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Sam Rao Blog Archives:     2006      2005        2003/2004       

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DEC 26, 2005: CA Text Book Controversy on Distortions on Hinduism in 6th  Grade Textbooks:
A lot has been written and done on the revisit and Edits to Historybooks prescribed to 6th Grade Social Science classes.
  This time getting win of the issues, CA parents, activists and general population gt organized and made sure change were made.

Read deails in my article appering in the Indian Express-North American Edition Here
California Board Education to revise Hindu text in Sociial Sciences ( Pdf)
   One of the beautiful letters- balanced and informative was by Hinduism Today by Sanyasin Arumugaswami
Read Here: Letter to California Board Education  pdf

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DEC 25: Merry Christmas- Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

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DEC 16, 2005:   Congrats IRAQ and PALESTINE on SUCCESSUL ELECTIONS- Free & Democratic
  Iraq held multi party elections for the first time in many, many years.
  One aftermath of the ouster of Iraq 's dictator Saddam Husein was the  holding of Iraq elections this week.
 About 70% people are reported to have voted in the elections- indicating the thirst for a democratic and peaceful Iraq by the Iraqis.

Successful Iraqi elections!

These pictures indicates the Salute to Saddam Hussein and his dictatorship

   OOn the same lines- Palestine held its election- and seems the Islamic party Hamas( erstwhile(??) terror organization)- seems to have swept the local election with 70-80% of the seats in the elections.
  They had swept the Fatah party in the Elections who did manage a few seats.
    While the hailing fo elections and democratic proocess is noteworthy- the onus on the same folks promoting free and fair elections should not interfere in the way the elections and victories turn out!. 
  In this case we have Hamas victorious- even if USA and Israel dont like it. We dont know yet which parties are going to come to power in Iraq- which is going to be formed of multi coalition and fractious/ divided political parties

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DEC 16, 2005: DISSENT IS PATRIOTIC & DEMOCRATIC  !
    As more and more Civil Rights seem eroding away in the USA.  It is Great that a Bi-partisan bunch of Policticans have seen fit to come out openly against the Patriot Act and what they seem to view as transgression and increased erodion of Civill Rights.
    So now the old ploy of the adminstration insinuating that- if you are not with us- you are against us doesnt seem to work anymore!
    The US Senate has voted down the aextension and strengthening of the Patriot Act today (Dec 16, 2005) in a Bi-partisan manner. 
    Att Gen Gonzales, Prez Bush, VP Cheney et al had lobbied hard to gain extension of the Act and further strengthen it.
   In a "timely" manner- NY Times reports that post 9/11 Prez Bush signed documents allowing Domestic Intelligence and spying! (Article details below)
    It seems Prez Bush signed a secretive and classified order- which alloewed agencies to spy on International calls, and thousands of emails as well.
   This revelation and others led more and more people to dilute the Patriot act- in a Bi-partisan manner-especially since the implementation is the problem - with obviious Civil rights abuse occuring because of omission and also with some commission!

 The New York Times -December 16, 2005 Bush Lets U.S. Spy on Callers Without Courts  By JAMES RISEN and ERIC LICHTBLAU

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Dec 16, 2005: Props to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi D- SF
Heres what she had to say today-
Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said yesterday that Democrats should not seek a unified position on an exit strategy in Iraq, calling the war a matter of individual conscience and saying differing positions within the caucus are a source of strength for the party.
   Pelosi said Democrats will produce an issue agenda for the 2006 elections but it will not include a position on Iraq. There is consensus within the party that President Bush has mismanaged the war and that a new course is needed, but House Democrats should be free to take individual positions, she sad.
     "There is no one Democratic voice . . . and there is no one Democratic position," Pelosi said in an interview with Washington Post reporters and editors.
Thanks Nancy for articulating something which needs to be said by a Leader.

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Good for Nancy pelosi- Trouble for the Democrats!
    However, in the bigger scheme of things- this IS the problem for Democrats as well.
   Will the REAL Democratci Party Please Stand up? (paraphrase emenem)
in the past with the VERY WIDE SPECTRUM of positions of the Democtaric Party- Voters were left wondering if Demos were their pArty of Not!
   Being twistedby te GoP's campaigns and assault of positions- the Democtrats ran scared and hence could nvveer articulate a frim position.
   The Challenge upcoming is to Define the REAL Democratic Party in time for the Electioneering- Howard Dean has his work cut out for him!

Pelosi Hails Democrats' Diverse War Stances
By Dan Balz   Washington Post Staff Writer   Friday, December 16, 2005; Page A23!

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DEC 11, 2005: Nobel Peace Prize to IAEA and Director El Baradei
Congrats- Welcome News Indeed! Peace Efforts are always good and Deserving candidates have been rewarded!
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2005 to be shared, in two equal parts, between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei

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Dec 11, 2005: Where Has all the US Leadership Gone? Where are the US Ideals of Constitution, Civil Rights and Democracy and Fairness Gone?
With increasing Discomfort to the many, many good, decent minde folks on both sides of the aisle and all over the room  :-0-  The US Admin is increasingly living up to the suspicions- which were aired on VP Dick Cheney and his cronies coming to power- the remanants of Prez Regan's adminstration who took over Prez Bush Jr. admin.
    Now we hear admissions of circumventing Civil rights- Secret Prisons- Ghost prisioners- Torture- including a lukewarm defence of Torture on 'Suspected" criminals and terrorists- Secret Prisons- convieniently in soils other than USA to circumvent US Legal system...
     Enough has been said and revealed about inocent detainees- released without charge- including  a couple of hundred Old men and children released from Guantanamo itself 2004-2005-- " as no threat anymore"!
  Releated stories of Army Chaplin Lee and couple others railroaded and smeared on Espionage charges! and so on... and increasing  epiosdes and no backing down of such policies ...and that is scary.

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     Most recently, reports of the Pentagon actively spying on Domestic entities and people- using the notorious "Patriot Act' and other secretive rulings- including legal" denial of attorney privilges etc  as the case could be based on "Secretive" and Classified evidence"! Harking back to 'Big Brother is Watching!"
    Now More and more is also coming through about the war in Afghanistan and Iraq- in which the proud US Armed forces are increasingly getting frustrated by the policy and ground reality!.
    Now revelations that the State Dept has been stooping to paying contracters and media outlets several thousands of Dollars to plant Editorials, News stories and spins of the war- without proper accounting!
  None ofthe media seem to be connecting the same State Dept folks- who were earlier exposed earlier in paying Black Commentator Armstrong- who was paid to "promote" Pres Bush's  'No Child Left Behind' political campaign and otherConservative agenda!
   Now Sec Condi Rice is on a World Wide Road trip and has to face the music and lie- without really fooling anyone.
And Here comes Sec Rumsfeld back into the open- conducting press conferences only the way he can- spinning and the media lapping it up!  MAkes one wonder how many more Armstrongs are there in the Editiorial departments and Commentators!!

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  The country Poland- which is supposedly one of the main EU countries hosting Secret Priosns- recently demanded Millions of Dollar to continue the War in Iraq as an Ally......and also persumeably to keep the existance of Secret Prisons- secret indeed!
  Always thought "Embeded Repoters" in a War sounded suspiciously like "In Bed (with)" Reporters! (~  Sam Rao)

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DEC 10, 2005: INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY!
Something to Celebrate about including the fight to self determination and Rights all over the World

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LAST WORD:  The International RED CROSS has revealed a new Symbol to allow ISRAEL Red Cross into the Red Cross fold.  The symbol is a CRYSTAL

This is to take care of sensitivities of the Jewish Community- which would be "sensitive" to the Red Cross and Red Crescent- whcih are currently used by Red Cross International.      Any takes for the  sensitivity of 1 Biillion + HINDUS  in India and neighboring countries??  and Other Religions - non Judaic as well!!

    It is indeed a neat thing that Hinduism is more of a Way of Life (Sanatan Dharma) than a Organized religion with  Preaching and conversion as their first prioroty- a la Islam and Christianity!

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DEC 2, 2005: IRAN -RUSSIA to SIGN $1 Billion DEFENSE DEAL
In what brings back memories of India-USSR deal 1970's- when India was feeling increasingly isloated from USA. Esp when Nixon/Kissenger combine dictated support to the Military dictatorship of Pakistan and the Government of India- under Indira Gandhi was more of a "Socialist" bent- reports are afoot about Russia-Iran defense deal for SAMs and other military hardware.
     This has transpired due to a variety of global engineering in the mid east as well as foreign policy pronouncements by the current US admin- of the "Axis of Evil" etc and of course war of words by the Mullah dominated Irani leadership.
  Obviously, Arms race and confrontational approach will serve only a few in the Military Industry complex- especially if current US admin ignores the majority (now) of younger aged population of Iran- who are known to be pro-democracy and forward looking.
    So it loks like another war scenario will be resultant in the mid East- and in time for the US elections of Nov 2006. As usual in all this the civilian population of Iran will have no say and will face the brunt of consequences- be it war; UN embargo and/or Sanctions etc.

