ON THE USE OF THE 'CONFEDERATE BATTLE FLAG' IN THE U.S.A.....

The "confederate battle flag" wasn't the original flag of the Confederate States of America. It was just an invention of 19th-century extremism and racism. Such 'confederate battle flag' was used to struggle against any attempt to bring down slavery and promote racial equality all over America. Hence, it was used as a symbol to cement and glorify the white-supremacy doctrine in the USA.

The idea of using the 'Confederate Battle Flag' in and upon any public or private office in America can be assumed as a form of propagating the doctrine of racist-supremacy ideology. Such is not nice to the Americans who sincerely believe in racial equality and human-rights for all the citizens of the USA. I think it's high time now for both the Democratic and Republican parties to completely ban the display of such flag in and upon any private or public office all over the USA. Such symbol should also be forbidden to be used as a design on any military or police uniform in America. Such symbol should also be banned from being used and displayed at any government-sponsored event or holiday. The US Government should also ban such display in and upon any postcard, graphic work, greeting card, public mural, commercial ad, corporate website, company logo, or anything that can attract large-scale or massive public attention. I believe such kind of flag should only be allowed to be used as a design on a shirt or a clothing that expresses individuality. I repeat, all the Democrats and Republicans in the current legislative assembly of the U.S.A. should now completely ban the display of such a symbol in and upon any private or public office.

Such flag was and had never been the official expression of the aspirations of the citizens of the southern states of the American nation. Historians and scholars do agree that such symbol was an invention of 19th-century extremism and racism..... The glorification and use of such flag is tantamount to glorifying the racist doctrine of white supremacy in America.

NO TO RACIST SYMBOLS IN THE MODERN WORLD!

NO TO RACISM IN THE WHOLE GLOBE! AMEN.

HISTORIC INAUGURATION FOR OBAMA.....

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/politics/bal-te.mainbar21jan21,0,3465700.story?



Obama takes his place in history



By Christi Parsons and Peter Nicholas Tribune Washington Bureau
January 21, 2009





WASHINGTON - Barack Obama took his place as the 44th president of the United States under a bright January sky yesterday, painting the dark national moment in unsparing terms and exhorting Americans to respond by taking greater responsibility for themselves, the country and the world.Standing on the West Front of the Capitol as the first African-American sworn in as president, Obama celebrated that historic achievement, noting that his ascendance symbolized "who we are and how far we have traveled."But the heart of Obama's first address to the nation as its president was a stern rejection of the policies and values of his immediate predecessors and a somber call for the return of what he called traditional American virtues of hard work, fair play, tolerance and sacrifice for the common good.The nation faces "gathering clouds and raging storms" in the economy and in foreign policy, he said, and must respond with the resolve of its ancestors.


"At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents," Obama said."So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans."Evoking the names and values of the Founding Fathers is commonplace in presidential speeches, but in Obama's case the device seemed intended to make a larger point: The change he hopes to bring about will require even his supporters to accept things they don't want to accept, work with opponents they've long demonized and break long-ingrained lifestyles.Americans as a whole must adopt a new, more self-denying way of life with little room for "those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame" he said.In a passage that echoed Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural, Obama said, "Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished."But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."If the speech was exceptionally somber and included relatively few lines designed to draw roars of approval from the enormous crowd, the day nonetheless resounded with jubilation.More than a million people flocked to the National Mall to take part in the event, spilling outward from the Capitol steps toward the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial more than a mile away.Choirs sang. Some of the world's finest musicians performed, including classical violinist Yitzak Perlman and cellist Yo Yo Ma, along with Anthony McGill, a new Peabody Conservatory faculty member, and soul singer Aretha Franklin. High school bands paraded. And tears streamed down faces, weathered and smooth alike, here and around the globe, as the son of a white American and a black African immigrant ascended to his place in history.The only shadow on the day was cast during the luncheon for the new president hosted in the Capitol by House and Senate leaders: Sen. Edward M. Kennedy suffered a seizure and was taken to a hospital.The Massachusetts Democrat suffers from brain cancer, but an aide said he was awake, talking with family members and feeling well.Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, the oldest member of the Senate, was sitting near Kennedy and became visibly upset. He was taken from the lunch but is fine, according to an aide.Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, were whisked away by helicopter immediately after the inaugural ceremony and headed for their home state of Texas after a private farewell to staff at Andrews Air Force Base.And almost at once, the wheels of the new administration began to turn.In the afternoon, new White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel put a hold on all regulations the Bush administration had been drafting, pending a review by the new team. Obama is expected to begin issuing his own administrative measures later this week.



Obama made the appointment of his Cabinet his first official act, and the Senate approved several members before the day was over, though Senate Republicans delayed others.Hillary Clinton, Obama's nominee for secretary of state, had been expected to win approval yesterday, but Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, held up the vote to permit further questioning about her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and his charitable foundation's foreign donors.Others who face a more protracted process include the nominees for labor secretary, Hilda L. Solis; treasury secretary, Timothy Geithner; attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr.; and transportation secretary, Ray LaHood.The delays are expected to be temporary.

