- THIS CAME TO ME ON MY COMPUTER WITHIN THE LAST FEW MINUTES IN WILMINGTON, NC. NO INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION. I KNOW AND TRUST THE SENDER.VERNE STRICKLAND USA DOT COM, VERNE STRICKLAND FACEBOOK.Tim WilkesVerne- here is a little more info on the Bergdahl story from people in his unit (TIM WILKES' SON) at the time of his (BERGDAHL'S) disappearance. I have followed it and knew of this information for quite a while and wondered how our government would spin it.
The following is the statement from a member of his unit. Forwarded from Jeff Howard. "We were at OP Mest, Paktika Province, Afghanistan. It was a small outpost where B Co 1-501st INF (Airbone) ran operations out of, just an Infantry platoon and ANA counterparts there. The place was an Afghan graveyard. Bergdahl had been acting a little strange, telling people he wanted to "walk the earth" and kept a little journal talking about how he was meant for better things. No one thought anything about it. He was a little “out there”. Next morning he's gone. We search everywhere, and can't find him. He left his weapon, his kit, and other sensitive items. He only took some water, a compass and a knife. We find some afghan kids shortly after who saw an american walking north asking about where the taliban are. We get hits on our voice intercepter that Taliban has him, and we were close. We come to realize that the kid deserted his post, snuck out of camp and sought out Taliban… to join them. We were in a defensive position at OP Mest, where your focus is to keep people out. He knew where the blind spots were to slip out and that's what he did. It was supposed to be a 4-day mission but turned into several months of active searching. Everyone was spun up to find this guy. News outlets all over the country were putting out false information. It was hard to see, especially when we knew the truth about what happened and we lost good men trying to find him. PFC Matthew Michael Martinek, Staff Sgt. Kurt Robert Curtiss, SSG Clayton Bowen, PFC Morris Walker, SSG Michael Murphrey, 2LT Darryn Andrews, were all KIA from our unit who died looking for Bergdahl. Many others from various units were wounded or killed while actively looking for Bergdahl. Fighting Increased. IEDs and enemy ambushes increased. The Taliban knew that we were looking for him in high numbers and our movements were predictable. Because of Bergdahl, more men were out in danger, and more attacks on friendly camps and positions were conducted while we were out looking for him. His actions impacted the region more than anyone wants to admit. There is also no way to know what he told the Taliban: Our movements, locations, tactics, weak points on vehicles and other things for the enemy to exploit are just a few possibilities. The Government knows full well that he deserted. It looks bad and is a good propaganda piece for the Taliban. They refuse to acknowledge it. Hell they even promoted him to Sergeant which makes me sick. I feel for his family who only want their son/brother back. They don’t know the truth, or refuse to acknowledge it as well. What he did affected his family and his whole town back home, who don’t know the truth. Either way what matters is that good men died because of him. He has been lying on all those Taliban videos about everything since his “capture”. If he ever returns, he should be tried under the UCMJ for being a deserter and judged for what he did. Bergdahl is not a hero, he is not a soldier or an Infantryman. He failed his brothers. Now, sons and daughters are growing up without their fathers who died for him and he will have to face that truth someday." 
Verne StricklandTim: You have to get back with me right away on this. It is a flat bombshell, and will have extreme repercussions. Do you want to release this over the Internet? If so, I'll do it. I will have to use it with attribution -- your name, military rank, and home address. You okay with that? Pray before you get back to me. I'm praying now. Verne.
Tim WilkesYou can do it however you wish Verne, I just received confirmation that his CSM confirmed he was a deserter but that could not be put in print or internet for his careers sake.As far as rank I am just a Sgt. medically discharged due to injuries with just under 11 years. Address is Shallotte, NC- Verne StricklandTim: Confirmation: This information says Bergdahl was (is) a deserter? For clarification.
- Tim Wilkesyes
- Verne StricklandWow. This is heavy. Thank you, Tim. Waiting for you new transmission
- Tim Wilkesdeserted his post on guard and local afghan kids reported him walking north asking where the Taliban were. Why would you ask such a question with no weapon???
- Verne StricklandOkay. I'm getting this together.
