What exactly is a GLOBAL American?
Simple. It's an American who looks beyond our border to know what is going on that impacts America - good or bad. Think austerity is GREAT? Check out what its doing to the Europeans going down that road.
A Global American is also an American who travels oversees to see it for himself or herself -- to get the best evidence of what technology we are competing against. And to find out what the people in these countries are really like. It's not what many people think.
A Global American is also someone as remarkable as this American woman who went to Africa as a nurse, married, and helped thousands of people. She reminds me of the President's mother who did the same thing. The world needs to see more Americans like this, helping make it a better community of nations.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2013/03/21/174978134/lost-nigeria-the-found-photos-of-a-nurse-with-wanderlust
I hear Americans say "They all hate us." This Global American nurse would not agree with that. Neither would I.
I never felt that foreigners hated me as an American in my travels around the world, even during revolutions --and I have been in more than one which are described in my book. What I did hear a lot was: "We love Americans, its just your government we can't stand" I always laughed and told them: "We Americans think the same way!"
These encounters are in the upcoming "Better Times Ahead April Fool" Photo 2013 edition, including the story of having dinner with an Indian taxi driver after getting bad food in Singapore - and it was no problem.
People who think foreigners "hate us" have never been to the nearly 50 countries I have seen the past few decades. They probably haven't been outside the USA much less their own state. I doubt they have met anyone from those countries at all. You hate what you fear. You fear what you don't know. I have faced those fears and traveled into many strange places, wondering what I was getting into, like the time I saw soldiers in Bolivia standing on the side of the road with machine guns and stern looks as we passed.
Of course, there are extremists who hate us but that is a tiny portion of the planet's nearly 7 billion people. I once was on a plane ride from Syria when i noticed the man across the aisle would jump every time I looked in his direction, but he seemed more afraid of me. He got off in Germany, where a bomb from a "Syria connection" went off a couple days later. The story is in "Better Times Ahead..."
If you walked into someone's house and said: "I hate everyone here" you would be as welcome as the relative from hell showing up at Aunt Bertha's on Christmas and saying the same thing. I always treated people in every country with kindness and respect.What goes around comes around.
If Americans traveled internationally they would be smarter. It would eliminate that assumption that people out there are unfriendly or hate us.
I'd be happy if Americans just paid attention to what is going on globally in business and technology (not just the wars and other crises). If they did they would be smarter -- and America would be on the run. Why?
Because they would see for themselves how far we have fallen behind the world because we have stopped investing in ourselves. We have become complacent as a people, as confident as the rabbit sleeping during the race as the turtles like China and India are transforming themselves into faster rabbits. Meanwhile, some in our leadership are chasing the wrong theories about what our "problem" is. They are making things worse for us (See Europe above).
However, aside from a brain transplant or a "Jedi/Vulcan Mind Meld" there is a way to let other Americans see this world of ours - by checking out the coming ebook "Better Times Ahead April Fool" - the photo 2013 edition.
Time warp from 30 years ago to today worldwide, seeing the technology and country changes with your own eyes - from photos I personally took over those years.
Warp from Reagan Supply side economics through Obama's policies after inheriting the worst economy in 70 years. See the technology changes, revolutions, terrorism signs, American Fortune 500 deals (and the girls' they chased) in places like Iran, India and China (which went from nothing 30 years ago to leading us in 7 key technologies today).
At the end you will see how America wins the 21st Century when our American people don't have the skills to fill over 2 million high tech, high paying jobs that are available TODAY in the USA.
Its in the 2nd Edition "Better Times Ahead April Fool" - Over 200 pages and 200 photos documenting
real life stories experienced by the author involving fraud, kidnappings, high level business negotiations, international child kidnapping negotiations, being broke in Bangkok (home of the Asian sex trade), Fortune 500 intrigues (including the notorious Brown &
Root -- now KBR -- from an insiders view), and entrepreneurial failures and
successes.
It will bring the world into sharp focus. It will show you what we must do to succeed in this brave new world.
Standby for release date...Also check out the website at:
www.BetterTimesAheadAprilFool.com
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Key to America's Fture - Investing in Infrastructure
President Obama is proposing a way to get private-public partnerships to work as a means to invest in our decaying infrastructure. That investment creates JOBS. Details are at this link. This is a big step in the right direction by making the investment a public-private joint effort.
"Building better roads and bridges and schools, that's not a partisan idea and in fact, that's where you can get mayors and governors from both parties to find some common ground," said Mr. Obama..."
The President goes on to say: "But the fact is you've got the Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO agreeing to better infrastructure, knowing that it will help both businesses and workers. So if you got the Chamber and the unions agreeing, then the politicians should be able to agree too."
Exactly. When both business AND labor agree on something, it has to make sense.
In my upcoming book "Better Times Ahead April Fool" I cover how America can win the 21st century by doing these kind of investments that will pay off big time in our future. it's also a fun story.