Obama also still needs to nominate a commerce secretary to replace Gov. Bill Richardson, who withdrew from consideration in the midst of a scandal in his home state of New Mexico.The finality of the transfer of power was signaled in small ways as well as large. A picture of Bush vanished from the White House Web site shortly after noon, and Obama's portrait appeared in its place.That he was taking office in challenging times, both domestic and foreign, Obama was quick to acknowledge, including an economic crisis as ominous as any since Roosevelt moved into the White House amid the Great Depression."Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."The way out of the domestic morass, Obama said, will require a more active role for government.Indirectly rejecting Bill Clinton's assertion in 1996 that the era of big government was over, Obama said, "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified."On foreign policy, Obama vowed to outlast and ultimately defeat terrorists. But he went out of his way to extend his hand to the Muslim world."To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect," he said.He also declared that the United States would once more play the role of world leader. "We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.""Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."Inauguration Day dawned with hundreds of thousands of people assembling in early morning to watch the day's events unfold - and to cheer, sing and tell stories.In the crowd, there was sustained booing of Bush at some points in the program.At the congressional lunch that followed the Bushes' departure by helicopter, Obama worked the room like a bridegroom at a wedding. When Kennedy was taken ill, Obama reminded the crowd in a halting voice that Kennedy had been in the Senate to support passage of the Voting Rights Act."So I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now a part of me is with him," Obama said.Michelle Obama joined her husband to review the troops on the steps of the Capitol. When Obama went to shake the hand of the military officer at his side, the president appeared startled when he got a salute instead as the new commander in chief.But Obama and the new first lady were all smiles and ease as they walked a length of their parade route, the silver collar of Michelle Obama's yellow-gold dress glinting in the afternoon sun. In the evening, the Obamas planned to attend all 10 official inaugural balls, speaking at each one.Yet it was the words of the afternoon that resonated beyond their delivery.People listened, mesmerized, as the speech rolled across the National Mall from a sound system that took two or three seconds to get to the farthest reaches of the crowd.The echo meant that the field was never quiet, even when Obama paused, as though the words of the day couldn't be contained in a single moment or place.
____________________________________________________________

OBAMA IS REALLY AN INTELLIGENT AND WISE LEADER. HIS PROGRESSIVE IDEAS WILL NOW BE ALLOWED TO WORK IN AND UPON HIS U.S. PRESIDENTIAL REIGN. I HAVE FAITH THAT BARACK OBAMA IS GOING TO BE A GREAT AND WISE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE AMERICAN NATION..... AMEN.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SIR BARACK OBAMA! HE'S THE MAN.....

_____SIDE-COMMENTS FROM RUMMEL PINERA

THE KARENS OF BURMA DO NEED INTERNATIONAL HELP NOW.....

http://beta.orilliapacket.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1376225

Most frequently asked question is, 'Are you safe there?'
Posted By DAVID DOWNHAM

Dr. David Downham is a founder, along with his wife Catherine Downham, of Project Umbrella Burma. The non-profit organization provides direct aid to Burmese refugees, including the Karen people, at the border with Thailand. Here are some of his reflections on their work overseas.
When talking about the work we are trying to do here, on returning to Canada, one of the most frequently asked questions is, "Is it safe there?"

We have two young women here in Mae Sot, Thailand, from Orillia. Now, instead of Europe, young people will often tour the East. These two are spending a month teaching in the college in Doh Tah before going on to southern and northern India. They are confident, positive, very capable and a delight for our own young people in the college here. They are the quality of young people whose parents must be congratulated for so brilliantly fitting them with the tools of life.
But, it takes anyone time to understand and absorb another culture, another person's day to day. Cathy's concern was, inevitably, they would not have the time to absorb what is going on here. It led her to say the following:

"I would like to say to them: Here we are working on the Thai- Burmese border -- which is a lawless place, whether it looks like it or not, where the rules of neither country are observed; a 'fringe place' with many similar examples around the world, and where here, perhaps more than two to three million people live in poverty, great jeopardy and without any likelihood of justice; a people disregarded, who are an embarrassment and nuisance to both countries; their lives of no importance. And I want to say to them, our young temporary teachers, that while this is accepted as an attitude by any country, there is no real safety for anyone anywhere."

And she went on, "Am I being pompous? Do you agree with me? Will it help if I say that?"
And of course, I said, "Yes, it would help," and "Yes, I think they will understand."
In Orillia, a group of people have come together to make a film of life here. I do not know whether it has a title yet, but perhaps we should call it:A Community Intervenes.They have made footage of the college and the clinic and of the presentation of a stethoscope to Dr. Cynthia, a gift to honour her, from the doctors at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. It was given with a short speech of appreciation of her amazing contribution to her fellow Karen people, and to the many people from all ethnic groups in Burma. It was given in English and with a special translation into broken Burmese, which hopefully lightened her day. Slowly we are all learning from people like Dr. Cynthia that taking care of another is taking care of yourself.

Here in Thailand, the professionals, academics and middle classes generally have been demonstrating against the corruption of the present government, bringing travel and tourism, vital to Thailand's economy, to a standstill -- with an extraordinarily disciplined and peaceful takeover of Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. The much revered king of Thailand's birthday was looming on Dec. 4 and the protesters respectfully decided to pack up and go home. (This is unlikely to be anything but a momentary lull.) Though the king did not address his people and has certainly become quite frail recently, he took the time to ask Dr. Cynthia to visit, and presented her with another award. The king in Thailand carries a huge and well-earned moral authority. His recent silence on his birthday could be seen as a reprimand of the corruption in the government. His recognition of Cynthia and through her, of the importance of the Karen in Thai society, will be taken by many as an attitude to be adopted, as he nudges his people into a more enlightened attitude.

Trying to understand, and attempting to improve, so often takes us deeper into the maze. At least 50,000 people live a "half life" in Mae Lah refugee camp alone, unable to travel outside the narrow confines of the camp, unable to work, prevented from living in a permanent house; they are receiving some level of education, but with no direction for its use. Not surprisingly, alcohol and drug abuse become a problem.

The failure of the British to leave a reasonably workable political legacy in a multi-ethnic society has left three devastated generations in four groups: a) in Burma proper, within the territories of the ethnic minorities; b) amongst the expatriates from Burma, who have gone to live in Australia, Canada, the U. S. and the Baltic countries; c) the refugees growing up in the camps and d) those living the ultimate life of insecurity, as illegal immigrants.
The UN's emigration policy for the Karen ethnic group from Burma (the people to whom we are most connected) provides a weak-kneed answer for some individuals; at the same time, it destroys both the leadership and the culture.

The policy of the Junta, the Burmese military dictatorship, is clear: submit or suffer slow extermination. The Thai, at present, prefer to look the other way. We cannot expect much change in attitude from the Junta, but a gradual relaxation of the rules of citizenship for the Karen on this side of the border would be to the long-term benefit of Thailand. The king of Thailand, a strong believer in peaceful settlement, knows this very well.