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http://in.news.yahoo.com/051202/137/61c4p.html
Friday December 2, 08:22 PM - Reuters
Iran and Russia sign $1 bln defence deal  By Meg Clothier
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia plans to sell more than $1 billion worth of tactical surface-to-air missiles and other defence hardware to Iran, media reported on Friday.
     Moscow is already at odds with the West over its nuclear ties with Tehran but has sought to use its warm relations with Iran to be recognised as a key mediator between the West and the Islamic Republic.
    The Vedomosti business daily cited military sources as saying Iran would buy 29 TOR-M1 systems designed to bring down aircraft and guided missiles at low altitudes.
   The paper, calling it the biggest sale of Russian defence hardware to Iran for about five years, said Moscow and Tehran had already signed the contract.
     Interfax news agency separately quoted a source as saying the deal, which would also include modernising Iran's air force and supplying some patrol boats, was worth more than $1 billion.
    The move, likely to irritate Israel and the United States, could strain Moscow's efforts to broker a deal between Iran and European negotiators aimed at breaking a deadlock over Tehran's nuclear programme.
     Israel in particular is nervous about Iran's military potential after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in October that Israel should be "wiped off the map" -- comments condemned by Russia at the time.
    Russia's Defence Ministry declined to comment on the deal. Officials at state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Russia's state defence supplier, were not available for comment.
      Western countries suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian atomic programme, which Tehran denies, saying it wants only to generate electricity.
     Russia has helped Iran build its first nuclear reactor and is preparing to launch it next year. Some in the West fear that Iran could use Russian know-how to make sensitive weapons.
     The defence industry source told Interfax there were no international restrictions on selling weapons to Iran.
    "Moreover, practically all the weapons that Russia is delivering to Iran in the coming years are defensive rather than offensive in character," the source said.
    One Western diplomat who closely watches Russia-Iran dealings said news of the deal was alarming and would further increase tensions.
    "Russia has long positioned itself as a major peace broker between Iran and the West -- and all of a sudden they are throwing this bombshell. It just does not make any sense," said the diplomat, who asked to remain anonymous.
(Additional reporting by Maria Golovnina)

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DEC 1: WORLD AIDS DAY

A major Epidemic which can devastate countries adn Economies without any War being fought.  About 40 Million people are infecetd with HIV/AIDS according to UN.
  People are finally waking up to the fact that AIDS is no longer a homosexual-only disease.  While countries Like South Africa, India , China have large populations already infected (probably a lot more than announced by the Government Health Organizations)- all are waking up to the Fight against AIDS.
   The Governments while protective of the social sructure and morale etc- should still be pragmatic and proactive in theis global fight.
There is also an element of local culture and society to take into account. For example while in USa and EU - drug use and dirty needles are one primay reason for HIV infection spreading- this is a small percentage in Indian, China and Africa- mainly because such drugs are not as freely available nor drugs of choise and so on.
  Just as in the Bird flu- which seems to be travelling everywhee- AIDS virus knows no boundaries- only Prevention- Education and availablity of medicine cn help contain this pandemic.
  Already we see disagreements on the type of drugs to be adminstered- especially with corrupt health Officials involved.  We also see the major AIDS Drug manufacturerers- still price Gouging and also preventing low cost drungs from other generic drug manufactureres from going to Third World Countries.
   Hope better senses prevail and folks with International Appeal like Prez Bill Clinton and others including current leaders in power like Prez Bush, EU representatives, take the lead to lead a GLOBAL WAR Against AIDS/HIV.

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DEC 1, 2005:  WINTER OLYMPICS 2006- Turin Italy releases Medal Design
The Golden Doughunut- supposed to represent the  Olympic Rings and also The  Famous Pizza of Turin , Italy was revealed.
    

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NOV 27, 2005:  Indian Baloonist Singhania sets World Hot Air Balloon record @ 69,852 feet in Mumbai

Mumbai Businessman Vijaypat Singhania became the first man to fly at 69,852 feet above sea level in a hot air balloon, thereby breaking the world record of 64,997 feet, set by Per Lindstrand, in June 1988, in Texas
  He set off for his World record attempt from the Mahalaxmi race course in Mumbai in Sat. Nov 26, 2005

The 80 ton capacity balloon, called Envelope and designed by Don Cameron, is around 160 feet high (approximately equivalent to the height of a 22-storey high building). It is made of 67,250 square feet of specially made light nylon, allowing it to gain altitude without much difficulty. 
Hurray Singhania! More Power to you!!!

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NOV 24, 2005:  ABC News Anchor- NIGHTLINE TED KOPPEL RETIRES
The Classy program- anchored by Ted Koppell for 25 years- was a nightly fixture for most Americans- till the advent of Cable TV.
    I still remember making it a regular nightly MUST SEE TV program- along with The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and later David Letterman (from Chicago)- (Could still never figure our What Letterman does and why its considered hilarious- though always good for chuckles)

   Many of us learnt to dress formally from Johhny Carson and Ted Koppell!!
   Thanks for the memories and the Updates and the incisive news - all before the barrage of the Cable Channels- CNN, FOX etc
  BTW- Always thought Ted Koppell was the splitting image of ALFRED E. NEUMAN- a Celebrity in his own right- Some one else I grew up with in Mumbai. (This is a Compliment to Ted :-) )

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WHITE PHOSPHUR Use on Civilians and Denials by US Sate Dept:
 In what again looks like again a violent overreaction from an beleaguered armed forces on the ground- with no tangible end in sight- the US Armed Forces used CHEMICAL WEAPONS of WHite Phosophor on Combatants and Civilians in the fight over Fallaujah in Iraq.
   What is to be noted that White Phosphor is a chemical designed to brightly illuminate (burn) for followup shooting.
  This Chemical is when in contact with flesh- burns right through the bone- no stopping.
 This White Phosphor chemical was used in the fight in Fallaujah- both as an incendiary and as a a weapon- often against civilians.  Especially as you remember the Iraqi insurgents had holed up in Civilian area for a last ditch battle.
   While officially White Phoshphor is not on the banned list of Chemical weapons- EVERY Sane person knows that this is a Horrendous weapon involving chemiclas against living beings.
  Now to compound the issue further- denials and then retractions and half-assed defense of the use of White Phosphor - all the way to the top- only reinforces that people in the Know - KNEW THIS WAS ILLEGAL AND INHUMANE- but persisted anyway.

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Speaking of Leaders- Washington Post is Calling V.P Dick Chceney- the V.P of Torture.    VP Cheney says- "Its reprehensible that anyone would suggest that Prez Bush knowingly and deliberately pulled USA into War with Iraq"..
......Ummm not him- but most people suspect that YOU did.....
     Especially with you lobbying to protect CIA and Special tasks from the Torture Tribunal  and Your Chief Aide (Libby)  revealing the name of a CIA operative (Palme) just because her Husband was not agreeing with you.. and so on.... No more Third term for you! No Presidetship for You- just like The Soup Nazi on Jerry Sienfeld said o the TV Show.

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NOV 11, 2005: BEIJING OLYMPICS 2006 MASCOTS Unveiled
 With 1000 days left gfor the Start of the Beijing (China) Olympics, the IOC approved the Chinese submission of 5 (count Five) mascots.
   The Olympics  Mascot animals were introduced as Bei Bei (Fish), Jing Jing (Panda), Huan Huan( Flame), Ying Ying (Antelope) and Ni Ni (Swallow) — which, put together, translates to "Beijing welcomes you!". Images released only ONE hour ago!!!
Its the Most any Olympics had in 30 years. The  Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics had 3 mascots
  It neat that a symbol  of Cooperation and Togetherness is coming up in Olympic games 2008.  Its been decided Koreas (South and North) will field a joint team- On-field cooperation between Athletes and Countries will be expected and great.  Eevry small step counts towards Peace and Harmony.
      However, its too bad its in Chine where actively Tibeteans are being ethnically cleansed and mainland Chinese are replacing Tibeteans in their own country.