Stay tuned by "Follow" and check in for the release of the 2nd Edition Illustrated update of "Better Times Ahead" in the next few days, either here or at:
www.BetterTimesAheadAprilFool.com
"Building better roads and bridges and schools, that's not a partisan idea and in fact, that's where you can get mayors and governors from both parties to find some common ground," said Mr. Obama..."
The President goes on to say: "But the fact is you've got the Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO agreeing to better infrastructure, knowing that it will help both businesses and workers. So if you got the Chamber and the unions agreeing, then the politicians should be able to agree too."
Exactly. When both business AND labor agree on something, it has to make sense.
In my upcoming book "Better Times Ahead April Fool" I cover how America can win the 21st century by doing these kind of investments that will pay off big time in our future. it's also a fun story.
Stay tuned by "Follow" and check in for the release of the 2nd Edition Illustrated update of "Better Times Ahead" in the next few days, either here or at:
www.BetterTimesAheadAprilFool.com
Good Friday - and PASSOVER. All Should Be Celebrated Together
This has been one STRANGE Good Friday, at least for me so far. But the real Good Friday wasn't so good either when you think about it. Since when is the day you die a good thing whether your name is Jesus or not?
It is also PASSOVER, so let's not forget that religion is more than one sect. There is not a religious monopoly that I am aware of. They include Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu - not to mention the non-believers.
I like it when these holidays overlap. Have you noticed -- even the Muslim holidays are similar. I've noticed.
After all, all 3 religions--Christian, Judaism and Islam-- trace their roots back to one person - Abraham. Abraham is the key.
If you really look at what the bible says, God made more than one "deal." In the bible God speaks to both the nation of Israel and the nation of Ishmael. In short: Abraham took the 2nd "wife" (really the maid) because Sarah was old and barren, Ishmael was born. After the miracle of Sarah having a child, Isaac, Ishmael gets sent away by Abraham. God said Isaac would be the root of a religion that covered many nations.
Yet the story isn't over. After Ishmael and his mom get tossed out of Abraham's house and are in the wilds wondering what will happen next, God speaks from the cloud and says "Ishmael would be the root of a religion that covered many nations." The words are basically the same for each.
So at this point, the way I see it, God has made a deal with two different groups destined to build nations. Don't take my word for it, check out the wikipedia summary for Abraham.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrahamic_religions
So the 3 big religions are related - we should celebrate them all together instead of never venturing beyond our own walls we build between ourselves. As a result of running for Congress I went to Synagogues, Mosques and Christian churches I had never seen before. I heard the SAME sermon in every one of them.
We are more alike than we think. I know that from meeting people around the world the past three decades....
It is also PASSOVER, so let's not forget that religion is more than one sect. There is not a religious monopoly that I am aware of. They include Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu - not to mention the non-believers.
I like it when these holidays overlap. Have you noticed -- even the Muslim holidays are similar. I've noticed.
After all, all 3 religions--Christian, Judaism and Islam-- trace their roots back to one person - Abraham. Abraham is the key.
If you really look at what the bible says, God made more than one "deal." In the bible God speaks to both the nation of Israel and the nation of Ishmael. In short: Abraham took the 2nd "wife" (really the maid) because Sarah was old and barren, Ishmael was born. After the miracle of Sarah having a child, Isaac, Ishmael gets sent away by Abraham. God said Isaac would be the root of a religion that covered many nations.
Yet the story isn't over. After Ishmael and his mom get tossed out of Abraham's house and are in the wilds wondering what will happen next, God speaks from the cloud and says "Ishmael would be the root of a religion that covered many nations." The words are basically the same for each.
So at this point, the way I see it, God has made a deal with two different groups destined to build nations. Don't take my word for it, check out the wikipedia summary for Abraham.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrahamic_religions
So the 3 big religions are related - we should celebrate them all together instead of never venturing beyond our own walls we build between ourselves. As a result of running for Congress I went to Synagogues, Mosques and Christian churches I had never seen before. I heard the SAME sermon in every one of them.
We are more alike than we think. I know that from meeting people around the world the past three decades....
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Voyager Leaves our Solar System...Will We Ever See it Again?
Someday soon i hope humans are passing through the same space ....as space-faring nations. Who knows, maybe future humans will come across it, again, somewhere far beyond our present imagination...
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/03/20/voyager-1-leaves-solar-system/?intcmp=obinsite
Healthcare vs "Pro Life"
I sent an article about a new drug to help MS patients to a friend whose wife has MS and is in constant pain.
His response: "Another drug we can't afford." Apparently it costs $56,000 a YEAR for this drug. I don't blame him - but yet he is the one who keeps voting for the Republican candidates who oppose healthcare reforms - they certainly oppose paying for this kind of treatment.
Ironic - the "pro life" party opposes healthcare reform - and my friend votes for that with a sick wife who needs it. Someone explain to me where this makes sense?
I support what I have seen worldwide - a USA system that does take our citizens into healthcare - preventive and more.