- Tim WilkesWar is often not what we expect; it is not pretty, glamorous or fun. It is Hell! and it is life in the raw with all the warts and ugliness exposed.The real truth is that it does expose our character that lies beneath us waiting for the opportunity to show us the wretched soul we truly are, a leader or the selfless sacrifice that one makes without a second thought.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
BLOCKBUSTER NEWS FROM VERNE STRICKLAND. I HAVE INFORMATION FOWARDED TO ME EXCLUSIVELY FROM A FRIEND IN SUPPLY NC THAT BERGDAHL WAS A DESERTER!
Friday, May 30, 2014
Cameron NC Community Pulls together for one of God’s Little Angels: John Ryan Parker.
Submitted by Verne Strickland USA DOT COM 5/30/14
This story reached me via email. When I glanced through it I quickly realized how special it was -- powerfully written, with real love and compassion. I share it with prayers for all who love and grieve.
The John Ryan Parker Story
Madison and Monique were still in high school when they found out that they were expecting. Madison was 17 and Monique was 16. At first it was hard to handle the news wondering what this would do to their lives. They were so young to have this responsibility. They made the decision to choose life for their baby. Then came the excitement of having a new addition to the family. Buy, buy, buy became the new trend in both households. Madison and Monique did not live together but were inseparable.
As the pregnancy progressed and after having an ultrasound they learned they were having a boy. Daddy was getting his hunting partner and future football star! Forty weeks came and went at the blink of an eye, and then it was time to start labor. On June 12, 2013 John Ryan was finally here. He was absolutely beautiful and perfect! The family brought him home too his family and friends.
After 2 weeks they learned that John Ryan had a thyroid problem. John Ryan was going to have to take medicine every day for the rest of his life to prevent him from being very small and slow. As life went on Monique nursed John Ryan, so she stopped going to high school and started home schooling because it was just too hard to be away from him. John Ryan was nursed for 6 months. Madison played football and after every practice would race over to see him each day; Madison was a hands on dad from day one. Most kids would go to high school parties, but not these two. They went out to eat and most of the time took John Ryan with them. A typical Friday or Saturday night was hanging out at either Momma or Daddy’s house.
John Ryan had to go get blood work done every month and continued growing and learning as a normal baby would. He could say momma, but mostly grunted to get what he wanted, because it worked. He could crawl and walk around furniture, play patty cake, he learned deep and wide, and loved to jump in his jumping horse. They had bought him a walker and he learned to go forward and was all over the house. He would pull hair and attack your face with lots of kisses. He had just gotten two teeth on the bottom.
Sunday was a normal day. The family went to church, then out to eat. John Ryan was so excited that he got to sit face forward in his BIG BOY car seat for the first time. Monday morning was normal as Madison took Monique to work then took John Ryan to Sugar’s (granny’s) house. He was a little whiney Monday and did not want to be put down, then started throwing up. He was slightly lethargic and just did not feel good. He started holding his face so Sugar told Madison and Monique that they should to take him to the ER. They took him to the hospital in Fayetteville. Just like a typical baby when they got there he perked up some playing a little with his daddy. He was diagnosed with an ear infection and was sent him home. They arrived back at Madison’s home about 10 pm and John Ryan was sleeping. He slept a little longer and woke up whiney again and continued to cry off and on all night with Monique and Madison alternating pain meds. At 3:20 he screamed for about 3 seconds, and then his parents started screaming for Madison’s mother, Donna. John Ryan was having seizures. After calling 911, EMS arrived very quickly and took him to Betsy Johnson Hospital. Monique rode in the ambulance with him and Madison and the 2 grannies followed.
Once they arrived at the hospital they learned that he had an infection in his blood and it was strep throat, not an ear infection. They quickly got in touch with University of North Carolina (UNC) children’s hospital and UNC walked them step-by-step on what to do. Doctors performed a CT scan and that’s when they learned about the tumor. John Ryan was put on a ventilator and that too was a blessing as he quit breathing soon after. Emergency transportation was unable to get to him right away because of an ice storm, but after 5 hrs he finally arrived at UNC After talking to the doctor his family learned that the tumor was now no longer a golf ball size as before, it was now 4 in. by 3 in. and the family was informed that there was not much hope, but they were not giving up on him.
Wednesday, March 5th was the worst day of their lives. A doctor told them there was no hope and started talking to Madison and Monique about John Ryan being a donor. At first they said NO, but later thought that John Ryan could live forever in someone else and another family would not have to go through the grief that they were experiencing. Being a donor is a very dignified and tedious process so it took a while to get everything and everyone in place. The family got to walk John Ryan to surgery. Their lives would now be forever changed. On April 2nd we received a letter (attached) that John Ryan saved 2 lives. His heart went to a baby boy in Florida and he is doing well and his intestines, pancreas and liver went to a 3 yr old little boy who is now playing with his toys and his siblings.