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Nov 10, 2005: Blog Wars in France
 Reports are surfacing that Blogs have been used to report on the rioting- including messages of Hate, Violence and Coordination of rioting in various places of France.
    This is a new facet of media and communication- with Blogs, SMS text messaging or course email and cell phones being used to coordinate information (and  supposedly attacks).
     Several Kids/youth are under investigation in France for "Fueling" the riots (pun intended) and basically publishing 'inflamatory' (pun intended) material on Blogs etc.
    This is the epitome of Technology being used for Bad purposes.  Blogs- while they are medium for self expression and disemmenation of information- now gets used for Violence, Evil purposes. Shame
   On the other hand- self expression via Blogs- whether from Iraq (remember bloggers during Saddams's regime and the War afterward or the Blogs from China etc)- DO SERVE A PURPOSE.
   I guess Blogs etc would fall under the same laws/ scrutiny like any registered media - altho' free speech advocates and Lawyers can have a heyday with this!.
   In all this, analysis of the Blogs and messages will probably reveal an deep insight to the Angst of the Disenfranchised Frech youth- mostly Muslim- and their Call out "Loudly" for attention...Although civil society should NOT any violence and destruction and attacks on Law enforcement tolerate.
  Interestingly, While the PM & President of France have accepted the institutional discrimination and have promised to address this issue- the debates goning on to do so HAVE NO YOUTH REPRESENTATION in their talks.
  On a different note- this violent civil unrest and aftermath will definitly help divisive forces on either side ie The Fascist  and Jingositic Party of   and also the Islamic Jihadi Forces in Europe.  What a Shame.

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JOKE heard on Late Night TV-USA( John Stewart): How long Before the French Surrender (as in WWII)?... Oh wait a minute both sides are French

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Nov 10, 2005: Former President of India-Mr Narayanan dies at age 85:
Mr Narayanan, was the first Dalit, or Untouchable, to serve as president, holding the post from 1997-2002. RIP.
  Just for the record, INDIA has seen a Woman Prime Minster (Indira Gandhi) and Several Minority Pressients in her short history of only 58 years.
  Currently, The Prime Minster Dr. ManMohan Singh is a Sikh (Minority) and the President is  Dr. Abdul Kalam  is a Muslim (Minority) is a Country which is 82% Hindu.
     Speaks volumes of  the Tolerant Hindu Culture and Heritage of  the peoples of ancient Civilization of India- one of the MOSt diverse Societies-where even minorities for the most part imbibe the ancient Hindu Heritage and Culture.

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Nov 10, 2005: British PM Tony Blair loses Crucial Vote on Imprisioning Terror "Suspects" without Trial:
  In what was seen as a watershed for Tony Blair popularity and  an guage of his Electability next year as PM- Seevral members of his own Labor party voted against Mr Blair to defeat a law aimed at changing laws which would allw jailing without charge of terrorsuspects for 90 days.  Wonder where He got this idea!!!
  Atually Blair need not worry- he can always get asylum in USa. He is probably quite comfortable here and maybe the Bushes will evn allow him to roam freely at their Texas ranch with his pets Barney, Spot and  Willie.

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Nov 8, 2005: Pentagon Issues New directive on Torture of Detainees
  In the latest saga- the Pentagon has banned the use of dogs to intimidate and harass detainees and suspects and taht all detainees be treated 'humanely".
     The interesting observation on this terse statement is that:
- Most Americans and World believed that this should be the case ALL ALONG anyway- esp. as America is  supposed to be beacon for the unspoken individual and a bastion of Civil rights (for the most part)
 What shuld NOT BE MISSED is that:
- These were "SUSPECTS"- meaning not chaarrrgeeeed- convicted or proven Terrorists esp in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan etc- where it was very clear that many, many Susupcets were "turned in as Taliban and terrorists- just to Collect the ReWARD Money and to settle OLd neighborhood scors nd inter Tribal rivalry. ( This was seen in release of 600 priosners from Guantanomo bay esp 70 yrs + Old mena nd Young pre teen age kids as "Suspects')!!
   -NOTE:This is a tacit acknowledgement of widespread abuse in Handboook training.
- More omniously- these practices were condoned by top Brass in Armed Forces and Administration and even defended!!
 - And as Omnious is the fact that The Adminstration people are suposedly Educated- cognizant of Fundamental prinicples of what America stands for-  these folks are the ones to be afraid of.
  They have All the Benefits of Good Education; Power in Hand and a history nd Knowledge of Carrying on the Torch of Civil rights and Freedom and Good Being- and Still continue to Abuse and perpererate Abuse.
  While No One in The Sane World believes that convicted terrorists should be dealt with Kid Gloves or Leniently- theis type of OVEr reaction demonstrates a Clear lack of Planning or Intelligence (pun intended) to Fight the War on Terror

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Nov 8, 2005: Paris Burns While France  wrings its hands:
  The riots and violence in Paris/France should be dealt with firmly.
  However-  violence begets violence and France needs to wakeup and address the inherent problems in their Scoiety. This is also a Wakeup call to EU.
  The mostly Muslim Youth who are burning their OWN neighborhoods- Shcools, Gyms etc are actually 2nd and 3rd generation French citizens.
    The racist element in France have also been exposed- with these folks clearly not accepted as part of the French/ European Society.
   With France especially going thru' an econiomic slump- the poor are the ones to suffer more and especially marginalized communities.
  While many, many folks predicted such an Implosion- including indicators by rise in racist politicians and groundswell of support by Euro Centric French And EU residents- France DID NOTHING to address this Socio-Economic problems.
   Now with 2000+ cars and property torched and millions Dollars in damages- One can seee how the Police will be expected to react strongly- with an over reaction easily expected.
  Of Course the Muslim Jihadis will take full advantage of the situation for recruitment and indoctrination.  What a shame!)

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Nov  7, 2005: Nobel Prize Winner El BARADEi of Egypt  VS Condi Rice.
       Listening at length to  Dr. El Baradei of the UN Watchdog group IAEA who was on C-SPAN today on a talk on Non Proliferation.  (El Baradei along with Dr Hans Blix had analyzed the data and intelligence reports on the ground and were vehemently opposed to the War on Iraq.)
  If one remembers the smear campaigan and ignoring of these brilliant and honest people- one can see the extent to which the WHOLE  APPARATUS of the US adminstration and Government was involved and implicit in perpertrating a lie to process the war.

El Baradei Condi Rice (Right)

   El Bardei is Brilliant. His answers, breadth of knoweldge and refreshing clear, incisive answers speaks of a Great mind; A Honest Mind and A Nobel mind at that ( pun intended :-0)
  Compare to Condi Rice- Brilliant, Articulate, Incisive, Clear (when it suits), Strident (when it suits)..... and I will leave it at that

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Today is also the 60th anniversary of the Call by Prez Truman for Non proliferation of Nuclear Arms

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Nov 7, 2005: Cheney Opposed to Reforms on Torture Bill:   Increasing isolated (& exposed) VP Cheney is still frantically lobbying to limit the limits on Torture "allowed" by the US Army - to at least exclude the CIA special cells and techniques.
  Currently Att.Gen Gonzales and some others involved like Rove etc are in the Torture camp
   Sen John MAcCain and seems even Condi Rice are opposed ( Where are you Don Rumsfeld??)
  VP Cheneys's bid is to "allow" the Ghost Prisoners and the continuing of the "Off the record" 'Black Jails'- which was recently revealed to be in opertaion in Third pary countries- and run entirely by Special Task force and Clandestine portion of the War against Terrorism.
   Reports have been around of prisoners held with out record in Afghanistan Jordan, Pakistan and now revealed in Thailand, Easten Europe (Poland, Romania) etc.
    What has the current Admisntration brought USA to? USA always was looked upon as  a beacon of Hope and Human Rights for the individual- even little folks without connections. While in reality- blemishes were expected- one didnot imagine  active and intentional violation of basic human rights by people in the know and in power.
       Even more sinister is the VP Cheney has been around in power since the Ronald Reagan adminstration of 1980's !
   Even Condi Rice and Asst Sec Defence are opposed to VP Cheneys stance- as this plays out in Senate and House.
  John McCain- himself a POW in Vietnam- who and his fellow soldiers were mistreated in Vietnam is Championing the Bill for full inquiry and a STOP to the Torture by US personnel.
       All this is another black eye to the Credibility and Believeability and Honor of the USA. How can one oppose any such Extra Judicial antics by China or other Totalitarian regimes? When USA cannot clean up its own act and in fact possibly VOTES FOR continuation of such tactics?
    Already USA credibility has eroded considerable with the exposure of NOn WMD and the Lies that went to justify the War on Iraq.  
  Domestically- even institutions like CIA etc have their morale shaken with the exposure of "revenge tactics' in exposing CIA Operatives by Karl Rove and Scooter Libby- Advisers and Aides to VP Cheney- apart from the "shake up" institude by Peter Goss recently!.
    What a shame. Hopefully the values and basic tenets of Democraty, Decency and Leadership come to the forefront. And  We get the mess cleaned up with people taking responsibility and Change for the better.

