United Nations Human Rights Council
©2011 By David Talbot
What a strange world we live in, and nothing is more perplexing than the United Nations. A discussion of this body would take multiple volumes of books, many pages in length. So, I’ll confine my discussion to what’s bothering me today, and that’s the Human Rights Council (HRC).
The HRC was established by General Assembly Resolution 60/251 on April 3, 2006, as a replacement of the Commission on Human Rights. Among it’s charter duties were the following (for a full list see the UN Website):
“Decides that the Council shall be responsible for promoting universal
respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all,
without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner;”
“Decides further that the work of the Council shall be guided by the
principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation, with a view to enhancing the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development;”
Both of these duties, as well as all of the Charter responsibilities, are admirable goals and statements in support of universal rights of citizens of all countries across the globe.
However, a quick review of the countries who are members of the Council, and thus responsible for carrying out the implementation of the charter of the HRC, reveals the hypocrisy of the UN and it’s institutions.
There are 47 member states on the Council, with staggered five year terms. Here is a partial list of the watchdogs of human rights on the Council:
Angola
Bahrain
China
Cuba
Libya
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Uganda
This week Libya was removed from the Council as a result of the situation on the ground there. No one wonders if their membership would have been revoked had the fighting not started a few weeks ago.
Do I need to review the human rights abuses of Angola, China, Cuba, and Uganda? Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are facing the same fate as Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen.
And here’s the last straw, as if the current make-up of the Council isn’t enough. The General Assembly is set to elect Syria to the seat vacated by Libya. Syria, who murdered 20,000 of it’s citizens just a few years ago who were demonstrating for their human rights. In the past few days, reports of the Syrian Army firing on civilians have been circulating.
The mood at the UN seems to be, “Who cares?” And, U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, in comments aired on FOX News on March 30, 2011, stated that inlcuding these regimes, and meeting with them on HRC issues, has had a positive impact on their Human Rights records.
The approval of Syria to the HRC by the General Assembly seems to be a certainty. I guess that’s why Syria is shooting at it’s civilians now, so it can improve later.
Anyway, that’s my opinion, What’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
Mesa, Arizona
Contact me at talbotnotes@gmail.com.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
DUTY-HONOR-COUNTRY
US ARMY CODE OF CONDUCT
I. I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
II. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
III. If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
IV. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
V. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
VI. I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
I. I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
II. I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.
III. If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.
IV. If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
V. When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
VI. I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Anti Jewish Violence on the Increase World Wide
Anti Jewish Violence on the Increase World Wide
©2011 By David Talbot
The disturbing trend around the world of violence specifically targeting Jews seems to be accelerating even as the democracy movements in the Middle East are forcing change in governments.
No country is immune from the anti Jewish violence. What is disturbing is the almost complete lack of coverage in the media, except from the Israeli press. It doesn’t matter that the event takes place in the United States, France, Israel, Libya, or the United Kingdom. But if an Israeli decides to refurbish one little apartment in the West Bank, that’s a cause for world wide condemnation, hand wringing at the UN, and threats of violence in the West Bank, Gaza, and even in America.
Here is a re-cap of a few recent incidents that you probably never saw on American News Outlets:
From Israel: “(Israelnationalnews.com) On Shabbat (March 5th, 2011), a group of Jewish worshipers who had just finished morning prayers at a synagogue adjacent to the Tomb of Shimon Hatzaddik in Jerusalem were savagely attacked by an Arab mob, many of them teenagers from a nearby Arab high school. The worshipers were attacked with stones and bricks.”
From the United States: March 5, 2011, A student has brought a federal civil rights lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley, saying the university did not protect her from being attacked because she is Jewish. Her suit alleges that Husam Zakharia, a fellow student and the head of Students for Justice in Palestine, rammed into her with a metal cart because of the pro-Israel sign she was holding during a pro-Israel demonstration on the Berkeley campus on March 5, 2010.
From Australia: “Between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009, an unprecedented 962 reports of anti-Jewish violence, vandalism, harassment and intimidation were received by Australian Jewish organizations”.
And the latest from Israel: An attack by Palestinian Arabs, which is being aired here in the United States, murdered a family of 5 in their home yesterday (March 11th) in a West Bank settlement. Included in the dead were 3 children, one of whom was an infant, all stabbed to death. Do I need to ask how the murder of innocents can ever be justified by anyone?
Here in the United States, Peter King (R-NY), started hearings on “Home-Grown” terrorism on Thursday, March 10th. His premise is that U.S. Muslim organizations are not doing enough to assist authorities in identifying who the potential terrorists, living among us, may be. Indeed many mosques preach Sharia Law and encourage followers to take up arms against Americans, and American Institutions.