So, coming back to the original question: "Is this a dangerous place?"

"Yes, of course, it is."

"Is this a good reason for not trying to do something about it?"

"No! That would be a far more dangerous thing to do."

Article ID# 1376225

____________________________________________________________________

The Karens in Burma are being mistreated by the military junta in Burma. The U.N. Org seems to be ignoring the plight of the Karen people as being treated harshly if not being actual victims of a policy of hatred or genocide by Burma's military regime. When will the international community become truly-solid in defending the human rights and civil liberties of the Karen people inside Burma? I hope that the U.N. Org can move its quick hands in helping the Karens achieve dignity and decency as a people inside Burma. Such should happen soon...............

_____RUMMEL PINERA

About Burma marking independence day as a nation..

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/5243894/burma-junta-marks-independence-day/

Burma junta marks independence day

January 4, 2009, 9:07 pm


Burma has marked the 61st anniversary of its independence with pomp and defiance, as the military junta called on citizens to support 2010 elections derided as a sham by democracy campaigners.

Soldiers raised the national flag at 4.28am (0848 AEDT) on Sunday - the exact time of the country's freedom from Britain - at a city hall in the remote capital of Naypyidaw, 400km north of Rangoon .

In comments read out by a subordinate in the bunker-like capital, Senior General Than Shwe trumpeted his seven-step "Road Map" to democracy, which the junta says will lead to multi-party elections next year.

He urged people to "cooperate in realising the state's seven-step Road Map with union spirit and patriotic spirit with the firm resolution to build up a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline".

Than Shwe accused "neo-colonialists" - usually a reference to the United States - of interfering in Burma's affairs.

"The entire people are duty-bound to safeguard the motherland ... while keeping a watchful eye on attempts of neo-colonialists to harm the sovereignty of the country," Than Shwe said.

About 3,000 ministers, government employees and senior officials attended the ceremony and the formal military parade, although the ageing Than Shwe was not present.
The United States, European Union and United Nations have dismissed the lengthy "Road Map" as a sham due to the absence of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party.

Burmese pro-democracy activists say the polls are aimed at cementing the military's grip on the nation, with Aung San Suu Kyi banned from running and 25 per cent of parliament seats reserved for members of the armed forces.

The NLD held a parallel independence day ceremony on Sunday attended by foreign diplomats and party members in Rangoon .

"Although there were many security members, they did not disturb us," said NLD spokesman Nyan Win, adding that the party used the opportunity to call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

Burma has been ruled by the military since 1962, despite a 1990 election win by Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD. Instead of allowing her to take office, the military regime simply kept her under house arrest.
___________________________________________________________________

The people of Burma are still waiting for the day when democracy will fully- return to their homeland. I do hope that the incoming Obama admin in the United States will be doing policies that may somehow help push the Burmese people's peaceful and lawful struggle for democracy towards victory. I know that such victorious day would come.....

_____RUMMEL PINERA

Obama makes history; turns to sobering challenges

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/election_rdp

Obama makes history; turns to sobering challenges

By TERENCE HUNT, Associated Press Writer Terence Hunt, Associated Press Writer – November 5, 2008WASHINGTON –

His name etched in history as America's first black president, Barack Obama turned from the jubilation of victory to the sobering challenge of leading a nation worried about economic crisis, two unfinished wars and global uncertainty.

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep," Obama cautioned.

Young and charismatic but with little experience on the national level, Obama smashed through racial barriers and easily defeated Republican John McCain to become the first African-American destined to sit in the Oval Office, America's 44th president. He was the first Democrat to receive more than 50 percent of the popular vote since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America," Obama told a victory rally of 125,000 people jammed into Chicago's Grant Park.

Obama scored an Electoral College landslide that redrew America's political map. He won states that reliably voted Republican in presidential elections, like Indiana and Virginia, which hadn't supported the Democratic candidate in 44 years. Ohio and Florida, key to Bush's twin victories, also went for Obama, as did Pennsylvania, which McCain had deemed crucial for his election hopes.

With just 76 days until the inauguration, Obama is expected to move quickly to begin assembling a White House staff and selecting Cabinet nominees.

Campaign officials said Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel was the front-runner to be Obama's chief of staff. The advisers spoke on a condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Democrats expanded their majority in both houses of Congress. In the Senate, Democrats ousted Republicans Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina and John Sununu of New Hampshire and captured seats held by retiring GOP senators in Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado. Still, the GOP blocked a complete rout, holding the Kentucky seat of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and a Mississippi seat once held by Trent Lott — two top Democratic targets.

In the House, with fewer than a dozen races still undecided, Democrats captured Republican-held seats in the Northeast, South and West and were on a path to pick up as many as 20 seats.

When Obama and running mate Joe Biden take their oath of office on Jan. 20, Democrats will control both the White House and Congress for the first time since 1994.

"It is not a mandate for a party or ideology but a mandate for change," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said: "Tonight the American people have called for a new direction. They have called for change in America."

After the longest and costliest campaign in U.S. history, Obama was propelled to victory by voters dismayed by eight years of George W. Bush's presidency and deeply anxious about rising unemployment and home foreclosures and a battered stock market that has erased trillions of dollars of savings for Americans.

Six in 10 voters picked the economy as the most important issue facing the nation in an Associated Press exit poll. None of the other top issues — energy, Iraq, terrorism and health care — was selected by more than one in 10. Obama has promised to cut taxes for most Americans, get the United States out of Iraq and expand health care, including mandatory coverage for children.

Obama acknowledged that repairing the economy and dealing with problems at home and overseas will not happen quickly. "We may not get there in one year or even in one term," he said. "But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there."

McCain conceded defeat shortly after 11 p.m. EST, telling supporters outside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly."

"This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight," McCain said. "These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face."

