Readers,
I am deeply concerned by the recent news that Utah will become the dumping ground for another 10-14,000 metric tons of depleted Uranium from South Carolina, adding to the already 49.000 tons in Clive, Utah-only 70 miles west of Salt Lake City. Uranium becomes hotter over time and releases deadly Radon gas- aka Uranium stored in Utah will become a more serious problem over time.Additionally, the state's nuclear committee rejected at 180 day moratorium on Uranium storage, a delay that would have allowed state inspectors to determine the safety of the storage plans. Are you following along? The safety of Uranium storage at Clive HAS NOT been determined!!!! The bottom line is that Energy Solutions receives millions of dollars from this deal, Representative Bishop (R) will likely get more campaign contributions (on top of the over 28,000 he has already received from Energy Solutions) and more Utahns will get cancer.
The following list of Energy Solution's PAC campaign contributions likely reflects a low estimate of actual contributions, this information was found at: www.opensecrets.org. Here is a list of Utah's top recipients of Energy Solution's donations:
1) Robert Bennett (R), Senator: $49,300 from Energy Solutions (2005-Present)
2) Rob Bishop (R), Representative:$28,900, majority of funds to Bishop himself, from Energy Solutions (2004- Present).
3) Jim Matheson (D), Representative: $11,546, from Energy Solutions, (2006- Present).
We have to get mad as hell, and translate that anger to action!! I have asked Utah Representative Neil A. Hansen to draft a letter to Governor Herbert protesting this action. We can't let money-hungry corporations like Energy Solutions reap in millions at the expense of the livelihood of our families, friends, and fellow citizens.
Check out these stories for more information:
-http://www.tooeletranscript.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Board+says+no+moratorium+on+depleted+uranium%20&id=3703832-Board+says+no+moratorium+on+depleted+uranium&instance=home_news_1st_right
-http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_13414863
Contact your Utah Representative and demand that he/she defend Utahns against the storage of potentially lethal Uranium in Utah.
http://www.le.state.ut.us/house/index.htm
Join the fight!Contact me at: weberstatestand@gmail.com
Regards,
Cameron Morgan
Me
So happy
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Godspeed Mr. Obama
Readers,
President Barack Obama's efforts to reform the U.S. health care system have been received by ululation on the right and often cacophonous suggestions on the left. The far-right has used Obama's push for health care reform as the impetus for an often disoriented attack on big-government. Astro-turf, as opposed to Grassroot organizations, like Freedomworks, initiated rallies that seemed to be a gathering of people who are more apt to secede from the union than respect a president they disagree with. As Texas Governor Rick Perry said: "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that ." Governor Perry is referring to Texas seceding from the United States of America, something that many protesters called for when he spoke at the April 12th "tea-party" , aka open treason.
Substantive argument and protest is a fundamental American tradition and rightfully so, however, it seems that yelling at a President while he is speaking to congress (e.g. Joe Wilson), bringing loaded guns to town hall meetings and calling for succession from the U.S. is taking things too far.
Critics of government-run health care should remember that Medicare and the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) are government- run and provide vital services to millions of Americans. If the far-right is credent about the need for government to "stop thumbing their nose" at their constituents, then they should openly denounce Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA-I wonder what their elderly and veteran constituents would think of that.
I commend President Obama for his dedication to reforming the U.S. health care system, which is leaving out some 46 million Americans and is leading to the death of some 40,000 Americans annually-those who can't find adequate health insurance. I stand behind President Obama in his efforts and urge his opposition to denounce calls for succession and violence and praise those who offer solutions, not just noise. Godspeed Mr. Obama.
Thank you,
Cameron Morgan
President Barack Obama's efforts to reform the U.S. health care system have been received by ululation on the right and often cacophonous suggestions on the left. The far-right has used Obama's push for health care reform as the impetus for an often disoriented attack on big-government. Astro-turf, as opposed to Grassroot organizations, like Freedomworks, initiated rallies that seemed to be a gathering of people who are more apt to secede from the union than respect a president they disagree with. As Texas Governor Rick Perry said: "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that ." Governor Perry is referring to Texas seceding from the United States of America, something that many protesters called for when he spoke at the April 12th "tea-party" , aka open treason.
Substantive argument and protest is a fundamental American tradition and rightfully so, however, it seems that yelling at a President while he is speaking to congress (e.g. Joe Wilson), bringing loaded guns to town hall meetings and calling for succession from the U.S. is taking things too far.