Donna has said, “Looking back we know that John Ryan was born with a purpose driven life. The thyroid medicine helped make him strong and have healthy organs. He was breast fed which made him healthy, he was so spoiled because he wanted us to hold him as much as possible, and he did not want to sleep because he wanted to be with us as much as he could. His kisses were the sweetest, his cries were music. God has a perfect angel.”
The story of John Ryan should serve as a reminder to embrace every precious moment that we have with our children. When faced with the trials and tribulations that life presents, you stand fast and firm in your faith and what you believe in. Knowing that when you act with the most honorable and noble intentions you may touch or lead someone else to take the correct path. Madison and Monique should be commended in their strength through the most trying times in their lives. Madison and Monique are truly Rogue Alpha’s, meaning that they did not waiver from what is right. Instead from the beginning of their journey through this tragic yet beautiful event they have touched so many lives and set a wonderful example to all who have heard and will hear their story.
We would love nothing more than for you to acknowledge our letter. I am sure you are looked up too by many and so many may see you as true hero! We would love for you to help support our little Hero for the amazing things he did in the short amount of time he was with us. The family quickly learned that glioblastoma was a cancer that is 2 to 1 in baby boys and there is no cause or cure for this disease. So research is a must! Why and how does this happen? Can scientist create a vaccine? Which leads us to what we have planned in Memory of John Ryan with all money raised going to Pediatric Brain Tumor Research at University of NC. If we hit at least $25,000 the foundation will be named John Ryan Parker Memorial Foundation. If we reach $100,000 goal his legacy will live on a building of NC Children’s Hospital. Donor services explained to them that 99% of babies die because people cannot think beyond their own grief during the loss of a child, so we would also like to draw awareness to organ donation and the importance of saving lives.
The Parker family would like to get information out to help raise awareness and funding.
*** I know that the date of the event has passed, but this is a reminder of what took place for the little guy and his family. I know they would appreciate a thought or comment if you care to send one.
Verne Strickland.
This story reached me via email. When I glanced through it I quickly realized how special it was -- powerfully written, with real love and compassion. I share it with prayers for all who love and grieve.
The John Ryan Parker Story
Madison and Monique were still in high school when they found out that they were expecting. Madison was 17 and Monique was 16. At first it was hard to handle the news wondering what this would do to their lives. They were so young to have this responsibility. They made the decision to choose life for their baby. Then came the excitement of having a new addition to the family. Buy, buy, buy became the new trend in both households. Madison and Monique did not live together but were inseparable.
As the pregnancy progressed and after having an ultrasound they learned they were having a boy. Daddy was getting his hunting partner and future football star! Forty weeks came and went at the blink of an eye, and then it was time to start labor. On June 12, 2013 John Ryan was finally here. He was absolutely beautiful and perfect! The family brought him home too his family and friends.
After 2 weeks they learned that John Ryan had a thyroid problem. John Ryan was going to have to take medicine every day for the rest of his life to prevent him from being very small and slow. As life went on Monique nursed John Ryan, so she stopped going to high school and started home schooling because it was just too hard to be away from him. John Ryan was nursed for 6 months. Madison played football and after every practice would race over to see him each day; Madison was a hands on dad from day one. Most kids would go to high school parties, but not these two. They went out to eat and most of the time took John Ryan with them. A typical Friday or Saturday night was hanging out at either Momma or Daddy’s house.
John Ryan had to go get blood work done every month and continued growing and learning as a normal baby would. He could say momma, but mostly grunted to get what he wanted, because it worked. He could crawl and walk around furniture, play patty cake, he learned deep and wide, and loved to jump in his jumping horse. They had bought him a walker and he learned to go forward and was all over the house. He would pull hair and attack your face with lots of kisses. He had just gotten two teeth on the bottom.