Obama faces a staggering list of problems, and he mentioned some of them in his victory speech. "Even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century." He spoke of parents who worry about paying their mortgages and medical bills.

"There will be setbacks and false starts," Obama said. "There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem."

The son of a Kenyan father and a white mother from Kansas, the 47-year-old Obama has had a startlingly rapid rise, from lawyer and community organizer to state legislator and U.S. senator, now just four years into his first term. He is the first senator elected to the White House since John F. Kennedy in 1960.

Bush called Obama with congratulations at 11:12 p.m. EST. "I promise to make this a smooth transition," the president said. "You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself." He invited Obama and his family to visit the White House soon.

Bush planned to make a statement about the election at midmorning Wednesday in the Rose Garden.

With most U.S. precincts tallied, the popular vote was 51.9 percent for Obama and 46.8 percent for McCain. But the count in the Electoral College was lopsided in Obama's favor over McCain — 349 to 147 as of early Wednesday, with three states still to be decided. Those were North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri.

Obama won California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

McCain had Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. He also won at least 3 of Nebraska's five electoral votes, with the other two in doubt.

Almost six in 10 women supported Obama nationwide, while men leaned his way by a narrow margin, according to interviews with voters. Just over half of whites supported McCain, giving him a slim advantage in a group that Bush carried overwhelmingly in 2004.

The results of the AP survey were based on a preliminary partial sample of nearly 10,000 voters in Election Day polls and in telephone interviews over the past week for early voters.

In terms of turnout, America voted in record numbers. It looks like 136.6 million Americans will have voted for president this election, based on 88 percent of the country's precincts tallied and projections for absentee ballots, said Michael McDonald of George Mason University. Using his methods, that would give 2008 a 64.1 percent turnout rate.

"That would be the highest turnout rate that we've seen since 1908," which was 65.7 percent, McDonald said early Wednesday.

__________________________________________________________


It's now time for America to move on..... It's now time for Obama to get ready with his new role in governance. OBAMA IS THE MAN OF THE HOUR! OBAMA IS THE MAN! CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHELLE OBAMA! CONGRATULATIONS TO SIR BARACK OBAMA! AMEN.

_____Rummel Pinera

THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SHOULD OVERWHELMINGLY WIN THE COMING U.S. ELECTIONS

OCTOBER 7, 2008

"The Democratic Party Should Overwhelmingly Win The Coming US Elections"


It is really obvious that the Democratic Party today represents the force of progressive social change for the American people. Today’s Dems are known to be advocates of full racial equality, safety nets for the working class in an economy facing tough challenges, support for proper green laws that will truly-protect the natural environment from human-made excesses, the mass-production of alternative energy sources, the curtailing of advertisements promoting vices, and other morally-correct campaigns that will benefit the whole American society. Today’s Dems are also promising the Iraqi nation that they will regain within this decade their sovereign will as a people dedicated to constitutional democracy. Hence, today’s Democrats really represent the force of progressive social change for the American people.

Today’s Republicans, that is on the other side of the equation, seemingly represent the force of reactionary measures in America. Today’s Republican Party is vehemently against the idea that the American government should sign the treaty regarding the limitation of carbon emissions. Aside from that one, today’s Republican Party is also against the following: 1.) Furtherance of strong measures to curtail environmental degradations; 2.) The complete banning of ads that promote vices; 3.) The welfare-proposals for the working class in an economy that is now facing serious problems. It also seems that today’s Republican Party is against giving back to the Iraqi nation within this century the real sovereignty that they once have. Hence, today’s Republican Party seemingly represents the force of reactionary politics in America.

The American people today should be wise enough to give the Democrats the victory that they deserve in the coming US elections this November. The American people must ensure that the Dems would gain the majority seats in both the senate and congress in the coming US elections. The American people should vote this year for the representatives of progressive social change in their country’s legislature. Progressive legislation is necessary in an economy that seems to be declining. The American people should remember that the current Republican (GWB’s) administration is partly (some say ‘fully’) responsible to the creation of current economic problems that the US is facing today. Hence, it would be wise for the American voters to ensure the overwhelming victory of the Democrats in the coming November elections. The Dems should therefore gain the majority seats in both the senate and congress.

I think Republican Party also has to change from within. It has to become open to progressive processes and changes that this modern world really needs. No political party in the world has to remain stagnant on introducing progressive changes and plans for a society. The Republican Party in the US also needs to change from within.

The American people must also ensure that Obama wins the coming US presidential election. The American voters know that Obama is the standard-bearer of today’s Democratic Party. Obama today is carrying the main banner of the Democratic Party, so to speak. It is only proper that American voters elect a presidential candidate who really represents creative social progress for the USA….. And the only presidential candidate in America today that represents creative social progress is no other than Barack Obama. It’s definitely not McCain! Obama has long been campaigning for progressive social changes in America long before he officially joined politics. Obama is the man! He deserves to be America’s next president after GWB. Obama is really for global peace, harmony and cooperation. Cheers for Obama! Obama shall surely win the coming U.S. presidential election. Amen.

THE GREAT AND CHARMING BARACK OBAMA

OCTOBER 7, 2008

"THE GREAT AND CHARMING BARACK OBAMA"

Though his paternal roots came from a once-subjugated land,
Barack grew up with a staunch and stunning mind.
His adolescence never insulted his own intelligence;
He blossomed as a twinkling youth with notable achievements!

He dipped his hands into various causes and noble works
And, with courage, walked upon hungry streets and crawling parks.
He did win for himself the thunderous admiration
Of the world's wise people who really despise oppression.

Obama's slender, clear and soothing voice
Gives out so many charming and amusing notes
That can musically please his throngs and legions of fans!
Barack can seemingly perform a superb healing trance.

He tenaciously built terraces of hopes and visions where
Progress can really climb upon to reach greater heights and win
The glorious haven of success. Obama can rejoice
And work with the whole wide world for such stairs to flourish.