Critics of government-run health care should remember that Medicare and the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) are government- run and provide vital services to millions of Americans. If the far-right is credent about the need for government to "stop thumbing their nose" at their constituents, then they should openly denounce Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA-I wonder what their elderly and veteran constituents would think of that.
I commend President Obama for his dedication to reforming the U.S. health care system, which is leaving out some 46 million Americans and is leading to the death of some 40,000 Americans annually-those who can't find adequate health insurance. I stand behind President Obama in his efforts and urge his opposition to denounce calls for succession and violence and praise those who offer solutions, not just noise. Godspeed Mr. Obama.
Thank you,
Cameron Morgan
Friday, September 4, 2009
The hunger-strike ends
Friends,
10-12 members of WSU ended its 25.5 hour hunger-strike/camp out fundraiser yesterday at 9:30 am. We raised $2,500 for Invisible Children, which was our end-goal for the event. I thought it pertinent to describe the feeling of hunger-striking, as many of you may never have had the experience.
The hunger-strike was formulated after I looked into the "fast for life" campaign championed by Mia Farrow and others and after extensive readings of Gandhi. I thought that the idea of a hunger-strike fundraiser- that participants wouldn't eat until a monetary goal was reached-was unique enough to be highly successful. I had faith that the local community couldn't bear to see several people go hungry, that they would donate for a respectable cause. I was right.
STAND's hunger-strike began at 8 am on September 2nd after a free breakfast courtesy of Cafe Villa Bella in Ogden. The ten or so participants then erected a gazebo, put up numerous signs and chairs, and hunkered down for a very long day/night. Our first donation was a remarkable $0.25-a magnanimous beginning to our fundraiser!! haha
As the blinding sun rose to its throne in the sky, we occupied ourselves by reading, facebooking, playing drums and starting at 12 pm, we had live music throughout the day- it helped make everything so much more tolerable. Acts like Brett Turner, Vaden Thurgood and Dr. Akombo serenaded us as we suffered hunger pangs, general vertigo and sun-fatigue. As the day progressed I became increasingly more hungry and lethargic-this was compounded by the fact that I have a noted blood-sugar problem. Despite these inconveniences, I was in a remarkably good mood. Every time someone donated it heartened me and I was surrounded by great company all day and night-yes, we camped at wsu! I was incredibly impressed with my fellow STAND members, they exhibited a lot of strength, resilience, and passion.
The apogee of the night was when Dr. Akombo and Vaden Thurgood played and the hunger-strikers danced and sung our food-deprived hearts out. Frankly, I was surprised that I had the energy to dance. More surprises came as donations continued to roll in and night fell on the campus- a fact which kept our hopes alive. By the time we fell to sleep we were some $270 away from our goal of $2,500. I awoke more hungry than ever before-weak, but happy. I helped take down the sound equipment and by 7 am I was up and ready to take donations. The STAND members and I complained together and tried desperately to get donations. We finally received the last $76 at approximately 9:30. We celebrated by toasting a smoothie and yelling loudly.
I hardly let me fist fall from the sky- I was jubilant. The event was a huge success as it generated media attention and the notice of thousands at WSU and beyond. I have more hope for STAND and the movement than ever before-2,000 was always the goal to break in a single event and we did it.
I ate my 1st meal with Lusi at Villa Bella- success never tasted so good.
I am energized(in mind) and ready to make the banquet a smashing success!
With immutable optimism,
Cameron
10-12 members of WSU ended its 25.5 hour hunger-strike/camp out fundraiser yesterday at 9:30 am. We raised $2,500 for Invisible Children, which was our end-goal for the event. I thought it pertinent to describe the feeling of hunger-striking, as many of you may never have had the experience.
The hunger-strike was formulated after I looked into the "fast for life" campaign championed by Mia Farrow and others and after extensive readings of Gandhi. I thought that the idea of a hunger-strike fundraiser- that participants wouldn't eat until a monetary goal was reached-was unique enough to be highly successful. I had faith that the local community couldn't bear to see several people go hungry, that they would donate for a respectable cause. I was right.
