church-state studies at Baylor University, and Laura Olson, a political science professor at Clemson University in South Carolina, analyzed the 2008 presidential candidates in terms of faith issues and faith-motivated voters.</p>
<p>New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is a cradle-roll Methodist who—despite her caricature among religious conservatives as a rabid secularist—has maintained her faith throughout her adult life.</p>
<p>Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, has been received warmly in recent months by evangelical audiences. Obama, an African-American, is a Congregation-alist raised in an essentially secular environment in exotic locales around the world. He came to faith as an adult after working with churches on Chicago's South Side and seeing Christianity transform lives and communities.</p>
<p>Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is a Methodist raised and baptized as a Southern Baptist who has talked about how his faith “came roaring back” after his firstborn son was killed. He has said his Christianity motivates his relentless focus on poverty and economic justice.</p>
<p>Establishment Democrats began realizing in 2000 and 2004 they had a religion problem. Polls showed large majorities of religiously committed people—Catholics and Protestants alike—voted for Republicans. The pro-GOP majorities were even more overwhelming among conservative evangelicals and Catholics. Meanwhile, people with low or no religious commitment voted overwhelmingly Democratic.</p>
<p>Worried the party would be tarred as a bulwark of secularism, Democratic leaders began rehabilitating the party's image with faith-motivated voters.</p>
<p>Simultaneously, some evangelical leaders have tried to broaden the movement's political agenda beyond its traditional rallying points of abortion and sexuality. Evangelical leaders are pushing political leaders to apply moral language to supporting environmentalism, fighting poverty and preventing the spread of AIDS, among other causes.</p>
<p>Obama already has reached out to evangelical audiences. Last year, he drew rave reviews as the keynote speaker at the Pentecost 2006 anti-poverty conference, sponsored by the progressive evangelical groups Sojourners and Call to Renewal. In his speech, he called on fellow Democrats and progressives not to cede the mantle of morality to conservatives when fighting for social and economic justice.</p>
<p>Obama also highlighted a conference on AIDS hosted last year by evangelical pastor Rick Warren. Several conservative evangelical leaders publicly criticized Warren for allowing the pro-choice senator to speak at the conference, held at Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif. But both Warren and Obama rejected their criticism.</p>
<p>“While we will never see eye to eye on all issues, surely we can come together with one voice to honor the entirety of Christ's teachings by working to eradicate the scourge of AIDS, poverty and other challenges we all can agree must be met,” Obama said in a statement responding to the criticism.</p>
<p>Such comfort with discussing faith may help both Obama and Edwards, who has been similarly candid about his Christianity. In an interview earlier this year, Edwards said it “is important in my case to have a personal relationship with the Lord.”</p>
<p>Edwards focuses campaign rhetoric on poverty and health-care coverage for the poor because “if you took every reference to taking care of ‘the least of these' out of the Bible, there would be a pretty skinny Bible. And I think I as a Christian, and we as a nation, have a moral responsibility to do something about this,” he said.</p>
<p>Such a comfort with faith may cause Obama—or perhaps Edwards—to “siphon off” more evangelicals than Democrats have been able to do in years, experts say.</p>
<p>“You've got Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards, and both of them … are able to speak ‘evangelical-ese,'” Olson said. “I think one of the things that American voters seem to want—and part of why George W. Bush was able to do so well in both of the elections when he was a candidate—is that Americans want someone who seems genuine.”</p>
<p>Clinton may have more difficulty in that regard. She increasingly makes public reference to her lifelong Methodism and gave a highly publicized speech last year in which she tried to open a dialogue with abortion opponents. However, many conservative religious voters retain a strong dislike for her and her husband.</p>
<p>Nominating Clinton could do more to mobilize the conservative Republican base than any of Republican candidates could, Hankins said.</p>
<p>“If you have Hillary Rodham Clinton getting the Democratic nomination, that could solidify conservatives because they'll have something to run against,” he said. With “any person who identifies with the Christian right, the opposition to the Clintons is so strong, I don't think there's anything that can be done to overcome it.”</p>
<p>It appears the evangelical right's dominance in GOP politics is up for grabs, particularly in the long run. In coming decades, conservative religious voices may no longer have the kind of dominance over GOP presidential politics they have enjoyed in recent years, Olson said. “For it to make a really big difference now is less likely than making a big difference 10, 15, 20 years from now,” she said.</p>
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washington abpwith many republicans concerned partys leading presidential candidates sufficiently conservative social issues democrats may faithfriendly crop candidates recent years according experts politics religion faithsavvy democrats may able woo religious voters ways previous democratic nominees barry hankins professor history churchstate studies baylor university laura olson political science professor clemson university south carolina analyzed 2008 presidential candidates terms faith issues faithmotivated voters new york sen hillary clinton cradleroll methodist whodespite caricature among religious conservatives rabid secularisthas maintained faith throughout adult life illinois sen barack obama received warmly recent months evangelical audiences obama africanamerican congregationalist raised essentially secular environment exotic locales around world came faith adult working churches chicagos south side seeing christianity transform lives communities former north carolina sen john edwards methodist raised baptized southern baptist talked faith came roaring back firstborn son killed said christianity motivates relentless focus poverty economic justice establishment democrats began realizing 2000 2004 religion problem polls showed large majorities religiously committed peoplecatholics protestants alikevoted republicans progop majorities even overwhelming among conservative evangelicals catholics meanwhile people low religious commitment voted overwhelmingly democratic worried party would tarred bulwark secularism democratic leaders began rehabilitating partys image faithmotivated voters simultaneously evangelical leaders tried broaden movements political agenda beyond traditional rallying points abortion sexuality evangelical leaders pushing political leaders apply moral language supporting environmentalism fighting poverty preventing spread aids among causes obama already reached evangelical audiences last year drew rave reviews keynote speaker pentecost 2006 antipoverty conference sponsored progressive evangelical groups sojourners call renewal speech called fellow democrats progressives cede mantle morality conservatives fighting social economic justice obama also highlighted conference aids hosted last year evangelical pastor rick warren several conservative evangelical leaders publicly criticized warren allowing prochoice senator speak conference held saddleback church orange county calif warren obama rejected criticism never see eye eye issues surely come together one voice honor entirety christs teachings working eradicate scourge aids poverty challenges agree must met obama said statement responding criticism comfort discussing faith may help obama edwards similarly candid christianity interview earlier year edwards said important case personal relationship lord edwards focuses campaign rhetoric poverty healthcare coverage poor took every reference taking care least bible would pretty skinny bible think christian nation moral responsibility something said comfort faith may cause obamaor perhaps edwardsto siphon evangelicals democrats able years experts say youve got sen obama sen edwards able speak evangelicalese olson said think one things american voters seem wantand part george w bush able well elections candidateis americans want someone seems genuine clinton may difficulty regard increasingly makes public reference lifelong methodism gave highly publicized speech last year tried open dialogue abortion opponents however many conservative religious voters retain strong dislike husband nominating clinton could mobilize conservative republican base republican candidates could hankins said hillary rodham clinton getting democratic nomination could solidify conservatives theyll something run said person identifies christian right opposition clintons strong dont think theres anything done overcome appears evangelical rights dominance gop politics grabs particularly long run coming decades conservative religious voices may longer kind dominance gop presidential politics enjoyed recent years olson said make really big difference less likely making big difference 10 15 20 years said
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />April 1, 2013</p>
<p>By Warren Duffy</p>
<p>In 2009, President Obama was preparing to attend a U.N. Conference in Copenhagen. The conference subject matter was “Climate Change.” That was a switch. The phrase replaced “Global Warming” as the U.N.’s primary environmental threat.</p>
<p>So Obama <a href="http://www.american.com/archive/2009/november/the-quiet-yet-historic-death-of-the-kyoto-protoco" type="external">expected Congress would arm</a> him with a cap-and-trade plan&#160;to show America’s leadership in fighting for a safe and clean environment. &#160;Even though his fellow Democrats then controlled both houses of Congress, he left for Copenhagen empty handed.</p>
<p>California was not that fortunate as cap and trade and a very strict environmental program did come to California.&#160; In November 2012, the first California cap-and-trade auction took place. <a href="" type="internal">At the same time, the California Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit,</a>&#160;calling the cap-and-trade plan an “illegal tax” and demanding it be terminated. The auction and stringent environmental regulations are under the direction of the California Air Resources Board.</p>
<p>In December 2012, the U.N. Conference on Climate Change was held, ironically, in the “greenhouse gas” polluting nation of Qatar. <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/12/201212824116863716.html" type="external">The conference launched a campaign</a> to extend the stringent U.N. Kyoto Accords of 1997. The campaign&#160;would include the “Agenda for the 21st&#160;Century,” usually called just “Agenda 21.”</p>
<p>Specifically, the climate activists have set as their goal to enact a much more extensive treaty extension by 2015. It would take effect in 2020, complete with an international cap-and-trade program.&#160; Make no mistake, action like that will devastate the Western economy.</p>
<p>Second, the U.N. activists instituted at Qatar a climate “ <a href="http://www.carlineconomics.com/archives/1533" type="external">Loss and Damage Mechanism</a>.”&#160;This makes the developed nations of the world, including the United States, liable for environmental “damages” to Third World countries.&#160; Those countries still “developing” will be able to sue the wealthier nations of the world because the U.N. claims inclement weather and a poor environment from greenhouse gases are the direct result of industrial pollution from those affluent nations.</p>
<p>Never before has such a troubling scheme been suggested or approved at any U.N. conference.&#160; How it will work is anybody’s guess, but the details are expected to be part of the comprehensive 2015 U.N. plan.</p>
<p>Finally, the Qatar Conference established a U.N. Green Climate Fund. Hillary Clinton, then the U.S. secretary of state,&#160; <a href="http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=2668&amp;ArticleID=9035&amp;l=en" type="external">committed $12 million from U.S. taxpayer dollars</a>&#160;to the fund.&#160; The fund would be underwritten by the developed countries of the First World, with generous contributions awarded to Third World countries for assistance in developing green energy.</p>
<p>The themes of a “redistribution of wealth” and a “sustainable environment and economy” have been a constant at the U.N. since the first Earth Summit at Rio in 1992.&#160; With a majority of U.N. nations still considered Third World countries, the majority of voting members are eager to divvy up money and punish the nations of the West for their industrial success.</p>
<p>In California, the voices are multiplying to stop the environmental regulations and abusive overreach of power that continue to damage the once Golden State. The third quarterly cap-and-trade auction is scheduled for May 2013. The first two were in Nov. 2012 and Feb. 2013.</p>
<p>Optimistically, Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislature anticipated a $1 billion&#160;windfall from the first two auctions, squabbling needlessly among themselves on how they would spend this cash.&#160; Unfortunately, the November 14, 2012 auction brought in $176 million.&#160; That auction would have probably garnered much less had Edison International not made a <a href="" type="internal">bidding mistake</a>, purchasing 72 percent of the available credits up for auction. &#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Undeterred, CARB staged a second auction on Feb. 19, 2013, netting $223 million. Bottom line: instead of netting $2 billion out of the first two auctions, California’s windfall was about $400 million.</p>
<p>CARB continues to issue more stringent regulations as new phases of the cap-and-trade plan are introduced.&#160; Every year more businesses are forced to participate in the four-times-a-year bidding.&#160; California now has more environmental laws than any other state in the Union.</p>
<p>Is there any wonder why businesses are either fleeing the state, or taking a second look at opening their doors in sunny California?</p>
<p>Further, a stealth U.N. organization, the International Council on Local Environmental Issues, has snuck into California cities and towns. Bypassing local governments, ICLEI has created 14 global regions around the world, with their American U.N. office located in Oakland.</p>
<p>Many citizens of California have become aware of the ICLEI back-door activism and have demanded their local elected officials withdraw from the U.N. organization and abandon the globalist environmental agenda.</p>
<p>On March 19, 2013, the citizens in the Town of Danville asked that p <a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/top-stories/ci_22648868/danville-opposition-still-strong-against-creating-space-low?source=rss" type="external">articipation in the One Bay Area Regional U.N. Agenda 21 Plan</a>be ended.&#160; In the end, the locally elected officials listened, but ignored their own citizens’ pleas and passed the ICLEI plan.</p>
<p>Similarly, even in Orange County, the city of Aliso Viejo has invested $400,000 researching a grandiose sustainability community plan the, “ <a href="http://greeninitiative.cityofalisoviejo.com/content/green-city-plan.php" type="external">Green City Initiative</a>.” Actual motto: “It’s all about GREEN. It’s all about the FUTURE.”</p>
<p>The plan has also drawn objections from city elected officials and local community citizens. &#160;The final vote on the plan has now been postponed twice.</p>
<p>Is it “We the People” who are in charge of America and California — or the United Nations?</p>
<p>Warren Duffy is an award-winning talk show host, columnist and author, with an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from the California Pacific School of Theology. Check out his new book, “ <a href="http://duffyandcompany.net/book/" type="external">The Green Tsunami: The Tidal Wave of Eco-Babble Drowning Us All</a>.”&#160;</p>
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april 1 2013 warren duffy 2009 president obama preparing attend un conference copenhagen conference subject matter climate change switch phrase replaced global warming uns primary environmental threat obama expected congress would arm capandtrade plan160to show americas leadership fighting safe clean environment 160even though fellow democrats controlled houses congress left copenhagen empty handed california fortunate cap trade strict environmental program come california160 november 2012 first california capandtrade auction took place time california chamber commerce filed lawsuit160calling capandtrade plan illegal tax demanding terminated auction stringent environmental regulations direction california air resources board december 2012 un conference climate change held ironically greenhouse gas polluting nation qatar conference launched campaign extend stringent un kyoto accords 1997 campaign160would include agenda 21st160century usually called agenda 21 specifically climate activists set goal enact much extensive treaty extension 2015 would take effect 2020 complete international capandtrade program160 make mistake action like devastate western economy second un activists instituted qatar climate loss damage mechanism160this makes developed nations world including united states liable environmental damages third world countries160 countries still developing able sue wealthier nations world un claims inclement weather poor environment greenhouse gases direct result industrial pollution affluent nations never troubling scheme suggested approved un conference160 work anybodys guess details expected part comprehensive 2015 un plan finally qatar conference established un green climate fund hillary clinton us secretary state160 committed 12 million us taxpayer dollars160to fund160 fund would underwritten developed countries first world generous contributions awarded third world countries assistance developing green energy themes redistribution wealth sustainable environment economy constant un since first earth summit rio 1992160 majority un nations still considered third world countries majority voting members eager divvy money punish nations west industrial success california voices multiplying stop environmental regulations abusive overreach power continue damage golden state third quarterly capandtrade auction scheduled may 2013 first two nov 2012 feb 2013 optimistically gov jerry brown california legislature anticipated 1 billion160windfall first two auctions squabbling needlessly among would spend cash160 unfortunately november 14 2012 auction brought 176 million160 auction would probably garnered much less edison international made bidding mistake purchasing 72 percent available credits auction 160160 undeterred carb staged second auction feb 19 2013 netting 223 million bottom line instead netting 2 billion first two auctions californias windfall 400 million carb continues issue stringent regulations new phases capandtrade plan introduced160 every year businesses forced participate fourtimesayear bidding160 california environmental laws state union wonder businesses either fleeing state taking second look opening doors sunny california stealth un organization international council local environmental issues snuck california cities towns bypassing local governments iclei created 14 global regions around world american un office located oakland many citizens california become aware iclei backdoor activism demanded local elected officials withdraw un organization abandon globalist environmental agenda march 19 2013 citizens town danville asked p articipation one bay area regional un agenda 21 planbe ended160 end locally elected officials listened ignored citizens pleas passed iclei plan similarly even orange county city aliso viejo invested 400000 researching grandiose sustainability community plan green city initiative actual motto green future plan also drawn objections city elected officials local community citizens 160the final vote plan postponed twice people charge america california united nations warren duffy awardwinning talk show host columnist author honorary doctorate theology california pacific school theology check new book green tsunami tidal wave ecobabble drowning us all160
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<p>By Bob Allen</p>
<p>Southern Baptists’ new leader for public policy concerns is drawing criticism from the Religious Right for public comments calling for a truce in the American culture wars.</p>
<p>Russell Moore, the 42-year-old president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said in a Wall Street Journal interview that it’s time for Christian leaders to tone down their rhetoric and pull back from partisan politics because of younger evangelicals’ “visceral recoil” against the culture wars.</p>
<p>“We are involved in the political process, but we must always be wary of being co-opted by it,” Moore said in a 2,000-word story contrasting his style with that of his predecessor Richard Land. “Christianity thrives when it is clearest about what distinguishes it from the outside culture.”</p>
<p>Conservative groups such as the American Family Association took strong exception to Moore’s views summarized in the headline “ <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324755104579072722223166570" type="external">Evangelical Leader Preaches Pullback From Politics, Culture Wars</a>.”</p>
<p>“Since one man’s ‘pullback’ is another’s ‘full-scale retreat,’ social conservatives have a right to raise questions about the new course Moore is setting for the SBC,” <a href="http://www.onenewsnow.com/perspectives/bryan-fischer/2013/10/23/southern-baptists-sounding-full-scale-retreat-in-culture-war#.UmfJnmvoApA.twitter" type="external">commented</a> <a href="http://www.afa.net/detail.aspx?id=2147486648" type="external">Bryan Fischer</a>, director of issues analysis for the American Family Association.</p>
<p>“Conservative Catholics are already expressing alarm at Pope Francis’ rebuke of the Church for being ‘obsessed’ with issues such as the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of marriage,” said Fischer, a columnist and radio personality. “If the SBC were also to abandon the field of cultural conflict, as Moore seems determined to do, the two largest organized religious bodies in the United States will have ceded the field and the contest to our adversaries in the battle over societal values.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sandyrios.com/" type="external">Sandy Rios</a>, a Fox News contributor who hosts a daily talk show on American Family Radio, said Christians are compelled to speak the truth — even when it’s difficult and unpopular to do so.</p>
<p>“Whether Russell Moore wants it to be a war or not, it is a war,” she <a href="http://www.onenewsnow.com/church/2013/10/23/response-culture-war-is-real-%E2%80%93-and-evangelicals-need-to-speak-out#.Umkr-rso7IX" type="external">stated</a> on AFR. “Southern Baptists are going to suffer — there will be jobs lost; I would imagine we will be the targets of punishment by the IRS. This is a war whether he wants it to be or not.”</p>
<p><a href="http://media.afa.net/newdesign/spokespersonstw.asp" type="external">Tim Wildmon</a>, president of American Family Association and son of founder Don Wildmon, recalled that following the Supreme Court’s decision in June striking down a major element of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, Moore encouraged Southern Baptists to love their “gay and lesbian neighbors” adding: “They aren’t part of an evil conspiracy.”</p>
<p>“He says to Baptists, ‘Love your gay and lesbian neighbors.’ Nobody has a problem with that,” Wildmon said. “Then he says that gays and lesbians are not part of an ‘evil conspiracy.’ I agree with that on an individual basis. Now, there are people in that movement who want to force their lifestyle on the rest of us. That is an evil conspiracy.”</p>
<p>“This has happened before with other people who are high-profile leaders in the Christian community,” Wildmon said, “and they’re just bailing.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theacru.org/about-staff.html" type="external">Robert Knight</a>, a senior fellow and executive director at the American Civil Rights Union, said he thinks Moore is taking Southern Baptists in the wrong direction.</p>
<p>“Now is not the time to call for a truce in the culture war,” Knight <a href="http://onenewsnow.com/church/2013/10/24/‘now-is-not-the-time-to-call-a-truce-in-the-culture-war’#.Umkvxrso7IU" type="external">said</a>. “When only one side calls a truce, that’s actually a surrender.”</p>
<p>Knight, a Washington Times columnist, noted that the Southern Baptist Convention has drifted to the left before.</p>
<p>“Years ago when the convention was drifting and becoming liberal, they put in staunch conservatives, and [it] became a bulwark in the culture war,” Knight recalled. “I don’t think the people in the Southern Baptist Convention ought to sit by and watch as the convention drifts toward liberalism again. They ought to put up a fight. They ought to call for changes.”</p>
<p>Moore responded with a clarification quibbling with the Journal article’s headline.</p>
<p>“I am not calling, at all, for a ‘pullback’ from politics or engagement,” Moore said in an article published on both the ERLC <a href="http://erlc.com/article/should-we-pull-back-from-politics" type="external">website</a> and his personal <a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/2013/10/23/should-we-pull-back-from-politics/" type="external">blog</a>. “If anything, I’m calling for more engagement in the worlds of politics, culture, art, labor and so on. It’s just that this is a different sort of engagement. It’s not a matter of pullback, but of priority.”</p>
<p>“I don’t think we need a pullback from politics,” Moore said. “I think we need a reenergizing of politics.”</p>
<p>“This means we must do more than simply live off the fumes of the last generation’s activism,” he continued. “Millennial and post-Millennial Christians are walking away from the political process, and this is what alarms and motivates me. They’ve grown cynical at movements that are willing to adopt allies that are gospel heretics as long as they are politically correct.</p>
<p>“They are disenchanted with movements that seem more content to vaporize opponents with talk-radio sound-bytes rather than to engage in a long-term strategy of providing a theology of gospel-focused action in the public square.”</p>
<p>Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State speculated about the brouhaha in an AU <a href="https://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/retreating-or-repositioning-southern-baptists-and-the-culture-war" type="external">blog</a>. First of all, Boston observed, almost anyone would look more moderate than Land.</p>
<p>Second, Boston said, the use of less-strident language doesn’t mean the SBC’s policy positions are going to change. “Sure, they’ll talk nicer while they push for theocracy,” he said. “Big deal.”</p>
<p>Boston said some of Moore’s branding comes across as a publicity stunt. “The leaders of the SBC know they have a problem with younger people, so they are toning down the rhetoric in the hopes that more congregants won’t jump ship,” he said. “This may fool some people, but again, it’s not a change of policy.”</p>
<p>“I don’t see this as a retreat in the culture wars by the SBC, and it’s certainly not a surrender,” Boston said. “I’d call it a tactical repositioning.”</p>
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bob allen southern baptists new leader public policy concerns drawing criticism religious right public comments calling truce american culture wars russell moore 42yearold president southern baptist ethics religious liberty commission said wall street journal interview time christian leaders tone rhetoric pull back partisan politics younger evangelicals visceral recoil culture wars involved political process must always wary coopted moore said 2000word story contrasting style predecessor richard land christianity thrives clearest distinguishes outside culture conservative groups american family association took strong exception moores views summarized headline evangelical leader preaches pullback politics culture wars since one mans pullback anothers fullscale retreat social conservatives right raise questions new course moore setting sbc commented bryan fischer director issues analysis american family association conservative catholics already expressing alarm pope francis rebuke church obsessed issues sanctity human life sanctity marriage said fischer columnist radio personality sbc also abandon field cultural conflict moore seems determined two largest organized religious bodies united states ceded field contest adversaries battle societal values sandy rios fox news contributor hosts daily talk show american family radio said christians compelled speak truth even difficult unpopular whether russell moore wants war war stated afr southern baptists going suffer jobs lost would imagine targets punishment irs war whether wants tim wildmon president american family association son founder wildmon recalled following supreme courts decision june striking major element federal defense marriage act moore encouraged southern baptists love gay lesbian neighbors adding arent part evil conspiracy says baptists love gay lesbian neighbors nobody problem wildmon said says gays lesbians part evil conspiracy agree individual basis people movement want force lifestyle rest us evil conspiracy happened people highprofile leaders christian community wildmon said theyre bailing robert knight senior fellow executive director american civil rights union said thinks moore taking southern baptists wrong direction time call truce culture war knight said one side calls truce thats actually surrender knight washington times columnist noted southern baptist convention drifted left years ago convention drifting becoming liberal put staunch conservatives became bulwark culture war knight recalled dont think people southern baptist convention ought sit watch convention drifts toward liberalism ought put fight ought call changes moore responded clarification quibbling journal articles headline calling pullback politics engagement moore said article published erlc website personal blog anything im calling engagement worlds politics culture art labor different sort engagement matter pullback priority dont think need pullback politics moore said think need reenergizing politics means must simply live fumes last generations activism continued millennial postmillennial christians walking away political process alarms motivates theyve grown cynical movements willing adopt allies gospel heretics long politically correct disenchanted movements seem content vaporize opponents talkradio soundbytes rather engage longterm strategy providing theology gospelfocused action public square rob boston americans united separation church state speculated brouhaha au blog first boston observed almost anyone would look moderate land second boston said use lessstrident language doesnt mean sbcs policy positions going change sure theyll talk nicer push theocracy said big deal boston said moores branding comes across publicity stunt leaders sbc know problem younger people toning rhetoric hopes congregants wont jump ship said may fool people change policy dont see retreat culture wars sbc certainly surrender boston said id call tactical repositioning
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<p>When Burma shed British colonial rule and became an independent country in 1948, it was one of the wealthiest and best-educated in the region. Now, after almost half a century of repressive military rule, the country — now known as Myanmar — is one of the poorest. And education there suffered when the military closed campuses for long stretches of time so students wouldn't protest.</p>
<p>But recent political reforms have started to open the country up again, and Burmese are flocking to English classes to prepare for new opportunities.</p>
<p>To get to Mya Kyaing's popular all-day English class, you walk down a dusty side street, into a teashop, and through it to the other side. And there you are.</p>
<p>There are some 500 students crammed into this makeshift space, on low wooden benches. Their beefy, middle-aged teacher sits up front in a plaid shirt and a sort of male sarong, called a longyi. He reads from the book he's selected to teach his students English: "The Master Key to Riches" — a self-help book by Napoleon Hill, published in 1956.</p>
<p>One of the students is a Buddhist monk.</p>
<p>"This book, it gives knowledge to me," the monk said. "That's why I study this book."</p>
<p>But then, he admitted he doesn't really get what the book's trying to say. I page through it. The front cover says, "The World Famous Philosophy of Personal Achievement based on the Andrew Carnegie Formula for Money Making." The book includes praise for "the art of salesmanship, the art of competition, the blessings of individual initiative and the necessity of honest production to justify the art of advertising."</p>
<p>I tell the monk I can see why this might be hard going for him, and he seems relieved.</p>
<p>But Mya Kyaing thinks the lessons in this book are perfect for young Burmese, at this moment in their country's opening up.</p>
<p>"They can get a lot of sense from this book, for business dealing. Just now, we can deal with a lot of foreign companies and foreigners. Before, we could not deal this way, because the country closed the doors when we were young. The children now are very lucky."</p>
<p>Mya Kyaing is 53, so he grew up under military rule. In fact, he said, he served as Burma's military attaché in India in the late '80s and early '90s — so he was away during the 1988 crackdown. He said he's glad to see the current reforms, but he seems a little wary.</p>
<p>"We hope these are real reforms," he said, but he added that people are watching carefully to see what happens in the next few months. "The present government wants something. I don't know what their aim is, but that's why there's change. Otherwise, they wouldn't do it."</p>
<p>Whatever the military's aim, Mya Kyaing said his students need the help with their English; many are poor, and can't afford more expensive lessons. They pay about $4 a month to come to as many classes here as they like. Much of the class seems to be in Burmese, but 21-year-old student Myo Myint Aung said it's working for him.</p>
<p>"I am a lazy student, but I attend the class, day after day, and the teacher motivates me," he said, "and I become an engaged student."</p>
<p>Burmese schools teach English from kindergarten on, but Myo Myint Aung said that doesn't count for much – the teaching is bad, and there's little opportunity to practice:</p>
<p>"Our education system was systematically destroyed, so we had no knowledge of English."</p>
<p>Yet, English is essential for many professions, said Naing Khin Lay, a 28-year-old engineering graduate. She said Myanmar is different from Thailand and Japan, where they translate the relevant subjects into their own languages.</p>
<p>"In our country, we have to learn everything, like in engineering or medicine, through the English medium. If you do not know English you cannot be an expert in your subject."</p>
<p>She's coming to this class, she said, because she's ashamed her English isn't better than it is. She's impatient to improve, an energy that seems shared by many young Burmese.</p>
<p>Another, English class in Yangon, a much smaller one, is taught by a non-profit organization called Myanmar Egress.</p>
<p>"We have to educate the people to make real changes here, so we are trying to be the change agents in Myanmar," said Hla Hla Win, who heads the English Department here. She said Myanmar Egress runs many other classes as well.</p>
<p>There's social entrepreneurship, which she said is the "disguised name" for a political leadership course. There's mass communication for citizen journalists, management for NGOs, civics education for ethnic minorities, and public policy for members of parliament.</p>
<p>In other words, Myanmar Egress is trying to train up a competent civil society to help Myanmar move in a new, more democratic direction. Hla Hla Win said the military government had its suspicions, when the group started doing this in 2006. She said military intelligence would come to the classes, record or videotape them and then report back.</p>
<p>"But something they realized was, Egress was just an education institution. It's not trying to threaten their power. So they let us go, and they even sent their people to join our courses."</p>
<p>Now, Myanmar Egress runs courses teaching international standards to police, as well as to private citizens. Hla Hla Win hopes all this training and education can lead to Myanmar once again becoming a regional leader in education — as it was in the 1950s.</p>
<p>"I don't want to compete with Thailand for tourism. I don't want to compete with China on factories. I don't want to compete with India on outsourcing," she said. "We have our own advantage. Even now, higher education schools in Myanmar have a lot of international students — it's much cheaper, and they're getting a good standard of education. But this is small scale."</p>
<p>Take it larger, she said, and Burma can reclaim its competitive advantage as an education hub.</p>
<p>Mya Kyaing's classroom is certainly doing its bit. A couple of his students tell me he has inspired them to become English teachers themselves. Meanwhile, they're stuck into Napoleon Hill's exhortations to lead successful entrepreneurial lives. Their teacher said when he gets through this book of Napoleon Hill's, he plans to teach all the rest.</p>
| false | 3 |
burma shed british colonial rule became independent country 1948 one wealthiest besteducated region almost half century repressive military rule country known myanmar one poorest education suffered military closed campuses long stretches time students wouldnt protest recent political reforms started open country burmese flocking english classes prepare new opportunities get mya kyaings popular allday english class walk dusty side street teashop side 500 students crammed makeshift space low wooden benches beefy middleaged teacher sits front plaid shirt sort male sarong called longyi reads book hes selected teach students english master key riches selfhelp book napoleon hill published 1956 one students buddhist monk book gives knowledge monk said thats study book admitted doesnt really get books trying say page front cover says world famous philosophy personal achievement based andrew carnegie formula money making book includes praise art salesmanship art competition blessings individual initiative necessity honest production justify art advertising tell monk see might hard going seems relieved mya kyaing thinks lessons book perfect young burmese moment countrys opening get lot sense book business dealing deal lot foreign companies foreigners could deal way country closed doors young children lucky mya kyaing 53 grew military rule fact said served burmas military attaché india late 80s early 90s away 1988 crackdown said hes glad see current reforms seems little wary hope real reforms said added people watching carefully see happens next months present government wants something dont know aim thats theres change otherwise wouldnt whatever militarys aim mya kyaing said students need help english many poor cant afford expensive lessons pay 4 month come many classes like much class seems burmese 21yearold student myo myint aung said working lazy student attend class day day teacher motivates said become engaged student burmese schools teach english kindergarten myo myint aung said doesnt count much teaching bad theres little opportunity practice education system systematically destroyed knowledge english yet english essential many professions said naing khin lay 28yearold engineering graduate said myanmar different thailand japan translate relevant subjects languages country learn everything like engineering medicine english medium know english expert subject shes coming class said shes ashamed english isnt better shes impatient improve energy seems shared many young burmese another english class yangon much smaller one taught nonprofit organization called myanmar egress educate people make real changes trying change agents myanmar said hla hla win heads english department said myanmar egress runs many classes well theres social entrepreneurship said disguised name political leadership course theres mass communication citizen journalists management ngos civics education ethnic minorities public policy members parliament words myanmar egress trying train competent civil society help myanmar move new democratic direction hla hla win said military government suspicions group started 2006 said military intelligence would come classes record videotape report back something realized egress education institution trying threaten power let us go even sent people join courses myanmar egress runs courses teaching international standards police well private citizens hla hla win hopes training education lead myanmar becoming regional leader education 1950s dont want compete thailand tourism dont want compete china factories dont want compete india outsourcing said advantage even higher education schools myanmar lot international students much cheaper theyre getting good standard education small scale take larger said burma reclaim competitive advantage education hub mya kyaings classroom certainly bit couple students tell inspired become english teachers meanwhile theyre stuck napoleon hills exhortations lead successful entrepreneurial lives teacher said gets book napoleon hills plans teach rest
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<p>Steven Greenhut: <a href="http://www.lhc.ca.gov/studies/activestudies/pension/ReedSep10.pdf" type="external">Here’s some great testimony from San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed</a> at today’s Little Hoover Commission meeting regarding pension reform.</p>
<p>Here are some key passages:</p>
<p>Mayor Chuck Reed</p>
<p>The reality that we all must face is that employee costs – as the Santa Clara County Grand Jury reported in June of this year – are unsustainable. Cities are in the service business; as a result, for the majority of cities, employee costs are the largest part of our budget.</p>
<p>Over the last decade, San Jose’s general fund dollars have grown by 21%, while the average cost per employee has gone up by 87%. For public safety employees – firefighters and police officers – the increase is even more dramatic at 99%.</p>
<p>San Jose Police and Firefighters can retire at age 50 and the non-sworn employees can retire at 55. In some instances, pension payments are greater than the salary employees received when they were working, with an annual 3% increase, lifetime health and dental insurance provided without annual payments, and a lump sum payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars for unused sick leave. Our Charter requires us to provide city employees with a defined benefit retirement plan, a minimum employer match of over 250%, a retirement age of 55, and city guaranteed benefits for life based on final compensation.</p>
<p>We can no longer afford such generous and costly benefits and the Charter must be changed so we can gain control over skyrocketing retirement costs.</p>
<p>City payments for retirement benefits have tripled over the last 10 years even though our workforce has declined dramatically, and we have billions of dollars in unfunded liabilities that the taxpayers must pay. The average cost to the City of San Jose for a police officer or firefighter is over $180,000 per year. Benefits, primarily retirement costs, are nearly 50% of salary.</p>
<p>Due to these cost increases, we have whittled away at services and jobs. We now have over 1,000 fewer employees delivering services to our residents and businesses. We have had to cut services to our residents and businesses year after year. These out-of-control costs are why we can’t keep all of our libraries, community centers, and swimming pools open.</p>
<p>Many of these costs are the result of big pay and benefit increases awarded to our public safety unions by outside arbitrators. Sky-rocketing costs are also fueled by generous retirement benefits that are guaranteed in the City Charter.</p>
<p>On November 2, San Jose voters will decide on two ballot measures, V and W, on reforming the city’s pension and binding arbitration systems. These two measures are critical first steps that will work to address these issues.</p>
<p>Measure V is a charter change to reform the arbitration process that currently governs negotiations with the police and fire unions. It would place some common-sense limits on outside arbitrators to keep them from spending money the City doesn’t have.</p>
<p>In 1999, the California legislature dramatically increased pension benefits for state employees. They thought the stock market would keep going up forever. It’s the greatest financial blunder in the history of California – ten times worse than Enron.</p>
<p>In addition to the legislature’s actions, over the past 15 years, other actions taken by City Councils or dictated by outside arbitrators have caused employee compensation to grow much faster than revenues, resulting in cuts in service annually for the past nine years, including:</p>
<p>• Giving employees pay raises faster than revenues were growing.</p>
<p>• Giving raises and increasing benefits when revenues were falling.</p>
<p>• Giving raises and benefits retroactively at costs of tens of millions of dollars.</p>
<p>• Allowing police and fire employees to cash out unlimited amounts of sick leave when they retire.</p>
<p>• Providing healthcare for life to city retirees.</p>
<p>• Allowing pension payments to exceed 100% of the salary earned in the final year of employment.</p>
<p>Historically, arbitrators come into town, spend our money, and leave:</p>
<p>• In 1997, an outside arbitrator increased San Jose public safety pensions from 75% to 80% of highest salary.</p>
<p>• In 2007, an outside arbitrator increased San Jose firefighters’ pension maximum from 85% to 90%.</p>
<p>The most important thing the State of California can do is implement meaningful reform with its own employees and with PERS agencies. This will have a ripple effect throughout the state.</p>
<p>We need a second tier for new employees. This year as we were negotiating with our employee unions to close a $118.5 million shortfall, we consistently heard: Second tier doesn’t really help us this year. It’s all out in the future. Let’s focus on what we need to do this year to balance the budget.</p>
<p>The current system is unsustainable and is a major factor in San Jose’s structural budget deficit. In my first State of the City address in 2007, I said: “We cannot become a great city unless we eliminate our structural budget deficit. That is our greatest challenge. The budget deficit is public enemy number one, an enemy that will steal our hopes and kill our dreams of becoming a great city if we ignore it.”</p>
<p>Progress has been painfully slow because budget decisions and fiscal reforms require approval by a majority of the City Council. Unfortunately, when public employee unions pack the Council chambers with hundreds of advocates, the voices of the taxpayers who pay for the services and the residents who need the services get drowned out. But the taxpayers and residents do get to vote, and I believe we are seeing a clear shift in public sentiment: Elected officials and candidates who are weak on fiscal responsibility will be severely penalized.</p>
<p>San Jose’s two retirement systems manage over $4 billion in assets, serving more than 10,000 employees, retirees and survivors. The City has $1.1 billion in unfunded liability for its pension system and $1.2 billion in unfunded liability for retiree healthcare benefits.</p>
<p>The retirement boards have exclusive control over how the retirement funds are invested and administered. The Boards’ specific duties include: consideration of requests for retirement, administration and investment of the retirement funds, determining eligibility for membership in the pension plans, and determining employees’ eligibility for retirement benefits.</p>
<p>When I joined the City Council, I discovered that there were clear conflicts of interest inherent in the make-up of the Boards responsible for overseeing the assets of these two systems. Two Councilmembers sit on each board. Seats are designated for employee and retiree representatives, and it has been possible for these special interests to control a majority of the board. There was a lack of will to manage the systems to the best interests of the people of San Jose, and as a result, the City/taxpayers were on the hook for any unfunded liabilities.</p>
<p>In August 2008, the City Auditor concluded an investigation that found that retirement board members had traveled extensively on the Retirement Board’s dime and had been wined and dined by investment professionals and pension fund managers. The City Council directed the City Manager to incorporate into the boards and commissions analysis, recommendations on restructuring the Federated City Employees’ Retirement System and the Police and Fire Department Retirement Board to add independent Board Members with financial and investment expertise. The process was to include outreach to affected stakeholders. A consultant was hired, and they issued a report with recommendations on changing the composition of the retirement boards. These included adding independent Board Members with financial and investment expertise.</p>
<p>In the recent recession, San Jose’s retirement funds lost over $1 billion. In addition, retirement costs continue to increase due to higher salaries that result in higher pension payments; earlier retirements; and increased longevity of our retirees. As a result, San Jose needed to dramatically increase pension contributions in 2010-2011, from $137 million to $177 million, with increased contributions in the years ahead.</p>
<p>In February 2010, the City Council approved a model for restructuring the retirement boards to serve the long-term interests of the City, taxpayers, employees and retirees, and be well-managed utilizing best practice and the highest standards of good governance. The amendments adopted expand the expertise of board members and ensure a majority of the board are independent members. The Council also required that the Retirement Board hold its meetings at City Hall, in a publicly accessible location, and comply with state and local ordinances for open meetings, sunshine and transparency.</p>
<p>The second initiative, Measure W, would allow the City to provide lower retirement benefits for new city employees. Currently, public safety employees can retire with up to 90% of their highest annual salary, while civilian employees can retire with up to 75%.</p>
<p>We can no longer afford such generous and costly benefits, but the people must decide to change the Charter so we can gain control over skyrocketing retirement costs.</p>
<p>Posted Sept. 23, 2010</p>
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steven greenhut heres great testimony san jose mayor chuck reed todays little hoover commission meeting regarding pension reform key passages mayor chuck reed reality must face employee costs santa clara county grand jury reported june year unsustainable cities service business result majority cities employee costs largest part budget last decade san joses general fund dollars grown 21 average cost per employee gone 87 public safety employees firefighters police officers increase even dramatic 99 san jose police firefighters retire age 50 nonsworn employees retire 55 instances pension payments greater salary employees received working annual 3 increase lifetime health dental insurance provided without annual payments lump sum payment hundreds thousands dollars unused sick leave charter requires us provide city employees defined benefit retirement plan minimum employer match 250 retirement age 55 city guaranteed benefits life based final compensation longer afford generous costly benefits charter must changed gain control skyrocketing retirement costs city payments retirement benefits tripled last 10 years even though workforce declined dramatically billions dollars unfunded liabilities taxpayers must pay average cost city san jose police officer firefighter 180000 per year benefits primarily retirement costs nearly 50 salary due cost increases whittled away services jobs 1000 fewer employees delivering services residents businesses cut services residents businesses year year outofcontrol costs cant keep libraries community centers swimming pools open many costs result big pay benefit increases awarded public safety unions outside arbitrators skyrocketing costs also fueled generous retirement benefits guaranteed city charter november 2 san jose voters decide two ballot measures v w reforming citys pension binding arbitration systems two measures critical first steps work address issues measure v charter change reform arbitration process currently governs negotiations police fire unions would place commonsense limits outside arbitrators keep spending money city doesnt 1999 california legislature dramatically increased pension benefits state employees thought stock market would keep going forever greatest financial blunder history california ten times worse enron addition legislatures actions past 15 years actions taken city councils dictated outside arbitrators caused employee compensation grow much faster revenues resulting cuts service annually past nine years including giving employees pay raises faster revenues growing giving raises increasing benefits revenues falling giving raises benefits retroactively costs tens millions dollars allowing police fire employees cash unlimited amounts sick leave retire providing healthcare life city retirees allowing pension payments exceed 100 salary earned final year employment historically arbitrators come town spend money leave 1997 outside arbitrator increased san jose public safety pensions 75 80 highest salary 2007 outside arbitrator increased san jose firefighters pension maximum 85 90 important thing state california implement meaningful reform employees pers agencies ripple effect throughout state need second tier new employees year negotiating employee unions close 1185 million shortfall consistently heard second tier doesnt really help us year future lets focus need year balance budget current system unsustainable major factor san joses structural budget deficit first state city address 2007 said become great city unless eliminate structural budget deficit greatest challenge budget deficit public enemy number one enemy steal hopes kill dreams becoming great city ignore progress painfully slow budget decisions fiscal reforms require approval majority city council unfortunately public employee unions pack council chambers hundreds advocates voices taxpayers pay services residents need services get drowned taxpayers residents get vote believe seeing clear shift public sentiment elected officials candidates weak fiscal responsibility severely penalized san joses two retirement systems manage 4 billion assets serving 10000 employees retirees survivors city 11 billion unfunded liability pension system 12 billion unfunded liability retiree healthcare benefits retirement boards exclusive control retirement funds invested administered boards specific duties include consideration requests retirement administration investment retirement funds determining eligibility membership pension plans determining employees eligibility retirement benefits joined city council discovered clear conflicts interest inherent makeup boards responsible overseeing assets two systems two councilmembers sit board seats designated employee retiree representatives possible special interests control majority board lack manage systems best interests people san jose result citytaxpayers hook unfunded liabilities august 2008 city auditor concluded investigation found retirement board members traveled extensively retirement boards dime wined dined investment professionals pension fund managers city council directed city manager incorporate boards commissions analysis recommendations restructuring federated city employees retirement system police fire department retirement board add independent board members financial investment expertise process include outreach affected stakeholders consultant hired issued report recommendations changing composition retirement boards included adding independent board members financial investment expertise recent recession san joses retirement funds lost 1 billion addition retirement costs continue increase due higher salaries result higher pension payments earlier retirements increased longevity retirees result san jose needed dramatically increase pension contributions 20102011 137 million 177 million increased contributions years ahead february 2010 city council approved model restructuring retirement boards serve longterm interests city taxpayers employees retirees wellmanaged utilizing best practice highest standards good governance amendments adopted expand expertise board members ensure majority board independent members council also required retirement board hold meetings city hall publicly accessible location comply state local ordinances open meetings sunshine transparency second initiative measure w would allow city provide lower retirement benefits new city employees currently public safety employees retire 90 highest annual salary civilian employees retire 75 longer afford generous costly benefits people must decide change charter gain control skyrocketing retirement costs posted sept 23 2010
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<p>Erick Silva Palacios is at his kitchen table, glued to his laptop. He’s watching <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?431579-1/senators-durbin-graham-reintroduce-dream-act" type="external">a press conference</a> with Dick Durbin, the Democratic Illinois senator,&#160;and a bipartisan group of senators&#160;introducing&#160;the <a href="https://www.nilc.org/issues/immigration-reform-and-executive-actions/dreamact/dream-acts-and-daca-compared/#status" type="external">latest version of the Dream Act</a>. It would help people like Silva Palacios. He is a&#160;23-year-old high school history teacher who came to the US, without papers,&#160;from Mexico when he was 5. The proposed legislation would give him a road to citizenship.</p>
<p>But Silva Palacios&#160;knows&#160;the Dream Act is a long shot. The show of support, though, means a lot right now.</p>
<p>"The timing couldn’t be any better," says Silva Palacios. "There has&#160;been a lot of talk about how a lot of different states, and a lot of different senators, are putting pressure on the Trump administration to get rid of DACA."</p>
<p>DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was implemented by Barack Obama by executive action in 2012. It&#160;lets some undocumented immigrants who came to the US as minors&#160;(often called Dreamers)&#160;work&#160;legally, on two-year, renewable permits. But DACA is&#160;under threat, and that&#160;has many of the more than 750,000 people enrolled in the program nervous, including Silva Palacios, who enrolled in DACA the year it was introduced.&#160;</p>
<p>"DACA gives us&#160;Social Security numbers, allows us to get jobs, allows us to get driver’s licenses in certain states," he says.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PodcastSurvey_2" type="external" /></p>
<p />
<p>On the campaign trail, Donald Trump said he would&#160;end DACA on "day one."&#160;But, as president, he has given <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/video/2017/02/16/trump-we-are-going-to-deal-with-daca-with-heart.html" type="external">mixed signals</a>, and the program is still chugging along. Now, attorneys general from Texas, Alabama and eight other Republican-led states warn that <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2017/06/29/texas-leads-10-states-urging-trump-end-daca/" type="external">&#160;they will sue</a> the Trump administration if it does not&#160;rescind&#160;DACA by Sept. 5. They say it rewards&#160;people who came to the US illegally — and it’s unconstitutional. It’s a threat with teeth, and members of the&#160;Trump administration, including Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly,&#160; <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/dhss-kelly-tells-hispanic-caucus-daca-might-not-survive-court-challenge/2017/07/12/b1f19686-672b-11e7-9928-22d00a47778f_story.html?utm_term=.59b120bfd8cf" type="external">are not saying that they will defend DACA in court</a>.</p>
<p>It is keeping Silva Palacios on a roller coaster that is intensifying.</p>
<p>"We’ve seen a lot of other marginalized communities get hit hard, and we’re kind of not sure when our turn is going to be," he says. "So, you don’t feel safe anymore. It always feels like we’re tiptoeing our way to 2020, we’re tiptoeing our way to, hopefully, a new president.”</p>
<p>Some days, Silva Palacios wants to hide from the news. "Sometimes you just have to turn the other way. It doesn’t mean you’ve given up, don’t care anymore; it means for right now, I’m going to keep my sanity, I’m going to keep my cool," he says.</p>
<p>But on other days, he&#160;wears a black T-shirt with big, white letters, which read, "undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic."</p>
<p>"Some might say that I committed a crime, and so I’m like boasting about committing a crime," he says. "I think it’s just me putting a face to the name."</p>
<p>It has&#160;taken awhile for Silva Palacios to feel this confident. He’s known he was undocumented since he was a kid.</p>
<p>"We crossed [the border] in a car with fake documentation," he says. "So, we pretended to be asleep, and they presented documentation of other US children."</p>
<p />
<p>Erick Silva Palacios is shown at age 4, with his brother, Andres, at their home in Oaxaca, Mexico, before they migrated to the United States. "The blue marker was because, when I was little, I wanted to erase all memory of Mexico, because it hurt to think about missing home," says Silva Palacios.&#160;</p>
<p>Courtesy of Erick Silva Palacios</p>
<p>He knew he had to be careful; he was taught to duck when police cars went by in the&#160;neighborhood he grew up in San Jose, in a heavily immigrant part of the&#160;city.</p>
<p>"So, as kids we learned to avoid police, we learned to be wary," he says.</p>
<p>But Silva Palacios has done well. Last May, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania&#160;in the same class as Tiffany Trump.&#160;</p>
<p>"Donald Trump’s daughter sat four people down from me during our commencement ceremony," he says.&#160;</p>
<p>Donald Trump was also in the same&#160;audience as Silva Palacios's dad, an undocumented construction worker from Mexico.</p>
<p>"Just seeing my dad in the audience&#160;and seeing Donald Trump in the audience, I felt like I was able to give my parents the biggest thank you I could give them,"&#160;Silva Palacios says.&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>Silva Palacios&#160;was a cheerleader at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also connected with other undocumented students with DACA status.&#160;</p>
<p>Courtesy of Erick Silva Palacios</p>
<p>He also realizes that plenty of people think that he should go back to Mexico. He recalls&#160;a conversation he had in Wisconsin with a friend’s mom who voted for Trump.</p>
<p>"She just asked what I do and all that jazz," he says. "And by the end of the conversation, she realized that you don’t necessarily hear about undocumented immigrants who are working and contributing to society&#160;because that’s not going to drive the message forward of us being bad people."</p>
<p>He says she also asked him why he couldn't just&#160;go through the&#160;process to make him a&#160;US citizen.</p>
<p>"That always seems to be such an easy option to someone who isn’t undocumented. Well, just get in line,"&#160;Silva Palacios says.&#160;"But it’s backlogged. They’re still working on cases from 1996."</p>
<p>When asked about how he sees his future in the US, Silva Palacios says, "I want what everyone else wants. I want the nice house, a white picket fence, the dog!"</p>
<p>His parents, however,&#160;are tired of being undocumented. His mom returned to Mexico three years ago, his dad is seriously considering going back. It's leaving&#160;Silva Palacios&#160;on his own, living with fellow teachers in a one-story home in San Jose. It's&#160;on a quiet street not far from&#160;where he grew up, and he points out his favorite&#160;part of his home: the front yard, with its palm tree and picket fence.&#160;Home, he hopes, for good.&#160;</p>
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erick silva palacios kitchen table glued laptop hes watching press conference dick durbin democratic illinois senator160and bipartisan group senators160introducing160the latest version dream act would help people like silva palacios a16023yearold high school history teacher came us without papers160from mexico 5 proposed legislation would give road citizenship silva palacios160knows160the dream act long shot show support though means lot right timing couldnt better says silva palacios has160been lot talk lot different states lot different senators putting pressure trump administration get rid daca daca deferred action childhood arrivals implemented barack obama executive action 2012 it160lets undocumented immigrants came us minors160often called dreamers160work160legally twoyear renewable permits daca is160under threat that160has many 750000 people enrolled program nervous including silva palacios enrolled daca year introduced160 daca gives us160social security numbers allows us get jobs allows us get drivers licenses certain states says campaign trail donald trump said would160end daca day one160but president given mixed signals program still chugging along attorneys general texas alabama eight republicanled states warn 160they sue trump administration not160rescind160daca sept 5 say rewards160people came us illegally unconstitutional threat teeth members the160trump administration including homeland security secretary john kelly160 saying defend daca court keeping silva palacios roller coaster intensifying weve seen lot marginalized communities get hit hard kind sure turn going says dont feel safe anymore always feels like tiptoeing way 2020 tiptoeing way hopefully new president days silva palacios wants hide news sometimes turn way doesnt mean youve given dont care anymore means right im going keep sanity im going keep cool says days he160wears black tshirt big white letters read undocumented unafraid unapologetic might say committed crime im like boasting committing crime says think putting face name has160taken awhile silva palacios feel confident hes known undocumented since kid crossed border car fake documentation says pretended asleep presented documentation us children erick silva palacios shown age 4 brother andres home oaxaca mexico migrated united states blue marker little wanted erase memory mexico hurt think missing home says silva palacios160 courtesy erick silva palacios knew careful taught duck police cars went the160neighborhood grew san jose heavily immigrant part the160city kids learned avoid police learned wary says silva palacios done well last may graduated university pennsylvania160in class tiffany trump160 donald trumps daughter sat four people commencement ceremony says160 donald trump also same160audience silva palacioss dad undocumented construction worker mexico seeing dad audience160and seeing donald trump audience felt like able give parents biggest thank could give them160silva palacios says160 silva palacios160was cheerleader university pennsylvania also connected undocumented students daca status160 courtesy erick silva palacios also realizes plenty people think go back mexico recalls160a conversation wisconsin friends mom voted trump asked jazz says end conversation realized dont necessarily hear undocumented immigrants working contributing society160because thats going drive message forward us bad people says also asked couldnt just160go the160process make a160us citizen always seems easy option someone isnt undocumented well get line160silva palacios says160but backlogged theyre still working cases 1996 asked sees future us silva palacios says want everyone else wants want nice house white picket fence dog parents however160are tired undocumented mom returned mexico three years ago dad seriously considering going back leaving160silva palacios160on living fellow teachers onestory home san jose its160on quiet street far from160where grew points favorite160part home front yard palm tree picket fence160home hopes good160
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<p>Three phrases stand out in large, white letters on the long blackboard: “To abstain,” “sexual activity” and “subliminal seduction.” Close to 50 freshmen shift in their desks, watching the teacher or talking to their peers in the crowded, windowless classroom at Kenwood Academy.</p>
<p>Elaine Jones blows on a whistle around her neck to gain the students’ attention and launches into her lesson on subliminal seduction—how teens are bombarded with images of sex every day, and how they can resist those seductions and abstain from sexual activity. Not just now or in the near future, she says, but until marriage.</p>
<p>“What is a sex act?” Jones asks the class, pointing to the “sexual activity” portion of the blackboard. One student, who has been tossing out jokes throughout the class, raises his hand from the corner. “Say, if I was a virgin,” he asks. “If I had oral sex, I’m not a virgin?”</p>
<p>The students look expectantly at Jones. The guidelines of the abstinence-only curriculum certainly do not consider oral sex acceptable behavior for unmarried persons, but it is an act Jones says the teens are curious about.</p>
<p>Jones explains that technically, if a girl engages in oral sex, “she is still a virgin. But, in her sexual abstinence, she is not a virgin anymore.”</p>
<p>Along with other sources, Jones teaches from an abstinence-only curriculum called Project Reality, created by an independent organization of the same name and used in 525 middle schools and high schools in Illinois, including 130 in Chicago Public Schools.</p>
<p>But abstinence-only curricula like Project Reality are coming under increasing fire. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois recently sent a letter to some 1,300 school superintendents across the state, warning that abstinence-only programs often include false or misleading information about preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases—for instance, that condoms are not effective in preventing the spread of STDs.</p>
<p>According to the ACLU, recent studies show that abstinence-only programs do not prevent teens from engaging in premarital sex and may deter young people from using condoms or from getting tested and treated for STDs.</p>
<p>Yet under policies put in place by the Bush Administration, schools that want federal funds for sex education can only receive grants if they agree to teach solely from abstinence-only curricula, says Lorie Chaiten, director of the reproductive rights program at the ACLU of Illinois.</p>
<p>Jobi Peterson, executive director of the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and a former CPS administrator, says very few students receive adequate information in health classes because schools lack the resources to pay for comprehensive sex education programs. The caucus is lobbying legislators to provide federal funds for comprehensive sex education curricula, which the group notes would include a strong message in favor of abstinence but also medically accurate information on reproductive health, STDs and pregnancy prevention.</p>
<p>“Teachers really do want to give more information to young people but they just don’t have the curriculum or materials,” Petersen says.</p>
<p>The issue is particularly critical in Chicago, where teen birth rates have declined in recent years but remain higher than the averages—in some communities, more than double—for the state and surrounding Cook County suburbs.</p>
<p>Reality far from ‘abstinence only’</p>
<p>In the classroom, however, sticking to a strict outline of “abstinence only” is not always practical. Teens bring questions and experiences that fall outside of these rigid parameters. And while students recognize the wisdom behind abstinence-focused teachings, they are also the first to point out the irony of such instruction in schools filled with pregnant students and teen parents.</p>
<p>“Every time you look up, someone’s pregnant,” says Kiyona Jackson, a soft-spoken senior at Hyde Park Academy in Woodlawn, which has a teen birth rate of 19 percent. “I don’t think they get pregnant on purpose. They listen to [sex education], but they go against it or whatever.”</p>
<p>Even though she knows not all students will listen to the sex-can-wait message, Kendra Thomas, another Hyde Park student, says she believes that it’s an important viewpoint for students to receive. “They tell you that [sex] can cause you to do things you don’t want to do, and emotional stress,” she says.</p>
<p>According to Denise Everhart, one of Hyde Park Academy’s physical education teachers, the school supplements its health education program with lesson plans from ABJ Community Services Inc., an agency that trains instructors to teach abstinence-only materials, and Project VIDA, a group founded in 1992 to address the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases in Chicago’s black and Latino communities.</p>
<p>Everhart supports this combination.</p>
<p>“[Students are] getting the facts now,” she says. “Oftentimes, they misunderstand the whole reproductive process—for example, some think that they can’t get pregnant standing up. They don’t understand conception, and that’s something they definitely understand by the end [of the course].”</p>
<p>Najamusahar Muneeruddin, a sophomore at Lane Tech High in North Center, says some students might rebel against the Project Reality curriculum taught there.</p>
<p>“Some kids that take the sex ed class get angry, thinking ‘Why are they telling me what to do?'” she says.</p>
<p>Classmate Rex Libunao agreed. “If we are going to have sex, we might as well have choices,” he says. “At least you’d know about condoms, but they never told us about that.”</p>
<p>Federal funding up</p>
<p>Abstinence-only supporters believe Project Reality and other such lessons arm students with information they need to refuse sexual activity until marriage.</p>
<p>But detractors claim that message is realistic only to a handful of students in today’s classrooms.</p>
<p>The debate has gained momentum over the years. The Bush Administration increased funding for abstinence-only curricula to $206 million for fiscal year 2006, from $170 million for fiscal year 2005. Most recently in Illinois, some lawmakers have proposed a measure to guarantee state funding for “abstinence-based” sex education, which would promote abstinence as the best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies but would also provide age-appropriate information about condoms and birth control. The Illinois School Code specifies only that health education curricula should include instruction on “family life, including sexual abstinence until marriage.”</p>
<p>Caught in between are students left with valid questions and no answers to be found in their workbooks, like “The Navigator,” a text that supplements the Project Reality curriculum. “What if a girl was reading that, and was pregnant?” questions Lane Tech student Halla Karaman. “What if she wanted an abortion? Where would she go? How much would it cost? Do you need parental permission?”</p>
<p>“That’s the problem,” continues classmate Quetzalli Castro. “They tell you how you get pregnant, but not what to do. They tell you about abstinence, but they stop there.”</p>
<p>For her students, Jones has helped supply some of the answers. It was Rahkeisha Teagues’ favorite part of the class. “She gave us little cards to write questions down on. It’s fun,” Teagues says.</p>
<p>In aging metal file cabinets near the door of her classroom, Jones keeps several stacks of note cards bound with rubber bands. On each note card is a single health-related question written on the first day of class by a student; Jones proceeds through them as the semester progresses, answering each and every one of the students’ anonymous questions in class.</p>
<p>“I’m an advocate of abstinence, but I’m also realistic,” Jones says. “I try to teach to the whole class.” Usually the cards cover a range of topics, but this past year the cards shared an obvious theme, Jones says. “Every question was on sex, and they’re very detailed.”</p>
<p>A version of this article was first published in the July/August issue of The Chicago Reporter. Intern Leah Banks contributed to this report.</p>
<p>Cassandra Gaddo is a Chicago writer.</p>
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three phrases stand large white letters long blackboard abstain sexual activity subliminal seduction close 50 freshmen shift desks watching teacher talking peers crowded windowless classroom kenwood academy elaine jones blows whistle around neck gain students attention launches lesson subliminal seductionhow teens bombarded images sex every day resist seductions abstain sexual activity near future says marriage sex act jones asks class pointing sexual activity portion blackboard one student tossing jokes throughout class raises hand corner say virgin asks oral sex im virgin students look expectantly jones guidelines abstinenceonly curriculum certainly consider oral sex acceptable behavior unmarried persons act jones says teens curious jones explains technically girl engages oral sex still virgin sexual abstinence virgin anymore along sources jones teaches abstinenceonly curriculum called project reality created independent organization name used 525 middle schools high schools illinois including 130 chicago public schools abstinenceonly curricula like project reality coming increasing fire american civil liberties union illinois recently sent letter 1300 school superintendents across state warning abstinenceonly programs often include false misleading information preventing pregnancy sexually transmitted diseasesfor instance condoms effective preventing spread stds according aclu recent studies show abstinenceonly programs prevent teens engaging premarital sex may deter young people using condoms getting tested treated stds yet policies put place bush administration schools want federal funds sex education receive grants agree teach solely abstinenceonly curricula says lorie chaiten director reproductive rights program aclu illinois jobi peterson executive director illinois caucus adolescent health former cps administrator says students receive adequate information health classes schools lack resources pay comprehensive sex education programs caucus lobbying legislators provide federal funds comprehensive sex education curricula group notes would include strong message favor abstinence also medically accurate information reproductive health stds pregnancy prevention teachers really want give information young people dont curriculum materials petersen says issue particularly critical chicago teen birth rates declined recent years remain higher averagesin communities doublefor state surrounding cook county suburbs reality far abstinence classroom however sticking strict outline abstinence always practical teens bring questions experiences fall outside rigid parameters students recognize wisdom behind abstinencefocused teachings also first point irony instruction schools filled pregnant students teen parents every time look someones pregnant says kiyona jackson softspoken senior hyde park academy woodlawn teen birth rate 19 percent dont think get pregnant purpose listen sex education go whatever even though knows students listen sexcanwait message kendra thomas another hyde park student says believes important viewpoint students receive tell sex cause things dont want emotional stress says according denise everhart one hyde park academys physical education teachers school supplements health education program lesson plans abj community services inc agency trains instructors teach abstinenceonly materials project vida group founded 1992 address rising number hiv aids cases chicagos black latino communities everhart supports combination students getting facts says oftentimes misunderstand whole reproductive processfor example think cant get pregnant standing dont understand conception thats something definitely understand end course najamusahar muneeruddin sophomore lane tech high north center says students might rebel project reality curriculum taught kids take sex ed class get angry thinking telling says classmate rex libunao agreed going sex might well choices says least youd know condoms never told us federal funding abstinenceonly supporters believe project reality lessons arm students information need refuse sexual activity marriage detractors claim message realistic handful students todays classrooms debate gained momentum years bush administration increased funding abstinenceonly curricula 206 million fiscal year 2006 170 million fiscal year 2005 recently illinois lawmakers proposed measure guarantee state funding abstinencebased sex education would promote abstinence best way prevent sexually transmitted diseases pregnancies would also provide ageappropriate information condoms birth control illinois school code specifies health education curricula include instruction family life including sexual abstinence marriage caught students left valid questions answers found workbooks like navigator text supplements project reality curriculum girl reading pregnant questions lane tech student halla karaman wanted abortion would go much would cost need parental permission thats problem continues classmate quetzalli castro tell get pregnant tell abstinence stop students jones helped supply answers rahkeisha teagues favorite part class gave us little cards write questions fun teagues says aging metal file cabinets near door classroom jones keeps several stacks note cards bound rubber bands note card single healthrelated question written first day class student jones proceeds semester progresses answering every one students anonymous questions class im advocate abstinence im also realistic jones says try teach whole class usually cards cover range topics past year cards shared obvious theme jones says every question sex theyre detailed version article first published julyaugust issue chicago reporter intern leah banks contributed report cassandra gaddo chicago writer
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<p>By Marv Knox</p>
<p>A prayer vigil for the first Ebola patient in the United States turned into a memorial service for the virus’ first U.S. victim hours after Eric Duncan died in Dallas Oct. 8.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wilshirebc.org/" type="external">Wilshire Baptist Church</a> planned the vigil to pray for Duncan’s recovery, Pastor George Mason told a crowd assembled on a warm and breezy Wednesday evening, the traditional time for Christian midweek prayer services.</p>
<p>They also intended to pray for Duncan’s fiancée, Louise Troh, who joined the congregation this summer, Mason said. And they planned to pray for others quarantined in Dallas to prevent the deadly virus from spreading, as well as thousands of Ebola victims in West Africa and their loved ones.</p>
<p>But Duncan died in nearby Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas that morning. “So, we are here now to remember Eric, our brother we never met, and to grieve with and for the love of his life, Louise Troh,” Mason said. “We are here to pray for God’s protection and peace” on Troh and Duncan’s family and friends.”</p>
<p>The disease’s isolating savagery prevented Troh and others whom Duncan contacted since arriving in Dallas from Liberia from attending the service, because they are quarantined, Mason noted. However, the church was attempting to stream the service to them over the Internet.</p>
<p>“Louise, if you can hear us, we love you, and we are praying for you,” he said.</p>
<p>The unique nature of the Ebola outbreak was reflected in the faces of the vigil’s participants. They included members of Wilshire Church, predominantly white Americans, but also representatives of North Texas’ 10,000-member Liberian community, especially <a href="http://www.newlifefellowshipchurch1.org/" type="external">New Life Fellowship Church</a> in Euless. A sprinkling of others gathered from across Dallas. TV crews and reporters stood in a side aisle.</p>
<p>They heard and recited Scriptures, prayers and songs that echoed distinct themes — sorrow and grief, but also hope and community, as well as faith overcoming fear:</p>
<p>“I will lift up my eyes unto the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.”</p>
<p>“We are confused, but … our hope is in you, mighty God.”</p>
<p>“Lord, you have been our dwelling place. … Let the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon us.”</p>
<p>“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trials. … We will not fear.”</p>
<p>“God, be with us as we struggle to understand what it means to be a community … to speak truth to overcome fear.”</p>
<p>Olu Menjay, president of the <a href="http://lbmec.org/Liberia_Baptist_Missionary_and_Educational_Convention,_Inc/Welcome.html" type="external">Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention</a>, participated in the service because of a previously scheduled trip to meet with Baptists in Texas.</p>
<p>“Today is a new day, with new challenges and possibilities” in Liberia and West Africa, where Ebola ravages the population, Menjay said.</p>
<p>“The death of Eric Duncan has put a real face on the Ebola outbreak in our country,” he said. “May we continue to seek God’s face, as there are so many people who are dying. …</p>
<p>“I pray we will seek the path of possibilities in these days ahead. We will be prisoners of hope as Liberians, as people of faith. … We will not lose heart.”</p>
<p>Mason acknowledged the reality of suffering, particularly for Troh, who joined Wilshire Church and was baptized by the congregation this summer. Because the church loves her, it suffers along with her.</p>
<p>“We do not regret suffering, because we love someone,” he said. “If you are open to suffering, you are open to joy.”</p>
<p>Duncan and Troh looked ahead to joy, Mason told the vigil/memorial crowd.</p>
<p>Years ago, they had a son, Karsiah. But mother and father became estranged, and mother and son moved to America.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, however, “Karsiah Eric Duncan and his mother, Louise, called for Eric Duncan to come from Liberia,” Mason said. “They wanted to renew their life together.”</p>
<p>Tragic disruption</p>
<p>Ebola disrupted their reunion. Duncan showed symptoms of the virus — which he reportedly contracted when he tried to help transport an infected pregnant woman to a hospital — before he had an opportunity to see Karsiah.</p>
<p>In fact, his last words, spoken to a Presbyterian Hospital nurse, were that he wanted to see his son, Mason said. “He was proud of his son.”</p>
<p>Troh told her pastor her fiancée was a Christian, a son respectful of his father and mother, a father who cared for his children. Duncan wanted to come to America to marry Troh, reunite with Karsiah, work hard, do well and then return to help build up Liberia, he said.</p>
<p>“‘Flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God,’” Mason said, quoting the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:50. “Thomas Eric Duncan had flesh-and-blood dreams. … Eric and Louise built a castle of dreams they never got to inhabit. … If [reality] is only flesh and blood, that dream died with Eric Duncan.”</p>
<p>But reality counters what is apparent, he insisted.</p>
<p>“The Apostle said only the imperishable can last forever, and that only begins when we die,” Mason said. “The Christian hope is in a new body. … Christians, you see, do not deny death. We defy it. [Death] is now, but it is not forever.” Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christians look for a life beyond “flesh and blood.”</p>
<p>“This is not our wishes, but God’s promises to us,” he said. “We can give our brother Eric to God. We do so without fear.”</p>
<p>Fearlessness contrasts with the common response to Ebola, the pastor noted.</p>
<p>“For the past week, we have heard from people who are worried about this virus,” Mason said, calling Ebola “an unwelcomed guest.”</p>
<p>Ironically, however, people of faith can embrace the consequences of the virus, “not because it is good; it is bad,” but so they can see and participate in the redemptive ministry God has in store for them in the midst of tragedy and grief.</p>
<p>Ebola must not drive people away from each other, Mason pleaded.</p>
<p>“We move toward each other, because we know the end of the story” beyond flesh and blood, he said. “It ends well.”</p>
<p>Previous stories:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Dallas Ebola patient Eric Duncan dies</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Dallas Baptist church supports Ebola family</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">First U.S. Ebola case hits home for Baptist church in Dallas</a></p>
<p>Related commentary:</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Frightful world, fearless living</a></p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Ebola ignorance</a></p>
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marv knox prayer vigil first ebola patient united states turned memorial service virus first us victim hours eric duncan died dallas oct 8 wilshire baptist church planned vigil pray duncans recovery pastor george mason told crowd assembled warm breezy wednesday evening traditional time christian midweek prayer services also intended pray duncans fiancée louise troh joined congregation summer mason said planned pray others quarantined dallas prevent deadly virus spreading well thousands ebola victims west africa loved ones duncan died nearby texas health presbyterian hospital dallas morning remember eric brother never met grieve love life louise troh mason said pray gods protection peace troh duncans family friends diseases isolating savagery prevented troh others duncan contacted since arriving dallas liberia attending service quarantined mason noted however church attempting stream service internet louise hear us love praying said unique nature ebola outbreak reflected faces vigils participants included members wilshire church predominantly white americans also representatives north texas 10000member liberian community especially new life fellowship church euless sprinkling others gathered across dallas tv crews reporters stood side aisle heard recited scriptures prayers songs echoed distinct themes sorrow grief also hope community well faith overcoming fear lift eyes unto hills help come help comes lord maker heaven earth confused hope mighty god lord dwelling place let favor lord god upon us god refuge strength everpresent help time trials fear god us struggle understand means community speak truth overcome fear olu menjay president liberia baptist missionary educational convention participated service previously scheduled trip meet baptists texas today new day new challenges possibilities liberia west africa ebola ravages population menjay said death eric duncan put real face ebola outbreak country said may continue seek gods face many people dying pray seek path possibilities days ahead prisoners hope liberians people faith lose heart mason acknowledged reality suffering particularly troh joined wilshire church baptized congregation summer church loves suffers along regret suffering love someone said open suffering open joy duncan troh looked ahead joy mason told vigilmemorial crowd years ago son karsiah mother father became estranged mother son moved america earlier year however karsiah eric duncan mother louise called eric duncan come liberia mason said wanted renew life together tragic disruption ebola disrupted reunion duncan showed symptoms virus reportedly contracted tried help transport infected pregnant woman hospital opportunity see karsiah fact last words spoken presbyterian hospital nurse wanted see son mason said proud son troh told pastor fiancée christian son respectful father mother father cared children duncan wanted come america marry troh reunite karsiah work hard well return help build liberia said flesh blood shall inherit kingdom god mason said quoting apostle pauls words 1 corinthians 1550 thomas eric duncan fleshandblood dreams eric louise built castle dreams never got inhabit reality flesh blood dream died eric duncan reality counters apparent insisted apostle said imperishable last forever begins die mason said christian hope new body christians see deny death defy death forever death resurrection jesus christians look life beyond flesh blood wishes gods promises us said give brother eric god without fear fearlessness contrasts common response ebola pastor noted past week heard people worried virus mason said calling ebola unwelcomed guest ironically however people faith embrace consequences virus good bad see participate redemptive ministry god store midst tragedy grief ebola must drive people away mason pleaded move toward know end story beyond flesh blood said ends well previous stories dallas ebola patient eric duncan dies dallas baptist church supports ebola family first us ebola case hits home baptist church dallas related commentary frightful world fearless living ebola ignorance
| 587 |
<p>If Silicon Valley’s prophecies come true, driverless cars will soon radically transform millions of lives.</p>
<p>Google, Tesla and others promise to unleash some of the most revolutionary technology of the early 21st century: vehicles careening autonomously down highways, their digital scanners deftly identifying potential danger.</p>
<p>Pretty neat — if you live in California. But most people don’t. The typical driver on planet Earth must contend with hazards, human and animal, that simply do not exist on most American roads.</p>
<p>Like sprightly goats. Or 12-year-olds pushing vegetable carts down the center of your lane. Or a never-ending cavalcade of motorbikes veering so close to your car that the windows rattle.</p>
<p>Or on a bad day, all of the above.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/05/when-cars-fly/476382/" type="external">America</a> and other <a href="https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/234547-other-countries-are-beating-the-us-to-fully-driverless-cars-let-them" type="external">wealthy nations</a>, great hype surrounds the coming driverless car revolution — and much of it is warranted. But there has been little analysis of autonomous vehicles’ future (if any) in places such as India, Vietnam, Brazil or other major non-Western nations.</p>
<p>All evidence suggests that it could be difficult to transplant driverless car technology designed for the West to many places around the globe. Driving in America just isn’t comparable to the blood-sport traffic in certain tropical megacities.</p>
<p>Holidaymakers cruise the Pacific Coast Highway for pleasure. Traffic in Jakarta? That’s a gauntlet of pain.</p>
<p>We asked two experts — one specializing in tech, the other in policy —&#160;to speculate on autonomous cars’ future in the developing world.</p>
<p>Jit Ray Chowdhury is the chief technology officer at <a href="http://auro.ai" type="external">Auro.</a> It’s a California-based startup creating fully autonomous shuttles for campuses and corporate parks. He’s originally from Kolkata, India.</p>
<p>James M. Anderson is an analyst with the RAND Corporation, a California-based think tank. He has extensively studied the policy implications of driverless cars.</p>
<p>Here are a few of their observations:</p>
<p>“In a city like Kolkata, nobody follows [traffic] rules,” Chowdhury says. “They don’t obey lane markers. They’re constantly switching lanes … often driving within inches of the next car.”</p>
<p>This actually describes big-city traffic in much of the developing world. Even the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-38839071" type="external">most sophisticated</a> autonomous cars currently being road-tested would fail in these environments, according to Chowdhury.</p>
<p>The car probably wouldn’t end up in a flaming accident. “It just wouldn’t move at all. It would be too timid,” he says. “You’d be stuck in traffic forever.”</p>
<p>Driverless cars are rigged up with an array of sensors that scan the road with radar, ultrasonic and laser waves. If there’s an object in close proximity to the car, it usually won’t move — and there are often humans or rival vehicles crowding around your car in cities such as Kolkata.</p>
<p>At this point in time, autonomous vehicles are programmed with algorithms that drive quite conservatively. “That wouldn’t work,” Chowdhury says. “The artificial intelligence would have to be more aggressive and take risks.”</p>
<p>Greater dangers might await any autonomous vehicle that managed to gather speed. The vehicles would have to learn the difference between regular potholes and massive craters, which often plague roads in nations such as India.</p>
<p>“If you’re driving at 60 miles per hour, and you’re not identifying the terrain properly, you could easily drop into a big hole,” Chowdhury says. “That’s the main risk.”</p>
<p>The autonomous car revolution traces its origins back to America’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA. This is the secretive Pentagon branch that helped give rise to drones and the internet.</p>
<p>Starting in 2004, DARPA began offering millions of dollars in prizes to engineering teams that could create driverless cars to race in the desert.</p>
<p>“Modern autonomous cars developed, in part, because of DARPA,” Anderson says. “They tried to create vehicles with true autonomy. They called for cars operating on dirt roads, not only on pavement."</p>
<p>The competitions featured harsh terrain — the sort of landscape a robotic vehicle might find if embedded with foreign-deployed troops.</p>
<p>Many past competitors have gone on to build commercially viable driverless cars. This indicates that, if so inclined, engineers at Google or Tesla could focus on perfecting sensor algorithms suited to rutted cattle trails in China or harrowing mountain passes in Peru.</p>
<p>But why bother? In the near future, most potential buyers will live in well-maintained cities. “Still, in theory,” Anderson says, “vehicles should be able to cope with almost any obstacle.”</p>
<p>“If I wanted to prove that it’s possible to use these cars in Kolkata,” Chowdhury says, “I could probably do it. But I might need 10 engineers and many, many sensors.”</p>
<p>In other words, he’d need an unlimited budget — making the end product highly expensive. “No one would be able to afford it,” he says. “Also, people would probably steal the sensors.”</p>
<p>For the foreseeable future, Chowdhury says, anyone in India wealthy enough to buy an autonomous car would also be able to afford a full-time human driver. They’re readily available in Delhi for around $125 per month.</p>
<p>Because developing countries are still, well, developing, they can give rise to nascent megacities in short order. Consider China’s Shenzhen: a tiny trading post in the 1980s, now a sprawling megacity with more inhabitants than Sweden.</p>
<p>In coming decades, some other foreign metropolis could adapt itself to a population that no longer clogs its cities with human-piloted cars. Anderson speculates that these cities might have narrower streets. After all,&#160; future robot cars will presumably drive with tight precision.</p>
<p>It’s also widely predicted that robot cars will kill the era of privately owned cars. Instead, they’ll be shared commodities that zip around, transporting many customers, instead of remaining parked all day while a single owner is at work. These cities might also have denser downtowns that are rid of space-hogging parking lots.</p>
<p>Wealthy enclaves in the Middle East or Asia — such as Singapore or Dubai —&#160;may outpace the US in adopting autonomous cars. But for the most part, Chowdhury says, developers and politicians in non-Western foreign nations will wait to see how these vehicles fare in America before making any big moves.</p>
<p>“They’ll wait for the technology to get started in the US and then they might make a copycat,” he says. “They just don’t have the budget or the confidence to go first.”</p>
| false | 3 |
silicon valleys prophecies come true driverless cars soon radically transform millions lives google tesla others promise unleash revolutionary technology early 21st century vehicles careening autonomously highways digital scanners deftly identifying potential danger pretty neat live california people dont typical driver planet earth must contend hazards human animal simply exist american roads like sprightly goats 12yearolds pushing vegetable carts center lane neverending cavalcade motorbikes veering close car windows rattle bad day america wealthy nations great hype surrounds coming driverless car revolution much warranted little analysis autonomous vehicles future places india vietnam brazil major nonwestern nations evidence suggests could difficult transplant driverless car technology designed west many places around globe driving america isnt comparable bloodsport traffic certain tropical megacities holidaymakers cruise pacific coast highway pleasure traffic jakarta thats gauntlet pain asked two experts one specializing tech policy 160to speculate autonomous cars future developing world jit ray chowdhury chief technology officer auro californiabased startup creating fully autonomous shuttles campuses corporate parks hes originally kolkata india james anderson analyst rand corporation californiabased think tank extensively studied policy implications driverless cars observations city like kolkata nobody follows traffic rules chowdhury says dont obey lane markers theyre constantly switching lanes often driving within inches next car actually describes bigcity traffic much developing world even sophisticated autonomous cars currently roadtested would fail environments according chowdhury car probably wouldnt end flaming accident wouldnt move would timid says youd stuck traffic forever driverless cars rigged array sensors scan road radar ultrasonic laser waves theres object close proximity car usually wont move often humans rival vehicles crowding around car cities kolkata point time autonomous vehicles programmed algorithms drive quite conservatively wouldnt work chowdhury says artificial intelligence would aggressive take risks greater dangers might await autonomous vehicle managed gather speed vehicles would learn difference regular potholes massive craters often plague roads nations india youre driving 60 miles per hour youre identifying terrain properly could easily drop big hole chowdhury says thats main risk autonomous car revolution traces origins back americas defense advanced research projects agency darpa secretive pentagon branch helped give rise drones internet starting 2004 darpa began offering millions dollars prizes engineering teams could create driverless cars race desert modern autonomous cars developed part darpa anderson says tried create vehicles true autonomy called cars operating dirt roads pavement competitions featured harsh terrain sort landscape robotic vehicle might find embedded foreigndeployed troops many past competitors gone build commercially viable driverless cars indicates inclined engineers google tesla could focus perfecting sensor algorithms suited rutted cattle trails china harrowing mountain passes peru bother near future potential buyers live wellmaintained cities still theory anderson says vehicles able cope almost obstacle wanted prove possible use cars kolkata chowdhury says could probably might need 10 engineers many many sensors words hed need unlimited budget making end product highly expensive one would able afford says also people would probably steal sensors foreseeable future chowdhury says anyone india wealthy enough buy autonomous car would also able afford fulltime human driver theyre readily available delhi around 125 per month developing countries still well developing give rise nascent megacities short order consider chinas shenzhen tiny trading post 1980s sprawling megacity inhabitants sweden coming decades foreign metropolis could adapt population longer clogs cities humanpiloted cars anderson speculates cities might narrower streets all160 future robot cars presumably drive tight precision also widely predicted robot cars kill era privately owned cars instead theyll shared commodities zip around transporting many customers instead remaining parked day single owner work cities might also denser downtowns rid spacehogging parking lots wealthy enclaves middle east asia singapore dubai 160may outpace us adopting autonomous cars part chowdhury says developers politicians nonwestern foreign nations wait see vehicles fare america making big moves theyll wait technology get started us might make copycat says dont budget confidence go first
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<p>By Nadra Kareem Nittle
</p>
<p>America’s Wire</p>
<p>African-Americans once were clustered so heavily in urban areas that the terms “black” and “inner city” came to be used almost synonymously. According to the 2010 U.S. Census results, that no longer holds true.</p>
<p>While blacks have by no means vanished from cities, unprecedented numbers have headed for the suburbs or left the big cities of the North and headed south. As legislative districts are redrawn, nonpartisan groups and both political parties are watching how this unexpected migration will affect local and state elections.</p>
<p>Moreover, redistricting experts say the black exodus from cities such as Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia contributed to placing Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania among the 10 states that will lose congressional seats because of reapportionment after the census. With Republican governors in 29 states, the GOP has greater influence over redistricting than Democrats.</p>
<p>But it is unclear whether the migration of African-American voters will change the number of congressional districts where black candidates can win. Rob Richie, executive director of FairVote, based in Takoma Park, Md., notes that Republicans often join civil rights leaders in supporting African-American legislative districts rather than creating politically diverse districts where the black vote could decide close elections.“Republicans have a political interest in concentrating the African-American vote,” Richie says. “When blacks are concentrated, they can’t have their votes in as many districts. It’s a trade-off.”</p>
<p>Experts on redistricting foresee multicultural coalitions emerging in formerly all-black communities and people of color eventually gaining more political clout in suburbs and exurbs.</p>
<p>In California, the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission will carve out the state’s electoral districts for the first time. Voters authorized having a nonpartisan board, not legislators, delineate these districts in passing the Voters First Act (Proposition 11) in 2008. To ensure that new districts don’t dilute black voting power, grass-roots organizations mobilized to present the commission with recommendations for keeping communities of color intact. New district lines must be drawn by Aug. 15.</p>
<p>From 2000 to 2010, the black population in Los Angeles County dropped from 9.8 percent to 8.7 percent, according to census findings. In Alameda County, which includes Oakland and other San Francisco Bay areas, the drop was from 14.9 percent to 12.6 percent.</p>
<p>Erica Teasley Linnick, coordinator of the African American Redistricting Collaborative in Los Angeles, doesn’t view black migration from California’s urban cores as a threat to black voting power. When African-Americans leave California cities, she says, Latinos and Asians with similar political interests usually replace them.</p>
<p>“In Los Angeles, you’ve had coalitions coming together to vote in Tom Bradley (the city’s first black mayor) to now Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa,” says Teasley Linnick, who also notes that blacks who have moved from Los Angeles gained political representation in the city’s outlying areas. For instance, Wilmer Amina Carter, a black woman, has represented the state’s 62nd Assembly District in the Inland Empire region bordering metropolitan Los Angeles, since 2006.</p>
<p>Marqueece Harris-Dawson, president and CEO of Community Coalition, a social and economic advocacy group for South Los Angeles, agrees that black flight from the city will not undercut African-American voting power.</p>
<p>“It’s been happening over a 20-year period,” he says. “It’s not a dramatic change, so it’s not significant enough to curtail African-American political representation.”</p>
<p>In fact, experts say Republicans in California face new challenges underscored by the census count. Three million more Latinos moved into California between 2000 and 2010, resulting in predictions that Republicans may lose ground after new electoral districts are drawn. Analysts say Democrats could gain as many as five seats in the State Legislature, enough to form a supermajority.</p>
<p>While Republicans may not gain power where blacks have departed, blacks who have headed south will probably not be able to turn red states blue in the near future, says Herb Tyson of Tyson Innovative Government Relations Solutions in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>The black migration “doesn’t help Democrats because the South is so heavily skewed Republican you would have to have a huge representation of African-Americans to make a difference statewide,”&#160; Tyson says.</p>
<p>On the other hand, in cities such as Atlanta, the black population is so large that African-Americans relocated there from throughout the nation won’t change the political landscape. The Atlanta area now has the greatest number of blacks in the country outside of New York City. For years, Chicago held that distinction. Moreover, three-fourths of the 25 counties in which the black population rose most over the past decade are in the South.</p>
<p>In Texas, the black population grew by 22 percent, in part because of Hurricane Katrina refugees who relocated there permanently. With the Latino population also growing, by 42 percent, minorities could alter the political landscape that Republicans have controlled.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, five counties with the greatest number of blacks 10 years ago—Los Angeles County, Philadelphia County, Wayne (Detroit), Cook (Chicago) and Kings (New York City)—all lost African-Americans. Democratic pollster Ron Lester stresses that populations in northeastern states dropped overall but says he doesn’t expect that to have much political impact.</p>
<p>“The loss has been spread around,” Lester says. “It’s a lot of college-educated voters who are leaving.”</p>
<p>Lester also questions the notion that population declines in northern states will benefit Republicans in that region or nationally. “In places like New York, I don’t think that’s going to them help pick up a seat in Congress,” he says. “I think that right now, you have [43] members of the Congressional Black Caucus. When redistricting is over, you’ll have the same number.”</p>
<p>In the historically black District of Columbia, the African-American population decreased by 11.5 percent between 2000 and 2010. In contrast, the black population in nearby Charles County in Maryland doubled as African-Americans departed the District.</p>
<p>David Bositis, senior research associate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, D.C., doesn’t expect the black population decrease to have a huge impact on the city’s political scene.</p>
<p>“By and large, white voters have almost always had a major say in D.C. politics, so the fact that D.C. is becoming less black isn’t really changing the politics,” Bositis says. “The exception is Marion Barry. He was the only politician in D.C. who was able to win without white support.” The former mayor is a City Council member.</p>
<p>Nationally, black movement away from cities will eventually give minorities more political clout in areas where they settle, Bositis says. He adds, though, that this phenomenon will take time because the black and Latino population is on average younger than the white population.</p>
<p>“Certainly in the future, it’s going to represent an advantage but not immediately because younger people are not as politically active as older people are, and the white population is getting quite old,” he says.</p>
| false | 3 |