Just prior to the Senate Hearings, an article published in The Hill, and quoted in Newsmax, indicated, “Some members of U.S. Jewish organizations, backed by several congressmen, are raising questions about the Obama administration’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism. They are raising the concerns in light of a dangerous increase in attacks on Jews and Jewish organizations around the world.”
These include violent attacks on synagogues and individuals in France, spray-painted swastikas and desecration of Jewish graves in Germany, and assertions by Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez's government that "Semitic banks" have been ruining the economy.” The Hill reported.
Now we are being told by the Administration, and others, including many liberal U.S. Jewish organizations, that referring to terrorists as radical Muslims is improper. That it is stereotyping or profiling. That the overwhelming majority of the U.S. Muslim community is peaceful and law-abiding.
As long as the Obama Administration, and until this “Religion of Peace” take concrete action to turn around the terrorist mentality rampant in their community, things will only get worse.
Anyway, that’s my opinion, what’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
©2011 By David Talbot
The disturbing trend around the world of violence specifically targeting Jews seems to be accelerating even as the democracy movements in the Middle East are forcing change in governments.
No country is immune from the anti Jewish violence. What is disturbing is the almost complete lack of coverage in the media, except from the Israeli press. It doesn’t matter that the event takes place in the United States, France, Israel, Libya, or the United Kingdom. But if an Israeli decides to refurbish one little apartment in the West Bank, that’s a cause for world wide condemnation, hand wringing at the UN, and threats of violence in the West Bank, Gaza, and even in America.
Here is a re-cap of a few recent incidents that you probably never saw on American News Outlets:
From Israel: “(Israelnationalnews.com) On Shabbat (March 5th, 2011), a group of Jewish worshipers who had just finished morning prayers at a synagogue adjacent to the Tomb of Shimon Hatzaddik in Jerusalem were savagely attacked by an Arab mob, many of them teenagers from a nearby Arab high school. The worshipers were attacked with stones and bricks.”
From the United States: March 5, 2011, A student has brought a federal civil rights lawsuit against the University of California, Berkeley, saying the university did not protect her from being attacked because she is Jewish. Her suit alleges that Husam Zakharia, a fellow student and the head of Students for Justice in Palestine, rammed into her with a metal cart because of the pro-Israel sign she was holding during a pro-Israel demonstration on the Berkeley campus on March 5, 2010.
From Australia: “Between October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2009, an unprecedented 962 reports of anti-Jewish violence, vandalism, harassment and intimidation were received by Australian Jewish organizations”.
And the latest from Israel: An attack by Palestinian Arabs, which is being aired here in the United States, murdered a family of 5 in their home yesterday (March 11th) in a West Bank settlement. Included in the dead were 3 children, one of whom was an infant, all stabbed to death. Do I need to ask how the murder of innocents can ever be justified by anyone?
Here in the United States, Peter King (R-NY), started hearings on “Home-Grown” terrorism on Thursday, March 10th. His premise is that U.S. Muslim organizations are not doing enough to assist authorities in identifying who the potential terrorists, living among us, may be. Indeed many mosques preach Sharia Law and encourage followers to take up arms against Americans, and American Institutions.
Just prior to the Senate Hearings, an article published in The Hill, and quoted in Newsmax, indicated, “Some members of U.S. Jewish organizations, backed by several congressmen, are raising questions about the Obama administration’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism. They are raising the concerns in light of a dangerous increase in attacks on Jews and Jewish organizations around the world.”
These include violent attacks on synagogues and individuals in France, spray-painted swastikas and desecration of Jewish graves in Germany, and assertions by Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez's government that "Semitic banks" have been ruining the economy.” The Hill reported.
Now we are being told by the Administration, and others, including many liberal U.S. Jewish organizations, that referring to terrorists as radical Muslims is improper. That it is stereotyping or profiling. That the overwhelming majority of the U.S. Muslim community is peaceful and law-abiding.
As long as the Obama Administration, and until this “Religion of Peace” take concrete action to turn around the terrorist mentality rampant in their community, things will only get worse.
Anyway, that’s my opinion, what’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Is Israel an Apartheid State?
Is Israel an Apartheid State?
©2011 David Talbot
Organizers across the globe are gearing up for the 7th annual “Week of actions in support of Palestinian Civil Society's call for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS).” This media feeding frenzy against Israel is based on Palestinian claims that Israel is an Apartheid State. Last year 55 cities around the world participated.
What exactly is an Apartheid State, and does Israel meet the definition?
The word “Apartheid” comes from Afrikaans meaning: To keep apart. It was the system of Political, Economic, and Social segregation introduced in South Africa in 1948 to completely segregate black people from virtually all white society.