STAND's hunger-strike began at 8 am on September 2nd after a free breakfast courtesy of Cafe Villa Bella in Ogden. The ten or so participants then erected a gazebo, put up numerous signs and chairs, and hunkered down for a very long day/night. Our first donation was a remarkable $0.25-a magnanimous beginning to our fundraiser!! haha
As the blinding sun rose to its throne in the sky, we occupied ourselves by reading, facebooking, playing drums and starting at 12 pm, we had live music throughout the day- it helped make everything so much more tolerable. Acts like Brett Turner, Vaden Thurgood and Dr. Akombo serenaded us as we suffered hunger pangs, general vertigo and sun-fatigue. As the day progressed I became increasingly more hungry and lethargic-this was compounded by the fact that I have a noted blood-sugar problem. Despite these inconveniences, I was in a remarkably good mood. Every time someone donated it heartened me and I was surrounded by great company all day and night-yes, we camped at wsu! I was incredibly impressed with my fellow STAND members, they exhibited a lot of strength, resilience, and passion.
The apogee of the night was when Dr. Akombo and Vaden Thurgood played and the hunger-strikers danced and sung our food-deprived hearts out. Frankly, I was surprised that I had the energy to dance. More surprises came as donations continued to roll in and night fell on the campus- a fact which kept our hopes alive. By the time we fell to sleep we were some $270 away from our goal of $2,500. I awoke more hungry than ever before-weak, but happy. I helped take down the sound equipment and by 7 am I was up and ready to take donations. The STAND members and I complained together and tried desperately to get donations. We finally received the last $76 at approximately 9:30. We celebrated by toasting a smoothie and yelling loudly.
I hardly let me fist fall from the sky- I was jubilant. The event was a huge success as it generated media attention and the notice of thousands at WSU and beyond. I have more hope for STAND and the movement than ever before-2,000 was always the goal to break in a single event and we did it.
I ate my 1st meal with Lusi at Villa Bella- success never tasted so good.
I am energized(in mind) and ready to make the banquet a smashing success!
With immutable optimism,
Cameron
Saturday, August 15, 2009
New hope as the violence continues
Friends,
As usual, the world continues to be a chaotic place. Over 1,000 people have died as a result of inter-tribal conflict in Southern Sudan- another flare up from the glaring inequality in wealth distribution in Sudan. A handful of "oiligarchs" and war-profiteers are inordinately wealthy while groups in Darfur, and eastern/southern Sudan are disastrously impoverished- a Khartoum-implemented strategy that is leading to the conflicts in Sudan. Conflict-mineral mining in the DRC is continuing to fuel the deadliest war since WWII in the DRC. The American consumer needs to stand up and demand electronics that are conflict- free- a demand that will result in increased wealth for the Congolese citizens and less for marauding militias like the FDLR and LRA- thank you Enough Project for your thorough and sagacious reporting on the aforementioned conflicts.
I am heartened by the comments from the new U.S. ambassador to the U.N., which signaled increased U.S. support for multilateralism, especially the International Criminal Court and the U.N. U.S. support for these institutions is critical in ensuring legitimacy for these bodies that were so de-legitimized during the Bush/Bolton years. How can anybody expect these international bodies to be effective when they are chronically shot in the foot by the U.S. and Israel-and others? the U.S. owes 1 billion to the U.N. in dues and those funds are desperately needed to make the U.N. effective. I agree with the Enough Project that the U.N. and its members, need to start creating peacekeeping operations that are not designed to fail- aka the under-funded UNAMID peacekeeping force. By creating success stories the U.N. will legitimize its actions- it is a self-fulfilling cycle. To initiate a multi-lateral paradigm shift, the U.N. members need to provide the U.N. legitimacy that it so desperately needs- only then will international law be upheld.
Godspeed to a world that respects international law.
-Cameron
As usual, the world continues to be a chaotic place. Over 1,000 people have died as a result of inter-tribal conflict in Southern Sudan- another flare up from the glaring inequality in wealth distribution in Sudan. A handful of "oiligarchs" and war-profiteers are inordinately wealthy while groups in Darfur, and eastern/southern Sudan are disastrously impoverished- a Khartoum-implemented strategy that is leading to the conflicts in Sudan. Conflict-mineral mining in the DRC is continuing to fuel the deadliest war since WWII in the DRC. The American consumer needs to stand up and demand electronics that are conflict- free- a demand that will result in increased wealth for the Congolese citizens and less for marauding militias like the FDLR and LRA- thank you Enough Project for your thorough and sagacious reporting on the aforementioned conflicts.