Obama's righteous and wise ideas can securely dwell
In and upon the scholarly books that act as real
Banks for mental treasures of this world. Obama is
A great and charming man in a world that freely spins.

___________by Rummel Pinera

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I'm urging the Filipino people here in the Philippines to request and ask our relatives and friends in the U.S.A. to support, back up and rally for Barack's bid to become the next US president to succeed GWB. We Filipinos should also urge our relatives and friends in the U.S.A. to vote for Obama and ensure that the Democrats will overwhelmingly win in the coming US general elections.

A POEM DEDICATED TO SARAH PALIN.....

This poem isn't about Sarah Palin..... But I do dedicate this to her since the poem might give her some great insights on statesmanship and politics.

"Saron Fallion"


Saron Fallion drives his horses excellently;
His devotion to horsemanship is piety
That could never be broken by any heresy!
Saron treats his horses like a one-man army
Standing up proudly for his own country.

But one day he came across a motorbike;
His eyes stared at such thing with emotional spike.....
And started longing to drive it along the hike.
Days passed by, but the said longing lingered in his heart;
Such desire was one day given a scratch.

One day the bike's owner challenged him to drive his iron-tug;
Saron dared the challenge and rode upon that bug.
Saron thought the bike was only a horse dressed up in armor;
He whispered something to it as though it can hear.....
And he even talked to it without any fear.

He started to sweat when the engines roared;
The bike's smokes hurled the dusts all around
The highway. Then Saron moved like a frightened kid
About to be dragged by a bloody beast;
Then he hit his ride into a macho tree.

Saron luckily survived such wild and horrendous crash;
His alert brain saved his big ass from being bloodied into the grass.
Since then he became modest in trying to learn new concepts;
He thus learned that learning must truly and really shine
And grow up before it can become a skill and a goldmine.


______________by Rummel Pinera

McCain’s VP Choice Is Under Ethics Investigation For Abuse Of Power In Alaska

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/08/29/palin-corruption-investigation/

McCain’s VP Choice Is Under Ethics Investigation For Abuse Of Power In Alaska



Filed Under: Ethics



By Matt on Aug 28th, 2008 at 11:33 a.m.....

McCain’s VP Choice Is Under Ethics Investigation For Abuse Of Power In Alaska»
In Dayton, OH today, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) will announce that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be his vice presidential running mate. Palin, who entered office in 2006 after running as a reformer, is touted by conservatives as being “a politician of eye-popping integrity.”
But Palin’s reformer image took a hit last month when she was accused of attempting to get a state trooper fired. That state trooper was her former brother-in-law who had gone through “a messy divorce” with her sister. After the trooper’s boss wouldn’t act on the governor’s request, she fired him. Though Palin says she doesn’t “have anything to hide” and she “didn’t do anything wrong there,” an investigation has found that one of her aides pushed the firing:
Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday revealed an audio recording that shows an aide pressuring the Public Safety Department to fire a state trooper embroiled in a custody battle with her sister.

Palin, who has previously said her administration didn’t exert pressure to get rid of trooper Mike Wooten, also disclosed that members of her staff had made about two dozen contacts with public safety officials about the trooper.
Palin’s scandal envelops her in the constellation of scandal-plagued lawmakers currently serving in Alaska. Here’s a brief overview:
Sen. Ted Stevens: Last month, long-serving Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens was indicted by a federal grand jury “with seven counts of making false statements for failing to disclose” gifts of over $250,000 from the oil services company VECO Corp.

State Sen. Ben Stevens (R): The senator’s son, Stevens is being investigated by the FBI for his involvement in “an alleged payment scheme involving fisheries legislation brought by his father.” When VECO’s Bill Allen “pleaded guilty to bribery and conspiracy charges, he stated that almost a quarter of a million dollars in consulting fees paid to the younger Stevens was in fact bribery.”

Rep. Don Young (R): Last year, it was revealed that the senior House Republican was “under criminal investigation” involving “possible political favors for a company in Alaska.” In April, Young’s legal fees exceeded $1 million.
Last week, Palin placed her boards and commissions director, Frank Bailey, on paid leave while the investigation into the suspect firing continues.

UPDATE: In 2006, Sen. Ted Stevens endorsed Palin. Watch his ad endorsing her:
UpdateLast month, after Stevens was indicted, Palin refused to call for his resignation, saying that he had "dedicated his life to the betterment of the state." She had previously called for another indicted lawmaker to resign.



____________________________________________________________



Maybe McCain should have had chosen Condy Rice as his veep rather than Palin. People sometimes do make wrong moves. Maybe McCain made a wrong move on his choice of a veep.


Palin should courageously face an impeachment process to disprove the allegation.

_____Rummel Pinera

Big Jon Wants To Cage The World

"Big Jon Wants To Cage The World"






Big Jon wants to cage the world!
He wants to cage every bird,
So everyone of its kind
Can sing what he wants to hear!






Big Jon wants to cage every nation;
He wants every country of this planet
To obey his whims and caprices!
Such dream is as fierce as Jon's own fears.






When Big Jon finally realized that the world
Always wants to be free and that the bold
Among humanity would gladly defend global freedom,
Big Jon himself went inside to his own monumental cage.
He later turned that huge cage into his own small kingdom.






The longing for freedom is always loud
And sane to every nation of this world!
A man who loses his sense of freedom upon this planet
Actually loses his sense of sanity in his own heart.
No sane human would reside inside a cage!

_____by Rummel Pinera

One Century Of Tyranny And Slavery

"One Century Of Tyranny And Slavery"






1

Can one human being toil for


One whole century under slavery?


That would make him a machine


Working in routines so effectively,


But without any idea of what is dignity.



2

One century of tyranny


Would downgrade a citizenry


Into becoming mere machinery


That could not define sanity,


Dignity and the outright ability


To enjoy responsible freedoms, civil rights,


And the wonderful and glorious human rights.






3

No nation on earth would want to be under


One whole century of tyranny or


Slavery! Statesmanship should honor the


Shining sacredness of sovereignty


Of every country and nation of this globe.