My ancestors came from Norway. I first saw it in 2011. They take their oil money and invest in education for all and Heathcare. It has one of the highest standards of living in the world, and the people elect their leadership. It is a democracy that is civilized, highly educated and prosperous.
Tuition to school is FREE and that even applies for foreigners going to school there. Everyone learns English in school. Everyone has a nice house and care. There is no trash.
Why can't we take the USA to a higher level?
His response: "Another drug we can't afford." Apparently it costs $56,000 a YEAR for this drug. I don't blame him - but yet he is the one who keeps voting for the Republican candidates who oppose healthcare reforms - they certainly oppose paying for this kind of treatment.
Ironic - the "pro life" party opposes healthcare reform - and my friend votes for that with a sick wife who needs it. Someone explain to me where this makes sense?
I support what I have seen worldwide - a USA system that does take our citizens into healthcare - preventive and more.
My ancestors came from Norway. I first saw it in 2011. They take their oil money and invest in education for all and Heathcare. It has one of the highest standards of living in the world, and the people elect their leadership. It is a democracy that is civilized, highly educated and prosperous.
Tuition to school is FREE and that even applies for foreigners going to school there. Everyone learns English in school. Everyone has a nice house and care. There is no trash.
Why can't we take the USA to a higher level?
154 Bullets in 5 Minutes - and Stealth Bombers over KOREA
A loser with a military weapon rained 154 bullets in 5 minutes at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, slaughtering 20 kids and 6 teachers. The bullets tore off heads of children, in photos not released. then the cowards shoots himself rather than face justice.
At a time where Christians revere the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus, these children will not be returning to life. How is that right? The guy who murdered dozens in a movie theater suddenly wants to plead "guilty" to avoid the death penalty. The coward who kills is afraid of death. Too bad he didn't shoot himself first, but these losers have to kill others - and the NRA makes it easy as pie for innocents to be murdered. They even oppose background checks to weed out criminals, so essentially the NRA has become "pro-criminal" in opposing background checks. It's even OK for them for mental cases to own military weapons.
The 2nd Amendment guarantees DEFENSIVE weapons for citizens, not OFFENSIVE weapons designed for the mass killing on the battlefield. As an international lawyer, I know what the Constitution says. I have seen weapons worldwide as I ran with the wind in my hair the last 30 years in nearly 50 countries. Having mental cases able to buy guns and lack of background checks for criminals is insane on our part. Does America really want to look like Iraq on its streets?
What's next? The legal right to own a grenade and an Rocket Propelled Grenadee we can shot at an irritating neighbor? A man two days ago walked down his street in California firing a high powered weapon into the houses - until police finally captured him. He may have been a vet with PTSD - like those returning fromVietnam...We must change the law to make sense.
STEALTH FIGHTERS OVER KOREA - The U.S. has sent STEALTH FIGHTERS over Korea after North Korea cut the hot line and is threatening war - even threatening to "nuke the USA." The obsession with Iran needs to give way to the reality of an ALREADY NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA.
Kim Jun Un, the survivor son of dad Kim Jung Il, son of the first dictator is YOUNG (in his 20's) and North Korea is a WEIRD military isolated state - an Asian version of Iran.
A lot of this is for internal show because North Korean people are desperately poor and hungry - the money gets put into the military and missiles instead of food. There could even be an internal power play between the baby-faced boy dictator and the old foxes in the military who have their own agendas.
Finally, check out the Google "Street View" of the dead Japanese cities hit by the TSUNAMI 2 years ago. That is the lesson all of us should learn about not being PREPARED for the next curve ball Mother Nature sends our way...
Stay tuned. "Subscribe" or "Follow" for updates on this and other critical current issues...
At a time where Christians revere the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus, these children will not be returning to life. How is that right? The guy who murdered dozens in a movie theater suddenly wants to plead "guilty" to avoid the death penalty. The coward who kills is afraid of death. Too bad he didn't shoot himself first, but these losers have to kill others - and the NRA makes it easy as pie for innocents to be murdered. They even oppose background checks to weed out criminals, so essentially the NRA has become "pro-criminal" in opposing background checks. It's even OK for them for mental cases to own military weapons.
The 2nd Amendment guarantees DEFENSIVE weapons for citizens, not OFFENSIVE weapons designed for the mass killing on the battlefield. As an international lawyer, I know what the Constitution says. I have seen weapons worldwide as I ran with the wind in my hair the last 30 years in nearly 50 countries. Having mental cases able to buy guns and lack of background checks for criminals is insane on our part. Does America really want to look like Iraq on its streets?
What's next? The legal right to own a grenade and an Rocket Propelled Grenadee we can shot at an irritating neighbor? A man two days ago walked down his street in California firing a high powered weapon into the houses - until police finally captured him. He may have been a vet with PTSD - like those returning fromVietnam...We must change the law to make sense.
STEALTH FIGHTERS OVER KOREA - The U.S. has sent STEALTH FIGHTERS over Korea after North Korea cut the hot line and is threatening war - even threatening to "nuke the USA." The obsession with Iran needs to give way to the reality of an ALREADY NUCLEAR NORTH KOREA.