I am heartened by the comments from the new U.S. ambassador to the U.N., which signaled increased U.S. support for multilateralism, especially the International Criminal Court and the U.N. U.S. support for these institutions is critical in ensuring legitimacy for these bodies that were so de-legitimized during the Bush/Bolton years. How can anybody expect these international bodies to be effective when they are chronically shot in the foot by the U.S. and Israel-and others? the U.S. owes 1 billion to the U.N. in dues and those funds are desperately needed to make the U.N. effective. I agree with the Enough Project that the U.N. and its members, need to start creating peacekeeping operations that are not designed to fail- aka the under-funded UNAMID peacekeeping force. By creating success stories the U.N. will legitimize its actions- it is a self-fulfilling cycle. To initiate a multi-lateral paradigm shift, the U.N. members need to provide the U.N. legitimacy that it so desperately needs- only then will international law be upheld.
Godspeed to a world that respects international law.
-Cameron
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The U.S. helps to overthrow Georgia's government
Readers,
I recently read Jeremy Scahill's ground-breaking bestseller, Blackwater: Rise of the World's Largest Mercenary army, which taught me, amongst many other things, that the U.S. had a role in the the "Rose Revolution" of 2003 in Georgia (the country, not the state, for those who are confused). I decided to investigate these allegations much more thoroughly, here is what I found.
The preponderance of evidence suggests that the U.S. had a role in the peaceful overthrow of then President Shevardnadze's government in November, 2003. Thousands of Georgian student- protesters staged non-violent demonstrations in the capital of Tbilsi that lead to the ouster of the President. These demonstrations were a result of electoral disputes during the parliamentary elections- there were accusations of ballot stuffing and other electoral disparities (though these disparities are disputed). Current President Mr. Saakashvili came to power following the coup and urged a better relationship with the United States. Before Saakashvilli came to power, an interim government headed by Ms. Burjanadze, took control.
The influence of the U.S. can be seen as follows:
1) NGO's like the National Endowment for Democracy and George Soro's open Georgia institute helped to finance and train student protesters in civil disobedience campaigns like those which were used to overthrow Slobadan Milosevic in Serbia.
2) The Interim president's first call was to Beyond Petroleum (an Anglo-Dutch oil consortium) to assure them that their oil pipeline "was ok" . The Caspian Sea pipeline is seen as vital to U.S. oil interests.
3)The Congressional Research Project, a congressional reporting agency, confirmed in its own internal document that Georgian pipeline played a role in shaping Georgia's special relationship with the U.S. Georgia is the recipient of over $1 Billion in U.S. aid annually and Georgia's forces have been trained by U.S. and Israeli forces.
4) The National Endowment for Democracy's website describes their work as training domestic workers in carrying out elections.
5) Mr. Saakashvilli is a graduate of George Washington University, located in D.C. He replaced Shevardnadze's overthrown government and implemented an even more pro-U.S. Georgian foreign policy
6) Saakashvilli urged his followers to emulate the civil disobedience campaign that overthrew Milosevic in Serbia- according to Congressional reports. Again U.S. non-profits helped to train students in civil disobedience tactics
http://http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a781239232
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/dec2003/geor-d05.shtml
http://www.ndi.org/georgia-ndi
http://www.voltairenet.org/article30094.html-First
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=2424&l=1-
I apologize for the delay in writing, I am busy with several major campaigns, including a hunger-strike and black-tie banquet. I will write more frequently.
Thank you for reading. Please do net cease in speaking up at town halls, via e-mail, post, etc to your elected officials and anybody else in power. The government of the U.S. is established by the people and can be "altered or abolished" by the people if it doesn't uphold the inherent human rights of every individual. Let's speak out against coups, let's stay informed.
With humble optimism,
Cameron
I recently read Jeremy Scahill's ground-breaking bestseller, Blackwater: Rise of the World's Largest Mercenary army, which taught me, amongst many other things, that the U.S. had a role in the the "Rose Revolution" of 2003 in Georgia (the country, not the state, for those who are confused). I decided to investigate these allegations much more thoroughly, here is what I found.