Sunday was a normal day. The family went to church, then out to eat. John Ryan was so excited that he got to sit face forward in his BIG BOY car seat for the first time. Monday morning was normal as Madison took Monique to work then took John Ryan to Sugar’s (granny’s) house. He was a little whiney Monday and did not want to be put down, then started throwing up. He was slightly lethargic and just did not feel good. He started holding his face so Sugar told Madison and Monique that they should to take him to the ER. They took him to the hospital in Fayetteville. Just like a typical baby when they got there he perked up some playing a little with his daddy. He was diagnosed with an ear infection and was sent him home. They arrived back at Madison’s home about 10 pm and John Ryan was sleeping. He slept a little longer and woke up whiney again and continued to cry off and on all night with Monique and Madison alternating pain meds. At 3:20 he screamed for about 3 seconds, and then his parents started screaming for Madison’s mother, Donna. John Ryan was having seizures. After calling 911, EMS arrived very quickly and took him to Betsy Johnson Hospital. Monique rode in the ambulance with him and Madison and the 2 grannies followed.
Once they arrived at the hospital they learned that he had an infection in his blood and it was strep throat, not an ear infection. They quickly got in touch with University of North Carolina (UNC) children’s hospital and UNC walked them step-by-step on what to do. Doctors performed a CT scan and that’s when they learned about the tumor. John Ryan was put on a ventilator and that too was a blessing as he quit breathing soon after. Emergency transportation was unable to get to him right away because of an ice storm, but after 5 hrs he finally arrived at UNC After talking to the doctor his family learned that the tumor was now no longer a golf ball size as before, it was now 4 in. by 3 in. and the family was informed that there was not much hope, but they were not giving up on him.
Wednesday, March 5th was the worst day of their lives. A doctor told them there was no hope and started talking to Madison and Monique about John Ryan being a donor. At first they said NO, but later thought that John Ryan could live forever in someone else and another family would not have to go through the grief that they were experiencing. Being a donor is a very dignified and tedious process so it took a while to get everything and everyone in place. The family got to walk John Ryan to surgery. Their lives would now be forever changed. On April 2nd we received a letter (attached) that John Ryan saved 2 lives. His heart went to a baby boy in Florida and he is doing well and his intestines, pancreas and liver went to a 3 yr old little boy who is now playing with his toys and his siblings.
Donna has said, “Looking back we know that John Ryan was born with a purpose driven life. The thyroid medicine helped make him strong and have healthy organs. He was breast fed which made him healthy, he was so spoiled because he wanted us to hold him as much as possible, and he did not want to sleep because he wanted to be with us as much as he could. His kisses were the sweetest, his cries were music. God has a perfect angel.”
The story of John Ryan should serve as a reminder to embrace every precious moment that we have with our children. When faced with the trials and tribulations that life presents, you stand fast and firm in your faith and what you believe in. Knowing that when you act with the most honorable and noble intentions you may touch or lead someone else to take the correct path. Madison and Monique should be commended in their strength through the most trying times in their lives. Madison and Monique are truly Rogue Alpha’s, meaning that they did not waiver from what is right. Instead from the beginning of their journey through this tragic yet beautiful event they have touched so many lives and set a wonderful example to all who have heard and will hear their story.
We would love nothing more than for you to acknowledge our letter. I am sure you are looked up too by many and so many may see you as true hero! We would love for you to help support our little Hero for the amazing things he did in the short amount of time he was with us. The family quickly learned that glioblastoma was a cancer that is 2 to 1 in baby boys and there is no cause or cure for this disease. So research is a must! Why and how does this happen? Can scientist create a vaccine? Which leads us to what we have planned in Memory of John Ryan with all money raised going to Pediatric Brain Tumor Research at University of NC. If we hit at least $25,000 the foundation will be named John Ryan Parker Memorial Foundation. If we reach $100,000 goal his legacy will live on a building of NC Children’s Hospital. Donor services explained to them that 99% of babies die because people cannot think beyond their own grief during the loss of a child, so we would also like to draw awareness to organ donation and the importance of saving lives.
The Parker family would like to get information out to help raise awareness and funding.
*** I know that the date of the event has passed, but this is a reminder of what took place for the little guy and his family. I know they would appreciate a thought or comment if you care to send one.
Verne Strickland.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Less than 25 percent of cadets at U.S. Military Academy give Obama a standing ovation. Are there that many wounded waiting for VA treatment?
You know, I have wondered many times (1) how a president like Obama would have the nerve to go before the Corps of Cadets at the Academy at all and (2) how they would respond to him. It is apparently ignored, mostly because of less than tepid approval. But 'America's Freedom Fighters' let fly with the information on the president's recent visit to West Point. I'm not surprised why this isn't generally reported. Verne Strickland
West Point cadets listen to President Obama speak May 28, 2014. (Associated Press)
President Obama was welcomed by the Black Knight of the Hudson for his speech at West Point on Wednesday, but less than 25 percent of the cadets gave him a standing ovation upon his introduction, the Daily Mail reported.