Kim Jun Un, the survivor son of dad Kim Jung Il, son of the first dictator is YOUNG (in his 20's) and North Korea is a WEIRD military isolated state - an Asian version of Iran.
A lot of this is for internal show because North Korean people are desperately poor and hungry - the money gets put into the military and missiles instead of food. There could even be an internal power play between the baby-faced boy dictator and the old foxes in the military who have their own agendas.
Finally, check out the Google "Street View" of the dead Japanese cities hit by the TSUNAMI 2 years ago. That is the lesson all of us should learn about not being PREPARED for the next curve ball Mother Nature sends our way...
Stay tuned. "Subscribe" or "Follow" for updates on this and other critical current issues...
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Phone Etiquette - How to Make Customers MAD
Yesterday at breakfast the cafe was short staffed. the owner was out "selling a car" and left the cook by himself. When he came back two couples were sitting at a table waiting. The cafe owner's cell rang as he was going towards them. He took the call! And commences to tell the wife or whoever it was all about "getting $400" for the car. Finally he hung up and waited on the table, saying "sorry for the delay."
People, use etiquette also known as "common sense." The damn phone call could wait until he took care of the customers - that's what voice-mail is for. I predict this guy will soon be out of business. Common sense seems to be not so common.
When i am with someone and a call comes in - I DON'T grab the phone. I finish the conversation and then check the message and return the call. Now if its the PRESIDENT calling, take the call. Otherwise focus on the people you are with before getting lost in your own noise...
People, use etiquette also known as "common sense." The damn phone call could wait until he took care of the customers - that's what voice-mail is for. I predict this guy will soon be out of business. Common sense seems to be not so common.
When i am with someone and a call comes in - I DON'T grab the phone. I finish the conversation and then check the message and return the call. Now if its the PRESIDENT calling, take the call. Otherwise focus on the people you are with before getting lost in your own noise...
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Same-Sex Marriage - Equal Under American Law?
Should same-sex marriages be legal in the USA?
Personally, I think if someone is crazy enough to want to get married, who are we to object? (I liked it so much, I've tried it three times!) Besides, think of the wedding planners,bakers, hotel rentals and divorce lawyers who will be required. It's a job generator for sure.
But seriously, America is special because we treat all of our people equally ("all men are created equal"). America is also cool because we "marry" that principle with its corollary "with justice for all". Equality is the keystone of our Constitution even if it has taken awhile to get better at it.
So, do you think same-sex marriage is a Constitutional right of equality under our laws? I think so.
Upholding it doesn't MAKE anyone get married to anyone. It lets same sex couples face the same rapids of life that all couples do. It allows them to help raise children not wanted by anyone else, or raise their own. It clears up inheritance and healthcare authority issues that spouses have that others do not.
What do YOU think? In California, 40,000 children are being raised today by same-sex marriages. If one dies, their inheritance could be in jeopardy, etc.
Opinion?
Personally, I think if someone is crazy enough to want to get married, who are we to object? (I liked it so much, I've tried it three times!) Besides, think of the wedding planners,bakers, hotel rentals and divorce lawyers who will be required. It's a job generator for sure.
But seriously, America is special because we treat all of our people equally ("all men are created equal"). America is also cool because we "marry" that principle with its corollary "with justice for all". Equality is the keystone of our Constitution even if it has taken awhile to get better at it.
So, do you think same-sex marriage is a Constitutional right of equality under our laws? I think so.
Upholding it doesn't MAKE anyone get married to anyone. It lets same sex couples face the same rapids of life that all couples do. It allows them to help raise children not wanted by anyone else, or raise their own. It clears up inheritance and healthcare authority issues that spouses have that others do not.
What do YOU think? In California, 40,000 children are being raised today by same-sex marriages. If one dies, their inheritance could be in jeopardy, etc.
Opinion?
The 1,000 Mile Battery - for Cars
Israel has developed a novel "aluminum-air" battery that could power an electric car 1,000 miles - more than what a car can cover with a tank of gas!
This is the technology of the 21st century in which America should lead. Distilled water is the fuel source! Zero emissions, long range - it doesn't get any better than that.
Check out the details at this link:
http://news.discovery.com/autos/fuel-and-alternative-fuel-technologies/aluminum-air-battery-1000-miles-130325.htm
This is the technology of the 21st century in which America should lead. Distilled water is the fuel source! Zero emissions, long range - it doesn't get any better than that.
Check out the details at this link:
http://news.discovery.com/autos/fuel-and-alternative-fuel-technologies/aluminum-air-battery-1000-miles-130325.htm
Monday, March 25, 2013
How American Education Ranks in the World
American students need to realize that they aren't just competing with students in 49 other states, but with kids from nearly 200 other countries around the world. Check these stats on how your kids rank, globally...