The preponderance of evidence suggests that the U.S. had a role in the peaceful overthrow of then President Shevardnadze's government in November, 2003. Thousands of Georgian student- protesters staged non-violent demonstrations in the capital of Tbilsi that lead to the ouster of the President. These demonstrations were a result of electoral disputes during the parliamentary elections- there were accusations of ballot stuffing and other electoral disparities (though these disparities are disputed). Current President Mr. Saakashvili came to power following the coup and urged a better relationship with the United States. Before Saakashvilli came to power, an interim government headed by Ms. Burjanadze, took control.
The influence of the U.S. can be seen as follows:
1) NGO's like the National Endowment for Democracy and George Soro's open Georgia institute helped to finance and train student protesters in civil disobedience campaigns like those which were used to overthrow Slobadan Milosevic in Serbia.
2) The Interim president's first call was to Beyond Petroleum (an Anglo-Dutch oil consortium) to assure them that their oil pipeline "was ok" . The Caspian Sea pipeline is seen as vital to U.S. oil interests.
3)The Congressional Research Project, a congressional reporting agency, confirmed in its own internal document that Georgian pipeline played a role in shaping Georgia's special relationship with the U.S. Georgia is the recipient of over $1 Billion in U.S. aid annually and Georgia's forces have been trained by U.S. and Israeli forces.
4) The National Endowment for Democracy's website describes their work as training domestic workers in carrying out elections.
5) Mr. Saakashvilli is a graduate of George Washington University, located in D.C. He replaced Shevardnadze's overthrown government and implemented an even more pro-U.S. Georgian foreign policy
6) Saakashvilli urged his followers to emulate the civil disobedience campaign that overthrew Milosevic in Serbia- according to Congressional reports. Again U.S. non-profits helped to train students in civil disobedience tactics
http://http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a781239232
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/dec2003/geor-d05.shtml
http://www.ndi.org/georgia-ndi
http://www.voltairenet.org/article30094.html-First
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=2424&l=1-
I apologize for the delay in writing, I am busy with several major campaigns, including a hunger-strike and black-tie banquet. I will write more frequently.
Thank you for reading. Please do net cease in speaking up at town halls, via e-mail, post, etc to your elected officials and anybody else in power. The government of the U.S. is established by the people and can be "altered or abolished" by the people if it doesn't uphold the inherent human rights of every individual. Let's speak out against coups, let's stay informed.
With humble optimism,
Cameron
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Utah needs a choice
Readers,
Thursday, July 23rd, I lobbied for Obama's public option-inclusive health care plan with Organizing for America at the Federal Building at 125 south State in Salt Lake. I was chosen to lead the health care lobbying group. After security checks by somewhat hostile guards we were whisked to the Senate conference room, wherein which we (ten or so individuals) met with Senator Robert Bennett's health care aid. Small Business owners, a union representative, and insurance employees made up the contingent who spoke in support of Obama's health care plan- a plan which Senator Bennett's DC aid told me that Bennett doesn't support.
A retired Army veteran, Allan, posited that his wife's health care premiums rose drastically every year and that the costs were becoming too high to bear. He asserted that socialized medicine already existed in Utah- the Millitary's Cobra plan, which he thought highly of. He could've mentioned that Medicare is already a viable public option for older individuals.
Marlyn Smith, an insurance company employee, said that her insurance company-not identified, cut coverage for a baby that developed cancer,a common practice utilized to save money. She also near-laughingly asserted that she was told that she was "uncoverable" because of mild arthritis.
Lewis, a mental health-insurance employee, said that he saw many individuals who were forced to go to the ER due to lack of coverage, a practice which he said costs "$1,000 a visit". Lewis remarked that the number of kids an individual has sometimes determines their coverage eligibility, a fact which he found baffling. He said reform was needed because our current system was ineffectual, cost too much and was inferior to "socialized health care systems."
Jim, the Western Representative for an international Boiler worker's union, said that employees involved in boiler production,who had wive's with cancer, couldn't acquire insurance for their wives. He endorsed single-payer health insurance- health insurance run entirely by the government, without insurance companies. He said that the workers he represents are forced to pay over $8.00 an hour towards their health insurance, a cost that has skyrocketed from $3.45 an hour in 2001.