“Receiving tepid applause and a short standing ovation from less than one-quarter of the audience upon his introduction, Obama argued for a contradictory foreign policy that relies on NATO and the United Nations while insisting that ‘America must always lead on the world stage,’ the paper reported.
During his speech, which the Wall Street Journal called “consistent
with that of every post-Cold War administration,” the president also
took a swipe at critics, saying: “I believe in American exceptionalism
with every fiber of my being. But what makes us exceptional is not our
ability to flout international norms and the rule of law; it’s our
willingness to affirm them through our actions.”
Much of the president’s speech focused on
using military force only as a last resort and working with allies to
solve global conflicts.
“I would betray my duty to you, and to the
country we love, if I sent you into harm’s way simply because I saw a
problem somewhere in the world that needed fixing, or because I was
worried about critics who think military intervention is the only way
for America to avoid looking weak,” the president said.
The president stressed that the U.S. needed
to work with the international community to combat terrorism, and that
increased efforts to do so would include a new $5 billion fund. That
money would also expand funding for Defense Department intelligence,
surveillance, reconnaissance, special operations and other activities,
the Associated Press reported.
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Saturday, May 17, 2014
Troubled former candidate Will Breazeale back in the news. Story details here.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Will Breazeale leaves tragic trail of domestic turmoil through decade of court records
Troubled former candidate Will Breazeale back in the news -- this time in South Carolina!
By Verne Strickland / Politics /FEBRUARY 2, 2013
Will Breazeale is a candidate who is waging a spirited battle in the Republican primary for North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District. I’ve gotten to know him over the past couple of months and I like him.
But Will is dragging around an anchor which will eventually take him down. He has a rap sheet that winds through a succession of serious scrapes with the law in Georgia and in North Carolina. A personal bankruptcy filing is recorded in South Carolina.
This bulky collection of court records about Will Breazeale weighs over five pounds. It is 2 ½ inches thick. The time line stretches over a decade, and it’s ugly. I’ve seen it. It will not hide or go away.
It’s not exactly common knowledge that this incriminating file exists. But many seem to know about it. It’s a volcano ready to erupt.
These papers are on public file at the Bladen County Courthouse in Elizabethtown, NC. Both civil actions and criminal proceedings are cited there. They chronicle a lurid personal history which includes references to intimidation, aggravated stalking, criminal trespass, larceny, threats of suicide, and even threats of murder directed by Breazeale at members of his own family.
Most of the incidents described are linked to his stormy relationship with his wife, from whom he is now divorced. The couple had one child.
Only one of these entries is offered here. It is the verbatim text of an official police report describing events said to have taken place on January 6, 1995, in Georgia.
The “complainant” is identified as Mr. Breazeale’s former mother-in-law. The “offender” is identified as William James Breazeale. The report was typed in all capital letters:
“COMPLAINANT STATED THAT OFFENDER SAID, ‘I’LL BLOW YOUR FxxxxxG HEAD OFF.’ AND COMPLAINANT STATED THAT ANOTHER STATEMENT THE OFFENDER MADE WAS ‘I’LL SHOOT EVERY DAMN ONE OF YOU AND AIN’T NOBODY GOING TO STOP ME.’ COMPLAINANT STATED THAT OFFENDER HAS CALLED HER DAUGHTER AT HER HOME TWO WEEKS AGO AND MADE THREATS TO HER DAUGHER (HIS EX-WIFE CHERYL BREAZEALE). COMPLAINANT ALSO STATED THAT OFFENDER HAS BEEN CALLING HER DAUGHTER (HIS EX-WIFE CHERYL BREAZEALE) AT HER JOB IN BRUNSWICK, GA. AND THAT HER DAUGHTER HAS FILED CHARGES ON OFFENDER WITH THE BRUNSWICK P.D. (on) THIS DATE FOR STALKING AND TERRORISTIC THREATS AND PLAN TO TAKE OUT A RESTRAINING ORDER ON OFFENDER. COMPLAINANT ADVISED THAT SOMEONE HAD CUT THE LOCK TO HER ELECTRICAL BOX OUTSIDE AND CUT HER LIGHTS OFF LAST FRIDAY 01/06/95. AND SHE BELIEVES THAT IT WAS THE OFFENDER. BECAUSE HE WAS ON THE PHONE. SHE STATED TO HIM ‘YOU THINK YOUR FUNNY BY WHAT YOU’VE DONE WITH THE ELECTRICITY AND SCARING YOUR DAUGHER’ AND HE STATED ‘I CAN BE ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME’. COMPLAINANT STATED THAT OFFENDER HAS A PILOTS LICENSE AND FLIES DOWN HERE AND RENTS CARS. SO SHE’S REALLY AFRAID. BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T KNOW WHEN HE’LL BE AROUND OR WHAT HE’S DRIVING IN. COMPLAINANT ALSO ADVISED THAT THERE IS A COURT ORDER STATING THAT OFFENDER IS REFRAIN FROM ANY HARASSMENT OF HER DAUGHTER AND THAT SHE BELIEVES OFFENDER HAS ACTIVE WARRANTS AGAINST HIM IN NORTH CAROLINA.”