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NOV 4, 2005: LATEST ABC/Washington Post Polls on' Pres Bush-Adminstration DEVASTATING!
The Latest Nov 4, 2005 Washington Post-ABC News poll shows the following on Bush, Administration and current Economy (Link below)
  While the Handwriting MAY be on the Wall-Ever Wonder What Cheney and Gang ARE CAPABLE of  in order to retain power- Remember hey DID go to war with Iraq on a lie and forged documents- costing Billions of Dollars and 1000's of  Deaths and Damage!
BUSH APPROVAL:
39 % approve of the job he is doing as president, while 60 %  DISapprove of his performance in office -- the highest level of disapproval ever recorded for Bush in Post-ABC polls.
--58 % DDDOOOUBT Bush shares their values
 47 % - said Bush is a strong leader, &p;ammp;<;&<(For the first time since he took office, fewer than half )
-Overrrrr 66555% say Bush does not understand the problems of people like them, a 10 %age point increase since January.
TERROR WAR: Handling of terrorism (regarded as the key to his winning a second term last year.)
 Approval rate 48 % approval (NOW)  vs 61 % second inauguration vs  66 % in 2004
 Disapproval on  U.S. campaign against terrorism:
 51 % disapproval.
68 % -- believe the country is seriously off course, while only 30 % are optimistic, the lowest level in more than nine years.
ECONOMY Management:
Disapproval 60 % for the first time in his presidency.
6 in 10 are critical of the way Bush is dealing with health care -- a double-digit increase since March.
ECONOMY: Just 35 % either excellent or good,
 65 % describing Economy as not so good or poor.
29 % of those surveyed said they regard the economy as poor, the highest recorded during Bush's presidency.
OFFICE PERFORMANCE:
 47 % said they strongly disapprove of the way he was performing in office (compared with 35 % who expressed strong disapproval in January.)
People who strongly approve of his performance has fallen from 33 % last January to 20 % today.

BUSH PERSONALLY: (after The CIA leak case)
HONESTY :40 % now view him as honest and trustworthy ( a 13 %age point drop in the past 18 months.)
58 % -- said they have doubts about Bush's honesty,
(the first time in his presidency that more than half the country has questioned his personal integrity.)
-Only 3 in 10 express high levels of connnnnfiidddence in Bush, while half say they have little or no confidence in this administration.
ETHICS In ADMINSTRATION:
67 % rate the administration negatively on handling ethical matters
43 % -- say the level of ethics and honesty in the federal government has fallen during Bush's presidency, while 17 % say it has risen (WHO Are THESE PEOPLE!??
52 % say the charges against Libby show Ethics problems
About 6 in 10 say Rove should resign.
POLITICAL PARTIES:
78 % -- of Republicans support the president, while just 11 % of Democrats rate him positively.
Among independents, , 33 % of independents approved of his performance, while 66 % disapproved.
(In January, independents were evenly divided, with 49 % approving and an equal %age disapproving.)
 IRAQ:
Iraq Nearly two-thirds disapprove of the way Bush is handling the situation there, while barely a third approve, a new low.
-Six innn 1110 now believe the United States was wrong to invade Iraq, a seven-point increase in just over two months, with almost half the country saying they strongly believe it was wrong.
-Abouuuuut 333 in 4 -- 73 % -- say there have been an unacceptable level of casualties in Iraq.
More than half -- 52 % -- say the war with Iraq has not contributed to the long-term security of the United States.
-52 %%%%% ----- says the United States should keep its military forces in Iraq until civil order is restored, and only about 1 in 5 -- 18 % -- say the United States should withdraw its forces immediately.
-55 %%%%% ----- said the United States is not making significant progress toward stabilizing the country.
-55 %%%%% ----- now says the administration deliberately misled the country in making its case for war with Iraq -- a conflict that an even larger majority say is not worth the cost.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/
content/article/2005/11/03/AR2005110301685_2.html

Washingtonpost.com: Bush's Popularity Reaches New Low: 58 % in Poll Question His Integrity
By Richard Morin and Dan Balz -Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, November 4, 2005; A01  w/Claudia Deane

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LAST WORD: While This Survey is an indiactor and definitely points to the mood of the people. The Democrats HAVE to come up with a credible CANDIDATE and a CLEAR Platform!.
  Else they are no better- After All many in Senate and Congress DIDI GO ALONG with plans of the plans of current adminstration- Did they not!
  Also for the more fearful folks- If teh current Adminstration is Capable of Lying AND Going to War with 1000's killed, Maimed and injured both US Soldiers, Coalition Trops, Civilians Iraqis Women, Children, Men- What WILL/CAN THEY DO TO RETAIN POWER??.. Scary

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 HAPPY NEW YEAR !!HAPPY DIWALI
HAPPYDEEPAWALI

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OCT 31: The Aftermath of JUDY MILLER of NY Times 85-day incareration and Scooter Libby- Spl Aide to VP Dick C heney has hallmarks of a Soap Opera.
  Media manipulation focuses on individuual saga and struggle- missing the main point(s) of plunging two nations into war and by virtue of the ONLY Superpower US being involved- Drastically affecting the WHole World!
    The Bush Jr Adminsitration with Condi Rice; Colin Powell; Paul Wolfowitz; Donald Rumsfeld (Hello- Where are you??); VP Dick Cheney and Prez Bush- who hammered home the case for WMD and pushed allies into war and already 10000's have been killed and Life displaced all over the world.
  While 'Good Soldier' Colin Powel resigned and has to live with Pitching a Lie to the UN as a Front Man for War on Iraq and WMD.....BUT rest are still very much there and wonder how one can face their consience and also expect credibility for their utterances and pronouncements?
- Where is Journalist Bob Novak a- who is the a%%% who actually Wouted the CIA operative and gave up a secret??
  He was not even prosecuted and attention is on Judith Miller and Tme Matthews.  Strange!

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OCT 31: Spare a Thought for ALL PEOPLE KILLED IN WAR AND By TERROR- Innocents-Women, Children
 As US declares that 2,000 US personell have died in the recent war in Iraq- OCt 27, 2005;  I wait for ANYONE LwAwmakers, Media, People in general to add one more thought; one more line to their statement (emphatci) and spare a tear for the 1000's Iraqis killed as well.
  I am talking about the INNOCENT Civilians- Women, Children, Men- people WHO HAD NOTHING To do with Polictics which lead to the War.  These are  people ALREADY Burdened with Saddam Hussain and his Regime.
   Why should it be difficult to shed a tear for the innocent dead in Iraq ALONGSIDE the US Soldiers who sacrificed their lives.  Afterall, THEY ARE one reason US has gone in Iraq- To save them from Saddam's tyranny isnt it??
    Its not a sport where we count numbers of dead- Its 1000's of Families affected- its 1000's families Injured...
   War  is Not a Game  Its a Shame! ( ~ Sam Rao)

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OCT 24: Pakistan to get delivery of 80 US Fighter planes F-16
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=57052
EXPRESS INDIA C RAJA MOHAN
Turbulence ahead: Pak F-16s next week
Posted online: Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 0444 hours IST

Question is Why does Pakistan NEED F-16's? When they cant even manage direct Aid to the EQ victims in their own country!
-Pakistanis have played a master game att PPRRRRR and Geopolitics
even with nothing in hand and TOTAL exposure to the Taliban/Afghan/Terror episodes, Pakis were able to more than salvage their failed nation state- almost maintain their geo strategic role with USA etc. They have made it a point to plant the phrase "A close US ally" in every mention in the media.
-&ammp;ggt;Eveeeeen with Madrasas churning out brainwashed young minds, Al Q routinely being caught in Karachi, Islamabad etc and even murderers of Daniel Pearl, US Embassy employees etc to name a few- USA continues to reward Pakistan without ANY REAL SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE or MOVEMENT TOWARDS Democracy, Human Rights and an End to Terror Fodder.
   In all this the Govt of India and the NRi lpopulation and fair minded people of the world could do nothing.  This delivery of F-16 - 80# (almost three times what was initially promised to Pakistan is a case in point!)
  This isssue is another case in point of the toothless clout of India with USA and particularly of NRI Indian lobby. Also, there seems to be no strategy from India POV at all. Only the ones which suit convienience of the Arms industry and the furtherance of US Geo-Political aspirations. No alligienace to Democracy- Peace growth or reforming Terror nations etc
    While Lobbyists and people toe-ing the GoI line can always put a "spin" to this issue saying:  "India has gained a lot more "behind the doors' etc- A look at the last 5 years alone will tell you...
-&ammp;ggt;Theeeee econimic advantage to USA(due to rise of India)esp. the mega corporations has dictated the coziness of USA-India relations.
-The USA person on the street has not really changes any perception of USA except possible rise in resentment due to outsourcing etc!
  In all this the India lobby has done precious little to engage properly US Govt, Think tanks, Lawmakers etc 
    Apart from taking pictures with Celebrities incl politicians and announcing to the world that one is invited to prestigious invite only parties and self promotion- very few NRI's with access and wherewithal to influence Law makers and Think tanks etc have really done much.
-Take  look at Indian folks routineellly iiinvited to such parties and even some luminaries in the DNC and GoP (few)- rarely have they helped an Indian-American get a job in the offices of the Politicos they fund.
   And at tha,  most politicos who gather Millions from Indian community have NOT hired any Indian-American youth at all either
   How can one even get a balanced view and lobby style perspective of Democratic India  to the law makers?
    BTW- Lobbying is a totally accepted practice in US Politics and while the Indian-American community seems more content with Film Star shows- at least people with an in the arena of US-Indian relations should be doing a much better and clever  job of engaging and influencing US Policy towards Fellow Democracies vs Islamic Dictatorships