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/03/18-brown-center-report-loveless#ref-id=20130319_Loveless1
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/03/18-brown-center-report-loveless#ref-id=20130319_Loveless1
All People are the SAME - Just a Different Paint Job
Inside we are the same! So stop building walls and making false assumptions about other people.
Oh for sure, we have different cultures, religions and languages. And some of us are gay while others are straight. Some of us are nice and some are assholes. But basically everyone I have met wants the same thing: an opportunity for education, a job and to live in peace and be left alone.
And yes there are extremes in every group, and I mean EVERY group. Those who would kill an entire group for the acts of a few are basically no better than Hitler and his genocidal regime. Every culture and country has both good and bad, just like here in America.
Perhaps you forgot there was a time when Christians "crusaders" marched off to fight in Jerusalem. Or that the Catholic IRA was blowing up and shooting Protestants in Northern Ireland. Or that whites randomly killed blacks in the South - some fresh from World War II and still wearing their uniforms. Or that we have domestic terrorists like Tim McVeigh who blew up a federal building in Oklahoma City that also housed a child daycare. No one group is perfect.
So let's cut the hate over other peoples' color or their religion or their sexual orientation. In the eyes of God we are all the same.
By the same token I don't want other people, based on their religion's ideas, condemning everyone else as "not saved." I don't think God is that narrow minded. After all, he created ALL of us. In fact, the "Big 3" religions - Christianity, Judaism and Islam - all trace their origins back to the same person - Abraham. I have been in Churches, Synagogues and Mosques. I heard the exact same sermon in each - be good, pray, repeat.
If you have a problem with that, take it up with God.
Then go travel the world and find out for yourself. Treat people the way you want to be treated - with respect.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The World According to the VIKINGS
I was sent this piece without the author's name, so its impossible to give credit. In lieu thereof, I publish it and acknowledge it is NOT my work - but it is funny.
column: The Vikings!
The Vikings -- those grungy, gnarly guys who grunt and grimace as they
gouge and grapple -- have been much discussed at our house lately.
No, I don’t mean the team from Minnesota. We’re talking about the
original Vikings, the manly men who were the Super Bowl champs of world
dominance for nearly three centuries.
My wife has long been fascinated by Vikings. In her imagination, they
are tall, blonde, rugged, fearless seafarers with startlingly blue eyes
and a startling obsession with horned hats.
But she wound up with me instead. Through sheer force of will I was
able to inherit the correct eye and hair color, but fell short regarding
the height and the fearlessness. And as far as seafaring goes, I will
only say that I don’t know how to swim and leave it at that.
I have managed to acquire some Viking skills such as the knack for
bringing vast amounts grunge into the house and my freestyle table
manners. However, these have done little to create a favorable
impression.
One wonders what impelled my Nordic ancestors to quit the safe shores
of Scandinavia and set sail on the vast, uncharted ocean. And what did
they tell their wives as they left?
“Where you going?
“I dunno.”
“When will you get there?”
“I dunno.”
“When will you be back?”
“I dunno.”
“Could you at least get some groceries on your way home? And pick up the dry cleaning?”
The Viking sighs deeply. “OK. Make a list.”
My grandpa Hammer is as close as I will ever come to knowing an actual
Viking. I once asked what prompted him to leave Norway as a young man
and he cited the dearth of farmland and the lack of economic
opportunities. According to the History Channel, these are the same
forces that gave rise to the Vikings more than a thousand years ago.
Some things never change.
The Vikings were extremely successful at viking, eventually forging an
empire that stretched from North America to the Arabian Peninsula. The
problem is, the Vikings’ business methods were a bit, um, unrefined.
Nowadays, this problem would be smoothed over by a skilled PR agency.
For instance, the Vikings didn’t conduct raids; they would dynamically
deploy asset reallocation professionals. They didn’t pillage; they
synergistically actualized integrative property transfer solutions. The
Vikings didn’t take over villages and farms; they interactively
leveraged premier real estate growth strategies. And they didn’t rule
with iron-fisted brutality; they were proactive distributors of
bleeding-edge leadership imperatives.
As a kid, I imagined that being a Viking would have been fun and often
cursed my luck for being born in the wrong millennia. In my mind’s eye I
could see a fearsome longship cresting the waves, its dragon figurehead
shooting bolts of terror through the heart a particular schoolyard
bully.
But I was instead imprisoned on a long bus. It was noisy and smelly and
crowded, but that’s where the similarities to a longship ended.
My wife and I are a bit strange in that we enjoy going to museums. One
memorable museum we once visited is the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead,
Minnesota.
The Hjemkomst is a full-size replica of a Viking ship built by junior
high school councilor Robert Asp and his family. This is the sort of
thing that can happen when a Norwegian doesn’t have enough to do.
The Asp family built the ship in an old potato warehouse at Hawley,
Minnesota. Before construction could begin, the warehouse had to be
prepared. I can’t imagine the amount lefse that might have been
involved.
Another artifact we have perused is the Kensington Runestone, which is
kept in a museum at Alexandria, Minnesota. The 200-pound slab of stone
is covered with ancient-looking Runic writing that basically says
“Kilroy was here.”