___________by Rummel Pinera

ON THE GATHERING OF ROCKS

"ON THE GATHERING OF ROCKS"

Some world leaders gather stones to build
Camps and barracks for wars of conquest;
Such sowing of hatred surely garners
Raging hatred, revenge and awesome fears!

Some world leaders gather stones to build
Halls and shelters for global harmony and love;
Such sowing of harmony and love on the globe
Garners goodwill, blessings, harmony, peace and love!

It's wise for world leaders to gather stones
For the building of powerful bridges
That will link regions and nations
Together for global peace, harmony and cooperation

___________by Rummel Pinera

ON CONQUERING OTHER NATIONS' FREEDOMS

THIS POEM IS DEDICATED TO JOHN MCCAIN AND SARAH PALIN.....

"ON CONQUERING OTHER NATIONS' FREEDOMS"

Before putting the empire's crown upon your head,
Figure out that other nations and peoples also have
The same freedoms that you have; and you had said
That you will protect, cherish and love
All the freedoms that you have..... So why now
You want to put the other nations' freedoms
Into stiff cages? Many nations may vow
In front of you; but the desire for freedom comes
Into every human mind every then and now!
Remember that someone conquered the world with might;
But had still lost his soul into hell without a fight!

Living a holy lifetime is simply living
In harmony with all humanity, nations
And the whole universe..... And it's true that having
Personal salvation is living a holy lifetime!
Living a truly-holy and really-happy lifetime is
Living eternally in this world and in the whole universe.

_____________________by Rummel Pinera

Palin: War in Iraq, response to 9/11

Palin: War in Iraq, response to 9/11 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:23:07 GMT

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=69321&sectionid=3510203

Republican vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin has renewed the discredited claim that the war in Iraq was a response to the 9/11 attacks. Addressing a brigade of soldiers heading to Iraq, Governor Palin said they would 'defend the innocent from the enemies who planned and carried out and rejoiced in the death of thousands of Americans.' This is while the view that Iraq shared responsibility with al-Qaeda for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has even been discredited by the Bush administration. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Vice President Dick Cheney made a false claim on NBC that Iraq had been the 'geographic base' for the attacks. However, President George W. Bush acknowledged on September 17, 2003 that, "We have no evidence that Saddam Hussein was involved with the 11 September attacks." Since she became the Republican vice presidential nominee, Gov. Palin has been widely criticized over her fitness for office and her knowledge of foreign policy. CS/HGH
From: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=69321&sectionid=3510203 .

__________________________________________________________________

"Truth's Validity"

Even if solid truth has been locked up in jail,
The truth can liquify or turn into a hale
And free itself without bargaining into sale.
The validity of truth shall never fail;
And its precious worth or value is not for sale!

----------- by Rummel Pinera

A SIMPLE ANALYSIS ABOUT THE GLOBAL POLITICAL VIEWS OF MCCAIN AND OBAMA

I see both McCain and Obama as two excellent presidential candidates for America. I think this is the first time that the two main contenders for the US presidency are both populists, progressives and ideological environmentalists. In fact, I admire both of them. I praised and cheered for McCain on many internet forums during the Republican primaries. I did bet then on the internet that McCain will win the Republican primaries. And McCain did win the official Republican nomination for the US presidency. I also praised and cheered for Obama upon so many internet forums during the Democratic primaries. I wrote many pro-Obama pieces all over the internet in advocating the fact that he (Obama) deserves to be the official nominee of the Democrats for the US presidency. And I'm glad that Obama did win the Democratic primaries. I'm really happy that McCain and Obama won their respective primaries.

This is now the period when both McCain and Obama are presenting their respective agendas, cases and political programs to the American people, so that one of them will be properly elected to the White House. I can say with optimism that a victory by either one of them will make America become more progressive and prosperous in terms of wealth, economics, socio-political stability, global leadership and technological and scientific advances. Both McCain and Obama have outstanding leadership qualities that will properly guide the USA and, to a certain extent, the whole free world in facing the current challenges and crises that are now threatening the current global civilization that we humans have. Both McCain and Obama are responsible enough to help the whole world in resolving the environmental degradations that the whole humanity is facing right now.

John McCain's cultural and political image has been presented by Wikipedia in this way:

'John McCain's personal character has been a dominant feature of his public image. This image includes the military service of both himself and his family, his maverick political persona, his temper, his admitted problem of occasional ill-considered remarks, and his close ties to his children from both his marriages.

McCain's political appeal has been more nonpartisan and less ideological compared to many other national politicians. His stature and reputation stem partly from his service in the Vietnam War. He also carries physical vestiges of his war wounds, as well as his melanoma surgery. When campaigning, he quips: "I am older than dirt and have more scars than Frankenstein."

The Arizona senator considers himself to be a straight-talking public servant, and acknowledges also being impatient. Other traits include a penchant for lucky charms, a fondness for hiking, and a sense of humor that has sometimes backfired spectacularly, as when he made a joke in 1998 about the Clintons that was not fit to print in newspapers. McCain has not shied away from addressing his shortcomings, and apologizing for them. He is known for sometimes being prickly and hot-tempered with Senate colleagues, but his relations with his own Senate staff have been more cordial, and have inspired loyalty towards him.

Regarding his temper, McCain acknowledges it while also saying that the stories have been exaggerated. Having a temper is not unusual for U.S. leaders, nor is it unusual for leaders to be passionate and engaged. McCain has employed both profanity and shouting on occasion, and such incidents have become less frequent over the years. Senator Joe Lieberman has made this observation: "It is not the kind of anger that is a loss of control. He is a very controlled person." Senator Thad Cochran, who has known McCain for decades and has battled him over earmarks, has expressed concern about a McCain presidency: "He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me." Ultimately Cochran decided to support McCain for president, after it was clear he would win the nomination.