nadra kareem nittle americas wire africanamericans clustered heavily urban areas terms black inner city came used almost synonymously according 2010 us census results longer holds true blacks means vanished cities unprecedented numbers headed suburbs left big cities north headed south legislative districts redrawn nonpartisan groups political parties watching unexpected migration affect local state elections moreover redistricting experts say black exodus cities detroit cleveland philadelphia contributed placing michigan ohio pennsylvania among 10 states lose congressional seats reapportionment census republican governors 29 states gop greater influence redistricting democrats unclear whether migration africanamerican voters change number congressional districts black candidates win rob richie executive director fairvote based takoma park md notes republicans often join civil rights leaders supporting africanamerican legislative districts rather creating politically diverse districts black vote could decide close electionsrepublicans political interest concentrating africanamerican vote richie says blacks concentrated cant votes many districts tradeoff experts redistricting foresee multicultural coalitions emerging formerly allblack communities people color eventually gaining political clout suburbs exurbs california independent citizens redistricting commission carve states electoral districts first time voters authorized nonpartisan board legislators delineate districts passing voters first act proposition 11 2008 ensure new districts dont dilute black voting power grassroots organizations mobilized present commission recommendations keeping communities color intact new district lines must drawn aug 15 2000 2010 black population los angeles county dropped 98 percent 87 percent according census findings alameda county includes oakland san francisco bay areas drop 149 percent 126 percent erica teasley linnick coordinator african american redistricting collaborative los angeles doesnt view black migration californias urban cores threat black voting power africanamericans leave california cities says latinos asians similar political interests usually replace los angeles youve coalitions coming together vote tom bradley citys first black mayor mayor antonio villaraigosa says teasley linnick also notes blacks moved los angeles gained political representation citys outlying areas instance wilmer amina carter black woman represented states 62nd assembly district inland empire region bordering metropolitan los angeles since 2006 marqueece harrisdawson president ceo community coalition social economic advocacy group south los angeles agrees black flight city undercut africanamerican voting power happening 20year period says dramatic change significant enough curtail africanamerican political representation fact experts say republicans california face new challenges underscored census count three million latinos moved california 2000 2010 resulting predictions republicans may lose ground new electoral districts drawn analysts say democrats could gain many five seats state legislature enough form supermajority republicans may gain power blacks departed blacks headed south probably able turn red states blue near future says herb tyson tyson innovative government relations solutions washington dc black migration doesnt help democrats south heavily skewed republican would huge representation africanamericans make difference statewide160 tyson says hand cities atlanta black population large africanamericans relocated throughout nation wont change political landscape atlanta area greatest number blacks country outside new york city years chicago held distinction moreover threefourths 25 counties black population rose past decade south texas black population grew 22 percent part hurricane katrina refugees relocated permanently latino population also growing 42 percent minorities could alter political landscape republicans controlled meanwhile five counties greatest number blacks 10 years agolos angeles county philadelphia county wayne detroit cook chicago kings new york cityall lost africanamericans democratic pollster ron lester stresses populations northeastern states dropped overall says doesnt expect much political impact loss spread around lester says lot collegeeducated voters leaving lester also questions notion population declines northern states benefit republicans region nationally places like new york dont think thats going help pick seat congress says think right 43 members congressional black caucus redistricting youll number historically black district columbia africanamerican population decreased 115 percent 2000 2010 contrast black population nearby charles county maryland doubled africanamericans departed district david bositis senior research associate joint center political economic studies washington dc doesnt expect black population decrease huge impact citys political scene large white voters almost always major say dc politics fact dc becoming less black isnt really changing politics bositis says exception marion barry politician dc able win without white support former mayor city council member nationally black movement away cities eventually give minorities political clout areas settle bositis says adds though phenomenon take time black latino population average younger white population certainly future going represent advantage immediately younger people politically active older people white population getting quite old says
| 710 |
<p>DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — For years the Mlalakua River overflowed with garbage during each heavy rain. Homes would flood with water contaminated by sewage and trash. Even in the dry season, the narrow river had a nasty grayish hue, the product of runoff from the factories situated alongside it, residents and local water experts say.</p>
<p>Some here call the Mlalakua River by a different name: the Coca-Cola River. The nickname comes from the red-brown hue of the water. But it may also reflect the fact that among those factories that line the river’s banks is a Coca-Cola bottling plant, one of three in Tanzania. As the world’s largest beverage retailer and one of its most recognizable brands, Coca-Cola goes to great lengths to protect its image. And a few years ago, someone at the company seems to have realized that being associated with a garbage-filled river was putting the company’s local reputation very much at risk.</p>
<p>So in 2012, Coca-Cola entered into a public-private partnership, or PPP, aimed at cleaning the river. The company — partnering with nearly a dozen government entities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other private companies — would dredge the sludge and garbage from the river, then engage the locals in a plan to keep it clean.</p>
<p>The effort was part of a rising trend toward public-private partnerships, a phenomenon strongly supported with $600 million in new funding by the Obama administration in recent years. Such partnerships, which have evolved over three decades, have dramatically transformed the landscape of environmental and global health projects around the world. PPPs now account for the majority of worldwide funding for a vast array of development projects.</p>
<p>By the accounts of Tanzanian officials, Coca-Cola’s efforts at corporate social responsibility have been genuine, and the Mlalakua River cleanup has succeeded in many practical ways. But there are also currents of criticism about the project — both from local residents and from a number of NGOs that focus on sustainable development.</p>
<p>Critics wonder whether the cleanup was intended to achieve genuine and lasting change or to advance the short-term public relations goals of a multinational corporation.</p>
<p>Indeed, most water experts and residents interviewed by GlobalPost say the Mlalakua River cleanup was inherently flawed. They say that while the river is undeniably cleaner, the project did not address the root causes of the pollution: the absence of a sewer system and trash collection for the communities along the river’s banks.</p>
<p>A more sustainable approach, they say, would have been to engage local government and municipalities to create sewers and waste treatment plants. But that would have been far more expensive and taken more time, and there would have been no guarantee that that approach would have reaped the same public relations benefits for Coca-Cola.</p>
<p>So is the story of the Mlalakua River cleanup more than simply a story about a large corporation being socially responsible? A two-month investigation examines what happens when motives of good will and profit mix.</p>
<p>A team effort</p>
<p>Over the past several years, the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation has contributed $125,000, and its local Tanzanian bottler another $30,000, to clean up the Mlalakua River. Along with contributions from other companies and NGOs, the $740,000 partnership hired a Tanzanian contractor to dredge the garbage and muck using heavy machinery. Teams of community members used shovels to clear the residue that remained, leaving the river free of debris and unlikely to flood.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that the Mlalakua River is cleaner today than it has been in years. But there are few who believe the effort will last: Some of the factories continue to pump their dirty runoff water into the stream, ignoring laws requiring runoff permits and pollution controls.</p>
<p>“Not only the factories,” says Francis Mugisha, a municipal drainage engineer who supervises the project. “Even the people who live in this area are discharging their waste into the water.”</p>
<p>Tania Hamilton, founder of the community NGO Nipe Fagio (Give Me the Broom), which initiated the cleanup, says the government does not have the capacity to regulate.</p>
<p>“I’ve seen medical waste on the beach — vials of blood and syringes,” she says. “There’s no enforcement.”</p>
<p>If previous river cleanups in the area are any indication, the river is likely to be filled with garbage and waste within several years. What’s needed is a sewage system. There isn’t one. What’s also needed is regular trash collection. But many residents opt to throw their trash onto the river’s banks rather than pay for garbage collection.</p>
<p>“It’s one of many interventions that won’t be sustainable,” says Herbert Kashililah, a veteran consultant in Tanzania’s water sector. “You have to find the underlying facts of why the river is polluted.”</p>
<p>But Mugisha says the project is meant to be sustainable. And USAID spokesman Matthew Herrick says Coca-Cola is helping train 200 community members and 100 government officials to manage water, sanitation and hygiene in Tanzania’s Wami-Ruvu river basin.</p>
<p>Residents are doubtful. Esteria Kajuna, a college student who lives along the riverbank, says her roommate has been sick for two weeks with malaria, which they believe was probably caused by mosquitoes that breed in the river’s stagnant water.</p>
<p>“I think it will be dirty again soon, because around here there is no other place for people to throw their garbage,” she says. “They'll be wasting a lot of money if people continue to get sick because they are not mobilizing people to find a better way to throw out their garbage.”</p>
<p>Just downstream, a mother of three points to a pile of fresh garbage strewn along the riverbank behind her home.</p>
<p>“You see here, already there is sewage being dumped right there,” says Khadija Ali, 33. “It won't stay clean. The money for that project should be used to come collect the sewage and dump it somewhere else.”</p>
<p>Khadija Ali, 33, sits with her daughter Asnat Ramadhan, 10, in front of the Mlalakua River in Dar es Salaam, which borders their home. Jacob Kushner/GlobalPost</p>
<p>While some critics question the effectiveness of the Mlalakua River cleanup, still others wonder why that particular river was selected for the project. After all, they say, the Mlalakua is only one of dozens of polluted rivers and streams in and around Dar es Salaam.</p>
<p>“The river has limited strategic value,” says one water consultant who participated in an audit of the Mlalakua River project but requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about its findings. “There are many polluted rivers with a much higher priority for attention. Limited public resources are being focused on this little saltwater creek.”</p>
<p>A ‘reputational risk’</p>
<p>Why did Coca-Cola choose the Mlalakua River rather than a larger river in the area, and why did it opt for a quick high-profile cleanup rather than engage in a broader systematic solution, such as working with the local government to build a sewage system or launch a trash-collection program?</p>
<p>An e-mail from GIZ, the German contractor overseeing the cleanup, contains one possible answer: Because one of Coca-Cola’s three Tanzania bottling facilities is located on the Mlalakua, pollution of the river “creates a reputational risk for local businesses, including Coca-Cola Kwanza, who are wrongly perceived to be polluting the ‘Coca-Cola River,’ as it is locally known.”</p>
<p>Sophie Mueller, who oversees the project for GIZ, says that, in fact, Coca-Cola Kwanza is one of only two companies along the river that have actually implemented water treatment systems and have discharge permits. And a top Coca-Cola Kwanza official says the Tanzanian government has publicly lauded the bottling company.</p>
<p>“The minister of environment actually visited our plant, and he even ... mentioned on national television that there’s one plant that meets all the requirements, and that was the Coca-Cola plant,” says Basil Gadzios, Coca-Cola Kwanza’s managing director.</p>
<p>The bottling plant doesn’t even draw its water from the river, so it has no direct stake in how clean it is. What is at stake is Coca-Cola’s reputation.</p>
<p>“There is a lot of pollution with the river and a lot of contamination, and Coca-Cola is very often still being held responsible for that,” says Mueller — even though it isn’t. “They don’t want people to say, ‘Well, probably it’s Coca-Cola that’s polluting the river.'”</p>
<p>Asked if public relations is one of the principal motivations behind Coca-Cola philanthropy, Gadzios says: “It’s one of many. It’s not the driving thing. It’s not about advertising our brand; we’ve got budgets for that.”</p>
<p>In a statement, Coca-Cola said its community water projects, including the Mlalakua River cleanup, “are selected based on the needs of the community and are a collective decision that involves all stakeholders involved in the project.”</p>
<p>Adds Mueller: “The benefit for the community is at least as big as the one for Coca-Cola to promote that they did something. If they just wanted PR and quick wins without long-term results, they could have done that easier … putting up a big sign announcing that Coke collected garbage from around the plant. By engaging in this partnership … they are trying to ensure that it does have a sustainable outcome.”</p>
<p>Mueller says the Mlalakua River cleanup was a test project for Coca-Cola and the other partners that may lead to more robust cleanups in the future.</p>
<p>Whatever its intentions, whatever it represents, the Mlalakuka River cleanup is one small component of the big new trend in foreign aid that is public-private partnerships.</p>
<p>“There are trends on the continent that are changing, meaning that governments no longer want an aid recipient relationship — they want more partnerships, they want more investments,” said Raja Jandhyala, USAID deputy administrator for Africa, during a July 2012 <a href="http://csis.org/event/fostering-trade-and-investment-africa" type="external">panel</a>.</p>
<p>Over nearly a decade Coca-Cola has invested at least $266 million in partnerships with aid agencies and companies to improve access to water in communities worldwide. One of the first is the Water and Development Alliance (WADA), which began in 2005 as <a href="http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/partnership-with-usaid" type="external">an alliance with USAID</a> to provide clean drinking water to nearly 200,000 people by 2015.</p>
<p>A worker shovels garbage and dirt from a bridge along the Mlalakua River in Dar es Salaam. Jacob Kushner/GlobalPost</p>
<p>In 2009, Coca-Cola launched its Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), with the goal of providing access to clean water to 2 million people by 2015 through projects in each African nation. Help is especially needed in Tanzania, where less than half the population has adequate access to clean water. The Mlalakua River cleanup is one such project.</p>
<p>“Our core expertise is not in cleaning up rivers or making it sustainable,” says Gadzios, Coca-Cola Kwanza’s managing director. “That’s where the [Coca-Cola Africa] Foundation comes in. They actually do the analysis, they see about the sustainability, they engage with local authorities and local municipalities. You as a corporate, you can’t do it yourself.”</p>
<p>In its many public-private partnerships, Coca-Cola collaborates with USAID and works through the framework of what the agency calls Global Development Alliances. The idea is to identify where goals of USAID overlap with goals of the private sector, then develop a program of mutual benefit. In general, Coca-Cola will help fund a given initiative coordinated by USAID and contracted out to private <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/get-grant-or-contract/usaid-implementing-partnerships" type="external">implementing partners</a>.</p>
<p>According to USAID administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah, “USAID's partnership with Coca-Cola showcases the potential of the US government to partner with the private sector to make a long-term impact on pressing global challenges.”</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/global-pulse/tanzania-coke-improves-medical-distributions" type="external">In Tanzania, Coke improves medical distributions&#160;</a></p>
<p>Coca-Cola’s mystery work</p>
<p>The Mlalakua River cleanup is one of at least 468 community partnerships in which Coca-Cola has participated in more than 100 countries around the globe. It is one of six current Coca-Cola partnerships in Tanzania involving USAID, which include providing drinking water in rural schools and protecting water sources from pollutants.</p>
<p>But Coca-Cola and its partners refused to reveal the exact locations of any of these projects during a reporting trip to Tanzania in June. And during 13 days of reporting through the country, no evidence was found of their existence. Rather, one of Coca-Cola’s principal implementing partners, the <a href="http://www.getf.org/our-projects-partnerships/the-coca-cola-company/" type="external">Global Environment and Technology Foundation</a> (GETF), later invited the reporter to attend what appeared to be a staged event scheduled for the week after he was to leave the country.</p>
<p>Some residents of villages in north-central Tanzania, where Coca-Cola’s water-in-schools initiative is supposedly under way, said they would enthusiastically invite the corporation to come try its hand at improving water access there. But none were aware of any initiatives thus far.</p>
<p>“Yes, they should come,” said Nasol Nasoli Omari, chairman of the village of Masagali. “We are waiting.”</p>
<p>No one doubts that Coca-Cola and its partners are implementing these programs, somewhere. But the corporation’s unwillingness to reveal the locations without first organizing a carefully structured visit raises questions about the complications that can arise when many stakeholders become involved — each wanting recognition for, and ownership over, a project.</p>
<p>Are these partnerships truly a collaborative effort between public and private sector entities? Or is the work merely contracted off to a company, much in the way it has always been done? And how is the public able to judge these partnerships if they are kept out of the public eye, their whereabouts hidden from journalists?</p>
<p>Those in Tanzania’s Ministry of Water say Coca-Cola does have a lot to show for its investment in water here.</p>
<p>“Coca-Cola is one of the companies that has shown a very good interest in conservation of the environment [and] working with water user associations,” says Joseph Kakunda, the director of the ministry’s water program coordination unit.</p>
<p>But water experts familiar with Coca-Cola’s work in Tanzania say it takes a lot more than money to fix the country’s complicated, and extensive, water problems.</p>
<p>“They do spend a lot of money,” says Nick Hepworth of Water Witness International, an organization that works to improve the way that rivers, lakes, and aquifers are managed in developing countries. “We’re interested in whether it actually advances water here or not.”</p>
<p>Managing countries’ water</p>
<p>Coca-Cola is not new to Tanzania. The company opened its first bottling plant here in 1952, and it remains the country’s foremost beverage retailer. Globally, Coca-Cola uses 300 independent bottling companies at 850 plants in 200 countries. In 2006 it became the largest corporate consumer of water in the world, according to statistics compiled by JP Morgan. The company has a direct stake in ensuring that the principal ingredient in its products — water — remains available and accessible for decades to come, not only in Tanzania, but around the world.</p>
<p>To that end, since 2012 Coke has <a href="http://assets.coca-colacompany.com/44/d4/e4eb8b6f4682804bdf6ba2ca89b8/2012-2013-gri-report.pdf#page=58" type="external">invested at least $2 million</a>in the <a href="http://www.coca-colacompany.com/promoting-policy-reform-through-the-2030-water-resources-group" type="external">2030 Water Resources Group</a>, a collaboration by the International Finance Corporation (the private arm of the World Bank) and corporations with a stake in water. The group offers to advise countries on how to better manage their water. As early as 2007, Coca-Cola contributed $500,000 toward a <a href="http://assets.coca-colacompany.com/1a/a9/ae0993dc4310a601e32e8b453df2/Tanzania_031808.pdf" type="external">similar partnership</a> with USAID to improve management of water resources in Tanzania.</p>
<p>But watchdogs fear Coca-Cola’s involvement in the 2030 Water Resources Group is merely another way of looking out for its own interests.</p>
<p>“It’s hard to know what influence their interference and advising to the government is having,” says Shayda Naficy, director of the International Water Campaign at the Boston-based watchdog group Corporate Accountability International. “Our concern is that one of the world’s leading development institutions — the World Bank Group — is playing a role in opening doors and in fact driving water privatization,” she said. “Their stated goal is to transform the water sector.”</p>
<p>Already, many in Tanzania’s water sector are questioning whether such an initiative is even necessary. In 2004 Tanzania established a National Water Board that essentially serves this same purpose.</p>
<p>“They are duplicating what’s already been done on the ground,” says Kashililah, the water consultant. “In that case, there’s going to be more confusion than progress. I don’t think the forum is likely to achieve its mission, because it’s way outside the current context in Tanzania.”</p>
<p>Bashir Mrindoko, Tanzania’s permanent secretary for water, defends the involvement of Coca-Cola and the 2030 WRG — at least, insofar as it takes a limited, clearly defined role. “They have to participate — not to advise, not to put them in my board — but to contribute resources.”</p>
<p>Some fear the 2030 WRG intends to sway governments to make decisions about water emphasizing financial and economic metrics rather than operating under the principle that water access should be universal and even free. The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights <a href="http://article31.org/" type="external">states that</a> “everyone has the right to clean and accessible water,” and that “no one shall be deprived of such access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstance.”</p>
<p>But private water companies argue that water is a commodity and a service that, just like any other, comes with an explicit price tag to furnish, clean, and pump to where it’s needed. These companies tend to advocate for privatization of water on the basis that competition by private companies is the best way to ensure revenue can be collected to keep the water flowing.</p>
<p>An inauspicious start</p>
<p>Tanzania is well versed in the concept of water privatization. In 1997 the World Bank gave Tanzania’s government an incentive to quickly divest from parastatal companies, offering to increase its financing to the water sector by 50 percent if the country would quickly privatize. In 2000 the bank convinced Tanzania to privatize the public water company in Dar es Salaam.</p>
<p>The move was a disaster for Tanzania’s most water-needy citizens: A <a href="https://www.actionaid.org.uk/sites/default/files/turningoffthetaps.pdf" type="external">report</a>by Action Aid found that 95 percent of the funds were slated to be spent servicing the wealthiest 20 percent of the population. A private company needs to generate revenue, after all, so it follows that the first people to be serviced would be the ones most able to pay.</p>
<p>The result: “Households that refuse to pay simply face higher water bills and are threatened with disconnection,” the report says. “Even households who do pay are sometimes disconnected, because City Water disconnects whole areas in an attempt to get those with illegal connections to pay up."</p>
<p>Two years after it began, the program abruptly ended.</p>
<p>“Tanzania was one of the big failures that caused the World Bank to pull back on privatization,” Naficy says. "Now, through direct funding of the private sector and advisory initiatives like the 2030 WRG, it's the IFC, the private arm, that's taking that up."</p>
<p>Among the Group’s <a href="http://www.2030wrg.org/about/our-approach/" type="external">stated goals</a> is “catalyzing specific public-private transformations in the water sector.”</p>
<p>Whatever their intentions, private companies like Coca-Cola are realizing they have an enormous stake in water here and in making sure water is sustained for their own use. Coca-Cola and the 2030 WRG are merely the newest voices in a debate over who, ultimately, should wield the most influence over decisions about water in Tanzania: the government or the collective of individuals and private businesses that use it.</p>
<p>“With the WRG 2030 establishing a mutistakeholder advisory body on water resources, you’re talking about a private sector-led entity taking over the role of a publicly mandated entity to do a similar job,” says Hepworth, of Water Witness International. Although when done correctly such partnerships can spur progress, he says, it remains to be seen whether the IFC’s 2030 WRG will advocate for its partner companies, including Coca-Cola, at the expense of the greatest common good for the Tanzanian population.</p>
<p>The 2030 WRG raises fundamental questions about the viability of public-private partnerships and the potential problems that could occur as they continue to replace traditional single-stakeholder initiatives. By their nature, public-private partnerships are forums for mutual gain. But not every cause worth supporting is a cause in which major private companies like Coca-Cola hold a stake.</p>
<p>“It comes back to the values of the organization,” says Gadzios, of Coca-Cola Kwanza. “You might have some organizations that only do things that benefit themselves.” But Coca-Cola, Gadzios says, isn’t one of those.</p>
<p>“If you have the values of a company where they say, ‘It’s not purely about focusing on the brand and what we get, it’s about contributing back to the countries and the communities that we operate in,’ I think that’s ultimately going to motivate our priorities.”</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/global-pulse/across-africa-coke-empowering-women" type="external">Across Africa, Coke is empowering women — to sell Coke products</a></p>
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dar es salaam tanzania years mlalakua river overflowed garbage heavy rain homes would flood water contaminated sewage trash even dry season narrow river nasty grayish hue product runoff factories situated alongside residents local water experts say call mlalakua river different name cocacola river nickname comes redbrown hue water may also reflect fact among factories line rivers banks cocacola bottling plant one three tanzania worlds largest beverage retailer one recognizable brands cocacola goes great lengths protect image years ago someone company seems realized associated garbagefilled river putting companys local reputation much risk 2012 cocacola entered publicprivate partnership ppp aimed cleaning river company partnering nearly dozen government entities nongovernmental organizations ngos private companies would dredge sludge garbage river engage locals plan keep clean effort part rising trend toward publicprivate partnerships phenomenon strongly supported 600 million new funding obama administration recent years partnerships evolved three decades dramatically transformed landscape environmental global health projects around world ppps account majority worldwide funding vast array development projects accounts tanzanian officials cocacolas efforts corporate social responsibility genuine mlalakua river cleanup succeeded many practical ways also currents criticism project local residents number ngos focus sustainable development critics wonder whether cleanup intended achieve genuine lasting change advance shortterm public relations goals multinational corporation indeed water experts residents interviewed globalpost say mlalakua river cleanup inherently flawed say river undeniably cleaner project address root causes pollution absence sewer system trash collection communities along rivers banks sustainable approach say would engage local government municipalities create sewers waste treatment plants would far expensive taken time would guarantee approach would reaped public relations benefits cocacola story mlalakua river cleanup simply story large corporation socially responsible twomonth investigation examines happens motives good profit mix team effort past several years cocacola africa foundation contributed 125000 local tanzanian bottler another 30000 clean mlalakua river along contributions companies ngos 740000 partnership hired tanzanian contractor dredge garbage muck using heavy machinery teams community members used shovels clear residue remained leaving river free debris unlikely flood doubt mlalakua river cleaner today years believe effort last factories continue pump dirty runoff water stream ignoring laws requiring runoff permits pollution controls factories says francis mugisha municipal drainage engineer supervises project even people live area discharging waste water tania hamilton founder community ngo nipe fagio give broom initiated cleanup says government capacity regulate ive seen medical waste beach vials blood syringes says theres enforcement previous river cleanups area indication river likely filled garbage waste within several years whats needed sewage system isnt one whats also needed regular trash collection many residents opt throw trash onto rivers banks rather pay garbage collection one many interventions wont sustainable says herbert kashililah veteran consultant tanzanias water sector find underlying facts river polluted mugisha says project meant sustainable usaid spokesman matthew herrick says cocacola helping train 200 community members 100 government officials manage water sanitation hygiene tanzanias wamiruvu river basin residents doubtful esteria kajuna college student lives along riverbank says roommate sick two weeks malaria believe probably caused mosquitoes breed rivers stagnant water think dirty soon around place people throw garbage says theyll wasting lot money people continue get sick mobilizing people find better way throw garbage downstream mother three points pile fresh garbage strewn along riverbank behind home see already sewage dumped right says khadija ali 33 wont stay clean money project used come collect sewage dump somewhere else khadija ali 33 sits daughter asnat ramadhan 10 front mlalakua river dar es salaam borders home jacob kushnerglobalpost critics question effectiveness mlalakua river cleanup still others wonder particular river selected project say mlalakua one dozens polluted rivers streams around dar es salaam river limited strategic value says one water consultant participated audit mlalakua river project requested anonymity authorized speak findings many polluted rivers much higher priority attention limited public resources focused little saltwater creek reputational risk cocacola choose mlalakua river rather larger river area opt quick highprofile cleanup rather engage broader systematic solution working local government build sewage system launch trashcollection program email giz german contractor overseeing cleanup contains one possible answer one cocacolas three tanzania bottling facilities located mlalakua pollution river creates reputational risk local businesses including cocacola kwanza wrongly perceived polluting cocacola river locally known sophie mueller oversees project giz says fact cocacola kwanza one two companies along river actually implemented water treatment systems discharge permits top cocacola kwanza official says tanzanian government publicly lauded bottling company minister environment actually visited plant even mentioned national television theres one plant meets requirements cocacola plant says basil gadzios cocacola kwanzas managing director bottling plant doesnt even draw water river direct stake clean stake cocacolas reputation lot pollution river lot contamination cocacola often still held responsible says mueller even though isnt dont want people say well probably cocacola thats polluting river asked public relations one principal motivations behind cocacola philanthropy gadzios says one many driving thing advertising brand weve got budgets statement cocacola said community water projects including mlalakua river cleanup selected based needs community collective decision involves stakeholders involved project adds mueller benefit community least big one cocacola promote something wanted pr quick wins without longterm results could done easier putting big sign announcing coke collected garbage around plant engaging partnership trying ensure sustainable outcome mueller says mlalakua river cleanup test project cocacola partners may lead robust cleanups future whatever intentions whatever represents mlalakuka river cleanup one small component big new trend foreign aid publicprivate partnerships trends continent changing meaning governments longer want aid recipient relationship want partnerships want investments said raja jandhyala usaid deputy administrator africa july 2012 panel nearly decade cocacola invested least 266 million partnerships aid agencies companies improve access water communities worldwide one first water development alliance wada began 2005 alliance usaid provide clean drinking water nearly 200000 people 2015 worker shovels garbage dirt bridge along mlalakua river dar es salaam jacob kushnerglobalpost 2009 cocacola launched replenish africa initiative rain goal providing access clean water 2 million people 2015 projects african nation help especially needed tanzania less half population adequate access clean water mlalakua river cleanup one project core expertise cleaning rivers making sustainable says gadzios cocacola kwanzas managing director thats cocacola africa foundation comes actually analysis see sustainability engage local authorities local municipalities corporate cant many publicprivate partnerships cocacola collaborates usaid works framework agency calls global development alliances idea identify goals usaid overlap goals private sector develop program mutual benefit general cocacola help fund given initiative coordinated usaid contracted private implementing partners according usaid administrator dr rajiv shah usaids partnership cocacola showcases potential us government partner private sector make longterm impact pressing global challenges globalpost tanzania coke improves medical distributions160 cocacolas mystery work mlalakua river cleanup one least 468 community partnerships cocacola participated 100 countries around globe one six current cocacola partnerships tanzania involving usaid include providing drinking water rural schools protecting water sources pollutants cocacola partners refused reveal exact locations projects reporting trip tanzania june 13 days reporting country evidence found existence rather one cocacolas principal implementing partners global environment technology foundation getf later invited reporter attend appeared staged event scheduled week leave country residents villages northcentral tanzania cocacolas waterinschools initiative supposedly way said would enthusiastically invite corporation come try hand improving water access none aware initiatives thus far yes come said nasol nasoli omari chairman village masagali waiting one doubts cocacola partners implementing programs somewhere corporations unwillingness reveal locations without first organizing carefully structured visit raises questions complications arise many stakeholders become involved wanting recognition ownership project partnerships truly collaborative effort public private sector entities work merely contracted company much way always done public able judge partnerships kept public eye whereabouts hidden journalists tanzanias ministry water say cocacola lot show investment water cocacola one companies shown good interest conservation environment working water user associations says joseph kakunda director ministrys water program coordination unit water experts familiar cocacolas work tanzania say takes lot money fix countrys complicated extensive water problems spend lot money says nick hepworth water witness international organization works improve way rivers lakes aquifers managed developing countries interested whether actually advances water managing countries water cocacola new tanzania company opened first bottling plant 1952 remains countrys foremost beverage retailer globally cocacola uses 300 independent bottling companies 850 plants 200 countries 2006 became largest corporate consumer water world according statistics compiled jp morgan company direct stake ensuring principal ingredient products water remains available accessible decades come tanzania around world end since 2012 coke invested least 2 millionin 2030 water resources group collaboration international finance corporation private arm world bank corporations stake water group offers advise countries better manage water early 2007 cocacola contributed 500000 toward similar partnership usaid improve management water resources tanzania watchdogs fear cocacolas involvement 2030 water resources group merely another way looking interests hard know influence interference advising government says shayda naficy director international water campaign bostonbased watchdog group corporate accountability international concern one worlds leading development institutions world bank group playing role opening doors fact driving water privatization said stated goal transform water sector already many tanzanias water sector questioning whether initiative even necessary 2004 tanzania established national water board essentially serves purpose duplicating whats already done ground says kashililah water consultant case theres going confusion progress dont think forum likely achieve mission way outside current context tanzania bashir mrindoko tanzanias permanent secretary water defends involvement cocacola 2030 wrg least insofar takes limited clearly defined role participate advise put board contribute resources fear 2030 wrg intends sway governments make decisions water emphasizing financial economic metrics rather operating principle water access universal even free united nations declaration human rights states everyone right clean accessible water one shall deprived access quality water due individual economic circumstance private water companies argue water commodity service like comes explicit price tag furnish clean pump needed companies tend advocate privatization water basis competition private companies best way ensure revenue collected keep water flowing inauspicious start tanzania well versed concept water privatization 1997 world bank gave tanzanias government incentive quickly divest parastatal companies offering increase financing water sector 50 percent country would quickly privatize 2000 bank convinced tanzania privatize public water company dar es salaam move disaster tanzanias waterneedy citizens reportby action aid found 95 percent funds slated spent servicing wealthiest 20 percent population private company needs generate revenue follows first people serviced would ones able pay result households refuse pay simply face higher water bills threatened disconnection report says even households pay sometimes disconnected city water disconnects whole areas attempt get illegal connections pay two years began program abruptly ended tanzania one big failures caused world bank pull back privatization naficy says direct funding private sector advisory initiatives like 2030 wrg ifc private arm thats taking among groups stated goals catalyzing specific publicprivate transformations water sector whatever intentions private companies like cocacola realizing enormous stake water making sure water sustained use cocacola 2030 wrg merely newest voices debate ultimately wield influence decisions water tanzania government collective individuals private businesses use wrg 2030 establishing mutistakeholder advisory body water resources youre talking private sectorled entity taking role publicly mandated entity similar job says hepworth water witness international although done correctly partnerships spur progress says remains seen whether ifcs 2030 wrg advocate partner companies including cocacola expense greatest common good tanzanian population 2030 wrg raises fundamental questions viability publicprivate partnerships potential problems could occur continue replace traditional singlestakeholder initiatives nature publicprivate partnerships forums mutual gain every cause worth supporting cause major private companies like cocacola hold stake comes back values organization says gadzios cocacola kwanza might organizations things benefit cocacola gadzios says isnt one values company say purely focusing brand get contributing back countries communities operate think thats ultimately going motivate priorities globalpost across africa coke empowering women sell coke products
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<p>SACRAMENTO – &#160;California’s ongoing “high-speed rail” project connecting Los Angeles with San Francisco continues to run up against the same, recurring problem since voters gave the plan initial bond funding in a <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_1A,_High-Speed_Rail_Act_(2008)" type="external">2008 statewide initiative</a>. There’s a growing chasm between the promises supporters made to the state’s taxpayers – and reality.</p>
<p>In the latest bombshell, a confidential federal report points to cost overruns of at least 50 percent on the easiest, mountain-less leg of this complex infrastructure undertaking. The Federal Railroad Administration analysis, <a href="http://documents.latimes.com/fra-california-high-speed-train-program-risk-update/" type="external">obtained by the Los Angeles Times last week</a>, detailed a variety of other problems within the state’s rail administration, as well.</p>
<p>For instance, the <a href="http://cchsra.org/" type="external">project</a> already is at least seven years behind schedule in building the first segment, which connects Merced in the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley to Shafter, a small town just north of Bakersfield in the southern part of the valley. That section was supposed to be completed this year, but isn’t slated for completion until 2024.</p>
<p>“The federal document outlines far-reaching management problems: significant delays in environmental planning, lags in processing invoices for federal grants and continuing failures to acquire needed property,” <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-bullet-cost-overruns-20170106-story.html" type="external">according to the Times</a>. Rail officials said the numbers are just projections, but the newspaper described the assessment as “a troubling critique by an agency that has been a stalwart supporter and longtime financier of the nation’s largest infrastructure project.”</p>
<p>There’s a two-fold problem here. The project faces increasing cost overruns – and its supporters continue to rely on funding sources that are far from secure. “In its 2012 draft business plan, the Authority identifies the federal government as by far the largest potential funding source for the program, yet the plan provides few details indicating how the authority expects to secure this money,” explained the <a href="https://www.bsa.ca.gov/reports/summary/2011-504" type="external">California State Auditor in a 2012 follow-up report</a>.</p>
<p>That was a problem during the rail-friendly Obama administration, but is uncertain during a Donald Trump administration. <a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article89666597.html" type="external">Trump has made favorable comments about bullet trains in general</a>, but congressional Republicans generally have been opposed to California’s high-speed-rail project. This recent report has caused some of them to step up their criticism – and <a href="https://denham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/denham-statement-on-latest-report-of-california-high-speed-rail-overruns" type="external">promise oversight hearings and audits</a> – of what <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/california/2017/01/14/lat-federal-report-finds-massive-cost-overruns-californias-high-speed-rail/" type="external">they widely view as a boondoggle</a>.</p>
<p>Rail backers seem to have based their plan on the expectation of federal funding that might never be forthcoming. But that’s not the only area where their promises were unrealistic. Former judge and state <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/16/opinion/la-oe-morrison-kopp-20130416" type="external">Sen. Quentin Kopp</a>, the one-time head of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and co-author of the Proposition 1A initiative that brought the project to life, came out against it. “I want to kill this iteration of it because it betrays the representations to the voters in November 2008,” he told the Times’ Patt Morrison, in a 2013 interview.</p>
<p>A series of lawsuits focused on the disparity between the rail authority’s latest iteration of the project <a href="https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_1A,_High-Speed_Rail_Act_(2008)" type="external">and the promises made to voters in 1A</a> in an attempt to do what Kopp suggested and derail the project. To help make a $9.95 billion project palatable to voters, the rail system’s backers offered guarantees within the wording of the initiative. The rail system would, for instance, go from L.A. to San Francisco in a nonstop trip taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. There would be no government subsidies for the operation of the system. The measure promised private investment, low fares and optimistic ridership projections. <a href="https://reason.org/files/california_high_speed_rail_report.pdf" type="external">Yet the current plan is unlikely to live up to its core promises</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/10/15/high-speed-rail-california-supreme-court-eliminates-hurdle/" type="external">A Sacramento County Superior Court judge in 2013</a> blocked the sale of rail bonds because of those disparities, but the decision was later overruled by an appeals court. Last month, rail officials announced the sale of construction bonds to finance the project, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/12/14/california-board-approves-high-speed-rail-funding-as-new-lawsuit-filed/" type="external">while project opponents filed another lawsuit to stop it</a>. That suit argued that a new rail-related law passed last year to allow bond dollars to be spent on track-electrification also violated the terms of Prop. 1A and amounts to unconstitutional initiative revision that requires another vote of the people. <a href="http://hanfordsentinel.com/news/local/kings-renews-hsr-legal-fight/article_7ed228f5-ced6-5199-aab7-83b6c3585118.html" type="external">There are other legal fights, also</a>.</p>
<p>Rail authorities have made one substantive change after another. <a href="http://www.hsr.ca.gov/About/Business_Plans/Draft_2016_Business_Plan.html" type="external">In its draft business plan released last year</a>, the rail agency announced the train would first be routed to the San Jose area before heading over the formidable Tehachapi Mountains and into the Los Angeles basin. “The High Speed Rail Authority is desperate and wants to lay as much track as possible so that it becomes more difficult to stop the project,” said Board of Equalization Vice President George Runner, at the time.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the agency’s reaction to the <a href="http://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0001" type="external">Federal Railroad Administration</a> document suggests it is going to keep forging ahead, regardless of costs, in the hopes that a funding source will materialize to complete a project estimated at $64 billion before the latest projected cost overruns. Supporters are counting on revenues from the state’s cap-and-trade auctions and state funding to help keep the project moving ahead, <a href="http://uscommonsense.org/research/california-high-speed-rail-construction-funding/" type="external">but it remains far shy of full funding</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-bullet-cost-overruns-20170106-story.html" type="external">But as the Times’ Ralph Vartabedian explained</a>, “(The state) Legislature already has balked at giving the rail authority the ability to borrow against future state revenues, saying it would have to make do with existing allocations. And that was before Gov. Jerry Brown warned … that California’s projected 2017-18 budget shows a $1.6-billion deficit.”</p>
<p>It’s already clear based on the rail authority’s own promises that the final project will not resemble the one promised to voters, especially given that the latest plan features a <a href="http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/CaltrainModernization/BlendedSystem.html" type="external">blended route</a> by which bullet trains share tracks with commuter trains in the Los Angeles and San Francisco regions. The courts thus far have approved this disparity between promises and reality, but the increasingly obvious financial disparities might be the hardest ones for rail backers to overcome.</p>
<p>Steven Greenhut is Western region director for the R Street Institute. Write to him at [email protected].</p>
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sacramento 160californias ongoing highspeed rail project connecting los angeles san francisco continues run recurring problem since voters gave plan initial bond funding 2008 statewide initiative theres growing chasm promises supporters made states taxpayers reality latest bombshell confidential federal report points cost overruns least 50 percent easiest mountainless leg complex infrastructure undertaking federal railroad administration analysis obtained los angeles times last week detailed variety problems within states rail administration well instance project already least seven years behind schedule building first segment connects merced northern part san joaquin valley shafter small town north bakersfield southern part valley section supposed completed year isnt slated completion 2024 federal document outlines farreaching management problems significant delays environmental planning lags processing invoices federal grants continuing failures acquire needed property according times rail officials said numbers projections newspaper described assessment troubling critique agency stalwart supporter longtime financier nations largest infrastructure project theres twofold problem project faces increasing cost overruns supporters continue rely funding sources far secure 2012 draft business plan authority identifies federal government far largest potential funding source program yet plan provides details indicating authority expects secure money explained california state auditor 2012 followup report problem railfriendly obama administration uncertain donald trump administration trump made favorable comments bullet trains general congressional republicans generally opposed californias highspeedrail project recent report caused step criticism promise oversight hearings audits widely view boondoggle rail backers seem based plan expectation federal funding might never forthcoming thats area promises unrealistic former judge state sen quentin kopp onetime head california highspeed rail authority coauthor proposition 1a initiative brought project life came want kill iteration betrays representations voters november 2008 told times patt morrison 2013 interview series lawsuits focused disparity rail authoritys latest iteration project promises made voters 1a attempt kopp suggested derail project help make 995 billion project palatable voters rail systems backers offered guarantees within wording initiative rail system would instance go la san francisco nonstop trip taking 2 hours 40 minutes would government subsidies operation system measure promised private investment low fares optimistic ridership projections yet current plan unlikely live core promises sacramento county superior court judge 2013 blocked sale rail bonds disparities decision later overruled appeals court last month rail officials announced sale construction bonds finance project project opponents filed another lawsuit stop suit argued new railrelated law passed last year allow bond dollars spent trackelectrification also violated terms prop 1a amounts unconstitutional initiative revision requires another vote people legal fights also rail authorities made one substantive change another draft business plan released last year rail agency announced train would first routed san jose area heading formidable tehachapi mountains los angeles basin high speed rail authority desperate wants lay much track possible becomes difficult stop project said board equalization vice president george runner time meanwhile agencys reaction federal railroad administration document suggests going keep forging ahead regardless costs hopes funding source materialize complete project estimated 64 billion latest projected cost overruns supporters counting revenues states capandtrade auctions state funding help keep project moving ahead remains far shy full funding times ralph vartabedian explained state legislature already balked giving rail authority ability borrow future state revenues saying would make existing allocations gov jerry brown warned californias projected 201718 budget shows 16billion deficit already clear based rail authoritys promises final project resemble one promised voters especially given latest plan features blended route bullet trains share tracks commuter trains los angeles san francisco regions courts thus far approved disparity promises reality increasingly obvious financial disparities might hardest ones rail backers overcome steven greenhut western region director r street institute write sgreenhutrstreetorg
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<p>Advocates for human services are worried that Gov. Bruce Rauner is planning to eliminate food stamps for as many as a quarter-million low-income Illinois residents.</p>
<p>And according to some advocates, Illinois Department of Human Services workers report that the state has begun using new administrative measures to throw eligible food stamp recipients off the rolls.</p>
<p>At issue is a large category of recipients in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, called “able-bodied adults without dependents.”&#160; Various estimates put their number as high as 240,000.</p>
<p>Under Clinton-era welfare reform, they were limited to three months of SNAP benefits every three years.&#160; But states with limited job availability could apply for waivers to that restriction, and Illinois has had a waiver since the beginning.</p>
<p>Rauner favored dropping the waiver in previous years, but was talked out of it by moderate voices in his administration, advocates say.&#160; But those moderates have been replaced by staunch reactionaries from the Illinois Policy Institute, who have echoed conservative talking points against people who they believe should be gainfully employed.</p>
<p>“We are going to fight very, very hard to make sure that they continue to use the waiver,” said Diane Doherty of the Illinois Hunger Coalition.</p>
<p>The crazy thing is, food stamps are entirely funded by the federal government.&#160; In a state with chronic budget problems, the program costs Illinois nothing and brings millions of dollars into the state’s economy, helping low-income people stay healthy and boosting spending in grocery stores.</p>
<p>The move “seems to be connected to a right-wing agenda” that is “hostile to maintaining a human services system that actually meets the needs of the vulnerable,” said Fran Tobin of the Alliance for Community Services.</p>
<p>Doherty said the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, has previously urged the Rauner administration to keep the waiver in place. They cited serious problems encountered when IDHS attempted to roll out a new computerized integrated eligibility system – as well as the state’s dead-last rank in timeliness in processing SNAP applications.</p>
<p>In fact, the USDA argued that “Illinois is in no shape to terminate benefits for this many people in a lawful manner,” she said.</p>
<p>If tens of thousands of people are being pushed off food stamps to force them to become self-sufficient, what are their prospects?&#160; Many live in communities with astronomical unemployment rates on the South and West Sides. Many others live in economically troubled downstate areas.</p>
<p>They can’t expect much from the state’s workforce development programs, which are experiencing a “major resource deficit” – made worse by the state’s budget crisis – according to Carrie Thomas, executive director of the Chicago Jobs Council.</p>
<p>IDHS has an employment and training program for SNAP recipients, but it has only about 2,000 slots, she said.&#160; More slots have been available through a federal pilot program, but it’s not being renewed.&#160; Adult education and federal workforce programs currently serve about 100,000, but they are already at full capacity, she said.</p>
<p>“Any way you look at it, there just isn’t an infrastructure in the state to provide services to 200,000 additional people,” Thomas said.&#160; And the state budget crisis “really put a crunch on community-based services,” she added.&#160; “These organizations aren’t in any position to ramp up and do things quickly.” She said the state should renew the waiver and take the time to regenerate the employment services system.</p>
<p>We can look at what happened in Wisconsin, under similar conservative Republican leadership. In 2013 the state mandated compulsory participation in an employment and training program for able-bodied adults without dependents who were getting food stamps.&#160; In the first six months <a href="https://www.hungertaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/HTF_FSET_policy-paper_WEB.pdf" type="external">more than 30,000 lost their benefits</a>, according to the Milwaukee Hunger Task Force.&#160; Of those referred to the employment program, 53 percent lost their benefits, while only 7 percent were placed in jobs.</p>
<p>As the task force put it in a letter urging Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to renew the same waiver Rauner is now considering dropping, <a href="https://www.hungertaskforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Letter-to-Governor-Walker_Apr2016.pdf" type="external">“Unfortunately, mandating work does not create jobs.”</a></p>
<p>Already, IDHS is using administrative processes to cut the food stamps list, Tobin said. “People are getting cancelled not because they’re found ineligible, but because they don’t jump through administrative hoops,” he said.</p>
<p>One point at which this happens is when recipients have to come in to recertify their eligibility. “One of the games they play is to send out letters [scheduling recertification meetings] three days before the appointment,” one IDHS worker told me. “Everybody was missing their appointments.&#160; And if they missed the appointment, they were cancelled.”</p>
<p>In addition, workers in some IDHS offices are being given quotas of SNAP recipients to call and invite to participate in employment training.&#160; If they agree to participate but miss a couple of meetings, they can lose their benefits, Tobin said.</p>
<p>Again, this program is entirely funded by the federal government.&#160; Illinois is already <a href="https://illinoisepi.org/countrysidenonprofit/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ILEPI-Policy-Brief-Donor-State_FINAL.pdf" type="external">one of the last states</a> in the amount of federal income taxes paid by residents that come back to the state.&#160; It makes no sense to throw away federal funding that boosts the state’s economy.</p>
<p>It’s also heartless.&#160; Perhaps, with the new Illinois Policy Institute contingent apparently intent on letting Rauner be Rauner, our governor intends to run for reelection as the second coming of Ebenezer Scrooge.&#160; That’s his prerogative. But Illinois residents – in distressed communities in Chicago and in downstate counties where food stamp use is very high – shouldn’t be the victims of that strategy.</p>
<p>(Update: Meghan Powers, director of communications for the Illinois Department of Human Services, says the department “has never directed employees to make any efforts to reduce SNAP caseloads for eligible individuals and there have been no policy changes regarding this from this administration. Reductions in SNAP caseloads should be due to individuals gaining employment and increased income.&#160;If the department were to be made aware of an employee inappropriately cancelling SNAP cases, we would take immediate administrative action.”)</p>
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advocates human services worried gov bruce rauner planning eliminate food stamps many quartermillion lowincome illinois residents according advocates illinois department human services workers report state begun using new administrative measures throw eligible food stamp recipients rolls issue large category recipients supplemental nutritional assistance program called ablebodied adults without dependents160 various estimates put number high 240000 clintonera welfare reform limited three months snap benefits every three years160 states limited job availability could apply waivers restriction illinois waiver since beginning rauner favored dropping waiver previous years talked moderate voices administration advocates say160 moderates replaced staunch reactionaries illinois policy institute echoed conservative talking points people believe gainfully employed going fight hard make sure continue use waiver said diane doherty illinois hunger coalition crazy thing food stamps entirely funded federal government160 state chronic budget problems program costs illinois nothing brings millions dollars states economy helping lowincome people stay healthy boosting spending grocery stores move seems connected rightwing agenda hostile maintaining human services system actually meets needs vulnerable said fran tobin alliance community services doherty said us department agriculture administers snap previously urged rauner administration keep waiver place cited serious problems encountered idhs attempted roll new computerized integrated eligibility system well states deadlast rank timeliness processing snap applications fact usda argued illinois shape terminate benefits many people lawful manner said tens thousands people pushed food stamps force become selfsufficient prospects160 many live communities astronomical unemployment rates south west sides many others live economically troubled downstate areas cant expect much states workforce development programs experiencing major resource deficit made worse states budget crisis according carrie thomas executive director chicago jobs council idhs employment training program snap recipients 2000 slots said160 slots available federal pilot program renewed160 adult education federal workforce programs currently serve 100000 already full capacity said way look isnt infrastructure state provide services 200000 additional people thomas said160 state budget crisis really put crunch communitybased services added160 organizations arent position ramp things quickly said state renew waiver take time regenerate employment services system look happened wisconsin similar conservative republican leadership 2013 state mandated compulsory participation employment training program ablebodied adults without dependents getting food stamps160 first six months 30000 lost benefits according milwaukee hunger task force160 referred employment program 53 percent lost benefits 7 percent placed jobs task force put letter urging wisconsin gov scott walker renew waiver rauner considering dropping unfortunately mandating work create jobs already idhs using administrative processes cut food stamps list tobin said people getting cancelled theyre found ineligible dont jump administrative hoops said one point happens recipients come recertify eligibility one games play send letters scheduling recertification meetings three days appointment one idhs worker told everybody missing appointments160 missed appointment cancelled addition workers idhs offices given quotas snap recipients call invite participate employment training160 agree participate miss couple meetings lose benefits tobin said program entirely funded federal government160 illinois already one last states amount federal income taxes paid residents come back state160 makes sense throw away federal funding boosts states economy also heartless160 perhaps new illinois policy institute contingent apparently intent letting rauner rauner governor intends run reelection second coming ebenezer scrooge160 thats prerogative illinois residents distressed communities chicago downstate counties food stamp use high shouldnt victims strategy update meghan powers director communications illinois department human services says department never directed employees make efforts reduce snap caseloads eligible individuals policy changes regarding administration reductions snap caseloads due individuals gaining employment increased income160if department made aware employee inappropriately cancelling snap cases would take immediate administrative action
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<p>Mayoral pep talk</p>
<p>In early December, principals on probation complained that they were summoned to a gathering at the Chicago Cultural Center with only a few days notice.</p>
<p>The event brought the principals together with central office staff, external partners, probation managers and Mayor Richard M. Daley.</p>
<p>“On Dec. 3, I got an invitation, which was more like a summons, to show up at this thing on Dec. 6 and 7,” complained one principal. “Talk about giving people enough notice: If you had something planned that weekend, you’d just have to cancel. And once you got there, you had to sign in and sign out as if they were afraid you were going to slip out.”</p>
<p>Still, principals were able to meet their probation managers, and some schools without approved external partners got a chance to shop for one.</p>
<p>Susan Milojevic, principal at Riis Elementary on the Near West Side, selected two candidates. As the holiday break drew near, however, only one had invited her for a visit. “The other group said they’d call to present themselves to our faculty, but I haven’t heard from them,” she reported then.</p>
<p>But by Dec. 27, Riis had been paired with Northeastern Illinois University. Riis has long had other external partners, including the Comer School Development Program and the Executive Service Corps., but Milojevic says the board insisted on an “academic type.”</p>
<p>By Jan. 15, all but three of the 109 schools on probation had external partners.</p>
<p>Commotion over orders</p>
<p>On Dec. 6, principals were told they had to write and submit a corrective action plan for their schools by Jan. 13.</p>
<p>Many principals took that to mean they had to rewrite their school improvement plans. “If we’re writing a 50-page document, we can’t possibly get it done,” said one. Added another: “We’ll get it done, but the ink won’t be dry by the 13th.”</p>
<p>As it turned out, the Office of Accountability had something else in mind. “We asked schools to look at their own assessments and the recommendations made by the assessment teams that visited them in November, and change the things that could be changed quickly without disrupting their educational program,” says Intervention Director Philip Hansen.</p>
<p>The “real work” for schools will come in February through April, when schools will write their school improvement plans for the 1997-98 school year, he adds.</p>
<p>By the end of December, schools appeared to be clear on what they were supposed to do, according to Hansen. Even so, only 25 made the deadline, and the rest were granted an extension to Jan. 21.</p>
<p>Workshops to the rescue</p>
<p>Both the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association and the Local School Council Summit Coalition, comprised of a number of reform groups, conducted probation workshops.</p>
<p>Anna Correa, former Stockton Elementary principal who is now on staff at the administrators’ group, reports that many principals didn’t receive their assessment reports until mid-December and were frantic.</p>
<p>“Some of them were freaking out,” she says, so the association put together four workshops on corrective action plans and related topics, like teacher evaluations. The Office of Accountability was on hand to assist schools with individual plans, telling them whether they were going in the right direction or needed to make changes.</p>
<p>Says Correa, “They liked that it was a neutral setting and that they could get help as well as network with colleagues and share experiences.”</p>
<p>The association plans to hold another workshop on Feb. 19 at the Union League Club. For more information, call the association at (312) 263-7767.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the Local School Council Summit Coalition held three daylong workshops for local school councils of schools on probation. The group includes the Chicago Association of Local School Councils, Designs for Change, the Lawyers’ School Reform Advisory Project, Parents United for Responsible Education (PURE) and the Teachers’ Task Force.</p>
<p>“We talked to a lot of local school council members who didn’t know what was going on, so we held these workshops,” says Robin Scott, a senior policy associate with Designs for Change.</p>
<p>Additional workshops have been scheduled for Feb. 3 and 10. To make a reservation, call Malcolm Vivian, (312) 857-9292.</p>
<p>Bobby Rush steps in</p>
<p>Word is U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush was outraged when he discovered that most of the schools placed on probation and remediation were African-American schools. Thirty-five schools in Rush’s lst Congressional District are either on probation or remediation.</p>
<p>“That represents 25 percent of all the schools in our district,” says Bess Bezrrgan, Rush’s press secretary.</p>
<p>So, the congressman created the Principals Council of the lst Congressional District so that principals could meet and talk about their concerns. On Jan. 13, about a dozen principals and the congressman took those concerns to Chief Executive Officer Paul Vallas.</p>
<p>Bezrrgan says the group told Vallas they were “very upset” about the board using one test to select schools for remediation last year and then switching without notice to another test to select schools for probation this year—”especially since so many of them had been raising their students’ IGAP scores,” says Bezrrgan. (See Catalyst, November 1996.)</p>
<p>“And they also felt that the [school] assessments were unfair and inaccurate,” she says. “For instance, they told him that some teams that visited high schools had elementary school teachers on them.”</p>
<p>Asked what the group intends to go, Bezrrgan answers: “We’re deciding what action to take next.”</p>
<p>Recruiting operations managers</p>
<p>In late January, 18 principals interviewed candidates for school operations manager at their schools.</p>
<p>“All of them have master’s degrees or more,” says Hansen. “Some of them are young, in mid-level positions. Some of them were teachers who went on to business. And many of them were in upper-level management positions, but they wanted to change careers or were downsized by their companies.”</p>
<p>The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, IBM and the Financial Research and Advisory Committee (FRAC) were involved in drawing up job descriptions and recruiting.</p>
<p>The operations managers will be senior administrators at their schools, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $90,000, according to Hansen. He adds that they will not be paid more than their principals and will report to their principals. At one time, Vallas had the reverse arrangement in mind, according to several sources.</p>
<p>“They will assist the principal. The principal is still in charge of the school,” says Hansen.</p>
<p>The operations managers are to deal with maintenance, rehab, lunchrooms, transportation, internal accounts, accounting and other support functions, thus freeing principals to concentrate on teaching and learning.</p>
<p>Probation managers</p>
<p>Seventy-six probation managers have been selected to work with schools on academic probation. The managers will review the schools’ current conditions, help develop modified school improvement plans for the 1997-98 school year and monitor progress in implementing the plans.</p>
<p>Each will work with a probation team consisting of the principal, an external partner, a business manager and a local school council member.</p>
<p>The probation managers include 31 Chicago Public School (CPS) principals, 16 CPS administrators in central or regional offices, 13 external specialists, 12 former CPS administrators and 4 principals of non-public schools.</p>
<p>In addition, at Catalyst press time, a probation manager was being sought for Bethune, which was originally paired with renowned educator Marva Collins. However, Bethune’s principal said the school preferred Barbara Sizemore’s School Achievement Structure Program.</p>
<p>Also, two parochial school principals recruited for probation manager, Bonnie Veth of Santa Maria Addolorata School and Sr. Betty Smigla of St. Mark’s School, resigned, saying the job was too time consuming.</p>
<p>Probation managers will be paid $5,000 to $10,000 and will receive another $10,000 per school for additional resources.</p>
<p>Here are the assignments, with the probation school printed in bold. Some schools have more than one manager.</p>
<p>Current principals</p>
<p>Thomas Avery of Carnegie, Fiske; Ethel Collier of Burnside, Carver Middle; James Cosme of Otis, Byford; Joan Crisler of Dixon,Tilton and Chalmers; Irene DaMota of Whittier, Morse; Cydney Fields of Ray, Penn; Linda Ford of Brownell, Roque de DuPrey; Albert Foster of Metcalfe, Kohn; Fannie Gibson of Mays, Sherman; Betty Green of Herzl, Parkman; Elaine Hall of J. Robinson, Einstein.</p>
<p>Deborah Hammond of Poe, Sumner; John Hawkins of Woodson South, Donoghue; Eva Helwing of Inter-American, Jungman; Mahalia Hines of Hope, Attucks; Mary Hudson of Grissom, Overton; Johnetta James of Kilmer, McCorkle; Margaret Lalley of Dawes, McNair and Hensen; Sandra Lewis of H. Washington, Ross; Madeleine Maraldi of Irving, McAuliffe; Karen Morris of Saucedo, Cather; James Murray of Joplin, Yale.</p>
<p>Lillian Nash of Goldblatt, Grant; Mary Ann Pollett of Montefiore, Suder; Marcey Reyes of Seward, Cardenas; Reynes Reyes of Brentano, Morton; Victor Tochwish of Bright, Raymond; Domingo Trujillo of Whitney, Piccolo; Barbara Valerious of Chicago Ag High, Harlan High; Inez Walton of Morgan, Fuller; Theodore Washington of Randolph, Doolittle Primary.</p>
<p>Current CPS administrators</p>
<p>Carlos Azcoita, director of school and community relations, Farragut High and Hammond Elementary; Clifford Burgess, director of the Chicago Systemic Initiative, Byrd and Von Humboldt; Powhatan Collins, officer of high school restructuring, Richards and Tilden high schools; Audrey Cooper-Stanton, regional administrator, Calhoun North and Faraday; Robert Deckinga, a principal mentor in the Office of Accountability, Lathrop and Smyth.</p>
<p>Leonard Dominguez, policy director, Clemente High and Cameron and Layfayette elementary; Lula Ford, head of school leadership development, DuSable High and Colman, Farren, Hartigan and Terrell elementary schools (also, co-manager at McCorkle); John Frantz, director of teacher accountability, Medill Intermediate and Libby; Ascencion Juarez, director of compensation and employee relations, Salazar Bilingual; Andrea Kerr, director of curriculum and instruction, Burke and Williams.</p>
<p>Beverly LaCoste, who served briefly as director of high school restructuring, Collins High; Rudy Lubov, director of literacy programs, Wright; Eva Nickolich, regional officer, Schurz High; Walter Pilditch, principal mentor in the Office of Accountability, Foreman High; Rodolfo Serna, director of school council relations, Juarez High; Lynn St. James, chief education officer, Dunbar High.</p>
<p>External specialists</p>
<p>Donald Anderson, director of local school council training for the University of Illinois at Chicago and a member of design teams for the Total Quality Schools Project of the J. L. Kellogg School of Management, Carver Middle.</p>
<p>Merle Audette, formerly associate superintendent of school operations and associate superintendent of finance and personnel in the Edmonton (Canada) Public Schools, Douglass Middle and Chalmers.</p>
<p>Nathaniel Blackman, consultant and former principal of Cook County Jail School, Carver, Orr and South Shore high schools.</p>
<p>Robert Brazil, director of the Paideia Institute of Hyde Park and former principal of Sullivan High, Calumet and Manley high schools and Carver Elementary.</p>
<p>David Green, senior research scientist at the Institute for Education and Social Policy, New York University and former principal accountability consultant to the Illinois State Board of Education, Chase.</p>
<p>Patricia Kubistal, consultant with the Retired Professional Service Corps, Roosevelt High.</p>
<p>Laura Murray, superintendent of Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District, Corliss High.</p>
<p>Gloria Nowlin, retired high school principal in Rochester, N.Y., where she led a pilot participation in the New Standards Project and helped set up several school-to-work programs, Fenger High and Bass Elementary.</p>
<p>Sharron Oleson, professor of education, Arkansas State University, Nash and L. Ward.</p>
<p>John Porter, senior associate at the National Center on Education and the Economy and former school administrator, Gage Park High.</p>
<p>Barbara Sizemore, dean of the DePaul University School of Education, Near North and Westinghouse high schools. Her School Achievement Structure program is in many other probation schools.</p>
<p>Don Assheton-Smith, retired associate superintendent of the Edmonton (Canada) Public Schools, Senn High and Sherwood Elementary.</p>
<p>Beverly Tunney, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, Medill Primary.</p>
<p>Former CPS administrators</p>
<p>Marjorie Branch, former deputy superintendent, academic support services, Brown and Dodge. Daniel Breen, advisory council member of Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science and former principal of J. Ward, Paderewski.</p>
<p>William Finch, former assistant superintendent for curriculum and former district superintendent, King and Phillips high.</p>
<p>Frank Gardner, former district superintendent and president of the Chicago Board of Education, currently coordinator of the School Success Program at Roosevelt University, Harper High and Henderson.</p>
<p>McNair Grant, Sr., president of the consulting firm I Had a Dream Inc. and former associate superintendent for funded programs, Hirsh and Wells high schools and Fulton and Johns elementary schools.</p>
<p>James Maloney, consultant to the Chicago School Reform Board and former district superintendent and executive deputy superintendent, Kelly High.</p>
<p>Ollie McLemore, assistant director of the School Achievement Structure, DePaul University, and former principal of Beasley Magnet, Howland and Lewis.</p>
<p>Jack Mitchell, director of the Chicago Forum for School Change and former district and field superintendent, Robeson High.</p>
<p>James Moore, member of the Retired Principals Services Corps. and former district superintendent, Bowen High.</p>
<p>Jo Ann Roberts, superintendent of Hazel Crest School District and former deputy superintendent, Riis.</p>
<p>Robert Saddler, former deputy superintendent for school operations and former district superintendent, Crane, Englewood and Marshall high schools.</p>
<p>Bernard Spillman, field director of the School Change and Inquiry Program of the MacArthur Foundation and former assistant superintendent for academic and vocational instructional support, Chase.</p>
<p>Non-public school administrators</p>
<p>Paul Adams of Providence-St. Mel, Austin and Flower high schools; Fr. Robert Carroll of Carmel High School, Amundsen High; Marva Collins of Westside Preparatory School, Beidler, Pope and McNair; Fr. Peter Heidenrich of St. Benedict High, Kelvyn Park High; Patricia Jones, principal of St. Agnes of Bohemia School, Cardenas.</p>
<p>Other:</p>
<p>Consortium to survey schools again</p>
<p>This month, the Consortium on Chicago School Research will conduct a new series of surveys aimed at determining how Chicago’s public schools may have improved over time. All teachers, principals and 6th-, 8th- and 10th-graders will be asked to participate.</p>
<p>The surveys will examine six areas: the organizational structure of the school, human resources, instructional quality, social support for learning, parent involvement and community resources, and student experiences and attitudes towards schooling.</p>
<p>Schools that participate will receive reports showing how their results compare with those for the city as a whole and with those of similar schools.</p>
<p>The Consortium includes researchers from universities, the school system and advocacy groups. For more information, contact Kay Kirkpatrick at (773) 702-5428.</p>
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mayoral pep talk early december principals probation complained summoned gathering chicago cultural center days notice event brought principals together central office staff external partners probation managers mayor richard daley dec 3 got invitation like summons show thing dec 6 7 complained one principal talk giving people enough notice something planned weekend youd cancel got sign sign afraid going slip still principals able meet probation managers schools without approved external partners got chance shop one susan milojevic principal riis elementary near west side selected two candidates holiday break drew near however one invited visit group said theyd call present faculty havent heard reported dec 27 riis paired northeastern illinois university riis long external partners including comer school development program executive service corps milojevic says board insisted academic type jan 15 three 109 schools probation external partners commotion orders dec 6 principals told write submit corrective action plan schools jan 13 many principals took mean rewrite school improvement plans writing 50page document cant possibly get done said one added another well get done ink wont dry 13th turned office accountability something else mind asked schools look assessments recommendations made assessment teams visited november change things could changed quickly without disrupting educational program says intervention director philip hansen real work schools come february april schools write school improvement plans 199798 school year adds end december schools appeared clear supposed according hansen even 25 made deadline rest granted extension jan 21 workshops rescue chicago principals administrators association local school council summit coalition comprised number reform groups conducted probation workshops anna correa former stockton elementary principal staff administrators group reports many principals didnt receive assessment reports middecember frantic freaking says association put together four workshops corrective action plans related topics like teacher evaluations office accountability hand assist schools individual plans telling whether going right direction needed make changes says correa liked neutral setting could get help well network colleagues share experiences association plans hold another workshop feb 19 union league club information call association 312 2637767 meanwhile local school council summit coalition held three daylong workshops local school councils schools probation group includes chicago association local school councils designs change lawyers school reform advisory project parents united responsible education pure teachers task force talked lot local school council members didnt know going held workshops says robin scott senior policy associate designs change additional workshops scheduled feb 3 10 make reservation call malcolm vivian 312 8579292 bobby rush steps word us rep bobby rush outraged discovered schools placed probation remediation africanamerican schools thirtyfive schools rushs lst congressional district either probation remediation represents 25 percent schools district says bess bezrrgan rushs press secretary congressman created principals council lst congressional district principals could meet talk concerns jan 13 dozen principals congressman took concerns chief executive officer paul vallas bezrrgan says group told vallas upset board using one test select schools remediation last year switching without notice another test select schools probation yearespecially since many raising students igap scores says bezrrgan see catalyst november 1996 also felt school assessments unfair inaccurate says instance told teams visited high schools elementary school teachers asked group intends go bezrrgan answers deciding action take next recruiting operations managers late january 18 principals interviewed candidates school operations manager schools masters degrees says hansen young midlevel positions teachers went business many upperlevel management positions wanted change careers downsized companies chicagoland chamber commerce ibm financial research advisory committee frac involved drawing job descriptions recruiting operations managers senior administrators schools salaries ranging 50000 90000 according hansen adds paid principals report principals one time vallas reverse arrangement mind according several sources assist principal principal still charge school says hansen operations managers deal maintenance rehab lunchrooms transportation internal accounts accounting support functions thus freeing principals concentrate teaching learning probation managers seventysix probation managers selected work schools academic probation managers review schools current conditions help develop modified school improvement plans 199798 school year monitor progress implementing plans work probation team consisting principal external partner business manager local school council member probation managers include 31 chicago public school cps principals 16 cps administrators central regional offices 13 external specialists 12 former cps administrators 4 principals nonpublic schools addition catalyst press time probation manager sought bethune originally paired renowned educator marva collins however bethunes principal said school preferred barbara sizemores school achievement structure program also two parochial school principals recruited probation manager bonnie veth santa maria addolorata school sr betty smigla st marks school resigned saying job time consuming probation managers paid 5000 10000 receive another 10000 per school additional resources assignments probation school printed bold schools one manager current principals thomas avery carnegie fiske ethel collier burnside carver middle james cosme otis byford joan crisler dixontilton chalmers irene damota whittier morse cydney fields ray penn linda ford brownell roque de duprey albert foster metcalfe kohn fannie gibson mays sherman betty green herzl parkman elaine hall j robinson einstein deborah hammond poe sumner john hawkins woodson south donoghue eva helwing interamerican jungman mahalia hines hope attucks mary hudson grissom overton johnetta james kilmer mccorkle margaret lalley dawes mcnair hensen sandra lewis h washington ross madeleine maraldi irving mcauliffe karen morris saucedo cather james murray joplin yale lillian nash goldblatt grant mary ann pollett montefiore suder marcey reyes seward cardenas reynes reyes brentano morton victor tochwish bright raymond domingo trujillo whitney piccolo barbara valerious chicago ag high harlan high inez walton morgan fuller theodore washington randolph doolittle primary current cps administrators carlos azcoita director school community relations farragut high hammond elementary clifford burgess director chicago systemic initiative byrd von humboldt powhatan collins officer high school restructuring richards tilden high schools audrey cooperstanton regional administrator calhoun north faraday robert deckinga principal mentor office accountability lathrop smyth leonard dominguez policy director clemente high cameron layfayette elementary lula ford head school leadership development dusable high colman farren hartigan terrell elementary schools also comanager mccorkle john frantz director teacher accountability medill intermediate libby ascencion juarez director compensation employee relations salazar bilingual andrea kerr director curriculum instruction burke williams beverly lacoste served briefly director high school restructuring collins high rudy lubov director literacy programs wright eva nickolich regional officer schurz high walter pilditch principal mentor office accountability foreman high rodolfo serna director school council relations juarez high lynn st james chief education officer dunbar high external specialists donald anderson director local school council training university illinois chicago member design teams total quality schools project j l kellogg school management carver middle merle audette formerly associate superintendent school operations associate superintendent finance personnel edmonton canada public schools douglass middle chalmers nathaniel blackman consultant former principal cook county jail school carver orr south shore high schools robert brazil director paideia institute hyde park former principal sullivan high calumet manley high schools carver elementary david green senior research scientist institute education social policy new york university former principal accountability consultant illinois state board education chase patricia kubistal consultant retired professional service corps roosevelt high laura murray superintendent homewoodflossmoor community high school district corliss high gloria nowlin retired high school principal rochester ny led pilot participation new standards project helped set several schooltowork programs fenger high bass elementary sharron oleson professor education arkansas state university nash l ward john porter senior associate national center education economy former school administrator gage park high barbara sizemore dean depaul university school education near north westinghouse high schools school achievement structure program many probation schools asshetonsmith retired associate superintendent edmonton canada public schools senn high sherwood elementary beverly tunney president chicago principals administrators association medill primary former cps administrators marjorie branch former deputy superintendent academic support services brown dodge daniel breen advisory council member teachers academy mathematics science former principal j ward paderewski william finch former assistant superintendent curriculum former district superintendent king phillips high frank gardner former district superintendent president chicago board education currently coordinator school success program roosevelt university harper high henderson mcnair grant sr president consulting firm dream inc former associate superintendent funded programs hirsh wells high schools fulton johns elementary schools james maloney consultant chicago school reform board former district superintendent executive deputy superintendent kelly high ollie mclemore assistant director school achievement structure depaul university former principal beasley magnet howland lewis jack mitchell director chicago forum school change former district field superintendent robeson high james moore member retired principals services corps former district superintendent bowen high jo ann roberts superintendent hazel crest school district former deputy superintendent riis robert saddler former deputy superintendent school operations former district superintendent crane englewood marshall high schools bernard spillman field director school change inquiry program macarthur foundation former assistant superintendent academic vocational instructional support chase nonpublic school administrators paul adams providencest mel austin flower high schools fr robert carroll carmel high school amundsen high marva collins westside preparatory school beidler pope mcnair fr peter heidenrich st benedict high kelvyn park high patricia jones principal st agnes bohemia school cardenas consortium survey schools month consortium chicago school research conduct new series surveys aimed determining chicagos public schools may improved time teachers principals 6th 8th 10thgraders asked participate surveys examine six areas organizational structure school human resources instructional quality social support learning parent involvement community resources student experiences attitudes towards schooling schools participate receive reports showing results compare city whole similar schools consortium includes researchers universities school system advocacy groups information contact kay kirkpatrick 773 7025428
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<p>When a person is granted asylum in Sweden, the first order of business: learn the language. &#160;</p>
<p>The small Swedish city of Södertälje is known for being the childhood home of tennis legend Bjorn Borg, and now, as home to many migrants from Syria and Iraq. I spoke with Sevag Yemenyjan outside of a Swedish language classroom. He fled Syria and left everything and everyone behind. I asked how he chose Sweden. &#160;</p>
<p>“Someone told me Sweden is good. They help for school, and help&#160;two years,” said Yemenyjan in somewhat stilted English.</p>
<p>Two years refers to the time period for cash assistance to asylees. During that time, Yemenyjan will&#160;receive close to $54,000 to support himself, his wife, and two daughters. By comparison, if he and his family went to the US as&#160;refugees, they'd&#160;get a <a href="http://www.ascentria.org/frequently-asked-question-about-refugee-resettlement-1" type="external">one-time payment of about $4,000</a>. (There are other forms of non-cash assistance in both countries as well.)</p>
<p>Roughly <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2016/01/28/europe/sweden-migrants-expulsion-numbers/" type="external">&#160;163,000 migrants</a>&#160;applied for asylum in Sweden last year, the highest per capita rate in Europe;&#160;not surprising as the&#160;country has among the most generous social&#160;benefits in the world.</p>
<p>The transition to a new country and culture hasn’t been easy for Yemenyjan, but he says he’s grateful to be in Sweden, except for the winter, that is.</p>
<p>“I don’t go out because it’s very cold,” he says, laughing about his coping strategy.</p>
<p>Yemenyjan&#160;was a jeweler back in Syria. After he&#160;picks up more of the Swedish language, he’ll meet with somebody at <a href="http://www.arbetsformedlingen.se/download/18.749929de128499e60608000697/1401114497081/etablering_engelska.pdf" type="external">Arbetsförmedlingen</a>, the Swedish public employment service, to help him find work.</p>
<p>“The best way to get into society is to meet the Swedish people at work and it’s also the best way to learn the language,” says Fredrik Möller, a senior administrative officer at Arbetsförmedlingen.</p>
<p>But here's the thing: Sweden has a highly-skilled workforce, and it’s tough to place many refugees looking for work.</p>
<p>“For some people it takes a year, for some people it can take 10 years,” says Möller.</p>
<p>The median time:&#160;eight years. Sweden’s generous social system supports them along the way. But increasingly, many Swedes are saying the country can’t afford to keep doing this.</p>
<p>Sweden <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/world/europe/europe-raises-pressure-on-greece-to-tighten-its-borders.html" type="external">tightened its borders</a> this year and may <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35425735" type="external">deport up to 80,000 migrant</a>s. One far right nationalist party, the Sweden Democrats, wants to close the borders entirely to asylum seekers. The party is surging in popularity, from a fringe group to <a href="http://www.thelocal.se/20151201/sweden-democrats-surge-in-new-opinion-poll" type="external">polling at near 20 percent support</a>. &#160;</p>
<p />
<p>Parliamentarian&#160;Markus Wiechel with the Sweden Democrats proposes closing Sweden's borders to asylum seekers and increasing foreign aid to help refugees closer to home.&#160;</p>
<p>Jason Margolis</p>
<p>Parliamentarian Markus Wiechel, the Party spokeperson on migration issues, says beyond the economic strain that migrants place on Swedish society, they also&#160;pose a danger.</p>
<p>“A lot of them are radical Muslims. They’re radicalized here in Sweden because of the tensions in the society, because of the segregation,"&#160;says Wiechel.&#160;"They’ve ended up in radical groups.”&#160;</p>
<p>The Swedish government <a href="http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/22/Up-to-300-Swedes-fighting-with-ISIS-official-.html" type="external">estimates that up to 300 Swedes</a> have travelled to the Middle East to fight with ISIS.</p>
<p>The Sweden Democrats&#160;been labelled as xenophobic and racist. Some of the Party's&#160;founding members were <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/nazi-inspired-anti-immigration-group-becomes-swedens-most-popular-party-10465862.html" type="external">linked to neo-Nazi</a> groups. Wiechel admits the party has had problems in the past, but he says they’ve expelled troubled members and they don’t tolerate racism. And he says the right-wing in Sweden, well, it’s pretty different from the US.</p>
<p>“When I used to live in the US, I was actually active in the Kerry (presidential) campaign of 2004. So I would consider myself a Democrat,” says Wiechel. &#160;</p>
<p>Wiechel says his party supports increasing foreign aid to help refugees stay closer to home. They’d like to stop the flow of migrants seeking asylum, but would&#160;allow in more refugees already vetted by the United Nations. He adds though,&#160;for those refugees who do settle in Sweden, they need to behave Swedish.&#160;</p>
<p>“We have to make them understand that here in Sweden, it’s our values that matter, our way of looking at women, our way of looking at children, etc.,” says Wiechel.</p>
<p>Some Syrian migrants share that attitude.</p>
<p>“I think it must be Swedish schools here in the country, not Syrian, not Muslim, not other things,” says Charbel Samoil, a Syrian refugee&#160;who moved here a couple of years ago.</p>
<p>He met his wife Safa Idrees, who is also Syrian, in a Swedish language class. They’re both Christian, by the way. I asked how long they’ve been married and she fumbled for an answer.</p>
<p>“One year and six or seven months?” she asked.</p>
<p>He corrected her: it’s been a year and five months.</p>
<p />
<p>Syrians Charbel and Safa Idrees met in a Swedish language class and are now expecting their first child together.&#160;</p>
<p>Jason Margolis</p>
<p>The couple is expecting their first child and are building a life here. But both worry that Swedish authorities have lost control of immigrant neighborhoods.</p>
<p>“They have no idea what’s going on in the future, what’s coming. It might happen exactly the same as Paris,” says Idrees.</p>
<p>The couple is stuck: afraid of both new migrants and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in Sweden. Homes of asylum seekers have been set on fire. Last weekend, a gang of perhaps <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35451080" type="external">100 masked men roamed Stockholm’s central train station</a> looking to beat up immigrants. The attacks were said to be in retaliation for the murder of a Swedish woman, allegedly killed&#160;by a teenage refugee.</p>
<p>I met Swedish author <a href="https://twitter.com/segerfeldt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" type="external">Fredrik Segerfeldt</a> at a restaurant in Stockholm&#160;and asked if Swedish society is starting to fray.</p>
<p>“There is this sense in large chunks of Swedish society that something is wrong, that things are falling apart. The thing is, this feeling, this sense is not supported by data. We’re still richer, safer than ever before,” says Segerfeldt. (Many <a href="http://www.thelocal.se/20160201/sex-attacks-and-radical-racism-are-not-the-new-norm-in-sweden" type="external">others have said</a> the international media has blown a few isolated incidents&#160;out of proportion.)</p>
<p>Segerfeldt is a rare libertarian in Sweden. He says his country should allow in more asylum seekers, but&#160;argues that Sweden also needs to create more low-wage, low-skill jobs to get people working. &#160;</p>
<p>“The expenses for the government have become so high, we have almost closed the borders,” says Segerfeldt. “I think we should keep letting people in and give them fewer benefits.”</p>
<p>That’s tough for many to digest here though. Modern Sweden is built on strong wages and generous benefits. And that presents a quandary: Can Sweden preserve its egalitarian values and social safety net, and extend that way of life to many more people displaced by war? &#160;</p>
<p>Editor's&#160;Note: An earlier post of this story had the&#160;incorrect last name for&#160;Charbel Samoil.&#160;</p>
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person granted asylum sweden first order business learn language 160 small swedish city södertälje known childhood home tennis legend bjorn borg home many migrants syria iraq spoke sevag yemenyjan outside swedish language classroom fled syria left everything everyone behind asked chose sweden 160 someone told sweden good help school help160two years said yemenyjan somewhat stilted english two years refers time period cash assistance asylees time yemenyjan will160receive close 54000 support wife two daughters comparison family went us as160refugees theyd160get onetime payment 4000 forms noncash assistance countries well roughly 160163000 migrants160applied asylum sweden last year highest per capita rate europe160not surprising the160country among generous social160benefits world transition new country culture hasnt easy yemenyjan says hes grateful sweden except winter dont go cold says laughing coping strategy yemenyjan160was jeweler back syria he160picks swedish language hell meet somebody arbetsförmedlingen swedish public employment service help find work best way get society meet swedish people work also best way learn language says fredrik möller senior administrative officer arbetsförmedlingen heres thing sweden highlyskilled workforce tough place many refugees looking work people takes year people take 10 years says möller median time160eight years swedens generous social system supports along way increasingly many swedes saying country cant afford keep sweden tightened borders year may deport 80000 migrants one far right nationalist party sweden democrats wants close borders entirely asylum seekers party surging popularity fringe group polling near 20 percent support 160 parliamentarian160markus wiechel sweden democrats proposes closing swedens borders asylum seekers increasing foreign aid help refugees closer home160 jason margolis parliamentarian markus wiechel party spokeperson migration issues says beyond economic strain migrants place swedish society also160pose danger lot radical muslims theyre radicalized sweden tensions society segregation160says wiechel160theyve ended radical groups160 swedish government estimates 300 swedes travelled middle east fight isis sweden democrats160been labelled xenophobic racist partys160founding members linked neonazi groups wiechel admits party problems past says theyve expelled troubled members dont tolerate racism says rightwing sweden well pretty different us used live us actually active kerry presidential campaign 2004 would consider democrat says wiechel 160 wiechel says party supports increasing foreign aid help refugees stay closer home theyd like stop flow migrants seeking asylum would160allow refugees already vetted united nations adds though160for refugees settle sweden need behave swedish160 make understand sweden values matter way looking women way looking children etc says wiechel syrian migrants share attitude think must swedish schools country syrian muslim things says charbel samoil syrian refugee160who moved couple years ago met wife safa idrees also syrian swedish language class theyre christian way asked long theyve married fumbled answer one year six seven months asked corrected year five months syrians charbel safa idrees met swedish language class expecting first child together160 jason margolis couple expecting first child building life worry swedish authorities lost control immigrant neighborhoods idea whats going future whats coming might happen exactly paris says idrees couple stuck afraid new migrants rise antiimmigrant sentiment sweden homes asylum seekers set fire last weekend gang perhaps 100 masked men roamed stockholms central train station looking beat immigrants attacks said retaliation murder swedish woman allegedly killed160by teenage refugee met swedish author fredrik segerfeldt restaurant stockholm160and asked swedish society starting fray sense large chunks swedish society something wrong things falling apart thing feeling sense supported data still richer safer ever says segerfeldt many others said international media blown isolated incidents160out proportion segerfeldt rare libertarian sweden says country allow asylum seekers but160argues sweden also needs create lowwage lowskill jobs get people working 160 expenses government become high almost closed borders says segerfeldt think keep letting people give fewer benefits thats tough many digest though modern sweden built strong wages generous benefits presents quandary sweden preserve egalitarian values social safety net extend way life many people displaced war 160 editors160note earlier post story the160incorrect last name for160charbel samoil160
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<p>May 14, 2012</p>
<p>By Katy Grimes</p>
<p>SACRAMENTO–Setting the stage for the Legislature to pass another phony majority vote budget, Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown presented a bleak picture of the state’s finances today during his <a href="http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/2012-13_May_Revision.pdf" type="external">May Budget Revision</a> conference, and then challenged the press to come up with a better plan.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Despite his repeated claims that he was increasing austerity by calling for higher taxes, cuts to health and welfare programs, as well as a 5 percent furlough cut to state employees, Brown’s budget cuts will still not spare taxpayers.</p>
<p>The governor reported that California’s budget deficit has grown to nearly $16 billion, shockingly higher than the apparent guesstimates of $9 billion in January.</p>
<p>“The <a href="http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/2012-13_May_Revision.pdf" type="external">May Revision</a> is based on the assumed passage of the Governor’s tax initiative,” the <a href="http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/2012-13_May_Revision.pdf" type="external">plan</a>&#160;from the Department of Finance <a href="http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/2012-13_May_Revision.pdf" type="external">said</a>. “The Governor’s proposal “temporarily increases tax rates on the highest income Californians, and temporarily increases the Sales and Use Tax rate by 0.25 percent,” resulting in the anticipated $8.5 billion in additional tax revenue to the state coffers.</p>
<p>And if you believe that the taxes are temporary, I’ve got a bridge to sell you.</p>
<p>“Please increase taxes on the most affluent,” Brown asked. “It’s reasonable and fair.” What is not fair or even reasonable is that the voters have not been participants to the historic spending by the state. The increased spending and budget deficits, according to Brown, has gone on since <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Warren" type="external">Earl Warren</a> was governor (1943-1953). The deficit spending is largely spent on welfare programs, including education welfare give-aways, and on growing state employee pensions.</p>
<p>The revised budget includes a $91.4 billion general fund spending plan, a one-time infusion of funds from the multi-state mortgage abuse settlement with large banks, Brown’s November tax initiative and more cuts.</p>
<p>Total spending in the state budget is $4.6 billion more than Brown’s January budget proposal, leaving many to ask if Brown’s call for more taxes is just to be able to continue increasing state spending.</p>
<p>“The budget is a pretzel palace of complexity.” Brown said.</p>
<p>Brown posted a <a href="" type="internal">youtube</a> video over the weekend and said that the budget he signed last year was an improvement in ending budget deficits. But it still was dramatically unbalanced by $4.6 billion.&#160;“By the time I leave here, California’s budget will be balanced and the state will be back on road to prosperity,” Brown insisted.&#160;“I am a buoyant optimist.”</p>
<p>Last week, the Sacramento Bee <a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/the_state_worker/2012/05/seiu-local-1000-president-says-she-told-jerry-brown-furloughs-are-off-the-t.html" type="external">reported</a> that <a href="http://www.seiu1000.org/your-union/officers.php" type="external">SEIU Local 1000 President Yvonne Walker</a> said she had been in talks with Brown about the revised budget, and refused to agree to state worker furloughs.</p>
<p>Walker published a memo about the upcoming budget revise, as well as her demands for state workers.&#160;“Under the previous governor, our input was not sought, in fact, it was dismissed. Under Gov. Brown, we have a seat at the table,” Walker’s memo stated. “We have offered our own proposals to deal with this crisis.”</p>
<p>Walker specifically recommended cutting private vendor contracts, eliminating the use of retired annuitants and, only if necessary, implementing a four-day, 40-hour work week.</p>
<p>Walker’s recommendations are coincidentally what Brown proposed in his May Revise budget. However, Brown said he will ask state employees to work four days a week, 9.5-hour shifts for a weekly total of 38 hours. This recommendation will undoubtedly be challenged by the state’s labor unions.</p>
<p>The governor said that, if his tax initiative is not approved in November, K-12 schools and community colleges would be cut by $5.5 billion.</p>
<p>“Schools will suffer,” said Brown.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>The University of California and California State University systems would split another $500 million cut–$50 million less than Brown proposed in his January budget.</p>
<p>The one positive cut in Brown’s revised budget is the proposed cuts to Cal Grants, which would result in the imposition of tighter high school graduation requirements and more stringent proof of family income.</p>
<p>California courts are already burdened with a crumbling infrastructure. Brown’s revised budget will make this worse. He proposed cutting $544 million from the state’s trial courts, $300 million from their reserves and $240 million by further delaying court construction.</p>
<p>This is bad news for the overburdened court system, which has already delayed the&#160;construction of several much-needed courthouses, as well as decades of deferred maintenance.</p>
<p>Brown also proposed increasing court employee retirement contributions from 5 percent to 8 percent.</p>
<p>And Brown is asking for another cut to In-Home Supportive Services, and further cuts to Medi-Cal hospitals and nursing homes.</p>
<p>“Tax revenue is up two years in a row, but not enough to satisfy the spending demands of Sacramento Democrats,” retorted Assembly Republicans. “It will be interesting to see if the liberal majority in the Legislature accept the Governor’s cuts, or reject them as they did earlier this year when they blocked the Governor’s health and welfare reforms and grew spending by $1 billion,” wrote Assembly Minority leader Connie Conway, R-Visalia, and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Biggs.</p>
<p>However, there was no acknowledgment by the governor of the steady exodus from California over the last 20 years, resulting in the substantial loss of tax revenues. Four million taxpaying residents have left the state in search of less government intrusion, fewer regulations and lower taxes.</p>
<p>“Our government is not structured to quickly and effectively respond to an economic crisis of this magnitude,” said Sen. Pres. Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento.