Controversy has raged regarding the Kensington Runstone’s authenticity
ever since it was found by a local farmer in 1898. For example, it has
been pointed out that the hunk of rock, which bears the date of 1362,
has numerous Runic misspellings and grammatical errors.
Wrong again, skeptics! This only proves that the author didn’t use the
“spell check” feature on his word processor. We writers refer to this as
“going commando”.
Speaking of which, across the street from the Kensington Runestone
Museum stands a 30-foot-tall statue of a Viking. Known as Big Ole, the
statue seems to have been modeled after a Scottish Viking as he is
wearing a very short kilt.
We watched from across the street as tourists posed for pictures with
Big Ole. They would invariably glance upwards and we could tell what
they were thinking: is he or isn’t he?
The answer is yes: Ole is a Viking!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
American Foreign Service
Last Thursday I attended an event at the University of St. Thomas in Houston which has had a Center for International Studies for 40 years. I've known Professor Bill Cunningham, recently retired, for over 30 years.
Ambassador Negroponte was the speaker - the university has started a "Diplomacy Program" to help train the next generation of American Foreign service diplomats.
These foreign service people are America's representatives abroad. They are our real ambassadors and eyes and ears in places from Albania to Zimbabwe. St. Thomas' program will train young Americans in the art of negotiation, public speaking, etc.
I encourage you to send any young person you know to UST to check out both their international studies program and the Foreign Service. We cannot lead a world we know nothing about.
Speaking of which I asked Ambassador Negroponte after his speech about the two million Americans who did not have the skills to fill the existing high tech, high paying jobs open in America today. I said: "When I first went to China thirty years ago they had nothing. I went back in 2012 and rode the fastest train in the world. They lead us in 7 key 21st century technologies. Why do we have two million plus American high tech jobs open without people qualified to fill them?
His response? He said: "What you are asking is an education question." He then avoided giving me an answer. LOL. Why does everyone I talk to DUCK this question? Are we afraid to address our shortcomings in STEM (Science, Technology and Math)?
I will keep asking. So should you if you want America second to none in the 21st century...
To win the 21st century Americans have to compete in a GLOBAL economy - if all our folks can do is flip burgers and talk Reality celebs than we are SCREWED, and lose the global game, dudes.
It's REAL. It's about Global Education and Technology. It's all in the coming by April Fool's Day the ILLUSTRATED 2nd edition of "Better Times Ahead April Fool"....Subscribe or follow to get the release and further updates on how we need Global Americans to win this century. Or China will...
Ambassador Negroponte was the speaker - the university has started a "Diplomacy Program" to help train the next generation of American Foreign service diplomats.
These foreign service people are America's representatives abroad. They are our real ambassadors and eyes and ears in places from Albania to Zimbabwe. St. Thomas' program will train young Americans in the art of negotiation, public speaking, etc.
I encourage you to send any young person you know to UST to check out both their international studies program and the Foreign Service. We cannot lead a world we know nothing about.
Speaking of which I asked Ambassador Negroponte after his speech about the two million Americans who did not have the skills to fill the existing high tech, high paying jobs open in America today. I said: "When I first went to China thirty years ago they had nothing. I went back in 2012 and rode the fastest train in the world. They lead us in 7 key 21st century technologies. Why do we have two million plus American high tech jobs open without people qualified to fill them?
His response? He said: "What you are asking is an education question." He then avoided giving me an answer. LOL. Why does everyone I talk to DUCK this question? Are we afraid to address our shortcomings in STEM (Science, Technology and Math)?
I will keep asking. So should you if you want America second to none in the 21st century...
To win the 21st century Americans have to compete in a GLOBAL economy - if all our folks can do is flip burgers and talk Reality celebs than we are SCREWED, and lose the global game, dudes.
It's REAL. It's about Global Education and Technology. It's all in the coming by April Fool's Day the ILLUSTRATED 2nd edition of "Better Times Ahead April Fool"....Subscribe or follow to get the release and further updates on how we need Global Americans to win this century. Or China will...
CITY KILLERS
NASA calls these asteroids "City Killers."
We better get NASA funded for a "City Killer" Killer - before one of these suckers does take out a city. It would also give us the technology to take out a future "Planet Killer" asteroid...
The dinosaurs had an excuse - they didn't have a space program.
We better get NASA funded for a "City Killer" Killer - before one of these suckers does take out a city. It would also give us the technology to take out a future "Planet Killer" asteroid...
The dinosaurs had an excuse - they didn't have a space program.
Friday, March 22, 2013
USA General: Biggest Threat - Climate Change
The commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific recently said that the BIGGEST THREAT to our security is.....CLIMATE CHANGE.
That may make some heads spin but read his report here
Here is an excerpt:
" ...2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), where the Pentagon noted that: “While climate change alone does not cause conflict, it may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world.” Then former secretary of defense Leon Panetta noted in 2012 before the Environmental Defense Fund:
Of course, if runaway greenhouse gases overheat our planet and melt the ice caps, foreign armies will be the least of our problems. A dead planet is hard to defend and is bad for business since there won't be any business at that point...