I couldn't catch everyone's names and stories, because the meeting was rushed and full of journalists. An owner of a small publishing company told me that health care costs were hurting her business and a real estate agent spoke of her consistent troubles with her insurance coverage. Everyone at the table agreed that a viable health care policy needed to include a public option that would be implemented immediately, cover everyone, exclude no-one for pre-existing conditions, and be entirely government run. Bennett's aid seemingly flinched when a public option was mentioned- the likelihood of Bennett supporting the imitative is not high. This meeting demonstrated that some Utah small business owners support Obama's plan and that this support stretched across the spectrum of employment.
As of today, I can't find a single reference to the lobby, even though the Deseret news, and Channels 2 & 5 covered it. I'll post pictures if I can find them.
Also, violence in the Congo continues as the government tries to expel ex-Hutu genocidaires from their country. 35,000 more civillians have been displaced from the fighting. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/07/25/congo.conflict.refugees/
Today was the Global day for human rights in Iran. I took part in a rally at 2100 south and state to support the pro-democracy movement in Iran. A few dozen people showed up and chanted pro-democracy slogans for 2 hours. I lead the chanting via megaphone. I saw many more non-Persian people at this rally. I hope the rally will remind our legislatures, and fellow Utahns, that human rights in Utah are inexorably tied to those in Iran, in fact, all human rights are interconnected.
Thanks for reading,
Cameron
Thursday, July 23rd, I lobbied for Obama's public option-inclusive health care plan with Organizing for America at the Federal Building at 125 south State in Salt Lake. I was chosen to lead the health care lobbying group. After security checks by somewhat hostile guards we were whisked to the Senate conference room, wherein which we (ten or so individuals) met with Senator Robert Bennett's health care aid. Small Business owners, a union representative, and insurance employees made up the contingent who spoke in support of Obama's health care plan- a plan which Senator Bennett's DC aid told me that Bennett doesn't support.
A retired Army veteran, Allan, posited that his wife's health care premiums rose drastically every year and that the costs were becoming too high to bear. He asserted that socialized medicine already existed in Utah- the Millitary's Cobra plan, which he thought highly of. He could've mentioned that Medicare is already a viable public option for older individuals.
Marlyn Smith, an insurance company employee, said that her insurance company-not identified, cut coverage for a baby that developed cancer,a common practice utilized to save money. She also near-laughingly asserted that she was told that she was "uncoverable" because of mild arthritis.
Lewis, a mental health-insurance employee, said that he saw many individuals who were forced to go to the ER due to lack of coverage, a practice which he said costs "$1,000 a visit". Lewis remarked that the number of kids an individual has sometimes determines their coverage eligibility, a fact which he found baffling. He said reform was needed because our current system was ineffectual, cost too much and was inferior to "socialized health care systems."
Jim, the Western Representative for an international Boiler worker's union, said that employees involved in boiler production,who had wive's with cancer, couldn't acquire insurance for their wives. He endorsed single-payer health insurance- health insurance run entirely by the government, without insurance companies. He said that the workers he represents are forced to pay over $8.00 an hour towards their health insurance, a cost that has skyrocketed from $3.45 an hour in 2001.
I couldn't catch everyone's names and stories, because the meeting was rushed and full of journalists. An owner of a small publishing company told me that health care costs were hurting her business and a real estate agent spoke of her consistent troubles with her insurance coverage. Everyone at the table agreed that a viable health care policy needed to include a public option that would be implemented immediately, cover everyone, exclude no-one for pre-existing conditions, and be entirely government run. Bennett's aid seemingly flinched when a public option was mentioned- the likelihood of Bennett supporting the imitative is not high. This meeting demonstrated that some Utah small business owners support Obama's plan and that this support stretched across the spectrum of employment.
As of today, I can't find a single reference to the lobby, even though the Deseret news, and Channels 2 & 5 covered it. I'll post pictures if I can find them.
Also, violence in the Congo continues as the government tries to expel ex-Hutu genocidaires from their country. 35,000 more civillians have been displaced from the fighting. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/07/25/congo.conflict.refugees/
Today was the Global day for human rights in Iran. I took part in a rally at 2100 south and state to support the pro-democracy movement in Iran. A few dozen people showed up and chanted pro-democracy slogans for 2 hours. I lead the chanting via megaphone. I saw many more non-Persian people at this rally. I hope the rally will remind our legislatures, and fellow Utahns, that human rights in Utah are inexorably tied to those in Iran, in fact, all human rights are interconnected.