All of John McCain's family members are on good terms with him, and he has defended them against some of the negative consequences of his high-profile political lifestyle. His family's military tradition extends to the latest generation: son John Sidney IV ("Jack") is enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, son James has served with the Marines in Iraq, and son Doug flew jets in the Navy."' _____ Taken from (Main article: Cultural and political image of John McCain ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCain .

Obama's cultural and political image has been presented by Wikipeida in this way:

'With his Kenyan father and white American mother, his upbringing in Honolulu and Jakarta, and his Ivy League education, Obama's early life experiences differ markedly from those of African American politicians who launched their careers in the 1960s through participation in the civil rights movement.

In January 2007, The End of Blackness author Debra Dickerson warned against drawing favorable cultural implications from Obama's political rise: "Lumping us all together," Dickerson wrote in Salon, "erases the significance of slavery and continuing racism while giving the appearance of progress." Film critic David Ehrenstein, writing in a March 2007 Los Angeles Times article, compared the cultural sources of Obama's favorable polling among whites to those of "magical negro" roles played by black actors in Hollywood movies. Expressing puzzlement over questions about whether he is "black enough," Obama told an August 2007 meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists that the debate is not about his physical appearance or his record on issues of concern to black voters. Obama said, "we're still locked in this notion that if you appeal to white folks then there must be something wrong."

In a December 2006 Wall Street Journal editorial headlined "The Man from Nowhere," Ronald Reagan speech writer Peggy Noonan advised "establishment" commentators to avoid becoming too quickly excited about Obama's still early political career. Echoing the inaugural address of John F. Kennedy, Obama acknowledged his youthful image, saying in an October 2007 campaign speech, "I wouldn't be here if, time and again, the torch had not been passed to a new generation."

A prominent part of Obama's political image is a belief that Obama's rhetoric and actions toward political reform are matched with a political savvy that often includes a measure of expediency. In a July 2008 The New Yorker feature article, for example, Ryan Lizza wrote, "(Obama) campaigns on reforming a broken political process, yet he has always played politics by the rules as they exist, not as he would like them to exist."

Although Obama is Christian, July 2008 polls have shown that some Americans believe incorrectly that he is Muslim or was raised Muslim . When CNN's Larry King cited the latter poll, Obama responded, "...I wasn't raised in a Muslim home," and said that advancement of the misconception insulted Muslim Americans.' ______Taken from (Main article: Cultural and political image of Barack Obama ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama .

McCain is still the usual politician that most Americans easily identify with. Obama, because he's bi-racial, young and daring when it comes to accepting new ideas, signifies a new shift away from the traditional political standards that Americans have long been familiar with. That's why the word 'change' has always been dramatically expressed in the Obama presidential-campaign trail. While it is true that McCain is really open to many liberal and new ideas, it can't be denied that Obama represents a shift when it comes to the usual political traditions that Americans have long known for years and even centuries.

McCain wants a tough confrontation against so-called Al Qaeda operatives in Iraq. But the actual Al Qaeda is not in Iraq right now..... And many Americans know that the real Al Qaeda is hiding somewhere between the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. McCain wants the US to rule Iraq for one century. I know that the American people have the sovereign will to make decisions for their own country. And no foreign ruler has a privilege to tell to the American people on how to run their own country. But I hope that the American people will also respect the right of the Iraqi people to be a sovereign nation of their own will and choosing. I'm not suggestying that the U.S. should completely abandon Iraq as a nation moving towards democracy and progress. But I do think that the U.S. Imperialists should completely abandon the occupation of Iraq. Occupying Iraq for 100 years and dictating policies on its people for one whole century don't fit into the moral category of respecting the sovereign will of an independent nation. Such maneuvers will only make foreign rule a tyrannical force inside Iraq. What Iraq needs is close partnership with the whole of the Free World to march towards democracy and progress. What Iraq needs is guidance from the International Community to improve its socio-political and economic conditions. What Iraq needs is coordination with the Free World to defend itself from terrorist forces. Occupying Iraq for 100 years is another way of imposing tyrannical foreign rule over a sovereign people..... And such occupation would certainly be an immoral thing.

McCain seems also dedicated to the idea that somehow the U.S. has the privilege to go beyond the limits that had been set by international law. McCain seems to believe that the U.N. Org has now lost its dignity to be the guiding agency for respecting international law. Hence, he seems to imply that his would-be presidential reign may go against the standards set upon by the United Nations. But we have to remember that the U.N. Organization is the only well-established international alliance today that can maintain the global balance towards respecting international law. It would take many years before some people can set up another organization that may take the place of the U.N. as an international agency dedicated to maintaining the respect for international law. And McCain is no superman who can instantly set up another huge global alliance that can take the place of the United Nations right away.

On the other hand, Obama is seen by many citizens of this planet as a rational, empirical and pragmatic leader who can work gladly with every country in this world for global peace, harmony and cooperation. Obama is also seem by many citizens of this world as someone who can effectively work with the U.N. Organization in promoting free trade and democracy through peaceful and lawful means to the so-called backward countries and regions of this globe.

Obama is also considered by I.Q. experts as one of the smartest presidential candidates that the U.S. nation has ever have when it comes to actual I.Q. measurements. That makes Obama some kind of a genius as a human being. McCain is a veteran politician who made many wise political decisions in the past as U.S. senator. I believe that both McCain and Obama are great intellectuals. I think that Americans should be quite joyful that they now have two amazing gentlemen- McCain and Obama- vying to be as their next chief executive. Both McCain and Obama are great progressives. Both of them are highly-qualified people for the highest political position in the United States. November 4, 2008 would be a wonderful day for the American people to choose their new chief executive who will succeed George W. Bush. Both McCain and Obama represent catalyst influences that can hasten socio-political progress throughout the whole globe.

But I believe it is Obama who can really make a difference when it comes to representing the America to the the global community of nations. Obama can work in a truly-comfortable and compatible way with the sincere forces that represent global peace, harmony and cooperation in this world. Obama is the leader America needs in a world that is presently being threatened by forces that want to destroy international law and the current global civilization that humans have right now.