”We are so balkanized that the people don’t know who collects the taxes and who provides the services.”</p>
<p>Steinberg also admitted that “the share of corporate income tax paid in California has fallen by nearly half since 1981.&#160;Personal consumption in California has fallen by the largest percentage since 1980,” Steinberg said.</p>
<p>“Amazingly, a year and a half into Brown’s governorship and we still hear nothing of the unemployed,” said California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. “California will continue to face chronic budget deficits because so many people remain out of work; the conversation about revenues should always begin with how to restore jobs. So many people are wondering when Brown will offer plans to make California competitive, so that business will return to this state and bring jobs with them.”</p>
<p>Before the ink was even dry on the Governor’s speech, <a href="http://www.calaborfed.org/index.php/site/page/scrutinize_wasteful_corporate_tax_breaks_before_cutting_vital_services" type="external">California Labor Federation</a> leader Art Pulaski called for a review of corporate tax breaks. <a href="http://www.calaborfed.org/index.php/site/page/scrutinize_wasteful_corporate_tax_breaks_before_cutting_vital_services" type="external">Calling</a> for voters to approve Gov. Brown’s tax initiative in November, Pulaski said, “The state has to eliminate the maze of loopholes, carve-outs and tax-dodges that corporate lobbyists have written into law over the years…”</p>
<p>“It’s high time that our system reflects the interests of middle-class Californians, not the special interests of corporate CEOs and their lobbyists,” Pulaski said. But he said nothing about the special interests of union lobbyists, union attorneys and union politicians.</p>
<p>It is hard not to ask if Brown’s tax increases will force more to exit the state and further deplete California of tax revenues, especially whe California tax increases take hold, and federal tax cuts expire.</p>
<p>One Twitter follower asked, “Is this the perfect storm for financial ruin?”</p>
<p>The elephant in the room looms large: Is California hoping for a bailout? Are we too big to fail? Some say that $5 trillion in new debt under Brown’s turn as governor makes a bailout impossible, leaving only tax and fee increases.</p>
<p>The exodus of 4 million California residents in the last 20 years will continue to rise commensurately with higher taxes, until only state workers and welfare recipients are left.</p>
<p>Brown said the state and the nation has been living beyond its means. “There has to be a balance and a day of reckoning,” Brown said. “This is the day of reckoning…We have to take our medicine.”</p>
<p>“What government does is good,” Brown said. “I did my best.”</p>
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may 14 2012 katy grimes sacramentosetting stage legislature pass another phony majority vote budget democratic gov jerry brown presented bleak picture states finances today may budget revision conference challenged press come better plan despite repeated claims increasing austerity calling higher taxes cuts health welfare programs well 5 percent furlough cut state employees browns budget cuts still spare taxpayers governor reported californias budget deficit grown nearly 16 billion shockingly higher apparent guesstimates 9 billion january may revision based assumed passage governors tax initiative plan160from department finance said governors proposal temporarily increases tax rates highest income californians temporarily increases sales use tax rate 025 percent resulting anticipated 85 billion additional tax revenue state coffers believe taxes temporary ive got bridge sell please increase taxes affluent brown asked reasonable fair fair even reasonable voters participants historic spending state increased spending budget deficits according brown gone since earl warren governor 19431953 deficit spending largely spent welfare programs including education welfare giveaways growing state employee pensions revised budget includes 914 billion general fund spending plan onetime infusion funds multistate mortgage abuse settlement large banks browns november tax initiative cuts total spending state budget 46 billion browns january budget proposal leaving many ask browns call taxes able continue increasing state spending budget pretzel palace complexity brown said brown posted youtube video weekend said budget signed last year improvement ending budget deficits still dramatically unbalanced 46 billion160by time leave californias budget balanced state back road prosperity brown insisted160i buoyant optimist last week sacramento bee reported seiu local 1000 president yvonne walker said talks brown revised budget refused agree state worker furloughs walker published memo upcoming budget revise well demands state workers160under previous governor input sought fact dismissed gov brown seat table walkers memo stated offered proposals deal crisis walker specifically recommended cutting private vendor contracts eliminating use retired annuitants necessary implementing fourday 40hour work week walkers recommendations coincidentally brown proposed may revise budget however brown said ask state employees work four days week 95hour shifts weekly total 38 hours recommendation undoubtedly challenged states labor unions governor said tax initiative approved november k12 schools community colleges would cut 55 billion schools suffer said brown university california california state university systems would split another 500 million cut50 million less brown proposed january budget one positive cut browns revised budget proposed cuts cal grants would result imposition tighter high school graduation requirements stringent proof family income california courts already burdened crumbling infrastructure browns revised budget make worse proposed cutting 544 million states trial courts 300 million reserves 240 million delaying court construction bad news overburdened court system already delayed the160construction several muchneeded courthouses well decades deferred maintenance brown also proposed increasing court employee retirement contributions 5 percent 8 percent brown asking another cut inhome supportive services cuts medical hospitals nursing homes tax revenue two years row enough satisfy spending demands sacramento democrats retorted assembly republicans interesting see liberal majority legislature accept governors cuts reject earlier year blocked governors health welfare reforms grew spending 1 billion wrote assembly minority leader connie conway rvisalia assemblyman jim nielsen rbiggs however acknowledgment governor steady exodus california last 20 years resulting substantial loss tax revenues four million taxpaying residents left state search less government intrusion fewer regulations lower taxes government structured quickly effectively respond economic crisis magnitude said sen pres pro tem darrell steinberg dsacramento balkanized people dont know collects taxes provides services steinberg also admitted share corporate income tax paid california fallen nearly half since 1981160personal consumption california fallen largest percentage since 1980 steinberg said amazingly year half browns governorship still hear nothing unemployed said california republican party chairman tom del beccaro california continue face chronic budget deficits many people remain work conversation revenues always begin restore jobs many people wondering brown offer plans make california competitive business return state bring jobs ink even dry governors speech california labor federation leader art pulaski called review corporate tax breaks calling voters approve gov browns tax initiative november pulaski said state eliminate maze loopholes carveouts taxdodges corporate lobbyists written law years high time system reflects interests middleclass californians special interests corporate ceos lobbyists pulaski said said nothing special interests union lobbyists union attorneys union politicians hard ask browns tax increases force exit state deplete california tax revenues especially whe california tax increases take hold federal tax cuts expire one twitter follower asked perfect storm financial ruin elephant room looms large california hoping bailout big fail say 5 trillion new debt browns turn governor makes bailout impossible leaving tax fee increases exodus 4 million california residents last 20 years continue rise commensurately higher taxes state workers welfare recipients left brown said state nation living beyond means balance day reckoning brown said day reckoningwe take medicine government good brown said best
| 783 |
<p>‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ stars, from left, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill. It marks the big-screen debut of the Wonder Woman character and opens on Friday, March 25. (Photo courtesy Warner Bros.)</p>
<p>The spring film season here gets off to a self-reliant start with the <a href="http://dciff-indie.org" type="external">D.C. Independent Film Festival</a>. The Festival runs March 4-13 at various venues.</p>
<p>Several films directly address the LGBT experience. “Staccato” (part of the Dramatic Impact shorts screening) is a lush return to the world of Merchant Ivory’s adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novels by Irish director Peter McQuinn. “Outsider” (part of the new PoliDocs series) follows the lives of three Palestinian friends living in Tel Aviv during the Israel-Gaza conflict of 2014 as they explore their national and sexual identities. “Mind/Game: the Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw” follows the openly lesbian former WNBA star as she battles depression and works to overcome the stigma of mental illness.</p>
<p>In addition to dozens of narrative and documentary films (all of which are D.C. premieres and some of which are world premieres), the festival includes a series of seminars and masterclasses by industry insiders, a program of shorts by area high school students, a photography exhibit and an interactive session of Going to the Movies, an oral history project.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.reelaffirmations.org" type="external">Reel Affirmations</a>, Washington’s LGBT film series, continues its monthly screenings. On Friday, March 11, there’s “Beautiful Something,” Joseph Graham’s edgy look at four very different men who spend one sublime night roaming the streets of Philadelphia looking for love and sex. On Friday, April 22, the documentary “A Tough Act To Follow” follows the experiences of Sampson McCormick, an openly gay black stand-up comic and writer. The comic will be on hand to answer questions and mingle with the audience after the screening.</p>
<p>In ”All About E,” Elmira, a sexy lesbian Arabic-Australian DJ, is forced to flee Sydney with her gay best friend (and husband of convenience) Matt when she discovers a secret cache of cash. The Australian comedy screens on May 13. The full festival will return to the historic Tivoli Theatre from October 14-16.</p>
<p>From March 31-April 4, Maryland’s state capitol rolls out the red carpet for the <a href="http://annapolisfilmfestival.com" type="external">Annapolis Film Festival</a>. The Festival includes 70 films, along with a variety of showcases, panel discussions, Q&amp;As and special events. The Festival opener is “One More Time,” a witty comedy about an aging crooner played by Christopher Walken.</p>
<p>An LGBT showcase there features several narrative and documentary films. The narrative films include “Those People,” a drama about a love triangle on Manhattan’s gilded Upper East Side, and a special screening of the historic 1961 lesbian drama “The Children’s Hour.” Based on Lillian Hellman’s ground-breaking play, the movie looks at how rumors of forbidden love destroy the love of two school teachers (Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine).</p>
<p>The festival also includes two excellent full-length documentaries. “From This Day Forward” by Sharon Shattuck (who will be in attendance) examines her father’s gender transition and its impact on her family. “Out To Win” is Malcolm Ingram’s portrait of out LGBT athletes.</p>
<p>With its reliable blend of the latest indie and art-house releases, along with retrospectives on Hollywood and global cinema, AFI Silver in downtown Silver Spring is always a reliable destination for LGBT cinephiles. This spring, the series include a salute to the leading men of Hollywood’s golden age and a retrospective on William Cameron Menzies, the designer and director who helped Hollywood make the transition from silent films to talkies. In April, there will be a special look back at the iconic film work of David Bowie.</p>
<p>In addition to these screenings, several LGBT movies will open in wide release this spring. On Friday, March 4, “Eisenstein In Guanajuato,” Peter Greenaway’s exuberant exploration of the famous director’s coming out, will open at the Angelika Pop-Up in Union Market. “Take Me To The River,” opening at the Landmark Theatres on Friday, April 1, explores what happens when a gay California teenager attends a family reunion in Nebraska. Even though “Viva” is set in Cuba, it was the Irish submission for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar. Director Paddy Breathnach tells the emotional story of a hair stylist torn between a career as a drag performer and caring for his conservative father, an ailing retired boxer.</p>
<p>Fans of the delusional aspiring opera diva Florence Foster Jenkins can enjoy two movies inspired by her life this year. The first is called “Marguerite” and will open at the Landmark Bethesda on Friday, March 25. Award-winning French director Xavier Giannoli moves the story to 1920’s Paris. Giannoli focuses on how the would-be diva’s passion for her art drives her husband away. Another version starring Meryl Streep is slated for a summer release.</p>
<p>Friday, March 18 will also be a notable release day. Openings include the military thriller “Eye In The Sky,” starring Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman; the wacky romantic Sally Fields comedy “Hello, My Name Is Doris,” and the romantic sci-fi thriller “Creative Control.”</p>
<p>Look for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” on Friday, March 25. It’s being billed as the follow-up to 2013’s “Man of Steel.”</p>
<p>Finally, <a href="http://dcshorts.com" type="external">D.C. Shorts</a>&#160;gives you the chance to help program this fall’s festival. On May 11 and May 18 at Penn Social (801 E St., N.W.), the LGBT-friendly festival (founded by out filmmaker Jon Gann) will host Take 2, an interactive evening where audiences can cheer for the underdogs (or dogs) that were not chosen for the annual celebration of short films. At the three-minute mark, a light will shine and the audience can shout “take it” to save the film for later consideration or “leave it“ to stop watching any more.&#160; At the end of the evening, one lucky film will be saved and programmed into September’s main festival.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">A Tough Act to Follow</a> <a href="" type="internal">AFI Silver</a> <a href="" type="internal">All About E</a> <a href="" type="internal">Annapolis Film Festival</a> <a href="" type="internal">Batman v Superman</a> <a href="" type="internal">Beautiful Something</a> <a href="" type="internal">Creative Control</a> <a href="" type="internal">D.C. Independent Film Festival</a> <a href="" type="internal">D.C. Shorts</a> <a href="" type="internal">Eisenstein in Guanajuato</a> <a href="" type="internal">Eye in the Sky</a> <a href="" type="internal">Florence Foster Jenkins</a> <a href="" type="internal">From This Day Forward</a> <a href="" type="internal">Hello My Name is Doris</a> <a href="" type="internal">Marguerite</a> <a href="" type="internal">Mind/Game</a> <a href="" type="internal">Out to Win</a> <a href="" type="internal">Outsider</a> <a href="" type="internal">Reel Affirmations</a> <a href="" type="internal">Staccato</a> <a href="" type="internal">Take 2</a> <a href="" type="internal">Take Me To The River</a> <a href="" type="internal">The Children's Hour</a> <a href="" type="internal">those people</a> <a href="" type="internal">VIVA</a></p>
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batman v superman dawn justice stars left ben affleck gal gadot henry cavill marks bigscreen debut wonder woman character opens friday march 25 photo courtesy warner bros spring film season gets selfreliant start dc independent film festival festival runs march 413 various venues several films directly address lgbt experience staccato part dramatic impact shorts screening lush return world merchant ivorys adaptation em forsters classic novels irish director peter mcquinn outsider part new polidocs series follows lives three palestinian friends living tel aviv israelgaza conflict 2014 explore national sexual identities mindgame unquiet journey chamique holdsclaw follows openly lesbian former wnba star battles depression works overcome stigma mental illness addition dozens narrative documentary films dc premieres world premieres festival includes series seminars masterclasses industry insiders program shorts area high school students photography exhibit interactive session going movies oral history project reel affirmations washingtons lgbt film series continues monthly screenings friday march 11 theres beautiful something joseph grahams edgy look four different men spend one sublime night roaming streets philadelphia looking love sex friday april 22 documentary tough act follow follows experiences sampson mccormick openly gay black standup comic writer comic hand answer questions mingle audience screening e elmira sexy lesbian arabicaustralian dj forced flee sydney gay best friend husband convenience matt discovers secret cache cash australian comedy screens may 13 full festival return historic tivoli theatre october 1416 march 31april 4 marylands state capitol rolls red carpet annapolis film festival festival includes 70 films along variety showcases panel discussions qampas special events festival opener one time witty comedy aging crooner played christopher walken lgbt showcase features several narrative documentary films narrative films include people drama love triangle manhattans gilded upper east side special screening historic 1961 lesbian drama childrens hour based lillian hellmans groundbreaking play movie looks rumors forbidden love destroy love two school teachers audrey hepburn shirley maclaine festival also includes two excellent fulllength documentaries day forward sharon shattuck attendance examines fathers gender transition impact family win malcolm ingrams portrait lgbt athletes reliable blend latest indie arthouse releases along retrospectives hollywood global cinema afi silver downtown silver spring always reliable destination lgbt cinephiles spring series include salute leading men hollywoods golden age retrospective william cameron menzies designer director helped hollywood make transition silent films talkies april special look back iconic film work david bowie addition screenings several lgbt movies open wide release spring friday march 4 eisenstein guanajuato peter greenaways exuberant exploration famous directors coming open angelika popup union market take river opening landmark theatres friday april 1 explores happens gay california teenager attends family reunion nebraska even though viva set cuba irish submission best foreign language film oscar director paddy breathnach tells emotional story hair stylist torn career drag performer caring conservative father ailing retired boxer fans delusional aspiring opera diva florence foster jenkins enjoy two movies inspired life year first called marguerite open landmark bethesda friday march 25 awardwinning french director xavier giannoli moves story 1920s paris giannoli focuses wouldbe divas passion art drives husband away another version starring meryl streep slated summer release friday march 18 also notable release day openings include military thriller eye sky starring helen mirren late alan rickman wacky romantic sally fields comedy hello name doris romantic scifi thriller creative control look batman v superman dawn justice friday march 25 billed followup 2013s man steel finally dc shorts160gives chance help program falls festival may 11 may 18 penn social 801 e st nw lgbtfriendly festival founded filmmaker jon gann host take 2 interactive evening audiences cheer underdogs dogs chosen annual celebration short films threeminute mark light shine audience shout take save film later consideration leave stop watching more160 end evening one lucky film saved programmed septembers main festival tough act follow afi silver e annapolis film festival batman v superman beautiful something creative control dc independent film festival dc shorts eisenstein guanajuato eye sky florence foster jenkins day forward hello name doris marguerite mindgame win outsider reel affirmations staccato take 2 take river childrens hour people viva
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<p>The Friday ruling by a Sacramento judge that the California High-Speed Rail Authority was <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-bullet-train-funding-plan-at-odds-with-state-law-judge-rules-20130816,0,4126354.story" type="external">violating the 2008 state law</a> providing funds for the bullet-train project was the first good news that the many foes of the project have had in years.</p>
<p>But what’s not yet appreciated is that the good news was generated by that rarest of Golden State phenomena: a well-crafted state initiative. Proposition 1A — the 2008 measure providing $9.95 billion in state bond funding for initial work on a much-costlier statewide bullet-train system — included several powerful protections for California taxpayers.</p>
<p>Two of those protections were cited by <a href="http://www.sacbar.org/pdfs/saclawyer/nov_dec2003/kenny.html" type="external">Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny</a> in his decision. One held that construction could not begin on any segment until the state had reliably identified financing for the entire 300-mile initial operating segment, which is to link Merced and northern Los Angeles County. The second held that construction could not begin until all necessary environmental clearances had been obtained for the entire initial segment.</p>
<p>Judge Kenny’s failure to order a halt to work being done by the California High-Speed Rail Authority in preparing for construction of the first 30 miles of the rail line in Madera and Fresno counties appeared to offer hope to bullet-train supporters and authority officials. He will hold an as-yet-unscheduled hearing, likely to allow the state to respond to his ruling and to provide assurances that it will comply with financing and permitting requirements.</p>
<p>But it is difficult to see how the authority can offer such assurances — especially by documenting that it has the needed funds for the entire initial operating segment. The $13 billion-plus in total state and federal funds for the project are far short of the $31 billion the authority’s business plan says will be needed to build the 300-mile segment <a href="http://californiastaterailplan.dot.ca.gov/docs/1a6251d7-36ab-4fec-ba8c-00e266dadec7.pdf" type="external">(see the plan here)</a>. Private financing is unavailable because of another powerful Proposition 1A protection: one barring subsidies to investors, even if they are disguised as revenue or ridership guarantees. No investor is eager to partner with the state of California on such a controversial and troubled project without such guarantees.</p>
<p>And so far state officials have only completed environmental reviews for the 27 miles the train is supposed to run between Madera and Fresno. Even if Attorney General Kamala Harris continues to <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/12/another-bullet-train-myth-exposed/" type="external">weaken environmental regulations</a> governing the project, it is difficult to imagine how the rail authority could quickly obtain clearance for more than 270 miles of the bullet-train route. The same delay-and-obstruct legal tricks that NIMBY groups and greenmailing unions and lawyers have used for years are available to bullet-train foes.</p>
<p>But as this legal battle plays out, there is another one on the horizon that looks at least as grim for bullet-train fans. It deals with what is perhaps Prop. 1A’s most important protection — one fought for by former state Sen. <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/aug/12/another-bullet-train-myth-exposed/" type="external">Quentin Kopp</a>, the San Francisco politician who is considered the father of the California bullet-train project but who opposes the present state version.</p>
<p>That is the requirement that when complete, the bullet-train system will allow a passenger to go from downtown Los Angeles to downtown San Francisco in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/13/california-bullet-train-speed_n_1594671.html" type="external">two hours and 40 minutes</a> or less. While state newspapers’ coverage of high-speed rail is dramatically improved over what was seen in 2008, one obvious angle has been ignored. That angle: When Gov. Jerry Brown and rail authority board chairman Dan Richard <a href="http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/new-bullet-train-plan-shaves-30b-cost-15598" type="external">shaved $30 billion</a> off the previous $98 billion price tag for the project by embracing a “blended” system, they essentially gave up on meeting the two hour and 40 minute promise to voters.</p>
<p>A “blended” system in which a high-speed bullet train links San Jose and Palmdale (about 410 miles), with regular rail bringing passengers from San Jose to downtown San Francisco (about 50 miles) and from Palmdale to downtown Los Angeles (about 60 miles), won’t come close to the 160-minute requirement. Even if the trains used on regular rail in the Bay Area and the L.A. area go 90 mph — which is unlikely — that would take up 73 minutes of the 160 minutes. That would mean that on the San Jose-Palmdale link, the train would have to cover 410 miles in 87 minutes — 283 mph.</p>
<p>That’s nearly 100 mph faster than the 187.5 mph (300 kilometers per hour) used to estimate travel time on <a href="http://www.eurail.com/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/ave" type="external">Taiwan’s</a> and <a href="http://www.eurail.com/trains-europe/high-speed-trains/ave" type="external">Spain’s</a> bullet train systems. No rail expert not in the employ of the state has ever said the 2 hours and 40 minute requirement can be met with the “blended” plan. A lawyer for Kings County, which was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that generated Friday’s ruling, said the likely travel time was double the promised number of minutes.</p>
<p>The governor and Richard apparently believed that they could get away with disregarding this key provision of a plainly written law, at least until enough of the bullet train were built that the “we’re-so-close-we-must-finish-it” argument would seem plausible.</p>
<p>But now that Judge Kenny has held that the law’s protections matter on other fronts, the fact that there is no way the project can meet its most fundamental guarantee — that it be a high-speed train linking San Francisco and Los Angeles — seems certain to catch his attention in the next phase of the trial. It will deal with the speed issue, among other matters.</p>
<p>And if Kenny rules as he did Friday — telling the state that it must comply with Prop. 1A — then the bullet-train boondoggle may be dead at last. The rail authority won’t be able to comply with the two hour and 40 minute requirement because it is very close to a physical impossibility — at least unless the governor goes back to the old $98 billion plan that he abandoned because of its enormous cost.</p>
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friday ruling sacramento judge california highspeed rail authority violating 2008 state law providing funds bullettrain project first good news many foes project years whats yet appreciated good news generated rarest golden state phenomena wellcrafted state initiative proposition 1a 2008 measure providing 995 billion state bond funding initial work muchcostlier statewide bullettrain system included several powerful protections california taxpayers two protections cited superior court judge michael kenny decision one held construction could begin segment state reliably identified financing entire 300mile initial operating segment link merced northern los angeles county second held construction could begin necessary environmental clearances obtained entire initial segment judge kennys failure order halt work done california highspeed rail authority preparing construction first 30 miles rail line madera fresno counties appeared offer hope bullettrain supporters authority officials hold asyetunscheduled hearing likely allow state respond ruling provide assurances comply financing permitting requirements difficult see authority offer assurances especially documenting needed funds entire initial operating segment 13 billionplus total state federal funds project far short 31 billion authoritys business plan says needed build 300mile segment see plan private financing unavailable another powerful proposition 1a protection one barring subsidies investors even disguised revenue ridership guarantees investor eager partner state california controversial troubled project without guarantees far state officials completed environmental reviews 27 miles train supposed run madera fresno even attorney general kamala harris continues weaken environmental regulations governing project difficult imagine rail authority could quickly obtain clearance 270 miles bullettrain route delayandobstruct legal tricks nimby groups greenmailing unions lawyers used years available bullettrain foes legal battle plays another one horizon looks least grim bullettrain fans deals perhaps prop 1as important protection one fought former state sen quentin kopp san francisco politician considered father california bullettrain project opposes present state version requirement complete bullettrain system allow passenger go downtown los angeles downtown san francisco two hours 40 minutes less state newspapers coverage highspeed rail dramatically improved seen 2008 one obvious angle ignored angle gov jerry brown rail authority board chairman dan richard shaved 30 billion previous 98 billion price tag project embracing blended system essentially gave meeting two hour 40 minute promise voters blended system highspeed bullet train links san jose palmdale 410 miles regular rail bringing passengers san jose downtown san francisco 50 miles palmdale downtown los angeles 60 miles wont come close 160minute requirement even trains used regular rail bay area la area go 90 mph unlikely would take 73 minutes 160 minutes would mean san josepalmdale link train would cover 410 miles 87 minutes 283 mph thats nearly 100 mph faster 1875 mph 300 kilometers per hour used estimate travel time taiwans spains bullet train systems rail expert employ state ever said 2 hours 40 minute requirement met blended plan lawyer kings county among plaintiffs lawsuit generated fridays ruling said likely travel time double promised number minutes governor richard apparently believed could get away disregarding key provision plainly written law least enough bullet train built weresoclosewemustfinishit argument would seem plausible judge kenny held laws protections matter fronts fact way project meet fundamental guarantee highspeed train linking san francisco los angeles seems certain catch attention next phase trial deal speed issue among matters kenny rules friday telling state must comply prop 1a bullettrain boondoggle may dead last rail authority wont able comply two hour 40 minute requirement close physical impossibility least unless governor goes back old 98 billion plan abandoned enormous cost
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<p>KABUL, Afghanistan - The man sits cross-legged on the floor of his mud house, one of several in a walled compound on the barren outskirts of Kabul, welcoming his visitors with tea, cookies and a wan smile.</p>
<p>There's nothing out here but a few other mud-brick structures, hidden behind walls - no stores, no schools, no toys for the wide-eyed children. Behind them dusty emptiness stretches as far as the eye can see.</p>
<p>This environment isn't what 60-year-old Shadolla envisioned when he decided last year to enroll in the United Nations' voluntary repatriation program, bringing his 20-member extended family back to his native Afghanistan after two decades living in Pakistan.</p>
<p>And as barren as the family's new neighborhood appears, it is extremely fertile ground for Taliban insurgents seeking to regain support in areas lost to the NATO-led international forces.</p>
<p>Thus far, Shadolla said, no Afghan government official has visited his area to check in on the new arrivals.</p>
<p>Asked what he would do if the Taliban came by and offered the family more resources, Shadolla shrugged slightly. Would the family support the insurgents over the government? "For us, they both are the same," he said. "Whoever runs the country, as long as our basic needs are met, we are happy with that." At the moment, Shadolla explained, he considers the U.N.'s refugee agency his "state" because "[it's] taking care of me."</p>
<p>Peter Nicolaus, the Afghanistan country director for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has been trying for years to explain the desperate situation this family represents, but he says even well-meaning officials aren't listening.</p>
<p>"We need to change the perception of the international community," Nicolaus said. "The problem in Afghanistan is not only transition and the war against the Taliban. There is another problem which is the integration of a huge number of people - we are talking more than 10 percent of the population who need targeted international assistance - otherwise they become a risk factor."</p>
<p>They return, like Shadolla did, hoping for a better future. Shadolla explains that while he had a job in Pakistan in a fruit and vegetable market, his family had no permanent shelter. He said the cost of living was high and Afghans were regularly beaten up on the street and harassed by Pakistani police.</p>
<p>So he loaded his family's belongings into a brightly painted Pakistani rental van and drove to the U.N.?s reception facility, called an "encashment center," just outside Afghanistan's capital. After the family received mine-awareness training and vaccinations for the children, they received supplies to build traditional mud-brick houses on land owned by Shadolla's forebears, plus a one-time grant of $120 per person.</p>
<p>The U.N. estimates that it has helped some 5.5 million Afghans return since 2002, mostly from Pakistan and Iran. Returnees now comprise more than 20 percent of the country's total population, more than 30 percent in some areas. An estimated 1.7 million Afghans remain in Pakistan and well over a million in Iran; both governments have intensified efforts to eject all Afghans without legal residence status, which applies to most of them. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have also fled to Europe, where each country has a different policy on sending back illegal Afghan migrants; recent moves by European governments indicate that forced repatriation is likely to become more common.</p>
<p>Shadolla's family now has a home and subsistence rations from the UNHCR. Beyond that, he lamented, "we have nothing. We are the poorest of the poor - . There are no jobs and no security in some parts."</p>
<p>Shadolla does not appear to take politics into account when discussing his disappointment so far with life in Afghanistan, but observers worry families like his pose a latent threat to any military gains by international forces.</p>
<p>What some major partners in Afghanistan reconstruction don't comprehend, said Nicolaus, is that their very efforts to help can be counterproductive. The most irksome example for him is that the European Union will not allow its funds to be used for anything other than building houses.</p>
<p>"I don't want to sound ungrateful," he said, "but I think it's wrong. Europeans have proven very inflexible. I cannot use their money to help the people with other things - water intervention, income-generating intervention." In contrast, Nicolaus explained, the U.S. State Department allows his office to direct its funds where UNHCR believes they are most needed.</p>
<p>A European Commission spokesman, asked about Nicolaus' complains, said that "whenever changes on the ground require amendments of these agreements the Commission has the flexibility to adapt them."</p>
<p>"UNHCR has so far not submitted any formal requests to the EU to modify any of the above activities in its current project," the spokesman said. "A new project is under consideration for implementation in 2012 and, further to building shelters, it includes income generation, water supply, and small infrastructure as targeted activities to be implemented by the UNHCR in Afghanistan."</p>
<p>Nicolaus wants the EU to recognize that returnees need what he calls "shelter plus," not just places to live but ways of life. He says Shadolla is a perfect example. With about $1,200, Nicolaus said, Shadolla could open a shop.</p>
<p>"This problem can be solved," Nicolaus said. "He has been a vegetable trader for 28 years. Give him capital to start and he will make his way." But despite what Nicolaus says have been great efforts on UNHCR's part, Brussels has not agreed to change its policy.</p>
<p>Nor, said Nicolaus, do official delegations who visit Kabul for "fact-finding" purposes ever trek out to the wasteland to see what their money is buying. If they did, Nicolaus said he could show them empty houses just like Shadolla's whose owners have abandoned them in favor of sleeping on the Kabul streets in an effort to find work.</p>
<p>"I would like to feed my family myself," said Shadollah, "without relying permanently on food assistance." He doesn't want to go back to Pakistan, he said, but he won't rule it out if there is no hope of a livelihood or if security risks become greater.</p>
<p>Nicolaus has been working in Afghanistan off and on for decades and is clearly pained by prospects of a legacy like this, which he believes is eminently avoidable.</p>
<p>"If we don't manage to integrate these people," he said, "we force them to leave the country again in order to survive or we press them into illegality, into criminality - the drug trade."</p>
<p>In other words, Nicolaus said, if all the world is willing to give these returnees is a bit of cash and the tools to build mud-brick structures in the middle of nowhere, "we basically build a recruiting base for the Taliban."</p>
<p>Editor's note: This story was updated to include a comment from the European Commission.</p>
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kabul afghanistan man sits crosslegged floor mud house one several walled compound barren outskirts kabul welcoming visitors tea cookies wan smile theres nothing mudbrick structures hidden behind walls stores schools toys wideeyed children behind dusty emptiness stretches far eye see environment isnt 60yearold shadolla envisioned decided last year enroll united nations voluntary repatriation program bringing 20member extended family back native afghanistan two decades living pakistan barren familys new neighborhood appears extremely fertile ground taliban insurgents seeking regain support areas lost natoled international forces thus far shadolla said afghan government official visited area check new arrivals asked would taliban came offered family resources shadolla shrugged slightly would family support insurgents government us said whoever runs country long basic needs met happy moment shadolla explained considers uns refugee agency state taking care peter nicolaus afghanistan country director united nations high commissioner refugees unhcr trying years explain desperate situation family represents says even wellmeaning officials arent listening need change perception international community nicolaus said problem afghanistan transition war taliban another problem integration huge number people talking 10 percent population need targeted international assistance otherwise become risk factor return like shadolla hoping better future shadolla explains job pakistan fruit vegetable market family permanent shelter said cost living high afghans regularly beaten street harassed pakistani police loaded familys belongings brightly painted pakistani rental van drove uns reception facility called encashment center outside afghanistans capital family received mineawareness training vaccinations children received supplies build traditional mudbrick houses land owned shadollas forebears plus onetime grant 120 per person un estimates helped 55 million afghans return since 2002 mostly pakistan iran returnees comprise 20 percent countrys total population 30 percent areas estimated 17 million afghans remain pakistan well million iran governments intensified efforts eject afghans without legal residence status applies hundreds thousands afghans also fled europe country different policy sending back illegal afghan migrants recent moves european governments indicate forced repatriation likely become common shadollas family home subsistence rations unhcr beyond lamented nothing poorest poor jobs security parts shadolla appear take politics account discussing disappointment far life afghanistan observers worry families like pose latent threat military gains international forces major partners afghanistan reconstruction dont comprehend said nicolaus efforts help counterproductive irksome example european union allow funds used anything building houses dont want sound ungrateful said think wrong europeans proven inflexible use money help people things water intervention incomegenerating intervention contrast nicolaus explained us state department allows office direct funds unhcr believes needed european commission spokesman asked nicolaus complains said whenever changes ground require amendments agreements commission flexibility adapt unhcr far submitted formal requests eu modify activities current project spokesman said new project consideration implementation 2012 building shelters includes income generation water supply small infrastructure targeted activities implemented unhcr afghanistan nicolaus wants eu recognize returnees need calls shelter plus places live ways life says shadolla perfect example 1200 nicolaus said shadolla could open shop problem solved nicolaus said vegetable trader 28 years give capital start make way despite nicolaus says great efforts unhcrs part brussels agreed change policy said nicolaus official delegations visit kabul factfinding purposes ever trek wasteland see money buying nicolaus said could show empty houses like shadollas whose owners abandoned favor sleeping kabul streets effort find work would like feed family said shadollah without relying permanently food assistance doesnt want go back pakistan said wont rule hope livelihood security risks become greater nicolaus working afghanistan decades clearly pained prospects legacy like believes eminently avoidable dont manage integrate people said force leave country order survive press illegality criminality drug trade words nicolaus said world willing give returnees bit cash tools build mudbrick structures middle nowhere basically build recruiting base taliban editors note story updated include comment european commission
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<p>Julia’s young daughters run around looking for a plug to recharge the battery for her ankle bracelet. The first one doesn’t work, or the second. What if mom’s monitor goes off? Arany’s face tenses up as she darts toward another wall socket at the far end of the immigration clinic.</p>
<p>“I feel detained. It’s so humiliating,” says Julia, 31, in her native Spanish. Like others who are facing deportation, she preferred we not use her last name.</p>
<p>Julia is Garífuna, an Afro-Caribbean group whose largest community outside of Central America lives in the South Bronx. She fled devastating violence in her homeland. She says that she “would be dead” had she stayed in Trujillo, in Colón, Honduras. She came to the US and is waiting to find out if her request for asylum will be granted.</p>
<p>In the meantime, her every move is monitored by agents of the US government. But it's her job to keep the monitoring bracelet charged.</p>
<p />
<p>Arany, 12, finds a place to charge her mother's ankle bracelet before it alerts immigration officials. Her family is seeking asylum; they say they fled violence in Honduras.</p>
<p>Tiziana Rinaldi</p>
<p>Julia crossed the Rio Grande with her daughters Arany, 12, and Nazary, 10, early this year. She was apprehended by border patrol agents and taken to the Karnes detention center in Texas, where she was interviewed to assess her eligibility for political asylum.</p>
<p>US Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#160;believed she had a reason to be afraid of the <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/inside-pure-hell-violence-women-honduras/" type="external">violence in Honduras</a>&#160;and allowed her to reunite with relatives in the Bronx. But she was still outfitted with an ankle monitor as a condition of her release.</p>
<p>Last summer, California <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2298479-federal-ruling-on-detention-of-immigrants.html" type="external">federal Judge Dolly M. Gee ordered the government to free&#160;immigrant mothers and children</a> held in custody. That led to a spike in the use of monitoring&#160;devices.</p>
<p>Lindsay Harris, a legal fellow with the American Immigration Council, says detained women are often ordered to wear the ankle bracelet when they could have another option: posting bond, often about $1,500.&#160;She says disinformation and ICE’s aggressive pursuit of ankle bracelets undermines the&#160;process.</p>
<p>“This push to ankle monitors usually means that a woman does not get to exercise her right to a bond hearing, even when [relatives] are able to pay,” she says.</p>
<p>Gregoria Flores runs bi-weekly immigration clinics at the Evangelical Garífuna Church in the Mott Heaven neighborhood of the Bronx. She has placed hundreds of families with pro-bono lawyers since she began her work in 2014. She says Garífuna women need more case workers who can explain the devastating violence that they are fleeing.</p>
<p>Many of the women who come to see her have been through domestic or sexual violence, or they’ve been <a href="http://www.cfr.org/transnational-crime/central-americas-violent-northern-triangle/p37286" type="external">threatened by gangs</a>&#160;or <a href="http://www.coha.org/garifuna-communities-of-honduras-resist-corporate-land-grabs/" type="external">governmental land grabs</a>.&#160;Julia and her children were&#160;among <a href="http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/BP%20Southwest%20Border%20Family%20Units%20and%20UAC%20Apps%20-%20Jan.pdf" type="external">24,616</a>&#160;Central American families apprehended at the US-Mexico border from Oct. 2015 through Jan. 2016, according to the US Border Patrol.</p>
<p>Ian Philabaum, a CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project coordinator in Dilley, Texas, estimates that roughly 6,500 of the families served by their pro-bono lawyers were released from the facility there after the federal ruling. ”Over 90 percent leave [with] an ankle monitor now,” he says.</p>
<p>The Garífuna community is well acquainted with these kinds of <a href="https://www.oig.dhs.gov/assets/Mgmt/2015/OIG_15-22_Feb15.pdf" type="external">alternatives to detention</a>, a long-used federal program that was expanded to manage the surge of Central American families in the summer of 2014. But critics say refugees are being unfairly criminalized.&#160;It’s what attorney Harris calls a “flawed interpretation“ of how to comply with the directive to release women and children.</p>
<p>“ICE officers [use] coercion to get the women to accept ankle monitors,” she says. “It’s a tool to get the women out of detention faster and make [ICE’s] numbers look better.”</p>
<p>Khaalid Walls, a spokesperson for ICE, replied to CARA’s findings via email. “The agency is reviewing the claims,” he wrote.&#160;“ICE takes very seriously the health, safety and welfare of those in our care.”</p>
<p>Concerning the number of families released from detention and the increase in the use of alternatives to detention following Judge Gee’s ruling, Walls said the agency continues to take steps to ensure compliance.</p>
<p>“567 [adults] now residing in the New York metropolitan area, [were] enrolled in [alternatives to detention] as of Nov. 2015. Custody determinations are made on a case-by-case basis,”&#160;Walls said.</p>
<p>Women in the Bronx hoping for asylum, however, say that those determinations often continue the persecution.</p>
<p>The Garífuna are descendants of enslaved Africans; the shackles — or grillettes, as they call them —&#160;are “very powerful images,” says Kyle Barron, program manager at the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, a local interfaith organization. “They really connect with their history of subjugation.”</p>
<p>“I felt como una delincuente [like a criminal],” says Sharon, 20, who arrived during the surge in July 2014 and had to wear an ankle monitor for three months.</p>
<p>She was 18&#160;when she began her journey from Trujillo to reunite with relatives in Mott Haven. She brought her six-month-old baby, 7-year-old sister and 10-year-old niece. The electronic shackle gave her a skin infection; Gregoria Flores helped her to see a doctor and get permission to remove it.</p>
<p>At Dilley, Philabaum says many women have to wear monitors for longer times — more than six months in some cases, despite compliance with immigration proceedings. The monitor appears to have supplanted phone check-ins.</p>
<p />
<p>Julia fills out forms at Gregoria Flores' immigration clinic with daughter Nazary. The process can be very complex and many women seeking asylum don't have enough information to properly apply.</p>
<p>Tiziana Rinaldi</p>
<p>Litza, 28, a Garífuna from Santa Rosa de Aguán, Honduras, says even phone supervision has kept her on edge. She arrived in March 2014 and ICE required her to have voice verification calls. Two years later she cannot work and is afraid of being deported if she misses a call. She never applied for asylum, and the deadline has long passed.</p>
<p>“I didn’t know,” she told Flores when they met in February.&#160;Flores told Litza, “ICE only calls to see if you’re still here. They don’t tell you what to do.”</p>
<p>Julia’s first monitor, in the meantime, was giving her electric shocks so she had to have it replaced.</p>
<p>“The new one does the same thing,” she says with a sigh. She does not know the date of her next appointment with immigration officials.</p>
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julias young daughters run around looking plug recharge battery ankle bracelet first one doesnt work second moms monitor goes aranys face tenses darts toward another wall socket far end immigration clinic feel detained humiliating says julia 31 native spanish like others facing deportation preferred use last name julia garífuna afrocaribbean group whose largest community outside central america lives south bronx fled devastating violence homeland says would dead stayed trujillo colón honduras came us waiting find request asylum granted meantime every move monitored agents us government job keep monitoring bracelet charged arany 12 finds place charge mothers ankle bracelet alerts immigration officials family seeking asylum say fled violence honduras tiziana rinaldi julia crossed rio grande daughters arany 12 nazary 10 early year apprehended border patrol agents taken karnes detention center texas interviewed assess eligibility political asylum us immigration customs enforcement160believed reason afraid violence honduras160and allowed reunite relatives bronx still outfitted ankle monitor condition release last summer california federal judge dolly gee ordered government free160immigrant mothers children held custody led spike use monitoring160devices lindsay harris legal fellow american immigration council says detained women often ordered wear ankle bracelet could another option posting bond often 1500160she says disinformation ices aggressive pursuit ankle bracelets undermines the160process push ankle monitors usually means woman get exercise right bond hearing even relatives able pay says gregoria flores runs biweekly immigration clinics evangelical garífuna church mott heaven neighborhood bronx placed hundreds families probono lawyers since began work 2014 says garífuna women need case workers explain devastating violence fleeing many women come see domestic sexual violence theyve threatened gangs160or governmental land grabs160julia children were160among 24616160central american families apprehended usmexico border oct 2015 jan 2016 according us border patrol ian philabaum cara family detention pro bono project coordinator dilley texas estimates roughly 6500 families served probono lawyers released facility federal ruling 90 percent leave ankle monitor says garífuna community well acquainted kinds alternatives detention longused federal program expanded manage surge central american families summer 2014 critics say refugees unfairly criminalized160its attorney harris calls flawed interpretation comply directive release women children ice officers use coercion get women accept ankle monitors says tool get women detention faster make ices numbers look better khaalid walls spokesperson ice replied caras findings via email agency reviewing claims wrote160ice takes seriously health safety welfare care concerning number families released detention increase use alternatives detention following judge gees ruling walls said agency continues take steps ensure compliance 567 adults residing new york metropolitan area enrolled alternatives detention nov 2015 custody determinations made casebycase basis160walls said women bronx hoping asylum however say determinations often continue persecution garífuna descendants enslaved africans shackles grillettes call 160are powerful images says kyle barron program manager new sanctuary coalition new york city local interfaith organization really connect history subjugation felt como una delincuente like criminal says sharon 20 arrived surge july 2014 wear ankle monitor three months 18160when began journey trujillo reunite relatives mott brought sixmonthold baby 7yearold sister 10yearold niece electronic shackle gave skin infection gregoria flores helped see doctor get permission remove dilley philabaum says many women wear monitors longer times six months cases despite compliance immigration proceedings monitor appears supplanted phone checkins julia fills forms gregoria flores immigration clinic daughter nazary process complex many women seeking asylum dont enough information properly apply tiziana rinaldi litza 28 garífuna santa rosa de aguán honduras says even phone supervision kept edge arrived march 2014 ice required voice verification calls two years later work afraid deported misses call never applied asylum deadline long passed didnt know told flores met february160flores told litza ice calls see youre still dont tell julias first monitor meantime giving electric shocks replaced new one thing says sigh know date next appointment immigration officials
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<p>The global statistics on land mines and their effects make sobering reading. According to the United Nations, up to 110 million mines have been laid across more than 70 countries since the 1960s and that between 15,000 and 20,000 people die each year because of them.</p>
<p>Many of the victims are civilians - children, women and the elderly - not soldiers. Thousands more are maimed. Moreover, mines are cheap. The UN estimates that some cost as little as $3 to make and lay in the ground. Yet, removing them can cost more than 50 times that amount. And the removal is not without human cost either. The UN says that one mine clearance specialist is killed, and two injured, for every 5,000 mines cleared.</p>
<p>One of the worst affected countries is Afghanistan, with an estimated 10 million land mines contaminating more than 200 square miles of land. It is something that Massoud Hassani, who grew up in the northern part of Kabul, knows that all too well. "We lived out by the airport, and there's a big desert out there where all different militaries trained," Hassani tells me. "It was a real war zone. They left a lot of explosives, including land mines."</p>
<p>"But, it was our playground," Hassani continues. "When we were kids, we used to make these wind-powered toys, and play with them on this desert full of explosives, and they'd get stuck out there."</p>
<p>Hassani's family left Afghanistan in 1993, moving around different countries before eventually settling in The Netherlands. Hassani tried studying different subjects, but nothing grabbed him. And then, one day, a colleague at a security company noticed him drawing. "I was doing a job just sitting all day long in a building, and I was sketching because I was really bored. And my colleague suggested that I do something creative."</p>
<p>He eventually ended up at the Design Academy in Eindhoven, where his experience of Afghanistan's mine fields would serve as inspiration for a unique device. Whilst looking for ideas for his final project, one of his professors suggested he look to his Afghan roots for inspiration. Hassani says he thought back to that desert north of Kabul filled with land mines, and those small, wind-powered toys that used to skip across it. "My teachers told me to make a link between them," Hassani says. And that is how the Mine Kafon was born.</p>
<p>Explosive conclusion</p>
<p>Hassani has designed and built, by hand, a wind-powered ball that is heavy enough to trip mines as it rolls across the ground. Each $50 device looks like an artwork inspired by a starburst. In the middle of the Kafon is a 17kg (37lb) iron casing surrounded by dozens of radiating bamboo legs that each have a round plastic "foot" at their tip. Inside the ball is a GPS unit to map where it has been — and in theory cleared of mines. Around the iron ball is a suspension mechanism, which allows the entire Kafon to roll over bumps, holes and so forth. In all, it weighs a little more than 80kg (175lb). The idea is that it is light enough to be pushed by the wind, but heavy enough to trip mines. Hassani thinks that humanitarian organizations could take Kafons with them into areas suspected of being mined, and then let the wind do the dangerous work.</p>
<p>"Nowadays people search for mines by hand, and it takes a lot of time," Hassani says. "People walk along, sticking things into the ground. Many are not trained to do it, and there are a lot of accidents." He believes that the mine Kafon could be a safer, and cheaper, alternative. He has spent the last year and a half improving his invention, has also teamed up with the Dutch military and the country's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to test it.</p>
<p>"When we work for the UN we have to prove that an area is 98% clear of mines and fragments," says Henk van der Slik, head of the Dutch EOD unit, who has 23 years of experience in de-mining. "Normally, we use dogs and mine-detectors. Even if a mine has less than one gram of metal, we can find it."</p>
<p>But, he says, that takes a lot of time and costs a lot of money "because you have to dig out every metal part you detect".</p>
<p>"You don't know whether it is actually a mine or not until you excavate it," he says.</p>
<p>As a result, you would think that devices like the Kafon, which in theory can speed up this process or take some of the danger out of the equation, would be seen as a quick and easy win. Unfortunately, the tests did not draw the same conclusion.</p>
<p>"It's not suitable for de-mining activities," was van der Slik's stark analysis. In other words, if the idea is that the Kafon can hit a mine, survive the blast, and then continue to roll on and detonate other mines and eventually clear an area, then van der Slik says it will not work. As it stands, he says, 100g of explosive (the average for antipersonnel mines) stops the Kafon dead it in its tracks right in the middle of a probable mine field, which would make retrieval and repair very dangerous. There are also a couple of other obvious drawbacks. First, you have to have a wind blowing for the Kafon to move. And second, it will only work on fairly flat and open terrain, like a desert. It isn't designed to move in jungles and the like.</p>
<p>Also, van der Slik notes, "when the Kafon is rolling, it would activate trip wires (on fragmentation mines)." If the mine explodes into fragments, he says, it causes "bigger problems", because in subsequent sweeps "every fragment will be detected as a potential mine." In other words, more metal pieces mean more work for the human de-miners who have to prove 98% clearance.</p>
<p>So not a resounding success, for what seemed like a good idea on paper. But van der Slik says not all is not lost; Hassani's mine Kafon could have other uses.</p>
<p>"The aim is maybe when you have an area of potential risk, you don't know if there are mines, and people are afraid to go in, then you can work with this design and when you have a detonation, you know there are mines, because mines are never alone," he says. "Then you can mark the area as a dangerous area. It's a more humanitarian aim, for marking a potential area."</p>
<p>It's an idea that resonates with Hassani who, rather than being disappointed that the tests undermined the original idea for the Kafon, is excited about improving the design so that it can be used in the way van der Slik describes. For example, he tells me, it's clear that he needs to find a way to strengthen the device so that it won't lose as many legs when it explodes. "That's why you do the tests," Hassani says, "to see how it gets damaged."</p>
<p>The Kafon was recently selected as a finalist for the 2012 Design of the Year award at the Design Museum in London. And he says he's working to improve the design of the bamboo-legged device, and is talking with engineers to improve both the form and function of it. He also says he's also working on another, more cylindrical version that could potentially detonate more mines at a time.</p>
<p>Right now, Hassani says, further development of the mine kafon idea is his full-time job. He's actively looking to partner with like-minded organizations, and get enough money to move the project out of the prototype phase and into real field tests.</p>
<p>"If that works," Hassani says, "then we can really ramp up the project."</p>
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global statistics land mines effects make sobering reading according united nations 110 million mines laid across 70 countries since 1960s 15000 20000 people die year many victims civilians children women elderly soldiers thousands maimed moreover mines cheap un estimates cost little 3 make lay ground yet removing cost 50 times amount removal without human cost either un says one mine clearance specialist killed two injured every 5000 mines cleared one worst affected countries afghanistan estimated 10 million land mines contaminating 200 square miles land something massoud hassani grew northern part kabul knows well lived airport theres big desert different militaries trained hassani tells real war zone left lot explosives including land mines playground hassani continues kids used make windpowered toys play desert full explosives theyd get stuck hassanis family left afghanistan 1993 moving around different countries eventually settling netherlands hassani tried studying different subjects nothing grabbed one day colleague security company noticed drawing job sitting day long building sketching really bored colleague suggested something creative eventually ended design academy eindhoven experience afghanistans mine fields would serve inspiration unique device whilst looking ideas final project one professors suggested look afghan roots inspiration hassani says thought back desert north kabul filled land mines small windpowered toys used skip across teachers told make link hassani says mine kafon born explosive conclusion hassani designed built hand windpowered ball heavy enough trip mines rolls across ground 50 device looks like artwork inspired starburst middle kafon 17kg 37lb iron casing surrounded dozens radiating bamboo legs round plastic foot tip inside ball gps unit map theory cleared mines around iron ball suspension mechanism allows entire kafon roll bumps holes forth weighs little 80kg 175lb idea light enough pushed wind heavy enough trip mines hassani thinks humanitarian organizations could take kafons areas suspected mined let wind dangerous work nowadays people search mines hand takes lot time hassani says people walk along sticking things ground many trained lot accidents believes mine kafon could safer cheaper alternative spent last year half improving invention also teamed dutch military countrys explosive ordnance disposal eod unit test work un prove area 98 clear mines fragments says henk van der slik head dutch eod unit 23 years experience demining normally use dogs minedetectors even mine less one gram metal find says takes lot time costs lot money dig every metal part detect dont know whether actually mine excavate says result would think devices like kafon theory speed process take danger equation would seen quick easy win unfortunately tests draw conclusion suitable demining activities van der sliks stark analysis words idea kafon hit mine survive blast continue roll detonate mines eventually clear area van der slik says work stands says 100g explosive average antipersonnel mines stops kafon dead tracks right middle probable mine field would make retrieval repair dangerous also couple obvious drawbacks first wind blowing kafon move second work fairly flat open terrain like desert isnt designed move jungles like also van der slik notes kafon rolling would activate trip wires fragmentation mines mine explodes fragments says causes bigger problems subsequent sweeps every fragment detected potential mine words metal pieces mean work human deminers prove 98 clearance resounding success seemed like good idea paper van der slik says lost hassanis mine kafon could uses aim maybe area potential risk dont know mines people afraid go work design detonation know mines mines never alone says mark area dangerous area humanitarian aim marking potential area idea resonates hassani rather disappointed tests undermined original idea kafon excited improving design used way van der slik describes example tells clear needs find way strengthen device wont lose many legs explodes thats tests hassani says see gets damaged kafon recently selected finalist 2012 design year award design museum london says hes working improve design bamboolegged device talking engineers improve form function also says hes also working another cylindrical version could potentially detonate mines time right hassani says development mine kafon idea fulltime job hes actively looking partner likeminded organizations get enough money move project prototype phase real field tests works hassani says really ramp project
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<p>BEIRUT - One of Lebanon's highest security officials, Wissam al-Hassan, is reported dead in a huge car bomb explosion in central Beirut today.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20006389" type="external">According to the BBC</a>, at least eight people have been confirmed dead in the blast, which happened in Sassine Square, a busy part of the mostly Christian Ashrafiya district in the eastern part of the Lebanese capital.</p>
<p>Dozens more were injured, <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/explosion-rocks-central-beirut-witnesses-120610495.html" type="external">Reuters reported</a>, citing witnesses and security officials.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/syria/121018/iran-turkey-back-call-syria-ceasefire-un-arab-league-0" type="external">Iran, Turkey back call for Syria ceasefire from UN-Arab League envoy</a></p>
<p>Hassan was the target of the attack, a Lebanese police official <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/10/19/large-explosion-heard-in-beirut-black-smoke-rising-from-eastern-part-city/" type="external">told the Associated Press</a>.</p>
<p>The source said he hadn't yet confirmed whether Hassan was hit, but <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/19/us-lebanon-explosion-idUSBRE89I0N620121019" type="external">according to Reuters</a>, at least one Lebanese TV station is reporting that Hassan was among those killed.</p>
<p>He is described as the head of Lebanon's internal security service. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/oct/19/syria-brahimi-ceasefire-plan-damascus-live" type="external">The Guardian said</a> he recently led an investigation into a Lebanese former minister, Michel Samara, who supports Syria President Bashar al-Assad and has been accused of planning terrorist attacks.</p>
<p>The 19-month conflict in neighboring Syria has fueled tensions in Lebanon between supporters and opponents of Assad.</p>
<p>If Hassan's death is confirmed, the Guardian's Middle East correspondent, <a href="https://twitter.com/martinchulov/status/259322672171851776" type="external">Martin Chulov</a>, said it would be "the most dangerous event in Lebanon since assassination of [former Lebanese prime minister] Rafiq Hariri in 2005."</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/lebanon/121003/lebanon-hezbollah-stronghold-hit-explosions" type="external">Hezbollah stronghold hit by explosions</a></p>
<p>Hassan was closely involved in investigating Hariri's death and blamed the murder on Shiite militant group Hezbollah, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/beirut-blast-kills-at-least-8-injures-dozens-in-deadliest-attack-in-years/2012/10/19/5f84a790-19ff-11e2-ad4a-e5a958b60a1e_story.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost" type="external">according to the Washington Post</a>. He remained a close ally of Saad Hariri, Sunni opposition leader, former prime minister and Rafiq's son.</p>
<p>"Wissam al-Hassan was a very important man in Lebanese politics, he was an important man in the great divide splitting the country and he was an important man in the police work that has uncovered many sensitive things," an adviser to Hariri, Mohammed Chatah, told the Post.</p>
<p>GlobalPost correspondent Hugh Macleod said from Beirut that Wissam Hassan is "the ISF official who led the sting operation against one of Bashar Assad's top men in Lebanon, Michel Samaha."</p>
<p>MacLeod continued in an e-mail: "Samaha was considered untouchable until he was arrested in August caught on video bringing bombs into Lebanon. The operation was led by the ISF, which is one of Lebanon's security branches allied with the pro-West anti-Syrian March 14 camp, as opposed to the March 8, Hezbollah-led, pro-Syrian alliance. If Hassan has been assassinated he will join the list of Lebanese officials who dared to investigate Syria's murky role in Lebanon, including Wissam Eid, who found Hezbollah phone records linking their members to killing of Rafik Hariri."</p>
<p>"There is a clear pattern in which anybody who opposes Damascus' malign role in Lebanon, whether through its heavy handed security occupation or its overt meddling in Lebanese politics, is assassinated," he wrote.</p>
<p>The BBC reported that opposition leader Saad Hariri accused Assad of being behind the bombing, a sentiment echoed by Druze leader Walid Jumblatt.</p>
<p>Lebanon's opposition March 14 bloc held Prime Minister Najib Mikati responsible for Hassan's death and called on him to resign, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/19/us-lebanon-explosion-opposition-idUSBRE89I1BM20121019" type="external">according to Reuters</a>.</p>
<p>United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the bombing as a "terrorist act," on Friday. <a href="http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43337&amp;Cr=lebanon&amp;Cr1=syria#.UIG-iBgtvAc" type="external">He said in a statement</a>, "At a time of regional turbulence, it is of the utmost importance that all parties ensure calm and restraint in order to preserve peace and stability in Lebanon."</p>
<p>The White House also condemned the bombing, labeling it a "terrorist attack." US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said, "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today in Beirut that killed Lebanese Internal Security Forces Information Bureau Director Wissam al-Hassan and at least seven others, and wounded dozens more."</p>
<p>"There is no justification for using assassination as a political tool. The United States will stand by the Government of Lebanon and the people of Lebanon as they work to bring those responsible for this barbaric attack to justice and build a future where all Lebanese can live in security and dignity," he continued, <a href="http://live.reuters.com/Event/Deadly_bomb_blast_rocks_Beirut_Lebanon" type="external">according to Reuters</a>.</p>
<p>Today's car bomb blast occurred during rush hour when many parents were picking up their children from school, Reuters said. It was the first "major car bomb attack" in Beirut in four years, according to the BBC.</p>
<p><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/car-bomb-rips-east-beirut-state-run-news-125757839.html;_ylt=A2KJjamsVIFQM0oAAdXQtDMD" type="external">The Associated Press said</a>one of its reporters at the scene saw "bloodied people being helped into ambulances and heavy damage" to nearby buildings.</p>
<p>Watch live video about the bombing here:</p>
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<p>This video posted on YouTube purportedly shows the aftermath of the explosion.&#160;</p>
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<p>[ <a href="http://storify.com/globalpost/tweets-from-beirut" type="external">View the story "Beirut residents express horror at bombing" on Storify</a>]</p>
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beirut one lebanons highest security officials wissam alhassan reported dead huge car bomb explosion central beirut today according bbc least eight people confirmed dead blast happened sassine square busy part mostly christian ashrafiya district eastern part lebanese capital dozens injured reuters reported citing witnesses security officials globalpost160 iran turkey back call syria ceasefire unarab league envoy hassan target attack lebanese police official told associated press source said hadnt yet confirmed whether hassan hit according reuters least one lebanese tv station reporting hassan among killed described head lebanons internal security service guardian said recently led investigation lebanese former minister michel samara supports syria president bashar alassad accused planning terrorist attacks 19month conflict neighboring syria fueled tensions lebanon supporters opponents assad hassans death confirmed guardians middle east correspondent martin chulov said would dangerous event lebanon since assassination former lebanese prime minister rafiq hariri 2005 globalpost hezbollah stronghold hit explosions hassan closely involved investigating hariris death blamed murder shiite militant group hezbollah according washington post remained close ally saad hariri sunni opposition leader former prime minister rafiqs son wissam alhassan important man lebanese politics important man great divide splitting country important man police work uncovered many sensitive things adviser hariri mohammed chatah told post globalpost correspondent hugh macleod said beirut wissam hassan isf official led sting operation one bashar assads top men lebanon michel samaha macleod continued email samaha considered untouchable arrested august caught video bringing bombs lebanon operation led isf one lebanons security branches allied prowest antisyrian march 14 camp opposed march 8 hezbollahled prosyrian alliance hassan assassinated join list lebanese officials dared investigate syrias murky role lebanon including wissam eid found hezbollah phone records linking members killing rafik hariri clear pattern anybody opposes damascus malign role lebanon whether heavy handed security occupation overt meddling lebanese politics assassinated wrote bbc reported opposition leader saad hariri accused assad behind bombing sentiment echoed druze leader walid jumblatt lebanons opposition march 14 bloc held prime minister najib mikati responsible hassans death called resign according reuters united nations secretary general ban kimoon condemned bombing terrorist act friday said statement time regional turbulence utmost importance parties ensure calm restraint order preserve peace stability lebanon white house also condemned bombing labeling terrorist attack us national security council spokesman tommy vietor said united states condemns strongest terms terrorist attack today beirut killed lebanese internal security forces information bureau director wissam alhassan least seven others wounded dozens justification using assassination political tool united states stand government lebanon people lebanon work bring responsible barbaric attack justice build future lebanese live security dignity continued according reuters todays car bomb blast occurred rush hour many parents picking children school reuters said first major car bomb attack beirut four years according bbc associated press saidone reporters scene saw bloodied people helped ambulances heavy damage nearby buildings watch live video bombing video posted youtube purportedly shows aftermath explosion160 160 160 next_pages_container width 5px hight 5px position absolute top 100px left 100px zindex 2147483647 important next_pages_container width 5px hight 5px position absolute top 100px left 100px zindex 2147483647 important next_pages_container width 5px hight 5px position absolute top 100px left 100px zindex 2147483647 important next_pages_container width 5px hight 5px position absolute top 100px left 100px zindex 2147483647 important next_pages_container width 5px hight 5px position absolute top 100px left 100px zindex 2147483647 important view story beirut residents express horror bombing storify
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<p>What is the value of a phone call?</p>
<p>To someone behind bars, a phone call can be a lifeline to loved ones and the outside world. But it often comes at a high cost.</p>
<p>In Cook County Jail alone, inmates and detainees have placed more than 20.4 million calls since 2008, generating nearly $60 million in revenue.</p>
<p>Who profited? Securus Technologies, one of the nation’s largest providers of inmate phone services—and Cook County government, which made $26.1 million in commissions during those years, according to county data. Securus has been the vendor for inmate phone services since September 2008.</p>
<p>Commissions often are used to pay for services, equipment or facilities&#160;unrelated to the cost of maintaining the calling service, and they drive up the cost of each call for inmates and their families, according to the Federal Communications Commission.</p>
<p>Some advocates take it further, saying phone commissions help fund mass incarceration.</p>
<p>“It’s expensive to police and cage millions of people. So what they’re doing is shifting the responsibility onto the backs of the people they’re policing and caging,” said Paul Wright, a former inmate and executive director of the Human Rights Defense Center, a national organization based in Florida. “They can’t monetize human contact.”</p>
<p>Such criticisms have led the FCC and some Illinois legislators to consider either reducing or eliminating commissions collected by prisons. While <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/99/HB/PDF/09900HB3095lv.pdf" type="external">an Illinois bill</a>would&#160;impact commissions at prisons run by the state Department of Corrections, the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/11/21/2014-26922/rates-for-interstate-inmate-calling-services-second-further-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking" type="external">FCC decision</a>would affect commissions at prisons and jails across the country.</p>
<p>The federal agency is expected to decide next month whether to cap in-state inmate phone rates. Effective last year, the FCC capped interstate rates at 25 cents a minute for collect calls and 21 cents a minute for prepaid and debit calls.</p>
<p>In a news release in October, the agency stated that the cost of in-state calls remains exorbitantly high. The issue is important because studies link regular contact between inmates and their loved ones to significantly lower recidivism rates, the FCC said.</p>
<p>Some states prohibit prisons from collecting commissions on inmate phone calls, including Ohio, which eliminated&#160;them this year.</p>
<p>A tale of two counties</p>
<p>Two counties in Illinois—Champaign and Cook—are examples of how local governments handle phone rates. The counties have comparable rates, charging 17 cents and 17.5 cents per minute, respectively. However, Champaign County Jail gets by without commissions, while Cook County Jail has a 47.6 percent commission rate, according to a January 2015 FCC filing.</p>
<p>The Champaign County Board voted in 2005 to eliminate commissions, which had brought in about $14,000 a month. The board transferred funding from the county’s General Corporate Fund to make up the difference, said County Administrator Deb Busey.</p>
<p>The board “had a concern about the negative impact on the families of those that were incarcerated when those fees were charged,” Busey said.</p>
<p>It would be impossible to know how many of the more than 3,000 sheriffs in the United States don’t accept commissions, a representative from the National Sheriffs Association said. But several advocates said the only one they knew of was Champaign County’s sheriff. The association supports commissions as a source for funding rehabilitation programs and other inmate services.</p>
<p>In response to criticism about high call rates and profits,&#160; Cook County officials have passed a series of cost-cutting amendments to the Securus contract since December 2012. An amendment passed in 2012 lowered rates, while another passed in 2014 both lowered rates and reduced the percentage of commission the county receives from 57.5 percent of revenue to 47.6 percent, according to county documents.</p>
<p />
<p>A proposed amendment, which was introduced last month and will be considered in committee and by the Board of Commissioners in September, would lower the cost of a 15-minute phone call from $2.63 to $2.25 and reduce the pre-paid card charge from $6.95 to $3.95. The amendment would also set international call rates at 28 cents per minute, which is substantially lower than rates from contracts in other large counties, such as Los Angeles.</p>
<p>Frank Shuftan, a spokesman for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, said the board might enact more cuts when it convenes next month to review another proposed change and possibly consider extending the Securus contract, which expires in December.</p>
<p>“We believe it is unfair for families to be burdened with excessive costs to communicate with inmates,” Shuftan said in a statement.</p>
<p>Cook County gives inmates a free call when they are booked or when they phone their public defender. Inmates deemed to be indigent are allowed a set number of free calls.</p>
<p>Company profits from criminal justice services</p>
<p>Securus, based in Dallas, is owned by ABRY Partners, a major private equity firm.&#160; The company serves more than 2,600 clients, including law enforcement and corrections agencies, and more than a million inmates across the country, according to its website.</p>
<p>The company signed a three-year contract with the Illinois Department of Corrections in 2012 and again in 2015. In 2013, the state amended the original contract to reduce call rates and lower the state’s commission rate from 87.1 percent to 76 percent. Total commissions paid to the state in 2013 equaled about $13.4 million.</p>
<p>Securus has put muscle behind protecting its business. The company hired Jay Doherty, president of the City Club of Chicago,&#160;as a lobbyist for&#160;state and county contracts, records show. Howard Skolnik, who was formerly the head of the Nevada Department of Corrections and a former IDOC employee, is listed as a lobbyist for Securus on the&#160;state prison phone contract.</p>
<p>Company subsidiaries ensure that Securus profits all along the criminal justice continuum. It offers investigative technologies to help police officers track down offenders, a service&#160;that allows families to send inmates money, electronic ankle bracelet monitoring and “video visitation.”</p>
<p>Former Cook County jail director Cara Smith, who is now the&#160; jail’s chief strategy officer, said officials understand the need to keep the cost of phone calls affordable. Last year, county officials&#160;renegotiated the Securus contract to both lower rates and the share of call revenue paid to the county.</p>
<p>The current contract is structured so&#160;the county recoups labor costs for the time jail&#160;employees spend handling inmate phone calls and managing the phone system. A cost study conducted by the county found that about $2.4 million a year is needed to recover those costs.&#160; Securus paid Cook County $2.8 million in commissions in 2014, more than $1 million less than the county received in both 2012 and 2013, respectively.</p>
<p>Smith noted that many detainees are behind bars because neither they nor their families can post bond. Their economic situation also impacts their ability to make phone calls while they are there—an important reason to keep rates low.</p>
<p>“It’s important to stay connected to people you love, who care for you, particularly when you’re in custody, particularly when you are facing criminal charges and an uncertain future,”&#160;she said.</p>
<p>Peter Wagner, executive director of the Prison Policy Initiative, said, “The commission structure gives an incentive to the sheriff to award a contract to the vendor that gives the best deal to the sheriff, and not one that gives the best deal to the consumer.”</p>
<p>But he said keeping the cost of calls reasonable is the most important thing.</p>
<p>“Commissions are the root of this entire screwed up problem, but getting rid of them is not necessarily the only solution,” Wagner said. “I’m not sure I care how Securus shares its profits as long as those profits are reasonable.”</p>
| false | 3 |
value phone call someone behind bars phone call lifeline loved ones outside world often comes high cost cook county jail alone inmates detainees placed 204 million calls since 2008 generating nearly 60 million revenue profited securus technologies one nations largest providers inmate phone servicesand cook county government made 261 million commissions years according county data securus vendor inmate phone services since september 2008 commissions often used pay services equipment facilities160unrelated cost maintaining calling service drive cost call inmates families according federal communications commission advocates take saying phone commissions help fund mass incarceration expensive police cage millions people theyre shifting responsibility onto backs people theyre policing caging said paul wright former inmate executive director human rights defense center national organization based florida cant monetize human contact criticisms led fcc illinois legislators consider either reducing eliminating commissions collected prisons illinois billwould160impact commissions prisons run state department corrections fcc decisionwould affect commissions prisons jails across country federal agency expected decide next month whether cap instate inmate phone rates effective last year fcc capped interstate rates 25 cents minute collect calls 21 cents minute prepaid debit calls news release october agency stated cost instate calls remains exorbitantly high issue important studies link regular contact inmates loved ones significantly lower recidivism rates fcc said states prohibit prisons collecting commissions inmate phone calls including ohio eliminated160them year tale two counties two counties illinoischampaign cookare examples local governments handle phone rates counties comparable rates charging 17 cents 175 cents per minute respectively however champaign county jail gets without commissions cook county jail 476 percent commission rate according january 2015 fcc filing champaign county board voted 2005 eliminate commissions brought 14000 month board transferred funding countys general corporate fund make difference said county administrator deb busey board concern negative impact families incarcerated fees charged busey said would impossible know many 3000 sheriffs united states dont accept commissions representative national sheriffs association said several advocates said one knew champaign countys sheriff association supports commissions source funding rehabilitation programs inmate services response criticism high call rates profits160 cook county officials passed series costcutting amendments securus contract since december 2012 amendment passed 2012 lowered rates another passed 2014 lowered rates reduced percentage commission county receives 575 percent revenue 476 percent according county documents proposed amendment introduced last month considered committee board commissioners september would lower cost 15minute phone call 263 225 reduce prepaid card charge 695 395 amendment would also set international call rates 28 cents per minute substantially lower rates contracts large counties los angeles frank shuftan spokesman cook county board president toni preckwinkle said board might enact cuts convenes next month review another proposed change possibly consider extending securus contract expires december believe unfair families burdened excessive costs communicate inmates shuftan said statement cook county gives inmates free call booked phone public defender inmates deemed indigent allowed set number free calls company profits criminal justice services securus based dallas owned abry partners major private equity firm160 company serves 2600 clients including law enforcement corrections agencies million inmates across country according website company signed threeyear contract illinois department corrections 2012 2015 2013 state amended original contract reduce call rates lower states commission rate 871 percent 76 percent total commissions paid state 2013 equaled 134 million securus put muscle behind protecting business company hired jay doherty president city club chicago160as lobbyist for160state county contracts records show howard skolnik formerly head nevada department corrections former idoc employee listed lobbyist securus the160state prison phone contract company subsidiaries ensure securus profits along criminal justice continuum offers investigative technologies help police officers track offenders service160that allows families send inmates money electronic ankle bracelet monitoring video visitation former cook county jail director cara smith the160 jails chief strategy officer said officials understand need keep cost phone calls affordable last year county officials160renegotiated securus contract lower rates share call revenue paid county current contract structured so160the county recoups labor costs time jail160employees spend handling inmate phone calls managing phone system cost study conducted county found 24 million year needed recover costs160 securus paid cook county 28 million commissions 2014 1 million less county received 2012 2013 respectively smith noted many detainees behind bars neither families post bond economic situation also impacts ability make phone calls therean important reason keep rates low important stay connected people love care particularly youre custody particularly facing criminal charges uncertain future160she said peter wagner executive director prison policy initiative said commission structure gives incentive sheriff award contract vendor gives best deal sheriff one gives best deal consumer said keeping cost calls reasonable important thing commissions root entire screwed problem getting rid necessarily solution wagner said im sure care securus shares profits long profits reasonable
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<p>Give Michael Pineda of the New York Yankees credit for this much: He cheated the old-fashioned way.</p>
<p>The nervy Pineda <a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/23/michael-pineda-ejected-in-second-inning-for-pine-tar/related/" type="external">was caught Wednesday night</a> with an obvious smear of sticky pine tar on his neck — meant, he said, to get a better grip on the ball on a cold night in Boston. It was Pineda’s second offense in the first month of the season.</p>
<p>So, hey, who needs steroids? Creative ways to cheat are as old as the game itself. Here are five examples — some simply slippery, others more elaborate, and at least one that reads like something out of “Mission: Impossible.”</p>
<p>Gaylord Perry was well-known for slicking up the ball to make it dive and curl. You name it, he used it: Vaseline, hair tonic, his own spit.</p>
<p>His reputation was so established that Perry used it to mess with hitters’ minds.</p>
<p>Before every pitch, even the legal ones, he went through such a series of contortions —running his fingers along the inside of his cap, behind his ears, down his sleeves — that he looked more like a sleight-of-hand magician or a mime than a pitcher.</p>
<p>Gene Mauch, the legendary manager, once said of Perry that if he was ever elected to the Hall of Fame, he should be enshrined “with a tube of K-Y jelly attached to his plaque.”</p>
<p>Perry got the last laugh. He <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perryga01.shtml" type="external">won 314 games</a> — and did indeed go to Cooperstown.</p>
<p>The irascible Cleveland Indians slugger Albert Belle had his bat confiscated on July 15, 1994, when the manager of the Chicago White Sox raised the possibility that it was corked.</p>
<p>Corking a bat — hollowing out the business end and replacing the wood with material like cork or even ground-up superballs — makes the bat lighter and thus the hitter’s swing quicker.</p>
<p>The accepted wisdom that it helps the ball travel farther has been <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-physics-of-cheating-in-baseball-19613464/?no-ist=" type="external">questioned by physics experts</a>. But no matter: What happened next in that 1994 game is what elevates the Belle story from time-honored cheating to slapstick hilarity.</p>
<p>The bat in question went to the umpires’ room. Then one of Belle’s teammates, pitcher Jason Grimsley, wriggled through an air duct, dropped down from the ceiling, took the Belle bat and replaced it with a legal one.</p>
<p>This was not exactly James Bond-level spycraft. The replacement bat had another player’s name on it. Belle served a seven-game suspension.</p>
<p>Say the words “pine tar” or the name “George Brett” to baseball fans, and they think of the greatest thermonuclear meltdown in the history of the game.</p>
<p>On July 24, 1983, with his Kansas City Royals down 4-3 to the New York Yankees with two men out in the ninth inning, Brett hit a home run against Goose Gossage, putting the Royals ahead 5-4.</p>
<p>Billy Martin, the Yankees manager, who elevated paranoia to an art form, called for an inspection of the bat. Using home plate as a ruler, the home plate umpire, Tim McClelland, found that Brett had pine tar too far up the handle.</p>
<p>Pine tar helps hitters grip the bat, and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2014/official_baseball_rules.pdf" type="external">Rule 1.10(c) specifies that it can’t go farther up the bat than 18 inches</a>. Brett was called out. Final score: Yankees 4, Royals 3.</p>
<p>The memorable part came next: Brett charged out of the dugout in a vein-popping, expletive-peppered, arm-flailing fit of rage.</p>
<p>But Brett had been busted on a technicality. The reason for the 18-inch rule wasn’t an unfair advantage for the hitter — it was that pine tar was getting on too many batted balls and ruining them.</p>
<p>The Royals filed a protest, and the American League president found that Brett had violated the letter, but not the spirit, of the law. He reinstated the home run and ordered Brett ejected for the outburst.</p>
<p>The game was resumed 25 days later. The Yankees offered free admission to anyone who was there the first game. They went quietly in the bottom of the ninth. Final score: Royals 5, Yankees 4.</p>
<p>On Aug. 3, 1987, Joe Niekro was on the mound for the Minnesota Twins and threw a slider that knifed through the air so fiercely that it looked suspicious to the home plate umpire, Tim Tschida.</p>
<p>He went out to the mound and ordered Niekro to empty his pockets. Niekro turned them inside out. As he raised his arms — nothing to see here — a small object fluttered out and fell to the ground.</p>
<p>It was an emery board, perfect for scuffing a ball and changing its aerodynamics. Niekro had a plausible explanation: He threw a knuckleball, and knuckleballers need to keep their nails precisely manicured to throw the pitch with precision.</p>
<p>Nobody bought it. In any event, Niekro was found to have sandpaper, too. He wasn’t running a nail salon. The league president suspended him for 10 games. Niekro got a gig on Letterman out of it.</p>
<p>“The guy was so blatant,” second base umpire Steve Palermo <a href="http://www.cnnsi.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066292/index.htm" type="external">told Sports Illustrated at the time</a>, “it was like a guy walking down the street carrying a bottle of booze during Prohibition.”</p>
<p>The 1951 New York Giants have a special place in baseball history: They won the deciding game of a playoff against the Brooklyn Dodgers on a walkoff home run by Bobby Thomson.</p>
<p>It is known as the Shot Heard ’Round the World and is arguably the greatest home run in history. But there was more to the story.</p>
<p>Fifty years later, Joshua Prager, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB980896446829227925" type="external">uncovered an elaborate scheme</a>:</p>