That may make some heads spin but read his report here
Here is an excerpt:
" ...2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), where the Pentagon noted that: “While climate change alone does not cause conflict, it may act as an accelerant of instability or conflict, placing a burden to respond on civilian institutions and militaries around the world.” Then former secretary of defense Leon Panetta noted in 2012 before the Environmental Defense Fund:
In the 21st century, the reality is that there are environmental threats which are threats to our national security. For example, the area of climate change has a dramatic impact on national security: rising sea levels, to severe droughts, to the melting of the polar caps, to more frequent and devastating natural disasters all raise demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."
Of course, if runaway greenhouse gases overheat our planet and melt the ice caps, foreign armies will be the least of our problems. A dead planet is hard to defend and is bad for business since there won't be any business at that point...
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
How America can Win the 21st century - "Better Times Ahead"...
Representing Fortune 500 company selling
Pollution Control Equipment for Coal Power Plants
WINDY outside.
Putting Finishing Touches on the Illustrated, Updated "Better Times Ahead" - adding photos. Pictures are so vital, especially when you are time tripping globally over a 30 year span. Unless you have been there, its just wizard of Oz without the pictures.
With the timeline photos, which I took (not from stock) you can see how far China has come versus us in the last 30 years - and India. These two will be America's primary competitors in the 21st century. I was shocked when I went back to China in 2012 and saw the dynamic changes over 30 years.
My "Better Times Ahead" 2nd Edition will show you how we compare to them in this key area - TODAY.
I plan to send it out for HTML markup on Monday, then as soon as it comes back it will be uploaded as the "2.0" -- which is ALWAYS better than 1.0 right? And 3.0 is even better. It's like Henry Ford went from the Model A to the Lincoln. A book with timeline photos is like a Lincoln.
The final chapter "Agenda for American Greatness" is also being updated, Post-Election. It describes FACTS (not ideology) on HOW we got into this mess AND it will also FOCUS on SOLUTIONS for America in this inescapable, high tech space age global economy....
... how do we get our mojo back after our inheritance was blown by the prior administration which run up Trillions in debt after being left a $350 Billion surplus by the Clinton administration? How do we win the future when the current Congress seems more intent on repeating FDR's Austerity Mistake of 1937 than preparing Americans with the knowledge and skills to win the global economy. They can't even see that Europe's Austerity programs have shrunk their economies, while the USA economy has grown under President Obama's stimulus, Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy initiatives to mention a few.
And how we fix it when our competitors workers have greater skills than American workers and our multinational companies have no loyalty to their native country?
But its not a policy paper - it is still an adventure story with some funny moments. Its a story about more than one failure as well as success. Much of it comes from old journals in distant lands, and here at home.
The new "Better Times Ahead" speaks truth to power and tells people what they need to hear -- not want they want to hear. Politicians are the ones who tell you want to want to hear. Since I've never been elected I can be honest and tell you the truth - after doing everything from tax research to international child kidnapping cases in nearly 50 countries the past three decades.
Anyone worried about losing a job or who has been laid off should read it to discover that even disaster can lead to a richer tomorrow. Even losing everything, as I did, was not the end of the world. In the end it lead to unimaginable paths less traveled -- and a prosperous new life. It speaks to re-invention, which pertains to countries in a pickle as well as people.
Click "Follow' if you want to know release date of 2nd Edition "Better Times Ahead: April Fool"
Global American Values-- INSIGHTS for ordinary Americans into world events that impact America (and vice versa)...
http://globalamericanvalues.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 8, 2013
On Drones and Osama bin laden's Son-in-law
On Drones and Osama bin laden's Son-in-law two things should be CLEAR to Americans about our rights.
After the filibuster by Sen. Rand Paul and the clarification letter from the Attorney General, it should be CLEAR - that (1) no drone gets to kill (2) an American (3) on American soil. Now if we are skinny dipping in Mexico with guys who want to blow up something American, that's different.
Under our Constitution we are entitled to an arrest if accused of a crime and a trial decided on facts beyond a reasonable doubt.
Regarding Osama bin laden's son, who was just picked up by American intelligence in Jordan after he left Iran on a fake passport, another thing is CLEAR -
The American court system works, even for the son-in-law of the man killed by American Seal Team 6 under a Presidential order! Our civil court system is faster and more efficient than a secret military tribunal, which drag on forever and are notoriously slow.
Osama's son-in-law and his followers should see what the transparent, open, American legal system looks like - with our citizen jurors. It is not a five minute hearing and then a hand gets cut off or a person gets stoned to death.
The American legal system is still a shining jewel in a world of fake jewelry. I have seen legal systems worldwide, including many corrupt and malfunctioning legal systems. Let the world -- especially those in the Middle East --see our normal legal system at work. Let them see its not rule by man that counts but rule by law that is our strength. Leaders come and go but the law is the foundation.