Under Apartheid in South Africa, black could not live in white areas; go to white schools and universities; work in certain jobs that were reserved for whites; or, use the same amenities such as parks, beaches, or public transit. They (black people) could not marry white people or have physical relations with them. Black people could not be appointed to the countries civil or legal institutions, stand for political office, and, most importantly, were denied the right to vote. Apartheid finally ended in 1994 after much international pressure.
Some critics, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, have accused Israel of being an Apartheid State. And, for 7 years, the Palestinian Authority, along with Israel’s critics, have been holding events in March designed to pressure the United Nations and other world organizations to declare Israel guilty of Human Rights violations akin to South Africa in 1948.
Is the accusation true?
In Israel, are housing areas segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No, it is prohibited by law.
In Israel, are public schools and universities segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No. Of course there are certain, private, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish religious schools in Israel.
In Israel, are certain jobs reserved by race, religion, or national origin. No. Even the IDF has Muslims, Christians, and Jewish soldiers and officers.
In Israel, are parks, beaches, or public transit segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No. There are, however, segregated beaches for men and women on specific days for purposes of modesty.
In Israel, are there any restrictions based on race, religion, or national origin for holding public office, appointment to commissions or boards, or participate in legal institutions? No. There are Muslims, Christians, and Jews at all levels of government in Israel.
Most importantly, is any Israeli citizen denied the right to vote because of race, religion, or national origin? Absolutely not.
What is the National Language of Israel? It’s a trick question because there are two: Hebrew and Arabic.
What do you call an Arab that stayed in Israel in 1948, when Israel was granted statehood by the United Nations? They are called Israelis.
What do you call Arabs that fled Israel in 1948 to live in Jordan, Syria, Egypt, & Lebanon? They are called refugees by the host countries and have no rights or citizenship in those countries, often living in disgusting refugee camps.
Israel is not an Apartheid State. It's a democratic, vibrant, participatory democracy. The only one in the Middle East.
Anyway, that’s my opinion, What’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
©2011 David Talbot
Organizers across the globe are gearing up for the 7th annual “Week of actions in support of Palestinian Civil Society's call for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS).” This media feeding frenzy against Israel is based on Palestinian claims that Israel is an Apartheid State. Last year 55 cities around the world participated.
What exactly is an Apartheid State, and does Israel meet the definition?
The word “Apartheid” comes from Afrikaans meaning: To keep apart. It was the system of Political, Economic, and Social segregation introduced in South Africa in 1948 to completely segregate black people from virtually all white society.
Under Apartheid in South Africa, black could not live in white areas; go to white schools and universities; work in certain jobs that were reserved for whites; or, use the same amenities such as parks, beaches, or public transit. They (black people) could not marry white people or have physical relations with them. Black people could not be appointed to the countries civil or legal institutions, stand for political office, and, most importantly, were denied the right to vote. Apartheid finally ended in 1994 after much international pressure.
Some critics, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, have accused Israel of being an Apartheid State. And, for 7 years, the Palestinian Authority, along with Israel’s critics, have been holding events in March designed to pressure the United Nations and other world organizations to declare Israel guilty of Human Rights violations akin to South Africa in 1948.
Is the accusation true?
In Israel, are housing areas segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No, it is prohibited by law.
In Israel, are public schools and universities segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No. Of course there are certain, private, Islamic, Christian, and Jewish religious schools in Israel.
In Israel, are certain jobs reserved by race, religion, or national origin. No. Even the IDF has Muslims, Christians, and Jewish soldiers and officers.
In Israel, are parks, beaches, or public transit segregated by race, religion, or national origin? No. There are, however, segregated beaches for men and women on specific days for purposes of modesty.
In Israel, are there any restrictions based on race, religion, or national origin for holding public office, appointment to commissions or boards, or participate in legal institutions? No. There are Muslims, Christians, and Jews at all levels of government in Israel.
Most importantly, is any Israeli citizen denied the right to vote because of race, religion, or national origin? Absolutely not.
What is the National Language of Israel? It’s a trick question because there are two: Hebrew and Arabic.
What do you call an Arab that stayed in Israel in 1948, when Israel was granted statehood by the United Nations? They are called Israelis.
What do you call Arabs that fled Israel in 1948 to live in Jordan, Syria, Egypt, & Lebanon? They are called refugees by the host countries and have no rights or citizenship in those countries, often living in disgusting refugee camps.
Israel is not an Apartheid State. It's a democratic, vibrant, participatory democracy. The only one in the Middle East.