<p>The Giants had set up a telescope in the clubhouse beyond center field and stationed a coach there to intercept the signs flashed by the opposing catcher to signal what the next pitch would be.</p>
<p>An electrician set up a buzzer, enabling the Giants to relay the signs to the bullpen — one buzz for a fastball, say — and from there they could be relayed to the hitter. The relay code was as simple as crossed or uncrossed legs.</p>
<p>Prager detailed the scheme in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Echoing-Green-Thomson-Vintage/dp/0375713077/ref=tmm_pap_title_0" type="external">2006 book</a>, “The Echoing Green.”</p>
<p>It is impossible to know how much the trick helped the Giants <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYG/1951-schedule-scores.shtml" type="external">erase a 13-game deficit that summer</a> and pull even with the Dodgers, setting up the playoffs. As for Thomson and his home run: Did he know what pitch was coming?</p>
<p>“I’d have to say more no than yes,” Thomson mysteriously told The Journal in 2001. “I don’t like to think of something taking away from it.”</p>
| false | 3 |
give michael pineda new york yankees credit much cheated oldfashioned way nervy pineda caught wednesday night obvious smear sticky pine tar neck meant said get better grip ball cold night boston pinedas second offense first month season hey needs steroids creative ways cheat old game five examples simply slippery others elaborate least one reads like something mission impossible gaylord perry wellknown slicking ball make dive curl name used vaseline hair tonic spit reputation established perry used mess hitters minds every pitch even legal ones went series contortions running fingers along inside cap behind ears sleeves looked like sleightofhand magician mime pitcher gene mauch legendary manager said perry ever elected hall fame enshrined tube ky jelly attached plaque perry got last laugh 314 games indeed go cooperstown irascible cleveland indians slugger albert belle bat confiscated july 15 1994 manager chicago white sox raised possibility corked corking bat hollowing business end replacing wood material like cork even groundup superballs makes bat lighter thus hitters swing quicker accepted wisdom helps ball travel farther questioned physics experts matter happened next 1994 game elevates belle story timehonored cheating slapstick hilarity bat question went umpires room one belles teammates pitcher jason grimsley wriggled air duct dropped ceiling took belle bat replaced legal one exactly james bondlevel spycraft replacement bat another players name belle served sevengame suspension say words pine tar name george brett baseball fans think greatest thermonuclear meltdown history game july 24 1983 kansas city royals 43 new york yankees two men ninth inning brett hit home run goose gossage putting royals ahead 54 billy martin yankees manager elevated paranoia art form called inspection bat using home plate ruler home plate umpire tim mcclelland found brett pine tar far handle pine tar helps hitters grip bat rule 110c specifies cant go farther bat 18 inches brett called final score yankees 4 royals 3 memorable part came next brett charged dugout veinpopping expletivepeppered armflailing fit rage brett busted technicality reason 18inch rule wasnt unfair advantage hitter pine tar getting many batted balls ruining royals filed protest american league president found brett violated letter spirit law reinstated home run ordered brett ejected outburst game resumed 25 days later yankees offered free admission anyone first game went quietly bottom ninth final score royals 5 yankees 4 aug 3 1987 joe niekro mound minnesota twins threw slider knifed air fiercely looked suspicious home plate umpire tim tschida went mound ordered niekro empty pockets niekro turned inside raised arms nothing see small object fluttered fell ground emery board perfect scuffing ball changing aerodynamics niekro plausible explanation threw knuckleball knuckleballers need keep nails precisely manicured throw pitch precision nobody bought event niekro found sandpaper wasnt running nail salon league president suspended 10 games niekro got gig letterman guy blatant second base umpire steve palermo told sports illustrated time like guy walking street carrying bottle booze prohibition 1951 new york giants special place baseball history deciding game playoff brooklyn dodgers walkoff home run bobby thomson known shot heard round world arguably greatest home run history story fifty years later joshua prager reporter wall street journal uncovered elaborate scheme giants set telescope clubhouse beyond center field stationed coach intercept signs flashed opposing catcher signal next pitch would electrician set buzzer enabling giants relay signs bullpen one buzz fastball say could relayed hitter relay code simple crossed uncrossed legs prager detailed scheme 2006 book echoing green impossible know much trick helped giants erase 13game deficit summer pull even dodgers setting playoffs thomson home run know pitch coming id say yes thomson mysteriously told journal 2001 dont like think something taking away
| 597 |
<p>Regina Green used to spend nights hoping her son Myron would stop coughing. In 1998, Myron entered his first winter with what seemed like a cold that wouldn’t go away.</p>
<p>“He would get to the point where he would cough and cough and cough and start sweating,” says Green, a friendly, talkative African American woman whose round face is dominated by hip, horn-rimmed glasses and a genuine gaze of pleasantness, even in the unusual event that she’s not smiling.</p>
<p>She wasn’t then. “I was concerned,” she says, and often she was terrified. Cough and cold medicine didn’t help. And the doctor who saw him when he was about 6 months old thought the cough “didn’t sound right,” Green recalls.</p>
<p>It was possible Myron had something more serious than the respiratory viruses and colds that so often afflict infants—it could be something like bronchitis or pneumonia. Green was to watch him carefully.</p>
<p>Two years later, as the air outside turned colder, Myron’s coughing returned. One night the coughing became a hack. Then Myron struggled to catch a breath.</p>
<p>Green rushed him from their Woodlawn apartment to The University of Chicago Children’s Hospital, in nearby Hyde Park, where she was told that his airways were clogged.</p>
<p>Although asthma is hard to diagnose in infants because they’re susceptible to other illnesses with similar symptoms, the doctor who saw Myron suspected the 2-year-old had suffered an asthma attack.</p>
<p>It was the beginning of a dangerous, frightening few years. Myron had a series of potentially fatal attacks while Green, a coat clerk at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, struggled to hold onto her job and cover her son’s prescription costs.</p>
<p>“I thought, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do,'” Green says. “I thought I was going to have to quit my job to take care of this child. I thought I was going to lose him.”</p>
<p>Asthma tends to run in families, and it had shown up in Green’s mother and brother when they were adults. Her young nephew was hit with it so hard he had to spend two and a half months in the hospital.</p>
<p>But Green would never have been able to anticipate Myron’s struggles. After that first visit, Myron stayed in the hospital for several days. Back in their apartment, Green’s three other boys—then ages 5 to 9—worried about whether they were going to see Myron again. “They kept asking me, ‘Mama, what’s happened to him?'” she says. Green assured them he would be okay—but privately, she was unsettled herself.</p>
<p>And for good reason. Myron was finally sent home after being prescribed medication to relax the muscles in his airways, only to return within a few weeks. He was officially diagnosed with asthma, received more medicine, and then had a series of struggles with pneumonia.</p>
<p>Green’s life fell into a pattern. “I kept going back and forth between the hospital and home, and then I’d leave for work.” She had to step out the door by 4 a.m. to make it downtown by 6. It was exhausting. Green tried to rearrange her hours. Nothing was workable. She missed a day, then missed again and again. She was put on probation twice.</p>
<p>“It still stands as I can’t miss any more days,” she says. “What am I supposed to do? I could let him die. Then I’d have a job and no baby.”</p>
<p>Fighting asthma is also a financial pressure. With the insurance Green had through her job, the prescriptions and emergency medications cost her up to $60 a month—a hardship for a single mother of four making about $300 a week.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Myron was having a hard time. “He was scared,” Green says. During one visit, “he was really crying. He told me his chest was hurting. The nurse says, ‘You have to stop crying to get your treatments.’ But he had to cry. And he couldn’t keep anything down because of his coughing.”</p>
<p>He missed a lot of preschool, and he was nervous and shy on the days he was there. “When he was 2 to 3 years old, he had a difficult time socializing because I think he thought that ‘If I run and play, I’ll get sick,'” Green says. “The teacher would take them to gym. They’d play basketball, ride a bike, rip and run. –¦ He’d just sit there.”</p>
<p>By the time he was 3, Myron had made about 20 visits to the hospital—far too many, in the view of Alyna Chien, his new doctor at The University of Chicago.</p>
<p>Chien has seen hundreds of cases of asthma, which accounts for up to a third of all the admissions to the hospital.</p>
<p>“Asthma is a controllable disease,” she emphasizes. Yet most doctors and patients tend to address it through what she calls “the rescue model,” relying on medications designed to relax lungs after they have tightened up. Instead, Chien wants asthmatics to take drugs that help prevent attacks from starting in the first place.</p>
<p>Chien discussed Myron’s condition with his family and made sure they were comfortable with administering his medications. She also put Myron on an “asthma plan,” a medication schedule mapped out on a sheet of paper that’s part data table and part Candy Land board game. It shows what drugs should be taken in what doses for each set of symptoms, ranging from none to trouble breathing. Green and all of her boys learned to read it. The green means things are good, she says.</p>
<p>“If we get to the yellow, we’re kind of like, ‘Now we might have a problem.’ When we get to the red, we’re taking him to the hospital.”</p>
<p>And Chien sent Myron to a specialist who found problems with his tongue and tonsils. An operation took care of it. Myron currently takes a pill and uses an inhaler daily, and knows the when and how for each.</p>
<p>So far it’s worked: Despite occasionally “crackling a bit,” he hasn’t had an attack since late last winter.</p>
<p>Myron himself is mostly concerned with lobbying his mother for a pet iguana—an animal to which he’s apparently not allergic—and keeping up with his older brothers.</p>
<p>On a recent warm, humid afternoon, he and his brother Demetrius, 10, are holed up in the family’s apartment doing battle in a Nintendo video game “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” in which players maneuver a skateboarder through a series of daredevil stunts. It’s the kind of day when Myron could have trouble with the pollen and grass outdoors, so Green keeps him inside.</p>
<p>When the boys load another game, she notes that, while Myron’s asthma seems to be under control for now, it wasn’t long ago that she feared for his life. Green isn’t sure anyone at his new grade school will know how to administer his medicine if needed.</p>
<p>Regardless of how good things look, she is always watching and listening for any signs that his horrible cough might return.</p>
<p>“You don’t want to forget about it, like he’s got his problems solved,” she says.</p>
| false | 3 |
regina green used spend nights hoping son myron would stop coughing 1998 myron entered first winter seemed like cold wouldnt go away would get point would cough cough cough start sweating says green friendly talkative african american woman whose round face dominated hip hornrimmed glasses genuine gaze pleasantness even unusual event shes smiling wasnt concerned says often terrified cough cold medicine didnt help doctor saw 6 months old thought cough didnt sound right green recalls possible myron something serious respiratory viruses colds often afflict infantsit could something like bronchitis pneumonia green watch carefully two years later air outside turned colder myrons coughing returned one night coughing became hack myron struggled catch breath green rushed woodlawn apartment university chicago childrens hospital nearby hyde park told airways clogged although asthma hard diagnose infants theyre susceptible illnesses similar symptoms doctor saw myron suspected 2yearold suffered asthma attack beginning dangerous frightening years myron series potentially fatal attacks green coat clerk chicago mercantile exchange struggled hold onto job cover sons prescription costs thought dont know im going green says thought going quit job take care child thought going lose asthma tends run families shown greens mother brother adults young nephew hit hard spend two half months hospital green would never able anticipate myrons struggles first visit myron stayed hospital several days back apartment greens three boysthen ages 5 9worried whether going see myron kept asking mama whats happened says green assured would okaybut privately unsettled good reason myron finally sent home prescribed medication relax muscles airways return within weeks officially diagnosed asthma received medicine series struggles pneumonia greens life fell pattern kept going back forth hospital home id leave work step door 4 make downtown 6 exhausting green tried rearrange hours nothing workable missed day missed put probation twice still stands cant miss days says supposed could let die id job baby fighting asthma also financial pressure insurance green job prescriptions emergency medications cost 60 montha hardship single mother four making 300 week meanwhile myron hard time scared green says one visit really crying told chest hurting nurse says stop crying get treatments cry couldnt keep anything coughing missed lot preschool nervous shy days 2 3 years old difficult time socializing think thought run play ill get sick green says teacher would take gym theyd play basketball ride bike rip run hed sit time 3 myron made 20 visits hospitalfar many view alyna chien new doctor university chicago chien seen hundreds cases asthma accounts third admissions hospital asthma controllable disease emphasizes yet doctors patients tend address calls rescue model relying medications designed relax lungs tightened instead chien wants asthmatics take drugs help prevent attacks starting first place chien discussed myrons condition family made sure comfortable administering medications also put myron asthma plan medication schedule mapped sheet paper thats part data table part candy land board game shows drugs taken doses set symptoms ranging none trouble breathing green boys learned read green means things good says get yellow kind like might problem get red taking hospital chien sent myron specialist found problems tongue tonsils operation took care myron currently takes pill uses inhaler daily knows far worked despite occasionally crackling bit hasnt attack since late last winter myron mostly concerned lobbying mother pet iguanaan animal hes apparently allergicand keeping older brothers recent warm humid afternoon brother demetrius 10 holed familys apartment battle nintendo video game tony hawks pro skater players maneuver skateboarder series daredevil stunts kind day myron could trouble pollen grass outdoors green keeps inside boys load another game notes myrons asthma seems control wasnt long ago feared life green isnt sure anyone new grade school know administer medicine needed regardless good things look always watching listening signs horrible cough might return dont want forget like hes got problems solved says
| 626 |
<p>Start of the 75th Golden Globes live from the Beverly Hilton Jan. 7, 2018.</p>
<p>The 75th anniversary Golden Globes featured Hollywood actors donning all-black gowns and suits, and wearing #TimesUp pins in support in of those who have spoken out about sexual harassment and to protest gender inequality. It was a hugely important night celebrating women and women’s stories.</p>
<p>But many in the LGBTQ community were left puzzled by the lack of representation among the acting, directing and screenwriting category nominees and winners, even though #TimesUp resonates against homophobia too.</p>
<p>Gay men Benji Pasek, Justin Paul won for Best Original Song, with “This Is Me” in “The Greatest Showman. (Photo courtesy Golden Globe Winners Stage)</p>
<p>While “Handmaid’s Tale” and “Lady Bird” (both LGBTQ-themed projects) picked up awards, and there was a big win for Benji Pasek for Best Original Song, with “This Is Me” in “The Greatest Showman,” the night was entirely bereft of awards for LGBT roles, themed films or out actors.</p>
<p>D.C.-based film critic and the founder of Cinema Siren, Leslie Combemale says the omission of out lesbian, gay and trans actors among the nominations is not unlike the traditional silencing of women in the industry that led to the current crisis.</p>
<p>“It’s just a group of underrepresented people in the entertainment world that Hollywood doesn’t believe is capable of performing on that level… which is crazy,” Combemale told the Los Angeles Blade.</p>
<p>“Look at the film, ‘Fantastic Woman,’” she says. “Here’s an example of a great transgender actor [Daniela Vega] with an amazing performance who wasn’t even nominated.”</p>
<p>Combemale went on to step to tread delicate waters, pointing out that many in Hollywood have remained closeted and that they are at fault here.</p>
<p>“Until more gay roles become available to openly gay actors, then that’s going to continue to be part of the problem — people not feeling confident about being their true selves in that environment,” she says.</p>
<p>John Paul King, Los Angeles Blade film critic says, “There were a lot of excellent and diverse films nominated this year, and of course all the winners deserved to take home their prizes. And I think the fact that both Best Picture winners were very muchdriven by a female perspective – even though “Three Billboards” was written and directed by a man – was very telling.”</p>
<p>Beyond LGBT issues, it was not an entirely challenged event on the diversity front, however.</p>
<p />
<p>In a historic moment, actor Sterling K. Brown, star of the TV series “This is Us,” won for Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama. He was the first Black actor to win in this category. Last year, he won Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama for his role in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”</p>
<p>But it was Oprah Winfrey’s speech that was the highlight of the evening. The media mogul, actress, and producer, was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille award. She is the first black woman to win.</p>
<p>Doing what she does best — inspiring and empowering — Winfrey talked about her own inspiration remembering when Sydney Poitier become the first Black man to win an Oscar in 1964 for “Lilies of the Field.” And what it meant to her as a little girl.</p>
<p>“Up on the stage came the most elegant man I had ever seen,” she recalled. “I had never seen a black man recognized like that before. What a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats, as my mom came through the door, bone-tired from cleaning other people’s houses,” Oprah said in her acceptance speech.</p>
<p>“There are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this award,” she went on.</p>
<p>Winfrey recalled the story of Recy Taylor, a black woman whose 1944 rape by six white men did not lead to any convictions. Taylor passed away last month at the age of 97.</p>
<p>“She lived — as we all have lived — in a culture broken by brutally powerful men,” Winfrey said. “For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men, but their time is up.”</p>
<p>But Oprah brought Hollywood to its feet when she talked about the future of women in a world without discrimination and harassment. She gave a full-throated clarion call for change that could resonate beyond Hollywood.</p>
<p>“I want all of the girls watching here now to know, that a new day is on the horizon. And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say, ‘me too’ again.”</p>
<p />
<p>There were several straight actors nominated for playing gay roles, but none took home the gold.</p>
<p>Armie Hammer, Actor in a Supporting Role, for “Call Me by Your Name,” [Sam Rockwell won for “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”] and Timothée Chalamet, Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama, also for “Call Me by Your Name” [Gary Oldman, won for “Darkest Hour”]. Emma Stone, Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy, for her role as Billie Jean King in “Battle of the Sexes,” [Saoirse Ronan, won for “Lady Bird”]. In television, Eric McCormack nabbed a nomination for his role as Will in NBC’s revived “Will &amp; Grace,” [Aziz Ansari “Master of None”].</p>
<p>“When someone who’s gay comes out as gay, everyone’s like ‘oh my God, I can’t believe it.’ But, when a straight actor plays gay, everyone says, ‘oh, he or she is so brave.’ That’s ridiculous. It does piss me off. Just like when a Jewish character is played by a Greek,” standup comedian, actress, Emmy award winning television writer, and producer Judy Gold told the Los Angeles Blade.</p>
<p>Combemale says the Globes missed the boat on a quiet a few films with LGBTQ actors and creative.</p>
<p>She says “Mudbound,” Dee Reese, the director and half of the screenwriting team, who is Black and a lesbian. “She’s a star. Eventually it will happen. It’s a great movie and that’s a big miss,” Combemale says.</p>
<p>Also, she cites writer-Director Angela Robinson for “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women” who seemed to disappear from the radar.</p>
<p>“And ‘BPM (beats per minute)’ a French film was a huge miss. Internationally, it might be that gay and lesbian actors are playing gay characters and not in the U.S.,” she says.</p>
<p>Combemale says she believes there were several options for lesbian actresses who could have played the Billie Jean Smith role in “Battle of the Sexes,” outside of Emma Smith. “I don’t believe the movie wouldn’t have gotten films without her.”</p>
<p>Although “Call Me by Your Name” was nominated for Best Motion Picture Drama, it has a gay director, Luca Guadagnino, and screenwriter James Ivory, neither of whom were nominated. Many were rooting for the film as it has several queer producers, including Guadagnino and Ivory, who would take home gold if the film won. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” won the award.</p>
<p>“It’s important for the LGBTQ community to continue to speak up, especially in the current cultural and political climate, about being included. That doesn’t mean we’re less than one-hundred percent supportive of the women’s movement, but we must make sure our voices are heard, too,” says Los Angeles Blade’s King. “Movies are a big part of how people’s attitudes change, and when Hollywood send the message that we matter, too, it’s a huge step forward in our struggle to be recognized as equal’”</p>
<p>We can only hope that the new culture Oprah says has been ushered in will be one in which gay and lesbian actors can be considered for gay or lesbian roles and where there is no penalty for being out.</p>
<p>Times up for all that, too.</p>
<p>For the complete list of winners go <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/movies/golden-globes-winners-list.html?_r=0" type="external">here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">#TimesUp</a> <a href="" type="internal">Golden Globes</a> <a href="" type="internal">LGBT</a> <a href="" type="internal">LGBTQ</a> <a href="" type="internal">Los Angeles</a> <a href="" type="internal">Oprah</a> <a href="" type="internal">Oscars #MeToo</a></p>
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start 75th golden globes live beverly hilton jan 7 2018 75th anniversary golden globes featured hollywood actors donning allblack gowns suits wearing timesup pins support spoken sexual harassment protest gender inequality hugely important night celebrating women womens stories many lgbtq community left puzzled lack representation among acting directing screenwriting category nominees winners even though timesup resonates homophobia gay men benji pasek justin paul best original song greatest showman photo courtesy golden globe winners stage handmaids tale lady bird lgbtqthemed projects picked awards big win benji pasek best original song greatest showman night entirely bereft awards lgbt roles themed films actors dcbased film critic founder cinema siren leslie combemale says omission lesbian gay trans actors among nominations unlike traditional silencing women industry led current crisis group underrepresented people entertainment world hollywood doesnt believe capable performing level crazy combemale told los angeles blade look film fantastic woman says heres example great transgender actor daniela vega amazing performance wasnt even nominated combemale went step tread delicate waters pointing many hollywood remained closeted fault gay roles become available openly gay actors thats going continue part problem people feeling confident true selves environment says john paul king los angeles blade film critic says lot excellent diverse films nominated year course winners deserved take home prizes think fact best picture winners muchdriven female perspective even though three billboards written directed man telling beyond lgbt issues entirely challenged event diversity front however historic moment actor sterling k brown star tv series us best lead actor tv drama first black actor win category last year best supporting actor tv drama role people v j simpson american crime story oprah winfreys speech highlight evening media mogul actress producer honored cecil b demille award first black woman win best inspiring empowering winfrey talked inspiration remembering sydney poitier become first black man win oscar 1964 lilies field meant little girl stage came elegant man ever seen recalled never seen black man recognized like moment like means little girl kid watching cheap seats mom came door bonetired cleaning peoples houses oprah said acceptance speech little girls watching become first black woman given award went winfrey recalled story recy taylor black woman whose 1944 rape six white men lead convictions taylor passed away last month age 97 lived lived culture broken brutally powerful men winfrey said long women heard believed dared speak truth power men time oprah brought hollywood feet talked future women world without discrimination harassment gave fullthroated clarion call change could resonate beyond hollywood want girls watching know new day horizon new day finally dawns lot magnificent women many right room tonight pretty phenomenal men fighting hard make sure become leaders take us time nobody ever say several straight actors nominated playing gay roles none took home gold armie hammer actor supporting role call name sam rockwell three billboards outside ebbing missouri timothée chalamet actor motion picture drama also call name gary oldman darkest hour emma stone actress motion picture comedy role billie jean king battle sexes saoirse ronan lady bird television eric mccormack nabbed nomination role nbcs revived amp grace aziz ansari master none someone whos gay comes gay everyones like oh god cant believe straight actor plays gay everyone says oh brave thats ridiculous piss like jewish character played greek standup comedian actress emmy award winning television writer producer judy gold told los angeles blade combemale says globes missed boat quiet films lgbtq actors creative says mudbound dee reese director half screenwriting team black lesbian shes star eventually happen great movie thats big miss combemale says also cites writerdirector angela robinson professor marston wonder women seemed disappear radar bpm beats per minute french film huge miss internationally might gay lesbian actors playing gay characters us says combemale says believes several options lesbian actresses could played billie jean smith role battle sexes outside emma smith dont believe movie wouldnt gotten films without although call name nominated best motion picture drama gay director luca guadagnino screenwriter james ivory neither nominated many rooting film several queer producers including guadagnino ivory would take home gold film three billboards outside ebbing missouri award important lgbtq community continue speak especially current cultural political climate included doesnt mean less onehundred percent supportive womens movement must make sure voices heard says los angeles blades king movies big part peoples attitudes change hollywood send message matter huge step forward struggle recognized equal hope new culture oprah says ushered one gay lesbian actors considered gay lesbian roles penalty times complete list winners go timesup golden globes lgbt lgbtq los angeles oprah oscars metoo
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<p><a href="" type="internal" />JUNE 8, 2011</p>
<p>By WAYNE LUSVARDI</p>
<p>Remember Pol Pot, the Cambodian dictator and head of the Khmer Rouge? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pol_Pot" type="external">According to Wikipedia</a>, “During his time in power, Pol Pot imposed a version of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrarian_socialism" type="external">agrarian socialism</a>, forcing urban dwellers to relocate to the countryside to work in collective farms and forced labor projects, toward a goal of ‘restarting civilization’ in a ‘ <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_Zero_(political_notion)" type="external">Year Zero</a>.’ The combined effects of forced labour, malnutrition, poor medical care and executions resulted in the deaths of approximately 21 percent of the Cambodian population” — 2.5 million people.</p>
<p>Something similar must have been on the minds of the California Council on Science and Technology when it issued its new report, “ <a href="http://www.ccst.us/publications/2011/2011energy.pdf" type="external">California’s Energy Future — the View to 2050</a>.” It&#160;provides “portraits” of what, under a regime that could be called the&#160;Khmer Green,&#160;they hope&#160;the next state energy system will look like in California’s Year Zero — 2050</p>
<p>About 60 percent of California’s future energy system would be based on shifting the entire state population into electric vehicles. It would&#160;eliminate natural gas heating and cooking in all homes, replacing it with electric-powered stoves, water heaters and space heaters with power supplied from green power sources. &#160;All buildings in the state would have to be retrofitted or replaced.</p>
<p>Another&#160;20 percent would be based on costly low-tech energy storage in salt domes and air compressor batteries or in speculative technological breakthroughs that do not exist today and that would impose huge costs on electricity consumers.&#160;</p>
<p>And a final 20 percent would be based on behavioral changes, such as changing diets to eat less red meat and controlling home thermostats and electric meters to make people wear warm clothing instead.</p>
<p>. While most of the nation is rapidly catching on to the emerging revolution in the&#160;natural gas fracking (hydraulic fracturing of rock formations) and expanding hydropower, California’s energy future is to be based on a post-modern ideology that seems to want California to trash its entire modern energy system.&#160; In its place would be a modernized version of medieval windmills, sophisticated solar-powered magnifying glasses, water wheels, and heat from subterranean geysers, all transmitted to energy conserving consumers via a Rube Goldberg contraption-like energy grid that would be prone to brown outs, black outs, and rapid physical deterioration.</p>
<p>Reading this, you probably say to yourself that this is yet another utopian scheme by a couple of academics that will get a lot of media attention but go nowhere. Nope. This Khmer Green&#160;report was funded by the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, and the S.D. Bechtel Corporation. And it was endorsed by the California Council on Science and Technology.&#160; This is apparently the template for California’s future energy system in our Year Zero.&#160; And as important as the report is, it hasn’t received much scrutiny in the uncritical newspaper or broadcast media, or even on the Internet. It is apparently being taken for granted that this utopian energy scheme is a fait accompli.&#160;</p>
<p>The justification for a Pol Pot-style&#160;rapid deconstruction of the modern energy system is population growth and the much ballyhooed increase in “greenhouse gases.”&#160; According to the Council’s report, state population is expected to double by 2050. To combat the effects of population growth and air pollution, the state must intervene to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. &#160;</p>
<p>Reducing today’s California pollution by 80 percent would mean the air pollution must drop to about that of 1935, when the population of California was about 6 million. &#160;Given an assumed 40-year technological lag time to implement a whole new de-modernized energy system, California must start right now with a massive program to re-engineer everything in society. And as it is presumed only the government — not private markets — can do this,&#160;it implies totalitarian control of everything including life styles of Californians. Veganism would replace fracking; draconian regulation would suppress freedom of choice.&#160;Pol Pot, call your office.</p>
<p>Criticism of this new energy plan is not another conspiracy theory about Big Government.&#160; This is the undeniable template for California’s energy future crafted by California’s ruling cognitive elites.</p>
<p>What is driving this mad rush to dismantle the present-day modernized energy system is not science but a countermodern ideology.&#160; The California Council on Science and Technology is only being used to put a patina of science on what is ideological.</p>
<p>In California there are ideologies that endorse energy modernization such as shifting to nuclear power, as recently proposed by in the <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&amp;id=8150268" type="external">City of Fresno</a>.</p>
<p>And there are ideologies that seek to control, contain, or mitigate air pollution from modern energy plants, such as catalytic converters on cars, natural gas fracking and the expansion of hydropower.&#160;</p>
<p>But what the new template of the state’s energy future reflects is a full-blown countermodern ideology that proposes to dismantle many of the state’s power plants and make the electric grid into a precarious system of dubious reliability.&#160;</p>
<p>A forerunner of this radical ideology is the State Water Resources Control Board’s order to forbid all coastal power plants, especially nuke plants, from using ocean water for cooling systems.&#160; This entails shuttering all the nuke plants in the state, or running costly new water pipelines to the plants or using expensive air-cooling systems.&#160; Even if costly fresh water or air cooling systems are installed, this would raise the price of nuclear power so high that costly green power could finally compete with it.&#160; The rationale for making nuke plants uncompetitive is not to eliminate pollution, because nuclear technology is clean.&#160; The rationale reflects a countermodern ideology.</p>
<p>Instead of a repeat California Gold Rush, the Great California Green Energy Race is about to be kick-started in 2012 to find the highest priced clean technologies for new forms of energy.&#160; To do this, markets must be highly regulated to control prices.&#160; Markets must be short-circuited because they are mechanisms for producing the lowest-priced goods and services.&#160; This is why California is on the cusp of shifting from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/End-Free-Market-Between-Corporations/dp/B004J8HWW8/ref=sr_1_5/s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1307323201&amp;sr=1-5" type="external">market Capitalism to state capitalism.</a> California’s political elites want to pick winners and losers in the economy, and want political exactions in return.&#160; The apparent cover for doing this is environmentalism.&#160;</p>
<p>Unfortunately, many in academia and the media believe that state capitalism is the morally superior system, when there is no effective reduction in air pollution from Green Power. Green Power and Cap and Trade Emission Regulations will not result in replacing dirty imported coal power with clean green power, because wind and solar farms are located in remote areas far away from California’s urban air traps.</p>
<p>Ironically, as postmodern cognitive elites fear the complexity of modern energy technologies, as seen in the recent nuclear plant disaster in Japan, they nonetheless believe the energy grid can be fine tuned to accommodate unpredictable surges of power from wind and solar plants without sacrificing reliability, breakdown, or the rapid deterioration of electric lines that would require their frequent replacement.&#160; Alternatively, they believe costly and unproven new battery systems can be integrated along the electric transmission grid to balance out the surges.</p>
<p>At the core of this Khmer Green counter-modern ideology we find the quasi-religious idea that modernization is tantamount to damnation. Everything that is wrong with modern society is reflexively tracked back to monopolistic oppression by big energy corporations.&#160;&#160; In California, this ideology goes back to the influence of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the rise of Progressive politics to counter not merely economic monopolies but modernization itself.</p>
<p>California’s insular turn away from the Tea Party trend of the rest of the nation is not merely political, but a revulsion against capitalism, open markets, and modernity itself.&#160; For example, California opposes the Obama Administration’s proposal to open all the Western states up to a new regional green power grid where those states with cheap natural gas or hydropower can ship electricity into the California, which is the region’s largest energy market. California’s future energy template calls for embargoing imported power.</p>
<p>California believes that the solution to its structural state budget deficit is to eliminate reliance on imported sources of energy.&#160; With the enactment of air pollution regulations in the 1970’s, California’s only option for reducing air pollution in its urban air traps was to shut down old fossil fuel power plants in urban areas and rely on imported coal power from surrounding states.&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>But why undertake such a radical transformation of the state’s energy systems as proposed by the Council, when you can continue to import cheap energy from states that are rapidly shifting to the natural gas fracking revolution that would entail no increase in pollution in California?&#160; Even liberal Michael Lind, writing in the left-of-center New Republic magazine, says: <a href="http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/05/31/linbd_fossil_fuels/index.html" type="external">“Everything You’ve Heard About Fossil Fuels (natural gas fracking) May Be Wrong.”</a> &#160;Lind asks:</p>
<p>“Are we living at the beginning of the Age of Fossil Fuels, not its final decades? The very thought goes against everything that politicians and the educated public have been taught to believe in the past generation. According to the conventional wisdom, the U.S. and other industrial nations must undertake a rapid and expensive transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy for three reasons: The imminent depletion of fossil fuels, national security and the danger of global warming. What if the conventional wisdom about the energy future of America and the world has been completely wrong?”</p>
<p>While much of the rest of the nation is turning toward energy policies that favor of natural gas fracking and hydropower, California is determined to reject it on ideological grounds.&#160; The problem is that the retail price of electricity is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), but not fuels or wholesale hydropower, where prices are set by markets.&#160; As long as California is dependent on imported natural gas shipped through the Golden Gate Center in Northern California, and the California Energy Hub in Southern California, the state energy system will be exposed to market energy prices. The same goes with cheap hydropower shipped from, say, the&#160;Hoover Dam to run the gigantic pumps on the Colorado River Aqueduct for a meager two cents a kilowatt-hour.&#160; As long as California’s energy system is open to market prices, Green Power is in jeopardy.</p>
<p>There are a number of hydropower projects for California being pushed by California Rep. Tom McClintock, who is on the powerful House Committee on Natural Resources.&#160; The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has recently released a report, <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/power/AssessmentReport/USBRHydroAssessmentFinalReportMarch2011.pdf" type="external">“Hydropower Resource Assessment at Existing Reclamation Facilities”</a> (March 2011), of the increased hydropower potential of existing dams and rivers the United States that would involve only modest impacts on the environment.&#160; Seventy potential hydropower project sites were identified, with&#160; <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/power/AssessmentReport/Assessmentlistof70sitesbystate.pdf" type="external">five of them in California</a> that could produce 15,256 megawatt-hours of electricity.&#160;(See table below – the threshold for considering a project as practical is 0.75).&#160;</p>
<p>Potential California Hydropower Projects</p>
<p>.</p>
<p>Development of added hydropower at the John Franchi Dam on the Fresno River, for example, would take only $3.6 million with $108,000 in yearly operations and management costs.&#160; While this may be drop in the bucket of California’s total energy needs, many of the other hydropower project sites in the Western region identified by the Bureau of Reclamation could end up shipping additional electrons to California through the regional power grid. It is the impact that cheap hydropower would have on all wholesale energy prices that is critical.</p>
<p>But California’s Green Power Law&#160;— AB 32&#160;— forbids hydropower from qualifying as “green,” even though it emits no air pollution.&#160; The reasons for this are more ideological and political than economic or environmental.</p>
<p>Those who would not for a moment believe whatever the U.S. Secretary of Defense or the head of Occidental Petroleum said would take whatever the&#160;California Council on Science and Technology says as gospel truth.&#160; The Energy Future report is not a rational response to a body of vetted evidence.&#160; It is supported by a belief system and an economic ideology — the Khmer Green ideology.&#160; Government in California does not always follow what is in the state’s rational interest.&#160; It does what is consistent with other things it believes in.&#160;</p>
<p>There are powerful vested interests for the&#160;continued modernization of the energy policy via nuclear power.&#160; There are similar vested interests, albeit diminishing, for centrist energy policies that would entail continued modernization of the energy system and grid but with mitigating measures such as fracking and hydropower.&#160; And there are nearly insurmountable vested interests for scrapping modernized energy policy and the energy system in favor of highly risky and costly countermodern energy policies.&#160;</p>
<p>There are powerful interests, money, political power and status at stake on all sides.&#160; Yet right now it is not vested interests, but the vested Khmer Green ideology of countermodernization that is driving future energy policy in California with some possible influence being made by the federal government for fracking and hydropower.&#160;</p>
<p>But fracking is being demonized by the Environmental Left to render it illegitimate. The media have already spread the urban myth of fire coming out of water faucets in the vicinity of fracking operations. And California’s Green Power Law has already made hydropower legally illegitimate.&#160; Energy in California is not a policy for rational problem solving but ideological warfare.</p>
<p>It is the power of ideology, not necessarily economic interests, that will likely determine California’s future energy policies.&#160; Here, a vigorous case needs to be made for markets and moderated modernization of the energy system, including relatively less-polluting natural gas fracking and clean and cheap hydropower.&#160;</p>
<p>There is need in California for a middle ground energy policy that is somewhere between the radical Year Zero utopian vision of the California Council on Science and Technology and the impacts of a nonexistent bogeyman of unregulated energy markets.&#160;</p>
<p>Without competition from cheaper natural gas and hydropower to contain prices, the price of Green Power will likely go through the roof.&#160; This was demonstrated during the California Energy Crisis of 2000-01, when cheap imported hydropower from the Northwest was unavailable due to a drought, and the price of natural gas spiked when Caltrans ordered a shutdown an interstate natural gas line, purportedly to do freeway repairs right in the middle of the crisis. At the same time,&#160;price controls on retail electricity imposed by California’s Legislature&#160;— on top of everything else —&#160;created a “perfect storm” for an energy price “bubble” in wholesale energy markets that was erroneously blamed on Enron to avoid the political consequences. The experience of the California Energy Crisis of 2000-01 teaches that the Law of Unintended Consequences is much more likely to raise its ugly head without open markets than with them.&#160;</p>
<p>Postmodern policies are a way to cope and mitigate the impacts of modern energy technologies. But they are not any way to “run a railroad” or an economy.&#160; California’s cognitive elites don’t seem to understand the difference to the detriment of it structural state budget deficit and high unemployment rate.</p>
<p>California needs an ideologically centrist and open market energy policy, not a radical, Pol Pot-inspired&#160;countermodern energy plan for the future based on an ideology that can only succeed by closing off markets and the regional grid to California. As long as Gov. Jerry&#160;“Moonbeam” Brown is in office, like Cambodia under Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, California may be poised to suffer another socialist assault on reality.</p>
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june 8 2011 wayne lusvardi remember pol pot cambodian dictator head khmer rouge according wikipedia time power pol pot imposed version agrarian socialism forcing urban dwellers relocate countryside work collective farms forced labor projects toward goal restarting civilization year zero combined effects forced labour malnutrition poor medical care executions resulted deaths approximately 21 percent cambodian population 25 million people something similar must minds california council science technology issued new report californias energy future view 2050 it160provides portraits regime could called the160khmer green160they hope160the next state energy system look like californias year zero 2050 60 percent californias future energy system would based shifting entire state population electric vehicles would160eliminate natural gas heating cooking homes replacing electricpowered stoves water heaters space heaters power supplied green power sources 160all buildings state would retrofitted replaced another16020 percent would based costly lowtech energy storage salt domes air compressor batteries speculative technological breakthroughs exist today would impose huge costs electricity consumers160 final 20 percent would based behavioral changes changing diets eat less red meat controlling home thermostats electric meters make people wear warm clothing instead nation rapidly catching emerging revolution the160natural gas fracking hydraulic fracturing rock formations expanding hydropower californias energy future based postmodern ideology seems want california trash entire modern energy system160 place would modernized version medieval windmills sophisticated solarpowered magnifying glasses water wheels heat subterranean geysers transmitted energy conserving consumers via rube goldberg contraptionlike energy grid would prone brown outs black outs rapid physical deterioration reading probably say yet another utopian scheme couple academics get lot media attention go nowhere nope khmer green160report funded california energy commission california air resources board sd bechtel corporation endorsed california council science technology160 apparently template californias future energy system year zero160 important report hasnt received much scrutiny uncritical newspaper broadcast media even internet apparently taken granted utopian energy scheme fait accompli160 justification pol potstyle160rapid deconstruction modern energy system population growth much ballyhooed increase greenhouse gases160 according councils report state population expected double 2050 combat effects population growth air pollution state must intervene reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent 1990 levels 2050 160 reducing todays california pollution 80 percent would mean air pollution must drop 1935 population california 6 million 160given assumed 40year technological lag time implement whole new demodernized energy system california must start right massive program reengineer everything society presumed government private markets this160it implies totalitarian control everything including life styles californians veganism would replace fracking draconian regulation would suppress freedom choice160pol pot call office criticism new energy plan another conspiracy theory big government160 undeniable template californias energy future crafted californias ruling cognitive elites driving mad rush dismantle presentday modernized energy system science countermodern ideology160 california council science technology used put patina science ideological california ideologies endorse energy modernization shifting nuclear power recently proposed city fresno ideologies seek control contain mitigate air pollution modern energy plants catalytic converters cars natural gas fracking expansion hydropower160 new template states energy future reflects fullblown countermodern ideology proposes dismantle many states power plants make electric grid precarious system dubious reliability160 forerunner radical ideology state water resources control boards order forbid coastal power plants especially nuke plants using ocean water cooling systems160 entails shuttering nuke plants state running costly new water pipelines plants using expensive aircooling systems160 even costly fresh water air cooling systems installed would raise price nuclear power high costly green power could finally compete it160 rationale making nuke plants uncompetitive eliminate pollution nuclear technology clean160 rationale reflects countermodern ideology instead repeat california gold rush great california green energy race kickstarted 2012 find highest priced clean technologies new forms energy160 markets must highly regulated control prices160 markets must shortcircuited mechanisms producing lowestpriced goods services160 california cusp shifting market capitalism state capitalism californias political elites want pick winners losers economy want political exactions return160 apparent cover environmentalism160 unfortunately many academia media believe state capitalism morally superior system effective reduction air pollution green power green power cap trade emission regulations result replacing dirty imported coal power clean green power wind solar farms located remote areas far away californias urban air traps ironically postmodern cognitive elites fear complexity modern energy technologies seen recent nuclear plant disaster japan nonetheless believe energy grid fine tuned accommodate unpredictable surges power wind solar plants without sacrificing reliability breakdown rapid deterioration electric lines would require frequent replacement160 alternatively believe costly unproven new battery systems integrated along electric transmission grid balance surges core khmer green countermodern ideology find quasireligious idea modernization tantamount damnation everything wrong modern society reflexively tracked back monopolistic oppression big energy corporations160160 california ideology goes back influence southern pacific railroad rise progressive politics counter merely economic monopolies modernization californias insular turn away tea party trend rest nation merely political revulsion capitalism open markets modernity itself160 example california opposes obama administrations proposal open western states new regional green power grid states cheap natural gas hydropower ship electricity california regions largest energy market californias future energy template calls embargoing imported power california believes solution structural state budget deficit eliminate reliance imported sources energy160 enactment air pollution regulations 1970s californias option reducing air pollution urban air traps shut old fossil fuel power plants urban areas rely imported coal power surrounding states160160 undertake radical transformation states energy systems proposed council continue import cheap energy states rapidly shifting natural gas fracking revolution would entail increase pollution california160 even liberal michael lind writing leftofcenter new republic magazine says everything youve heard fossil fuels natural gas fracking may wrong 160lind asks living beginning age fossil fuels final decades thought goes everything politicians educated public taught believe past generation according conventional wisdom us industrial nations must undertake rapid expensive transition fossil fuels renewable energy three reasons imminent depletion fossil fuels national security danger global warming conventional wisdom energy future america world completely wrong much rest nation turning toward energy policies favor natural gas fracking hydropower california determined reject ideological grounds160 problem retail price electricity regulated california public utilities commission cpuc fuels wholesale hydropower prices set markets160 long california dependent imported natural gas shipped golden gate center northern california california energy hub southern california state energy system exposed market energy prices goes cheap hydropower shipped say the160hoover dam run gigantic pumps colorado river aqueduct meager two cents kilowatthour160 long californias energy system open market prices green power jeopardy number hydropower projects california pushed california rep tom mcclintock powerful house committee natural resources160 us bureau reclamation recently released report hydropower resource assessment existing reclamation facilities march 2011 increased hydropower potential existing dams rivers united states would involve modest impacts environment160 seventy potential hydropower project sites identified with160 five california could produce 15256 megawatthours electricity160see table threshold considering project practical 075160 potential california hydropower projects development added hydropower john franchi dam fresno river example would take 36 million 108000 yearly operations management costs160 may drop bucket californias total energy needs many hydropower project sites western region identified bureau reclamation could end shipping additional electrons california regional power grid impact cheap hydropower would wholesale energy prices critical californias green power law160 ab 32160 forbids hydropower qualifying green even though emits air pollution160 reasons ideological political economic environmental would moment believe whatever us secretary defense head occidental petroleum said would take whatever the160california council science technology says gospel truth160 energy future report rational response body vetted evidence160 supported belief system economic ideology khmer green ideology160 government california always follow states rational interest160 consistent things believes in160 powerful vested interests the160continued modernization energy policy via nuclear power160 similar vested interests albeit diminishing centrist energy policies would entail continued modernization energy system grid mitigating measures fracking hydropower160 nearly insurmountable vested interests scrapping modernized energy policy energy system favor highly risky costly countermodern energy policies160 powerful interests money political power status stake sides160 yet right vested interests vested khmer green ideology countermodernization driving future energy policy california possible influence made federal government fracking hydropower160 fracking demonized environmental left render illegitimate media already spread urban myth fire coming water faucets vicinity fracking operations californias green power law already made hydropower legally illegitimate160 energy california policy rational problem solving ideological warfare power ideology necessarily economic interests likely determine californias future energy policies160 vigorous case needs made markets moderated modernization energy system including relatively lesspolluting natural gas fracking clean cheap hydropower160 need california middle ground energy policy somewhere radical year zero utopian vision california council science technology impacts nonexistent bogeyman unregulated energy markets160 without competition cheaper natural gas hydropower contain prices price green power likely go roof160 demonstrated california energy crisis 200001 cheap imported hydropower northwest unavailable due drought price natural gas spiked caltrans ordered shutdown interstate natural gas line purportedly freeway repairs right middle crisis time160price controls retail electricity imposed californias legislature160 top everything else 160created perfect storm energy price bubble wholesale energy markets erroneously blamed enron avoid political consequences experience california energy crisis 200001 teaches law unintended consequences much likely raise ugly head without open markets them160 postmodern policies way cope mitigate impacts modern energy technologies way run railroad economy160 californias cognitive elites dont seem understand difference detriment structural state budget deficit high unemployment rate california needs ideologically centrist open market energy policy radical pol potinspired160countermodern energy plan future based ideology succeed closing markets regional grid california long gov jerry160moonbeam brown office like cambodia pol pot khmer rouge california may poised suffer another socialist assault reality
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<p>CAIRO, Egypt ­— Egypt’s liberal activists say they are haunted by the recent assassination of a prominent opposition figure in nearby Tunisia — and are worried a similar slaying could happen here, too.</p>
<p>Police have increased security around the homes of liberal political figures, after hardline clerics publicly declared their murders justifiable under their interpretation of Islamic law last week.</p>
<p>Young secular activists say they also believe they are targeted by government security forces for detention, torture, and even assassination as weeks of violent protests have challenged the rule of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.</p>
<p>Their fears were given precedence last week when gunmen assassinated Chokri Belaid, a prominent human rights activist and government critic in Tunisia, the country that inspired Egypt’s revolution and the Arab Spring.</p>
<p>The killing of Belaid was preceded by a similar environment of intense division between extreme Islamists — who have drowned out a predominantly moderate population ­— and an old guard of secular activists.</p>
<p>Security forces in <a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/09/12/uk-tunisia-torture-idUKBRE88B0PS20120912" type="external">both countries</a>, meanwhile, continue to routinely torture political activists, and have failed to maintain public order in the wake of the two nations’ 2011 uprisings.</p>
<p>“It can happen anywhere,” Cairo-based writer and political analyst Hisham Kassem said about the possibility of political killings. “Anyone can take the initiative and choose to attack. This is a time of unrest and anything can happen.”</p>
<p>Egypt’s most recent turmoil began Monday, the second anniversary of President Hosni Mubarak's departure. Anti-government activists launched a wave of protests that prompted heavy security crackdowns and violent clashes, roiling Morsi’s 7-month-old presidency.</p>
<p>Protesters and opposition forces say the leader — a former Muslim Brotherhood official — lost his legitimacy in November, when he issued a decree placing his edicts above the law, and presided over the passing of a controversial constitution. They say protests and attacks on government buildings are justified.</p>
<p>But Morsi’s supporters are fighting back. One cleric, Mahmoud Shaaban, said on Egypt’s Al Hafez channel earlier this month that leaders of the National Salvation Front (NSF), the largest opposition group, should have their “necks cut” for challenging the democratic authority of an elected leader.</p>
<p>Shaaban quoted a hadith, or saying of the Muslim Prophet Mohamed, to back-up his judgment, singling out NSF leaders Mohamed ElBaradei and Hamdeen Sabbahi as the primary culprits.</p>
<p>“Shaaban simply asked how would Sharia [Islamic law] deal with these people in the opposition who call for violence,” Al Sayed Abdel Maqsoud Askar, a Brotherhood leader in the Nile Delta province of Gharbeya, said in defense of Shaaban’s remarks. “But the man did nothing wrong.”</p>
<p>Egypt’s presidential office and a number of Islamists and other Brotherhood members have condemned the edicts legitimizing the slaying of opposition leaders. The prosecutor-general, in fact, ordered the arrest of Shaaban on Monday.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/taxonomy/term/31854/two-years-later-the-green-tent-and-egypts-fractured-revolution" type="external">Egypt’s revolutionary youth</a> say they cannot prove that the Brotherhood, which also commands the upper house of parliament, has initiated the campaign of detentions and extrajudicial kidnappings they say are plaguing their ranks.</p>
<p>But those same activists say the Brotherhood-led government and its supporters, like the hardline clerics, are enabling a climate of either state-sponsored or vigilante violence against the opposition, even if the protesters themselves have assaulted police and state institutions in recent weeks.</p>
<p>“[The Brotherhood] is allowing the interior ministry to act the same way it did during Mubarak and worse,” said Amal Sharaf, a founding member of the April 6 Movement, whose 2008 protests laid the foundations for the uprising three years later. “Morsi came out and declared that he would deal with ‘non-peaceful’ protesters aggressively and he is doing that. Nothing has changed — it’s all becoming worse.”</p>
<p>There is much debate among analysts and political observers over the level of control Morsi and his cabinet actually have over the interior ministry, which forms the backbone of the security forces arresting and beating protesters. The same discussion is taking place in Tunisia, where the Islamist movement Ennahda controls the government but has so far failed to reform Tunisia’s own security forces.</p>
<p>The police in Egypt have long brutalized and cracked down on political dissent, and may be operating on its own. For their part, the Brotherhood and other Islamists vehemently deny any role in punishing protesters, despite chiding them for their violent demonstrations.</p>
<p>“A lot of these people claim to be activists, and yet they brandish guns and knives, which provoke the police,” said Mohamed Abu Taweb, secretary-general of the prominent Salafi Al Nour Party in Fayoum province. “They start the violence with their own acts.”</p>
<p>But protesters point to a spate of recent attacks in which either demonstrators or opposition members have disappeared from Egyptian cities, only to show up later in hospitals or on the streets, beaten and bloodied.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/egypt/130206/egypt-police-brutality-tanta-al-guindy" type="external">Police brutality echoes pre-revolution Egypt</a></p>
<p>Last week, Mohamed Al Guindy, a member of the Popular Current, one of the largest opposition groups, died from a skull fracture in a Cairo hospital after disappearing from the area near Cairo’s Tahrir Square four days before. His friends and family say his body bore clear marks of torture, but government officials and Brotherhood leaders claim Al Guindy was killed in a car accident.</p>
<p>Omar Morsi, the founder of an anti-Brotherhood Facebook page called “MolotovCola,” disappeared from a protest on Jan. 27. He later turned up comatose at another Cairo hospital with a shotgun pellet lodged in his head, according to the Associated Press.</p>
<p>In the restive pro-labor town of Mahalla, also in Gharbeya province, opposition activist Mohamed Gamal was found stripped and beaten with his hands and feet tied in a pile of trash. Also a member of the Popular Current, he told local media that unknown assailants kidnapped him off the street after he organized anti-government protests.</p>
<p>The fear is so great that some activists say they guard the hospital rooms of their injured colleagues to ensure no one slips in to harm them further.</p>
<p>“When it seemed like Mohamed [Al Guindy] was improving, I didn’t want the news to spread because I was afraid people would find out and try to kill him in the hospital,” said Ahmed Al Gamal, a friend of the slain activist.</p>
<p>He didn’t say who “they” were, but insists Al Guindy was detained and tortured at a police compound in Cairo for his work supporting anti-government sit-ins in Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace.</p>
<p>“I don’t know that the Brotherhood played a direct role in Mohamed’s death. But without Mohamed, the sit-ins [against Morsi] at the palace and Tahrir would never have lasted as long as they did,” Al Gamal said. “I think the Brotherhood is worried about the opposition youth — we are moving forward, making trouble and organizing protests against them.”</p>
<p>Heba Habib contributed reporting.</p>
| false | 3 |
cairo egypt egypts liberal activists say haunted recent assassination prominent opposition figure nearby tunisia worried similar slaying could happen police increased security around homes liberal political figures hardline clerics publicly declared murders justifiable interpretation islamic law last week young secular activists say also believe targeted government security forces detention torture even assassination weeks violent protests challenged rule egyptian president mohamed morsi fears given precedence last week gunmen assassinated chokri belaid prominent human rights activist government critic tunisia country inspired egypts revolution arab spring killing belaid preceded similar environment intense division extreme islamists drowned predominantly moderate population old guard secular activists security forces countries meanwhile continue routinely torture political activists failed maintain public order wake two nations 2011 uprisings happen anywhere cairobased writer political analyst hisham kassem said possibility political killings anyone take initiative choose attack time unrest anything happen egypts recent turmoil began monday second anniversary president hosni mubaraks departure antigovernment activists launched wave protests prompted heavy security crackdowns violent clashes roiling morsis 7monthold presidency protesters opposition forces say leader former muslim brotherhood official lost legitimacy november issued decree placing edicts law presided passing controversial constitution say protests attacks government buildings justified morsis supporters fighting back one cleric mahmoud shaaban said egypts al hafez channel earlier month leaders national salvation front nsf largest opposition group necks cut challenging democratic authority elected leader shaaban quoted hadith saying muslim prophet mohamed backup judgment singling nsf leaders mohamed elbaradei hamdeen sabbahi primary culprits shaaban simply asked would sharia islamic law deal people opposition call violence al sayed abdel maqsoud askar brotherhood leader nile delta province gharbeya said defense shaabans remarks man nothing wrong egypts presidential office number islamists brotherhood members condemned edicts legitimizing slaying opposition leaders prosecutorgeneral fact ordered arrest shaaban monday egypts revolutionary youth say prove brotherhood also commands upper house parliament initiated campaign detentions extrajudicial kidnappings say plaguing ranks activists say brotherhoodled government supporters like hardline clerics enabling climate either statesponsored vigilante violence opposition even protesters assaulted police state institutions recent weeks brotherhood allowing interior ministry act way mubarak worse said amal sharaf founding member april 6 movement whose 2008 protests laid foundations uprising three years later morsi came declared would deal nonpeaceful protesters aggressively nothing changed becoming worse much debate among analysts political observers level control morsi cabinet actually interior ministry forms backbone security forces arresting beating protesters discussion taking place tunisia islamist movement ennahda controls government far failed reform tunisias security forces police egypt long brutalized cracked political dissent may operating part brotherhood islamists vehemently deny role punishing protesters despite chiding violent demonstrations lot people claim activists yet brandish guns knives provoke police said mohamed abu taweb secretarygeneral prominent salafi al nour party fayoum province start violence acts protesters point spate recent attacks either demonstrators opposition members disappeared egyptian cities show later hospitals streets beaten bloodied globalpost police brutality echoes prerevolution egypt last week mohamed al guindy member popular current one largest opposition groups died skull fracture cairo hospital disappearing area near cairos tahrir square four days friends family say body bore clear marks torture government officials brotherhood leaders claim al guindy killed car accident omar morsi founder antibrotherhood facebook page called molotovcola disappeared protest jan 27 later turned comatose another cairo hospital shotgun pellet lodged head according associated press restive prolabor town mahalla also gharbeya province opposition activist mohamed gamal found stripped beaten hands feet tied pile trash also member popular current told local media unknown assailants kidnapped street organized antigovernment protests fear great activists say guard hospital rooms injured colleagues ensure one slips harm seemed like mohamed al guindy improving didnt want news spread afraid people would find try kill hospital said ahmed al gamal friend slain activist didnt say insists al guindy detained tortured police compound cairo work supporting antigovernment sitins tahrir square outside presidential palace dont know brotherhood played direct role mohameds death without mohamed sitins morsi palace tahrir would never lasted long al gamal said think brotherhood worried opposition youth moving forward making trouble organizing protests heba habib contributed reporting
| 666 |
<p>OWLS HEAD, Maine — Last week was a bad one for the homeland (that's the politically correct term we've been taught to call our country since Sept. 11). And the worst thing was not the Boston Marathon bombing, tragic as it was. Rather, the most profoundly bad news was the refusal of the US Senate to vote into law changes on background checks for gun-buyers.</p>
<p>We may never know why a popular, apparently well-adjusted 19-year-old immigrant, who had spent all his adolescence and teenage years in the United States, would, suddenly, choose to become a mass murderer. The influence of his alienated brother is obviously key, but there's a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde element in this well-liked athlete that seems incomprehensible.</p>
<p>By contrast, all too comprehensible is the why behind the Senate's cowardice that meant that less than 60 percent of US senators voted for a measure that 90 percent of the country supports. What it tells us is that there's something very wrong with the way our democracy functions — or fails to — these days. The system isn't working.</p>
<p>Start with the Supreme Court, that former bastion of renown. They are the ones, in the Citizens United verdict, who turned corporations into individuals, thus flooding Washington's already corrupt lobbying system with ever more money. What can we say about the distorted political view of American democracy of the five justices that gave us that verdict? That they're small-minded political hacks, in their own way no better than the other political hacks in the nearby Capitol? For starters.</p>
<p>But the bigger question is what should we do about it? There was a time when it was believed that the Supreme Court was above politics, elite Americans who had been chosen by a partisan Democratic or Republican president — how else? — but who in their new role rose above the ideology of the president's party to represent all America.</p>
<p>Not always of course, but more often than not. No longer. And the problem is that this third, now equally politicized, leg of our democracy gets a lifetime appointment, which was not unreasonable in 1789 when life expectancy was about 50 years. An individual justice in today's world could serve for that long. So term limits, say 15 years, for the Supreme Court is the first antidote to what ails us.</p>
<p>Of course, there's always the law of unintended consequences (a relevant aside: wouldn't our Founding Fathers consider the nation's 30,000 gun deaths annually, an offshoot of their Second Amendment, an example of the kind of unintended consequences that they would surely want corrected). An unintended consequence of term limits would be ex-Supreme Court justices out on Washington's streets after 15 or 20 years, selling what's left of their souls to the highest corporate bidder. So make all incoming justices sign some document — that even the Supreme Court couldn't overturn — to keep them from influence-peddling for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p>As for the Senate, in old school civics classes, one was taught that a member of the House of Representatives, as the name implied, represented individual constituents, looking out for their well being and passing legislation that served the interests of the local district.</p>
<p>The Senate, by contrast, had a loftier role, we were told: Their ken extended beyond the well being of their state to include the overall well being of the country. That was then — whenever then was; it sure ain't now. US senators are as parochial as local school district administrators. And, by taking money from the highest bidders, unless they totally screw up (e.g., put their country's interest first), they've got every bit the lifetime sinecure of a Supreme Court justice.</p>
<p>Solution: term limits again. For senators: one 10-year term. After all, if they're lame ducks from the moment they're sworn in, no amount of corporate or PAC money for their nonexistent upcoming election is likely to influence their votes. And they too will have to sign the permanent no-influence peddling agreement, because otherwise they'd be doing deals during their single terms with the pay-off guaranteed down the road.</p>
<p>As for House members, one term as well, of five years. Or, alternatively, we could give them two five-year terms, so long as gerrymandering was made illegal and a bipartisan commission redrew House districts. Of course, these days, looking for bipartisan members to fill such a commission would make Diogenes' search seem simple.</p>
<p>While we're rearranging Washington office-holders' tenure — let's hope it isn't just deck chair repositioning on the Titanic — let's get our president down to one six-year term. No more of those wasted first four years while he relegates the country's interests to his re-election. Instead, lame duck from day one, worrying about what's best for the US and not how to wrap up the Electoral College vote. Which, come to think of it, should also go. Direct presidential voting: isn't that the essence of a democracy? Or are we stuck forever with a system where presidential contenders focus on four or five "key" states and treat the rest of us like non-voting illegal immigrants?</p>
<p>Money is killing our democracy, money and the perpetual campaign to raise money. Single terms for Congress and the president are draconian measures. And I know the rebuttal: if Congress and the White House are single-term inhabitants, then our country will be run by bureaucrats. But what's wrong with that? Call them professionals, not bureaucrats, and you'll be happy they're in charge.</p>
<p>Professionals once ran the State Department. Today, international affairs are controlled out of the White House with presidential appointees in the top foreign policy jobs at the NSC, DOD, and State as well, usually ex-businessmen, successful ones certainly, but who have had little direct experience with the issues they deal with, though a lot with pouring money into politics. So if we end up with decade-long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and a successor one looming in Iran, why be surprised.</p>
<p>The country's operating on a framework drawn up in the 18th century; before computers, before cars, before electricity, and before climate change. If we don't change our outdated system, we'll watch from the sidelines as gun deaths continue to rise and the temperature rises even faster.</p>
<p>But before I get too tied up extolling the need for systemic changes to accommodate the world that lies ahead of us, we've still got to deal with our current world. One way is to support Mayor Bloomberg's non-profit organization fighting the NRA. Another is to support those four Republican senators who had the courage to vote, against their own party, for the modest steps towards gun control.</p>
<p>Mac Deford is retired after a career as a foreign service officer, an international banker, and a museum director. He lives at Owls Head, Maine and still travels frequently to the Middle East.</p>
<p>&#160;</p>
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owls head maine last week bad one homeland thats politically correct term weve taught call country since sept 11 worst thing boston marathon bombing tragic rather profoundly bad news refusal us senate vote law changes background checks gunbuyers may never know popular apparently welladjusted 19yearold immigrant spent adolescence teenage years united states would suddenly choose become mass murderer influence alienated brother obviously key theres dr jekyll mr hyde element wellliked athlete seems incomprehensible contrast comprehensible behind senates cowardice meant less 60 percent us senators voted measure 90 percent country supports tells us theres something wrong way democracy functions fails days system isnt working start supreme court former bastion renown ones citizens united verdict turned corporations individuals thus flooding washingtons already corrupt lobbying system ever money say distorted political view american democracy five justices gave us verdict theyre smallminded political hacks way better political hacks nearby capitol starters bigger question time believed supreme court politics elite americans chosen partisan democratic republican president else new role rose ideology presidents party represent america always course often longer problem third equally politicized leg democracy gets lifetime appointment unreasonable 1789 life expectancy 50 years individual justice todays world could serve long term limits say 15 years supreme court first antidote ails us course theres always law unintended consequences relevant aside wouldnt founding fathers consider nations 30000 gun deaths annually offshoot second amendment example kind unintended consequences would surely want corrected unintended consequence term limits would exsupreme court justices washingtons streets 15 20 years selling whats left souls highest corporate bidder make incoming justices sign document even supreme court couldnt overturn keep influencepeddling rest lives senate old school civics classes one taught member house representatives name implied represented individual constituents looking well passing legislation served interests local district senate contrast loftier role told ken extended beyond well state include overall well country whenever sure aint us senators parochial local school district administrators taking money highest bidders unless totally screw eg put countrys interest first theyve got every bit lifetime sinecure supreme court justice solution term limits senators one 10year term theyre lame ducks moment theyre sworn amount corporate pac money nonexistent upcoming election likely influence votes sign permanent noinfluence peddling agreement otherwise theyd deals single terms payoff guaranteed road house members one term well five years alternatively could give two fiveyear terms long gerrymandering made illegal bipartisan commission redrew house districts course days looking bipartisan members fill commission would make diogenes search seem simple rearranging washington officeholders tenure lets hope isnt deck chair repositioning titanic lets get president one sixyear term wasted first four years relegates countrys interests reelection instead lame duck day one worrying whats best us wrap electoral college vote come think also go direct presidential voting isnt essence democracy stuck forever system presidential contenders focus four five key states treat rest us like nonvoting illegal immigrants money killing democracy money perpetual campaign raise money single terms congress president draconian measures know rebuttal congress white house singleterm inhabitants country run bureaucrats whats wrong call professionals bureaucrats youll happy theyre charge professionals ran state department today international affairs controlled white house presidential appointees top foreign policy jobs nsc dod state well usually exbusinessmen successful ones certainly little direct experience issues deal though lot pouring money politics end decadelong wars afghanistan iraq successor one looming iran surprised countrys operating framework drawn 18th century computers cars electricity climate change dont change outdated system well watch sidelines gun deaths continue rise temperature rises even faster get tied extolling need systemic changes accommodate world lies ahead us weve still got deal current world one way support mayor bloombergs nonprofit organization fighting nra another support four republican senators courage vote party modest steps towards gun control mac deford retired career foreign service officer international banker museum director lives owls head maine still travels frequently middle east 160
| 637 |
<p>If you’re a long time reader of my work (thanks&#160;Mom!) you’ve likely come to the not-so-startling conclusion that a great deal of my ramblings are primarily concerned with my struggles, disagreements, dissatisfactions, and overall existential and sometimes&#160;very&#160;physical inabilities to be a pastor.</p>
<p>It has been my OVERWHELMING experience whenever feelings of angst and confusion emerge amongst a decidedly older set, they are quickly dispatched with a hasty word about the indolence of youth and the misguided loftiness of our opinions about work, meaning, and the everything.</p>
<p>Usually, this quite wordy description comes out sounding a bit more like:</p>
<p>“Welcome to the real world. This is how life actually is. Everyone needs a job, and this is yours.”&#160;</p>
<p>To which we all respond gratefully, without even a hint of sarcasm:</p>
<p>“Thanks coach!”&#160;</p>
<p>But, much like that piece of spinach in your friend’s teeth at which you simply&#160;cannot&#160;stop staring, my anxiety and growing confusion about the nature, role, and purpose of religion in the 21st century refuses to be quieted. I might say, this is chiefly because my own discomfort emerges (however surprisingly for someone in their late 20s) from a place deeper than an insatiable desire to stay up late into the night arguing with Japanese middle schoolers on XBOX Live about who&#160;is&#160;and is&#160;not&#160;a&#160;NOOB.</p>
<p>“Enough Yuki! I said no rocket launchers!”&#160;</p>
<p>It isn’t the meetings, copies, TPS reports, emails, or even the dockers, that continually cause me moments of pause about the direction and goal of my life, but rather, it’s the entire enterprise to which these ends push. What I mean is that much of my work is spent attempting to, sometimes desperately and other times half-heartedly, convince people that the God they’ve heard about (and found distasteful) for much of their lives is&#160;WAY&#160;different this time.</p>
<p>In short, I feel very much like the friend of a desperate ex pleading with a jilted lover on her behalf:</p>
<p>“I know how it was when you guys were together, but I just want you to know: she’s changed man. It’s gonna be WAY different this time. Just call her back. Yeah, I know she said if you ever broke up with her she would have you tortured for the better part of eternity, but people say crazy things when they’re in love!”&#160;</p>
<p>If you find my description of “the pastorate,” misguided and cynical, I might reluctantly ask you to peruse the aisles of your local Christian bookseller:</p>
<p>yes, you’ll&#160;actually&#160;have to go inside.</p>
<p>yes, that&#160;is&#160;a t-shirt prostituting the mountain dew logo in an effort to convince you to “do the Jew”.</p>
<p>no, they don’t have the new&#160;Yeezus&#160;album.</p>
<p>yes, those&#160;are&#160;magnets&#160;people put on the back bumper of their cars.</p>
<p>no, it isn’t a good idea.</p>
<p>yes, kirk cameron is still alive&#160;and&#160;making movies with Bible study guides INCLUDED!</p>
<p>After wading through piles of plastic wrapped refuse compliments of the Christian Industrial Complex, what you’ll find is shelf after shelf of books all seeking to address the same topic:</p>
<p>PORNOGRAPHY!&#160;(wrong)</p>
<p>TALKING VEGETABLES!&#160;(awesome, but no.)</p>
<p>PREDICTING THE NEXT REPUBLICAN PRIMARY!&#160;(you’re getting warmer)</p>
<p>…the lost generation.&#160;(aka: me!)&#160;</p>
<p>With titles like:&#160;You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are leaving the Church, Christianity after Religion, The Next Christians, Almost Christian, unChristian, Lost in Transition, Generation Ex-Christian, Lost and Found, When They Turn Away</p>
<p>and my personal favorite:</p>
<p>Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future</p>
<p>(SO EPIC!)</p>
<p>Now, these books aren’t altogether bad (some are), and many represent a genuine desire on the part of authors, pastors, and parents to remain engaged and connected to an increasingly diffuse generation of unemployed and overeducated pajama-panted wanderers. My only problem with this task is, quite often, when I stop long enough to listen to those who ended their relationship with god, I find that I don’t&#160;really&#160;want them to work it out.</p>
<p>As a matter of fact, when I encounter their stories of toxicity, shame, fear, abuse, and rejection at the hands of the god with whom they were in relationship, I find myself questioning my&#160;own&#160;fidelity to this divine being and his gospel currently employed (albeit with a better soundtrack) to reach my generation.</p>
<p>(Author, prophet,&#160;and&#160;blogger Rachel Held Evans echoes these same sentiments brilliantly in her recent piece on Millennials and the church for CNN&#160; <a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/27/why-millennials-are-leaving-the-church/?hpt=hp_c4&amp;utm_content=buffer1355d&amp;utm_source=buffer&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=Buffer" type="external">here</a>)</p>
<p>These days it seems that the Church comes across&#160;less&#160;like a powerful force of redemptive love in the world and&#160;more&#160;like that kid from middle school who heard somewhere down the line that persistence pays off…especially in dating.</p>
<p>So he’s waiting for you at your locker.</p>
<p>And he’s meticulously cut out letters from your favorite magazine to create a terrifying poem expressing his undying 7th grade love for you.</p>
<p>And now, years later, he’s sleeping outside your house in a parked rented van with one of those porthole windows in the back corner.</p>
<p>That’s the thing about no, it means no for 7th grade casanovas,&#160;and for bloated, oversized, top-heavy religious institutions.</p>
<p>Not to mention, we’re all beginning to realize your efforts, and books, and restraining order producing statistical research into the sleeping and mating habits of people in their mid-20s isn’t (try as you might to argue the contrary) about how much&#160;we&#160;need you.</p>
<p>It’s about how much you need&#160;us:</p>
<p>to stay viable</p>
<p>to keep the lights on</p>
<p>to maintain control.</p>
<p>During a conversation with some of his closest followers, Jesus comments that if people desire to discover profound meaning in life (addressing, I would say, the central reason for following any spiritual teacher)</p>
<p>they would actually have to&#160;lose&#160;their lives in the process.</p>
<p>In his understanding, the way of faith and life is found not by fighting tooth and nail for perpetuity, security, and survival in a waste land of religious pluralism (as if all that separated the way of Jesus from other religious and imperial faiths involved a simple shift in vocabulary and honored deity),&#160;but in releasing our desire for control, power and salvation&#160;for the sake of the world and the other lives, truths, and ways we find humming all around us.</p>
<p>Because if there’s anything the execution of Jesus teaches us, it’s that reconciliation and redemption require sacrifice, but that which is sacrificed in order to bring them about isn’t some&#160;other&#160;faith, or truth, or doubt, or living/breathing/thinking/feeling human being</p>
<p>No, in the Christian story&#160;God sacrifices God’s self on the altar of the world and invites us to do the very same thing.</p>
<p>This is true for people,&#160;and what’s true for people (thanks to the Supreme Court)&#160;is true for organizations and institutions (not to mention corporations!).</p>
<p>So, in your grasping for power</p>
<p>and political might</p>
<p>and influence</p>
<p>and converts</p>
<p>and votes</p>
<p>all you’ve ended up doing is reminding us of why we broke the whole thing off in the first place.</p>
<p>Because, inevitably, when we don’t show up, or don’t stick around, or don’t volunteer, or don’t give our money or resources to your organization liked you’d hoped we would when you started this whole process, you’re going to want to exasperatedly throw up your hands in anger, write us off as lazy, confused, and faithless, and give up the whole endeavor altogether.</p>
<p>And in so doing, revealing to us (much like those red-faced fathers screaming at their 9-year-olds for striking out in Little League) what we believed to be true all along:</p>
<p>this&#160;was always about you.&#160;</p>
<p>But, and this is a Sir-Mix-A-Lot sized but(t), when we encounter&#160;a community who, instead of narcissistically and fearfully sacrificing all those outside its tribe on the altar of its own survival, starts placing not only its musical preferences, but itself, its programs, its salaries,&#160;and even its truth on the altar of the neighborhoods, sexualities, races, politics, and beliefs of the people it meets:</p>
<p>we discover something both expected&#160;and&#160;quite unexpected.</p>
<p>We find that while some things die, pass away, outlive their necessity, and unsurprisingly never get up off the mat:</p>
<p>God isn’t one of these things.</p>
<p>And, for the record neither is sacrificial, militantly hopeful, and buoyantly optimistic love.&#160;</p>
<p>There is a frightening freedom that comes with this kind of individual and organizational release.</p>
<p>A freedom that liberates us to be wrong</p>
<p>to be human</p>
<p>to stop selling</p>
<p>to stop hoarding, owning, and cornering truth</p>
<p>to be patient</p>
<p>to be neighborly</p>
<p>to be faithful</p>
<p>to be generous</p>
<p>and, much like those first women to visit the empty tomb 2000 years ago:</p>
<p>to celebrate, and cry, and scream, and cheer with reckless and confusing abandon.</p>
<p>We might even say, much like that stained glass window magnet from the Christian bookstore you walked into at my request attests:</p>
<p>A freedom that allows us, counterintuitively, to&#160;“let go and let God”</p>
<p>whatever that means.</p>
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youre long time reader work thanks160mom youve likely come notsostartling conclusion great deal ramblings primarily concerned struggles disagreements dissatisfactions overall existential sometimes160very160physical inabilities pastor overwhelming experience whenever feelings angst confusion emerge amongst decidedly older set quickly dispatched hasty word indolence youth misguided loftiness opinions work meaning everything usually quite wordy description comes sounding bit like welcome real world life actually everyone needs job yours160 respond gratefully without even hint sarcasm thanks coach160 much like piece spinach friends teeth simply160cannot160stop staring anxiety growing confusion nature role purpose religion 21st century refuses quieted might say chiefly discomfort emerges however surprisingly someone late 20s place deeper insatiable desire stay late night arguing japanese middle schoolers xbox live who160is160and is160not160a160noob enough yuki said rocket launchers160 isnt meetings copies tps reports emails even dockers continually cause moments pause direction goal life rather entire enterprise ends push mean much work spent attempting sometimes desperately times halfheartedly convince people god theyve heard found distasteful much lives is160way160different time short feel much like friend desperate ex pleading jilted lover behalf know guys together want know shes changed man gon na way different time call back yeah know said ever broke would tortured better part eternity people say crazy things theyre love160 find description pastorate misguided cynical might reluctantly ask peruse aisles local christian bookseller yes youll160actually160have go inside yes that160is160a tshirt prostituting mountain dew logo effort convince jew dont new160yeezus160album yes those160are160magnets160people put back bumper cars isnt good idea yes kirk cameron still alive160and160making movies bible study guides included wading piles plastic wrapped refuse compliments christian industrial complex youll find shelf shelf books seeking address topic pornography160wrong talking vegetables160awesome predicting next republican primary160youre getting warmer lost generation160aka me160 titles like160you lost young christians leaving church christianity religion next christians almost christian unchristian lost transition generation exchristian lost found turn away personal favorite generation iy last chance save future epic books arent altogether bad many represent genuine desire part authors pastors parents remain engaged connected increasingly diffuse generation unemployed overeducated pajamapanted wanderers problem task quite often stop long enough listen ended relationship god find dont160really160want work matter fact encounter stories toxicity shame fear abuse rejection hands god relationship find questioning my160own160fidelity divine gospel currently employed albeit better soundtrack reach generation author prophet160and160blogger rachel held evans echoes sentiments brilliantly recent piece millennials church cnn160 days seems church comes across160less160like powerful force redemptive love world and160more160like kid middle school heard somewhere line persistence pays offespecially dating hes waiting locker hes meticulously cut letters favorite magazine create terrifying poem expressing undying 7th grade love years later hes sleeping outside house parked rented van one porthole windows back corner thats thing means 7th grade casanovas160and bloated oversized topheavy religious institutions mention beginning realize efforts books restraining order producing statistical research sleeping mating habits people mid20s isnt try might argue contrary much160we160need much need160us stay viable keep lights maintain control conversation closest followers jesus comments people desire discover profound meaning life addressing would say central reason following spiritual teacher would actually to160lose160their lives process understanding way faith life found fighting tooth nail perpetuity security survival waste land religious pluralism separated way jesus religious imperial faiths involved simple shift vocabulary honored deity160but releasing desire control power salvation160for sake world lives truths ways find humming around us theres anything execution jesus teaches us reconciliation redemption require sacrifice sacrificed order bring isnt some160other160faith truth doubt livingbreathingthinkingfeeling human christian story160god sacrifices gods self altar world invites us thing true people160and whats true people thanks supreme court160is true organizations institutions mention corporations grasping power political might influence converts votes youve ended reminding us broke whole thing first place inevitably dont show dont stick around dont volunteer dont give money resources organization liked youd hoped would started whole process youre going want exasperatedly throw hands anger write us lazy confused faithless give whole endeavor altogether revealing us much like redfaced fathers screaming 9yearolds striking little league believed true along this160was always you160 sirmixalot sized butt encounter160a community instead narcissistically fearfully sacrificing outside tribe altar survival starts placing musical preferences programs salaries160and even truth altar neighborhoods sexualities races politics beliefs people meets discover something expected160and160quite unexpected find things die pass away outlive necessity unsurprisingly never get mat god isnt one things record neither sacrificial militantly hopeful buoyantly optimistic love160 frightening freedom comes kind individual organizational release freedom liberates us wrong human stop selling stop hoarding owning cornering truth patient neighborly faithful generous much like first women visit empty tomb 2000 years ago celebrate cry scream cheer reckless confusing abandon might even say much like stained glass window magnet christian bookstore walked request attests freedom allows us counterintuitively to160let go let god whatever means