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OCt 17: What A Shame- Pakistan Leadership -had a great opportunity & lost it- at the cost of 100's of lives!
Pakistan Leadership had a nature delivered opportunity to set things right- by ACCEPTING the hand of Friendship by Indian peoples AND the Government- during the present EQ crisis. INSTEAD THEY FAILED
 In a strange and uncompromising manner-Pakistan Military rulers refused major help to deal with the victims of PO KaShmir in the Earthquake.
   In all this 1000''s of kids and families will suffer and die- due to the unbending of Paksitani (military) Leadership.
   For a neighbouring country like India which much better infra structure and proven capabiklity in daling with large scale relief operations- to be NOT ENGAGED in the EQ devastated area of Kashmir is unconsionable and criminal- and responsibility lies with Pakistani Military rulers.
   This portends were poorly for the PEACE process between Indian and Pakistan- simply because this attitude CELARLY DEMONSTRATES the uwillingness of the Pakistani top brass to accomodate, co-exist and lie in peace with India- even at the cost of reported 50,000 deaths and climbing!
  The people in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Kashmiris in general have no doubt realized that They all are being USED by Paksitan Military leadership.

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  Simple Question- WHEN ELSE SHOULD A COUNTRY"S LEADERSHIP "REACT QUICKLY" OTHER THAN TO SAVE 1000's of their population from Sufering and Death?
   Especially when people and Equipment - which would SAVE LIVES- are Awaiting for clearance- just a "Stones thorm away"- pun intended!!
  What a shame- Indian helicopters were not allowed to fly immediately- as this area is defined "sensitive". This tells all and the tacit admission by Pakistan Military about the continued presence and support of the Islami Jihadi terrorists residing in camps in POK across te Line of Control. 
   The Paksitani Military should realize that satellite imaging must have captured every inch already for decades! I wont be surprised if Google even can show this for world wide access.
  What a shame that the Islamic Terror mongers like LET, HUM are allowed to score points with the locals and mingle freely, while nothing is done for the locals by the government!.
     In all this people in India and elsewhere and Indians in USa are hodling fundraisers without any holding back. Even Hindu groups In India USA are holding fundraisers - as are scores of other people.
  This is what could have been done an increased people to people conncection- initiated by Pakistan- and they failed. AND GOT EXPOSED in the process.

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OCT 12: Earthquake in Jammu & Kashmir:
In the midst of all the suffering, it is heartening to see more outpouring of help and support from across the globe.  At least such unfortunate circumstances DO bring out the PEOPLE-To PEOPLE connection which is sorely missing and very much needed for peace  in the world.
  The area affected straddles a tense border region and Mother Nature definitely DIDNOT discriminate or follow MAN MADE boundaries.
   In a strange way, this event has further brought home the fact of the CONECTEDNESS of peoples living across an artificial border. In this case,  probably even more so than  even cases like Palestine/ Israel;  especially since most of the regions people ALSO share the same ancient culture and ties and also more recent religion.
  In any case, a suffering EQ victim could care less of the politics, drama and intrigue for who claims the land -especially when their immediate need if survival, staving hunger and the cold harsh winter of the Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir.
  Of course people will speculate on the nature of the EQ and "Divine intervention" of the EQ affecting the region which has been a hot bed for Islamic Jihadi terrorism and a "Possible" hideout for Al Qaieda Osa ma Bin Laden etc  but before we start talking about Divine intervention- remember the recent Hurricane in North America, Mudslides in South America, Tsunami in Asia and so on. Motehr nature does not discriminate However Man has definitely Helped the fury by Deforestation, indiscriminate mining;Nuclear testing; Poor Response etc
    In all this a news item (details below) caught my eye and also a follow up which said the Terrorist militants have actually "suspended" their operation and Even been able to score with the locals by providing help on the ground- as they are an "army" already on the ground severely affected by the EQ viz their staging area in "Pakistan occupied" Kashmir awaiting for terror excursions into the "Indian-side" Kashmir.
  Of course one also hears of Government of  Pakistan rejecting Helicopters from India due to "sensitivity" of the area- which is understandable from Foreign policy and national security of Pakistan but one wonders the dozens of lives which could have been saved if the neighbors kept their old enimity ad differences aside and worke d puerly on Humanitarian issues- at least for this crisis!.
 NEWS ITEM: Another casualty: Terror camps in Pak, PoK hit
Press Trust of India New Delhi, October 10, 2005
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1515306,0008.htm

The earthquake on Saturday last is understood to have caused a massive damage to major terrorist outfits running training camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), security sources said in New Delhi on Monday.
   According to central security agencies, the camps of terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Tehrek-ul-Mujahideen (TuM), Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badar had been damaged to a great extent.
    All these areas fall within a radius of 10 kilometres from the epicentre of weekend's tremor.
    The sources said a wireless intercept of TuM on Monday said one of the outfit's building around Muzaffarbad had been damaged and some terrorists were buried under it.
    They said majority of the training camps were located near the epicentre of the quake with Lashkar's office and hospital in Muzaffarabad being completely razed to ground.
   The Harkat-ul-Mujahideen's training centre and Balkote and Batrasi, Jaish-e-Mohammed's camp at Auttuck, Al-Badar's at Oghi, Lashker's at Mansera and recruitment camp of Hizbul Mujahideen at Jungle-Magal had been damaged to a great extent.

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OCT 9: KASHMIR Massive Earthquake- 1000's Dead
With a 7.6 EarthQuake striking Kashmir- the toll is rising.
  With a mountainous terrain and Snow clad area and Winter Season underway, the area is  not hospitable to either rescue attempts , delivery of material or any help to  survivors left out in the open.
   The tradition has always been to shift the Capital of Jammu Kashmir to the South ie Jammu during Winter- because of the Snow and other conditions.

This is a nature given opportunity for people of the region ANd the Goverments of the region to set aside all politics and concentrate on the people on the ground- AND that was what the region needed in terms of Leadership and political Will ALL ALONG! ~Sam Rao

So in  October when this EQ strikes- one can imagine the difficulty esp in remote villages, mountain regions etc where local ihabitants do live the year round.
  In Paksitan-occupied Kashmir- with even more devastation, villages have been flattened -with massive loss of property and life and again people are facing the elements- which doesnot say much for the future for injured and especially cut off survivors.
     This EQ has put KAshmir back in the International Eye- especially a time when both India & Pakistan have come closer to an understanding- which needs to be played out in political circles.
    But the time at had is of HUMANITARIAN NEED- and a clear demonstration of "Help without Borders" is required!
   Already relief, International Agencies etc have reached the devastated area and  with this tragedy and relief efforts- maybe more pople on either side will connect in a Human way.
  The People of Kashmir on either side of the Line of Control or Soft Border or whatever- have always been of the same blood for ages and converted to Islam (predominantly) only in the near past.
    With several marginalized communities present in the area - of quaint nomadic tribes and firecely independant tribal populations- hopefully the relief efforts will reach all the affected people in a timely manner.
   This is a nature given opportunity for people of the region And the Goverments of the region to set aside all politics and concentrate on the people on the ground- AND that was what the region needed in terms of Leadership and political Will ALL ALONG!