There’s more, so much more, but this is more than enough. I don’t care to add anything else to this searing personal litany of despair.
It might be worthy of note that Ilario Pantano, the only other viable candidate in this primary, has been relentlessly taunted by the Breazeale camp, which mocks the exoneration accorded the young Marine officer in official Article 32 proceedings.
In my interview with Will Breazeale in the early days of this primary, he said: “Since the Marine general in their version of the grand jury indictment -- I think it’s called an Article 32 hearing -- chose not to prosecute him, he is innocent of criminal wrongdoing. I back him up on that.”
But there has been little evidence of this magnanimous gesture in public debates and other campaign settings. Strange that this lack of compassion and fairness toward a fellow member of the U.S. military should backfire like this.
Meanwhile, Ilario Pantano, who vowed to run a clean and honorable race, has held his tongue when the insults fly, and set an excellent example of how to live one’s beliefs.
***************************************
Friday, May 16, 2014
I am getting tired of this Pope. Francis is the Obama of the Vatican. I was at first impressed. Then ambivalent. Then doubtful. Wary. Disappointed. Shocked. And now just plain tired.
Verne Strickland / USA DOT COM / May 16, 2014
Pope Calls for Sweeping Democrat Economic Takeover
Despite the Pope insisting he is not Marxist on several occasions, it appears as though he does share some similar ideas with the political and economic theory – perhaps the most indicative of this is his desire for a redistribution of wealth.
On Friday, Pope Francis addressed the public and set his sights on making the world better for the poor. He went on to share that society has come to adopt an, “economy of exclusion,” in which the poor have been deemed second class citizens.
(See also: Pope Francis Confronts Rush Limbaugh And Other Conservatives Who Call Him A Marxist)
In order to combat this less than dignified reality, the Pope has called for a, “worldwide ethical mobilization,” in which the world pulls together in the name of charity in order to aide of the poor. Amongst his address, Francis shared, “I do not hesitate to state, as did my predecessors, that equitable economic and social progress can only be attained by joining scientific and technical abilities with an unfailing commitment to solidarity accompanied by a generous and disinterested spirit of gratuitousness at every level.”
He further mentioned, “A contribution to this equitable development will also be made both by international activity aimed at the integral human development of all the world’s peoples and by the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the state, as well as indispensable cooperation between the private sector and civil society.”
Although the Pope’s ideals are understandable, they may be more than a little unreasonable. As much of the world is not Catholic, has not promised everything – including their celibacy – unto God, it seems a bit absurd to expect the rest of the world to live in such a way.
(See also: Pope Francis Drops F-Bomb During Weekly Blessing)
In that, Francis had decried the mentality of Capitalism as he suggests that the greed in which drives such an economy is the direct culprit responsible for his aforementioned second class citizenry. There is no doubt the Pope knows of the contradictory nature in his lecture as the world has yet to operate on a standard basis as of this point – so why would they agree to all come together and adopt a worldwide redistribution of wealth to help the poor?
The Pope is making a valid point here – in that we as human kind have a duty to care for those who are less fortunate – but the way in which he’s suggesting we fix our broken society hardly seems a reasonable solution.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Kidnapped Nigerian girls are pawns in a Muslim war against Christianity. US media remain mute
The kidnapped Nigerian girls are Christian. Why doesn’t our media say so?