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<p>WASHINGTON/LIMA — Losing the fight against same-sex marriage at home, leading US Evangelical Christians are joining in the culture wars in Latin America as cheerleaders for opponents of gay legal partnerships, abortion and pornography.</p>
<p>One of the Americans is veteran legal crusader Mat Staver who was both a disciple of late Moral Majority co-founder Jerry Falwell and the leader of a campaign against the removal of religious symbols from celebrations of Christmas in stores and public buildings.</p>
<p>The other is Samuel Rodriguez, a dynamic Latino preacher with strong ties with Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Washington, DC, who describes his religion as mixing Martin Luther King Jr. with televangelist Billy Graham and then "putting a little salsa on top."</p>
<p>Working together, both men increased their influence in Latin America in April when a US Hispanic Evangelical group that they help to run took over one of the region's oldest Evangelical organizations.</p>
<p>"Because of what was happening in Latin America and what we are fighting here in America there needed to be a combination to be able to create a firewall for our Judeo-Christian values. That is what ultimately brought about this merger," Staver told his Faith and Freedom radio show.</p>
<p>The new group — known as NHCLC/CONELA and headed by Rodriguez — boasts a network of socially conservative pastors in Latin America whom it is asking to be more politically active.</p>
<p>The many left-leaning governments in Latin America will not be easily swayed by US-backed conservatives and the fight against gay marriage has already been lost in Argentina, Uruguay and Mexico City, which have legalized it in the last four years.</p>
<p>But the alliance of US and Latin American Evangelicals is having some success in Peru, where a conservative lawmaker who is an NHCLC/CONELA officeholder is blocking a bill in congress that would allow gay civil unions.</p>
<p>Staver gave the lawmaker, Julio Rosas, moral support by speaking to an audience of social conservatives at a legal conference in a hall of the Peruvian Congress last November.</p>
<p>"I urged them to stand strong" against abortion and same-sex marriage, the US Evangelical said in an interview.</p>
<p>Staver is a hardened cultural warrior who was a friend and legal adviser to Falwell. He successfully defended the televangelist from a complaint at the Federal Election Commission that Falwell broke federal election law by calling on his supporters to back President George W. Bush's re-election in 2004.</p>
<p>Staver heads the law faculty at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, which was founded by Falwell and is run by the late Baptist's son, also named Jerry.</p>
<p>Staver has argued against abortion rights before the US Supreme Court. His Liberty Counsel nonprofit law firm led the charge over the last decade against the "War on Christmas" by threatening to sue stores and government agencies for secularizing the Christmas holiday.</p>
<p>Aggressive opposition</p>
<p>Legal counsel for NHCLC/CONELA, Staver said one of his motivations for becoming involved in Latin America is that the US government via the State Department is funding gay rights groups in other parts of the world, unsettling Latin American conservatives.</p>
<p>"They were looking to us in America for help. Why? Because America through this current administration has been using a bully pulpit to try to tell them what to do on abortion and homosexuality and they don’t like that,” he said.</p>
<p>Staver's Peruvian ally, lawmaker Rosas, was one of the leaders of a "March for Family" in May against the gay civil unions bill. Rosas said nearly a million signatures against the legislation were delivered to congress days later.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/peru/140523/peruvian-congressman-gay-civil-union-bill" type="external">Insults, applause, Peru's first openly gay congressman has seen it all</a></p>
<p>The justice committee is expected to take up the civil union measure in coming months, but even supporters say it is unlikely to pass, in part because of strident opposition from Rosas.</p>
<p>"I expected a strong reaction from the Catholic Church, but I didn't expect Evangelicals to be so aggressive," said the bill's author, Carlos Bruce, who came out publicly as gay while promoting the legislation. "I think it's the first time the Evangelical church has such a strong political presence" in Peru.</p>
<p>Critics accuse Staver and Rodriguez of trying to repeat the performance of visiting US Evangelicals who urged church and government leaders in Uganda to crack down on gay activism. That led to the African country banning homosexuality in February, a move that was rejected by the constitutional court this month.</p>
<p>American conservative Christians, including Massachusetts pastor Scott Lively who later hired Staver as his lawyer, were widely accredited with fostering an anti-gay climate in Uganda through a series of speeches to lawmakers and opinion makers there.</p>
<p>Political pastors</p>
<p>"If I were to speculate, the Religious Right in the US sees the writing on the wall regarding gay marriage, and are going to try to influence global movements in Latin American and Africa — two places that still have very strong anti-gay secular and religious sentiments," said Arlene Sanchez-Walsh, a Latino church expert at Azusa Pacific University in California.</p>
<p>The number of Evangelicals in Latin America is growing but exact figures are elusive. A 2012 report by the US-based Pew Research Center Religion and Public Life Project estimated 98 million Protestants in Latin America and the Caribbean, or 18 percent of the Christian population there.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/brazil/130314/evangelicals-challenge-catholic-church-dominance-brazil" type="external">Evangelicals challenge Catholic Church's dominance in Brazil</a></p>
<p>Staver says he wants the new US-Latin American group to expand into the Caribbean, boost operations in Mexico and train pastors throughout Latin America, starting in Peru in 2015, on how to conduct political campaigns.</p>
<p>California-based Hispanic preacher Rodriguez will be key to any growth in Latin America.</p>
<p>He will travel to Argentina later this year to meet conservative pastors and has named a NHCLC/CONELA leader in Mexico who has begun meeting state governors to persuade them to crack down on pornography and defend traditional family values.</p>
<p>He said he is encouraging affiliated preachers in Mexico to become more involved in politics to defend traditional family values, fight poverty and promote education.</p>
<p>"Yes, I can't deny that we are asking Evangelicals in Mexico to rise up and become very engaged and to defend Biblical truth and religious liberty to stand up for family and faith," he told Reuters.</p>
<p>Described by US Spanish-language television channel Telemundo as "leader of the Hispanic Evangelical movement," Rodriguez has political connections on both sides of the aisle in Washington. He led prayers at the Republican Party convention that nominated Mitt Romney as the 2012 presidential candidate.</p>
<p>Rodriguez said he has grand ambitions for his US-Latin American group to "serve as the catalyst for the global revitalization of Evangelicalism."</p>
<p>NHCLC/CONELA calls itself perhaps the world's biggest Protestant network with 500,000 affiliated churches, although academics and other Latin American Evangelical Christians dismiss that number as far too high.</p>
<p>Additional reporting by Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico, editing by Ross Colvin.</p>
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washingtonlima losing fight samesex marriage home leading us evangelical christians joining culture wars latin america cheerleaders opponents gay legal partnerships abortion pornography one americans veteran legal crusader mat staver disciple late moral majority cofounder jerry falwell leader campaign removal religious symbols celebrations christmas stores public buildings samuel rodriguez dynamic latino preacher strong ties republican democratic lawmakers washington dc describes religion mixing martin luther king jr televangelist billy graham putting little salsa top working together men increased influence latin america april us hispanic evangelical group help run took one regions oldest evangelical organizations happening latin america fighting america needed combination able create firewall judeochristian values ultimately brought merger staver told faith freedom radio show new group known nhclcconela headed rodriguez boasts network socially conservative pastors latin america asking politically active many leftleaning governments latin america easily swayed usbacked conservatives fight gay marriage already lost argentina uruguay mexico city legalized last four years alliance us latin american evangelicals success peru conservative lawmaker nhclcconela officeholder blocking bill congress would allow gay civil unions staver gave lawmaker julio rosas moral support speaking audience social conservatives legal conference hall peruvian congress last november urged stand strong abortion samesex marriage us evangelical said interview staver hardened cultural warrior friend legal adviser falwell successfully defended televangelist complaint federal election commission falwell broke federal election law calling supporters back president george w bushs reelection 2004 staver heads law faculty liberty university lynchburg virginia founded falwell run late baptists son also named jerry staver argued abortion rights us supreme court liberty counsel nonprofit law firm led charge last decade war christmas threatening sue stores government agencies secularizing christmas holiday aggressive opposition legal counsel nhclcconela staver said one motivations becoming involved latin america us government via state department funding gay rights groups parts world unsettling latin american conservatives looking us america help america current administration using bully pulpit try tell abortion homosexuality dont like said stavers peruvian ally lawmaker rosas one leaders march family may gay civil unions bill rosas said nearly million signatures legislation delivered congress days later globalpost insults applause perus first openly gay congressman seen justice committee expected take civil union measure coming months even supporters say unlikely pass part strident opposition rosas expected strong reaction catholic church didnt expect evangelicals aggressive said bills author carlos bruce came publicly gay promoting legislation think first time evangelical church strong political presence peru critics accuse staver rodriguez trying repeat performance visiting us evangelicals urged church government leaders uganda crack gay activism led african country banning homosexuality february move rejected constitutional court month american conservative christians including massachusetts pastor scott lively later hired staver lawyer widely accredited fostering antigay climate uganda series speeches lawmakers opinion makers political pastors speculate religious right us sees writing wall regarding gay marriage going try influence global movements latin american africa two places still strong antigay secular religious sentiments said arlene sanchezwalsh latino church expert azusa pacific university california number evangelicals latin america growing exact figures elusive 2012 report usbased pew research center religion public life project estimated 98 million protestants latin america caribbean 18 percent christian population globalpost evangelicals challenge catholic churchs dominance brazil staver says wants new uslatin american group expand caribbean boost operations mexico train pastors throughout latin america starting peru 2015 conduct political campaigns californiabased hispanic preacher rodriguez key growth latin america travel argentina later year meet conservative pastors named nhclcconela leader mexico begun meeting state governors persuade crack pornography defend traditional family values said encouraging affiliated preachers mexico become involved politics defend traditional family values fight poverty promote education yes cant deny asking evangelicals mexico rise become engaged defend biblical truth religious liberty stand family faith told reuters described us spanishlanguage television channel telemundo leader hispanic evangelical movement rodriguez political connections sides aisle washington led prayers republican party convention nominated mitt romney 2012 presidential candidate rodriguez said grand ambitions uslatin american group serve catalyst global revitalization evangelicalism nhclcconela calls perhaps worlds biggest protestant network 500000 affiliated churches although academics latin american evangelical christians dismiss number far high additional reporting lizbeth diaz mexico editing ross colvin
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<p>By Vicki Brown</p>
<p>Baptists follow the congregational form of church governance — every member who wants to can have a say in the way the church and the denomination operate.</p>
<p>But how much access does the average church member have to information about operations of national Baptist bodies and affiliated agencies? That depends on what the member wants to know and often upon whether the institution chooses to release it.</p>
<p>Wade Burleson, senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Okla., believes the Southern Baptist Convention has “lost the principle of transparency.”</p>
<p>An active participant in denominational life, including two terms as president of the Oklahoma Baptist General Convention, he was named a trustee for the SBC International Mission Board in 2005. He came under fire almost from the beginning because he publicly disagreed with board decisions. He did so “because I felt I had an obligation to tell what happened,” he said.</p>
<p>“Jesus said his followers would be known for their love and transparency,” Burleson explained in a recent interview.&#160;</p>
<p>Over personnel, “the law is very clear, and I think that personnel issues should be confidential,” he said. “But when it comes to all other information, we should be transparent. … No pastor, board member or Southern Baptist leader has the right to keep information from the people.”</p>
<p>Many agencies apparently do not operate from that perspective. While SBC leaders acknowledge members give money and time voluntarily, that doesn’t mean people in the pew should be entitled to any information they want. The general rule seems to be: It depends upon the question.</p>
<p>But at least a few SBC leaders believe the denomination practices openness for the most part. “I think it is pretty transparent … a lot more than many other denominations,” noted Richard Land, president of the Ethics &amp; Religious Liberty Commission. “The litigious society in which we live makes it difficult.”</p>
<p>IMB spokesperson Wendy Norvelle agreed. “It would be difficult to find any organization as open to its constituents as the agencies of the SBC,” she said. Certain personal details about missionaries, sometimes even the name of the country in which they serve, must be kept confidential.</p>
<p>Often denominational entities want to get word out to church members but feel stymied in the attempt. “The challenge from the convention is that we desperately want to get information to the person in the pew…. We spend lots of time and money (trying to provide convention information) by whatever means,” Baptist General Association of Virginia Assistant Executive Director Glenn Akins said.</p>
<p>But when an individual seeks details, again it depends on the nature of the question.</p>
<p>For example, if Joe or Jane, a member of Regardless-of-the-Size Baptist Church in Anywhere, USA, wants to know how much an agency head earns, Joe and Jane might not be able to find out specifics.</p>
<p>The policy most Southern Baptist-affiliated entities have adopted allows providing the salary range, but not the actual figure. Several agency leaders, including the SBC vice president for convention finance, said they are accountable only to their boards and the Executive Committee for the details.</p>
<p>The SBC includes general budget information for the EC and the agencies in each annual book of reports and posts those reports on its website.</p>
<p>Each entity can decide how much it wants to disclose. The Ethics &amp; Religious Liberty Commission is willing to answer any questions, Land said, including divulging his salary. However, the agency requires anyone who receives information to sign a nondisclosure agreement.</p>
<p>While some entities may release information, sometimes it’s couched in terms to protect the agency.</p>
<p>Then-Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director David Clippard terminated several workers under his organization plan in 2002. Official convention minutes listed the individuals as having “resigned.”</p>
<p>Accountability</p>
<p>Some see giving specific information as simply being accountable. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Heartland (formerly CBF of Missouri) publishes each of its workers’ salary and benefits in the annual budget that it distributes. “We want to make sure the people we relate to, and partner with, know what we’re doing,” Associate Coordinator Jeff Langford explained.</p>
<p>Many Baptist leaders struggle to find the balance between releasing too much or too little. “There have been colleagues across the states who have wrestled with how much and what kind of information to share, with whom and at what expense,” Akins said.</p>
<p>Churches and groups ask for information for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a church might ask for the names of all deacon chairs or all Sunday school directors in an area. The Virginia convention finds out how the information would be used and determines whether to release the names.</p>
<p>Akins sees agencies as stewards of the information they receive from congregations and individuals. “We always walk a thin line. I’m a steward and how do I protect that information,” he said.</p>
<p>He will give information about specific projects to those directly concerned. “Every donor has a right to know what happened to their gift,” he added.</p>
<p>American Baptist Churches-U.S.A. operates under covenant agreements with autonomous and interdependent partners. Each partner manages its own affairs, including information and property.&#160;</p>
<p>&#160;‘Openness’ in secret</p>
<p>To foster expression, meetings and proceedings are often closed — particularly to reporters — because Baptists rely heavily on volunteer giving and service, Land said.&#160;In most SBC agencies, “the media are free to come and are free to cover meetings, but they cannot tell who says what unless they get the person to say the same thing outside of the board meeting,” he explained.</p>
<p>“I do think … that unless you have something like that in place, having the press there does impede or hinder board members from expressing honest opinions.”</p>
<p>When then-SBC President Johnny Hunt authorized creation of the Great Commission Task Force in 2009, he vowed the meetings would be open, Baptist Press reported after Hunt met by conference call that June with Southern Baptist newspaper editors from Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Texas.</p>
<p>“I would be real open to say that we look forward to every meeting that there will be a state editor there to be able to document the meeting. We have nothing to hide,” Hunt is reported to have said.</p>
<p>However, all meetings were closed, and then all written and audio records were sealed to preserve confidentiality when the task force report was released in June 2010.&#160;</p>
<p>Albert Mohler, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president and task force member, claimed open meetings and records would “rob” history and create a “chilling effect” on other committees. Participants would fear recording meetings if people would have immediate access to the records.</p>
<p>A control issue</p>
<p>Despite arguments for confidentiality, Burleson believes the underlying issue, at least for Southern Baptists, is control.</p>
<p>Burleson cited Albert McClellan, former executive director of the SBC Executive Committee, who claimed in 1980 that, in 43 years, the committee had had fewer than six executive sessions. Burleson believes closing meetings is more the norm, rather than the exception, these days.</p>
<p>Every IMB board meeting he attended included a closed-door session, he said. “There were things said and things done” in those sessions that “shouldn’t have been said and done.”</p>
<p>“When you operate in secrecy, it is in the belief that you can control better in secrecy,” Burleson said.</p>
<p>The primary reason he has remained in the Southern Baptist fold and encourages others to do so is because he believes that the atmosphere will change.</p>
<p>“The SBC needs to wake up to the fact that there’s nothing to fear. … Don’t try to control.”</p>
<p>Other church governance models — such as the episcopal form the United Methodists and others follow or the Roman Catholics’ papal form — allow more rigid control. The more hierarchical it is, the more like the government it becomes, and some avenues for decisionmaking are closed, said Bill Wilson, president of the Center for Congregational Health.</p>
<p>“I think it does create more feeling that members aren’t being listened to,” he said. “But the bottom line is (to work toward) a culture that says we want to be transparent and open whatever the polity.”</p>
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vicki brown baptists follow congregational form church governance every member wants say way church denomination operate much access average church member information operations national baptist bodies affiliated agencies depends member wants know often upon whether institution chooses release wade burleson senior pastor emmanuel baptist church enid okla believes southern baptist convention lost principle transparency active participant denominational life including two terms president oklahoma baptist general convention named trustee sbc international mission board 2005 came fire almost beginning publicly disagreed board decisions felt obligation tell happened said jesus said followers would known love transparency burleson explained recent interview160 personnel law clear think personnel issues confidential said comes information transparent pastor board member southern baptist leader right keep information people many agencies apparently operate perspective sbc leaders acknowledge members give money time voluntarily doesnt mean people pew entitled information want general rule seems depends upon question least sbc leaders believe denomination practices openness part think pretty transparent lot many denominations noted richard land president ethics amp religious liberty commission litigious society live makes difficult imb spokesperson wendy norvelle agreed would difficult find organization open constituents agencies sbc said certain personal details missionaries sometimes even name country serve must kept confidential often denominational entities want get word church members feel stymied attempt challenge convention desperately want get information person pew spend lots time money trying provide convention information whatever means baptist general association virginia assistant executive director glenn akins said individual seeks details depends nature question example joe jane member regardlessofthesize baptist church anywhere usa wants know much agency head earns joe jane might able find specifics policy southern baptistaffiliated entities adopted allows providing salary range actual figure several agency leaders including sbc vice president convention finance said accountable boards executive committee details sbc includes general budget information ec agencies annual book reports posts reports website entity decide much wants disclose ethics amp religious liberty commission willing answer questions land said including divulging salary however agency requires anyone receives information sign nondisclosure agreement entities may release information sometimes couched terms protect agency thenmissouri baptist convention executive director david clippard terminated several workers organization plan 2002 official convention minutes listed individuals resigned accountability see giving specific information simply accountable cooperative baptist fellowship heartland formerly cbf missouri publishes workers salary benefits annual budget distributes want make sure people relate partner know associate coordinator jeff langford explained many baptist leaders struggle find balance releasing much little colleagues across states wrestled much kind information share expense akins said churches groups ask information variety reasons sometimes church might ask names deacon chairs sunday school directors area virginia convention finds information would used determines whether release names akins sees agencies stewards information receive congregations individuals always walk thin line im steward protect information said give information specific projects directly concerned every donor right know happened gift added american baptist churchesusa operates covenant agreements autonomous interdependent partners partner manages affairs including information property160 160openness secret foster expression meetings proceedings often closed particularly reporters baptists rely heavily volunteer giving service land said160in sbc agencies media free come free cover meetings tell says unless get person say thing outside board meeting explained think unless something like place press impede hinder board members expressing honest opinions thensbc president johnny hunt authorized creation great commission task force 2009 vowed meetings would open baptist press reported hunt met conference call june southern baptist newspaper editors florida georgia illinois texas would real open say look forward every meeting state editor able document meeting nothing hide hunt reported said however meetings closed written audio records sealed preserve confidentiality task force report released june 2010160 albert mohler southern baptist theological seminary president task force member claimed open meetings records would rob history create chilling effect committees participants would fear recording meetings people would immediate access records control issue despite arguments confidentiality burleson believes underlying issue least southern baptists control burleson cited albert mcclellan former executive director sbc executive committee claimed 1980 43 years committee fewer six executive sessions burleson believes closing meetings norm rather exception days every imb board meeting attended included closeddoor session said things said things done sessions shouldnt said done operate secrecy belief control better secrecy burleson said primary reason remained southern baptist fold encourages others believes atmosphere change sbc needs wake fact theres nothing fear dont try control church governance models episcopal form united methodists others follow roman catholics papal form allow rigid control hierarchical like government becomes avenues decisionmaking closed said bill wilson president center congregational health think create feeling members arent listened said bottom line work toward culture says want transparent open whatever polity
| 762 |
<p>A year ago, Devin Allen was virtually unknown. Last May, he landed on the <a href="http://time.com/3841077/baltimore-protests-riot-freddie-gray-devin-allen/" type="external">cover of Time magazine</a> for his photography of the Baltimore uprising following Freddie Gray’s death. This month, he launched his career as a community artist and educator.</p>
<p>“Through Their Eyes,” a collaboration between Allen and a local school, showcased photography by Baltimore youth whom Allen had mentored. Allen sees what’s possible in Baltimore — a city long plagued by poverty and violence — especially using art to uplift the city’s youth. Since his first solo exhibit in July 2015, the West Baltimore photographer estimates he’s given art presentations to more than 2,000 students at various events.</p>
<p>“This is the most important thing I can do,” Allen says.</p>
<p>The numbers show art matters: A study of Missouri public schools found that increased art education resulted in fewer disciplinary infractions, as well as higher attendance, graduation rates&#160;and test scores.</p>
<p>But the percentage of students of color receiving an art education has declined: by 49 percent for black children and 40 percent for Hispanic children from 1982 to 2008, according to the National Endowment for the Arts. For white children, it dropped just 5 percent.</p>
<p />
<p>Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BC_3cx2S_bE/" type="external">Devin Allen/Instagram</a></p>
<p>With Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan proposing millions of dollars of cuts to Baltimore school budgets next year, local art advocates worry the arts will be hit hardest. That’s where artists and nonprofits come in: to fill in the gaps. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore connected Allen with local students by featuring a free exhibit of his work and inviting local schools for field trips.</p>
<p>“Even before the uprising, we wanted a place for the community that was free and open to the public so we could engage the public on topics of the day,” says Helen Yuen, the museum’s director of marketing. “After the uprising, we realized that vision. When Devin Allen’s photos went viral, we realized that his photography was a perfect fit.”</p>
<p />
<p>Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCbj_TsS_V8/" type="external">Devin Allen/Instagram</a></p>
<p>But Allen wasn’t satisfied being a motivational speaker alone. He wanted to teach students — especially ones who grew up in neighborhoods like his — how to take photos. Over the summer, Allen fundraised on his own to buy cameras and hold youth photography workshops. He started at Kids Safe Zone, a drop-in community center where he still teaches. But he was hoping for a chance to teach a longer, more focused workshop. When Cindy Marcoline, a librarian at Windsor Hills Elementary-Middle School in West Baltimore, asked the RFL Museum to recommend a teaching artist, they referred Allen.</p>
<p>Allen ended up mentoring seven middle-school students over the course of three months. Their work is now on display at the Motor House, a local arts venue and home to Arts Every Day, a nonprofit that partners with the school and helped cover the costs of the workshop and photography show. He says the experience has inspired him to continue collecting cameras and teaching children throughout Baltimore.</p>
<p />
<p>Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCwDCzCy_SC/" type="external">Devin Allen/Instagram</a></p>
<p>Marcoline says that arts education can be hard to come by — especially with Baltimore school budgets. That is why a Title I, or high poverty, school like Windsor Hills&#160;depends on artists and arts organizations.</p>
<p>Arts Every Day partners with 35 other Baltimore city schools and reports reaching more than 17,000 students through artist residencies, field trips&#160;and performances. Eighty percent of these schools are designated Title I.</p>
<p>A local artist who goes by the name C. Harvey wants to see young, black artists flourish. Prior to the uprising, she says, many black Baltimorean artists like her felt ignored. Now, the 28-year-old helps Baltimore youth sell their art online through her organization, Baltimore’s Gifted. Harvey believes that local institutions tend to favor white, outside artists like those from the Maryland Institute College of Art, an elite, majority white, private art school that attracts many non-Baltimoreans.</p>
<p>“It’s like Baltimore doesn’t know art outside of MICA,” says Harvey. “Oftentimes, we get completely passed over.”</p>
<p>That’s one of the reasons why Allen’s rise to acclaim is so notable. He is a young black man from a working-class family in a city that rarely provides opportunities for local artists who lack formal training. He is the exception to the rule. That is also why it is so important for Baltimore children in public schools — 82.7 percent of whom are black — to have a creative role model like Allen.</p>
<p />
<p>Some of Devin Allen's students recently had their first art show at Baltimore's Motor House arts center.</p>
<p>Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCv4d4rS_QU/" type="external">Devin Allen/Instagram</a></p>
<p>“He identifies with them a lot,” says Julia Di Bussolo, executive director of Arts Every Day. “Their struggles with school, their struggles on a day-to-day basis.”</p>
<p>Hence the need for community arts outreach. Harvey thinks such a shift must come through legislation. “You can’t just blame Baltimore’s problems on poverty and [lack of] education,” she says. “At some point, you have to blame the people creating policy.”</p>
<p>Di Bussolo says it’s important to remember that the Baltimore uprising did not happen simply because of Gray’s death, but because of other frustrations affecting the city’s black youth in particular.</p>
<p>“To understand the uprising, you need context,” she says. “There are so many layers. There’s so much more to the story as to why anything would happen in the first place, even before Freddie was arrested. There’s a reason why [his death] struck a chord. There’s a reason why that blew up the way it did.”</p>
<p>Di Bussolo believes artists and arts educators can help children connect with one another and reflect — not just in Baltimore, but everywhere.</p>
<p />
<p>Via <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BCbkJdiS_WO/" type="external">Devin Allen/Instagram</a></p>
<p>This&#160; <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/people-power/a-year-later-kids-turn-baltimores-uprising-into-art-20160322" type="external">story</a>&#160;was originally published by&#160; <a href="http://www.yesmagazine.org/" type="external">YES! Magazine</a>, a nonprofit publication that supports people’s active engagement in solving today’s social, political&#160;and environmental challenges.</p>
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year ago devin allen virtually unknown last may landed cover time magazine photography baltimore uprising following freddie grays death month launched career community artist educator eyes collaboration allen local school showcased photography baltimore youth allen mentored allen sees whats possible baltimore city long plagued poverty violence especially using art uplift citys youth since first solo exhibit july 2015 west baltimore photographer estimates hes given art presentations 2000 students various events important thing allen says numbers show art matters study missouri public schools found increased art education resulted fewer disciplinary infractions well higher attendance graduation rates160and test scores percentage students color receiving art education declined 49 percent black children 40 percent hispanic children 1982 2008 according national endowment arts white children dropped 5 percent via devin alleninstagram maryland gov larry hogan proposing millions dollars cuts baltimore school budgets next year local art advocates worry arts hit hardest thats artists nonprofits come fill gaps reginald f lewis museum baltimore connected allen local students featuring free exhibit work inviting local schools field trips even uprising wanted place community free open public could engage public topics day says helen yuen museums director marketing uprising realized vision devin allens photos went viral realized photography perfect fit via devin alleninstagram allen wasnt satisfied motivational speaker alone wanted teach students especially ones grew neighborhoods like take photos summer allen fundraised buy cameras hold youth photography workshops started kids safe zone dropin community center still teaches hoping chance teach longer focused workshop cindy marcoline librarian windsor hills elementarymiddle school west baltimore asked rfl museum recommend teaching artist referred allen allen ended mentoring seven middleschool students course three months work display motor house local arts venue home arts every day nonprofit partners school helped cover costs workshop photography show says experience inspired continue collecting cameras teaching children throughout baltimore via devin alleninstagram marcoline says arts education hard come especially baltimore school budgets title high poverty school like windsor hills160depends artists arts organizations arts every day partners 35 baltimore city schools reports reaching 17000 students artist residencies field trips160and performances eighty percent schools designated title local artist goes name c harvey wants see young black artists flourish prior uprising says many black baltimorean artists like felt ignored 28yearold helps baltimore youth sell art online organization baltimores gifted harvey believes local institutions tend favor white outside artists like maryland institute college art elite majority white private art school attracts many nonbaltimoreans like baltimore doesnt know art outside mica says harvey oftentimes get completely passed thats one reasons allens rise acclaim notable young black man workingclass family city rarely provides opportunities local artists lack formal training exception rule also important baltimore children public schools 827 percent black creative role model like allen devin allens students recently first art show baltimores motor house arts center via devin alleninstagram identifies lot says julia di bussolo executive director arts every day struggles school struggles daytoday basis hence need community arts outreach harvey thinks shift must come legislation cant blame baltimores problems poverty lack education says point blame people creating policy di bussolo says important remember baltimore uprising happen simply grays death frustrations affecting citys black youth particular understand uprising need context says many layers theres much story anything would happen first place even freddie arrested theres reason death struck chord theres reason blew way di bussolo believes artists arts educators help children connect one another reflect baltimore everywhere via devin alleninstagram this160 story160was originally published by160 yes magazine nonprofit publication supports peoples active engagement solving todays social political160and environmental challenges
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<p>BALI, Indonesia — In the lead-up to this week’s World Trade Organization negotiations, the Obama administration has tried to block the implementation of a new program approved by the Indian government that could help feed its 830 million hungry people in a cost-effective way.</p>
<p>The Obama administration’s objection to the program is a direct attack on the right to food, and it threatens to kill the chances for any agreement at the WTO.</p>
<p>The Indian government’s newly approved Food Security Act is one of the world’s most ambitious efforts to reduce chronic hunger. Under the new program, the Indian government will buy staple foods from small farmers at administered prices, generally above market levels, thereby supporting the incomes of some of the country’s most impoverished people. From those stocks, the government will provide food to the poor, generally at below-market prices, and to public initiatives such as school-based lunch programs.</p>
<p>This is a cost-effective way to address chronic hunger, particularly in rural areas. It does not come cheap; the annual cost is estimated at $20 billion. But neither does the United States’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), costing about $78 billion&#160;last year to assist a much smaller number of people. And in its budget negotiations and farm-bill proposals, the Obama Administration has made a point of defending funding for SNAP.</p>
<p>So what’s the problem with India’s plan?</p>
<p>The Obama administration’s objection is that such a program violates the trade rules agreed to when the WTO was set up in 1994. And it does, because those arcane and biased rules treat government-supported prices to farmers as a form of “trade-distorting support,” even if that support is for food security and supports only domestic production for the domestic market.</p>
<p>That is why India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries that make up the G-33 group have been proposing since 2006 that the rules be updated to allow developing country governments to buy farmers’ crops at supported prices if the programs address food security. Such programs, these countries argue, should not be treated as “trade distorting.”</p>
<p>That proposal had largely been accepted when these WTO negotiations — called the Doha Development Round — stalled in 2008, also over US objections to food security proposals.</p>
<p>In preparation for the Bali ministerial, which runs Dec. 3-6, President Obama’s trade negotiators have taken a hard line on the G-33 proposal. The US, Mexico and Pakistan have withdrawn support for the food security proposal, instead offering a four-year “peace clause,” which states that no WTO member can sue any other member for such violations. After four years, all bets are off, unless there is an agreement to extend it or members reach a more comprehensive resolution of Doha issues.</p>
<p>India and the G-33 have rejected the proposal. In a <a href="http://m.indianexpress.com/news/farmers-urge-pm-to-reject-developed-nations-wto-plans/1196224/" type="external">letter</a> to the Indian prime minister, Indian farmers argued that their country should not be expected “to mortgage its right to food and the right to livelihoods of the poor and the needy enshrined in the Constitution.”&#160;</p>
<p>As UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Olivier De Schutter has <a href="http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news11_e/deschutter_2011_e.pdf" type="external">pointed out</a>, the WTO largely marginalizes the issue, treating “food security as a deviation from the primary objective of agricultural trade liberalization.” And in a statement released Monday, De Schutter said that developing countries must be allowed to use their reserves to improve food security without facing sanctions. “Trade rules must be shaped around the food security policies that developing countries need, rather than policies having to tiptoe around WTO rules,” he said.</p>
<p>The WTO’s new director general, Roberto Azevedo of Brazil, has tried to breathe new life into the comatose Doha Round by urging an “early harvest” of a limited set of measures, largely agreed upon previously, that make good on the development promise of the round. Disagreements forced Azevedo to suspend negotiations last week, saying that he did not see the political will to conclude an agreement.</p>
<p>Bali will be the battleground where the US government seems determined to display its cynical use of trade policies to undermine the ideals it claims to support at home, like food security.</p>
<p>What is really on display, though, is US hypocrisy. India’s Food Security Act uses the same measures that were part of US agricultural policy for years coming out of the Great Depression.</p>
<p>They worked for us, but India is not allowed to use them.</p>
<p>More galling, US domestic agricultural support was estimated to be $130 billion in 2010. Much of that support goes to crops like corn and soybeans that we not only export directly, we feed to livestock, making our meat exports cheaper. Talk about trade distortions.</p>
<p>Worse still, a longstanding US and EU commitment of the Doha Round to quickly reduce or eliminate export subsidies and credits — the most directly trade-distorting government support of all — remains vague, with no firm timetables.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the US and EU had their own peace clause, written into the 1994 Agreement on Agriculture to protect them from suits over excessive subsidies. No four-year limit there, while a raft of trade-distorting support resulted in the widespread dumping of surplus goods by the US and EU on developing countries, undermining their producers.</p>
<p>We don’t need a peace clause, we need a <a href="" type="external">hypocrisy clause</a>. We need a commitment to reduce trade-distorting hypocrisy, with the deepest cuts coming from the most developed hypocrites.</p>
<p>Timothy A. Wise is the policy research director at Tufts University’s <a href="http://ase.tufts.edu/gdae/" type="external">Global Development and Environment Institute</a>(GDAE). He is currently on an Open Society Institute Fellowship on agriculture, climate change, and the right to food.&#160;</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost:&#160; <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/global-pulse/commentary-world-food-prize-genetically-modified-foods" type="external">Commentary: And the prize goes to ... genetically modified foods</a> &#160;</p>
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bali indonesia leadup weeks world trade organization negotiations obama administration tried block implementation new program approved indian government could help feed 830 million hungry people costeffective way obama administrations objection program direct attack right food threatens kill chances agreement wto indian governments newly approved food security act one worlds ambitious efforts reduce chronic hunger new program indian government buy staple foods small farmers administered prices generally market levels thereby supporting incomes countrys impoverished people stocks government provide food poor generally belowmarket prices public initiatives schoolbased lunch programs costeffective way address chronic hunger particularly rural areas come cheap annual cost estimated 20 billion neither united states supplemental nutrition assistance program snap costing 78 billion160last year assist much smaller number people budget negotiations farmbill proposals obama administration made point defending funding snap whats problem indias plan obama administrations objection program violates trade rules agreed wto set 1994 arcane biased rules treat governmentsupported prices farmers form tradedistorting support even support food security supports domestic production domestic market india indonesia philippines countries make g33 group proposing since 2006 rules updated allow developing country governments buy farmers crops supported prices programs address food security programs countries argue treated trade distorting proposal largely accepted wto negotiations called doha development round stalled 2008 also us objections food security proposals preparation bali ministerial runs dec 36 president obamas trade negotiators taken hard line g33 proposal us mexico pakistan withdrawn support food security proposal instead offering fouryear peace clause states wto member sue member violations four years bets unless agreement extend members reach comprehensive resolution doha issues india g33 rejected proposal letter indian prime minister indian farmers argued country expected mortgage right food right livelihoods poor needy enshrined constitution160 un special rapporteur right food olivier de schutter pointed wto largely marginalizes issue treating food security deviation primary objective agricultural trade liberalization statement released monday de schutter said developing countries must allowed use reserves improve food security without facing sanctions trade rules must shaped around food security policies developing countries need rather policies tiptoe around wto rules said wtos new director general roberto azevedo brazil tried breathe new life comatose doha round urging early harvest limited set measures largely agreed upon previously make good development promise round disagreements forced azevedo suspend negotiations last week saying see political conclude agreement bali battleground us government seems determined display cynical use trade policies undermine ideals claims support home like food security really display though us hypocrisy indias food security act uses measures part us agricultural policy years coming great depression worked us india allowed use galling us domestic agricultural support estimated 130 billion 2010 much support goes crops like corn soybeans export directly feed livestock making meat exports cheaper talk trade distortions worse still longstanding us eu commitment doha round quickly reduce eliminate export subsidies credits directly tradedistorting government support remains vague firm timetables meanwhile us eu peace clause written 1994 agreement agriculture protect suits excessive subsidies fouryear limit raft tradedistorting support resulted widespread dumping surplus goods us eu developing countries undermining producers dont need peace clause need hypocrisy clause need commitment reduce tradedistorting hypocrisy deepest cuts coming developed hypocrites timothy wise policy research director tufts universitys global development environment institutegdae currently open society institute fellowship agriculture climate change right food160 globalpost160 commentary prize goes genetically modified foods 160
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<p>CURWOOD: It's Living on Earth, I'm Steve Curwood. On September 18th, the people of Scotland head to the polls to vote on whether to leave the United Kingdom and become an independent nation, unwinding a merger with England that began some 400 years ago and became the heartland of one of the greatest empires in world history. Scotland has a lot going for it. North Sea oil off its coast has been a vital economic engine for the UK for decades, and Professor John Curtice of Strathclyde university says it will be the same for Scotland. CURTICE: There is no doubt that whichever side of the argument youre on, that oil will be crucial to Scotlands future. Its a crucial part of its economy, its crucial to government revenues. CURWOOD: But tighter international agreements to cut carbon emissions in the future could make many of those many billion of barrels of oil and gas less bankable assets. To learn how Scots view this dilemma, we called up the Director of the World Wildlife Fund in Scotland, Lang Banks. He says that neither side of the debate over Scottish independence is talking about the risk that much fossil fuel may have to stay in the ground. BANKS: To be quite honest, the two sides are exactly the same with very few exceptions. Both sides want to see maximized returns from oil and gas, so as far as we're concerned, both sides are inconsistent with our international obligations and our moral obligations to start cutting carbon. Offshore oil rigs in the Firth of Forth in southeastern Scotland. Industry estimates put the reserves of offshore oil and gas under the North Sea at 15 to 24 billion barrels. (Photo: Linda More; Bigstockphoto) CURWOOD: Well, what do folks say about the prospect that perhaps a global agreement on climate disruption or price on carbon could make those fuel reserves into stranded assets or carbon reserves that would not be cost effective to burn? BANKS: I think that it's a very good point. I think it's something unfortunately that hasn't really got into the debate here. This is a big issue, but it's not the only issue. But it's certainly one that I think needs to be debated. However, irrespectful of the outcome of the referendum or the outcome it's a question that will need to be answered, and it's great for the opportunity to talk about it now. CURWOOD: Summarize for me what the UK government's stance is on using these reserves in the North Sea? BANKS: Well, the UK government have just recently unveiled new plans with a new regulator whose effective remit is to maximize the return from the oil and gas reserves left in the North Sea, so they are very much clear that they want to take that oil and gas out, and burn most it. I mean I think it's important to stress that, of course, not all the oil and gas there will be burned. Some of it's turned into other chemicals or medical aspects, but that's a small fraction. CURWOOD: Well, how concerned do you think that the possible new Scottish government would be about the general ecological applications of using fossil fuels to generate income? Lang Banks, Director of WWF Scotland (Photo: Maverick; WWF Scotland) BANKS: Historically, Scotland has shown a good lead when comes to the issue of climate change and curbing carbon emissions. It has set itself the world's leading climate change targets, thats to to reduce Scotlands carbon emissions by 42% based on 1990 levels by 2020, so not far off. So the challenge for them is how to square the circle of going big on renewables, cutting climate change, yet still relying too heavily on oil. That's the conundrum. And it will still be a conundrum and a question to be answered irrespective of the outcome of the referendum. CURWOOD: Indeed it's the question around the world, isn't it? BANKS: [LAUGHS] Quite. CURWOOD: So what do you think Scotland should be doing in terms of something different with its energy policy? BANKS: I think the challenge for any new Scottish government would be to see whether or not it can do something different than has been going on in UK for a long time which is simply just to drill it and burn it. Scotland is blessed with having 25% of Europes offshore wind resource. It's got 25% of Europe's tidal power potential, and about 10% of Europes wave power potential, and it has ambitious targets. It has targets to generate 100% of it's electricity needs from renewables by 2020 so we have alternative resources here. We've started to tap into them. We think that's the future that Scotland should be taking, not continuing to take every last drop of oil of the North Sea. CURWOOD: How do the Scottish people feel about this energy question? What do they want Scotland's economic energy future to look like? BANKS: Well, I think there are mixed views as to where people want to get their energy from. Certainly when we poll people's opinion, renewables, whether it be wind, wave, solar, are very much the preferred majority option than fossil fuels and other forms of energy, so I think the public would get behind a clean energy revolution. I mean they certainly have already in Scotland to some extent. I think the challenge will be: how do we transform our economy into a low carbon one? CURWOOD: What is the economic basis of Scotland if it does not rely on this fossil fuel? BANKS: Well, I mean I think it's probably no different than it could be today. We would much rather see us invest in a low carbon economy and that means the tens of thousands of jobs already coming from renewables being increased. It could mean, if Scotland were to harness its full wave and tidal potential, that we become world leaders in the export of technologies for those power sources. We missed the boat unfortunately when it came to wind power, and it's the Danes and other countries which have reaped the rewards of going for that renewable first. So Scotland has the opportunity to harness other forms of clean energy. I'd prefer a transition that means we use the window of opportunity we've got to maximize the return and jobs that we can create in cleaner forms of energy. CURWOOD: So that sounds like a massive, huge amount of investment. BANKS: I think an interesting thing is to see what is being talked about in Norway, a country which Scotland often compares itself to. They are another oil economy. They have an oil fund, a strategic wealth fund, and there's discussions there about how they change that fund into something which is less carbon intensive because at the moment it invests in further oil and gas developments. My colleagues in Norway are looking at how to convince them to start investing that money into clean forms and renewables. So I think there are different approaches to this, and there are different ways of funding it. CURWOOD: Now, to what extent has Scotland felt the impacts of climate disruption? Some think that at some point in the near future Scotland might be able to have vineyards, have wine. BANKS: Well, our country is changing. It's not quite as dramatic as in some other parts of the world, but strangely enough, I was just reading the other day about someone growing grapes somewhere in Scotland so that is starting to happen already. For a Scot, often Scots will say, "Well actually isn't it great if things get a bit warmer and a bit less wetter?" But I think the totality of this will knock on in unexpected ways, impact some of our greatest exports, things such as whisky and others. I mean, interestingly enough the whisky industry is actually playing a great role in trying to address climate change themselves. I think, they have as a business, recognized a threat to their own industry and have been spending large amounts of time and money investing in ways to reduce their own impacts. One of the distilleries was investing several million pounds to convert where it gets its energy from to low carbon energy source. So they're taking a stand because they can see that the threats face them as much as anyone else. CURWOOD: Lang Banks is Director of WWF Scotland. Thanks so much for taking the time today. BANKS: Youre great. Thanks very much.</p>
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curwood living earth im steve curwood september 18th people scotland head polls vote whether leave united kingdom become independent nation unwinding merger england began 400 years ago became heartland one greatest empires world history scotland lot going north sea oil coast vital economic engine uk decades professor john curtice strathclyde university says scotland curtice doubt whichever side argument youre oil crucial scotlands future crucial part economy crucial government revenues curwood tighter international agreements cut carbon emissions future could make many many billion barrels oil gas less bankable assets learn scots view dilemma called director world wildlife fund scotland lang banks says neither side debate scottish independence talking risk much fossil fuel may stay ground banks quite honest two sides exactly exceptions sides want see maximized returns oil gas far concerned sides inconsistent international obligations moral obligations start cutting carbon offshore oil rigs firth forth southeastern scotland industry estimates put reserves offshore oil gas north sea 15 24 billion barrels photo linda bigstockphoto curwood well folks say prospect perhaps global agreement climate disruption price carbon could make fuel reserves stranded assets carbon reserves would cost effective burn banks think good point think something unfortunately hasnt really got debate big issue issue certainly one think needs debated however irrespectful outcome referendum outcome question need answered great opportunity talk curwood summarize uk governments stance using reserves north sea banks well uk government recently unveiled new plans new regulator whose effective remit maximize return oil gas reserves left north sea much clear want take oil gas burn mean think important stress course oil gas burned turned chemicals medical aspects thats small fraction curwood well concerned think possible new scottish government would general ecological applications using fossil fuels generate income lang banks director wwf scotland photo maverick wwf scotland banks historically scotland shown good lead comes issue climate change curbing carbon emissions set worlds leading climate change targets thats reduce scotlands carbon emissions 42 based 1990 levels 2020 far challenge square circle going big renewables cutting climate change yet still relying heavily oil thats conundrum still conundrum question answered irrespective outcome referendum curwood indeed question around world isnt banks laughs quite curwood think scotland terms something different energy policy banks think challenge new scottish government would see whether something different going uk long time simply drill burn scotland blessed 25 europes offshore wind resource got 25 europes tidal power potential 10 europes wave power potential ambitious targets targets generate 100 electricity needs renewables 2020 alternative resources weve started tap think thats future scotland taking continuing take every last drop oil north sea curwood scottish people feel energy question want scotlands economic energy future look like banks well think mixed views people want get energy certainly poll peoples opinion renewables whether wind wave solar much preferred majority option fossil fuels forms energy think public would get behind clean energy revolution mean certainly already scotland extent think challenge transform economy low carbon one curwood economic basis scotland rely fossil fuel banks well mean think probably different could today would much rather see us invest low carbon economy means tens thousands jobs already coming renewables increased could mean scotland harness full wave tidal potential become world leaders export technologies power sources missed boat unfortunately came wind power danes countries reaped rewards going renewable first scotland opportunity harness forms clean energy id prefer transition means use window opportunity weve got maximize return jobs create cleaner forms energy curwood sounds like massive huge amount investment banks think interesting thing see talked norway country scotland often compares another oil economy oil fund strategic wealth fund theres discussions change fund something less carbon intensive moment invests oil gas developments colleagues norway looking convince start investing money clean forms renewables think different approaches different ways funding curwood extent scotland felt impacts climate disruption think point near future scotland might able vineyards wine banks well country changing quite dramatic parts world strangely enough reading day someone growing grapes somewhere scotland starting happen already scot often scots say well actually isnt great things get bit warmer bit less wetter think totality knock unexpected ways impact greatest exports things whisky others mean interestingly enough whisky industry actually playing great role trying address climate change think business recognized threat industry spending large amounts time money investing ways reduce impacts one distilleries investing several million pounds convert gets energy low carbon energy source theyre taking stand see threats face much anyone else curwood lang banks director wwf scotland thanks much taking time today banks youre great thanks much
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<p>Tighter U.S. and European sanctions to contain Moscow's Ukrainian land grab will be tough to pull off. But if fully deployed, they could be very painful to <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/10000054" type="external">Russia</a>'s already weakening economy.</p>
<p>For all the headlines, the sanctions invoked so far against Moscow for invading Crimea amount to little more than a slap on the wrist.</p>
<p>"The sanctions so far from the U.S. and Europe are primarily signaling, but they're not going to fundamentally change Russian behavior," former World Bank president Robert Zoellick told CNBC.</p>
<p>The "signals" include Russia's suspension from the Group of Eight major industrialized powers on the eve of a long-planned summit in Sochi. U.S. and European authorities have also frozen the assets of a handful of President <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/10000510" type="external">Vladimir Putin</a>'s closest political allies.</p>
<p>Now, as the world watches Putin's next move, and U.S. and EU officials warn of escalating financial and trade sanctions, the Western allies face a tough reality.</p>
<p>Putin has a large ace up his sleeve: the <a href="http://public.tableausoftware.com/shared/9ZCPRTRR8?:display_count=yes&amp;:showVizHome=no" type="external">vast supplies of oil and natural gas</a> that <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/10000290" type="external">Europe</a> relies on to power its economy and heat its homes. As Europe's major energy supplier, Russia could respond to any tightening of the economic noose by shutting off gas supplies, leaving European capitals in the cold and dark.</p>
<p>The Russian government hasn't been shy about reminding Europeans where their energy comes from. Twice — during the depths of winter in 2006 and 2009 — Russia shut off gas supplies to <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/10001247" type="external">Ukraine</a> over trade disputes, crimping supplies further west in Europe.</p>
<p>But those large oil and gas exports may be the only card Putin has to play. Meanwhile, U.S. and European leaders have a few cards of their own.</p>
<p>Several U.S. lawmakers have introduced bills urging the Energy Department to speed pending approvals of more than 20 projects to export U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas. Thanks to a boom in natural gas fracking, the American production is approaching a surplus position — which is why the U.S. has little fear from a possible Russian natural gas embargo.</p>
<p>But even if all 20 export projects were approved today, it would take years — and several very cold and dark European winters — before U.S. exports would have any meaningful impact on European supplies.</p>
<p>Still, with its economy weakening, Russia also can ill-afford any crimp in the supply of its biggest source of already-scarce capital.</p>
<p>Russia's heavy reliance on the cash from oil and gas exports is something of an Achilles heel for the Kremlin because the Russian economy depends heavily on that hard currency to buy manufactured products from Europe — and around the world.</p>
<p>Some 70 percent of the country's exports are related to energy and mining, while Russia imports roughly 80 percent of manufactured goods, according to the latest figures from the World Trade Organization. About a third of those imports — everything from vehicles to computer equipment — come from Europe.</p>
<p>And with a relatively small manufacturing base, Russia's economy is also highly vulnerable to canceled orders from U.S. and European customers. Some Russian companies are already feeling the chill of a drop in demand, according to Philip Uglow, chief economist at MNI, based on his firm's survey this month of 200 large Russian companies.</p>
<p>With its economy weakening, Russia also can ill-afford any crimp in the supply of its biggest source of already-scarce capital.</p>
<p>"What we've heard from Russian companies this month is that they're seeing a big fall in export orders," he said. "Certainly they’re seeing some pain for the tension in Ukraine. They probably fear most trade or financial sanctions."</p>
<p>Extending the U.S. and European asset freeze beyond the current handful of Putin's political cronies would inflict additional pressure on Putin. That's because the cash accumulated by Russian oligarchs is also one of Russia's biggest exports.</p>
<p>"Sanctions that really targeted the banking system the same way that U.S. sanctions went after Iran, that could have a significant effect," Uglow said. "But that really requires a huge shift about pushing Russia away from the world economy as opposed to in it."</p>
<p>It also means convincing global financial companies, with strong political connections in Washington, London and Berlin, that containing Russian aggression in a capital-poor country like Ukraine is worth a substantial hit to the industry's bottom line.</p>
<p>"Fairly narrow targeted financial sanctions have been put forward, but a number of international financial interests are ready to get back to business as usual, which is often … the case," Stephen Yates, CEO at DC International Advisory, told CNBC. "So Putin sees himself as having weathered the wave, and so now onward and upward with whatever his agenda may be."</p>
<p>Organizing global economic sanctions is never easy, but the large outflows of Russian wealth parked around the world further complicates the process. Without strong European cooperation, the U.S. will have a tough time tightening the economic noose, according to Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, chairman of the Joint Economic Committee.</p>
<p>"Traditionally Europe likes us to play the bad guys," he told CNBC. "That won't work in this case. The banking relationships in London, the business relationships across Europe, and the oligarch investments they've made are numerous."</p>
<p>The outflow of Russian cash has only picked up since the turmoil in Ukraine began. Russian officials have said the capital flight could hit $70 billion for the first three months of the year — more than the $63 billion that fled the country in all of last year.</p>
<p>Russia's economy can ill-afford to see more capital head for the exits. Though energy exports rebounded following a deep slide during the global recession, overall gross domestic product began slowing last year and is weakening further. Last year, GDP growth fell to 1.3 percent from 3.4 percent in 2012. MNI's Uglow figures Russia's GDP growth will fall below 1 percent for the rest of the year.</p>
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tighter us european sanctions contain moscows ukrainian land grab tough pull fully deployed could painful russias already weakening economy headlines sanctions invoked far moscow invading crimea amount little slap wrist sanctions far us europe primarily signaling theyre going fundamentally change russian behavior former world bank president robert zoellick told cnbc signals include russias suspension group eight major industrialized powers eve longplanned summit sochi us european authorities also frozen assets handful president vladimir putins closest political allies world watches putins next move us eu officials warn escalating financial trade sanctions western allies face tough reality putin large ace sleeve vast supplies oil natural gas europe relies power economy heat homes europes major energy supplier russia could respond tightening economic noose shutting gas supplies leaving european capitals cold dark russian government hasnt shy reminding europeans energy comes twice depths winter 2006 2009 russia shut gas supplies ukraine trade disputes crimping supplies west europe large oil gas exports may card putin play meanwhile us european leaders cards several us lawmakers introduced bills urging energy department speed pending approvals 20 projects export usproduced liquefied natural gas thanks boom natural gas fracking american production approaching surplus position us little fear possible russian natural gas embargo even 20 export projects approved today would take years several cold dark european winters us exports would meaningful impact european supplies still economy weakening russia also illafford crimp supply biggest source alreadyscarce capital russias heavy reliance cash oil gas exports something achilles heel kremlin russian economy depends heavily hard currency buy manufactured products europe around world 70 percent countrys exports related energy mining russia imports roughly 80 percent manufactured goods according latest figures world trade organization third imports everything vehicles computer equipment come europe relatively small manufacturing base russias economy also highly vulnerable canceled orders us european customers russian companies already feeling chill drop demand according philip uglow chief economist mni based firms survey month 200 large russian companies economy weakening russia also illafford crimp supply biggest source alreadyscarce capital weve heard russian companies month theyre seeing big fall export orders said certainly theyre seeing pain tension ukraine probably fear trade financial sanctions extending us european asset freeze beyond current handful putins political cronies would inflict additional pressure putin thats cash accumulated russian oligarchs also one russias biggest exports sanctions really targeted banking system way us sanctions went iran could significant effect uglow said really requires huge shift pushing russia away world economy opposed also means convincing global financial companies strong political connections washington london berlin containing russian aggression capitalpoor country like ukraine worth substantial hit industrys bottom line fairly narrow targeted financial sanctions put forward number international financial interests ready get back business usual often case stephen yates ceo dc international advisory told cnbc putin sees weathered wave onward upward whatever agenda may organizing global economic sanctions never easy large outflows russian wealth parked around world complicates process without strong european cooperation us tough time tightening economic noose according rep kevin brady rtexas chairman joint economic committee traditionally europe likes us play bad guys told cnbc wont work case banking relationships london business relationships across europe oligarch investments theyve made numerous outflow russian cash picked since turmoil ukraine began russian officials said capital flight could hit 70 billion first three months year 63 billion fled country last year russias economy illafford see capital head exits though energy exports rebounded following deep slide global recession overall gross domestic product began slowing last year weakening last year gdp growth fell 13 percent 34 percent 2012 mnis uglow figures russias gdp growth fall 1 percent rest year
| 595 |
<p>LONDON — Investigators are “fully confident” their inquiry into the <a href="" type="internal">downing of Flight MH17 over Ukraine</a> will lead to a trial, but experts and relatives of the 298 people who died fear it could be years before those responsible are brought to justice — if ever.</p>
<p>An international criminal probe this week concluded that the Malaysia Airlines jet was destroyed by a missile fired from territory controlled by pro-Moscow rebels using a Soviet-era Buk launcher that was trucked in from Russia and hastily returned there.</p>
<p>Video, witness accounts and intercepted call transcripts gathered over more than two years were among the <a href="" type="internal">evidence set out Wednesday by the Dutch-led Joint Investigation (JIT) team</a>.</p>
<p>The U.S. welcomed the findings as an “important step toward accountability,” with U.N. Ambassador <a href="Nations,%20Samantha%20Power,%20who%20said%20in%20a%20statement" type="external">Samantha Power saying in a statement</a> that "those responsible for carrying out and ordering this attack must be held accountable.”</p>
<p>Australia, which lost 38 citizens in the July 2014 disaster, <a href="http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2016/jb_mr_160928a.aspx" type="external">said it was</a> “carefully considering the prosecution options available.”</p>
<p>However, a specialist in international law said it would be "a monumental challenge” to get individual defendants on trial” — and the process would likely take years.</p>
<p>“For a trial, you need defendants and we don’t appear close to that point yet,” lawyer Toby Cadman, from London-based firm 9 Bedford Row, told NBC News.</p>
<p>Any moves towards an international criminal trial could be stymied by Russia, which immediately denounced Wednesday’s findings as "biased and politically-motivated."</p>
<p>“Russia has previously blocked a U.N. Security Council resolution to set up a tribunal on MH17,” Cadman explained. “Russia can’t stop an International Criminal Court investigation and it can’t stop a national investigation in the Netherlands or anywhere else, but getting defendants before a court would be a huge challenge.”</p>
<p>Gallery: <a href="" type="internal">Malaysia Airlines Wreckage Litters Ukrainian Landscape</a></p>
<p>Even if the individual suspects who fired the missile could be identified and extradited, prosecutors would have to prove that they intended to destroy the Boeing 777, which was flying at 33,000 feet above the conflict zone — far higher than military jets involved in combat.</p>
<p>Cold War-era <a href="" type="internal">Buk surface-to-air missile launchers, first built in the 1970s,</a> are capable of shooting down aircraft up to 18 miles away. But the radar system that guides the missiles is designed for war zones and isn't capable of distinguishing between military and civilian planes.</p>
<p>Much of the JIT evidence — in particular, expletive-laden communications in which unidentified military personnel appear to realize the scale of the disaster — suggests the downing of MH17 was “unlikely to have been intentional act,” according to Cadman.</p>
<p>That view was echoed by Australian Paul Guard, whose parents Jill and Roger Guard from Toowoomba, Queensland, were among the victims.</p>
<p>“I think it is important to prosecute the people involved, mainly as a deterrent to others,” he <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/relative-of-mh17-victims/7887668" type="external">told Australia’s ABC Thursday</a>. “I don’t think that anyone intended to bring down a passenger plane. Nobody benefited except possibly the Ukrainian government as an excuse to escalate the war. I don’t think it was intentional."</p>
<p>Guard said it was “good to see” the JIT had a wealth of evidence but added: “I do see the whole incident as a function of the war that was going on there. What was a passenger plane doing there? Ukraine should have closed its airspace in the days leading up to the incident. Malaysia Airlines should have done a risk assessment and it may not have had the information it needed in order to do that.”</p>
<p>The JIT’s chief prosecutor, Fred Westerbeke, told Wednesday’s news conference that he was “fully confident" the investigation would lead to a trial. But he said it was too early to decide which court could hear it.</p>
<p>"The next question, of course, is who was responsible for this," Westerbeke said.</p>
<p>When pressed by journalists, the prosecutor declined to give more information about the 100 people believed to be involved — including whether any are Russian nationals.</p>
<p>"Who gave the orders?" Westerbeke asked. "Did the crew take its own decisions or were they operating on instructions from above?"</p>
<p>He appealed to "insider witnesses" to come forward, saying they could receive immunity or reduced sentences. He also said JIT was seeking more information on two people heard on the intercepted military communication — Andrey Ivanovich, who used the callsign Orion, and Nikolay Fiodorovich, identified as Delfin.</p>
<p>Westerbeke said the JIT wasn’t yet “making any statement about involvement of the Russian Federation as a country or of people from the Russian Federation,” but that there was little doubt that all fingers were pointing in the direction of Moscow.</p>
<p>Even before the latest evidence was presented, Russia's military said newly-found data from radar in southern Russia showed that the missile responsible for downing Flight 17 did not originate in rebel-controlled territory. It said it would give that data to investigators.</p>
<p>The JIT said it haven't yet received the data, but downplayed the possibility it would alter their findings.</p>
<p>"In this case, absence of evidence does not prove that it (the missile) was not there," said Wilbert Paulissen, head of the Dutch National Police Central Crime Investigation Department. "We have no doubt whatever that the conclusions we are presenting today are accurate."</p>
<p>Russian defense ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov denied that Moscow's air-defense missile systems, including the Buk, have ever been sent to Ukraine.</p>
<p>With a format and location for any trial still a distant prospect, prosecutors may look to previous cases such as the investigation into the destruction of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland in December 1988.</p>
<p>The Lockerbie trial eventually took place under Scottish law but on neutral ground in the Netherlands after a deal to hand over the suspects for trial was agreed with Libya. The process took 11 years and four months.</p>
<p>“I’m sure they know a lot more than they said at their press conference but I would imagine it would still be several months if not years before any potential suspects are identified, unfortunately,” said Cadman, the international law expert.</p>
<p>Bogdan Petrenko, deputy director of the Ukrainian Institute of Extremism, <a href="http://www.voanews.com/a/prosecutors-to-announce-launch-location-of-rocket-that-downed-mh17/3528240.html" type="external">told Voice of America that the JIT report showed</a> that “the circle is narrowing” on the perpetrators.</p>
<p>Related: <a href="" type="internal">MH17 Report Reveals Shocking Details of Jet's Last Moments</a></p>
<p>However, Guard said Ukraine’s inclusion on the JIT “creates a public perception problem and gives the Russian government an excuse to dismiss the findings” since the country may have played a role in the disaster.</p>
<p>“It is very disappointing that Russia refuses to accept any facts. Russia has been a bad actor in all of these proceedings from the start and … there is a continued need to put pressure on it to own up to what the facts are and hopefully cooperate,” he said.</p>
<p>Guard added many bereaved families were keen to see “retribution or some sort of punishment” but that a trial conviction was “well down my list of priorities.”</p>
<p>“I do think the focus should be on resolving [the Ukraine] conflict peacefully, finding a long term political compromise and sorting out the rules on civil aviation to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he said.</p>
| false | 3 |
london investigators fully confident inquiry downing flight mh17 ukraine lead trial experts relatives 298 people died fear could years responsible brought justice ever international criminal probe week concluded malaysia airlines jet destroyed missile fired territory controlled promoscow rebels using sovietera buk launcher trucked russia hastily returned video witness accounts intercepted call transcripts gathered two years among evidence set wednesday dutchled joint investigation jit team us welcomed findings important step toward accountability un ambassador samantha power saying statement responsible carrying ordering attack must held accountable australia lost 38 citizens july 2014 disaster said carefully considering prosecution options available however specialist international law said would monumental challenge get individual defendants trial process would likely take years trial need defendants dont appear close point yet lawyer toby cadman londonbased firm 9 bedford row told nbc news moves towards international criminal trial could stymied russia immediately denounced wednesdays findings biased politicallymotivated russia previously blocked un security council resolution set tribunal mh17 cadman explained russia cant stop international criminal court investigation cant stop national investigation netherlands anywhere else getting defendants court would huge challenge gallery malaysia airlines wreckage litters ukrainian landscape even individual suspects fired missile could identified extradited prosecutors would prove intended destroy boeing 777 flying 33000 feet conflict zone far higher military jets involved combat cold warera buk surfacetoair missile launchers first built 1970s capable shooting aircraft 18 miles away radar system guides missiles designed war zones isnt capable distinguishing military civilian planes much jit evidence particular expletiveladen communications unidentified military personnel appear realize scale disaster suggests downing mh17 unlikely intentional act according cadman view echoed australian paul guard whose parents jill roger guard toowoomba queensland among victims think important prosecute people involved mainly deterrent others told australias abc thursday dont think anyone intended bring passenger plane nobody benefited except possibly ukrainian government excuse escalate war dont think intentional guard said good see jit wealth evidence added see whole incident function war going passenger plane ukraine closed airspace days leading incident malaysia airlines done risk assessment may information needed order jits chief prosecutor fred westerbeke told wednesdays news conference fully confident investigation would lead trial said early decide court could hear next question course responsible westerbeke said pressed journalists prosecutor declined give information 100 people believed involved including whether russian nationals gave orders westerbeke asked crew take decisions operating instructions appealed insider witnesses come forward saying could receive immunity reduced sentences also said jit seeking information two people heard intercepted military communication andrey ivanovich used callsign orion nikolay fiodorovich identified delfin westerbeke said jit wasnt yet making statement involvement russian federation country people russian federation little doubt fingers pointing direction moscow even latest evidence presented russias military said newlyfound data radar southern russia showed missile responsible downing flight 17 originate rebelcontrolled territory said would give data investigators jit said havent yet received data downplayed possibility would alter findings case absence evidence prove missile said wilbert paulissen head dutch national police central crime investigation department doubt whatever conclusions presenting today accurate russian defense ministry spokesman maj gen igor konashenkov denied moscows airdefense missile systems including buk ever sent ukraine format location trial still distant prospect prosecutors may look previous cases investigation destruction pan flight 103 lockerbie scotland december 1988 lockerbie trial eventually took place scottish law neutral ground netherlands deal hand suspects trial agreed libya process took 11 years four months im sure know lot said press conference would imagine would still several months years potential suspects identified unfortunately said cadman international law expert bogdan petrenko deputy director ukrainian institute extremism told voice america jit report showed circle narrowing perpetrators related mh17 report reveals shocking details jets last moments however guard said ukraines inclusion jit creates public perception problem gives russian government excuse dismiss findings since country may played role disaster disappointing russia refuses accept facts russia bad actor proceedings start continued need put pressure facts hopefully cooperate said guard added many bereaved families keen see retribution sort punishment trial conviction well list priorities think focus resolving ukraine conflict peacefully finding long term political compromise sorting rules civil aviation make sure doesnt happen said
| 680 |
<p>Even with a Democratic supermajority, the California Legislature was unable to pass&#160; <a href="http://www.asmdc.org/members/a25/home-page/assemblymember-wieckowski-introduces-fracking-disclosure-bill" type="external">several bills</a>&#160;this year to ban hydraulic fracking. All fracking bills died in committees, or were killed during the legislative process — except for one. <a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>Gov. Jerry Brown signed&#160; <a href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201320140SB4" type="external">Senate Bill 4,</a>by Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills. It imposes the most stringent regulations in the country on hydraulic fracturing and other oil and natural gas production.</p>
<p>“Oil companies will not be allowed to frack or acidize in California unless they test the groundwater, notify neighbors and list each and every chemical on the Internet,” Pavley&#160; <a href="http://sd27.senate.ca.gov/news/2013-09-20-governor-brown-signs-bill-regulate-fracking-and-other-oilfield-practices" type="external">said</a>. “This is a first step toward greater transparency, accountability and protection of the public and the environment.”</p>
<p>Yet despite 10 amended versions,&#160;passage of <a href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml" type="external">SB4</a>isn’t what environmentalists wanted. They wanted a complete ban. “The only solution to the fracking threat is a complete ban,”&#160; <a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/fran-pavley-withdraw" type="external">MoveOn.org said</a>.</p>
<p>Bill <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sb_4_cfa_20130911_165819_sen_floor.html" type="external">analysis</a>&#160;shows SB4&#160; <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sb_4_cfa_20130911_165819_sen_floor.html" type="external">requires regulations</a>to be created and adopted by the State Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal, in consultation with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the California Air Resources Board, the&#160;State Water Resources Control Board,&#160;the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery and any local air districts and regional water quality control boards in areas where fracking may occur.</p>
<p><a href="http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billHistoryClient.xhtml" type="external">SB4</a> specifically establishes a “comprehensive regulatory program” for oil and gas well stimulation treatments. It includes, among many other requirements, a new study, the development of numerous regulations and a new permitting process, leaving oversight agencies ample opportunity to add regulations as they see fit.</p>
<p>In a&#160; <a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/fran-pavley-withdraw" type="external">petition demanding</a>&#160;Pavley drop the bill, MoveOn.org said, “Continue to be the environmental hero we know you to be and withdraw your bill and fight for a ban on fracking.”</p>
<p>“Pavley’s intentions were good,” MoveOn.org said. “She thought regulations would help protect the environment and the public. But no amount of regulations can insure that fracking can be done safely.”</p>
<p>SB4 provides a variety of tools to state regulatory entities:</p>
<p>* Adds regional groundwater monitoring in the vicinity of oil and gas fields;</p>
<p>* Requires the State Water Resources Control Board to “develop model criteria with input from experts and stakeholders”;</p>
<p>* Requires the State Water Resources Control Board&#160;to perform the monitoring in “high priority areas”;</p>
<p>* Adds groundwater monitoring to the well stimulation treatment permit requirement;</p>
<p>* Requires the state to complete a statewide environmental impact report;</p>
<p>* Requires that the ingredient list of trade secret chemical additives used in hydraulic fracking be disclosed.</p>
<p>Although SB4 passed, the above regulations still must be implemented by state agencies. The following years will show whether the regulation is light, allowing for extensive energy development and higher tax revenues; or heavy, as environmentalists wish, keeping California off the bandwagon of the national energy boom.</p>
<p>The sides have been drawn up and the stakes for California are high.</p>
<p>October 3, the day the federal government was shut down, a Wall Street Journal story <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303492504579111360245276476.html" type="external">announced,</a> “US Rises to No. 1 Energy Producer.” And on the same day, an environmental group quietly released a <a href="http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/ame/fracking-numbers" type="external">report</a> calling for a complete ban of fracking. <a href="" type="internal" /></p>
<p>The goal to put more limitations on the oil-and-gas industry would result in the increase in America's dependence on foreign oil, according to analysts.&#160;This is perplexing, as environmentalist groups have been leading the cry for decades for the U.S. to decrease its dependence on foreign oil.</p>
<p>California is the fourth-largest oil producing state in the country, recently surpassed by North Dakota. Oil and gas production has been steadily declining in the state, <a href="http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/LeafHandler.ashx?n=pet&amp;s=mcrfpca1&amp;f=a" type="external">falling by 50 percen</a>t since 1985.</p>
<p>California lawmakers have instead turned their attention to wind and solar, and other types of alternative energy, with a focus on implementing the&#160; <a href="http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/energy/Renewables/index.htm" type="external">Renewable Portfolio Standard</a>, passed in 2011. The RPS requires the state to be using 33 percent renewable energy by 2020.</p>
<p>Sitting on a potential 21st century gold rush, California is home to the <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2013/05/130528-monterey-shale-california-fracking/" type="external">Monterey Shale Formation</a>, a&#160;1,700 square mile oil-bearing shale formation primarily in the San Joaquin Valley, that contains an estimated 15.4 billion barrels of oil. The <a href="http://www.eia.gov/analysis/studies/usshalegas/pdf/usshaleplays.pdf" type="external">U.S. Department of Energy estimates</a> the shale formation holds more than 15 billion barrels of oil accessible through advanced oil extraction technologies, including horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, also known as “fracking.”</p>
<p>“The U.S. shale-oil boom might roll back the clock to the 1960s, when a U.S. oil surplus (via the Texas Railroad Commission), put Washington, not Riyadh, as the world's swing producer,” said Amy&#160;Myers Jaffe,&#160;in a recent <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324105204578382690249436084.html" type="external">Wall Street Journal op-ed</a>. Myers Jaffe is executive director of energy and sustainability at University of California at Davis Graduate School of Management,&#160;and is the former director of the Energy Forum at the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.</p>
<p>Could California's fracking industry be the answer to the state's high unemployment, high gas prices, perpetual budget deficits and growing dependence on foreign oil? According to a <a href="http://gen.usc.edu/assets/001/84787.pdf" type="external">recent study</a>by economists at the <a href="http://gen.usc.edu/assets/001/84787.pdf" type="external">University of Southern California</a>, development of the Monterey Shale between 2015 and 2030 could:</p>
<p>* Create as many as 2.8 million new jobs;</p>
<p>* Grow personal income by an average of up to 10 percent;</p>
<p>* Generate up to $24.6 billion in new tax revenues for state and local government services.</p>
<p>North Dakota and Texas have developed hydraulic fracturing for oil production. Both states have seen significant drops in unemployment, as well as enormous increases in tax and income revenues.</p>
<p>Prosperity produced by the shale boom has been so abundant that people are earning six-figure incomes with little or no experience working in the oil fields.&#160; In some parts of North Dakota, unemployment has gone below 1 percent, and a town in Canada called Fort McMurray was nicknamed “Fort McMoney” because of the wealth of good jobs available.</p>
<p>But according to <a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/fran-pavley-withdraw" type="external">MoveOn.org,</a> fracking is dangerous to the environment. “Five percent of well casings leak immediately and 50 percent within the first 20 years,” MoveOn.org said on a petition to stop SB4. “Toxic chemicals will get into the ground water. It is happening everywhere. And there are leaks and spills of toxic frack fluids and wastewater happening everywhere.”</p>
<p>“However, even if fracking could be done safely, it still uses too much water in a state experiencing chronic drought,” MoveOn.org added. “Injecting the wastewater back into the ground has caused earthquakes in states not even known for earthquakes. Fracking could destroy the food and wine industries, which are more important economically to the state than oil.”</p>
<p>Statements like MoveOn.org's are incorrect, according to a <a href="http://graham.umich.edu/knowledge/ia/hydraulic-fracturing" type="external">University of Michigan</a> <a href="http://phys.org/news/2013-09-u-m-technical-hydraulic-fracturing-michigan.html" type="external">report</a> on hydraulic fracturing. “Fracking is limited to the process of injecting fluids into a well — just a <a href="http://www.energyfromshale.org/hydraulic-fracturing/shale-natural-gas" type="external">few days</a> of a multi-month operation (not counting leasing and permitting).</p>
<p>“This widespread misunderstanding explains why the repeated lies have taken hold. One of the most rampant lies about fracking made by the environmentalists is about water.”</p>
<p>Food and Water Watch, Center for Biological Diversity, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the Sierra Club&#160;warn oil development in California could negatively impact endangered species, including the San Joaquin kit fox, the California condor, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, South Central Coast steelhead and native oak woodlands.</p>