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OCT 3: TIME (Asia) COVER PAGE with Proud Indian SANIA MIRZA

Heres a recognition story of a budding great sportswoman of India on the Cover of TIME Asia as "HEROES of 2005"
    All proud Indians should STRONGLY support her- especially as she has represented the country very well and is very clear on the achievements for her country INDIA. SHE IS A DEFINITE ROLE MODEL for INDIANs and INDIAN/ASIAN WOMEN!
     All Diaspora Indians  AND Fair minded people should make a note that a few Islamic Clerics (India) have issued a Fatwa against sania- especially her dress while playing tennis.
....Maybe they want her to play in a Burqa!!
FYI Sania Mirza is an Indian Muslim- many of whom are NOT Jihadi or Kowtow to the Wahabbi style of Islam. In fact with 140 million Muslims in India (Out of 1 Billion total)- there is hardly any ripple of Islamic terror in India or large scale demonstrations like the kind resulting in/from Saudi, Indonesia, Chechnya etc.
 
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR HINDUTVA FOLKS TO EMBRACE A PROUD INDIAN & A MUSLIM AS AN EXAMPLE OF TOLERANCE AND AS A REBUTT AGAINST JIHADIs.
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2005/heroes/sania_mirza.html
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2005/heroes/index.html

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OCT 2: MAHATMA GANDHI's BIRTHDAY

This Day  to be celebrated and Remembered as NONVIOLENCE & PEACE DAY

 Seems more relevant everyday- to at least absorb Some of the message of NonViolence and Peace!
  Too bad even within the Indian Community esp in USA there is hardly a ripple on recognizing and celebrating this legacy of Gandhi- which is Non violence, Peace and Tolerance- inspired by ancient Indian Heritage and Civilazational values.
 (None of the self syled torch bearers of the Indian community are really doing anything with a priority and motivated effort!...Here I am talking abt the "leaders who celebrate with Festivals and Modern Songs and Dance of  India ant a drop of a hat and Celebrate "Bollywood" Movie actresses etc- These type Organizations)!!
   With mere "pop culture"  being recognized and celebrated- and that too a  MERE Mimicing of Westernized youth Hip Hop Culture by Self styled "South Asians"- the wonderful lessons of an ancient Civilazation of India AND the Legacies which have resulted because of that ie Nonviolence, PEace, People like Gandhi and subsequent teachings etc - are lot with the landed 1st generation Indian-Americans doing very little to inclucate and promote such values of Peace, Nonviolence and Tolerance in the youth- carrying forward the Gift of Indian Civilization and Legacies thereof.
  If you look around- especially in USA -except for prayer meeting in couple of Temples- hardly any of the"Community Organizations" are doing any activity on Today Gandhi's BirthDay at all in large numbers- with any sense of priority.
  The folks who are celebrating are too far in between and here's wishing THEM & Saluting THEM on today- the DAY OF NON VIOLENCE & PEACE.
   " Be the Change That You wish to Be"- MK Gandhi

Lets follow this saying and

•     TALK TO at least one person on Non Violence, Peace and Tolerance.
•   SEND A MESSAGE at least One Email with Tag line about Non Violence. Peace and Tolerance
•   WRITE ONE SENTENCE At least on NonViolence, Peace and Tolerance etc
<>    DO SOMETHING POSITIVE- Wish something positive for Nonviolence, Peace and Tolerance.

>>www.nonviolencepeaceday.org<<

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SEPT 27: THIRST FOR ENERGY OF INDIA-CHINA & DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Here is a developing issue of National (India) and INternational significance with a lot of Geo Political strategy being played out.
      Just by mere reading- the implications are clear both positive- potential pitfalls and also leverages that result from the project.
     Given the thirst for Energy- Coal/Oil; Natural Gas; Nuclear etc for ANY growing economy- India and China are definitely in the hunt.
    As stated clearly by Aiyer et al- "We are desperately foraging for energy whereever we can get it".
Natural Gas pipelines are underway through Myanmar (Burma); Turkmenistan and Iran- the last two via "dangerous" territories".
     Inspite of US Objections- India is "steaming ahead" with the pipline projects (pun intended :-0)- which includes the $7 Billion project of oil & Natural Gas pipleline from Iran through Pakstan to India as well others through Afghanistan etc. OF Course China isn't really waiting to ask or see if anyone is unhappy with their plans.
One Question raised by Indian and Developing World was-" If Energy req. for Western and Developed world (also) grew Exponentially- why is it not Understood to be true for fast growing economies of India; China & Developing Worlds??
  MY QUESTION:- If it was OK for Western powers to chop down all their trees; use Slave labor and Invade countries for Energy requirements over the years (and in history)- How can one preach to the upcoming Economies??

MY QUESTION: In all this what WILL and CAN forces unfavorable to see such progress of countries DO To Impede such progress?? e.g Secular and Democratic India  with Islamic factions AND Totalirtarian Neighbors ??

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  Here is a Zinger from a Head of State- an Ally of USA!
Musharraf on Rape of Women in Pakistan ( as a ploy to make money and immigrate abroad!)- as told to WASHINGTON POST!!!
-This item shows the situation of Women in Islamic Pakistan- with the head of State revealing the attitude!.
   I would like to think that All Womens Groups and Decent Men and Women arund the world would take STRONG EXCEPTION to this remarks and the attitude and  Sentiment shown by Pakistan Head of State!
   This item should be used to support and strengthen call for reform in
Pakistan (an official "Ally" of US)
      Where are the petitions and protests from US Womens Groups and The Progressive Movement??- even among the ones so quickly to pounce on neighbors and Protest other atrocities.
       Lets be even handed and CONDEMN ALL such mindsets and Atrocities! Not soft pedal because of our 'close allies" or some political ideological reason!.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4251536.stm
FULL TEXT  BBC NEWS
Outrage at Musharraf rape remarks
Pakistani activists have reacted with outrage to recent comments on rape victims by President Pervez Musharraf.
   He said that rape was a "money-making concern" and many argued it was a way to get money and a visa to emigrate.
   Pakistan's most-high profile rape victim, Mukhtar Mai, told the BBC no woman could subject herself to "such a horrendous experience" to make money.
  Women's groups and activists protested in Karachi on Friday, shouting: "Down with chauvinism".   'Money for justice'
   The president made his comments in an interview with the Washington Post on 13 September, incensing campaigners and others at home.
   "You must understand the environment in Pakistan. This has become a money-making concern," he said.    "A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped."

PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF
A lot people say if you want to go abroad... get yourself raped In Karachi on Friday, 19 rights and advocacy groups vented their anger
at the remarks, holding banners such as: "Who wants to be a millionaire - just get raped!"
    Sumar Mallah, a fisherman whose five-year-old daughter was raped and killed on 5 September, was at the rally.
      Mr Mallah said: "The police and the rapists have been insisting that I accept money and forget about my daughter. I will never settle for money. I want justice."
   Activist Fauzia Burney said: "General Musharraf's remarks are so shocking because they are so removed from reality."
  
Mukhtar Mai, who shot to world attention after being gang raped in 2002, allegedly on the orders of a village council or panchayat,
earlier told the BBC: "I offer all the riches I've made out of the panchayat-enforced gang-rape to the president in return for justice."

The Women's Action Forum described the president's comments as "outrageous".
    Last week President Musharraf told a conference on violence against women in Islamabad that Pakistan should not be singled out for its treatment of women.
     He also lashed out at rights groups for their role in highlighting cases such as Ms Mai's outside the country. Leading rights groups
called the conference a "farce".
     The president's critics say he pays only lip service to cracking down on the abuse of women, hundreds of whom are raped and murdered every year in so-called honour cases in Pakistan.
    Despite government protestations that it is doing much to help women, many of those who try to register cases of rape and violence find it as hard as ever to do so, campaigners say.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/south_asia/4251536.stm
Published: 2005/09/16 13:55:35 GMT

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SEPT 16: India's Women Tennis Star SANIA MIRZA threatened by Islamic "Dress" Police
  India's Woman Tennis star Sania Mirza -who also is Muslim - was threatened by the "Dress Police" Islamic party Jammat - that her tennis outfit was "too revealing" and against Islamic tenets" etc

    That the Jammat Party of India (extremists who want discriminatory codes of 12th century) seem to enjoy Democracy, modern Thought for all day-to-day affairs in India BUT use the system to threaten modern Indian Woman This is B*** S***
    Sania Mirza-(Arjuna Award Winner and current 34 ranked in World) is a proud Indian- who chooses to be a Muslim- which is a personal choice and should be encouraged.
    These boycotts and threats should be dealt with firmly and quickly- sending a message to all such "dress police"
    This is a PERFECT opportunity for the Modern Muslims to rise up and Make a Statement.
         This is also a perfect opportunity for Hindu-oriented groups- to show their Acceptance of all personal choices in INDIA and SUPPORt Sania!!
This will send a distinct message of Acceptance, Tolerance, sanatan Dharma etc from the Hindu Way of Life which is ingrained in MOST people of India- irrespective of their personal choice of Religion ie Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, etc
http://www.expressindia.com/ fullstory.php?newsid=54780&headline= Jamaat~threatens~Sania,~security~beefed~up
Fri Sept 16- type above in 1 lin

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$1 OFF for ATHADU in SF Bay Area- SEPT 16-17 or 18
Now Playing at NAZ 8  CONTACT ASAP- 510-2Two8-6417

SEPT 15: KATRINA AFTERMATH- Telling Comments
From SingaPore News- as quoted by NYTimes-Tom Friedman
-Sumiko Tan, Columnist - The Straits Times in Singapore,
    "We were shocked at what we saw. Death and destruction from natural disaster is par for the course. But the pictures of dead people left uncollected on the streets, armed looters ransacking shops, survivors desperate to be rescued, racial divisions - these were truly out of sync with what we'd imagined the land of the free to be, even if we had encountered homelessness and violence on visits there. ... If America becomes so unglued when bad things happen in its own backyard, how can it fulfill its role as leader of the world?"