Anyway, that’s my opinion, What’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
Saturday, February 19, 2011
They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat!
“They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat!”
©2011 By David Talbot
The crisis in Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Yemen, and Tunisia, really has proven what most of us have been saying for a long time: The White House and US State Department, have no idea what they are doing.
The events that unfolded in Egypt demonstrated a clear lack of knowledge by President Obama and his “experts” in the White House as, day after day, his blithering press conferences confounded Americans at home, and allies abroad.
Secretary Clinton was no better in her astounding assessments, completely reversing comments by the most senior and knowledgeable diplomats, and then reversing course within hours.
President Obama’s treatment of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was a disgrace and an example to many other allies of what the United States would do to other, so-called, friends of America. In fact, Mr. Obama toned down his rhetoric only after a stern tongue lashing by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what our representatives fail to understand. They do not understand what the “Democratic Process” means to these Arab countries. One only needs to look at Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Gaza, and others to understand that an Islamic revolution is brewing under the guise of democracy.
There is only one true democracy in the Middle East, one that we would recognize anyway. One where there are liberals and conservatives and issues are debated with great vigor. Where all religions are accepted, including Islam, as is a persons sexual orientation. That’s the State of Israel.
Consider the reported plight of the “Palestinian people” living in democratic Gaza. When Israel turned over the land to the Palestinian Authority, it was a thriving community. Immediately, the Arabs destroyed every building, all factories, all Synagogues, and most of the infrastructure. What are the rights of women and minorities in Gaza? When was the last time you heard of a Jew destroying a Church? A Mosque? Any house of worship? This is the Arab version of democracy.
Speaking of Israel, pay careful attention to the demonstrations going on in the countries where governments are in jeopardy. While it is not being reported in the mainstream media, “Kill the Jews” and “Attack Israel” signs and slogans are becoming more and more evident as the next battle after a change to “democracy” is achieved.
I have many friends in Israel, and all of them tell me the same thing when I ask, “What does the average Israeli think about what’s going on in the Middle East?” None of them seem concerned. Hence the title of this piece (which I borrowed from a story about the holiday of Purim). They know, at some point, Israel will act, and act with terrible force, to defend the homeland.
Reaching back 3,200 years until today, the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Hitler, (In the interest of space I left out many), have tried to annihilate the Jews, and here we are. And, where are they?
Anyway, that’s my opinion. What’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
©2011 By David Talbot
The crisis in Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Bahrain, Yemen, and Tunisia, really has proven what most of us have been saying for a long time: The White House and US State Department, have no idea what they are doing.
The events that unfolded in Egypt demonstrated a clear lack of knowledge by President Obama and his “experts” in the White House as, day after day, his blithering press conferences confounded Americans at home, and allies abroad.
Secretary Clinton was no better in her astounding assessments, completely reversing comments by the most senior and knowledgeable diplomats, and then reversing course within hours.
President Obama’s treatment of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was a disgrace and an example to many other allies of what the United States would do to other, so-called, friends of America. In fact, Mr. Obama toned down his rhetoric only after a stern tongue lashing by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Here’s what our representatives fail to understand. They do not understand what the “Democratic Process” means to these Arab countries. One only needs to look at Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Gaza, and others to understand that an Islamic revolution is brewing under the guise of democracy.
There is only one true democracy in the Middle East, one that we would recognize anyway. One where there are liberals and conservatives and issues are debated with great vigor. Where all religions are accepted, including Islam, as is a persons sexual orientation. That’s the State of Israel.
Consider the reported plight of the “Palestinian people” living in democratic Gaza. When Israel turned over the land to the Palestinian Authority, it was a thriving community. Immediately, the Arabs destroyed every building, all factories, all Synagogues, and most of the infrastructure. What are the rights of women and minorities in Gaza? When was the last time you heard of a Jew destroying a Church? A Mosque? Any house of worship? This is the Arab version of democracy.
Speaking of Israel, pay careful attention to the demonstrations going on in the countries where governments are in jeopardy. While it is not being reported in the mainstream media, “Kill the Jews” and “Attack Israel” signs and slogans are becoming more and more evident as the next battle after a change to “democracy” is achieved.
I have many friends in Israel, and all of them tell me the same thing when I ask, “What does the average Israeli think about what’s going on in the Middle East?” None of them seem concerned. Hence the title of this piece (which I borrowed from a story about the holiday of Purim). They know, at some point, Israel will act, and act with terrible force, to defend the homeland.
Reaching back 3,200 years until today, the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Hitler, (In the interest of space I left out many), have tried to annihilate the Jews, and here we are. And, where are they?
Anyway, that’s my opinion. What’s yours?
Shalom,
David Talbot
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