<p>These fracking opponents said one of their <a href="http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/sen/sb_0001-0050/sb_4_cfa_20130628_114518_asm_comm.html" type="external">main objections to SB4</a>is a provision in the bill to protect the “trade secrets” of the oil companies, and make it a crime to disclose them. “While the bill requires the disclosure of some of the chemicals used in fracking, the bill still allows the companies to claim trade secret protections on others,” MoveOn.org <a href="http://pac.petitions.moveon.org/sign/fran-pavley-withdraw" type="external">said</a>.</p>
<p>“Fran Pavley, withdraw your bad fracking bill,” the MoveOn.org petition said.</p>
<p>But Pavely did not, and instead, SB4 was passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.</p>
| false | 3 |
even democratic supermajority california legislature unable pass160 several bills160this year ban hydraulic fracking fracking bills died committees killed legislative process except one gov jerry brown signed160 senate bill 4by sen fran pavley dagoura hills imposes stringent regulations country hydraulic fracturing oil natural gas production oil companies allowed frack acidize california unless test groundwater notify neighbors list every chemical internet pavley160 said first step toward greater transparency accountability protection public environment yet despite 10 amended versions160passage sb4isnt environmentalists wanted wanted complete ban solution fracking threat complete ban160 moveonorg said bill analysis160shows sb4160 requires regulationsto created adopted state division oil gas geothermal consultation department toxic substances control california air resources board the160state water resources control board160the department resources recycling recovery local air districts regional water quality control boards areas fracking may occur sb4 specifically establishes comprehensive regulatory program oil gas well stimulation treatments includes among many requirements new study development numerous regulations new permitting process leaving oversight agencies ample opportunity add regulations see fit a160 petition demanding160pavley drop bill moveonorg said continue environmental hero know withdraw bill fight ban fracking pavleys intentions good moveonorg said thought regulations would help protect environment public amount regulations insure fracking done safely sb4 provides variety tools state regulatory entities adds regional groundwater monitoring vicinity oil gas fields requires state water resources control board develop model criteria input experts stakeholders requires state water resources control board160to perform monitoring high priority areas adds groundwater monitoring well stimulation treatment permit requirement requires state complete statewide environmental impact report requires ingredient list trade secret chemical additives used hydraulic fracking disclosed although sb4 passed regulations still must implemented state agencies following years show whether regulation light allowing extensive energy development higher tax revenues heavy environmentalists wish keeping california bandwagon national energy boom sides drawn stakes california high october 3 day federal government shut wall street journal story announced us rises 1 energy producer day environmental group quietly released report calling complete ban fracking goal put limitations oilandgas industry would result increase americas dependence foreign oil according analysts160this perplexing environmentalist groups leading cry decades us decrease dependence foreign oil california fourthlargest oil producing state country recently surpassed north dakota oil gas production steadily declining state falling 50 percent since 1985 california lawmakers instead turned attention wind solar types alternative energy focus implementing the160 renewable portfolio standard passed 2011 rps requires state using 33 percent renewable energy 2020 sitting potential 21st century gold rush california home monterey shale formation a1601700 square mile oilbearing shale formation primarily san joaquin valley contains estimated 154 billion barrels oil us department energy estimates shale formation holds 15 billion barrels oil accessible advanced oil extraction technologies including horizontal drilling hydraulic fracturing also known fracking us shaleoil boom might roll back clock 1960s us oil surplus via texas railroad commission put washington riyadh worlds swing producer said amy160myers jaffe160in recent wall street journal oped myers jaffe executive director energy sustainability university california davis graduate school management160and former director energy forum james baker iii institute public policy rice university could californias fracking industry answer states high unemployment high gas prices perpetual budget deficits growing dependence foreign oil according recent studyby economists university southern california development monterey shale 2015 2030 could create many 28 million new jobs grow personal income average 10 percent generate 246 billion new tax revenues state local government services north dakota texas developed hydraulic fracturing oil production states seen significant drops unemployment well enormous increases tax income revenues prosperity produced shale boom abundant people earning sixfigure incomes little experience working oil fields160 parts north dakota unemployment gone 1 percent town canada called fort mcmurray nicknamed fort mcmoney wealth good jobs available according moveonorg fracking dangerous environment five percent well casings leak immediately 50 percent within first 20 years moveonorg said petition stop sb4 toxic chemicals get ground water happening everywhere leaks spills toxic frack fluids wastewater happening everywhere however even fracking could done safely still uses much water state experiencing chronic drought moveonorg added injecting wastewater back ground caused earthquakes states even known earthquakes fracking could destroy food wine industries important economically state oil statements like moveonorgs incorrect according university michigan report hydraulic fracturing fracking limited process injecting fluids well days multimonth operation counting leasing permitting widespread misunderstanding explains repeated lies taken hold one rampant lies fracking made environmentalists water food water watch center biological diversity physicians social responsibility sierra club160warn oil development california could negatively impact endangered species including san joaquin kit fox california condor bluntnosed leopard lizard south central coast steelhead native oak woodlands fracking opponents said one main objections sb4is provision bill protect trade secrets oil companies make crime disclose bill requires disclosure chemicals used fracking bill still allows companies claim trade secret protections others moveonorg said fran pavley withdraw bad fracking bill moveonorg petition said pavely instead sb4 passed legislature signed governor
| 799 |
<p>COPENHAGEN, Denmark — The Danish atomic scientist Niels Bohr once famously said: "Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future."</p>
<p>As the mammoth United Nations climate change conference staggered on to its finale in Bohr's hometown, delegates were daring to predict the shape of a deal that leaders might be able to sign on Friday.</p>
<p>The last few days have resembled a 192-hand poker game in which participating nations have bluffed, stone-faced and indulged in last-minute accusations of cheating. But with just one day left, the outline of a possible deal looked to be emerging.</p>
<p>However, instead of being the epoch-marking mother of all climate climate deals that many hoped for, the possible compromise appears to leave many issues open. Indeed, a Copenhagen agreement might require a whole new summit — likely in Mexico in 2010 — to hash out the more contentious details.</p>
<p>After two days of stalled talks, an announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton injected new momentum into the negotiations Thursday. Clinton announced Washington's backing for an Afro-European plan to set up a $100 billion-a-year fund beginning in 2020 to help poor nations cope with the impact of global warming and develop clean energy.</p>
<p>"A hundred billion dollars a year is a lot of money. That’s a commitment that is very real and can have tangible effects," Clinton told reporters, although she stressed the money will only become available if there is an acceptable global deal on fighting climate change.</p>
<p>Details of where contributions for the fund will come from and how it will be managed will likely be put off until next year.</p>
<p>The U.S. is also expected to announce — perhaps when President Barack Obama joins the meeting Friday — that it will participate along with the European Union, Japan and other nations in a "fast-track" fund of at least $10 billion starting from next year to support poor countries most effected by climate change.</p>
<p>In another sign that the delegates were edging toward progress, European nations suggested they would agree to demands for a "two-track" approach that would bind developed nations to legal emissions targets in an extension of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which is due to run out in 2012.</p>
<p>New industrial powers such as China, India and Brazil would sign up to a less firm convention where they would set and police their own targets. Poorer nations insist that different a approach is needed to allow them to develop their economies and that it appropriately places the burden on the rich world for decades of pollution.</p>
<p>"The developed countries must adopt ambitious benchmarks for reducing emissions, that reflect their historic responsibilities," said Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. "The maintenance of the Kyoto Protocol is an absolute necessity."</p>
<p>China stood by its rejection of international monitoring of its efforts, but Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei said Beijing could agree to "exchanges, dialogue and cooperation" that are "not intrusive" and respect Chinese sovereignty.</p>
<p>The United States, which has long rejected the Kyoto deal, would join the developing nations in the convention but with the stronger commitment to cut emissions in line with its target of 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2020.</p>
<p>Any final agreement is also expected to set a long-term target — likely 50 percent of 1990 levels by 2050 — with cuts of at least 80 percent for the most developed countries. It will also set a target limit for average global temperature rises, probably 2 degrees Celsius, although African and small island nations are calling for 1.5 degrees Celsius or lower to save them from climate disaster.</p>
<p>In another development, a leaked U.N. document reported by Britain's Guardian newspaper and distributed by Greenpeace points to concerns that even if nations follow through on their strongest pledges for emission cuts they may still fall short the target of keeping average temperature rises below the 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The document warns temperatures could rise by 3 percent without further cuts.</p>
<p>Negotiations among lower-level officials continued Thursday on a draft framework agreement that can be presented to the summit on Friday.</p>
<p>Meanwhile a stream of world leaders took to the main floor to lay out their demands, requests and grievances. Among dozens of speakers on the summit's penultimate day were presidents of Israel, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, France and South Korea; prime ministers from Britain, Australia and Spain; and the Chancellor of Germany.</p>
<p>Many Western leaders called on China and other fast-developing nations to be bolder in their commitments to cut.</p>
<p>"Despite the considerable efforts by the industrialized nations, we cannot save the planet if the emerging nations ... don't make an effort on their part to put the brake on the increase of their emissions," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy. "Who would dare contest that?"</p>
<p>One key issue still to be decided is when the leaders will call a follow-up summit to fill in the details of the Copenhagen framework. The Mexico City meeting is scheduled for the end of 2010, but many are calling for it to be brought forward to July to avoid wasting more time.</p>
<p>Among the issues likely to be left until 2010 are the level and timetable of emission cuts for individual nations; methods for monitoring emission cuts; deciding how to raise the $100 billion in long-term funding for developing nations from public and private funding and establishing a mechanism for distributing the funds; and an agenda to review the decisions if they fail to have sufficient impact on rising temperatures in the years ahead.</p>
<p>Top officials were preparing to work late into the night to produce a text that leaders can approve on Friday.</p>
<p>"Time is running out for some of us, so it is imperative that we act now," said Anote Tong, president of Kiribati, one of the Pacific Island nations judged most at threat from rising sea levels. "If we cannot achieve our objective of legally binding agreement this week, then we must [have it] not later than the middle of next year."</p>
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copenhagen denmark danish atomic scientist niels bohr famously said prediction difficult especially future mammoth united nations climate change conference staggered finale bohrs hometown delegates daring predict shape deal leaders might able sign friday last days resembled 192hand poker game participating nations bluffed stonefaced indulged lastminute accusations cheating one day left outline possible deal looked emerging however instead epochmarking mother climate climate deals many hoped possible compromise appears leave many issues open indeed copenhagen agreement might require whole new summit likely mexico 2010 hash contentious details two days stalled talks announcement us secretary state hillary clinton injected new momentum negotiations thursday clinton announced washingtons backing afroeuropean plan set 100 billionayear fund beginning 2020 help poor nations cope impact global warming develop clean energy hundred billion dollars year lot money thats commitment real tangible effects clinton told reporters although stressed money become available acceptable global deal fighting climate change details contributions fund come managed likely put next year us also expected announce perhaps president barack obama joins meeting friday participate along european union japan nations fasttrack fund least 10 billion starting next year support poor countries effected climate change another sign delegates edging toward progress european nations suggested would agree demands twotrack approach would bind developed nations legal emissions targets extension 1997 kyoto protocol due run 2012 new industrial powers china india brazil would sign less firm convention would set police targets poorer nations insist different approach needed allow develop economies appropriately places burden rich world decades pollution developed countries must adopt ambitious benchmarks reducing emissions reflect historic responsibilities said brazilian president luiz inacio lula da silva maintenance kyoto protocol absolute necessity china stood rejection international monitoring efforts vice foreign minister yafei said beijing could agree exchanges dialogue cooperation intrusive respect chinese sovereignty united states long rejected kyoto deal would join developing nations convention stronger commitment cut emissions line target 17 percent 2005 levels 2020 final agreement also expected set longterm target likely 50 percent 1990 levels 2050 cuts least 80 percent developed countries also set target limit average global temperature rises probably 2 degrees celsius although african small island nations calling 15 degrees celsius lower save climate disaster another development leaked un document reported britains guardian newspaper distributed greenpeace points concerns even nations follow strongest pledges emission cuts may still fall short target keeping average temperature rises 2 degrees celsius end century document warns temperatures could rise 3 percent without cuts negotiations among lowerlevel officials continued thursday draft framework agreement presented summit friday meanwhile stream world leaders took main floor lay demands requests grievances among dozens speakers summits penultimate day presidents israel iran brazil mexico france south korea prime ministers britain australia spain chancellor germany many western leaders called china fastdeveloping nations bolder commitments cut despite considerable efforts industrialized nations save planet emerging nations dont make effort part put brake increase emissions said french president nicolas sarkozy would dare contest one key issue still decided leaders call followup summit fill details copenhagen framework mexico city meeting scheduled end 2010 many calling brought forward july avoid wasting time among issues likely left 2010 level timetable emission cuts individual nations methods monitoring emission cuts deciding raise 100 billion longterm funding developing nations public private funding establishing mechanism distributing funds agenda review decisions fail sufficient impact rising temperatures years ahead top officials preparing work late night produce text leaders approve friday time running us imperative act said anote tong president kiribati one pacific island nations judged threat rising sea levels achieve objective legally binding agreement week must later middle next year
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<p>Like many Cook County voters selecting judges on an election ballot, Vicente J. Hernandez picks them “at random.”</p>
<p>“I just go down the line, and if there is a name that appeals to me, that is the one I punch,” he said.</p>
<p>The names of Latinos, Italians, Polish, Greeks and Irish are most appealing to him because those are the ethnicities of his former classmates or his neighbors. “I pick them because I mostly associated with them,” said Hernandez, a 74-year-old housekeeper from the Near West Side.</p>
<p>“I am not familiar with judges, so I go ‘eenie, meanie, mynee, mo,'” said Gloria Nunez, a 22-year-old laboratory technician. “But, if there is a female, I usually end up picking the female over the male.”</p>
<p>“I guess because I am female myself,” Nunez said while having pizza with her mother at a downtown restaurant. She has seen political candidates campaign door-to-door and hand out election brochures. Still, she said, she does not get enough information about judges.</p>
<p>Most voters don’t know much about judicial candidates and judges seeking retention, experts said. As a result, voters might skip over judicial races on the ballot or select candidates based on their last names or gender. Some said such arbitrary choices undermine the quality of the judicial system.</p>
<p>Judicial candidates don’t campaign like candidates for other elective offices, and there are many more of them on the ballot. And judicial evaluations can be hard to find or misunderstood.</p>
<p>After reviewing results of judicial races in primary elections dating back to 1994, The Chicago Reporter has confirmed what many have long suspected–that candidates with Irish-sounding names and women usually fare well.</p>
<p>More than 86 percent of judges elected during that period were either women or had Irish-sounding names, according to the Reporter’s analysis. Women beat men in six of eight head-to-head judicial elections during that span. Candidates with Irish-sounding names won three of five contests pitting a candidate with an Irish-sounding name against one without.</p>
<p>“The problem for people voting for judges is they are voting for people they don’t know,” said Linda Lu, president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago. She said that it would be difficult for voters who are not in the legal profession to know the attorneys running for judgeships.</p>
<p>Voters could select candidates based on evaluations done by bar groups with whom they share common interests, Lu said. But too often they pick the first judicial candidate listed on the ballot or choose candidates with familiar names, she said. “The danger with that is you discredit the system and you have unqualified people.”</p>
<p>In this year’s March primary, 791,605 Cook County voters cast Democratic ballots, with more than 94 percent of them selecting a candidate for governor. But no judicial race attracted more than 71 percent, according to the Reporter’s analysis of election data.</p>
<p>Similarly, for Republicans, 189,246 voters cast ballots with almost 97 percent selecting a candidate for governor. But 71 percent of the ballots included a vote in the party’s only countywide judicial election, for a vacancy on the First Judicial District of the Illinois Court of Appeals.</p>
<p>“I didn’t have any idea of who the judges were,” said Marquette Park resident Carl Thurman. “If you’re not familiar with them, you don’t want to put someone in there who may not have your best interest at heart.”</p>
<p>Just 5 percent of Cook County voters said they had a “great deal” of information about circuit court judicial elections in the March 1998 primary, according to a phone survey of 306 voters that year conducted for the Chicago Bar Association by the Metro Chicago Information Center, a nonprofit research firm.</p>
<p>Nearly two-thirds said they hardly had any information, or none at all, according to the survey.</p>
<p>And of the voters who reported that they skipped the judicial races altogether, 93 percent said they did so because they did not have enough information or didn’t know any of the candidates.</p>
<p>“I don’t think you ever get enough information,” said Herman Hatch, a 55-year-old Streetwise newspaper vendor. “We don’t know what judges are doing. I might recognize a name, but I don’t know their track record or what he stands for.”</p>
<p>Name Game</p>
<p>Of 118 Illinois judges participating in a national judges survey at the end of last year, 91 percent were concerned that judges were not elected for their qualifications because voters know little about them, according to the study by the Justice at Stake Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that works with more than 30 national associations advocating for fairness in the courts.</p>
<p>“People are simply selecting candidates based upon their names, without any real knowledge of their qualifications,” said Gino L. DiVito, who served 12 years as a Cook County Circuit Court judge and eight years as an Illinois Appellate Court Justice before retiring.</p>
<p>“People with identifiable ethnic surnames cannot beat people with good acceptable names,” he added. “People with the same ethnicity may vote for them, but others may not.”</p>
<p>Chicago’s major newspapers began highlighting the phenomenon after five incumbent judges lost to unknown candidates with Irish-sounding names in 1984. Experts say that candidates with Irish-sounding names have usually won in Cook County judicial elections ever since. Some candidates have even changed their names to take advantage.</p>
<p>Some say the Irish-sounding names do well because of the political power and history of powerful Irish politicians in Chicago.</p>
<p>Also, heavy publicity of candidates with Irish-sounding names by the Irish American News, a Chicago monthly, helps generate support from the city’s Irish community, said Malcolm Rich, executive director of both the Chicago Council of Lawyers, a bar association focusing on legal reform, and the Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice, a social justice research and advocacy group.</p>
<p>Others said some names do well because they’re very familiar, like Nixon and Kennedy, not because they’re Irish.</p>
<p>The Reporter examined every contested primary election for appellate and countywide circuit court seats in Cook County since 1994. Women or candidates with Irish-sounding names won 63 of the 73 races in which they appeared on the ballot, the analysis shows.</p>
<p>All nine winners of contested races in the March primary were women or had Irish-sounding names.</p>
<p>“It is not unusual to find people who have been found unqualified by every bar group beating people who have been found qualified,” said DiVito. “The only explanation for that is the ‘name game.'”</p>
<p>In the 2002 Democratic primary for Judge Thomas R. Rakowski’s appellate court vacancy, James Fitzgerald Smith beat William D. O’Neal, Thomas H. Fegan and Roger G. Fein.</p>
<p>Smith got 182,186 votes, and O’Neal finished second with 161,318 votes. Fein and Fegan finished a distant third and fourth with 123,302 and 94,101 votes, respectively.</p>
<p>Smith received seven “not recommended” or “not qualified” marks among his evaluations from 12 Chicago-area bar associations. O’Neal received eight unfavorable marks. But Fein, who was slated by the Democratic Party, received one unfavorable rating and Fegan, who is Irish, got approving marks from every bar group.</p>
<p>Slated judicial candidates are supported by a committee of party leaders. Beating them is not an easy task, according to a Chicago Council of Lawyers’ unpublished analysis of judicial candidates from 1988 to 2000, which shows slated candidates won elections for vacant judgeships 72 percent of the time.</p>
<p>In addition, Smith was reported by the Chicago Sun-Times to have run for judge in 1992 as “James G. Smith” but then ran as “James Fitzgerald Smith” in 1994, when he was elected to the bench in a subcircuit race. Smith did not return repeated phone calls from the Reporter.</p>
<p>Mike Tierney, Smith’s campaign manager since June, said Smith added “Fitzgerald” to his name to eliminate confusion with another James G. Smith who had declared bankruptcy and was being sought by several creditors.</p>
<p>He said Smith received numerous calls at his home regarding the finances of the other James G. Smith. “I thought it was no longer an issue,” Tierney told the Reporter.</p>
<p>In the general election in November, Smith will face former Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Aurelia Marie Pucinski, a former Democrat who ran unopposed in the Republican primary. She had eight unfavorable bar ratings.</p>
<p>“Both of [them] have received a lot of negative ratings from the bar associations,” said Fegan. “So, it’s an unqualified candidate running against another unqualified candidate.”</p>
<p>Pucinski noted that she got a positive rating from the Chicago Bar Association and was endorsed by the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times. And she said that, unlike Smith, her name is built on 20 years of public service. “There’s a huge difference between running as myself, with my reputation, versus pulling a name out of a hat.”</p>
<p>Qualified or not, some judicial candidates are well aware of the name game and say it’s important to play. “If that is what voters are responding to, you owe it to yourself to give yourself the most attractive name that you can, especially if you can’t get slated by the powers-that-be,” said Bonnie Carol McGrath, an attorney, with an office downtown, and a columnist for the Chicago Journal, a weekly covering downtown and the Near West Side.</p>
<p>But just because judicial candidates change their names doesn’t mean they’re unqualified, said McGrath. “Someone who has changed their name is apt to be as good as somebody who hasn’t, and vice versa.”</p>
<p>In 1998, McGrath ran as a Republican candidate for a Cook County circuit court judgeship. Under the advice of her election lawyer, former Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Chairman Michael E. LaVelle, McGrath dropped “Carol” and replaced it with “Fitzgerald” even though it was neither part of her name nor that of anyone in her immediate family, she said.</p>
<p>She won the primary but lost in the general election to James Patrick McCarthy.</p>
<p>According to the Chicago Lawyer, by March 1998, LaVelle had advised as many as 15 candidates to change their names to better their chances in judicial elections. LaVelle did not return calls.</p>
<p>In the 2000 Democratic primary, McGrath ran again for a countywide seat, this time with “Carol” as her middle name, dropping “Fitzgerald.” She finished second among four candidates with 80,578 votes. Francis Joseph Dolan won the primary with 144,802 votes.</p>
<p>About 36 percent of voters in the 1998 Chicago Bar Association survey said they relied a “great deal” or “some” on a candidate’s ethnic background when voting in judicial elections.</p>
<p>One third of voters said they relied a “great deal” or “some” on a candidate’s gender, according to the survey.</p>
<p>According to the Reporter’s analysis of the past five primary elections, women won six of the eight races in which one male and one female were running for a seat.</p>
<p>McGrath said voters tend to lean toward women because “they are perceived as the honest and straightforward new kids in town” who lack a history of corruption. In 1998, she avoided judicial races against other female candidates.</p>
<p>Between November 1987 and January 2001, former City Treasurer Miriam Santos was the only woman among the 18 Chicago elected officials convicted of federal crimes, according to a Reporter investigation. A federal appeals court later overturned her conviction.</p>
<p>Cicero Town President Betty Loren-Maltese has been the area’s only other notable female political figure to face federal charges. In August, she was convicted of racketeering, conspiracy and other charges in connection with defrauding the town of more than $12 million dollars.</p>
<p>“I tend to vote for women when in doubt,” said Tom Cogan, from Logan Square, who otherwise relies on the Tribune, Sun-Times and the Chicago Bar Association ratings for direction.</p>
<p>Karyn Bass, a 24-year-old DePaul University law student, favors female candidates and believes other women do as well. “I believe more often than not, the woman will bring to the table a broader social view,” she said.</p>
<p>Unknown Candidates</p>
<p>Meg Mafziger recently turned 18 and is eligible to vote for the first time on Nov. 5. “I guess I get most of my information from my parents or something in the newspaper or on television,” said Mafziger, a Lincoln Park resident.</p>
<p>Hyde Park’s Tanisha Williams said her family and friends don’t talk about judges. “We definitely need to know who these judges are,” said Williams, a 29-year-old nursing student. She recently re-registered to vote. “Maybe if the Internet had some information about who these people are and what is going on in their courtroom, that would be interesting.”</p>
<p>In an effort to educate voters, the Chicago Bar Association, Northwest Suburban Bar Association and the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening-a group of 10 bar associations representing various ethnic and religious groups-organize attorney members to assess judicial candidates and serving judges.</p>
<p>The Chicago Bar Association publishes its evaluations in a pamphlet called the “Green Guide,” which gives a brief background on each candidate’s experience. The Illinois State Bar Association posts the alliance’s evaluations on its Web site. The Black Women Lawyers Association distributes a booklet of the alliance’s evaluations to church groups and community organizations. The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois, another member of the alliance, has held press conferences to explain the ratings and the evaluation process.</p>
<p>Several area newspapers publish their endorsements for judicial races and reprint the evaluations of bar groups. Still, a number of voters said they were unaware of such efforts.</p>
<p>“I think the average person is dependent on someone else doing their homework. You can’t possibly know all 75 different judges,” said Cogan of Logan Square. “If someone else has a list of recommendations, that’s fine, but they have to make sure it gets out.”</p>
<p>The area’s most widely read newspaper, the Tribune, publishes its endorsements on the Sunday before an election and again on the day of an election. The newspaper’s editorial board is responsible for evaluating more than 600 candidates in contested races based on their answers to a Tribune questionnaire and interviews.</p>
<p>Elizabeth Granados-Perez, president of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, an alliance group member, said favorable recommendations did not match with how people voted in the last primary. “So obviously people aren’t reading them,” she said.</p>
<p>“Even if we get the information out, what happens many times is people will go there, vote by word of mouth, vote just for people they know or skip the other races altogether, which will happen anytime you have large groups of people running to be judges,” said Daniel Gallagher, chair of the Judicial Evaluation Committee at the Chicago Bar Association. “It’s very difficult for the citizenry to be familiar with all of these people to make an intelligent vote.”</p>
<p>With 25 or 30 races during retention elections, some voters simply lose interest, Gallagher said. “People get to the end and don’t want to be bothered.”</p>
<p>“A lot of times people I have spoken with say they get tired,” said Sybil C. Thomas, president of the Black Women Lawyers group, which represents more than 500 African American women attorneys in the Chicagoland area, according to its Web site. “There are lots of judges, and, after they have voted, people don’t feel like going through the rest of it.”</p>
<p>And voters rarely get information from the judicial candidates themselves. The out-of-pocket costs to campaign can make it difficult to provide every voter with a button or a lawn sign. A number of attorneys said the media doesn’t do enough to publicize these candidates.</p>
<p>In addition, the candidates are not allowed to talk about certain topics.</p>
<p>The Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits candidates running for judge and judges seeking retention from making statements that “commit or appear to commit” a candidate to a position on controversies that may arise in future cases. This would include sharing opinions on issues like gun control, abortion or flag burning.</p>
<p>“I don’t think they are limited in letting you know their position in terms of their neutrality, in terms of their lack of bias regarding race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation,” said Thomas, who ran unsuccessfully for judicial seats in 1998 and 2000.</p>
<p>“No matter what you look like, where you come from, you want to go into that courtroom and feel as though this is someone who has created a level playing [field] for you,” she said. “I believe judicial candidates can relay that in a judicial campaign.”</p>
<p>Thomas said she likes to tell voters “a judge has the power to take your life, your liberty, your property and your money, and you need to know who these people are.”</p>
<p>Shawn Allee and Ryan McFarland helped research this article.</p>
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like many cook county voters selecting judges election ballot vicente j hernandez picks random go line name appeals one punch said names latinos italians polish greeks irish appealing ethnicities former classmates neighbors pick mostly associated said hernandez 74yearold housekeeper near west side familiar judges go eenie meanie mynee mo said gloria nunez 22yearold laboratory technician female usually end picking female male guess female nunez said pizza mother downtown restaurant seen political candidates campaign doortodoor hand election brochures still said get enough information judges voters dont know much judicial candidates judges seeking retention experts said result voters might skip judicial races ballot select candidates based last names gender said arbitrary choices undermine quality judicial system judicial candidates dont campaign like candidates elective offices many ballot judicial evaluations hard find misunderstood reviewing results judicial races primary elections dating back 1994 chicago reporter confirmed many long suspectedthat candidates irishsounding names women usually fare well 86 percent judges elected period either women irishsounding names according reporters analysis women beat men six eight headtohead judicial elections span candidates irishsounding names three five contests pitting candidate irishsounding name one without problem people voting judges voting people dont know said linda lu president asian american bar association greater chicago said would difficult voters legal profession know attorneys running judgeships voters could select candidates based evaluations done bar groups share common interests lu said often pick first judicial candidate listed ballot choose candidates familiar names said danger discredit system unqualified people years march primary 791605 cook county voters cast democratic ballots 94 percent selecting candidate governor judicial race attracted 71 percent according reporters analysis election data similarly republicans 189246 voters cast ballots almost 97 percent selecting candidate governor 71 percent ballots included vote partys countywide judicial election vacancy first judicial district illinois court appeals didnt idea judges said marquette park resident carl thurman youre familiar dont want put someone may best interest heart 5 percent cook county voters said great deal information circuit court judicial elections march 1998 primary according phone survey 306 voters year conducted chicago bar association metro chicago information center nonprofit research firm nearly twothirds said hardly information none according survey voters reported skipped judicial races altogether 93 percent said enough information didnt know candidates dont think ever get enough information said herman hatch 55yearold streetwise newspaper vendor dont know judges might recognize name dont know track record stands name game 118 illinois judges participating national judges survey end last year 91 percent concerned judges elected qualifications voters know little according study justice stake campaign washington dcbased organization works 30 national associations advocating fairness courts people simply selecting candidates based upon names without real knowledge qualifications said gino l divito served 12 years cook county circuit court judge eight years illinois appellate court justice retiring people identifiable ethnic surnames beat people good acceptable names added people ethnicity may vote others may chicagos major newspapers began highlighting phenomenon five incumbent judges lost unknown candidates irishsounding names 1984 experts say candidates irishsounding names usually cook county judicial elections ever since candidates even changed names take advantage say irishsounding names well political power history powerful irish politicians chicago also heavy publicity candidates irishsounding names irish american news chicago monthly helps generate support citys irish community said malcolm rich executive director chicago council lawyers bar association focusing legal reform chicago appleseed fund justice social justice research advocacy group others said names well theyre familiar like nixon kennedy theyre irish reporter examined every contested primary election appellate countywide circuit court seats cook county since 1994 women candidates irishsounding names 63 73 races appeared ballot analysis shows nine winners contested races march primary women irishsounding names unusual find people found unqualified every bar group beating people found qualified said divito explanation name game 2002 democratic primary judge thomas r rakowskis appellate court vacancy james fitzgerald smith beat william oneal thomas h fegan roger g fein smith got 182186 votes oneal finished second 161318 votes fein fegan finished distant third fourth 123302 94101 votes respectively smith received seven recommended qualified marks among evaluations 12 chicagoarea bar associations oneal received eight unfavorable marks fein slated democratic party received one unfavorable rating fegan irish got approving marks every bar group slated judicial candidates supported committee party leaders beating easy task according chicago council lawyers unpublished analysis judicial candidates 1988 2000 shows slated candidates elections vacant judgeships 72 percent time addition smith reported chicago suntimes run judge 1992 james g smith ran james fitzgerald smith 1994 elected bench subcircuit race smith return repeated phone calls reporter mike tierney smiths campaign manager since june said smith added fitzgerald name eliminate confusion another james g smith declared bankruptcy sought several creditors said smith received numerous calls home regarding finances james g smith thought longer issue tierney told reporter general election november smith face former cook county circuit court clerk aurelia marie pucinski former democrat ran unopposed republican primary eight unfavorable bar ratings received lot negative ratings bar associations said fegan unqualified candidate running another unqualified candidate pucinski noted got positive rating chicago bar association endorsed chicago tribune suntimes said unlike smith name built 20 years public service theres huge difference running reputation versus pulling name hat qualified judicial candidates well aware name game say important play voters responding owe give attractive name especially cant get slated powersthatbe said bonnie carol mcgrath attorney office downtown columnist chicago journal weekly covering downtown near west side judicial candidates change names doesnt mean theyre unqualified said mcgrath someone changed name apt good somebody hasnt vice versa 1998 mcgrath ran republican candidate cook county circuit court judgeship advice election lawyer former chicago board election commissioners chairman michael e lavelle mcgrath dropped carol replaced fitzgerald even though neither part name anyone immediate family said primary lost general election james patrick mccarthy according chicago lawyer march 1998 lavelle advised many 15 candidates change names better chances judicial elections lavelle return calls 2000 democratic primary mcgrath ran countywide seat time carol middle name dropping fitzgerald finished second among four candidates 80578 votes francis joseph dolan primary 144802 votes 36 percent voters 1998 chicago bar association survey said relied great deal candidates ethnic background voting judicial elections one third voters said relied great deal candidates gender according survey according reporters analysis past five primary elections women six eight races one male one female running seat mcgrath said voters tend lean toward women perceived honest straightforward new kids town lack history corruption 1998 avoided judicial races female candidates november 1987 january 2001 former city treasurer miriam santos woman among 18 chicago elected officials convicted federal crimes according reporter investigation federal appeals court later overturned conviction cicero town president betty lorenmaltese areas notable female political figure face federal charges august convicted racketeering conspiracy charges connection defrauding town 12 million dollars tend vote women doubt said tom cogan logan square otherwise relies tribune suntimes chicago bar association ratings direction karyn bass 24yearold depaul university law student favors female candidates believes women well believe often woman bring table broader social view said unknown candidates meg mafziger recently turned 18 eligible vote first time nov 5 guess get information parents something newspaper television said mafziger lincoln park resident hyde parks tanisha williams said family friends dont talk judges definitely need know judges said williams 29yearold nursing student recently reregistered vote maybe internet information people going courtroom would interesting effort educate voters chicago bar association northwest suburban bar association alliance bar associations judicial screeninga group 10 bar associations representing various ethnic religious groupsorganize attorney members assess judicial candidates serving judges chicago bar association publishes evaluations pamphlet called green guide gives brief background candidates experience illinois state bar association posts alliances evaluations web site black women lawyers association distributes booklet alliances evaluations church groups community organizations womens bar association illinois another member alliance held press conferences explain ratings evaluation process several area newspapers publish endorsements judicial races reprint evaluations bar groups still number voters said unaware efforts think average person dependent someone else homework cant possibly know 75 different judges said cogan logan square someone else list recommendations thats fine make sure gets areas widely read newspaper tribune publishes endorsements sunday election day election newspapers editorial board responsible evaluating 600 candidates contested races based answers tribune questionnaire interviews elizabeth granadosperez president hispanic lawyers association illinois alliance group member said favorable recommendations match people voted last primary obviously people arent reading said even get information happens many times people go vote word mouth vote people know skip races altogether happen anytime large groups people running judges said daniel gallagher chair judicial evaluation committee chicago bar association difficult citizenry familiar people make intelligent vote 25 30 races retention elections voters simply lose interest gallagher said people get end dont want bothered lot times people spoken say get tired said sybil c thomas president black women lawyers group represents 500 african american women attorneys chicagoland area according web site lots judges voted people dont feel like going rest voters rarely get information judicial candidates outofpocket costs campaign make difficult provide every voter button lawn sign number attorneys said media doesnt enough publicize candidates addition candidates allowed talk certain topics illinois code judicial conduct prohibits candidates running judge judges seeking retention making statements commit appear commit candidate position controversies may arise future cases would include sharing opinions issues like gun control abortion flag burning dont think limited letting know position terms neutrality terms lack bias regarding race ethnicity gender sexual orientation said thomas ran unsuccessfully judicial seats 1998 2000 matter look like come want go courtroom feel though someone created level playing field said believe judicial candidates relay judicial campaign thomas said likes tell voters judge power take life liberty property money need know people shawn allee ryan mcfarland helped research article
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<p>BANGKOK — Myanmar, so the popular narrative goes, is a land of pro-democracy peasants bitterly shaking their fists at military overlords.</p>
<p>But perhaps the narrative is mistaken.</p>
<p>There is no shortage of reasons to despise the military of Myanmar, the troubled Southeast Asian state formerly titled Burma.</p>
<p>The nation’s army is infamous for ethnic cleansing, torturing critics and even drafting children into military service. During five decades of totalitarian rule, which ended only three years ago, the ruling military elite hoarded the nation’s wealth as citizens suffered.</p>
<p>And yet, inside Myanmar, the army’s reputation may not actually be so dark.</p>
<p>A US taxpayer-funded <a href="http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/iri-survey-burmese-strongly-support-democracy-express-satisfaction-ove" type="external">poll</a> — billed as the “first of its kind” in Myanmar — takes a hatchet to the popular notion that Myanmar’s people widely revile their oppressive military.</p>
<p>The rare nationwide poll suggests that a whopping 84 percent of Myanmar’s public actually hold a favorable view of the military — although these findings may say as much about the poll as about Myanmar.</p>
<p>Since 2011, the nation has been helmed by a military offshoot party vowing to morph Myanmar from an isolated dictatorship to a freer, more modern nation. This ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party — stacked with ex-generals who rose to power through the old regime — is nevertheless popular, with a 74 percent favorable rating, according to the January poll.</p>
<p>Myanmar has indeed changed radically in recent years. Authoritarianism has softened: mobile phones now proliferate, political prisoners have been freed and US sanctions have fizzled. The very existence of the survey is genuinely groundbreaking. US-funded pollsters getting clearance to probe the thoughts of Myanmar’s citizens would have been unthinkable under totalitarian rule.</p>
<p>But the military has scarcely changed its kleptocratic behavior. And such high approval for the military must be unnerving to those who’ve suffered its abuse firsthand.</p>
<p>The poll also gauges support for the opposition party of Aung San Suu Kyi, the 68-year-old pro-democracy icon that President Barack Obama calls “a hero of mine.” Freed from confinement in 2010, the Nobel Peace Prize winner now sits in parliament.</p>
<p>In Western halls of power, her word can shape foreign policy, and it has long been taken for granted that she would triumph over military-backed forces in any free election.</p>
<p>But by most markers, according to the poll, she’s neck-and-neck with the ex-generals she’s devoted her life to opposing. The favorability rating for her opposition party? Only 70 percent.</p>
<p>US taxpayer dollars</p>
<p>So who funded this poll?</p>
<p>If you pay taxes in America, you did. The poll was conducted by the International Republican Institute or IRI, which is exactly what it sounds like: a US tax-funded group, dominated by Republicans, intent on influencing politics in foreign countries. They also receive funding from conglomerates such as Coca Cola and Chevron.</p>
<p>The institute is technically nonpartisan, although it is chaired by Republican stalwart Sen. John McCain. Its past and present <a href="http://www.iri.org/learn-more-about-iri/board-directors-and-officers" type="external">board members</a> are comprised of top aides to ex-President George W. Bush, neoconservative security advisors and ultra-wealthy Republican Party donors.</p>
<p>The institute props up “pro-democracy” movements — notably groups fighting governments that don’t get along with America. (The Democratic Party does similar work via its own nominally “nonpartisan” group: the National Democratic Institute, which also operates in Myanmar.)</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/globalpost-myanmar-emerges#section-1" type="external">Myanmar emerges</a></p>
<p>Regardless of its intentions, IRI’s backers offer raw meat for conspiracy theorists. One of Myanmar’s leading news outlets, Eleven Media, ran an article suggesting the poll is <a href="http://www.elevenmyanmar.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=5743:experts-criticise-u-s-backed-iri-survey&amp;catid=32:politics&amp;Itemid=354" type="external">contrived to push an American agenda.</a> The US State Department’s senior advisor on Myanmar, Judith Beth Cefkin, has insisted that “the poll results <a href="http://www.iri.org/news-events-press-center/news/iri-survey-burmese-strongly-support-democracy-express-satisfaction-ove" type="external">don’t in any way reflect the US government’s position</a>... just to be very clear.”</p>
<p>But when it comes to Myanmar these days, Republicans and Democrats generally have identical goals: opening up the market for US corporations, dulling China’s influence and helping US-friendly leaders take the reins. The poll results actually defy the traditional Republican line on Burma: loudly condemning the military and demanding heavy US sanctions.</p>
<p>One of the top Myanmar experts with Human Rights Watch, senior researcher David Mathieson, reviewed the poll and told GlobalPost he doesn’t suspect any manipulation. “I don’t think people should be looking for American bogeymen under the bed here,” he said.</p>
<p>But are the results legitimate?</p>
<p>“It’s a very interesting exercise. It challenges a lot of elite commentators’ assumptions,” Mathieson said. “But the poll is a bit ambitious for a post-authoritarian society.”</p>
<p>In Myanmar, pro-military propaganda starts in primary school and never stops. On the radio and in the press, the military is proclaimed as a valiant force protecting the people and holding the nation intact. Factor in decades of censorship, plus violent targeting of army critics, and the military’s high approval rating makes more sense.</p>
<p>The military’s worst behavior — shelling of villages, forced labor — also takes place in far-flung places.</p>
<p>Myanmar is dazzlingly diverse and its ethnic minorities, largely clustered in the hills, have formed guerrilla factions to defend their native turf. In the West, these militias are typically seen as persecuted and noble. In mainstream Myanmar, they’re often depicted as malevolent separatists.</p>
<p>Though poll workers went to every state in Myanmar, many remote zones that have suffered bloody attacks are practically impossible to reach.</p>
<p>About 70 percent of those polled also belong to the most prominent ethnicity (Burmans), who dominate the army. They’re more likely to have relatives or neighbors in the army’s rank and file.</p>
<p>“The military is a huge institution that touches many people’s lives,” Mathieson said. It also sprang from righteous beginnings: Aung San Suu Kyi’s father, founder of the army, is credited with running out British occupiers who subjugated the country for more than 120 years.</p>
<p>“People are sophisticated. They might respect the institution but hate the current leaders, who are corrupt and venal,” Mathieson said. “People also tend to have a favorable impression of the military until their 14-year-old son is abducted at a checkpoint and forced into the army.”</p>
<p>There is another factor that almost certainly boosted the military’s approval rating: fear.</p>
<p>Myanmar has only recently started to dismantle a police state that targeted dissidents for torture and imprisonment. “If you stick a clipboard in someone’s face and say, ‘Do you like the military?’ they’re going to be terrified,” Mathieson said.</p>
<p>What else does the poll reveal?</p>
<p>Myanmar’s people appear to have very little nostalgia for authoritarian rule. Nine in ten, according to the poll, would “definitely vote” in new elections. Another 9 percent “might vote.”</p>
<p>If leaders keep their word, they’ll get the chance in 2015, when Myanmar will hold its first free general election in decades. The last significant round of voting, a 2012 by-election, offered a landslide victory to Aung San Suu Kyi.</p>
<p>But more than elections, Myanmar’s people crave an escape from bleak poverty. “Low income” was singled out as the nation’s most severe problem followed by “unemployment.” Decades of government neglect have left behind a network of decaying hospitals, empty schools and <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/photo-galleries/5930193/youth-interrupted-slideshow" type="external">children forced to work like adults</a> to keep their families fed.</p>
<p>“Usually the elites are focused on democratic reforms, election reforms, things of that nature,” said pollster Rob Varsalone <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBIVibFaRUs" type="external">at a recent IRI panel.</a> “The people are always concerned about bread-and-butter issues.”</p>
<p>The poll’s results have been presented in-person to both Aung San Suu Kyi and the ruling party, according to Varsalone, a Republican who oversaw the poll for IRI.</p>
<p>Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, is still “beloved,” Varsalone said. But he characterized the ruling party as well organized and flush with resources. “They’re political operatives. Not activists,” he said. “We did the poll presentation and they said, ‘Well, so how do we win? ... No seriously, how do we win?’”</p>
| false | 3 |
bangkok myanmar popular narrative goes land prodemocracy peasants bitterly shaking fists military overlords perhaps narrative mistaken shortage reasons despise military myanmar troubled southeast asian state formerly titled burma nations army infamous ethnic cleansing torturing critics even drafting children military service five decades totalitarian rule ended three years ago ruling military elite hoarded nations wealth citizens suffered yet inside myanmar armys reputation may actually dark us taxpayerfunded poll billed first kind myanmar takes hatchet popular notion myanmars people widely revile oppressive military rare nationwide poll suggests whopping 84 percent myanmars public actually hold favorable view military although findings may say much poll myanmar since 2011 nation helmed military offshoot party vowing morph myanmar isolated dictatorship freer modern nation ruling union solidarity development party stacked exgenerals rose power old regime nevertheless popular 74 percent favorable rating according january poll myanmar indeed changed radically recent years authoritarianism softened mobile phones proliferate political prisoners freed us sanctions fizzled existence survey genuinely groundbreaking usfunded pollsters getting clearance probe thoughts myanmars citizens would unthinkable totalitarian rule military scarcely changed kleptocratic behavior high approval military must unnerving whove suffered abuse firsthand poll also gauges support opposition party aung san suu kyi 68yearold prodemocracy icon president barack obama calls hero mine freed confinement 2010 nobel peace prize winner sits parliament western halls power word shape foreign policy long taken granted would triumph militarybacked forces free election markers according poll shes neckandneck exgenerals shes devoted life opposing favorability rating opposition party 70 percent us taxpayer dollars funded poll pay taxes america poll conducted international republican institute iri exactly sounds like us taxfunded group dominated republicans intent influencing politics foreign countries also receive funding conglomerates coca cola chevron institute technically nonpartisan although chaired republican stalwart sen john mccain past present board members comprised top aides expresident george w bush neoconservative security advisors ultrawealthy republican party donors institute props prodemocracy movements notably groups fighting governments dont get along america democratic party similar work via nominally nonpartisan group national democratic institute also operates myanmar globalpost myanmar emerges regardless intentions iris backers offer raw meat conspiracy theorists one myanmars leading news outlets eleven media ran article suggesting poll contrived push american agenda us state departments senior advisor myanmar judith beth cefkin insisted poll results dont way reflect us governments position clear comes myanmar days republicans democrats generally identical goals opening market us corporations dulling chinas influence helping usfriendly leaders take reins poll results actually defy traditional republican line burma loudly condemning military demanding heavy us sanctions one top myanmar experts human rights watch senior researcher david mathieson reviewed poll told globalpost doesnt suspect manipulation dont think people looking american bogeymen bed said results legitimate interesting exercise challenges lot elite commentators assumptions mathieson said poll bit ambitious postauthoritarian society myanmar promilitary propaganda starts primary school never stops radio press military proclaimed valiant force protecting people holding nation intact factor decades censorship plus violent targeting army critics militarys high approval rating makes sense militarys worst behavior shelling villages forced labor also takes place farflung places myanmar dazzlingly diverse ethnic minorities largely clustered hills formed guerrilla factions defend native turf west militias typically seen persecuted noble mainstream myanmar theyre often depicted malevolent separatists though poll workers went every state myanmar many remote zones suffered bloody attacks practically impossible reach 70 percent polled also belong prominent ethnicity burmans dominate army theyre likely relatives neighbors armys rank file military huge institution touches many peoples lives mathieson said also sprang righteous beginnings aung san suu kyis father founder army credited running british occupiers subjugated country 120 years people sophisticated might respect institution hate current leaders corrupt venal mathieson said people also tend favorable impression military 14yearold son abducted checkpoint forced army another factor almost certainly boosted militarys approval rating fear myanmar recently started dismantle police state targeted dissidents torture imprisonment stick clipboard someones face say like military theyre going terrified mathieson said else poll reveal myanmars people appear little nostalgia authoritarian rule nine ten according poll would definitely vote new elections another 9 percent might vote leaders keep word theyll get chance 2015 myanmar hold first free general election decades last significant round voting 2012 byelection offered landslide victory aung san suu kyi elections myanmars people crave escape bleak poverty low income singled nations severe problem followed unemployment decades government neglect left behind network decaying hospitals empty schools children forced work like adults keep families fed usually elites focused democratic reforms election reforms things nature said pollster rob varsalone recent iri panel people always concerned breadandbutter issues polls results presented inperson aung san suu kyi ruling party according varsalone republican oversaw poll iri aung san suu kyis party national league democracy still beloved varsalone said characterized ruling party well organized flush resources theyre political operatives activists said poll presentation said well win seriously win
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<p>Bill Cosby's fall from grace has been steep. For decades he was not only an American icon but a global one.</p>
<p>His&#160;groundbreaking sitcom "The Cosby Show" was a hit around the world,&#160;including in South Africa. In fact in the mid-1980s, during the height of repression under apartheid, "The Cosby Show" was the most popular TV program among white South Africans. Black South Africans watched it too.&#160;</p>
<p>"It was 1985 when the show first aired and I must have been around I think 15, and everybody was watching it," says Sean Jacobs, who&#160;is black and grew up in Cape Town. He now&#160;teaches at The New School in New York.</p>
<p>Jacobs remembers well the turbulence of that time. The anti-apartheid movement was growing in power.&#160;South African President PW Botha had imposed a state of emergency. &#160;</p>
<p>"I was in high school. The black population in general were highly politicized. There was also a campaign [internationally] to have sanctions against South Africa and that campaign was beginning to focus on entertainment. So it was ironic that a show by somebody who was very explicitly an opponent of apartheid was shown in South Africa."</p>
<p>These days there is another grim irony in the dozens of accusations of sexual assault that have been leveled at Cosby, who in his fictional role on the show embodied fatherhood and family values. The charges themselves hit close to home in South Africa, a country with very high rates of sexual violence against women. An estimated 500,000 cases of rape occur every year. Even the country's president,&#160;Jacob Zuma, was charged with rape in 2005, before he was president. He was found not guilty.</p>
<p>"I think like everybody we are generally shocked," Jacobs says of the charges against Cosby. "But I think people try to make a distinction between what is a character and what was a show in a particular moment in the 1980s."</p>
<p>For Jacobs in the '80s, "The Cosby Show" offered a strange contrast to&#160;the political chaos around him.&#160;"It&#160;was just interesting on the one hand to see a black family who's middle class. The father's a doctor. The mother is a lawyer. Now and then the outside world would disrupt this idyllic setting but in general it's sort of like father and son, mother and daughter, mother and son, and the neighbors. And living in South Africa at the time, there's tear gas, there's tension. When you watched ['The Cosby Show'] it was something that was just out of sync with the world you were living in."&#160;</p>
<p>"The Cosby Show" also put a black man and his family front and center. In South Africa at the time, there was a black leader on everyone's mind, but even his image was banned. "[Nelson] Mandela was larger than life as an absence rather than a presence," says Ron Krabill, who wrote a book about the impact&#160;of media in South Africa in the 1980s. Mandela, a key figure in the resistance movement against apartheid, was imprisoned from 1964 to 1990.</p>
<p>"The Cosby Show" let many white South Africans imagine relating to black people, Krabill argues.</p>
<p>"There's a lot of folks, especially white South Africans, who would say ['The Cosby Show's']&#160;impact on&#160;their attitudes towards black South Africans and their willingness to go towards the negotiation [to end apartheid] was hugely profound, that it was one of the most significant things that happened. I tend to think those are overstated. I think the significance of the show lies more in its shared popularity, its shared cultural phenomenon, [the idea] that perhaps there was some sort of future beyond apartheid."</p>
<p>Krabill hastens to mention that there is a way in which "The Cosby Show" reinforced apartheid, too.&#160;"The ways in which African American culture, art, music is highlighted in 'The Cosby Show' in an American context is very very clear. In the South African context that can read very much as 'separate but equal.' The Huxtable children go to historically black colleges. Occasionally a white family will enter the home but it's relatively rare, and that centering of black American life actually reads not inconsistent with apartheid in the South African context."</p>
<p>Remarkably, South Africa didn't even have television until 1976. Krabill says that's because "the apartheid regime was afraid of the impact television would have as a medium, not necessarily content-specific." Only when&#160;satellite technology became available did the government decide to get in the game to control the medium to whatever degree they could.</p>
<p>The apartheid-run South African Broadcasting Corporation chose "The Cosby Show" because "it was seen as entertainment, as innocuous, as not dangerous."&#160;</p>
<p />
<p>In The Cosby Show Cliff Huxtable's eldest daughter Sondra names her twins Winnie and Nelson in honor of Winnie Mandela and Nelson Mandela.</p>
<p>Screengrab/NBC</p>
<p>However, Bill Cosby was a public opponent of apartheid, and over the years anti-apartheid messages appeared in the series. In one episode, Theo Huxtable's bedroom door opens to reveal a poster of Mandela. In another South African singer Miriam Makeba, then decades into a forced exile, stars in a guest role. The twin grandchildren of Cliff Huxtable are named Nelson and Winnie (Winnie was Mandela's wife until 1996).&#160;</p>
<p>Krabill believes the real legacy of "The Cosby Show" in South Africa is its vision of what black success looks like.&#160;"'The Cosby Show' really sets up and puts forward a very American style of what success looks like. And it's very individual and it's very middle class and it's very material. It's very&#160;consumerist and it's very capitalist."</p>
<p>Sean Jacobs sees a connection there, too. "One of the distinctive features of post-apartheid South Africa is a class apartheid and it is one in which you have the retention of white privilege. A section of the black population have joined that middle class, the gated communities and all the privileges, the old schools inherited from apartheid. They send their children there.&#160;A class apartheid is I think what is represented by 'The Cosby Show.'"&#160;</p>
| false | 3 |
bill cosbys fall grace steep decades american icon global one his160groundbreaking sitcom cosby show hit around world160including south africa fact mid1980s height repression apartheid cosby show popular tv program among white south africans black south africans watched too160 1985 show first aired must around think 15 everybody watching says sean jacobs who160is black grew cape town now160teaches new school new york jacobs remembers well turbulence time antiapartheid movement growing power160south african president pw botha imposed state emergency 160 high school black population general highly politicized also campaign internationally sanctions south africa campaign beginning focus entertainment ironic show somebody explicitly opponent apartheid shown south africa days another grim irony dozens accusations sexual assault leveled cosby fictional role show embodied fatherhood family values charges hit close home south africa country high rates sexual violence women estimated 500000 cases rape occur every year even countrys president160jacob zuma charged rape 2005 president found guilty think like everybody generally shocked jacobs says charges cosby think people try make distinction character show particular moment 1980s jacobs 80s cosby show offered strange contrast to160the political chaos around him160it160was interesting one hand see black family whos middle class fathers doctor mother lawyer outside world would disrupt idyllic setting general sort like father son mother daughter mother son neighbors living south africa time theres tear gas theres tension watched cosby show something sync world living in160 cosby show also put black man family front center south africa time black leader everyones mind even image banned nelson mandela larger life absence rather presence says ron krabill wrote book impact160of media south africa 1980s mandela key figure resistance movement apartheid imprisoned 1964 1990 cosby show let many white south africans imagine relating black people krabill argues theres lot folks especially white south africans would say cosby shows160impact on160their attitudes towards black south africans willingness go towards negotiation end apartheid hugely profound one significant things happened tend think overstated think significance show lies shared popularity shared cultural phenomenon idea perhaps sort future beyond apartheid krabill hastens mention way cosby show reinforced apartheid too160the ways african american culture art music highlighted cosby show american context clear south african context read much separate equal huxtable children go historically black colleges occasionally white family enter home relatively rare centering black american life actually reads inconsistent apartheid south african context remarkably south africa didnt even television 1976 krabill says thats apartheid regime afraid impact television would medium necessarily contentspecific when160satellite technology became available government decide get game control medium whatever degree could apartheidrun south african broadcasting corporation chose cosby show seen entertainment innocuous dangerous160 cosby show cliff huxtables eldest daughter sondra names twins winnie nelson honor winnie mandela nelson mandela screengrabnbc however bill cosby public opponent apartheid years antiapartheid messages appeared series one episode theo huxtables bedroom door opens reveal poster mandela another south african singer miriam makeba decades forced exile stars guest role twin grandchildren cliff huxtable named nelson winnie winnie mandelas wife 1996160 krabill believes real legacy cosby show south africa vision black success looks like160the cosby show really sets puts forward american style success looks like individual middle class material very160consumerist capitalist sean jacobs sees connection one distinctive features postapartheid south africa class apartheid one retention white privilege section black population joined middle class gated communities privileges old schools inherited apartheid send children there160a class apartheid think represented cosby show160
| 557 |
<p>China's got a big appetite for energy, and that's expected to double over the next quarter-century. It already imports more than half of its oil and natural gas, and it's looking to the resource-rich South China Sea as a source of supply — and claiming almost the whole thing as its own. But Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines also have claims there.</p>
<p>Eighteen-year-old Sarah Osorio, bubbly and beautiful, is enjoying her reign this year as both Miss Palawan and Miss Kalayaan — the name of a contested chain of islands in the South China Sea. Osorio shows me a scene from the video of the beauty contest, where she's wearing a red bikini.</p>
<p>She said she wasn't so keen on showing so much skin. She joined the pageant to make a serious point – about the Kalayaan Islands.</p>
<p>"China's claiming Kalayaan as its own," she said. "The Philippines don't have any capability to fight China. China is very big, compared to Philippines."</p>
<p>Osorio grew up spending a month each summer on Kalayaan's biggest island. It's just a tenth of a square mile.</p>
<p>"We're a small island – no activities, no entertainments," she said. There's no electricity so after 6 p.m. there's nothing to do but sleep.</p>
<p>When I asked her why people choose to live there, she said: "To show that it's ours, that we have that island for the Philippines."</p>
<p>Osorio's parents are among the 60 civilians who claim residence on Kalayaan's main island, Pag-asu. The idea is just to have a presence — and Osorio's family is doing its part. Her dad's a local legislator. Her uncle lives there, too; he's a fisherman. According to Osorio, he's had problems with Chinese boats near the island.</p>
<p>"He told me Chinese people were around their area, fishing and fishing and fishing. If you talk to them, they harass you," Osorio said. It's mostly shouting matches, she said. But there's been more physical contact than that, on the broader South China Sea.</p>
<p>Over the past year or so, China has become increasingly aggressive about asserting its claim to almost the entire South China Sea, and the oil and gas reserves its seabed may contain.</p>
<p>When ExxonMobil announced in October that it had found what looked like a sizable natural gas field near the Vietnamese city of Danang, China warned that foreign companies shouldn't proceed in waters that China claims.</p>
<p>The Philippines has had its own challenges. General Juancho Sabban, who heads the Western Command of the Philippine Armed Force, shows off what he calls a "Chinese donation" to his marine patrol boats — a confiscated Chinese fishing boat.</p>
<p>"They had GPS, they had radios. They had air compressors, for deep sea diving," which, he pointed out, you normally wouldn't find on a fishing boat.</p>
<p>Sabban thinks this boat was doing surveillance. It tried to ram a smaller Philippine patrol boat, so, he said, the patrol had to shoot to disable the engine.</p>
<p>The Chinese who were arrested on the boat said they were just fishermen. But Sabban said they were bailed out by the Chinese embassy, and then they disappeared.</p>
<p>He said similar boats have left construction materials near islands the Philippines claims. Sabban has promptly cleared them, because when this happened on Mischief Reef in 1995, the Chinese erected a structure almost overnight, and now have a permanent presence there. It's about 130 nautical miles from the Philippines and 600 from China.</p>
<p>According to the International Law of the Sea, a country's Exclusive Economic Zone extends 200 miles from its shores. But China maintains it has a historical claim to islands even farther away, because it found them and named them first.</p>
<p>"In layman's terms, it's absurd, unbelievable," General Sabban scoffs. He points out that the Philippines can also cite historical records of its fishermen who went to China. "So are we also legalized to claim South China Sea?" he asked.</p>
<p>Sabban sees China's new assertiveness in the South China Sea as being less about protecting questionable historical claims than about the fact that the Philippines and Vietnam are both opening up waters they claim to foreign companies. Shell and Chevron are already active in the Philippines, and the country is soliciting bids for 15 more offshore exploration blocks.</p>
<p>"This year, there will be more drilling in the West Philippine Sea, and we expect that by the end of this year, more rigs will be in place," Sabban said.</p>
<p>Protecting an oil rig will be one of the military exercises the Philippines does with the US military this spring. A Philippines delegation was just in Washington last week to talk about enhanced US military support in the South China Sea. Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations, spoke about US interests at the Center for a New American Security in Washington last month.</p>
<p>"This area is vital to the United States," Greenert said. "It's been an area vital to our navy and our focus for decades, because of our economy, our trade routes."</p>
<p>Greenert said the challenge is to keep those trade routes open — and peaceful — while keeping belligerence to a minimum. "How do you have a conversation with someone who is insistent that you're in the wrong place? You either stop talking, or you keep talking, and you watch how you ratchet up the rhetoric," he said.</p>
<p>China's view is that the United States should mind its own business and stay out of the South China Sea. In November, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said, "disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved through friendly consultation between directly involved sovereign states." He added that any interference from outside forces would only "complicate matters."</p>
<p>China would rather point out, one-on-one, to the Philippines that the $30 billion in trade it has with China could double in a couple of years — or China could punish it, as the Communist Party-owned newspaper The Global Times has suggested, for turning to the US for more military muscle to counter China's claims. The Global Times has also remarked that these "little countries" in the region should stop challenging China's interests, or they'll 'hear the roar of cannon fire.'</p>
<p>"The Chinese shouldn't be telling us to get used to that," responded General Sabban. "We have been hearing the sound of cannons for 40 years."</p>
<p>General Sabban added, have they forgotten the Vietnam War? A small country can hold out against a superpower, when its core interests are at stake. It can hold out even better — when another superpower stands ready to come to its aid.</p>
| false | 3 |
chinas got big appetite energy thats expected double next quartercentury already imports half oil natural gas looking resourcerich south china sea source supply claiming almost whole thing vietnam brunei malaysia taiwan philippines also claims eighteenyearold sarah osorio bubbly beautiful enjoying reign year miss palawan miss kalayaan name contested chain islands south china sea osorio shows scene video beauty contest shes wearing red bikini said wasnt keen showing much skin joined pageant make serious point kalayaan islands chinas claiming kalayaan said philippines dont capability fight china china big compared philippines osorio grew spending month summer kalayaans biggest island tenth square mile small island activities entertainments said theres electricity 6 pm theres nothing sleep asked people choose live said show island philippines osorios parents among 60 civilians claim residence kalayaans main island pagasu idea presence osorios family part dads local legislator uncle lives hes fisherman according osorio hes problems chinese boats near island told chinese people around area fishing fishing fishing talk harass osorio said mostly shouting matches said theres physical contact broader south china sea past year china become increasingly aggressive asserting claim almost entire south china sea oil gas reserves seabed may contain exxonmobil announced october found looked like sizable natural gas field near vietnamese city danang china warned foreign companies shouldnt proceed waters china claims philippines challenges general juancho sabban heads western command philippine armed force shows calls chinese donation marine patrol boats confiscated chinese fishing boat gps radios air compressors deep sea diving pointed normally wouldnt find fishing boat sabban thinks boat surveillance tried ram smaller philippine patrol boat said patrol shoot disable engine chinese arrested boat said fishermen sabban said bailed chinese embassy disappeared said similar boats left construction materials near islands philippines claims sabban promptly cleared happened mischief reef 1995 chinese erected structure almost overnight permanent presence 130 nautical miles philippines 600 china according international law sea countrys exclusive economic zone extends 200 miles shores china maintains historical claim islands even farther away found named first laymans terms absurd unbelievable general sabban scoffs points philippines also cite historical records fishermen went china also legalized claim south china sea asked sabban sees chinas new assertiveness south china sea less protecting questionable historical claims fact philippines vietnam opening waters claim foreign companies shell chevron already active philippines country soliciting bids 15 offshore exploration blocks year drilling west philippine sea expect end year rigs place sabban said protecting oil rig one military exercises philippines us military spring philippines delegation washington last week talk enhanced us military support south china sea admiral jonathan greenert chief naval operations spoke us interests center new american security washington last month area vital united states greenert said area vital navy focus decades economy trade routes greenert said challenge keep trade routes open peaceful keeping belligerence minimum conversation someone insistent youre wrong place either stop talking keep talking watch ratchet rhetoric said chinas view united states mind business stay south china sea november chinese foreign ministry spokesman liu weimin said disputes south china sea resolved friendly consultation directly involved sovereign states added interference outside forces would complicate matters china would rather point oneonone philippines 30 billion trade china could double couple years china could punish communist partyowned newspaper global times suggested turning us military muscle counter chinas claims global times also remarked little countries region stop challenging chinas interests theyll hear roar cannon fire chinese shouldnt telling us get used responded general sabban hearing sound cannons 40 years general sabban added forgotten vietnam war small country hold superpower core interests stake hold even better another superpower stands ready come aid
| 595 |
<p>“This 'City of the Kings' was, until the middle of the 18th century, the capital and most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America.” – UNESCO</p>
<p>LIMA, Peru — The pollution can be stifling and a clammy Pacific Ocean mist called “garua” still hangs in the air, but this old pearl of a city, long a destination that many international travelers tried to avoid, has in recent years restored much of its downtown colonial luster.</p>
<p>Capital of a Spanish viceroyalty and known as the “City of Kings,” Lima entered a period of rapid and largely uncontrolled growth after World War II. Its population then exploded during the rural insurgency of the <a href="http://www.cfr.org/publication/9276/" type="external">Shining Path</a> guerrillas in the 1980s and early 1990s, growing from about 500,000 in 1940 to 8 million today. Most of the new immigrants live in extreme poverty.</p>
<p>As a result, downtown Lima suffered from inattention and abuse. Smalls armies of the urban poor and homeless camped out downtown, using the streets as urinals and tarnishing the attractiveness of the city’s colonial architecture, with its museums filled with Inca and pre-Inca gold objects and other archaeological wonders.</p>
<p>Due to congestion, dirt, decay and crime, international tourists often would fly into Lima and immediately head to the posh and newer neighborhoods and commercial centers along the coastline, or fly directly to <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/273" type="external">Cuzco</a> and the Inca city of <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274" type="external">Machu Picchu</a>. Few would linger in downtown Lima.</p>
<p>Now, a number of factors have combined to restore relative order and cleanliness to the city’s downtown core. Vast public housing projects have been built outside of downtown, services have been provided to residents of outlying slums and the police have adopted sometimes harsh measures to prohibit vagrancy and panhandling.</p>
<p>Neighborhood recreation center. (Courtesy City of Lima)</p>
<p>The most important milestone in Lima’s renaissance was UNESCO’s designation of Lima as a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/500" type="external">World Heritage Site</a>. The first designation came in 1988, for San Francisco Convent, and it was extended to the whole colonial downtown area in 1991.</p>
<p>The UNESCO designation was more an encouragement to preserve heritage sites than a recognition that Lima’s past city administrations had actually done so. But when rumors surfaced a few years ago that the UNESCO designation might be withdrawn if more wasn’t done for the center, the city got serious about preservation and restoration.</p>
<p>Today, police patrol the Plaza San Martin and the Plaza Mayor, the two most important downtown squares and the heart of Spanish colonial rule on the continent from the time that <a href="http://www.pbs.org/conquistadors/pizarro/pizarro_flat.html" type="external">Francisco Pizarro</a> founded Lima in 1535.</p>
<p>The current mayor, Luis Castaneda, and his predecessor have spent millions of dollars in public funds to paint and illuminate historic buildings, plazas and shopping areas, restore crumbling buildings and parks, pave streets and create pedestrian walkways, often with the collaboration of private businesses that also benefit from the restoration work.</p>
<p>“Lima no longer is a city to just pass through,” said Diego Uceda, a city councilor who is also chief of the city’s tourist commission.</p>
<p>Other parts of Lima have gotten facelifts too. Since the mid-1970s, much of the residential and commercial life of Lima has gravitated to the Miraflores and San Isidro districts on a bluff along the coast, where high-rises, luxury condominiums, five-star hotels and the huge Larcomar shopping mall overlook surfing areas below.</p>
<p>There are plans for a massive mixed urban renewal project in the Santa Cruz section of Miraflores. It would demolish auto mechanic shops and dilapidated commercial establishments, as well as the old San Martin army barracks, and build a mixed residential-commercial-tourist complex including a five-star hotel and convention center, a museum and world-class eateries.</p>
<p>“We want to reinforce the residential spaces, but also to build private commercial zones and create a gastronomical tourism circuit” to take advantage of the new attention being paid Peru’s traditional dishes, said Carlos Ramirez, assistant manager of urban planning for the Miraflores municipal government.</p>
<p>While historic Lima now shines and tourists flock to its attractions, the biggest changes to the city as a whole have come about because of a multi-million dollar public works program begun several years ago by Castaneda.</p>
<p>Nicknamed “el mudo” (the dumb one) because he seldom speaks in public, Castaneda has pushed through projects that benefit not only the middle classes and the wealthy, but also the millions of working class and poor people who live in the outlying areas and who often lack basic services such as sewer, water and lighting.</p>
<p>Castaneda has built parks, replaced decrepit transit centers and cleaned up industrial areas, and built virtually no-cost “solidarity hospitals” in cooperation with groups of volunteer doctors to bring badly needed medical care to the poor. There are now regional recreation centers in the slums, where people can swim, picnic and play for free or at a nominal fee. The public works project with probably the most impact has been the construction of 2,500 concrete stairways in hillside slums that allow residents to ascend to their homes from streets below.</p>
<p>City councilor Luis Enrique Tord, a historian, professor and author, calls the citywide public works program a “monumental effort.” Castaneda’s approval rating hovers at or above 75 percent, a unheard-of figure in any major Latin American city.</p>
<p>While no one argues with efforts to clean up the historic center of Lima to attract more tourist dollars, two of the city’s signature projects have attracted criticism as well as acclaim.</p>
<p>A $135 million project to build a citywide public-transit system with fixed routes and user-friendly stations built around a fleet of natural-gas powered buses already has run six months beyond its completion date, with miles of Lima thoroughfares torn up and impassable.</p>
<p>The project, with two-thirds funding from international development banks, is due for completion in early 2010, but that doesn’t keep local residents from grousing. One taxi driver called it a “disaster.”</p>
<p>But, “It is the emblematic work of the city,” said Roxana Rocha, a city councilor. “In 25 years there has been no government that has done anything about the transport mess.”</p>
<p>In addition, the <a href="http://ecoworldly.com/2009/05/26/a-fun-new-water-fountain-park-beautifies-lima-peru/" type="external">Magic Circuit of Water</a> in Lima’s Parque de la Reserva, featuring 13 illuminated water fountains, including one with a 200-foot tall geiser and another with a laser-operated light-and-music spectacular, has become the city’s newest and most popular tourist site for both nationals and foreign visitors.</p>
<p>Since its completion in 2007, 7 million visitors have entered the park. In a desert area where water and finances can be scarce, Limenos at first scoffed at the expenditure of resources. Criticism seems to have subsided, though, as more and more Peruvians visit the park and wonder at the fountains and the light show.</p>
<p>So why, in a city often neglected for decades if not centuries, has this mayor taken it upon himself to conduct such works? The cynics say it’s because he plans to run for president in 2011, a good possibility. A third of all Peruvians, after all, live in Lima.</p>
<p>But Castaneda, speaking recently to a group of visitors and reporters at the inauguration of a public art display, said the reason is simpler than that.</p>
<p>“Cities should be friendly places,” he said.</p>
<p />
<p>&#160;</p>
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city kings middle 18th century capital important city spanish dominions south america unesco lima peru pollution stifling clammy pacific ocean mist called garua still hangs air old pearl city long destination many international travelers tried avoid recent years restored much downtown colonial luster capital spanish viceroyalty known city kings lima entered period rapid largely uncontrolled growth world war ii population exploded rural insurgency shining path guerrillas 1980s early 1990s growing 500000 1940 8 million today new immigrants live extreme poverty result downtown lima suffered inattention abuse smalls armies urban poor homeless camped downtown using streets urinals tarnishing attractiveness citys colonial architecture museums filled inca preinca gold objects archaeological wonders due congestion dirt decay crime international tourists often would fly lima immediately head posh newer neighborhoods commercial centers along coastline fly directly cuzco inca city machu picchu would linger downtown lima number factors combined restore relative order cleanliness citys downtown core vast public housing projects built outside downtown services provided residents outlying slums police adopted sometimes harsh measures prohibit vagrancy panhandling neighborhood recreation center courtesy city lima important milestone limas renaissance unescos designation lima world heritage site first designation came 1988 san francisco convent extended whole colonial downtown area 1991 unesco designation encouragement preserve heritage sites recognition limas past city administrations actually done rumors surfaced years ago unesco designation might withdrawn wasnt done center city got serious preservation restoration today police patrol plaza san martin plaza mayor two important downtown squares heart spanish colonial rule continent time francisco pizarro founded lima 1535 current mayor luis castaneda predecessor spent millions dollars public funds paint illuminate historic buildings plazas shopping areas restore crumbling buildings parks pave streets create pedestrian walkways often collaboration private businesses also benefit restoration work lima longer city pass said diego uceda city councilor also chief citys tourist commission parts lima gotten facelifts since mid1970s much residential commercial life lima gravitated miraflores san isidro districts bluff along coast highrises luxury condominiums fivestar hotels huge larcomar shopping mall overlook surfing areas plans massive mixed urban renewal project santa cruz section miraflores would demolish auto mechanic shops dilapidated commercial establishments well old san martin army barracks build mixed residentialcommercialtourist complex including fivestar hotel convention center museum worldclass eateries want reinforce residential spaces also build private commercial zones create gastronomical tourism circuit take advantage new attention paid perus traditional dishes said carlos ramirez assistant manager urban planning miraflores municipal government historic lima shines tourists flock attractions biggest changes city whole come multimillion dollar public works program begun several years ago castaneda nicknamed el mudo dumb one seldom speaks public castaneda pushed projects benefit middle classes wealthy also millions working class poor people live outlying areas often lack basic services sewer water lighting castaneda built parks replaced decrepit transit centers cleaned industrial areas built virtually nocost solidarity hospitals cooperation groups volunteer doctors bring badly needed medical care poor regional recreation centers slums people swim picnic play free nominal fee public works project probably impact construction 2500 concrete stairways hillside slums allow residents ascend homes streets city councilor luis enrique tord historian professor author calls citywide public works program monumental effort castanedas approval rating hovers 75 percent unheardof figure major latin american city one argues efforts clean historic center lima attract tourist dollars two citys signature projects attracted criticism well acclaim 135 million project build citywide publictransit system fixed routes userfriendly stations built around fleet naturalgas powered buses already run six months beyond completion date miles lima thoroughfares torn impassable project twothirds funding international development banks due completion early 2010 doesnt keep local residents grousing one taxi driver called disaster emblematic work city said roxana rocha city councilor 25 years government done anything transport mess addition magic circuit water limas parque de la reserva featuring 13 illuminated water fountains including one 200foot tall geiser another laseroperated lightandmusic spectacular become citys newest popular tourist site nationals foreign visitors since completion 2007 7 million visitors entered park desert area water finances scarce limenos first scoffed expenditure resources criticism seems subsided though peruvians visit park wonder fountains light show city often neglected decades centuries mayor taken upon conduct works cynics say plans run president 2011 good possibility third peruvians live lima castaneda speaking recently group visitors reporters inauguration public art display said reason simpler cities friendly places said 160
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<p>Editor’s Note: Recognizing the unique opportunity we have to examine reports on Civil War events in our own publication, from time to time we are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War by reprinting articles that appeared in the Religious Herald a century-and-a-half ago. On March 13, 1862, under the heading “Secular News” the Religious Herald printed the following — admittedly biased — report on the battle of the Monitor and the Merrimack (CSS Virginia) in Hampton Roads harbor that had taken place March 8-9.</p>
<p>The Confederate iron-clad steamer, Virginia, had a successful engagement with the blockading fleet of the enemy lying off Newport News on Saturday and Sabbath. She reach their neighborhood at 2 o’clock. P.M. Here she found the two first class sailing frigates Cumberland and Congress. Her operations on the Cumberland were performed in the short space of fifteen minutes’ time, at the end of which the Cumberland sunk just where she had been lying.</p>
<p />
<p>The Virginia, on approaching her and getting point blank range, fired her bow gun several times, and ran into her, striking her fairly with her ram, which made her reel to and fro, and sent her speedily to the bottom. The object in first getting rid of the Cumberland was probably to destroy the very heavy armament which that frigate carried, it being the heaviest in the Yankee Navy.</p>
<p>Focus on the Congress</p>
<p>The Virginia next turned her attention to the Congress, which vessel it is said gallantly resisted her inevitable fate for nearly an hour, but finally finding the ship rapidly sinking, she hauled down her colors and made for the beach, where she was run as high aground as possible. Her officers and crew were taken off by our gunboats; and while she had her flag of truce hoisted, and was being relieved of her killed and wounded by our boats, the Yankees on shore at Newport News, disregarding the flag of truce, with Minnie muskets fired into her and killed several of their own men.</p>