Pakistan Has To Democratically Move On As A Nation

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7569246.stm

Musharraf resigns: Global reaction

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has announced that he is resigning. He had faced impeachment by parliament on charges of violating the constitution and gross misconduct, which he has denied. Here BBC website readers from around the world give their reaction to the news.
AMERICAS

President Pervez Musharraf announces his resignation

President Musharraf is a classical example of a democratic leader. He will forever remain a model to most of us, holding the tenets and ideals of democracy in the 21st century. Mr Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Bwana Mwai Kibaki (Kenya) and other illegitimate and power hungry leaders can learn from President Musharraf. Nyambati Aori, Florida, USA

I was shocked to see that President Musharraf has stepped down. I have seen many good things happening in the President's tenure. In my opinion Musharraf was a thousand times better then the other party or religious leaders. If the government and the other parties say that Mr Musharraf is accountable for what he did, then I believe that the current parties should also look back to the past at what they have done, and they should also be held accountable for what they have done. Mahmood Ahmad, Vancouver, Canada

Musharraf should have resigned long ago. He might have been an able leader but the way he functioned and the way that his government functioned is dictatorial. If he worked for the interest of the country then he should have tried his best to bring back democracy. Statesmanship does not mean suppressing your opponents. Musharraf should be blamed for his own fall. But the question is how long will democracy function in Pakistan, in a country which is famous for coup d'etat? Stan Rodrigues, Newark, USA

AFRICA
Pervez Musharraf's resignation is a welcome development and is long overdue. He has plunged Pakistan into a deep mess that will take a very long time to clean up. My congratulations to the people of Pakistan. Joshua, Lagos, Nigeria

Coalition leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif
It is good to know hard hearts can still have a rethink in this new age of politics and government in the world. This should be seen as a great beginning for Pakistan, though the greatness could be negative or positive depending on the people in the seat of power. My country has really improved since the exit of the military men which I believe Musharraf is. Martin, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

I think that Musharraf is right to resign. After a good job done for his country, it's fair that he takes a rest. The coalition government must move very fast to establish its authority over the issue of terrorism, otherwise it will not last longer than Musharraf. At least he goes in peace, and probably the first to be replaced alive. I wish him a better future. Antonio Simango, Maputo, Mozambique

EUROPE
God help us now, we have welcomed the feudal system back to power. Sure Musharraf made decisions that were appalling, but anything is better than bringing those old feudal parties back in. Economic decision making is down the hill and the public's hunger for political news is the only thing that is being fulfilled. Hope is what keeps everyone going, lets hope the new government can at least bring in think tanks and better (much better!) decision makers. Zulfiqar Ali, The Hague, Netherlands

I just hope that Pakistan can maintain a democratic spirit One suspects that no politician would like to go through an impeachment process and then be kicked out, but many hang onto power and have to then be levered out... see Mugabe. So the best choice is to get out now and maybe enjoy a long retirement or some well-endowed consultancy work. I am not sad to see Mr Musharraf go, on the other hand, I just hope that Pakistan can maintain a democratic spirit in the face of many challenges economic, political and social. Anthony Radkai, Basel, Switzerland

It is good that the President has decided to resign as it reflects the will of the people. However, he should not be tried for the crimes as the 'charge sheet' of the current alliance government states. Such a trial would be a trial of personal vendettas. The current alliance government has many charges that they requested be waived when the elections where held. So let bygones be bygones and take the country to its rightful economic and social power. Qasim Khan, Moscow, Russian Federation

This is something that was somewhat expected but not this soon. Musharraf as someone else also said was cleaning up a 49 year old mess and we needed him then and we still need him. If someone comes into power now, it must be someone who can do better than Musharraf because that is what Pakistan needs right now. We will need all the luck we can get to find someone better than him! Sarim Tirmizi, Vienna, Austria

MIDDLE EAST
He has played all his cards. Time to step down before a coup, as usual, does the inevitable. It is also a good opportunity to see whether Pakistan is on the right track to real democracy, or it is only playing to settle scores, vendetta style. Ali Zaid, Sana'a, Yemen

He was a misfit in Pakistan, a straight talking honest person who did everything for Pakistan. Only time will tell. I am sad to lose a man like him. I have no faith in the future of Pakistan.

Siraj Ahsan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

He should have resigned two months earlier or the day election results were declared. In this way he would have maintained respect. In the present situation even the majority of women in Pakistan who are not interested in politics are also talking against Musharraf. One thing I will say is he is the one who made media free in the country. The current Government must put him on the stand, so in future none of the Generals can organise a coup. Generals should improve their occupation as soldiers, able to defend the borders of the country. Sohail Nazir , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

President Musharraf was the best thing that happened to Pakistan, he brought Pakistan forward and during his power Pakistan gained a better name among the nations of the world. He was an intelligent leader who protected the rights of minorities especially Christians. The public has no idea what they have done by supporting anti-Musharraf parties. Today is a black day in the history of Pakistan. Asher Aneel Khokhar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

_______________________________________________________________

MY COMMENT ON THE MENTIONED ISSUE:

Musharraf ruled with an iron fist and made despotic policies throughout his reign..... But the wise people of the world should commend Musharraf for allowing the return of democracy in his country without giving out strong resistance for such a momentum.

It's time now for the Pakistani people to move on with their democratic gains. It's true that there are still questions on how to deal with the so-called victims of Musharraf's iron-fist rule. The newly-restored democratic procedures and processes inside Pakistan will determine the ultimate solution to the so-called victims of human-rights' violations during Musharraf's reign as Pakistan's dictator or strongman. The Pakistani people have to move on now with their quest to further socio-political progress and democratic gains within their country.

Musharraf made the decision to resign from the presidency. He should be commended for allowing the return of democracy in Pakistan. His example should give hope to those who are right now struggling peacefully and lawfully to democratize their countries in the Islamic world. Musharraf made a bold and nice political decision to give way to real democracy in his own nation.