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- Janadas Devan, Columnist- Straits Times "On How U.S. is changing."
   "Today's conservatives," he wrote, "differ in one crucial aspect from yesterday's conservatives: the latter believed in small government, but believed, too, that a country ought to pay for all the government that it needed.
     "The former believe in no government, and therefore conclude that there is no need for a country to pay for even the government that it does have. ... [But] it is not only government that doesn't show up when government is starved of resources and leached of all its meaning. Community doesn't show up either, sacrifice doesn't show up, pulling together doesn't show up, 'we're all in this together' doesn't show up."
SingaPore & Katrina-Tom Friedman-NYTimes
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/14/opinion/14friedman.html

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SEPT 13;  India's PM ManMohan Singh to Host Pakistan Prez Musharraf in USA on Sept 14:
   A potential  Far reaching summmit meeting of  the two Neighbors - who will meet in USA and discuss a varriiietttttyyyyyy of issue on Sept 14.- Hopefully will result in a better living for both neighbors and the world
   While Pakistan has in the past has always wanted to internationalize Kashmir as an issue,  Prez. Musharraf is at present in a different situation-with increased acceptance and scrutiny of the role his Govt. and ISI had played in fostering Taliban, Al Qaieda and Basically terrorists from The Jihadi factory of Madrasas (islamic schools) etc.
      Very recently, Prez Musharraf has even accepted  AQ Khan's role in Nuke Technology Transfer!   However, Musharraf is Brilliant, Pragmatic and Practical politician  and one has to see how well will  Once again the "Tail  wag the Dog".
       It will be interesting to see how Pakistan will once again try to pull a surprise during negotiations and aftermath PR campaign.
   Pakistan Foregn Minister Kasuri is on hand to drive home just about any propoganda point there is. While Peace is in the offing and Welcome with people of Pakistan and India
- Q: Will a Leopard be able to change its spots so soon?
  Remember the same entourage (successfully) supported & navigated the PRE-Taliban ; DURING-Taliban and POSt-Taliban FACE of Pakistan!!

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FATWA against Sania Mirza's Tennis Gear Dress Code : Lately some kook Muslim Cleric issued a Fatwa about SANIA being dressed "inappropriately" while playing Tennis.
  The brilliant youngster Tennis player from India 18 year old Sania Mirza happens to be a Female Muslim Girl.  Luckily she is born in India and proudly represents India- a secular Democracy with many a sane Muslim population.     
    One has to send a Clear message to these Islamic extremists that its hands off SANIA MIRZA.
   Her whole Extended Indian and World Family totally support SANIA Mirza- a modern day Muslim woman who is a proud Indian and World Citizen first  and who chooses to be a Muslim out of her choice and free will. No impositions and draconian decrees.  No imposition of 16th Century Codes - especially in a Liberated and Cultured country like India and esp. in 21 st century.
  One would also like to see lot of the Leading Muslim Orgaizations and Intellectuals to step forward and condemn this Fatwa  warnings.
   THIS IS THE TIME FOR RESPONSIBLE  SANE MUSLIM LEADERS TO STAND UP AND TAKE A STANCE AGAINST THESE CLERIC RELICS!! Lets see some Guts

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PREZ BUSH's REMARKS POST HURRICANE KATRINA "-GATE:"
(Said a a White House Press Conference today in DC:)
     "And to the extent that the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility. I want to know what went right and what went wrong,"
    To which Deomcrat Senator  Mary Landrieu ( LA)., said  " Accountability at every level is critical, and leadership begins at the top."

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 SEPT 12,2005:LAURA BUSH Misses the POINT- on Charges of Racism about Slow response of Relief:
  The Buck stops at the Prsesidents Desk. Esp. as  He is responsible for Action of Policies and Underlings
  Pres Bush  is No Doubt a Caring person- as the First Lady attested- and who better than her to know....The PROBLEM is the Rank and File that we have to face from the Underlings eg in  Republican Party OR The Southern Democrats etc.- which predoinate the Hurricane affected areas.           
       Sorry Laura- It will take time for people to realize that EVEN IF Evacuation Was ordered- many DID not have Computers to see the internet- Didnot have Cars to get out- Could not leave daily wage jobs AND There was no information  about the imminent flooding ie Sirens- Loudspeakers etc- especially in poor areas- mostly Black but also poor white neighborhoods.
    Read on about stories of Police Officers stopping Evacuees at Gunpoint and basically reacting in a "Siege Mentality"- understandable to some extent -  as there was no proper Comunication and information available.
    The reason many minorities are uneasy about Conservatives esp Republicans  ie Plain racist people among them- is the evidence that there are less than 5% of People of Color in that party esp leadership.
      Colin Powell, Condi Rice take up the front face but in all the party cadre in Rank and file LOCAL Offices- one rarely sees people of Color- including Black Afro-Americans.
   This also applies to the many Southern/ Conservative Democrats.
  Prez Bush is where the "Buck Stops"- as Prez. he has to take responsibility for actions of his minions and underlings- thats part of the Job description.
   In all this we want to see  more Positive stories about how Private donations and community has pulled together and already given about $700 million- not counting the thousands of Gestures of Kindness and Hospitality from all over USA ANd the World. 
    I have seen offers of willingness to host families; students; arrangements to get people back on their feet etc all over the States-
  This is what needs to be highlighted as well.

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  SEPT 9: Ms ANJU GEORGE from India WINS SILVER MEDAL IN LONG JUMP (women) at the Worlds Atheltic Championship!! GREAT JOB!.
  With a personal Best this year, Ms Anju again did India and Indian Women proud by winning a tough event.
     This is one of the very few Medals ever in World Setting  ie Olympics, World Champs etc in Athletics for India- let alone in Womens
  Congrats Anju ji.
Hopefully we will see such pioneers and Achiever Role Models at the next India Day Festivals in USA and UK- instead of the tired old "Bolly"Wood Stars- whose dubious achievements often include crappy Movies of questionable Art, Talent and Reason (for inviting them in first place)!!!!

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More HURRICANE KATRINA:
As expected FEMA Chair Brown was canned by Prez Bush.
   Poor Mike Brown was unfit for the posting and Fate intervened and brought him tremendous responsibility in face of a Hurricane.
     Mike Brown- former drinking buddy of Prez Bush and his committee person on fundraising and re elcetion campaign was "given" this appointment.
       Too bad that 3 of the experienced FEMA Officials- like Asst Directors etc quit in past 2 years- setting this State up for a Tragedy of Errors.
  It also turns out that 3 of the 5 other FEMA appointees were of the same ilk as Mike Brown ie Political appointees with no experience in Disaster Management.
  Too bad we had to findout after $150 Billion in damages and 1000's of lives lost and Life interrupted for 100's thousands more.
      No sympathy though for Brown- who in some ways WAS made a scapegoat for errant ways of Prez Bush and the  current Admininstration.