<p>While the Virginia was engaged with the Congress with her bow gun she poured broadside after broadside into the shore batteries of the enemy at Newport News. While the engagement was going on between the two frigates and the Virginia, the enemy’s steam frigate Minnesota put out from Old Point to their assistance. She got aground when within a mile or two of Newport News. There she stuck, unable to get off, while the Confederate steamers Patrick Henry and Jamestown peppered her with their batteries, while the Virginia was attending to the shore batteries at Newport News. The frigate St. Lawrence then came up to the assistance of the Minnesota, and she also got aground. Tugs and steamers were sent to the assistance of the Minnesota and St. Lawrence from Old Point after they grounded, but their efforts to haul them off were unavailing.</p>
<p>All of our steamers and gunboats are said to have been managed with the utmost skill and dexterity, rendering great assistance to the Virginia in this magnificent engagement.</p>
<p>The James River steamers arrived at the scene of action, it is said, about one hour after the engagement commenced. They easily passed the Newport News batteries, and after joining in the fight rendered very efficient aid. By this daring exploit we have raised the James River blockade, without foreign assistance, and are likely, with the assistance of the Virginia, to keep open the communication.</p>
<p>Sunday morning</p>
<p>The engagement was renewed again on Sunday morning, about 8 o’clock, by the Jamestown and several of our gunboats firing into the Minnesota and St. Lawrence. The tide being at an ebb, the Virginia did not take the channel where the Minnesota lay, probably for fear of grounding; but, getting within a good ranger of her, she opened fire with terrible effect, completely riddling her, and rendering constant exertion at the pumps necessary to prevent her from filling.</p>
<p>Early in the morning the Erricsson battery, now called the Monitor, was discovered off Newport News, she having gone up there during the night. A sharp encounter soon took place between her and the Virginia, during which time they were frequently not more than thirty or forty yards apart. Unfortunately, the Virginia ran aground, and the Ericsson, using her advantage, poured shot after shot into her, but without doing any serious damage. In a short while, however, the Virginia succeeded in getting off, and putting on full head of steam ran her bow into the Ericsson, doing, as it is thought, great damage. Several of the enemy’s gunboats being within range, they were favored with a shell or two from the Virginia, with telling effect.</p>
<p>Successful return</p>
<p>Having completely riddled the Minnesota and disabled the St. Lawrence and Monitor, besides destroying several of the enemy’s gunboats — in a word, having accomplished all that they designed and having no more material to work upon — our noble vessels left the scene of their triumphs and returned to the yard, where they await another opportunity of displaying their prowess.</p>
<p>The enemy’s loss, in killed and wounded during the two days’ battle is exceedingly large, and estimated at from six to twelve hundred. Of the crew of the Cumberland but few survived to tell the tale. As she went down her crew went with her, excepting some few who were taken as prisoners by us, and a few others who escaped to the shore. Out of the five hundred aboard of her it is estimated that not over a hundred at most escaped, the remainder either being killed by our shot or drowned as the vessel went down. Of course the greater part of those on board the gunboats were also drowned, as there was not sufficient time for them to have made their escape.</p>
<p>Added to this, very many in the camps of the enemy at Newport News were killed by the shells which the Virginia threw among them. On the Virginia there were two killed and eight wounded. Among the wounded, we regret to mention Captain Buchanan and Lieutenant Minor. These wounds, however, are but slight. On the Raleigh Midshipman Hutter was killed and Captains Tayloe&#160; and Alexander wounded, the first quite severely. On the Beaufort gunner W. Robinson and two seamen were wounded. On the Teaser one man was wounded very slightly. On the Patrick Henry four men were killed and three wounded.</p>
<p>While the loss of the enemy is counted by hundreds, ours, as will be seen from the above, amounts only to seven killed and seventeen wounded. This loss on our part, as small as it is, was not the work of the enemy’s shots from their vessels, but the result, for the most part, of the fire of muskets from shore. It is said that all of the batteries on Newport News were silenced except one, and that our shot and shell were thrown with such unerring aim and precision among the enemy that great numbers of them were killed and wounded.</p>
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editors note recognizing unique opportunity examine reports civil war events publication time time commemorating 150th anniversary civil war reprinting articles appeared religious herald centuryandahalf ago march 13 1862 heading secular news religious herald printed following admittedly biased report battle monitor merrimack css virginia hampton roads harbor taken place march 89 confederate ironclad steamer virginia successful engagement blockading fleet enemy lying newport news saturday sabbath reach neighborhood 2 oclock pm found two first class sailing frigates cumberland congress operations cumberland performed short space fifteen minutes time end cumberland sunk lying virginia approaching getting point blank range fired bow gun several times ran striking fairly ram made reel fro sent speedily bottom object first getting rid cumberland probably destroy heavy armament frigate carried heaviest yankee navy focus congress virginia next turned attention congress vessel said gallantly resisted inevitable fate nearly hour finally finding ship rapidly sinking hauled colors made beach run high aground possible officers crew taken gunboats flag truce hoisted relieved killed wounded boats yankees shore newport news disregarding flag truce minnie muskets fired killed several men virginia engaged congress bow gun poured broadside broadside shore batteries enemy newport news engagement going two frigates virginia enemys steam frigate minnesota put old point assistance got aground within mile two newport news stuck unable get confederate steamers patrick henry jamestown peppered batteries virginia attending shore batteries newport news frigate st lawrence came assistance minnesota also got aground tugs steamers sent assistance minnesota st lawrence old point grounded efforts haul unavailing steamers gunboats said managed utmost skill dexterity rendering great assistance virginia magnificent engagement james river steamers arrived scene action said one hour engagement commenced easily passed newport news batteries joining fight rendered efficient aid daring exploit raised james river blockade without foreign assistance likely assistance virginia keep open communication sunday morning engagement renewed sunday morning 8 oclock jamestown several gunboats firing minnesota st lawrence tide ebb virginia take channel minnesota lay probably fear grounding getting within good ranger opened fire terrible effect completely riddling rendering constant exertion pumps necessary prevent filling early morning erricsson battery called monitor discovered newport news gone night sharp encounter soon took place virginia time frequently thirty forty yards apart unfortunately virginia ran aground ericsson using advantage poured shot shot without serious damage short however virginia succeeded getting putting full head steam ran bow ericsson thought great damage several enemys gunboats within range favored shell two virginia telling effect successful return completely riddled minnesota disabled st lawrence monitor besides destroying several enemys gunboats word accomplished designed material work upon noble vessels left scene triumphs returned yard await another opportunity displaying prowess enemys loss killed wounded two days battle exceedingly large estimated six twelve hundred crew cumberland survived tell tale went crew went excepting taken prisoners us others escaped shore five hundred aboard estimated hundred escaped remainder either killed shot drowned vessel went course greater part board gunboats also drowned sufficient time made escape added many camps enemy newport news killed shells virginia threw among virginia two killed eight wounded among wounded regret mention captain buchanan lieutenant minor wounds however slight raleigh midshipman hutter killed captains tayloe160 alexander wounded first quite severely beaufort gunner w robinson two seamen wounded teaser one man wounded slightly patrick henry four men killed three wounded loss enemy counted hundreds seen amounts seven killed seventeen wounded loss part small work enemys shots vessels result part fire muskets shore said batteries newport news silenced except one shot shell thrown unerring aim precision among enemy great numbers killed wounded
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<p>If Recep Tayyip Erdogan had his way — and let's hope he never does — women would stay home, have lots of babies and obey their husbands.&#160;</p>
<p>The Turkish president, known for his bizarre views on pretty much everything, said as much during a talk to a women's conference on Monday. &#160;</p>
<p>Here's an excerpt of the speech that confirmed Erdogan's primitive views on women and raised the hackles of feminists all over the world:&#160;</p>
<p>“You cannot bring women and men into an equal position; this is against nature,” <a href="http://www.todayszaman.com/anasayfa_erdogan-you-cannot-make-men-and-women-equal_365182.html" type="external">Erdogan</a> told the meeting of an association promoting women's rights in Istanbul.&#160;</p>
<p>“You cannot subject a pregnant woman to the same working conditions as a man. You cannot make a mother who has to breastfeed her child equal to a man. You cannot make women do everything men do like the communist regimes did … This is against her delicate nature.”</p>
<p>This isn't the first time&#160;Erdogan has offended women or tried to interfere in their personal affairs. He previously told Turkey's fairer sex to have more babies for the sake of the country and he <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/02/turkey-women-absurd-debate-female-laughter-new-deal" type="external">refers to women</a> who choose to wear the hijab as "my little headscarved sisters." So telling them they are not and never will be equal to men will likely upset many of the more than <a href="http://www.turkstat.gov.tr/PreHaberBultenleri.do?id=13425" type="external">37 million women</a> who make up nearly half of the&#160;country's population.&#160;</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/turkey/141105/erdogan-palace-615-million" type="external">Turkey's Erdogan just moved into the world's most expensive palace. Here's what $615 million could have bought instead</a></p>
<p>Not that that will make much of a dent in Erdogan's popularity in Turkey. After serving as prime minister for 11 years, he was <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/08/us-turkey-election-idUSKBN0G80KB20140808" type="external">elected president</a> in August. The man appears to be unstoppable.&#160;</p>
<p>Which is worrying given Erdogan's strong autocratic streak, which we saw last year when he ordered police to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/20/turkey-divided-erdogan-protests-crackdown" type="external">crack down</a> on anti-government protesters in Gezi Park, Istanbul. Protesters were brutally beaten, tear gassed, hosed and fired upon with rubber bullets as security forces tried to clear the square, drawing <a href="http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/turkey-accused-gross-human-rights-violations-gezi-park-protests-2013-10-02" type="external">international condemnation.&#160;</a></p>
<p>Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images</p>
<p>He also has a problem with freedom of speech, ordering Twitter to be banned in March after some incriminating recordings were posted on the social media network — a decision that was later <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26880891" type="external">overturned</a> by the constitutional court.&#160;</p>
<p>But it's what Erdogan says rather than what he does that sometimes attracts the most attention. The man has a penchant for saying the craziest things.&#160;</p>
<p>We've trawled through the archives and dug up nine particularly memorable remarks made by the Turkish leader during his 11 years — and counting — in office.&#160;</p>
<p>On the New World's discovery</p>
<p>“Muslims discovered America in 1178, not Christopher Columbus," Erdogan told a summit of <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/11/erdogan-says-muslims-discovered-americas-20141115181222841516.html" type="external">Muslim leaders</a> from Latin America on Nov. 15.</p>
<p>"Muslim sailors arrived in America from 1178. Columbus mentioned the existence of a mosque on a hill on the Cuban coast."</p>
<p>"I would like to talk about it to my Cuban brothers. A mosque would go perfectly on the hill today."&#160;</p>
<p>Many historians, however, believe it was C.C. who got there first.&#160;</p>
<p>On Twitter</p>
<p>Adem Altan/AFP</p>
<p>“We now have a court order. We’ll eradicate Twitter. I don’t care what the international community says. Everyone will witness the power of the Turkish Republic,” Erdogan told supporters on <a href="http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-blocks-twitter-after-erdogan-vowed-eradication.aspx?pageID=238&amp;nID=63884&amp;NewsCatID=338" type="external">March 20.</a></p>
<p>During the 2013 protests he also <a href="http://rt.com/news/turkey-demands-erdogan-returns-300/" type="external">said:</a>&#160; "There is a problem called Twitter right now and you can find every kind of lie there. The thing that is called social media is the biggest trouble for society right now."</p>
<p>Hmm... it's probably a bigger problem for Erdogan.</p>
<p>On journalism</p>
<p>During the presidential election campaign in August, Erdogan lashed out at The Economist’s Turkey correspondent <a href="http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail.action?newsId=354923" type="external">Amberin Zaman</a>, calling her a “shameless militant woman disguised under the name of a journalist.”</p>
<p>Zaman had earlier asked an opposition leader whether “Muslim society is able to question" authorities.</p>
<p>"Know your place," Erdogan said. "They gave you a pen and you are writing a column in a newspaper. And then they invite you to a TV channel owned by Dogan media group and you insult at a society of 99 percent Muslims."</p>
<p>Riiiight. Sounds like only one person was offended.&#160;</p>
<p>On social media networks</p>
<p>“We won’t allow the people to be devoured by YouTube, Facebook or others," <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/03/07/turkey-facebook-youtube-ban/6157465/" type="external">Erdogan said</a> on March 6 after audio recordings of his alleged conversations suggesting corrupt behavior were leaked.</p>
<p>Something tells us Erdogan is the one who doesn't want to be devoured.&#160;</p>
<p>On democracy</p>
<p>Adem Altan/AFP</p>
<p>“Do you have the right to take such a decision (on Turkey)? You stay silent about what’s happening in France, in England and elsewhere in Europe, and you dare to take a decision on our security forces, who are exercising their duty of law enforcement against those demonstrators. You are anti-democratic,” <a href="http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-has-no-respect-for-democracy-says-turkish-pm-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&amp;nID=48981&amp;NewsCatID=338" type="external">Erdogan said</a> June 17, 2013, after the EU criticized Turkey’s heavy-handed response to protesters.</p>
<p>“You (EU) do not respect democracy. Your definition of freedom is different. You support those who attack the freedom of others.”</p>
<p>Erdogan certainly has a different interpretation of "freedom."</p>
<p>On protests</p>
<p>"If Taksim Square is not evacuated, this country's security forces will know how to evacuate it,” Erdogan said on June 15.</p>
<p>"Staying there (in Gezi Park) makes no sense anymore as the matter is now in the hands of the courts. Nobody can intimidate us. We take no orders or instruction from anyone but God."</p>
<p>So God ordered the brutal crackdown on protesters?&#160;</p>
<p>On alcohol</p>
<p>"I want them to know that I want these (restrictions) for the sake of their health ... Whoever drinks alcohol is an alcoholic," <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/06/20136372149597177.html" type="external">Erdogan said</a> on June 2, 2013, after tighter restrictions on alcohol sales sparked protests.</p>
<p>On babies</p>
<p>AFP</p>
<p>“One or two children mean bankruptcy. Three children mean we are not improving but not receding either. So, I repeat, at least three children are necessary in each family, because our population risks aging,” <a href="http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-pm-erdogan-reiterates-his-call-for-three-children.aspx?pageID=238&amp;nid=38235" type="external">Erdogan said</a> on Jan. 2.</p>
<p>“We are still on the good side, as we still own a young and dynamic population. But we are slowly aging. Presently, the whole western world is trying to cope with this problem. Please do not take our susceptibility lightly, this is a very serious issue.”</p>
<p>On mining accidents</p>
<p>“These types of incidents are ordinary things,” <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/15/erdogan-turkey-mining-disaster-turkish-prime-minister" type="external">Erdogan told</a> the families of dead and injured miners in the Turkish town of Soma earlier this year.&#160;The official death toll from Turkey's worst mining accident was 301. &#160;</p>
<p>Erdogan attempted to back up his insensitive comment by recounting a list of foreign mining accidents dating back to the mid 19th century.&#160;</p>
<p>Way to go, Erdogan.</p>
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recep tayyip erdogan way lets hope never women would stay home lots babies obey husbands160 turkish president known bizarre views pretty much everything said much talk womens conference monday 160 heres excerpt speech confirmed erdogans primitive views women raised hackles feminists world160 bring women men equal position nature erdogan told meeting association promoting womens rights istanbul160 subject pregnant woman working conditions man make mother breastfeed child equal man make women everything men like communist regimes delicate nature isnt first time160erdogan offended women tried interfere personal affairs previously told turkeys fairer sex babies sake country refers women choose wear hijab little headscarved sisters telling never equal men likely upset many 37 million women make nearly half the160countrys population160 globalpost turkeys erdogan moved worlds expensive palace heres 615 million could bought instead make much dent erdogans popularity turkey serving prime minister 11 years elected president august man appears unstoppable160 worrying given erdogans strong autocratic streak saw last year ordered police crack antigovernment protesters gezi park istanbul protesters brutally beaten tear gassed hosed fired upon rubber bullets security forces tried clear square drawing international condemnation160 ozan koseafpgetty images also problem freedom speech ordering twitter banned march incriminating recordings posted social media network decision later overturned constitutional court160 erdogan says rather sometimes attracts attention man penchant saying craziest things160 weve trawled archives dug nine particularly memorable remarks made turkish leader 11 years counting office160 new worlds discovery muslims discovered america 1178 christopher columbus erdogan told summit muslim leaders latin america nov 15 muslim sailors arrived america 1178 columbus mentioned existence mosque hill cuban coast would like talk cuban brothers mosque would go perfectly hill today160 many historians however believe cc got first160 twitter adem altanafp court order well eradicate twitter dont care international community says everyone witness power turkish republic erdogan told supporters march 20 2013 protests also said160 problem called twitter right find every kind lie thing called social media biggest trouble society right hmm probably bigger problem erdogan journalism presidential election campaign august erdogan lashed economists turkey correspondent amberin zaman calling shameless militant woman disguised name journalist zaman earlier asked opposition leader whether muslim society able question authorities know place erdogan said gave pen writing column newspaper invite tv channel owned dogan media group insult society 99 percent muslims riiiight sounds like one person offended160 social media networks wont allow people devoured youtube facebook others erdogan said march 6 audio recordings alleged conversations suggesting corrupt behavior leaked something tells us erdogan one doesnt want devoured160 democracy adem altanafp right take decision turkey stay silent whats happening france england elsewhere europe dare take decision security forces exercising duty law enforcement demonstrators antidemocratic erdogan said june 17 2013 eu criticized turkeys heavyhanded response protesters eu respect democracy definition freedom different support attack freedom others erdogan certainly different interpretation freedom protests taksim square evacuated countrys security forces know evacuate erdogan said june 15 staying gezi park makes sense anymore matter hands courts nobody intimidate us take orders instruction anyone god god ordered brutal crackdown protesters160 alcohol want know want restrictions sake health whoever drinks alcohol alcoholic erdogan said june 2 2013 tighter restrictions alcohol sales sparked protests babies afp one two children mean bankruptcy three children mean improving receding either repeat least three children necessary family population risks aging erdogan said jan 2 still good side still young dynamic population slowly aging presently whole western world trying cope problem please take susceptibility lightly serious issue mining accidents types incidents ordinary things erdogan told families dead injured miners turkish town soma earlier year160the official death toll turkeys worst mining accident 301 160 erdogan attempted back insensitive comment recounting list foreign mining accidents dating back mid 19th century160 way go erdogan
| 614 |
<p>A massive winter storm dumped snow across the Northeast and ushered in dangerously cold temperatures Friday, leaving travelers stranded and cutting a deadly trail across several states.</p>
<p>The treacherous conditions have led to at least 13 deaths in the eastern United States, according to The Associated Press.</p>
<p>Fatal traffic accidents occurred in New York, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Authorities said a woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease froze to death after she wandered away from her rural western New York home.</p>
<p>And in suburban Philadelphia, as the storm approached, a worker at a salt storage facility was killed when a 100-foot-tall pile of road salt fell and crushed him. Falls Township police said the man was trapped while operating a backhoe.</p>
<p>The big storm closely followed the blueprint meteorologists drew up, slamming the Northeast overnight Thursday with as much as two feet of snow and sub-zero wind chills through Friday. The biting wind and blowing snow shut down interstates and airports alike and gave millions of school children a snow day.</p>
<p>John F. Kennedy Airport in New York was officially closed at 6:12 a.m. Friday and reopened four hours later, while Boston's Logan International was shut down overnight through 8 a.m. Friday morning.</p>
<p>Interstate 84 in New York and the Long Island Expressway, closed at midnight as the storm roared in and remained so until 8 a.m.</p>
<p>Snowfall reports varied widely, with New York City receiving 7 inches in some areas, Baltimore seeing 3 to 6 inches, Philadelphia closing in on 9 inches, Hartford 6 to 10 inches and Boston as much as 15 inches.</p>
<p>Some 20 inches fell on other parts of Massachusetts. Boxford, northwest of Boston, reported 23 inches.</p>
<p>Wellington Ferreira said the cold was worse than the snow as he cleared a sidewalk in front of Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club in Somerville, Mass.</p>
<p>“My ears are frozen,” he said. “I’ve been here for a couple a years, so I’m all right, but I hate it. I’m never going to get used to it.”</p>
<p>"This has been and remains a dangerous storm. It is going to be bitter cold today." — New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio</p>
<p>The brutal storm blasted at least 22 states – stretching from Chicago through the New York tri-state region into New England – and affected an area home to more than 100 million people.</p>
<p>The high temperature in New York City reached the 20s on Friday during the day and was expected to drop to the single digits in the evening, with the wind chill making it feel well below zero.</p>
<p>“It’s deceptively cold outside. If you stay outside too long it could be dangerous,” New York City’s new mayor, Bill de Blasio, said at a news conference Friday morning, while hundreds of plows and salt spreaders continued to clear the roads.</p>
<p>Temperatures from upstate New York to Maine were below zero, and wind chills — the "feels like" effect — were minus-30 in some spots.</p>
<p>Across the Northeast, residents were fretting about the blast of bitter cold.</p>
<p>“I think I’m more concerned about the terrible cold Friday night rather than the storm itself," David Ball of Scituate, Mass., which was facing coastal flooding, told NBC affiliate WHDH. "Hopefully the power stays on."</p>
<p>While few power outages were reported, the weather was affecting air travel in the U.S., with more than 2,600 flights cancelled Friday and another 5,600 delayed, according to flight tracking website <a href="https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today" type="external">FlightAware</a>.</p>
<p>The delays and cancellations in storm-socked parts of the country created a logjam in other areas, including causing flights in Los Angeles to be delayed or scrapped Friday.</p>
<p>In Green Bay, Wis., where the Packers host an NFL playoff game Sunday evening, the low temperature on Friday reached minus 18 degrees. Antigo, Wis., set a bone-chilling record of minus 25 degrees.</p>
<p>The Northern High Plains could see biting wind chills of minus-50 on Sunday, a far cry from the 50 degree sunny weather they began the weekend with.</p>
<p>The cold front bringing the jarring wind chills to the Plains would move east across the country, according the National Weather Service.</p>
<p>“Even Atlanta’s northern suburbs could be in single digits by Monday night,” Moore said.</p>
<p>Monday could bring highs in the negatives and lows as cold as 30 below to Minnesota, prompting Gov. Mark Dayton to cancel school statewide for the first time in 17 years.</p>
<p>Larry Wittmers, a hypothermia expert at the University of Minnesota-Duluth medical school, said it’s not necessarily the coldest areas that face the most peril.</p>
<p>“True hypothermia cases turn up more often in more southern regions because people are not prepared and don't know what to do,” Wittmers said.</p>
<p>How long people can safely spend outside depends on how wet or windy it is and how they are dressed, Wittmers said. Shoveling snow or other exercise can be dangerous because sweat reduces the insulation capability of clothing, and consuming alcohol can speed heat loss and reduce awareness of the cold.</p>
<p>And even though record snowfall is not expected, the cold could make roads even more hazardous because the snow-melting salt that homeowners and road crews use loses effectiveness at between 10 and 20 degrees.</p>
<p>To give plows time to work and guard against vehicles getting stranded, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for Friday and closed several major roads. New Jersey also declared a state of emergency.</p>
<p>While many drivers appeared to stay home, helping to reduce traffic accidents, a NJ Transit bus driver suffered minor injuries when his empty bus slid backward into a commercial building in Paterson, N.J. A transit spokesman said he wasn't aware of any injuries inside the building.</p>
<p>Cuomo cautioned drivers in New York to stay off the roads if they could help it.</p>
<p>“As this winter storm unfolds, bringing heavy snow and high winds to many parts of the state, I strongly urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution, avoid travel and stay indoors,” he said.</p>
<p>While the cold will linger in New York, the Northeast should get a break from the snow over the weekend, while the Rockies, Great Lakes and parts of the Midwest have more coming their way, according to Weather.com.</p>
<p>NBC News' F. Brinley Bruton, M. Alex Johnson, Erik Ortiz, Tracy Connor, Daniel Arkin and Ron Mott contributed to this story.</p>
| false | 3 |
massive winter storm dumped snow across northeast ushered dangerously cold temperatures friday leaving travelers stranded cutting deadly trail across several states treacherous conditions led least 13 deaths eastern united states according associated press fatal traffic accidents occurred new york michigan kentucky indiana illinois authorities said woman suffering alzheimers disease froze death wandered away rural western new york home suburban philadelphia storm approached worker salt storage facility killed 100foottall pile road salt fell crushed falls township police said man trapped operating backhoe big storm closely followed blueprint meteorologists drew slamming northeast overnight thursday much two feet snow subzero wind chills friday biting wind blowing snow shut interstates airports alike gave millions school children snow day john f kennedy airport new york officially closed 612 friday reopened four hours later bostons logan international shut overnight 8 friday morning interstate 84 new york long island expressway closed midnight storm roared remained 8 snowfall reports varied widely new york city receiving 7 inches areas baltimore seeing 3 6 inches philadelphia closing 9 inches hartford 6 10 inches boston much 15 inches 20 inches fell parts massachusetts boxford northwest boston reported 23 inches wellington ferreira said cold worse snow cleared sidewalk front johnny ds uptown restaurant music club somerville mass ears frozen said ive couple years im right hate im never going get used remains dangerous storm going bitter cold today new york city mayor bill de blasio brutal storm blasted least 22 states stretching chicago new york tristate region new england affected area home 100 million people high temperature new york city reached 20s friday day expected drop single digits evening wind chill making feel well zero deceptively cold outside stay outside long could dangerous new york citys new mayor bill de blasio said news conference friday morning hundreds plows salt spreaders continued clear roads temperatures upstate new york maine zero wind chills feels like effect minus30 spots across northeast residents fretting blast bitter cold think im concerned terrible cold friday night rather storm david ball scituate mass facing coastal flooding told nbc affiliate whdh hopefully power stays power outages reported weather affecting air travel us 2600 flights cancelled friday another 5600 delayed according flight tracking website flightaware delays cancellations stormsocked parts country created logjam areas including causing flights los angeles delayed scrapped friday green bay wis packers host nfl playoff game sunday evening low temperature friday reached minus 18 degrees antigo wis set bonechilling record minus 25 degrees northern high plains could see biting wind chills minus50 sunday far cry 50 degree sunny weather began weekend cold front bringing jarring wind chills plains would move east across country according national weather service even atlantas northern suburbs could single digits monday night moore said monday could bring highs negatives lows cold 30 minnesota prompting gov mark dayton cancel school statewide first time 17 years larry wittmers hypothermia expert university minnesotaduluth medical school said necessarily coldest areas face peril true hypothermia cases turn often southern regions people prepared dont know wittmers said long people safely spend outside depends wet windy dressed wittmers said shoveling snow exercise dangerous sweat reduces insulation capability clothing consuming alcohol speed heat loss reduce awareness cold even though record snowfall expected cold could make roads even hazardous snowmelting salt homeowners road crews use loses effectiveness 10 20 degrees give plows time work guard vehicles getting stranded new york gov andrew cuomo declared state emergency friday closed several major roads new jersey also declared state emergency many drivers appeared stay home helping reduce traffic accidents nj transit bus driver suffered minor injuries empty bus slid backward commercial building paterson nj transit spokesman said wasnt aware injuries inside building cuomo cautioned drivers new york stay roads could help winter storm unfolds bringing heavy snow high winds many parts state strongly urge new yorkers exercise caution avoid travel stay indoors said cold linger new york northeast get break snow weekend rockies great lakes parts midwest coming way according weathercom nbc news f brinley bruton alex johnson erik ortiz tracy connor daniel arkin ron mott contributed story
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<p>Seven years ago, Mark Chung took a three-week vacation. When he came home, his electricity bill looked more than a little off.</p>
<p>“Normally my energy bill is about $100 to $130,” says Chung. “This one was like $560.”</p>
<p>So he called his local utility and said there’s something wrong with my meter.</p>
<p>“And they’re like, ‘Oh, no, we’ve had these smart meters rolled out for a few years now. Everything is fine.’”</p>
<p>His response: “Well, can you tell where I spent the electricity?’”</p>
<p>The utility’s response: “On your house.”</p>
<p>Not the most helpful answer.</p>
<p>But Chung was trained as an electrical engineer at Stanford University. So what does he do? He goes to Home Depot.</p>
<p>“I bought these kilowatt meters that they had on the shelves, they’re like $10. We hacked them to be Wifi enabled, then I plugged them throughout my house. And I couldn’t find anything that was an anomaly,” says Chung. &#160;</p>
<p>So, Chung took things to the next level and built an electrical map to monitor every appliance, every piece of machinery, every light in his house. And he found the problem: the pool pump had some broken rotor bars.&#160;</p>
<p>“Even though it was running at the same schedule that it was before, it was just consuming a lot more energy to do the same amount of work.”</p>
<p>Problem solved. And business idea hatched.</p>
<p>If Chung could map his house, why couldn’t he scale things up and map a factory, a hospital, or a hotel that uses A LOT of energy. So, Chung left his day job and launched a company he named&#160; <a href="http://verdigris.co/" type="external">Verdigris</a>. NASA was one of his early backers.</p>
<p />
<p>Verdigris founder and CEO Mark Chung shows off the latest version of his energy-sensing system. It’s called “Einstein.”&#160;</p>
<p>Verdigris&#160;</p>
<p>Chung had high aspirations in creating Verdigris: combatting climate change.</p>
<p>To head off the worst impacts of climate change, to keep the temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels,&#160; <a href="http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/wg1/WG1AR5_SPM_FINAL.pdf" type="external">scientists warn that we need to cut global carbon emissions</a>&#160;by 40 to 70 percent by mid-century.&#160;There are two basic ways to get there: Replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. And/or, we can use a lot less energy. Verdigris focuses on that second solution by making buildings smarter.</p>
<p>Which leads us back to that pool pump: How did Chung isolate&#160;that&#160;as the electricity sucking source? How does Verdigris map every electron that a building uses?</p>
<p>In Scotland, about 15 miles west of Edinburgh in the city of Livingston, the company Jabil is using the Verdigris system in&#160; <a href="http://www.jabil.com/globalassets/documents/livingston-fact-sheet-2014.pdf" type="external">its 125,000-square-foot factory</a>. Jabil is a worldwide company that builds electronics parts, the stuff that goes inside your brand-name radios, TV and computers. (Jabil is also an investor in Verdigris.)&#160;</p>
<p>The factory’s facilities supervisor, Robbie Graham, opens an electrical panel box with dozens of wires. Each wire has a small clamp around it that can measure the flow of current around 8,000 times a second.</p>
<p />
<p>Sensors can measure the electrical output of machinery at the Jabil factory in Scotland.&#160;</p>
<p>Aaron Lubarsky</p>
<p>Graham knows which wire goes to which piece of machinery. For example, pointing at one he says, “These wires go to my air handling units on the roof.”</p>
<p>On the roof, Neil O’Loughlin, Jabil’s facilities lead in Scotland, picks up the tour.</p>
<p>The roof is littered with massive fans. The clamps around the wires downstairs collect information about these fans — how much electricity each of these units use — then sends that data to the cloud.</p>
<p>O’Loughlin says before Verdigris was installed, “We would have no idea, whereas now, you’re able to actually see which one is maybe being driven harder than the rest, and why. So we start to ask questions. Verdigris is never going to hand you the answer. It’s part of a detective story, to some degree, where you got to go and take the clues that’s it gives you, and you have to go and find out what that is.”</p>
<p>In this case, the system quickly identified an industrial-sized air conditioner that was using too much power. They fixed it and saved a lot of wasted energy. In another case, O’Loughlin says Verdigris showed big spikes in energy use in the middle of the night. He figured out that security guards were flipping on all the lights.</p>
<p>“That’s 300-odd lights that needed to be switched on just to do a walk around,” says O’Loughlin. “Whereas with smart lighting controls, we can say, well actually we’re only going to bring them up 50 percent so they’re going to use half the energy. And we only need to bring on certain lights, only bring on 30 percent of them.”</p>
<p>Put another way: Lots of little changes add up to big savings. Quickly. With Verdigris installed, the factory was able to cut its monthly electricity bill by 20 percent, saving the company thousands of dollars.</p>
<p>Verdigris can also use artificial intelligence to automatically phase out inefficient appliances, dial them down when nobody is in the building, or even predict when one is about to go kaput.</p>
<p>The goal at Jabil’s Scottish factory: eventually cut energy use by 80 percent. Turning off the lights at night and putting in energy-efficient LED lightbulbs … that was easy. Getting the rest of the way there though, that’s going take a lot more effort and capital investment.</p>
<p>But O’Loughlin thinks they can get there. Consider the air conditioners, which he calls chillers.</p>
<p>“We have chillers, they spit out heat. How can we reclaim that, how can we use it so that we don’t then burn fossil fuel to heat the building?” asks O’Loughlin.</p>
<p>There are a growing number of companies like Verdigris offering products that monitor how buildings use energy. So, here’s a question: Why isn’t every hotel, factory and hotel using this technology?</p>
<p>“I think it’s organizational, psychological and political. It’s not economics and it’s not technology,” says John Sterman with MIT’s Sloan School of Management.</p>
<p>Sterman stresses that investing in energy-efficient buildings is the cheapest, fastest way to cut our energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. But many businesses don’t want to spend the money to fix what isn’t yet broken. Systems, like Verdigris, can identify problems like wasteful air conditioners, but then building owners have to pay big bucks for upgrades.</p>
<p>And when it comes to new technologies, using the cloud to monitor every electron spent, Sterman says, many hotel and hospital administrators ask this question: “Who else is doing this? And of course, at the beginning, not very many.</p>
<p>“So people are not willing to experiment, or, as they see it, take a lot of risk until they are sure there are lots of other folks who have done it. And that creates a barrier, a tipping point you have to get over,” says Sterman.</p>
<p>Hopping back to Silicon Valley, I asked Mark Chung: Let’s say I own a 20,000 square-foot factory, convince me to pay you a monthly fee to monitor my energy use.</p>
<p>“20,000-square-foot factory, OK, I’m just doing a back of the envelope calculation,” says Chung. “It’s probably going to be roughly a few hundred bucks a month, but you’ll probably save easily ten times&#160;that.”</p>
<p>Let’s repeat that —&#160;spend a few hundred bucks a month to save a few thousand. For a hospital, those savings could translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. For a company like Jabil, with more than 100 factories worldwide, savings could be in the tens of millions.</p>
<p>Now translate that across the globe into energy savings.</p>
<p>“Buildings consume about&#160; <a href="http://www.eesi.org/files/climate.pdf" type="external">2/3 of the world’s electricity</a>&#160;and&#160; <a href="" type="internal">half of that is wasted</a>. And that is probably about&#160; <a href="http://www.eesi.org/files/climate.pdf" type="external">15 to 20 percent of greenhouse carbon emissions</a>&#160;today,” says Chung.</p>
<p>Good for businesses, good for the planet.</p>
<p>Verdigris is still a new enterprise, approaching its first&#160;100 corporate clients. Chung says when the business really takes off, he wants to give away his technology to homeowners for free: “That’s the plan, we want to get it out everywhere, and we want to go all over the world.”</p>
<p>Chung has huge goals. But he’s modest about what he’s trying to accomplish. He’s says he’s just an engineer using his skills to help solve a problem.</p>
<p>And one footnote: If you’re curious about that name, Verdigris, it’s the bluish-green patina that forms on copper that’s left outside. Think: old French buildings.</p>
<p>“We thought it was a beautiful color,” says Chung. “But actually, copper is the elemental infrastructure of every single building in the world, what all of our electricity runs on. And what we have as a company mission is this desire to expose that to the world and make it green."</p>
| false | 3 |
seven years ago mark chung took threeweek vacation came home electricity bill looked little normally energy bill 100 130 says chung one like 560 called local utility said theres something wrong meter theyre like oh weve smart meters rolled years everything fine response well tell spent electricity utilitys response house helpful answer chung trained electrical engineer stanford university goes home depot bought kilowatt meters shelves theyre like 10 hacked wifi enabled plugged throughout house couldnt find anything anomaly says chung 160 chung took things next level built electrical map monitor every appliance every piece machinery every light house found problem pool pump broken rotor bars160 even though running schedule consuming lot energy amount work problem solved business idea hatched chung could map house couldnt scale things map factory hospital hotel uses lot energy chung left day job launched company named160 verdigris nasa one early backers verdigris founder ceo mark chung shows latest version energysensing system called einstein160 verdigris160 chung high aspirations creating verdigris combatting climate change head worst impacts climate change keep temperature increase 2 degrees celsius relative preindustrial levels160 scientists warn need cut global carbon emissions160by 40 70 percent midcentury160there two basic ways get replace fossil fuels renewable energy sources andor use lot less energy verdigris focuses second solution making buildings smarter leads us back pool pump chung isolate160that160as electricity sucking source verdigris map every electron building uses scotland 15 miles west edinburgh city livingston company jabil using verdigris system in160 125000squarefoot factory jabil worldwide company builds electronics parts stuff goes inside brandname radios tv computers jabil also investor verdigris160 factorys facilities supervisor robbie graham opens electrical panel box dozens wires wire small clamp around measure flow current around 8000 times second sensors measure electrical output machinery jabil factory scotland160 aaron lubarsky graham knows wire goes piece machinery example pointing one says wires go air handling units roof roof neil oloughlin jabils facilities lead scotland picks tour roof littered massive fans clamps around wires downstairs collect information fans much electricity units use sends data cloud oloughlin says verdigris installed would idea whereas youre able actually see one maybe driven harder rest start ask questions verdigris never going hand answer part detective story degree got go take clues thats gives go find case system quickly identified industrialsized air conditioner using much power fixed saved lot wasted energy another case oloughlin says verdigris showed big spikes energy use middle night figured security guards flipping lights thats 300odd lights needed switched walk around says oloughlin whereas smart lighting controls say well actually going bring 50 percent theyre going use half energy need bring certain lights bring 30 percent put another way lots little changes add big savings quickly verdigris installed factory able cut monthly electricity bill 20 percent saving company thousands dollars verdigris also use artificial intelligence automatically phase inefficient appliances dial nobody building even predict one go kaput goal jabils scottish factory eventually cut energy use 80 percent turning lights night putting energyefficient led lightbulbs easy getting rest way though thats going take lot effort capital investment oloughlin thinks get consider air conditioners calls chillers chillers spit heat reclaim use dont burn fossil fuel heat building asks oloughlin growing number companies like verdigris offering products monitor buildings use energy heres question isnt every hotel factory hotel using technology think organizational psychological political economics technology says john sterman mits sloan school management sterman stresses investing energyefficient buildings cheapest fastest way cut energy use greenhouse gas emissions many businesses dont want spend money fix isnt yet broken systems like verdigris identify problems like wasteful air conditioners building owners pay big bucks upgrades comes new technologies using cloud monitor every electron spent sterman says many hotel hospital administrators ask question else course beginning many people willing experiment see take lot risk sure lots folks done creates barrier tipping point get says sterman hopping back silicon valley asked mark chung lets say 20000 squarefoot factory convince pay monthly fee monitor energy use 20000squarefoot factory ok im back envelope calculation says chung probably going roughly hundred bucks month youll probably save easily ten times160that lets repeat 160spend hundred bucks month save thousand hospital savings could translate hundreds thousands dollars annually company like jabil 100 factories worldwide savings could tens millions translate across globe energy savings buildings consume about160 23 worlds electricity160and160 half wasted probably about160 15 20 percent greenhouse carbon emissions160today says chung good businesses good planet verdigris still new enterprise approaching first160100 corporate clients chung says business really takes wants give away technology homeowners free thats plan want get everywhere want go world chung huge goals hes modest hes trying accomplish hes says hes engineer using skills help solve problem one footnote youre curious name verdigris bluishgreen patina forms copper thats left outside think old french buildings thought beautiful color says chung actually copper elemental infrastructure every single building world electricity runs company mission desire expose world make green
| 814 |
<p>When US Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned sanctuary cities and counties in a press conference on Monday that they could lose federal grants, he cited a new immigration report about immigrants who were not detained by immigration officials:</p>
<p>“The charges and convictions against these aliens include drug trafficking, hit and run, rape, sex offenses against a child and even murder,” he said.</p>
<p>The examples he gave come from a report that attempts to make the case for why local law enforcement agencies should comply with detainers. A detainer is a federal request for a local law enforcement agency to hold an individual up to 48 hours after his or her release to give immigration agents additional time to decide whether to deport someone. Put simply, so-called sanctuary cities and counties do not always honor these requests.</p>
<p>More: <a href="" type="internal">America's sanctuary communities span 30 states and 92 percent of the population</a></p>
<p>Donald Trump signed an executive order in the first week of his presidency that threatens to withhold federal funding for local jurisdictions where law enforcement agencies continue to refuse detainers. He also called for the creation of a weekly “comprehensive list of criminal actions committed by aliens and any jurisdiction that ignored or otherwise failed to honor any detainers with respect to such aliens.”</p>
<p>Thus, the creation of the “ <a href="https://www.ice.gov/declined-detainer-outcome-report" type="external">Declined Detainer Outcome Report</a>” from the Department of Homeland Security. Now in its second week, it lists which municipalities didn’t cooperate and some details about the people they released during a single week from a Saturday to a Friday about two months prior. Data from the first report includes declined detainers from January&#160;27 through February&#160;3.</p>
<p>Early in the Trump administration, as part of 100 questions PRI is asking over his first 100 days in office, <a href="" type="internal">we asked if he would increase public information about his increased immigration enforcement</a>.</p>
<p>But this report provides just a fraction of the data that used to be available about the detainer process.</p>
<p>Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to several requests from PRI for comment, or information about what data they intend to provide in the future.</p>
<p>What data we did get pre-Trump was hard earned, often from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), a nonpartisan data-gathering program at Syracuse University. TRAC has spent years filing Freedom of Information Act requests and <a href="" type="internal">fighting lawsuits</a> to gain access to information about how detainers are used, and about how immigration enforcement works.</p>
<p>The datasets now available on the TRAC website include a database of all detainers issued from 2002 through 2015. It also includes records of how many people were deported from 2003 through 2016.</p>
<p>“We put up both the <a href="http://trac.syr.edu/phptools/immigration/detain/" type="external">detainer app</a> and the <a href="http://trac.syr.edu/phptools/immigration/remove/" type="external">removal app</a> to allow the public to really zone in on the impact of detainers,” says Sue Long, co-director of TRAC and a statistician at Syracuse University. “[The government] just drastically cut back the fields of information they're releasing, so we can't update them.”</p>
<p>TRAC’s search tools allow anyone to look at the number of people detained or removed through a number of lenses, such as gender or type of criminal conviction, over a long period of time.</p>
<p>The new declined detainer report does not include the same level of detail. It lists the location where the detainer was issued, the immigration status of the person in question, the date of issue, and selected criminal activity.</p>
<p>And most importantly instead of reporting the outcomes of all detainers issued, the new report only identifies those that were declined.</p>
<p>“The ability to really examine the picture more widely is being withheld,” says Long.</p>
<p />
<p>In a recent report, TRAC analyzed the role of detainers during the Bush and Obama administrations. They say the government is no longer providing the complete records needed to do this type of analyses.</p>
<p>Screenshot from <a href="http://trac.syr.edu/immigration/reports/458/" type="external">report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse</a></p>
<p>Earlier this year, TRAC released a report that analyzed <a href="http://trac.syr.edu/immigration/reports/458/" type="external">the role of detainers during the Bush and Obama administrations</a>. They found that detainer usage peaked in August 2011, when 27,755 were issued. The same report found that over a three month period in 2015, only 5 percent (1,100) of deportations from the US were associated with these detainers.</p>
<p>Long says she does not have enough information to continue these kinds of analyses. Other data now being withheld includes whether or not ICE actually took people into custody after issuing a detainer, as well as more complete criminal histories and details about where the deportation process begins.</p>
<p>For people who use TRAC data, the new government releases are not nearly enough information.</p>
<p>“It doesn't replicate the unbiased picture that's being made available by TRAC,” says César Cuauhtémoc García Hernández, an immigration law professor at the University of Denver. “It allows us to see if there are discrepancies in how detainers are being used.”</p>
<p>He says the report “reads more like an extended press release” than an information release.</p>
<p>The data is also provided via a PDF, instead of as a spreadsheet or some other easily useable format.</p>
<p>“PDFs are nice but PDFs can't replace the ability to sort, manipulate data by sorting it in different ways, like TRAC’s database allows us to do,” Hernández says. “It requires a lot more work to understand how enforcement efforts are shifting.”</p>
<p />
<p>Included in the Declined Outcome Detainer Report are lists of all declined detainers, the jail where the person was held and details about either a criminal charge or conviction.&#160;</p>
<p>Screenshot of <a href="https://www.ice.gov/declined-detainer-outcome-report" type="external">report issued by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement</a>, taken March 30, 2017.</p>
<p>The first declined detainer report from last week also suffered from some errors. It lists “non-cooperative jurisdictions,” which several counties challenged. In Nassau County, New York, law enforcement officials were <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external">angry to be included</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external">o</a>n <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external" />t <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external">h</a>e <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external" />l <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external">i</a>s <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/20/us/politics/ice-report-undocumented-immigrants.html" type="external">t</a> after they said they would cooperate. Of the total 206 detainers declined, 128 came from of Travis County, Texas. The sheriff there had also&#160; <a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/local/new-details-travis-county-sheriff-office-questions-dhs-report-immigration-detainer-requests/5tELwk9gMBXLewlhpwABGN/" type="external">recently changed his policy</a> on detainers.</p>
<p>The report said 3,083 detainers were issued in total that week, but Long says it does not detail how many were issued to each law enforcement agency.</p>
<p>“Let's say there were five refusals,” Long says. “It makes a lot of difference if it was out of five detainer requests or 500 requests. They're not providing that information to the public.”</p>
<p>The reports include a category called “notable criminal activity,” which gives details about some individual detainers. In the first report, 75 people are listed as having been charged with a crime, 58 are listed as having been convicted, and 73 have no information about their criminal history. In the second report released Wednesday, 30 of the declined detainers are listed as people who have been charged with a crime and 17 were for people who have been convicted.</p>
<p>“People can get charged all kinds of things,” says Hernández “People get charged for things they don’t do, they get charged for things for don't get prosecuted for, they get charged and prosecuted and sometimes there’s not enough evidence for a conviction.”</p>
<p>Dan Cadman is a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, a conservative think tank in Washington, DC that advocates for reduced immigration. Cadman says he has a “love-hate” relationship with TRAC but has used their data in the past for his <a href="http://cis.org/cadman/naming-and-shaming-first-ice-weekly-alien-criminal-releases-list" type="external">own analyses</a>.</p>
<p>“One of the concerns that have is when I see ‘traffic offense,’” he says. “People always think ‘traffic offense’ means running a red light, but it can be driving under the influence, a hit and run. ICE has to give very specific instructions and enforce them to their agents about how they record them in their system. Garbage in and garbage out.”</p>
<p>Cadman was referring to a common saying among researchers that says if you don’t collect the right kind of data in the right way, you won’t produce good results.</p>
<p>Cadman says the sees value in the inclusion of criminal charges in the report. The Declined Detainer Report, he says, includes charges after the person has been arrested and been arraigned by a judge.</p>
<p>But, he says, more data would be better for everyone.</p>
<p>“Good data drives good policy and part of good policy is opening it up enough to the public so the public can participate and drive policy in the way they think is important,” Cadman says. “If I had my way, with the exception of anything that smacked of giving away national security information or law enforcement sensitive information, I would want scholars at minimum, the public possibly, to see virtually anything in their database that's not prohibited by law.”</p>
| false | 3 |
us attorney general jeff sessions warned sanctuary cities counties press conference monday could lose federal grants cited new immigration report immigrants detained immigration officials charges convictions aliens include drug trafficking hit run rape sex offenses child even murder said examples gave come report attempts make case local law enforcement agencies comply detainers detainer federal request local law enforcement agency hold individual 48 hours release give immigration agents additional time decide whether deport someone put simply socalled sanctuary cities counties always honor requests americas sanctuary communities span 30 states 92 percent population donald trump signed executive order first week presidency threatens withhold federal funding local jurisdictions law enforcement agencies continue refuse detainers also called creation weekly comprehensive list criminal actions committed aliens jurisdiction ignored otherwise failed honor detainers respect aliens thus creation declined detainer outcome report department homeland security second week lists municipalities didnt cooperate details people released single week saturday friday two months prior data first report includes declined detainers january16027 february1603 early trump administration part 100 questions pri asking first 100 days office asked would increase public information increased immigration enforcement report provides fraction data used available detainer process immigrations customs enforcement ice respond several requests pri comment information data intend provide future data get pretrump hard earned often transactional records access clearinghouse trac nonpartisan datagathering program syracuse university trac spent years filing freedom information act requests fighting lawsuits gain access information detainers used immigration enforcement works datasets available trac website include database detainers issued 2002 2015 also includes records many people deported 2003 2016 put detainer app removal app allow public really zone impact detainers says sue long codirector trac statistician syracuse university government drastically cut back fields information theyre releasing cant update tracs search tools allow anyone look number people detained removed number lenses gender type criminal conviction long period time new declined detainer report include level detail lists location detainer issued immigration status person question date issue selected criminal activity importantly instead reporting outcomes detainers issued new report identifies declined ability really examine picture widely withheld says long recent report trac analyzed role detainers bush obama administrations say government longer providing complete records needed type analyses screenshot report transactional records access clearinghouse earlier year trac released report analyzed role detainers bush obama administrations found detainer usage peaked august 2011 27755 issued report found three month period 2015 5 percent 1100 deportations us associated detainers long says enough information continue kinds analyses data withheld includes whether ice actually took people custody issuing detainer well complete criminal histories details deportation process begins people use trac data new government releases nearly enough information doesnt replicate unbiased picture thats made available trac says césar cuauhtémoc garcía hernández immigration law professor university denver allows us see discrepancies detainers used says report reads like extended press release information release data also provided via pdf instead spreadsheet easily useable format pdfs nice pdfs cant replace ability sort manipulate data sorting different ways like tracs database allows us hernández says requires lot work understand enforcement efforts shifting included declined outcome detainer report lists declined detainers jail person held details either criminal charge conviction160 screenshot report issued immigrations customs enforcement taken march 30 2017 first declined detainer report last week also suffered errors lists noncooperative jurisdictions several counties challenged nassau county new york law enforcement officials angry included l said would cooperate total 206 detainers declined 128 came travis county texas sheriff also160 recently changed policy detainers report said 3083 detainers issued total week long says detail many issued law enforcement agency lets say five refusals long says makes lot difference five detainer requests 500 requests theyre providing information public reports include category called notable criminal activity gives details individual detainers first report 75 people listed charged crime 58 listed convicted 73 information criminal history second report released wednesday 30 declined detainers listed people charged crime 17 people convicted people get charged kinds things says hernández people get charged things dont get charged things dont get prosecuted get charged prosecuted sometimes theres enough evidence conviction dan cadman fellow center immigration studies conservative think tank washington dc advocates reduced immigration cadman says lovehate relationship trac used data past analyses one concerns see traffic offense says people always think traffic offense means running red light driving influence hit run ice give specific instructions enforce agents record system garbage garbage cadman referring common saying among researchers says dont collect right kind data right way wont produce good results cadman says sees value inclusion criminal charges report declined detainer report says includes charges person arrested arraigned judge says data would better everyone good data drives good policy part good policy opening enough public public participate drive policy way think important cadman says way exception anything smacked giving away national security information law enforcement sensitive information would want scholars minimum public possibly see virtually anything database thats prohibited law
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<p>Emma Stone as Billie Jean King in ‘Battle of the Sexes.’ (Photo courtesy Fox Searchlight Pictures)</p>
<p>The real star of&#160;“Battle of the Sexes,”&#160;(playing now in D.C.-area theaters) the stunning recreation of the historic 1973 tennis match between feminist icon Billie Jean King and male chauvinist pig Bobby Riggs, may be the superb script by Simon Beaufoy.</p>
<p>Beaufoy, who won the Academy Award for his screenplay for “Slumdog Millionaire” and also wrote “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” and the gay-themed “The Full Monty,” weaves together several compelling stories while creating vivid sympathetic characters and exploring complex social and political issues.</p>
<p>Beaufoy’s story starts with the formation of the Virginia Slims Circuit in 1970. Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) is furious to learn that tennis promoter Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman) plans to offer male players much bigger prizes than the female players, even though the women’s matches sell as many tickets as the men’s. Under the canny leadership of Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman), King and eight other top-ranked female players (collectively called “The Nine”) divide their time between working together to promote the new circuit and competing fiercely on the court.</p>
<p>Billie Jean’s devoted husband Larry (Austin Stowell) is a fervent supporter of his wife’s career, but things begin to change for the tennis star when she falls in love with free-spirited hairdresser Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough).</p>
<p>Things become even more complicated when King catches the attention of showman Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), a former tennis champion who is upset with his low earnings on the senior’s tennis circuit. To prove that men are superior to women, Riggs challenges King to an exhibition match. She refuses, but her Australian rival Margaret Court (Jessica McNamee) takes Riggs up on his offer. Court loses to Riggs and King feels compelled to play Riggs.</p>
<p>The film ends with the climactic “Battle of the Sexes” between Riggs and King at the Houston Astrodome. With commentary by Howard Cosell and King’s colleague Rosie Casals (Natalie Morales), record-breaking television audiences watched King soundly defeat Riggs in a match that helped to spark significant social change.</p>
<p>Beaufoy weaves all these strands together with amazing dexterity. He depicts the triangle between Larry, Marilyn and Billie Jean with great sensitivity and an appreciation for the sacrifices both Larry and Marilyn are willing to make to advance Billie Jean’s career and cause. He also presents the troubled marriage between Riggs and his long-suffering wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue) with admirable subtlety and understanding. Beaufoy also offers a clear picture of the complex world of professional tennis so that everyone can easily the follow the action on and off the court. The climatic match between Riggs and King is riveting.</p>
<p>Emma Stone (“La La Land” and “The Birdman”) is stunning as Billie Jean King; the actress is physically transformed by the pitch-perfect period costumes by Mary Zophres and her strenuous physical training with the real-life King and a team of tennis coaches. Her fierce performance captures the staggering physical and emotional toll the match took on King. She blazes with pride as she and the other members of “The Nine” take on the male tennis establishment and glows with passion as she discovers her true sexual identity with Marilyn. Stone’s King is fascinating; she is an unrelenting competitor, a generous colleague, a shrewd negotiator, a passionate fighter for equal rights and a dedicated tennis player who automatically sacrifices her personal life for the game.</p>
<p>Steve Carell (“Little Miss Sunshine”) creates a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of Riggs, a born showman and huckster who is driven more by his frantic need for attention than his misogyny. Carell brings all of his well-honed physical comedy skills to the role; he’s delightful when he recreates Riggs’ pre-game antics (which include playing tennis when dressed as Little Bo Peep, complete with sheep).</p>
<p>But he also captures the desperation beneath Riggs’ blend of amusing bluster and obnoxious grandstanding. With able support from Shue, he skillfully shows the dark side to the clown prince of tennis whose pursuit of the media spotlight and endless endorsement deals helps to usher in the modern age of buying and selling sports.</p>
<p>Beaufoy’s thoughtful script also offers well-rounded portraits of King’s other antagonists: Margaret Court and Jack Kramer. Kramer is a dinosaur, but even at his most offensive, Pullman brings a dangerous charm and wit to the tradition-bound character. Likewise, McNamee makes Court’s foolish decision to play Riggs thoroughly understandable.</p>
<p>The rest of the supporting cast is also excellent. Riseborough (who also appeared in “The Birdman”) and Stowell create vivid portraits of King’s love interests. Lewis Pullman (Bill Pullman’s real-life son) is great as Rigg’s son Larry who tries to keep his attention-seeking father on task, and Eric Christian Olson is delightful as Riggs’ indulgent coach.</p>
<p>Sarah Silverman is amusing as the shrewd entrepreneur behind the Virginia Slims Circuit. Alan Cumming is delightful as Ted Tingling, the designer who brought a splash of color to traditional tennis whites and who served as King’s “fairy godfather;” Wallace Langham has some fine moments as his partner Henry. Finally, Natalie Morales is winning as Rosie Casals, the only woman of color on the Virginia Slims Circuit and the commentator who skillfully deflected Howard Cosell’s remarks.</p>
<p>Perhaps most importantly, this excellent movie is a long-overdue cinematic tribute to Billie Jean King and her tireless work to achieve equal rights for women, and more recently, LGBT rights. Working with a strong cast and an outstanding script, husband-and-wife directing team Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (“Little Miss Sunshine”) have created a vibrant movie that depicts a successful battle in the fight for human rights while recognizing that the war is still being fought.</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Alan Cumming</a> <a href="" type="internal">Andrea Riseborough</a> <a href="" type="internal">Austin Stowell</a> <a href="" type="internal">Battle of the Sexes</a> <a href="" type="internal">Bill Pullman</a> <a href="" type="internal">Billie Jean King</a> <a href="" type="internal">Bobby Riggs</a> <a href="" type="internal">Elisabeth Shue</a> <a href="" type="internal">Emma Stone</a> <a href="" type="internal">Eric Christian Olson</a> <a href="" type="internal">Houston Astrodome</a> <a href="" type="internal">Hunger Games: Catching Fire</a> <a href="" type="internal">Jack Kramer</a> <a href="" type="internal">Jonathan Dayton</a> <a href="" type="internal">Lewis Pullman</a> <a href="" type="internal">Margaret Court</a> <a href="" type="internal">Mary Zophres</a> <a href="" type="internal">Natalie Morales</a> <a href="" type="internal">Rosie Casals</a> <a href="" type="internal">Sarah Silverman</a> <a href="" type="internal">Simon Beaufoy</a> <a href="" type="internal">Slumdog Millionaire</a> <a href="" type="internal">Steve Carell</a> <a href="" type="internal">The Birdman</a> <a href="" type="internal">The Full Monty</a> <a href="" type="internal">Valerie Faris</a> <a href="" type="internal">Virginia Slims Circuit</a> <a href="" type="internal">Wallace Langham</a></p>
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emma stone billie jean king battle sexes photo courtesy fox searchlight pictures real star of160battle sexes160playing dcarea theaters stunning recreation historic 1973 tennis match feminist icon billie jean king male chauvinist pig bobby riggs may superb script simon beaufoy beaufoy academy award screenplay slumdog millionaire also wrote hunger games catching fire gaythemed full monty weaves together several compelling stories creating vivid sympathetic characters exploring complex social political issues beaufoys story starts formation virginia slims circuit 1970 billie jean king emma stone furious learn tennis promoter jack kramer bill pullman plans offer male players much bigger prizes female players even though womens matches sell many tickets mens canny leadership gladys heldman sarah silverman king eight topranked female players collectively called nine divide time working together promote new circuit competing fiercely court billie jeans devoted husband larry austin stowell fervent supporter wifes career things begin change tennis star falls love freespirited hairdresser marilyn barnett andrea riseborough things become even complicated king catches attention showman bobby riggs steve carell former tennis champion upset low earnings seniors tennis circuit prove men superior women riggs challenges king exhibition match refuses australian rival margaret court jessica mcnamee takes riggs offer court loses riggs king feels compelled play riggs film ends climactic battle sexes riggs king houston astrodome commentary howard cosell kings colleague rosie casals natalie morales recordbreaking television audiences watched king soundly defeat riggs match helped spark significant social change beaufoy weaves strands together amazing dexterity depicts triangle larry marilyn billie jean great sensitivity appreciation sacrifices larry marilyn willing make advance billie jeans career cause also presents troubled marriage riggs longsuffering wife priscilla elisabeth shue admirable subtlety understanding beaufoy also offers clear picture complex world professional tennis everyone easily follow action court climatic match riggs king riveting emma stone la la land birdman stunning billie jean king actress physically transformed pitchperfect period costumes mary zophres strenuous physical training reallife king team tennis coaches fierce performance captures staggering physical emotional toll match took king blazes pride members nine take male tennis establishment glows passion discovers true sexual identity marilyn stones king fascinating unrelenting competitor generous colleague shrewd negotiator passionate fighter equal rights dedicated tennis player automatically sacrifices personal life game steve carell little miss sunshine creates surprisingly sympathetic portrait riggs born showman huckster driven frantic need attention misogyny carell brings wellhoned physical comedy skills role hes delightful recreates riggs pregame antics include playing tennis dressed little bo peep complete sheep also captures desperation beneath riggs blend amusing bluster obnoxious grandstanding able support shue skillfully shows dark side clown prince tennis whose pursuit media spotlight endless endorsement deals helps usher modern age buying selling sports beaufoys thoughtful script also offers wellrounded portraits kings antagonists margaret court jack kramer kramer dinosaur even offensive pullman brings dangerous charm wit traditionbound character likewise mcnamee makes courts foolish decision play riggs thoroughly understandable rest supporting cast also excellent riseborough also appeared birdman stowell create vivid portraits kings love interests lewis pullman bill pullmans reallife son great riggs son larry tries keep attentionseeking father task eric christian olson delightful riggs indulgent coach sarah silverman amusing shrewd entrepreneur behind virginia slims circuit alan cumming delightful ted tingling designer brought splash color traditional tennis whites served kings fairy godfather wallace langham fine moments partner henry finally natalie morales winning rosie casals woman color virginia slims circuit commentator skillfully deflected howard cosells remarks perhaps importantly excellent movie longoverdue cinematic tribute billie jean king tireless work achieve equal rights women recently lgbt rights working strong cast outstanding script husbandandwife directing team valerie faris jonathan dayton little miss sunshine created vibrant movie depicts successful battle fight human rights recognizing war still fought alan cumming andrea riseborough austin stowell battle sexes bill pullman billie jean king bobby riggs elisabeth shue emma stone eric christian olson houston astrodome hunger games catching fire jack kramer jonathan dayton lewis pullman margaret court mary zophres natalie morales rosie casals sarah silverman simon beaufoy slumdog millionaire steve carell birdman full monty valerie faris virginia slims circuit wallace langham
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<p>Nancy Skinner and Joyce Washington both have to know the odds aren’t in their favor. But they’re going to tell you anyway: They’re in it to win. Among the seven Democrats competing in the March 16 primary for U.S. Senate, Skinner and Washington are the two who, despite showing up at almost every debate or community meeting they’re invited to, are often dismissed by party insiders as “fringe” or “long shots” who don’t have a chance–except perhaps to steal liberal and black votes from state Sen. Barack Obama or one of the other “serious” candidates.</p>
<p>It is not an unreasonable conclusion. Both acknowledge that they’re short of cash, media attention and organizational might. And, according to early polls, they’re far behind in name recognition and committed supporters.</p>
<p>But this doesn’t seem to rattle them as much as the questions they keep getting: What are they really after, and which of the other candidates are they going to endorse when they drop out?</p>
<p>“If I can wake this party up, and shake them up, and get them to address their deficiencies, why they are losing, you bet that’s what I want–but I also want to win,” Skinner said recently.</p>
<p>“Let me look you in the eye and tell you: I am going to win this thing,” said Washington. The two share other similarities. Both are political outsiders who have never held elective office. But they maintain they are committed to making a difference, and are not running for the fun or novelty of it. Reciting campaign clichés with ease and frequency, but short of the resources and connections enjoyed by their rivals, both campaigns rely on small staffs, lots of handshakes and unusual stops–and claim that’s the way they like it.</p>
<p>But Skinner and Washington have different approaches and target audiences.</p>
<p>Skinner, a 38-year-old former environmental activist, co-hosts a nationally syndicated radio talk show called “Doug Stephan’s Good Day.” Though the show is no longer heard in Chicago, Skinner has made her take-no-prisoners media personality the core of her campaign. Republicans have outsmarted Democrats and taken over the nation’s political conversation, she says; the challenge for progressive candidates, then, is to learn to speak in 30-second sound bites and think of creative ways to market “big, bold ideas” on issues like the environment, job creation and protecting abortion rights.</p>
<p>With stylish blond bangs and neat, colorful suits and skirts, she always appears ready for TV, and she enjoys firing off taut catch phrases: “I am the liberal media!” “Democrats need courage!” “The only thing Orwell got wrong was the date!”</p>
<p>She says she is out to mobilize “POLs”–pissed-off liberals who are still bitter about the impeachment of Bill Clinton, the 2000 election controversy and the economic policies of the Bush administration. “They have either been squeezed or they know enough about the squeezing to be upset,” she said. This includes blacks and Latinos, Skinner added–“It is not the white, North Shore liberals who are really hurting.”</p>
<p>Skinner is usually asked less about herself than how she’s hurting other candidates. Many of the people talking about her after the recent candidate forums were left-leaning whites, most of whom would be expected to support Obama.</p>
<p>She rejects the spoiler argument, and responds that the goal of primaries is to have a range of options. “Whoever the nominee is, I’ll be behind 110 percent,” she said. “I’m not a Ralph Nader.”</p>
<p>With little more than $21,000 on hand at the beginning of the year, Skinner can’t afford much advertising or paid staff. Instead, she relies on a network of volunteers and internet supporters, and battles for press coverage. She plans to spend much of February campaigning Downstate.</p>
<p>On a Saturday morning in January, Skinner appeared on “Live at the Heartland,” a weekly program on WLUW 88.7-FM, a 100-watt community radio station. The show is aired from a stage in the Heartland Café, a Rogers Park restaurant known for vegetarian food and progressive politics.</p>
<p>Over the clatter of dishes, Skinner told program host Mike Steven that the Chicago Tribune had refused to cover her and Washington, and she blasted federal policies that had allowed media consolidation. “My first piece of legislation would be the McCain-Skinner Media Reform Act,” she declared.</p>
<p>Skinner picked up speed, proposing ideas for investing in hydrogen cells, a pollution-free alternative to gasoline engines, and regulating big corporations. “Right now, we do not have a free market,” she said. “We have an oligopoly.”</p>
<p>As the segment wound down, Skinner asked listeners to give her a chance: “Don’t rely on TV commercials. I encourage everybody not to make up your mind until you hear from all of us.” Several friends clapped and cheered, and she went back to finish her breakfast.</p>
<p>* * *</p>
<p>Three days later, Washington spent an evening introducing herself to people on the West and South sides of the city. Washington, 53, is the former manager of several Chicago-area hospital systems, and made her political debut in the 2002 Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. She beat her two opponents in Cook County, but finished second overall with more than 360,000 votes.</p>
<p>Impressed with her showing, officials in the Blagojevich administration reportedly offered her several positions, and others advised her to run for the legislature. But she wasn’t interested, and planned to make a run for Capitol Hill. She said her opponents don’t have her expertise on health care, which she believes is the nation’s top priority. “I am not doing this to get another job,” she said. “I have a mission that fits this role.”</p>
<p>If nominated, Washington could make history as the third African American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction. But she’s grown tired of the questions about possibly splitting the African American vote with Obama, who is also black and has the support of many black leaders. “I think that question is really insulting to black people,” she said. “We are not a monolithic group that walks to one tune.”</p>
<p>She said she was out to reach not only black voters, but also women, health care professionals and church members, and brushed off the notion that many white voters hesitate to support minorities. “I think the people of Illinois are far beyond that,” she said. “I’m counting on it.”</p>
<p>On a Tuesday in February, Washington pulled up to a church at 84th Street and Damen Avenue, and hurried into a room where the North Beverly Civic Association was hosting a candidates’ forum. She was the only Senate candidate to appear.</p>
<p>“You know all of the issues, like health care and unemployment. You know that this No Child Left Behind [education] law is leaving lots of children behind, especially those who look like me and like a lot of you out there,” she told the 40 or so people present. A hint of her Tennessee childhood surfaced in the way she drew out her a’s. “Well, I think the state of Illinois needs a fighter.”</p>
<p>Upon finishing, Washington took a wide lap around the room, shaking hands and hugging people she knew while her staffers fretted about their tight schedule. Then she was off to pop in on several South Side taverns, including Tommy’s Place, a sports bar in Blue Island.</p>
<p>She joined a group of pool players in singing “Happy Birthday” to a friend. Patron Bob Snipe said he thought she was a strong candidate. But he would probably vote for Obama. “I like both of them, not because they’re black, but because they’re good,” he said. “I like her, but I don’t think she’s got enough support,” said Snipe, who works at a nearby car dealership. “She doesn’t have a chance.”</p>
<p>Washington soldiered on. At the next tavern, the owner, a man with a full, ovular face and carefully trimmed beard, sat on a stool next to her. He told her he had hosted an event for Obama several weeks earlier, and someone from Hynes’ camp had recently called.</p>
<p>He asked Washington why she was running. She talked about her plans for health care and jobs. Obviously impressed, he agreed to hold a fundraiser for her. “I’m going to help you,” he said.</p>
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nancy skinner joyce washington know odds arent favor theyre going tell anyway theyre win among seven democrats competing march 16 primary us senate skinner washington two despite showing almost every debate community meeting theyre invited often dismissed party insiders fringe long shots dont chanceexcept perhaps steal liberal black votes state sen barack obama one serious candidates unreasonable conclusion acknowledge theyre short cash media attention organizational might according early polls theyre far behind name recognition committed supporters doesnt seem rattle much questions keep getting really candidates going endorse drop wake party shake get address deficiencies losing bet thats wantbut also want win skinner said recently let look eye tell going win thing said washington two share similarities political outsiders never held elective office maintain committed making difference running fun novelty reciting campaign clichés ease frequency short resources connections enjoyed rivals campaigns rely small staffs lots handshakes unusual stopsand claim thats way like skinner washington different approaches target audiences skinner 38yearold former environmental activist cohosts nationally syndicated radio talk show called doug stephans good day though show longer heard chicago skinner made takenoprisoners media personality core campaign republicans outsmarted democrats taken nations political conversation says challenge progressive candidates learn speak 30second sound bites think creative ways market big bold ideas issues like environment job creation protecting abortion rights stylish blond bangs neat colorful suits skirts always appears ready tv enjoys firing taut catch phrases liberal media democrats need courage thing orwell got wrong date says mobilize polspissedoff liberals still bitter impeachment bill clinton 2000 election controversy economic policies bush administration either squeezed know enough squeezing upset said includes blacks latinos skinner addedit white north shore liberals really hurting skinner usually asked less shes hurting candidates many people talking recent candidate forums leftleaning whites would expected support obama rejects spoiler argument responds goal primaries range options whoever nominee ill behind 110 percent said im ralph nader little 21000 hand beginning year skinner cant afford much advertising paid staff instead relies network volunteers internet supporters battles press coverage plans spend much february campaigning downstate saturday morning january skinner appeared live heartland weekly program wluw 887fm 100watt community radio station show aired stage heartland café rogers park restaurant known vegetarian food progressive politics clatter dishes skinner told program host mike steven chicago tribune refused cover washington blasted federal policies allowed media consolidation first piece legislation would mccainskinner media reform act declared skinner picked speed proposing ideas investing hydrogen cells pollutionfree alternative gasoline engines regulating big corporations right free market said oligopoly segment wound skinner asked listeners give chance dont rely tv commercials encourage everybody make mind hear us several friends clapped cheered went back finish breakfast three days later washington spent evening introducing people west south sides city washington 53 former manager several chicagoarea hospital systems made political debut 2002 democratic primary lieutenant governor beat two opponents cook county finished second overall 360000 votes impressed showing officials blagojevich administration reportedly offered several positions others advised run legislature wasnt interested planned make run capitol hill said opponents dont expertise health care believes nations top priority get another job said mission fits role nominated washington could make history third african american elected us senate since reconstruction shes grown tired questions possibly splitting african american vote obama also black support many black leaders think question really insulting black people said monolithic group walks one tune said reach black voters also women health care professionals church members brushed notion many white voters hesitate support minorities think people illinois far beyond said im counting tuesday february washington pulled church 84th street damen avenue hurried room north beverly civic association hosting candidates forum senate candidate appear know issues like health care unemployment know child left behind education law leaving lots children behind especially look like like lot told 40 people present hint tennessee childhood surfaced way drew well think state illinois needs fighter upon finishing washington took wide lap around room shaking hands hugging people knew staffers fretted tight schedule pop several south side taverns including tommys place sports bar blue island joined group pool players singing happy birthday friend patron bob snipe said thought strong candidate would probably vote obama like theyre black theyre good said like dont think shes got enough support said snipe works nearby car dealership doesnt chance washington soldiered next tavern owner man full ovular face carefully trimmed beard sat stool next told hosted event obama several weeks earlier someone hynes camp recently called asked washington running talked plans health care jobs obviously impressed agreed hold fundraiser im going help said
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<p />
<p>The U.N. on Dec. 10, 2015, hosted a Human Rights Day panel that focused on the economic impact of anti-LGBT discrimination. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)</p>
<p />
<p>Free and Equal, a U.N. campaign that seeks to promote LGBT around the world, released a video that actor Zachary Quinto narrates. It cites, among other things, a World Bank study that concludes discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity could cost an economy the size of India’s $32 billion a year.</p>
<p>“The cost of homophobia and transphobia is simply colossal,” says Quinto in the video.</p>
<p>Charles Radcliffe, a senior human rights advisor for the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, officially debuted the video during a panel on the issue that Marcus Mabry of Twitter moderated.</p>
<p>“Discrimination hurts people,” said Radcliffe. “It hurts companies. It hurts entire countries.”</p>
<p>James Heintz, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said that anti-LGBT discrimination lowers productivity and increases health care costs because of higher rates of stress, depression and suicide among affected groups.</p>
<p>“There’s an intrinsic value to respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of all people, including those in the LGBT community, regardless of the economic cost,” said Heintz.</p>
<p>Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, director of Freedom and Roam Uganda, a Ugandan advocacy group, said most of her LGBT friends have fled the country because of rampant homophobia and transphobia.</p>
<p>“That is talent being lost to the country,” she said.</p>
<p>U.N. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft and Dan Bross, senior director of business and corporate responsibility at Microsoft, also took part in the panel that EU Ambassador to the U.N. João Vale de Almeida opened.</p>
<p>“Regrettably, we still have a long ways to go before LGBT people are treated as equal citizens everywhere,” said Lykketoft.</p>
<p>Special U.S. Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons Randy Berry, Colombian Ambassador to the U.N. María Emma Mejía, OutRight Action International Executive Director Jessica Stern and Out and Equal Workplace Advocates CEO Selisse Berry were among those who attended. The U.N. Development Program also announced a new index that seeks to collect data to better measure the impact of anti-LGBT discrimination.</p>
<p>“Leaving no one behind is a message: No one behind,” said Mejía.</p>
<p>The Washington Blade asked Nabagesera whether economic boycotts of Uganda and other countries over their anti-LGBT rights records are effective.</p>
<p>“We really do not support boycotts,” she said at the end of the panel, noting that calls to boycott her country after President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2014 caused a backlash. “Exclusion does not just affect the individual. It affects everyone around us.”</p>
<p>Bross agreed.</p>
<p>“The solution is not one of exclusion,” he said.</p>
<p>International Human Rights Day commemorates the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the U.N. General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948.</p>
<p>U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power on Thursday <a href="" type="internal">released a video</a> in which she speaks with Caitlyn Jenner about trans rights in this country and around the world. Secretary of State John Kerry also issued a statement that acknowledged International Human Rights Day.</p>
<p>“Today, we recommit to the truth that human beings of every faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation and background are endowed with ‘equal and inalienable rights,’” he said.</p>
<p>Trans and intersex advocates from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Ukraine, the Netherlands, South Africa, Colombia and Costa Rica gathered at a law firm in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday for a briefing that OutRight Action International organized.</p>
<p>Mikee Nunez Inton of the Society of Transgender Women in the Philippines and the International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex Association (ILGA) said more countries need to legally recognize trans people to ensure “their gender experience is reflected in their documents.” Franco Fuica of Organizing Trans Diversities, a Chilean advocacy group, highlighted a bill that would allow trans people in the South American country to legally change their name and gender without sex reassignment surgery.</p>
<p>“We are transgender people who have all of the potential as anybody else,” he said.</p>
<p>Murat Koylu of Kaos GL, a Turkish LGBT advocacy group, and Laura Frida Weinstein Nesenbon, a trans advocate in Colombia, both noted that anti-trans violence remains rampant in their respective countries. Nicole Santamaría, who describes herself as a “intersexual, transsexual, heterosexual woman” from El Salvador, on Tuesday also discussed this issue during a Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights First reception at the Newseum in D.C. that marked International Human Rights Day.</p>
<p>Santamaría said she fled to the U.S. from her Central American homeland in April after surviving “one of the several attacks against my life.” The pointed out that 15 trans women and four gay men have been killed in El Salvador in the eight months since she left.</p>
<p>“I came to the U.S. because I chose life,” said Santamaría. “Every breath I take is an act of resistance.”</p>
<p>Alagie Jammeh, the nephew of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, also spoke at the Newseum.</p>
<p>Alagie Jammeh — a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara — lost his government scholarship after posting a pro-LGBT message to his Facebook page.</p>
<p>He <a href="" type="internal">told the Blade earlier this year</a> that he faces life in prison or even death in his homeland over his position. Alagie Jammeh on Tuesday said he has begun the process of seeking asylum in the U.S.</p>
<p>“I will never go back to Gambia to apologize to anybody because I did not do anything wrong,” he said. “I do not regret speaking out.”</p>
<p>Alagie Jammeh, nephew of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, speaks at the Newseum in D.C. on Dec. 8, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Phil Humnicky/Human Rights First)</p>
<p><a href="" type="internal">Alagie Jammeh</a> <a href="" type="internal">bisexual</a> <a href="" type="internal">Charles Radcliffe</a> <a href="" type="internal">Dan Bross</a> <a href="" type="internal">Franco Fuica</a> <a href="" type="internal">Free and Equal</a> <a href="" type="internal">Freedom and Roam Uganda</a> <a href="" type="internal">gay</a> <a href="" type="internal">International Human Rights Day</a> <a href="" type="internal">James Heintz</a> <a href="" type="internal">Jessica Stern</a> <a href="" type="internal">João Vale de Almeida</a> <a href="" type="internal">John Kerry</a> <a href="" type="internal">Kaos GL</a> <a href="" type="internal">Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera</a> <a href="" type="internal">Laura Frida Weinstein Nesenbon</a> <a href="" type="internal">lesbian</a> <a href="" type="internal">Marcus Mabry</a> <a href="" type="internal">María Emma Mejía</a> <a href="" type="internal">Mikee Nunez Inton</a> <a href="" type="internal">Mogens Lykketoft</a> <a href="" type="internal">Murat Koylu</a> <a href="" type="internal">Nicole Santamaría</a> <a href="" type="internal">Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights</a> <a href="" type="internal">Organizing Trans Diversities</a> <a href="" type="internal">Out and Equal Workplace Advocates</a> <a href="" type="internal">OutRight Action International</a> <a href="" type="internal">Randy Berry</a> <a href="" type="internal">Selisse Berry</a> <a href="" type="internal">Society of Transgender Women in the Philippines</a> <a href="" type="internal">transgender</a> <a href="" type="internal">United Nations</a> <a href="" type="internal">Zachary Quinto</a></p>