Nigerian schoolgirls
by: Robin Harris
Gradually but explosively, what Boko Haram,
the Islamist terror group, has been doing in North East Nigeria has
penetrated the mainstream from the social media. On 14 April Boko Haram
(meaning ‘Western Education is Forbidden’) abducted more than 230 girls
from a boarding school. Most are still missing. Abubaka Shekau, Boko
Haram’s leader, obligingly gave a videoed explanation: ‘I abducted your
girls; there is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell –
he commands me to sell.’
The fact that these are girls, at least,
makes their plight of international political and media interest.
Feminism is an easy fall-back position for the foreign policy/human
rights community. For that, the girls and their parents may yet have
reason to be grateful. It allows the British Foreign Secretary to tweet
that ‘using girls as the spoils of war and the spoils of terrorism is
immoral’. But what neither the UK nor the US authorities is prepared to
draw attention to is that these girls – all or nearly all of them – are
Christians.
It is believed that at least 180 of the girls are Christian.
Boko Haram might, indeed, abduct Muslim
girls from school because it thought they should be back at home, to be
covered up, beaten, and to make the soup. But it would only dare to sell
Christians into slavery and prostitution. Not only are they Christian.
It is their Christianity which caused them to be victims.
These and other abductees were at schools
in the Christian enclave of Chibok in Borno State. The region is the
scene of systematic Islamist persecution and intimidation. Chibok,
itself, was regarded as safe, until Islamists arrived to burn down the
market, destroy houses, steal, kill, and abduct at will. Full, credible,
detailed accounts are available through the Christian on-line networks.
Yet commentators still seem content to
exercise self-censorship. The religious identity of the girls has not
been mentioned in the mainstream US or British media.
The words ‘poverty’, ‘corruption’, and
‘incompetence’ figure largely, and with some justice, in explanations of
what is dysfunctional in Nigeria. But the word “Christian’ is notable
by its absence in explaining what happened in Chibok.
Nigeria is, in truth, the scene of a brutal
religious war being fought by jihadists against Christians. But don’t
expect the White House or Downing Street, let alone Foggy Bottom or the
FCO, to own up to it.
source: The Spectator
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Obama's Key Message in Asia: If China Wants a Fight, We've Got Your Back
May 3, 2014 Verne Strickland USA DOT COM
Barack Obama’s weeklong visit to Asia took in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. His trip was supposedly focused on economic issues and in particular on enhancing trade links across the Pacific. But in the end strategy, and particularly defence, was most prominent. The visit must be seen in the context of the never ending struggle for regional balance between the great powers.
Obama’s “Asia pivot” over the past two years was two-fold. On the economic front it meant rejuvenating the negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). And on the strategic front it meant counterbalancing Chinese military expansion through defence cooperation with other countries in East Asia.
Progress on TPP has been slow; negotiations are likely to drag on throughout the year. It seems even a presidential visit couldn’t speed things up.
But on the defence front Obama has been more assertive, not missing the chance to clarify US strategic objectives in the region. The best way to identify the strategic motive behind his visit? Look for the glaring hole in the itinerary: China.
It is easy to see why, for America, China represents not just an economic rival but also a military worry. Its defence expenditure has doubled in the last decade: only the US now has a larger defence budget.
This has spurred a regional arms race, with Vietnam and the Philippines among the countries increasing their budgets. Even Japan has reversed its declining defence spending, following tension with China last year. Asia-Pacific is the only part of the world where defence expenditure has continued to rise since 2009.
For the US, the stakes are high. Japan and South Korea, its two major allies, are both under the US security umbrella and yet both face nuclear armed rivals: China and North Korea.
During his visit Obama encouraged Abe to look for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the island dispute. But on the other hand he clearly stated the disputed territory falls within the area covered by the US-Japan Security Alliance and that the US would protect it. Apparently America is no mood to retreat.
This firm stance has been noticed and replicated elsewhere in the region, where those nations who depend on the US for security have been looking at China’s military and feeling increasingly anxious. Obama sent out another reassuring signal by visiting South Korea amid heightened activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site. And what about the Philippines? It’s also involved in a territorial dispute with China, and it has every reason to feel increasingly nervous. There, US just signed a ten-year defence agreement.
If this all means action rather than merely words, it represents a welcome shift in US foreign policy. Despite Asia-Pacific’s obvious strategic and economic importance, policy towards the region has appeared muddled.