Thanks for reading,
Cameron
Saturday, July 18, 2009
"The election was cooked"
Readers,
Today, several STAND members, including myself, attended the "What is Happening Inside Iran" lecture at the SLC Library. Farideh Farhi, a distinguished professor and author, gave a long, informative, and sometimes circuitous lecture about the internal dynamics of the protests and subsequent crackdown in Iran. I will summarize some of her most important points for the benefit of those who haven't had a chance to hear her speak.
-"The Election [in Iran] was cooked" She said this to express her conviction that the election wasn't simply rigged, tweaked, or manipulated, but was a complete fraud. She firmly asserted that Moussavi (MHM) was elected by the Iranian people, but that his rightful victory was stolen. To back up her claims, Farhi notes that historically a turnout over %60 would go to the Reformists camp and that the turnout in the recent election was %80, so consequently, it is unlikely that Ahmadinejad (MA) won. She mentioned that Reformist candidates in Iran have to win the majority of votes + "4-5 million more" to secure an electoral victory. I thought it was interesting that she didn't mention voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, and other electoral back-handed actions in detail.
Farhi stated that the 2009 election was unique in many ways, one of which being that the debates between MA and MHM were heated, widely viewed, and very personal. She also expressed shock that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini changed the nature of his office and made a very public endorsement of MA and mr. MA's victory. Farhi insists that the government in Iran is schismed and that the protests keep happening, much to the chagrin of the Revolutionary Guards.
I thought that it was especially interesting that reformists are starting to chant "death to Russia" rather than the traditional mantra "death to America". Of note is that, according to Farhi, neither Moussavi or Ahmadinejadwould be willing to stop Iran's nuclear enrichment program and Farhi asserts that it is Iran's right to enrich under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which Iran is party to. Mr. Ahmadinejad and Moussavi differ on their approach to foreign policy, however, with the former preferring a bellicose interaction with the west and the latter preferring a softer approach.
I wish that it were mentioned that Iran and the U.S. are already engaged in a proxy-war for the most part. Iran has been accused of funding a variety of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and evidence points to the U.S. backing of terrorist groups like the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, an anti-Iranian terrorist group.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm#relations
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/US_outsourcing_special_operations_intelligence_gathering_0413.html
Thanks,
Cameron
Today, several STAND members, including myself, attended the "What is Happening Inside Iran" lecture at the SLC Library. Farideh Farhi, a distinguished professor and author, gave a long, informative, and sometimes circuitous lecture about the internal dynamics of the protests and subsequent crackdown in Iran. I will summarize some of her most important points for the benefit of those who haven't had a chance to hear her speak.
-"The Election [in Iran] was cooked" She said this to express her conviction that the election wasn't simply rigged, tweaked, or manipulated, but was a complete fraud. She firmly asserted that Moussavi (MHM) was elected by the Iranian people, but that his rightful victory was stolen. To back up her claims, Farhi notes that historically a turnout over %60 would go to the Reformists camp and that the turnout in the recent election was %80, so consequently, it is unlikely that Ahmadinejad (MA) won. She mentioned that Reformist candidates in Iran have to win the majority of votes + "4-5 million more" to secure an electoral victory. I thought it was interesting that she didn't mention voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, and other electoral back-handed actions in detail.
Farhi stated that the 2009 election was unique in many ways, one of which being that the debates between MA and MHM were heated, widely viewed, and very personal. She also expressed shock that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini changed the nature of his office and made a very public endorsement of MA and mr. MA's victory. Farhi insists that the government in Iran is schismed and that the protests keep happening, much to the chagrin of the Revolutionary Guards.
I thought that it was especially interesting that reformists are starting to chant "death to Russia" rather than the traditional mantra "death to America". Of note is that, according to Farhi, neither Moussavi or Ahmadinejadwould be willing to stop Iran's nuclear enrichment program and Farhi asserts that it is Iran's right to enrich under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which Iran is party to. Mr. Ahmadinejad and Moussavi differ on their approach to foreign policy, however, with the former preferring a bellicose interaction with the west and the latter preferring a softer approach.
I wish that it were mentioned that Iran and the U.S. are already engaged in a proxy-war for the most part. Iran has been accused of funding a variety of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and evidence points to the U.S. backing of terrorist groups like the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, an anti-Iranian terrorist group.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm#relations
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/US_outsourcing_special_operations_intelligence_gathering_0413.html
Thanks,
Cameron
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