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un dec 10 2015 hosted human rights day panel focused economic impact antilgbt discrimination washington blade photo michael k lavers free equal un campaign seeks promote lgbt around world released video actor zachary quinto narrates cites among things world bank study concludes discrimination based sexual orientation gender identity could cost economy size indias 32 billion year cost homophobia transphobia simply colossal says quinto video charles radcliffe senior human rights advisor office un high commissioner human rights officially debuted video panel issue marcus mabry twitter moderated discrimination hurts people said radcliffe hurts companies hurts entire countries james heintz economics professor university massachusetts amherst said antilgbt discrimination lowers productivity increases health care costs higher rates stress depression suicide among affected groups theres intrinsic value respecting protecting promoting rights people including lgbt community regardless economic cost said heintz kasha jacqueline nabagesera director freedom roam uganda ugandan advocacy group said lgbt friends fled country rampant homophobia transphobia talent lost country said un general assembly president mogens lykketoft dan bross senior director business corporate responsibility microsoft also took part panel eu ambassador un joão vale de almeida opened regrettably still long ways go lgbt people treated equal citizens everywhere said lykketoft special us envoy human rights lgbti persons randy berry colombian ambassador un maría emma mejía outright action international executive director jessica stern equal workplace advocates ceo selisse berry among attended un development program also announced new index seeks collect data better measure impact antilgbt discrimination leaving one behind message one behind said mejía washington blade asked nabagesera whether economic boycotts uganda countries antilgbt rights records effective really support boycotts said end panel noting calls boycott country president yoweri museveni signed antihomosexuality act 2014 caused backlash exclusion affect individual affects everyone around us bross agreed solution one exclusion said international human rights day commemorates ratification universal declaration human rights un general assembly dec 10 1948 us ambassador un samantha power thursday released video speaks caitlyn jenner trans rights country around world secretary state john kerry also issued statement acknowledged international human rights day today recommit truth human beings every faith ethnicity sexual orientation background endowed equal inalienable rights said trans intersex advocates australia philippines indonesia turkey ukraine netherlands south africa colombia costa rica gathered law firm midtown manhattan wednesday briefing outright action international organized mikee nunez inton society transgender women philippines international lesbian gay bisexual transgender intersex association ilga said countries need legally recognize trans people ensure gender experience reflected documents franco fuica organizing trans diversities chilean advocacy group highlighted bill would allow trans people south american country legally change name gender without sex reassignment surgery transgender people potential anybody else said murat koylu kaos gl turkish lgbt advocacy group laura frida weinstein nesenbon trans advocate colombia noted antitrans violence remains rampant respective countries nicole santamaría describes intersexual transsexual heterosexual woman el salvador tuesday also discussed issue human rights campaign human rights first reception newseum dc marked international human rights day santamaría said fled us central american homeland april surviving one several attacks life pointed 15 trans women four gay men killed el salvador eight months since left came us chose life said santamaría every breath take act resistance alagie jammeh nephew gambian president yahya jammeh also spoke newseum alagie jammeh student university california santa barbara lost government scholarship posting prolgbt message facebook page told blade earlier year faces life prison even death homeland position alagie jammeh tuesday said begun process seeking asylum us never go back gambia apologize anybody anything wrong said regret speaking alagie jammeh nephew gambian president yahya jammeh speaks newseum dc dec 8 2015 photo courtesy phil humnickyhuman rights first alagie jammeh bisexual charles radcliffe dan bross franco fuica free equal freedom roam uganda gay international human rights day james heintz jessica stern joão vale de almeida john kerry kaos gl kasha jacqueline nabagesera laura frida weinstein nesenbon lesbian marcus mabry maría emma mejía mikee nunez inton mogens lykketoft murat koylu nicole santamaría office un high commissioner human rights organizing trans diversities equal workplace advocates outright action international randy berry selisse berry society transgender women philippines transgender united nations zachary quinto
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<p>By Bob Allen</p>
<p>One leading voice in a popular resurgence of Calvinism lent support to another Feb. 17 by showing up in the pulpit of a pastor accused in a lawsuit of covering up sexual abuse and facing leadership challenges in an eroding church-planting network that he leads.</p>
<p>John Piper, founder of Desiring God Ministries and former longtime pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, was one of 77 evangelical leaders <a href="http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/2013/2/6/an-appeal-to-national-leaders-regarding-cj-mahaney.html" type="external">addressed</a> in a Feb. 6 open letter voicing concern about a class-action lawsuit in Maryland accusing Sovereign Grace Ministries founder C.J. Mahaney of failing to report allegations of sexual molestation to police, counseling accused pedophiles on how to avoid arrest and forcing child victims to meet with and “forgive” their abusers.</p>
<p>In Louisville, Ky., for a Feb. 15-16 collegiate <a href="http://events.sbts.edu/resolute/schedule/" type="external">conference</a> on the campus of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Piper stayed over to preach Sunday at <a href="http://www.sgclouisville.org/" type="external">Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville</a>, a church plant <a href="http://www.sgclouisville.org/sovereign-grace-church-louisville-our-elders" type="external">started</a> by Mahaney after Sovereign Grace Ministries moved its headquarters last year to Louisville from Maryland in part to strengthen ties to Southern Seminary.</p>
<p>“I chose to be here,” Piper said at the beginning of an hour-long sermon <a href="http://cpmassets.com/video.php?video=217&amp;site=792" type="external">webcast</a>. “Nobody forced me.”</p>
<p>Alluding to Mahaney, who was off-camera and moments earlier introduced the morning’s preacher, Piper quipped: “He’s a pretty persuasive guy, but I really, really wanted to be here, and therefore the opportunity arose and I snatched it, and I’m thankful for it.”</p>
<p>Piper said he is excited about Mahaney’s church plant and supports Sovereign Grace and “what God is doing in it across the country and around the world.” But he said his “most emotionally significant” reason to be there was his personal bond with Mahaney.</p>
<p>“He is my friend,” Piper said. “He has meant a lot to me over the years, both at the encouragement level of preaching and professional life — though nobody in ministry is a professional — but even more at the personal, family level of caring.”</p>
<p>“So it’s real easy for me to stand here and be with you,” Piper said. “It’s what I want to do.”</p>
<p>Piper made no direct mention of a lawsuit filed last October in Montgomery County, Maryland, that accuses Mahaney and other Sovereign Grace leaders of covering up a “pedophilia ring” for decades and putting concern for the church’s reputation ahead of children’s safety.</p>
<p>The lawsuit is the latest in a series of setbacks for Mahaney, who has witnessed defections of more than a dozen of the 100 or so Sovereign Grace churches planted since he and others launched the church-planting movement three decades ago.</p>
<p>One <a href="http://sgmrefuge.com/2012/11/30/clc-nov-4-members-meeting/" type="external">such</a> congregation is Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Md., where Mahaney was pastor for 27 years and which housed Sovereign Grace Ministries’ offices until dissension within the movement prompted a relocation to Kentucky approved last April.</p>
<p>Stated <a href="http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/blogs/sgm/post/Sovereign-Grace-Ministries-Relocation-Announcement.aspx" type="external">reasons</a> for selecting Louisville as the ministry’s new home included the proximity to Southern Seminary, allowing the organization “to upgrade our academic offerings, including opportunities for collaboration and potential transfer credit toward a master’s degree.”</p>
<p>Piper’s appearance at Sovereign Grace Church followed a Feb. 6 appeal by Brent Detwiler, a former associate of Mahaney, asking evangelical leaders to stop promoting the embattled preacher until serious questions about his fitness for ministry are answered.</p>
<p>In addition to Piper, <a href="http://www.brentdetwiler.com/brentdetwilercom/2013/2/6/an-appeal-to-national-leaders-regarding-cj-mahaney.html" type="external">recipients</a> of the letter included Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Mahaney recently spoke in chapel and at a missions conference for college students.</p>
<p>Other recipients included Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Russell Moore, Southern Seminary’s theology dean and senior vice president for academic administration. Mohler and Moore joined Piper as <a href="http://events.sbts.edu/resolute/" type="external">headliners</a> for a Feb. 15-16 Resolute collegiate conference on the seminary campus.</p>
<p>Mohler is a leading figure in a theological movement known by various labels including Reformed theology, Neo-Calvinism and the “doctrines of grace.” It is based on teachings of John Calvin, a 16th century reformer whose emphasis on predestination exerted strong influence on the formation of Baptists in Europe and the United States.</p>
<p>Growing popularity of the movement at education centers such as Southern Seminary, however, has prompted recent concern among leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention. Some worry that disproportionate numbers of seminary graduates holding to ideas like double predestination – that God chooses some for salvation and destines others for hell – might bring division in traditional churches that believe salvation is freely offered to everyone and not just the elect.</p>
<p>Piper, the author of more than 50 books, is perhaps the movement’s most influential leader. He, Mahaney and Mohler are also among leaders in the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a group formed to keep “secular feminism” out of evangelical life, which has administrative offices housed on the campus of Southern Seminary.</p>
<p>Previous stories:</p>
<p><a href="ministry/organizations/item/8208-petition-calls-out-silent-leaders" type="external">Petition calls out silent leaders</a></p>
<p><a href="ministry/people/item/8198-former-aide-mahaney-should-be-sidelined" type="external">Former aide: Mahaney should be sidelined</a></p>
<p><a href="ministry/people/item/8192-embattled-pastor-cj-mahaney-visits-southeastern" type="external">Embattled C.J. Mahaney visits SEBTS</a></p>
<p><a href="ministry/organizations/item/8136-new-charges-filed-in-abuse-lawsuit" type="external">New charges filed in abuse lawsuit</a></p>
<p><a href="ministry/organizations/item/7978-ministry-abuse-suit-harms-confidentiality" type="external">Ministry: Abuse suit harms confidentiality</a></p>
<p><a href="culture/social-issues/item/7916-radio-host-says-evangelicals-ignoring-abuse" type="external">Radio host: evangelicals ignoring abuse</a></p>
<p><a href="ministry/organizations/item/7901-controversy-follows-calvinist-group" type="external">Controversy follows Calvinist group</a></p>
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<p>&#160;</p>
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bob allen one leading voice popular resurgence calvinism lent support another feb 17 showing pulpit pastor accused lawsuit covering sexual abuse facing leadership challenges eroding churchplanting network leads john piper founder desiring god ministries former longtime pastor bethlehem baptist church minneapolis one 77 evangelical leaders addressed feb 6 open letter voicing concern classaction lawsuit maryland accusing sovereign grace ministries founder cj mahaney failing report allegations sexual molestation police counseling accused pedophiles avoid arrest forcing child victims meet forgive abusers louisville ky feb 1516 collegiate conference campus southern baptist theological seminary piper stayed preach sunday sovereign grace church louisville church plant started mahaney sovereign grace ministries moved headquarters last year louisville maryland part strengthen ties southern seminary chose piper said beginning hourlong sermon webcast nobody forced alluding mahaney offcamera moments earlier introduced mornings preacher piper quipped hes pretty persuasive guy really really wanted therefore opportunity arose snatched im thankful piper said excited mahaneys church plant supports sovereign grace god across country around world said emotionally significant reason personal bond mahaney friend piper said meant lot years encouragement level preaching professional life though nobody ministry professional even personal family level caring real easy stand piper said want piper made direct mention lawsuit filed last october montgomery county maryland accuses mahaney sovereign grace leaders covering pedophilia ring decades putting concern churchs reputation ahead childrens safety lawsuit latest series setbacks mahaney witnessed defections dozen 100 sovereign grace churches planted since others launched churchplanting movement three decades ago one congregation covenant life church gaithersburg md mahaney pastor 27 years housed sovereign grace ministries offices dissension within movement prompted relocation kentucky approved last april stated reasons selecting louisville ministrys new home included proximity southern seminary allowing organization upgrade academic offerings including opportunities collaboration potential transfer credit toward masters degree pipers appearance sovereign grace church followed feb 6 appeal brent detwiler former associate mahaney asking evangelical leaders stop promoting embattled preacher serious questions fitness ministry answered addition piper recipients letter included daniel akin president southeastern baptist theological seminary mahaney recently spoke chapel missions conference college students recipients included albert mohler president southern baptist theological seminary russell moore southern seminarys theology dean senior vice president academic administration mohler moore joined piper headliners feb 1516 resolute collegiate conference seminary campus mohler leading figure theological movement known various labels including reformed theology neocalvinism doctrines grace based teachings john calvin 16th century reformer whose emphasis predestination exerted strong influence formation baptists europe united states growing popularity movement education centers southern seminary however prompted recent concern among leaders southern baptist convention worry disproportionate numbers seminary graduates holding ideas like double predestination god chooses salvation destines others hell might bring division traditional churches believe salvation freely offered everyone elect piper author 50 books perhaps movements influential leader mahaney mohler also among leaders council biblical manhood womanhood group formed keep secular feminism evangelical life administrative offices housed campus southern seminary previous stories petition calls silent leaders former aide mahaney sidelined embattled cj mahaney visits sebts new charges filed abuse lawsuit ministry abuse suit harms confidentiality radio host evangelicals ignoring abuse controversy follows calvinist group 160 160
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<p>Throughout his career, Duke University neurology professor Allen Roses has challenged what for decades has been the prevailing orthodoxy in Alzheimer’s research: Namely, the “amyloid hypothesis,” which suggests that a protein called beta-amyloid clogs up the brain, killing neurons and causing the dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.</p>
<p>“Beta-amyloid is the result [of Alzheimer’s], rather than a cause,” he says.</p>
<p>For more than 20 years, Roses, 72, has pursued a hunch that dementia in Alzheimer’s patients stems from an inability in the brain to metabolize energy sources, such as glucose and oxygen. The trigger, he argues, is variations in two genes — ApoE and TOMM40 — which ultimately inhibit mitochondria from supplying energy to neurons, causing them to die. A growing body of published literature supports his theory, Roses says, but by and large, he “has been totally ignored” by the field.</p>
<p>Pugnacious and prickly when crossed, but not lacking a sense of humor (he names his startups after red wines), Roses has moved from academia to industry and back again, survived funding droughts, and even fronted his own money in order to establish his counter-theory to what he has called the “amyloid cult.”</p>
<p />
<p>Duke University neurology professor Allen Roses.</p>
<p>Courtesy of Allen Roses</p>
<p>Amyloid’s rise in the field&#160;dates back to the 1970s,&#160;when the National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed the&#160; <a href="http://www.nia.nih.gov/" type="external">National Institute on Aging</a>&#160;(NIA). Alzheimer’s was a major research area&#160;and a key observation that emerged from NIA-backed studies was that Alzheimer’s patients had a build-up of abnormal beta-amyloid proteins. Those, with&#160;another protein called tau, together form plaques and tangles that seem to be toxic to neurons.</p>
<p>A&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6375662" type="external">seminal paper&#160;</a>by George Glenner in 1984 describing the structure of beta-amyloid got molecular biologists and geneticists interested in the field. “That’s where the [modern] amyloid story began,” recalls Zaven Khachaturian, who’s known as the “father of Alzheimer’s research” in the United States for overseeing work in the field at the NIA. “This was useful from a program development standpoint&#160;because it gave an attractive and publishable area of research.”</p>
<p>At the time Glenner’s paper came out, scientists already knew that there were two types of Alzheimer’s: a&#160;rare, early-onset form that occurs in people before age 65, and a late-onset version that accounts for 90 percent of all Alzheimer’s patients. Although the different forms of Alzheimer’s can manifest varying symptoms, levels of beta-amyloid can be elevated in both types.</p>
<p>By the end of the 1980s, researchers were making headway in discovering the genetic underpinnings of the early-onset form. First, Stony Brook’s Goldgaber&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3810169" type="external">identified</a>&#160;the location of a gene called APP, which makes a protein that, when broken down by enzymes into smaller fragments, becomes beta-amyloid. Then a&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1671712" type="external">discovery</a>&#160;in the early ’90s found that a mutation in APP causes a greater accumulation of beta-amyloid. The theory is now accepted that a person who inherits certain mutations in APP will likely get the early-onset form of Alzheimer’s.</p>
<p>Around the same time that the APP mutation was discovered, a team led by Roses at Duke surprised the field with another&#160; <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/261/5123/921" type="external">finding</a>&#160;concerning a gene called ApoE, which is involved in cholesterol transport: Inheriting a particular version, or allele, of the gene — called ApoE4 — seems to increase the risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s by affecting the age at which a person develops the disease.</p>
<p>For instance, a person with one copy of the allele might experience symptoms at an earlier age than if they didn’t have a copy at all, and someone with two copies might show signs earlier than someone with a single copy of the allele. More than 25 percent of the Caucasian population carries one copy of ApoE4, and two percent carries two copies,&#160; <a href="http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih9/bioethics/guide/pdf/Master_4-2.pdf" type="external">according to the NIH</a>, although carrying the allele does not guarantee that someone will get Alzheimer’s.</p>
<p>The ApoE4 variation “is without question, now and probably forever, the most potent and important genetic factor in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease,” according to Samuel Gandy, associate director of the Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in New York City. But Gandy, known in the field as an amyloid expert, also points out that among ApoE4’s important effects is that it appears to promote beta-amyloid buildup. “My guess is that Allen would say [this is] ‘true but unimportant,’” he wrote in an email.</p>
<p>While the influence of ApoE4 is now accepted,&#160;when Roses published his findings in 1993, the scientific community was dubious that a gene involved in cholesterol transport would also be involved in Alzheimer’s. Some research groups had trouble replicating his findings. Others characterized Roses’ work as “radical” and “destabilizing” to biotech startups that were developing drugs based on the amyloid hypothesis.</p>
<p>Khachaturian says he made a “conscious effort” to create a balanced program at the NIA that supported different perspectives, such as that of Roses, whom he calls a “maverick.” But the amyloid hypothesis garnered the most attention, as well as funding. “The review groups within NIH or the [medical] journals became convinced that [proteins such as] amyloid and tau were the main part of the story, and anything else that came was discredited,” Khachaturian says. “So, it began a process of creating a scientific orthodoxy that put blinders on the possibility that there are other factors that were involved.”</p>
<p>Roses says that he stopped receiving funding in 1997 for his research at Duke because of his stance against amyloid, and was forced to take an industry job with GlaxoWellcome (now GlaxoSmithKline). For a decade there, he continued to investigate the role of ApoE4 in Alzheimer’s and to test his alternative to the amyloid hypothesis. Roses eventually returned to Duke in 2007, and two years later launched the startup Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals to move his research into larger trials with a pharmaceutical partner.</p>
<p>After decades of plugging away at the Alzheimer’s puzzle, Roses’ overarching explanation for what causes the late-onset form of the disease concerns the effect that gene variants, such as ApoE4, have on mitochondria — the “engines” that use oxygen and glucose to supply cells with energy.</p>
<p>&#160; &#160; &#160; <a href="" type="internal">&#160;(Related:&#160;Why do so many more women have Alzheimer's than men?)</a></p>
<p>Mitochondria are critical for the normal functioning of neurons, which need energy to communicate with each other. But unlike other cells in the body, neurons can’t reproduce. Consequently, when mitochondrial motors slow down — as they do with age — they deprive neurons of vital fuel. As energy-starved neurons die with nothing to replace them, the brain’s cognitive functions also deteriorate.</p>
<p>Necessary to normal mitochondrial function is a gene called TOMM40. In 2009, Roses’ team&#160; <a href="http://www.nature.com/tpj/journal/v10/n5/abs/tpj200969a.html" type="external">reported</a>&#160;that different lengths of a genetic variation in TOMM40, in concert with variations in the ApoE gene—located next door on the same chromosome—interrupt mitochondrial function within neurons. In studies performed to date, Roses’ team has shown that by testing patients for variations in TOMM40 and ApoE, they can identify those who have degraded mitochondrial function and are therefore at the highest risk of losing memory and thinking skills due to Alzheimer’s before age 80.</p>
<p>The involvement of TOMM40 can also help explain the presence of beta-amyloid in late-onset Alzheimer’s patients, according to Roses. The gene makes a protein that shuttles aggregates of other proteins into the mitochondria — and one of those proteins is the precursor to beta-amyloid. “The amyloid plaque is not pure,” says Roses.</p>
<p>Based on this cumulative research, Roses’ team has developed an algorithm that he says can predict whether a healthy individual between ages 65 and 83 is at increased risk for developing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s within five years. The&#160; <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01931566" type="external">algorithm</a>&#160;factors in a person’s age and genetic variations in ApoE and TOMM40.</p>
<p>Yet,&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21825236" type="external">some researchers</a>&#160;attempting to replicate Roses’ work have failed to find an association between TOMM40 and the age of Alzheimer’s onset. Roses has countered that these groups aren’t performing his research correctly and that the work involves complicated diagnostic methods. “Because TOMM40 [research] is not as easy to replicate as ApoE4 [research] was,” Roses says, “the first thing they say again is the data is wrong.”</p>
<p>Khachaturian also points to key methodological differences between other groups’ research and Roses’ that led to the divergent findings.&#160;“They did not use the same analytical methods as Roses,” he says.</p>
<p>Where some scientists question his findings,&#160;however, Roses’ theory is gaining traction among others. For instance, Russell Swerdlow, director of the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, published a&#160; <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20442494" type="external">paper</a>&#160;entitled, “The Alzheimer's disease mitochondrial cascade hypothesis,” in which he acknowledged that while the role of mitochondria in late-onset Alzheimer’s is “controversial,” it is finding supporters as more evidence accumulates.</p>
<p>Swerdlow is in the early stages of replicating Roses’s TOMM40 work and has seen similar trends in a small cohort of patients. There are other groups, too, that have been able to find an association between TOMM40 and age of Alzheimer’s onset, according to Roses.</p>
<p>But the biggest test of Roses’ algorithm is a 5,800-subject, five-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled&#160; <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01931566" type="external">trial</a>&#160;currently underway through a collaboration between his startup Zinfandel Pharmaceuticals and Japanese drug firm Takeda Pharmaceutical. If the study shows that the algorithm does what it’s designed to do, the findings could give the field what it desperately lacks: a way to predict if a person is at risk for developing cognitive problems from late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.&#160;</p>
<p>For participants deemed at high risk by the algorithm, the investigators are also testing whether a very low dose of a drug called pioglitazone can delay the onset of memory- and thinking-impairments. If a drug were available today that staves off dementia by five years, it would reduce the cost of patient care by $50 billion by 2020, the Alzheimer’s Association&#160; <a href="http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/alz_medicarecosts.pdf" type="external">estimates</a>. Rodent and human studies have already shown that low-dose pioglitazone improved mitochondrial function and enabled them to better metabolize energy sources.</p>
<p>“At a point in time when people are about to suffer from mitochondrial inadequacy in their brain, the aim of the study [with Takeda] is to double the number of mitochondria and increase their ability to metabolize glucose and oxygen," Roses says.</p>
<p>The amyloid hypothesis, meanwhile,&#160;has been losing some steam. For instance, the precise role of beta-amyloid in people with or without Alzheimer’s is still not well understood, despite decades of research. And some people with amyloid plaques don’t suffer from cognitive impairments or Alzheimer’s, which means that the presence or absence of amyloid isn’t enough to determine if someone has the disease. (The FDA currently recommends that physicians use imaging tools that can spot amyloid while also applying a battery of other tests when screening for Alzheimer’s.)</p>
<p>Further, a number of trials aiming to develop drugs that target and flush out beta-amyloid have failed to improve patients’ cognition, although drugmaker Biogen recently met with some success. Last month, the company&#160; <a href="http://media.biogen.com/press-release/corporate/biogen-idec-presents-positive-interim-results-phase-1b-study-investigational" type="external">presented</a>&#160;data from a small trial showing that an experimental drug not only reduced amyloid plaque in patients with mild late-onset Alzheimer’s but also slowed their mental decline. Gandy of Mount Sinai’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center points to the study as one of “the main arguments in favor of the amyloid hypothesis” to date.</p>
<p>Most of the Alzheimer’s research papers also continue to acknowledge amyloid, according to Khachaturian, who is editor-in-chief of the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia. “It’s become part of the tradition in the field,” he says. “The amyloid creed is obligatory, and researchers feel they have to pay homage in order to get their paper reviewed or accepted. That’s unfortunate.” For his part, Khachaturian is reserving final judgment on the amyloid hypothesis until more drug trials are complete.</p>
<p>As for Roses, the molecular biologist James Watson (of DNA double-helix fame) offered one perspective in his book&#160;DNA: The Secret of Life: “Nothing … gives Roses more pleasure than an opportunity to prove everyone else wrong.” In attempting his novel approach to the Alzheimer’s conundrum, Roses has grown comfortable standing alone. “Science is not a mob opinion. Science is what the data says,” he says. “Unfortunately, 90 percent of the field in Alzheimer’s research is only interested in one kind of data.”</p>
<p>This story was <a href="http://sciencefriday.com/blogs/04/23/2015/against-the-grain-an-alternative-view-of-alzheimer-s.html?series=36" type="external">originally published</a> by PRI's <a href="http://sciencefriday.com/" type="external">Science Friday</a> with Ira Flatow.</p>
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throughout career duke university neurology professor allen roses challenged decades prevailing orthodoxy alzheimers research namely amyloid hypothesis suggests protein called betaamyloid clogs brain killing neurons causing dementia associated alzheimers disease betaamyloid result alzheimers rather cause says 20 years roses 72 pursued hunch dementia alzheimers patients stems inability brain metabolize energy sources glucose oxygen trigger argues variations two genes apoe tomm40 ultimately inhibit mitochondria supplying energy neurons causing die growing body published literature supports theory roses says large totally ignored field pugnacious prickly crossed lacking sense humor names startups red wines roses moved academia industry back survived funding droughts even fronted money order establish countertheory called amyloid cult duke university neurology professor allen roses courtesy allen roses amyloids rise field160dates back 1970s160when national institutes health nih formed the160 national institute aging160nia alzheimers major research area160and key observation emerged niabacked studies alzheimers patients buildup abnormal betaamyloid proteins with160another protein called tau together form plaques tangles seem toxic neurons a160 seminal paper160by george glenner 1984 describing structure betaamyloid got molecular biologists geneticists interested field thats modern amyloid story began recalls zaven khachaturian whos known father alzheimers research united states overseeing work field nia useful program development standpoint160because gave attractive publishable area research time glenners paper came scientists already knew two types alzheimers a160rare earlyonset form occurs people age 65 lateonset version accounts 90 percent alzheimers patients although different forms alzheimers manifest varying symptoms levels betaamyloid elevated types end 1980s researchers making headway discovering genetic underpinnings earlyonset form first stony brooks goldgaber160 identified160the location gene called app makes protein broken enzymes smaller fragments becomes betaamyloid a160 discovery160in early 90s found mutation app causes greater accumulation betaamyloid theory accepted person inherits certain mutations app likely get earlyonset form alzheimers around time app mutation discovered team led roses duke surprised field another160 finding160concerning gene called apoe involved cholesterol transport inheriting particular version allele gene called apoe4 seems increase risk lateonset alzheimers affecting age person develops disease instance person one copy allele might experience symptoms earlier age didnt copy someone two copies might show signs earlier someone single copy allele 25 percent caucasian population carries one copy apoe4 two percent carries two copies160 according nih although carrying allele guarantee someone get alzheimers apoe4 variation without question probably forever potent important genetic factor lateonset alzheimers disease according samuel gandy associate director mount sinai alzheimers disease research center new york city gandy known field amyloid expert also points among apoe4s important effects appears promote betaamyloid buildup guess allen would say true unimportant wrote email influence apoe4 accepted160when roses published findings 1993 scientific community dubious gene involved cholesterol transport would also involved alzheimers research groups trouble replicating findings others characterized roses work radical destabilizing biotech startups developing drugs based amyloid hypothesis khachaturian says made conscious effort create balanced program nia supported different perspectives roses calls maverick amyloid hypothesis garnered attention well funding review groups within nih medical journals became convinced proteins amyloid tau main part story anything else came discredited khachaturian says began process creating scientific orthodoxy put blinders possibility factors involved roses says stopped receiving funding 1997 research duke stance amyloid forced take industry job glaxowellcome glaxosmithkline decade continued investigate role apoe4 alzheimers test alternative amyloid hypothesis roses eventually returned duke 2007 two years later launched startup zinfandel pharmaceuticals move research larger trials pharmaceutical partner decades plugging away alzheimers puzzle roses overarching explanation causes lateonset form disease concerns effect gene variants apoe4 mitochondria engines use oxygen glucose supply cells energy 160 160 160 160related160why many women alzheimers men mitochondria critical normal functioning neurons need energy communicate unlike cells body neurons cant reproduce consequently mitochondrial motors slow age deprive neurons vital fuel energystarved neurons die nothing replace brains cognitive functions also deteriorate necessary normal mitochondrial function gene called tomm40 2009 roses team160 reported160that different lengths genetic variation tomm40 concert variations apoe genelocated next door chromosomeinterrupt mitochondrial function within neurons studies performed date roses team shown testing patients variations tomm40 apoe identify degraded mitochondrial function therefore highest risk losing memory thinking skills due alzheimers age 80 involvement tomm40 also help explain presence betaamyloid lateonset alzheimers patients according roses gene makes protein shuttles aggregates proteins mitochondria one proteins precursor betaamyloid amyloid plaque pure says roses based cumulative research roses team developed algorithm says predict whether healthy individual ages 65 83 increased risk developing cognitive decline due alzheimers within five years the160 algorithm160factors persons age genetic variations apoe tomm40 yet160 researchers160attempting replicate roses work failed find association tomm40 age alzheimers onset roses countered groups arent performing research correctly work involves complicated diagnostic methods tomm40 research easy replicate apoe4 research roses says first thing say data wrong khachaturian also points key methodological differences groups research roses led divergent findings160they use analytical methods roses says scientists question findings160however roses theory gaining traction among others instance russell swerdlow director university kansas alzheimers disease center published a160 paper160entitled alzheimers disease mitochondrial cascade hypothesis acknowledged role mitochondria lateonset alzheimers controversial finding supporters evidence accumulates swerdlow early stages replicating rosess tomm40 work seen similar trends small cohort patients groups able find association tomm40 age alzheimers onset according roses biggest test roses algorithm 5800subject fiveyear doubleblind randomized placebocontrolled160 trial160currently underway collaboration startup zinfandel pharmaceuticals japanese drug firm takeda pharmaceutical study shows algorithm designed findings could give field desperately lacks way predict person risk developing cognitive problems lateonset alzheimers disease160 participants deemed high risk algorithm investigators also testing whether low dose drug called pioglitazone delay onset memory thinkingimpairments drug available today staves dementia five years would reduce cost patient care 50 billion 2020 alzheimers association160 estimates rodent human studies already shown lowdose pioglitazone improved mitochondrial function enabled better metabolize energy sources point time people suffer mitochondrial inadequacy brain aim study takeda double number mitochondria increase ability metabolize glucose oxygen roses says amyloid hypothesis meanwhile160has losing steam instance precise role betaamyloid people without alzheimers still well understood despite decades research people amyloid plaques dont suffer cognitive impairments alzheimers means presence absence amyloid isnt enough determine someone disease fda currently recommends physicians use imaging tools spot amyloid also applying battery tests screening alzheimers number trials aiming develop drugs target flush betaamyloid failed improve patients cognition although drugmaker biogen recently met success last month company160 presented160data small trial showing experimental drug reduced amyloid plaque patients mild lateonset alzheimers also slowed mental decline gandy mount sinais alzheimers disease research center points study one main arguments favor amyloid hypothesis date alzheimers research papers also continue acknowledge amyloid according khachaturian editorinchief journal alzheimers dementia become part tradition field says amyloid creed obligatory researchers feel pay homage order get paper reviewed accepted thats unfortunate part khachaturian reserving final judgment amyloid hypothesis drug trials complete roses molecular biologist james watson dna doublehelix fame offered one perspective book160dna secret life nothing gives roses pleasure opportunity prove everyone else wrong attempting novel approach alzheimers conundrum roses grown comfortable standing alone science mob opinion science data says says unfortunately 90 percent field alzheimers research interested one kind data story originally published pris science friday ira flatow
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<p>By Jason Coker</p>
<p>One of the most endearing and memorable skit on Sesame Street is Grover’s epic near/far demonstration. I’ve never been able to forget it since I was a child, and the skit actually is just a little bit older than me — it first aired in 1975.</p>
<p>For the younger among us, the forever young Grover “shows” his viewers what near and far mean. He stands at attention very close to the TV screen and declares, “Near!” Then, he runs away from the screen, getting smaller and smaller, until he stops and says, “Far!” In order to help the viewers, children and adults alike, he repeats this near/far demonstration over and over again until he is out of breath from running back and forth — near to far and back again.</p>
<p>By the end of the two and a half minute skit, and to the delight and hilarity of his audience, Grover collapses in exhaustion trying to demonstrate the meaning of near and far. Although Grover never believes that we understood what he was trying to demonstrate, in actuality, we all got it!</p>
<p>Even the smallest child understood, maybe not in these exact words, that there was a major distance between the spatial concepts of near and far. Near is something close. Far is something distant. What may not have been so explicit in Grover’s skit is that there was a massive difference between near and far. In pure spatial terms, this is simply descriptive and carries no political or theological weight. I live far from my hometown. That is a spatial fact — Connecticut is a long way from Mississippi.</p>
<p>ear and far, then, create a binary of opposites, which is indicative of so much of our language and cultural construction of reality — we are “far” from Sesame Street at this point! Western languages are built on binaries such as near/far, white/black, male/female, right/wrong, etc. We define a word either by saying what it is not — by its opposite — or by deferring to other words. This system of binary opposites constructs reality in profound ways. It shapes the way we think about the world and about each other.</p>
<p>Theo-politics of near/far</p>
<p>When spatial concepts are used metaphorically, the near/far binary immediately raises ethical questions. What are those things that bring us close, i.e., near, as a community, and what are those things that separate us, i.e., far? These are questions of identity and otherness, and when defining community from the standpoint of faith, we need to consider the “ethics of the other.”</p>
<p>Identity is a boundary constructing endeavor, but it does not have to be completely exclusive. The problem is with binary language. To identify or define oneself or one’s community usually results in a negative demarcation with another. “I am not that” or “We are not them.” This is quintessential binary thinking, and it is not a modern phenomena. This is implicitly the problem in the Letter to the Ephesians. In this letter, there is an attempt to find a common ground between two groups of people who were historically at odds with one another: Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles were considered “far” from God and God’s covenant. Likewise, Jews were considered “near” to God and God’s covenant. In fact, Jews were God’s chosen people.</p>
<p>The problem in Ephesians, and the primary difficultly addressed by several New Testament writers, was what to do with Gentiles? The Gospel of Matthew, the Acts of the Apostles, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians all specifically address this issue, and other New Testament writers deal generally with internal unity and group cohesiveness (see the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John).</p>
<p>The earliest challenge to the Jesus movement that later became known as Christianity was the issue with Gentiles. This was both a theological and political issue due to the time in which the Jesus movement was growing and being shaped. It was theological because there was already a path for Gentiles to become Jewish — circumcision was a primary ritual for inclusion into Judaism for Gentile men. This was also a political act after the destruction of the Temple by Rome because a convert physically demonstrated allegiance to a territory in revolt against Rome. Circumcision could not be hidden in the public area of the gymnasium, so circumcision was a public act, and it was the primary ritual for Gentiles to become Jewish — and of course, the early Jesus movement was a Jewish movement.</p>
<p>It was the more radical factions of the early Jesus movement that reinterpreted the inclusion of the Gentiles. Paul, one of the most vocal of these advocates, clearly argued that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised (cf. Galatians 3). The Gospel of Matthew mediates this argument by reluctantly accepting Gentiles into the covenant with God by their faith. The story of the healing of the centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman’s daughter (Matthew 15:21-28) are the best examples of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Gospel of Matthew. Luke’s narrative of Peter and Cornelius codifies his theo-political stand on how Gentiles belong in the covenant, i.e., “What God has made clean, you must not call profane” (Acts 10:15).</p>
<p>All of these biblical authors are trying to mediate a major issue among their constituents: How do we include the Gentiles? The bigger question, however, was not the inclusion of the Gentiles, but the identity of the movement! Who are we?</p>
<p>Ephesians 2:11-22 gives a great assessment of how to think about the theo-politics of near/far in relation to the Gentile problem, and it is worth quoting at length.</p>
<p>“So then, remember that at one time you Gentiles by birth, called “the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision” — a physical circumcision made in the flesh by human hands — remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in this world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it. So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God” (NRSV).</p>
<p>From the very beginning, it is obvious that this passage is dealing with the historic difference between Jews and Gentiles. It is also clear that the goal of this passage is to create a sense of belonging for the Gentiles by incorporating them into the covenant of God through Jesus Christ.</p>
<p>The theo-politics of near/far play an essential role in the way this process happens. The “far off” Gentiles have been metaphorically brought “near” by Jesus Christ. Space is created for both Jews and Gentiles to coexist in a new community. This is a movement away from the “Gentile problem” and a move toward group identity. The identity markers of Jew and Gentile are not abolished, but this new space offers a new identity for both — not a competing identity.</p>
<p>This “one new humanity” problematizes the binary thinking of Jew/Gentile. It disrupts the logic of this binary and offers another way to think about identity, and it does so to create community cohesion where there was division.</p>
<p>Theo-politics of near/far in contemporary culture</p>
<p>All of these biblical examples show us how our Christian ancestors negotiated the theo-politics of near/far in relation to the major moral issue of their time. The Gentile problem was the issue, but it pushed early Christianity to make very difficult decisions related to identity. What kind of community would it be? Would it allow Gentiles into the community or not? If it did, what ritual would Gentiles have to perform to enter into the community?</p>
<p>These were very difficult questions, but the biblical authors did their very best to work with these answers in their writings, and these writings — our sacred Scriptures — are what we use to navigate the waters of our own modern moral issues. For the writer of Ephesians, it is clear that the “one new humanity” was much more important than how to incorporate Gentiles. The “one new humanity” was the overarching identity in which all these early believers, both Jews and Gentiles, were included. This did not abolish their identities as Jews or Gentiles, it just provided a common ground for them to worship and work together for God’s common good.</p>
<p>The issue of homosexuality is one of our modern moral issues and so many are drawing a line in the sand — this is an identity marker more than a theo-political statement. These lines segment and divide our Christian brothers and sisters and churches in ways that prevent us all from working together for other important issues that demand attention and cooperation. The only thing that everyone agrees upon regarding homosexuality is that it is a divisive issue — one of the most divisive in our country. Denominations are being torn to pieces over how to respond to the issue. The judicial systems in our state and federal governments are feverishly working through all sorts of issues related to marriage equality, gay rights, traditional family values, etc.</p>
<p>I do not deny the severity of this issue for our time. Those in the LGBTQ community feel ostracized and oppressed. Those who do not agree with homosexuality feel like they are being choked by the left-wing agenda. Both sides feel victimized; both sides feel like no one is listening to them. All the while we demonize each other as sexual perverts or homophobic bigots, and as we do, we fall prey to the legacy of binary thinking, which has consumed political discourse in American politics.</p>
<p>What does the “one new humanity” look like in our contemporary society? This is a question of identity. Do we value cooperation and fellowship more than being right? If someone disagrees with us on this issue, does that mean we can never work together on anything else? If we disagree on the most divisive issue in American society, does that mean we cannot cooperate on anything else?</p>
<p>I believe that the Bible offers us examples of early Christian believers who had strong convictions about cooperation and fellowship, and those convictions guided their capacity for everything else. They genuinely believed that God’s Kingdom was a big house. I strongly believe that these biblical examples can guide us through our modern moral issues together and in cooperation, which means we won’t always agree with each other on the issues. We can, however, agree on how we work through our disagreements so that we can cooperate in other areas where we share strong conviction.</p>
<p>If we are constantly policing the line between near and far, we will only run out of energy just like Grover did way back in 1975.</p>
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jason coker one endearing memorable skit sesame street grovers epic nearfar demonstration ive never able forget since child skit actually little bit older first aired 1975 younger among us forever young grover shows viewers near far mean stands attention close tv screen declares near runs away screen getting smaller smaller stops says far order help viewers children adults alike repeats nearfar demonstration breath running back forth near far back end two half minute skit delight hilarity audience grover collapses exhaustion trying demonstrate meaning near far although grover never believes understood trying demonstrate actuality got even smallest child understood maybe exact words major distance spatial concepts near far near something close far something distant may explicit grovers skit massive difference near far pure spatial terms simply descriptive carries political theological weight live far hometown spatial fact connecticut long way mississippi ear far create binary opposites indicative much language cultural construction reality far sesame street point western languages built binaries nearfar whiteblack malefemale rightwrong etc define word either saying opposite deferring words system binary opposites constructs reality profound ways shapes way think world theopolitics nearfar spatial concepts used metaphorically nearfar binary immediately raises ethical questions things bring us close ie near community things separate us ie far questions identity otherness defining community standpoint faith need consider ethics identity boundary constructing endeavor completely exclusive problem binary language identify define oneself ones community usually results negative demarcation another quintessential binary thinking modern phenomena implicitly problem letter ephesians letter attempt find common ground two groups people historically odds one another jews gentiles gentiles considered far god gods covenant likewise jews considered near god gods covenant fact jews gods chosen people problem ephesians primary difficultly addressed several new testament writers gentiles gospel matthew acts apostles 1 2 corinthians galatians ephesians specifically address issue new testament writers deal generally internal unity group cohesiveness see gospel john epistles john earliest challenge jesus movement later became known christianity issue gentiles theological political issue due time jesus movement growing shaped theological already path gentiles become jewish circumcision primary ritual inclusion judaism gentile men also political act destruction temple rome convert physically demonstrated allegiance territory revolt rome circumcision could hidden public area gymnasium circumcision public act primary ritual gentiles become jewish course early jesus movement jewish movement radical factions early jesus movement reinterpreted inclusion gentiles paul one vocal advocates clearly argued gentiles need circumcised cf galatians 3 gospel matthew mediates argument reluctantly accepting gentiles covenant god faith story healing centurions servant matthew 8513 canaanite womans daughter matthew 152128 best examples inclusion gentiles gospel matthew lukes narrative peter cornelius codifies theopolitical stand gentiles belong covenant ie god made clean must call profane acts 1015 biblical authors trying mediate major issue among constituents include gentiles bigger question however inclusion gentiles identity movement ephesians 21122 gives great assessment think theopolitics nearfar relation gentile problem worth quoting length remember one time gentiles birth called uncircumcision called circumcision physical circumcision made flesh human hands remember time without christ aliens commonwealth israel strangers covenants promise hope without god world christ jesus far brought near blood christ peace flesh made groups one broken dividing wall hostility us abolished law commandments ordinances might create one new humanity place two thus making peace might reconcile groups god one body cross thus putting death hostility came proclaimed peace far peace near us access one spirit father longer strangers aliens citizens saints also members household god built upon foundation apostles prophets christ jesus cornerstone whole structure joined together grows holy temple lord also built together spiritually dwelling place god nrsv beginning obvious passage dealing historic difference jews gentiles also clear goal passage create sense belonging gentiles incorporating covenant god jesus christ theopolitics nearfar play essential role way process happens far gentiles metaphorically brought near jesus christ space created jews gentiles coexist new community movement away gentile problem move toward group identity identity markers jew gentile abolished new space offers new identity competing identity one new humanity problematizes binary thinking jewgentile disrupts logic binary offers another way think identity create community cohesion division theopolitics nearfar contemporary culture biblical examples show us christian ancestors negotiated theopolitics nearfar relation major moral issue time gentile problem issue pushed early christianity make difficult decisions related identity kind community would would allow gentiles community ritual would gentiles perform enter community difficult questions biblical authors best work answers writings writings sacred scriptures use navigate waters modern moral issues writer ephesians clear one new humanity much important incorporate gentiles one new humanity overarching identity early believers jews gentiles included abolish identities jews gentiles provided common ground worship work together gods common good issue homosexuality one modern moral issues many drawing line sand identity marker theopolitical statement lines segment divide christian brothers sisters churches ways prevent us working together important issues demand attention cooperation thing everyone agrees upon regarding homosexuality divisive issue one divisive country denominations torn pieces respond issue judicial systems state federal governments feverishly working sorts issues related marriage equality gay rights traditional family values etc deny severity issue time lgbtq community feel ostracized oppressed agree homosexuality feel like choked leftwing agenda sides feel victimized sides feel like one listening demonize sexual perverts homophobic bigots fall prey legacy binary thinking consumed political discourse american politics one new humanity look like contemporary society question identity value cooperation fellowship right someone disagrees us issue mean never work together anything else disagree divisive issue american society mean cooperate anything else believe bible offers us examples early christian believers strong convictions cooperation fellowship convictions guided capacity everything else genuinely believed gods kingdom big house strongly believe biblical examples guide us modern moral issues together cooperation means wont always agree issues however agree work disagreements cooperate areas share strong conviction constantly policing line near far run energy like grover way back 1975
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<p>Elon stands with twin white towers and columned portico shaded by giant trees. The interior looks like a jewel box with its beautiful stained-glass windows and gold carpeting. Last October the church celebrated its 150th anniversary and on the big day Donald Baldwin pulled the bell’s rope 150 times to summon worshippers.&#160; Raymond Dickerson, a member since age 12, greeted visitors and noted that it is “funny how you go to church and people have a certain place they like to sit.” The old church was packed for the anniversary service and folding chairs lined the aisles so some of the regulars might have had to give up their usual seats.</p>
<p />
<p>Most of the children who grew up in Elon Baptist Church at Pamplin in Appomattox County, Va., learned those proverbial four R’s — readin’, ’riting, ’rithmetic and the Road to Richmond. The church has about 235 resident members and almost another 100 who must have taken the road to elsewhere. Many returned for the anniversary. After the service the crowd enjoyed a bountiful meal in the church’s attractive fellowship hall. There was country ham, fried chicken, salads and fresh vegetables and at least one jar of homemade watermelon rind preserves. It was an old-fashioned homecoming meal.</p>
<p>The churches of Pamplin seem to be the only places with noticeable activity in the community whether on a Sabbath or any other day of the week. Oh, there may be a few souls in and out of the post office or the convenience store; but the old stores facing the railroad tracks are abandoned with windows either busted or boarded. The residents must travel along 460 either to Farmville or to Appomattox or even the Road to Richmond for serious shopping.</p>
<p>Mary Rives Black, a resident of Lakewood Manor in Richmond and the daughter of a former Elon pastor, William Madison Black, has warm memories of Pamplin. “There were three denominations,” remembers Mary Rives, “and each church in the village was a member of a field of churches. On Sundays that the Baptists had worship service, the congregations from the Methodist and Presbyterian churches worshiped in the Baptist church because their pastors were out at one of the other churches on the field.” The Baptists also worshipped at the other two churches on the days when their pastor was away at the other churches on the field. “This schedule was followed for Sunday evenings and for Wednesday night prayer meetings. I don’t know how this schedule came into being, but it worked like clockwork.”</p>
<p>“The first Sunday in April 1931, was Easter Sunday, Communion Sunday, and my father’s first sermon as the new pastor. The sanctuary was full because it was Easter and the new pastor was preaching. At the close of the sermon, there was a subtle quiet movement in the congregation and people from different parts of the sanctuary began to leave. My father was perplexed. During the week he talked with some of the Elon members about the strange exodus and was told that former pastors, just before the singing of the last hymn before communion would say, ‘after the singing, communion will be served to all of those of like faith and order,’ which meant it was for those only who had been immersed. My father never used the word of separation at the time of communion but made it for those who believed. Close communions just silently disappeared and all the people stayed. I have often thought that the village of Pamplin was a beautiful expression of ecumenism.”</p>
<p />
<p>Elon made it possible for Pastor Black to attend the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Atlanta in 1939. When he arrived, there was confusion over where he was to stay.&#160; Strangers — a young married couple — invited him to stay in their home. It turned out that they were Methodists who had “given up on church.” The Baptist guest engaged them in friendly conversations that week and the couple began to go back to their church. The Baptist guest from Virginia and his Methodist hosts remained life-long friends.</p>
<p>For a small village church, Elon had a remarkable history of sending forth gospel ministers. James H. Franklin was an illustrious son of Elon. He was born into a family of plain and hard-working folks in Pamplin; and he found Christ in that home as well as in Elon where he was baptized and ordained. As a boy he was fascinated with a decorative certificate tucked in his grandmother’s Bible. It represented her one-dollar contribution toward the Memorial Campaign of 1873 to endow the Baptist school, Richmond College. There was an engraving of a college building on the certificate and the boy early decided that he wanted to attend that school. He entered the college with 75 cents in his pocket.&#160;</p>
<p>James H. Franklin became the leader of the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society. Following World War I, he toured France on behalf of religious and reconstruction work and was made a member of the Legion of Honor. In 1934 he was elected president of Crozer Seminary, the Northern Baptist school. When he made a return to Pamplin, Elon always had “a packed house” to hear the native son. W.M. Thompson, an Appomattox pastor of yesteryear, once recalled that the people of that area felt that James Franklin “was one of their very own, having gone so far and climbed so high.”</p>
<p>The Harwood boys — Samuel Gladstone and Frank Spurgeon — grew up in Elon and served as pastors of several Virginia churches. Another son of Elon was George Robert Pankey who served several Virginia churches. Yet another son is the well-known and highly-respected F. Lawson Pankey, who served for 25 years in various capacities with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, retiring in 1990 as director of Sunday school development. His ministry touched the work of almost every BGAV-member church.&#160;</p>
<p>When this columnist arrived early on the anniversary Sunday, he happened to meet the “new” pastor while walking toward the church. Josh Tompkins and his young son, Isaiah, were carrying their contributions to the dinner-on-the-grounds and the young minister looked enough like a Baptist minister for me to make the assumption. He came to Southside from Southwest Virginia where he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pound. He is pursuing a divinity degree at Liberty University. On the anniversary Sunday, Josh Tompkins was shaking hands, greeting those who had returned home and letting people know that there was every reason to come back on another Sunday and hear the new preacher. He wanted the folks to return to Pamplin.</p>
<p>Fred Anderson is executive director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Center for Baptist Heritage and Studies. He may be contacted at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" type="external">[email protected]</a> or at P.O. Box 34, University of Richmond, VA 23173.</p>
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elon stands twin white towers columned portico shaded giant trees interior looks like jewel box beautiful stainedglass windows gold carpeting last october church celebrated 150th anniversary big day donald baldwin pulled bells rope 150 times summon worshippers160 raymond dickerson member since age 12 greeted visitors noted funny go church people certain place like sit old church packed anniversary service folding chairs lined aisles regulars might give usual seats children grew elon baptist church pamplin appomattox county va learned proverbial four rs readin riting rithmetic road richmond church 235 resident members almost another 100 must taken road elsewhere many returned anniversary service crowd enjoyed bountiful meal churchs attractive fellowship hall country ham fried chicken salads fresh vegetables least one jar homemade watermelon rind preserves oldfashioned homecoming meal churches pamplin seem places noticeable activity community whether sabbath day week oh may souls post office convenience store old stores facing railroad tracks abandoned windows either busted boarded residents must travel along 460 either farmville appomattox even road richmond serious shopping mary rives black resident lakewood manor richmond daughter former elon pastor william madison black warm memories pamplin three denominations remembers mary rives church village member field churches sundays baptists worship service congregations methodist presbyterian churches worshiped baptist church pastors one churches field baptists also worshipped two churches days pastor away churches field schedule followed sunday evenings wednesday night prayer meetings dont know schedule came worked like clockwork first sunday april 1931 easter sunday communion sunday fathers first sermon new pastor sanctuary full easter new pastor preaching close sermon subtle quiet movement congregation people different parts sanctuary began leave father perplexed week talked elon members strange exodus told former pastors singing last hymn communion would say singing communion served like faith order meant immersed father never used word separation time communion made believed close communions silently disappeared people stayed often thought village pamplin beautiful expression ecumenism elon made possible pastor black attend baptist world alliance congress atlanta 1939 arrived confusion stay160 strangers young married couple invited stay home turned methodists given church baptist guest engaged friendly conversations week couple began go back church baptist guest virginia methodist hosts remained lifelong friends small village church elon remarkable history sending forth gospel ministers james h franklin illustrious son elon born family plain hardworking folks pamplin found christ home well elon baptized ordained boy fascinated decorative certificate tucked grandmothers bible represented onedollar contribution toward memorial campaign 1873 endow baptist school richmond college engraving college building certificate boy early decided wanted attend school entered college 75 cents pocket160 james h franklin became leader american baptist foreign mission society following world war toured france behalf religious reconstruction work made member legion honor 1934 elected president crozer seminary northern baptist school made return pamplin elon always packed house hear native son wm thompson appomattox pastor yesteryear recalled people area felt james franklin one gone far climbed high harwood boys samuel gladstone frank spurgeon grew elon served pastors several virginia churches another son elon george robert pankey served several virginia churches yet another son wellknown highlyrespected f lawson pankey served 25 years various capacities virginia baptist mission board retiring 1990 director sunday school development ministry touched work almost every bgavmember church160 columnist arrived early anniversary sunday happened meet new pastor walking toward church josh tompkins young son isaiah carrying contributions dinneronthegrounds young minister looked enough like baptist minister make assumption came southside southwest virginia member first baptist church pound pursuing divinity degree liberty university anniversary sunday josh tompkins shaking hands greeting returned home letting people know every reason come back another sunday hear new preacher wanted folks return pamplin fred anderson executive director virginia baptist historical society center baptist heritage studies may contacted fredandersonvbmborg po box 34 university richmond va 23173
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<p>HONG KONG, China - When China announced that it had recorded a $31.5 billion trade deficit in February, many speculated that the world's second-biggest economy was losing steam.</p>
<p>Some took the trade deficit - the largest one since 1989 - as a harbinger of faster export slowdown. Exports form a large part of China's gross domestic product, the theory goes, so once it drops, the country is in for trouble.</p>
<p>But some analysts say the negative trade balance and the likely export slowdown are not as troubling as they might seem.</p>
<p>For starters, one monthly trade deficit doesn't necessarily mean another is on the way. And even if exports slow down for a spell, that doesn't directly indicate anything about growth, or the lack thereof.</p>
<p>At this stage in China's development, investment is the key driver, said Damien Ma, an analyst at Eurasia Group, a global political-risk research organization.</p>
<p>"China can finally push away from the export model, which it has wanted to do for a long time," he said. "China does not want to be the factory of the world forever."&#160;</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/china/120314/communist-party-national-peoples-congress-politics-economy" type="external">China at a crossroads, upshot from the Party Congress</a></p>
<p>China's announcement on March 10 was indeed dramatic. The February trade deficit represented $146 billion in imports - a 40 percent jump year-on-year - and $114 billion in exports.</p>
<p>China logged a monthly deficit on only two other occasions since July 2005, the earliest month for which the administration of customs provides figures online. Those occurred in February 2011 and March 2010, when imports outperformed exports by $7.3 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively.</p>
<p>The deficit stoked fears that the leadership would backtrack on letting the yuan appreciate and that friction would increase with the United States, where a bill intended to penalize China for its currency policies passed the Senate in October.</p>
<p>But experts warned against putting too much weight on figures at the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>The Lunar New Year holiday, when the country comes to a standstill, can fall in January or February and skew the view. Taking the two months together helps dilute its effect. The cumulative deficit for January and February this year totaled $4.21 billion, compared to a deficit of $890 million in the same period last year.</p>
<p>"You had two, three weeks of Lunar New Year with very little economic activity," Ma said. "Seasonally, the first two months of the first quarter are distorted? Once we see [the entire] first quarter, we will have a better idea."</p>
<p>Frank Song, a professor and director of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for China Financial Research, said February's foray into the negative did not necessarily signal China was headed for more trade deficits.</p>
<p>However, he and others agreed export growth was in for a prolonged period of deceleration.</p>
<p>Banny Lam, an economist at CCB International Securities, predicted annual growth would slow to 5 percent to 10 percent for the next three years. That is compared to the government's records of a 20 percent growth last year and 31 percent in 2010.</p>
<p>With the costs of production in China rising, factories are moving to cheaper locations, meaning the country will produce and export less. "The cost of production in China has become less competititve," Song said.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/china/111109/china-economy-manufacturing-guangdong" type="external">Bye-bye cheap Chinese labor</a></p>
<p>That seems troubling because exports are often thought to dominate China's GDP growth. The value of exports equaled one-quarter that of China's GDP last year, according to figures Lam provided.</p>
<p>But a closer inspection suggests otherwise. Last year, 35.8 percent of China's foreign trade was dedicated to processing imports and re-exporting them. Some say the trade surplus - the value of exports minus imports - provides a clearer picture.</p>
<p>That figure made up 2.1 percent of GDP last year, according to Lam. It has accounted for well below 10 percent of GDP in recent years and has been falling.</p>
<p>Song said exports were not as important to growth as before.</p>
<p>One reason slower export growth might not be a bad thing is that the population is expanding at a slower pace.</p>
<p>According to a recent census, China's population grew an average 0.57 percent per year from 2000 to 2010, half the annual rate in the preceding decade. The proportion of people aged 14 and under, the future workforce, dropped 6.29 percent over the same period. What's more, Ma said migrant laborers who worked in the coastal areas were not always returning now, preferring to stay home.</p>
<p>"The supply of labor is slowing down," said Li Hongbin, an economics professor at Tsinghua University's school of economics and management.</p>
<p>Going forward, the government will continue moving away from an emphasis on headline growth.</p>
<p>Beijing said it was cutting its GDP growth target to 7.5 percent from 8 percent, its goal for the past seven years. The 12th five-year plan, unveiled this month, focuses on encouraging domestic consumption and expanding the GDP contribution of seven priority industries including biotechnology, and high-end equipment manufacturing, amongst other goals. Lam said the country was trying to move away from original equipment manufacture, and up the value chain.</p>
<p>Song said that while there was concern of instability due to job losses in the 2008 financial crisis, when exports were severely hit, the structural changes in China's economy meant that this was now less of a concern.</p>
<p>As for halting yuan appreciation, Lam said that would be unlikely since the Chinese government wanted to promote its internationalization. Li said the renminbi was almost at par with market value and that there was no economic reason to speed up its appreciation.</p>
<p>More from GlobalPost: <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/120312/burma-economy-myanmar-sanctions" type="external">Burma open for business?</a></p>
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hong kong china china announced recorded 315 billion trade deficit february many speculated worlds secondbiggest economy losing steam took trade deficit largest one since 1989 harbinger faster export slowdown exports form large part chinas gross domestic product theory goes drops country trouble analysts say negative trade balance likely export slowdown troubling might seem starters one monthly trade deficit doesnt necessarily mean another way even exports slow spell doesnt directly indicate anything growth lack thereof stage chinas development investment key driver said damien analyst eurasia group global politicalrisk research organization china finally push away export model wanted long time said china want factory world forever160 globalpost china crossroads upshot party congress chinas announcement march 10 indeed dramatic february trade deficit represented 146 billion imports 40 percent jump yearonyear 114 billion exports china logged monthly deficit two occasions since july 2005 earliest month administration customs provides figures online occurred february 2011 march 2010 imports outperformed exports 73 billion 72 billion respectively deficit stoked fears leadership would backtrack letting yuan appreciate friction would increase united states bill intended penalize china currency policies passed senate october experts warned putting much weight figures beginning year lunar new year holiday country comes standstill fall january february skew view taking two months together helps dilute effect cumulative deficit january february year totaled 421 billion compared deficit 890 million period last year two three weeks lunar new year little economic activity said seasonally first two months first quarter distorted see entire first quarter better idea frank song professor director university hong kongs centre china financial research said februarys foray negative necessarily signal china headed trade deficits however others agreed export growth prolonged period deceleration banny lam economist ccb international securities predicted annual growth would slow 5 percent 10 percent next three years compared governments records 20 percent growth last year 31 percent 2010 costs production china rising factories moving cheaper locations meaning country produce export less cost production china become less competititve song said globalpost byebye cheap chinese labor seems troubling exports often thought dominate chinas gdp growth value exports equaled onequarter chinas gdp last year according figures lam provided closer inspection suggests otherwise last year 358 percent chinas foreign trade dedicated processing imports reexporting say trade surplus value exports minus imports provides clearer picture figure made 21 percent gdp last year according lam accounted well 10 percent gdp recent years falling song said exports important growth one reason slower export growth might bad thing population expanding slower pace according recent census chinas population grew average 057 percent per year 2000 2010 half annual rate preceding decade proportion people aged 14 future workforce dropped 629 percent period whats said migrant laborers worked coastal areas always returning preferring stay home supply labor slowing said li hongbin economics professor tsinghua universitys school economics management going forward government continue moving away emphasis headline growth beijing said cutting gdp growth target 75 percent 8 percent goal past seven years 12th fiveyear plan unveiled month focuses encouraging domestic consumption expanding gdp contribution seven priority industries including biotechnology highend equipment manufacturing amongst goals lam said country trying move away original equipment manufacture value chain song said concern instability due job losses 2008 financial crisis exports severely hit structural changes chinas economy meant less concern halting yuan appreciation lam said would unlikely since chinese government wanted promote internationalization li said renminbi almost par market value economic reason speed appreciation globalpost burma open business
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<p>ROME — Pope Benedict XVI’s farewell deprived the media of one of those rare events that rivet coverage across the globe: the solemn majesty of a papal funeral. Presidents and prime ministers seated in pews set a stately tone for the conclave to follow, as the cardinals retreat under tight security to elect the new pope, signaled by the white smoke sent up after burning their ballots.</p>
<p>Benedict’s resignation was visionary, laying a precedent for future popes to exit gracefully in the event of memory loss or diminished capacity. But the papacy is sede vacante&#160;— Latin for a vacant seat. The Vatican has issued a postage stamp emblazoned sede vacante to cash in on the moment. &#160;</p>
<p>For the media, the absence of a funeral means a news vacuum, which is being filled by reports on scandal-tarred cardinals in the abuse crisis, come to vote in the conclave; balkanized infighting of the Roman Curia; and quickening coverage, much of it speculative on the papabile, leading contenders for pope.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The Vatican has accredited 5000 journalists. Satellite trucks abound, and a three-story scaffolding for TV cameras faces St. Peter’s Square. At night, twenty feet away, homeless men sleep in&#160;doorways of gift shops. &#160; &#160; &#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Cardinals are for the most part tight-lipped about their preliminary discussions in meetings, called congregations. After several briefings by American cardinals on the tenor, if not substance of those gatherings, the US delegation halted further press conferences. Information on what the cardinals are doing comes in daily Vatican press briefings that offer little substance. The cardinals have not set the date for the start of the conclave. &#160;</p>
<p>A slow news environment is good for go-to experts, like Jesuit Father Tom Reese, a sociologist widely interviewed in the media. “In 2005 the interviews I gave brought attention to America [the Jesuit magazine] and we landed 1000 new subscribers — that’s $30,000!” he said cheerfully. &#160; &#160;</p>
<p>A major topic of the coverage is how the next pope will deal with the Roman Curia, or Vatican bureaucracy, that has become bitterly balkanized. Reforming the curial operations is a core issue for the cardinals. After the Vatican prosecution of Paolo Gabriele, the papal butler who leaked internal documents to an Italian journalist, Benedict ordered three senior cardinals to determine what went wrong. &#160;</p>
<p>They presented him with a 300-page secret report in December. In one of his last decisions, he ordered that the report be kept confidential for his successor, but allowed the cardinals who wrote it to discuss certain findings internally if their colleagues asked.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>“The Roman Curia has always been a viper’s nest,” author Vittorio Messori, who has written extensively about the papacy, told La Stampa last spring. “However in the past at least it was the most efficient state organization in the world…We seemed to be faced with resentment, rivalry, greed, maliciousness and infidelity.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>“There is a need for Curial offices to be in touch with each other,” Galveston-Houston Cardinal Daniel Dinardo said blandly in response to a question at Tuesday’s briefing: “The Curia is there in service of the Holy Father – that’s an ongoing thing.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The butler was a stalking horse for Curial officials loyal to former Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano against his successor, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, according to an official at a Western embassy here who spoke on background. “The Sodano bloc was exasperated under Bertone for his lack of diplomatic experience,” the official said. “The American cardinals see this as nonsense. They want strong management to rectify things.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Sodano, now Dean of the College of Cardinals, is presiding at meetings before the conclave. But at 85, he is five years too old vote and cannot enter the conclave. Many Vatican officials owe their careers to him, yet Sodano is a walking symbol of scandal. He repeatedly tried to abort a 1998 canon law case against <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/belief/pope-benedict-legion-christ-scandal" type="external">Father Marcial Maciel</a>, founder of the Legion of Christ religion order and a long-accused pedophile. In 2006, Benedict banished Maciel from active ministry.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Sodano helped his nephew, Andrea Sodano a building engineer, with a New York company with a flamboyant Italian CEO, Rafaello Follieri. Sodano nephew was the vice-president. The firm targeted shuttered Catholic parishes in a scam to buy low, sell high. Cardinal Sodano greeted visitors at a 2004 launch party in New York.</p>
<p>Follieri milked investors. In 2006 he pled guilty to fraud and money-laundering charges and served six years in a federal prison. FBI agent Theodore Cacioppi has called Andrea Sodano, “an unindicted co-conspirator” for the $800,000 Follieri sent him in Italy by wire transfer for work that had no value. Follieri publicized the firm's ties to the cardinal, who&#160;was not charged&#160;in the scandal.&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160;</p>
<p>One of the much-discussed papabile, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, is uniquely positioned as an Argentine of pure Italian descent. As prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches, Sandri is a veteran diplomat and Sodano protegé. Whether that association hurts him depends on how other voting cardinals see Sodano — as a force for continuity or stained potentate in his last hurrah. Sandri told Philip Puella of Reuters that the next pope must have “a capacity to carry out all the commitments of the papacy” and “be one who knows how to govern.” &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The media narrative is a striking contrast from John Paul II’s death in April 2005 which drew a million people to Rome. Crowds this year are sparse by comparison. Back then, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger found a forum to dramatize the gravitas that cardinals associate with papabile. As Dean of the College of Cardinals, Ratzinger substituted for a dying John Paul at Good Friday services when he spoke of “filth” creeping into the priesthood, telegraphing his resolve on clergy abuse cases. His eulogy at John Paul’s burial Mass also registered on cardinals who eventually selected him in the conclave.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Yet his own papacy was trailed by the unresolved scandal of clergy abuse, and the failure to oust cardinals who, as Princes of the Church, enjoy a de facto immunity from punishment. Case in point: Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles, now engulfed by reports about his recycling pedophiles based on clergy files released by a court order. Mahony <a href="http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1300952.htm" type="external">told Catholic News Service</a> that no one at the Vatican told him not to attend the conclave. Meanwhile Cardinal Keith O’Brien resigned as archbishop in Scotland amid reports that he made advances on young men. He apologized and will not go to Rome. &#160; &#160;</p>
<p>This conclave is a potential turning point for a church with 1.2 billion members after major shifts in population and regional issues. The pope historically has been a moral statesman on the global stage, an advocate for peace and diplomacy in a war-torn world. “If you want peace, work for justice,” Pope Paul VI memorably said. The papacy has a striking problem of justice in the failure to remove bishops and cardinals complicit in the abuse cases.&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>But&#160;other issues&#160;abound&#160;for the largest organization in the world.&#160;In 1900, two-thirds of Catholics lived in Europe and North America, the rest spread across Latin America, Africa and Asia. Today's population data have reversed. North America and Europe have only about a third of the world’s Catholics, while church attendance plummets. Two-thirds of church members come from Latin America, black Africa, and Asia. Ireland, once the most culturally Catholic of countries, has barren seminaries after a traumatic abuse crisis that stigmatized Cardinal Sean Brady, another papal elector. In contrast, Nigeria’s seminaries are full, the Catholic population surging. The issues in Africa are entrenched poverty and attacks on Christians by Islamic militants.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Italians have roughly a third of the 115 cardinal electors; whether they unite behind one candidate, or scatter their support in a shift toward a new pope from a country the south, is a major question in the run-up.&#160;&#160; &#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The coverage has surreal overtones of a political campaign in which the leading candidates are cautious in interviews, not wanting to seem as if they are campaigning.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>“One cannot recall,” wrote Sandro Magister, religion correspondent of L’espresso newsweekly, “a previous conclave so much in the dark and so vulnerable to external and internal pressure. But it is the ’fourth power,’ that of the media, that is granting no truce to the cardinals called to the conclave.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Magister, who has excellent Curial sources, gave a virtual endorsement in a June column on changing dynamics of the church in saying “the signs are pointing to a single [papal] candidate: Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouelett.”&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>Ouelett has a power base as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, selecting new members for the hierarchy.&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</p>
<p>The long-shot candidate is <a href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/belief/predicting-the-next-pope" type="external">Cardinal Luis Tagle</a> of the Philippines, 56, and invested as a cardinal only in November. He radiated charisma at the reception on his installation at the Apostolic Palace; though he has been praised for pastoral qualities, and has spoken out for justice in the abuse crisis, he has no experience in the Curia. Some cardinals might view that as a hinderance; but if the electors revolt against the Roman&#160;insiders, he could be the choice. That would be an electrifying story — an Obama moment — for the oldest church in Christendom.&#160; GlobalPost religion writer Jason Berry is author of Render unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in the Catholic Church. &#160;</p>
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rome pope benedict xvis farewell deprived media one rare events rivet coverage across globe solemn majesty papal funeral presidents prime ministers seated pews set stately tone conclave follow cardinals retreat tight security elect new pope signaled white smoke sent burning ballots benedicts resignation visionary laying precedent future popes exit gracefully event memory loss diminished capacity papacy sede vacante160 latin vacant seat vatican issued postage stamp emblazoned sede vacante cash moment 160 media absence funeral means news vacuum filled reports scandaltarred cardinals abuse crisis come vote conclave balkanized infighting roman curia quickening coverage much speculative papabile leading contenders pope160160160160160160 vatican accredited 5000 journalists satellite trucks abound threestory scaffolding tv cameras faces st peters square night twenty feet away homeless men sleep in160doorways gift shops 160 160 160160 cardinals part tightlipped preliminary discussions meetings called congregations several briefings american cardinals tenor substance gatherings us delegation halted press conferences information cardinals comes daily vatican press briefings offer little substance cardinals set date start conclave 160 slow news environment good goto experts like jesuit father tom reese sociologist widely interviewed media 2005 interviews gave brought attention america jesuit magazine landed 1000 new subscribers thats 30000 said cheerfully 160 160 major topic coverage next pope deal roman curia vatican bureaucracy become bitterly balkanized reforming curial operations core issue cardinals vatican prosecution paolo gabriele papal butler leaked internal documents italian journalist benedict ordered three senior cardinals determine went wrong 160 presented 300page secret report december one last decisions ordered report kept confidential successor allowed cardinals wrote discuss certain findings internally colleagues asked160160160160160160 roman curia always vipers nest author vittorio messori written extensively papacy told la stampa last spring however past least efficient state organization worldwe seemed faced resentment rivalry greed maliciousness infidelity160160160160160160160160160 need curial offices touch galvestonhouston cardinal daniel dinardo said blandly response question tuesdays briefing curia service holy father thats ongoing thing160160160160160160160160160 butler stalking horse curial officials loyal former secretary state cardinal angelo sodano successor cardinal tarcisio bertone according official western embassy spoke background sodano bloc exasperated bertone lack diplomatic experience official said american cardinals see nonsense want strong management rectify things160160160160160 sodano dean college cardinals presiding meetings conclave 85 five years old vote enter conclave many vatican officials owe careers yet sodano walking symbol scandal repeatedly tried abort 1998 canon law case father marcial maciel founder legion christ religion order longaccused pedophile 2006 benedict banished maciel active ministry160160160160 sodano helped nephew andrea sodano building engineer new york company flamboyant italian ceo rafaello follieri sodano nephew vicepresident firm targeted shuttered catholic parishes scam buy low sell high cardinal sodano greeted visitors 2004 launch party new york follieri milked investors 2006 pled guilty fraud moneylaundering charges served six years federal prison fbi agent theodore cacioppi called andrea sodano unindicted coconspirator 800000 follieri sent italy wire transfer work value follieri publicized firms ties cardinal who160was charged160in scandal160160160 160 one muchdiscussed papabile cardinal leonardo sandri uniquely positioned argentine pure italian descent prefect congregation eastern churches sandri veteran diplomat sodano protegé whether association hurts depends voting cardinals see sodano force continuity stained potentate last hurrah sandri told philip puella reuters next pope must capacity carry commitments papacy one knows govern 160160160160160160160160160 160160160160160160 media narrative striking contrast john paul iis death april 2005 drew million people rome crowds year sparse comparison back cardinal joseph ratzinger found forum dramatize gravitas cardinals associate papabile dean college cardinals ratzinger substituted dying john paul good friday services spoke filth creeping priesthood telegraphing resolve clergy abuse cases eulogy john pauls burial mass also registered cardinals eventually selected conclave160160160160160160160160160160 160160160160 yet papacy trailed unresolved scandal clergy abuse failure oust cardinals princes church enjoy de facto immunity punishment case point cardinal roger mahony los angeles engulfed reports recycling pedophiles based clergy files released court order mahony told catholic news service one vatican told attend conclave meanwhile cardinal keith obrien resigned archbishop scotland amid reports made advances young men apologized go rome 160 160 conclave potential turning point church 12 billion members major shifts population regional issues pope historically moral statesman global stage advocate peace diplomacy wartorn world want peace work justice pope paul vi memorably said papacy striking problem justice failure remove bishops cardinals complicit abuse cases160160160 but160other issues160abound160for largest organization world160in 1900 twothirds catholics lived europe north america rest spread across latin america africa asia todays population data reversed north america europe third worlds catholics church attendance plummets twothirds church members come latin america black africa asia ireland culturally catholic countries barren seminaries traumatic abuse crisis stigmatized cardinal sean brady another papal elector contrast nigerias seminaries full catholic population surging issues africa entrenched poverty attacks christians islamic militants160160160160160160 italians roughly third 115 cardinal electors whether unite behind one candidate scatter support shift toward new pope country south major question runup160160 160160160 coverage surreal overtones political campaign leading candidates cautious interviews wanting seem campaigning160160160160160160160160160 one recall wrote sandro magister religion correspondent lespresso newsweekly previous conclave much dark vulnerable external internal pressure fourth power media granting truce cardinals called conclave160160160160 160160160160160 magister excellent curial sources gave virtual endorsement june column changing dynamics church saying signs pointing single papal candidate canadian cardinal marc ouelett160160160160160 ouelett power base prefect congregation bishops selecting new members hierarchy160160160160160160160 longshot candidate cardinal luis tagle philippines 56 invested cardinal november radiated charisma reception installation apostolic palace though praised pastoral qualities spoken justice abuse crisis experience curia cardinals might view hinderance electors revolt roman160insiders could choice would electrifying story obama moment oldest church christendom160 globalpost religion writer jason berry author render unto rome secret life money catholic church 160
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