This perception has been further reinforced by US involvement in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan, the ongoing Syrian crises and the latest stand-off with Russia over Ukrainian. No country can be everywhere at once. Not even the US. Dealing with crises elsewhere in the world has meant diverting its diplomatic and strategic resources away from Asia-Pacific.
Officials in Beijing were paying attention. China’s state run daily has indeed concluded that the US president’s visit was aimed at containing China. Obama himself disagrees with this assertion, but his visit is a clear indication that the US does not want to leave any doubt among its Asian friends that the US is weak or might roll back from the region.
The US may face challenges on many fronts, but China remains the key rival. It is, after all, the only inevitable great power of the 21st century. History suggests that hegemons have never given up, and Obama’s Asian trip was an expression of the US' power balancing strategy in this crucial region.
Obama's Key Message in Asia: If China Wants a Fight, We've Got Your Back
By Ashok SharmaBarack Obama’s weeklong visit to Asia took in Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines. His trip was supposedly focused on economic issues and in particular on enhancing trade links across the Pacific. But in the end strategy, and particularly defence, was most prominent. The visit must be seen in the context of the never ending struggle for regional balance between the great powers.
Obama’s “Asia pivot” over the past two years was two-fold. On the economic front it meant rejuvenating the negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). And on the strategic front it meant counterbalancing Chinese military expansion through defence cooperation with other countries in East Asia.
Progress on TPP has been slow; negotiations are likely to drag on throughout the year. It seems even a presidential visit couldn’t speed things up.
But on the defence front Obama has been more assertive, not missing the chance to clarify US strategic objectives in the region. The best way to identify the strategic motive behind his visit? Look for the glaring hole in the itinerary: China.
It is easy to see why, for America, China represents not just an economic rival but also a military worry. Its defence expenditure has doubled in the last decade: only the US now has a larger defence budget.
This has spurred a regional arms race, with Vietnam and the Philippines among the countries increasing their budgets. Even Japan has reversed its declining defence spending, following tension with China last year. Asia-Pacific is the only part of the world where defence expenditure has continued to rise since 2009.
For the US, the stakes are high. Japan and South Korea, its two major allies, are both under the US security umbrella and yet both face nuclear armed rivals: China and North Korea.
Island standoff
Japan’s uneasy relationship with China has been aggravated by a standoff over a group of small islands claimed by both countries. Prime minister Shinzo Abe has boosted the defence budget and ensured his military is more prepared for a possible war. He has also attempted to force defence partnerships with China-wary countries in the region such as the closer military ties with India.During his visit Obama encouraged Abe to look for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the island dispute. But on the other hand he clearly stated the disputed territory falls within the area covered by the US-Japan Security Alliance and that the US would protect it. Apparently America is no mood to retreat.
This firm stance has been noticed and replicated elsewhere in the region, where those nations who depend on the US for security have been looking at China’s military and feeling increasingly anxious. Obama sent out another reassuring signal by visiting South Korea amid heightened activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site. And what about the Philippines? It’s also involved in a territorial dispute with China, and it has every reason to feel increasingly nervous. There, US just signed a ten-year defence agreement.
If this all means action rather than merely words, it represents a welcome shift in US foreign policy. Despite Asia-Pacific’s obvious strategic and economic importance, policy towards the region has appeared muddled.
This perception has been further reinforced by US involvement in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan, the ongoing Syrian crises and the latest stand-off with Russia over Ukrainian. No country can be everywhere at once. Not even the US. Dealing with crises elsewhere in the world has meant diverting its diplomatic and strategic resources away from Asia-Pacific.
Balancing power
But Obama’s very first stop in Japan, where he reaffirmed the importance of the US-Japan Security Alliance, suggests that US is motivated by maintaining a balance of power in the region. The last thing America wants is for China to become the dominant military power.Officials in Beijing were paying attention. China’s state run daily has indeed concluded that the US president’s visit was aimed at containing China. Obama himself disagrees with this assertion, but his visit is a clear indication that the US does not want to leave any doubt among its Asian friends that the US is weak or might roll back from the region.
The US may face challenges on many fronts, but China remains the key rival. It is, after all, the only inevitable great power of the 21st century. History suggests that hegemons have never given up, and Obama’s Asian trip was an expression of the US' power balancing strategy in this crucial region.
Ashok
Sharma does not work for, consult to, own shares in or receive funding
from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article,
and has no relevant affiliations.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read original article.
(AP Photo)
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read original article.
(AP Photo)
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