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TALKING ABOUT CULPABILITY-
Gen. Colin Powell who was actually set up by current Admin personell and the (UN) Intelligence Commitee- pun Intended
Recently Colin Powell soft balled and agreed that he was "Mislead" by intelligence sources.  If you recall George Tenet personally vouched for the intelligence preseneted to UN- setting up Iraq as the fall guy country for "Axis of Evil" and Powell's UN speech for WMD's in Iraq which solidified teh war on Iraq.
    So taking advantage of a Good boy Soldier; Gen Powell was made the front face for UN speech and also laid his credibilility and moral fiber on line.  
        Looks like he DID find out about the flawed intelligence soon enough but did NOTHING about it.
   Which was exactly WHAT the "persons in the know" counted on- as a Good Soldier boy, Gen Powell would toe the line- no matter what.
     Interesting is the MORAL dilemma Powell must face as he is Also responsible for the 1000's of deaths in Iraq esp. civilians- who also are going through a disruption of their lifestyle- ie no Schools, electricity interrupted, no water, medical facilities etc- for no fault of theirs.
     Iraqi civilians had to face dictator A***  Saddam and were also penalized by Coalition forces by bombing the hell out of country's  infrastructure!!
  In all this where is  TONy BLAIR and CONDI RICE??
  Tony Blair will have to answer for same statements as Colin Powell as will Condi Rice.

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ALSO-CONDI RICE will also have to come clean(er) on the Hurricane response by the current Admin- esp as Condi is from the South and is also Black ( in case anyone , including her forgot!!).
    The main person for the Admin Condi Rice- really is the right person to address  the displaced population from the Hurricane and also present a better image for Prez Bush.
  PREDICT: Watch for the PR machine to kick in and promote this phase of operation. maybe look at Condi as VP for 2008
    BTW Currently a 3-star General is assigned to the FEMA operations- soon they will have a 4-Star guy and troubleshooter too.

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 SEPT 6: Hurricane Katarina Relief Efforts & U
  While images are searing and telling- What can One do about it? EVEN 2 hrs is good Enough and NEEDED. And cash is welcome too. Simple things and Many are already doing it:
  Donate Canned goods and supplies to organizations sending material-HERES A LIST OF STUFF NEEDED- compiled from REQUESTS ON THE GROUND!!  (Cash works too)
 SEND TO LOCAL CHARITY or SEWA International
  While Homeland Security the Feds and Governor etc are Wrangling and Arguing- the Private enterprise of Concerned People of USA and the World SWUNG into action!
     Local  Groups, Faith based groups, Organizations are sending stuff by truckloads.   Each of them need Volunteer help to SORT-LABEL-LOAD the donations.     So Even  2 Hrs of your time is good enough! U can do this LOCALLY
    Concentrate on things which you can easily acquire and give.

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INDIAN AMERICANS CONTRIBUTING:
  Interestingly- SEWA International ( Hindu Swayam Sevak affiliate)- lived up to their reputation of providing Service in Disaster areas by Organizing immediately. 
     Even Local Students in Baton Rouge (Lousisiana State University) got into the act.  Esp. concerned abut fellow students at Univ New Orleans and Tulane University in New Orleans.
   With limited resources, students esp F-1 visa holders are vulnerable as they can ONLY work and are dependant on Campus jobs- which dont exist anymore.  Also thie closure of Schols puts  a wrinkle into their plans and INS may or may not look kindly on them to stay out of school.
  Its great that SEWA Internationals and Art Of Living and Other Indina-American Groups have offered to accomodate the studnets who number 250-300 est by LSU Indian Students Assoc people.
More details contact- SEWA International  (or Me @_CONTACT)

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SEPT 4: THE YEAR OF INDIAN WOMEN ATHLETES!!!!!
INDIA's 4 x400 Relay team wins GOLD at the 16th ASIAN TRACK & FIELD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP in S. Korea (Incheon City). KUDOS to the Team of Rajwinder Kaur,, Geetha Sati; Chitra Soman and Manjit Kaur in a championship record time of three minutes 30.93 seconds. ( They broke Chinese record of 3:31:30) It should be noted That China, Japan are considered World class atheletes and good competition!     Ms. ANJU GEORGE Indian Long Jump and World Cup Winner  WINS GOLD in LONG JUMP @ ASIAN TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

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SEPt 3: SANIA WATCH- INTO THE 4th round of US OPEN Tennis 2005-Will Face Maria Sharapova- will be tough but Go for it Sania Mirza- 1st IndianFemale to reach 4th round at US Open!!

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SEPT 3: Amidts all the Finger pointing and Ineffective Hand Wringing and declarations of "Its not Enough" etc... Obviously the Hurricane has struck a deep nerve! AND RIGHTLY ......
  The MOST powerful Country and Richest Country USa Cannot take care of its own peoples. especially the poorest and most vulnerable!
  What a Shame. This reflects more on the Prioroties set by a Nation ruled by a  Few people and Interests..
    The shame of Disenfranchisement of the poor in USA is claear and Obvious- espeically in the poorest States of the Republic iof USA affeected ie Louisiana, Mississipi and the neighboring states in the South.
     When Louisiana- New Orleans politicos proposed $200 Million in impriovments to the Levees in New Orleans- this budget was trimmed to $40 million by the current Administration.
  Earlier Admins DidNOT do much either- All politicians - past and present reward Prok-barrel projects ie reward States with Rich and powerful lobbies and interests. Is a Corruption and Greed of Local Kind
     Another problem- major resources are devoted to Homeland Security and Also the War in Iraq- incl National Guradsmen and equipment.
  All this isi obvious from the subtle blame games going on  from the Feds of blaming local government oficials.
  The FEMA dude in Louisiana was Appointed By Prez Bush and looked like an idiot- as  he admits to a TV camera that he was NOT WAWARE about 15,000 people waiting for Relief efforts in  the nearby Convention center and Superdome...(This dude has NO History or Experience in running any sizeable relief operations or organizations whatsoever.)
  As people wee hungry for 2 days- what else could some decent folks do- they broke in for Food and water- so much so that Policemen looked the otherway- especially as police are from the same Neighborhoods and know these people. Feeding a baby hungry for two days is a powerful force indeed.  One can empathize and sympathise with such good, needy folks in distress- loking for FOOD, WATER and BASIC NECESSITIES....BUT  Nothing can condone the LOOTERS who went after Luxury items by the armloads- Hope they get their due with interest very soon.

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IMAGES: As the news crew charted a boat to film scenes of destriuction- a old Black man in hospital gown floated by on a makeshift boat of thin plywood.  This old man was trapped in a hospital and decied to leave via a window. The plywood barely cleared the water and he was floating on his "boat" for 1 whole day.  He didnot remember his hospital ..leave alone patients records and other detail.  The newsman stopped long enough to lend a helping hand and took hime to the nearest hospital taking patients!!

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Dronacharya Awards 2004: Arvind Savur (Billiards), Sunita Sharma (Cricket), Cyrus Poncha (Squash). No Male Cricketer This year!!

Arjuna Awards 2004: J J Shobha (Athletics), Anil Kumar (Athletics), Jyoti Randhawa (Golf), Deep Ahlawat (Equestrian), Deepak Thakur (Hockey), Innocent Helen Mary (Hockey), Angom Anita Chanu (Judo), Sundar Singh (Kabaddi), J Krishnan (Rowing), Deepali Deshpande (Shooting), Achanta S Kamal (Table Tennis), Sania Mirza (Tennis), Anuj Kumar (Wrestling), Devendra (Athletics-Paralympics). Heptahtlete Ms J.J. Shobha- showed the courage and mettle expected of Indians by competing in the 8-sports event. She was injured and bleeding from her left foot- She STILL competed in the Javelin Throw- came BACK and finished 3rd in 800 mts- NO QUITTER! Any wonder No CRICKETER Male was given this years award

Dhyan Chand Award 2005: Manoj Kumar Kothari (Billiards & Snooker), Rajinder Singh Jr. (Hockey), Maruti Dnyanu Mane Patil (Wrestling).

Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards for 2003 and 2004
 2003: Harish Kapadia (Life Time Achievement), Nb. Sub.Amar Prakash (Land Adventure), Mayur J. Mehta (Water Adventure);
 2004: Mohan Singh Gunjyal (Life Time Achieveme nt), Nadre Sherpa (Land Adventure) and Wg. Cdr. Jayashankar (Air Adventure).

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy 2003-04: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

• Does that NOT Mean the Nuke Material in Pakistan is UNSAFE??
• Doest that NOT Mean that ISI runs clandestine operations OUTSIDE the Government??
• Does that Not mean that Terror profiteers in Pakistan Operate with impunity?   AND
• Does that Not SHOW Failure of Pakistani domestic Intelligence- to monitor Aircraft flights, Shipments and the likes which go on in such a shipment!!

•    Entreprenuers are renting out Cell phones- Naturally
•    Entreprenuers are also renting out TREE TOPS- so that one can catch a signal from 25 miles away!!

• live audio: Naval Space Surveillance Radar (Kickapoo, TX)
• live audio: 67 MHz meteor radar (Roswell, NM)

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200504112168.htm?
headline=Highlights~of~India-China~accords

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1226288,0008000500040000.htm