I have no doubt that American justice will be served by American jurors in an open court of record. American don't need to stoop to secret trials and torture like our enemies to generate justice. Only in America can we spend weeks listening to sex and murder tales like the never-ending Jodi Arias trial. Meanwhile the murderer Oscar Pistorius in South Africa walked free waiting for a June trial date.
In either case, Courts rule, not bombers and terrorists...
After the filibuster by Sen. Rand Paul and the clarification letter from the Attorney General, it should be CLEAR - that (1) no drone gets to kill (2) an American (3) on American soil. Now if we are skinny dipping in Mexico with guys who want to blow up something American, that's different.
Under our Constitution we are entitled to an arrest if accused of a crime and a trial decided on facts beyond a reasonable doubt.
Regarding Osama bin laden's son, who was just picked up by American intelligence in Jordan after he left Iran on a fake passport, another thing is CLEAR -
The American court system works, even for the son-in-law of the man killed by American Seal Team 6 under a Presidential order! Our civil court system is faster and more efficient than a secret military tribunal, which drag on forever and are notoriously slow.
Osama's son-in-law and his followers should see what the transparent, open, American legal system looks like - with our citizen jurors. It is not a five minute hearing and then a hand gets cut off or a person gets stoned to death.
The American legal system is still a shining jewel in a world of fake jewelry. I have seen legal systems worldwide, including many corrupt and malfunctioning legal systems. Let the world -- especially those in the Middle East --see our normal legal system at work. Let them see its not rule by man that counts but rule by law that is our strength. Leaders come and go but the law is the foundation.
I have no doubt that American justice will be served by American jurors in an open court of record. American don't need to stoop to secret trials and torture like our enemies to generate justice. Only in America can we spend weeks listening to sex and murder tales like the never-ending Jodi Arias trial. Meanwhile the murderer Oscar Pistorius in South Africa walked free waiting for a June trial date.
In either case, Courts rule, not bombers and terrorists...
European Weather Model Beating American Model - Why?
8 March 2013
Global American Series
NBC just did a story with Al Roker on how the European Weather model lately has
been correct time after time while the American model has missed the forecast
completely - potentially putting peoples' lives in danger and being unreliable
compared to the competing European model.
WHY is this happening? Just "Luck" on the part of the Europeans? No. It's worse
than that.
For example, during Hurricane Sandy, the American weather model showed Sandy
going harmlessly out to sea in the Atlantic. However, the European model showed
that it would take a sharp left hook - as it did - and hit the Jersey Shore,
etc.
That failure by the American model jeopardized the lives of millions of people
on the eastern shore, who had less time to flee and prepare if they followed our
own model instead of checking out the competition.
The big storm that just hit Washington DC was predicted by the American model to
be snow. The European model said it would be rain. It rained. The Europeans know
something we should know. That's never a good thing for Americans and our
economic leadership in this high tech world.
Why is America falling behind in weather technology and forecasting?
It's because during the 80's and 90's the Europeans invested heavily into
weather technology upgrades. America did NOT. The Europeans spent ten times
what America did - so now their weather models are correct. And ours are wrong.
That should not be happening.
Belatedly, America has started investing into weather technology under President
Obama, but it is not enough. We are really late to the party and Congress seems
determined not to invest in any technology we need to lead the 21st century -
despite our falling behind China in 7 key 21st Century technologies (which I
describe in my book update coming in "Better Times Ahead: April Fool.")
America must upgrade our technology and education to catch up --not just with
the Europeans but our rapidly growing Asian competitors, China and India.
Americans will have to do even more to regain our "mojo" to be the world's best
we were for decades and should be.
Our past leaders and Congress failed to invest to keep America No. 1. President
Obama has been trying to change that to invest in areas like Clean Energy,
education and retraining that are vital in America's future, and described in
"Agenda for American Greatness."
China will have a brand new space station in 2020 when ours is due for
retirement.
During the Great Depression, FDR made the austerity mistake in 1937. In 1936
America was clawing its way back from the Great Depression due to FDR's big
investment to get people working on projects like dams, roads, bridges, etc.
But he panicked at the cost and the debt being built up, so in 1937 they decided
to try to "balance the budget." That act of austerity threw the economy back
into a deep recession --which didn't end until WWII provided the government
spendig stimulus that we had not done until then.The technology gains fueled our
industry base and global leadership for a generation. We need to do that again.
Because now, when the weather is uncertain -- and the American and European
models give different projections -- go with the European model!!!
We will suffer the consequences of being second rate until our Congress decides
to invest to make us No. 1 in all key modern technologies we need to compete
globally.
I choose the America that is second to none, even when forecasting whether to
wear snow shoes or duck a hurricane…
Michael Fjetland
Global American Series
Blog link (comment or follow)
http://globalamericanvalues.blogspot.com/2013/03/european-weather-model-beating-\
american.html
Tribute to International Womens' Day at the link:
http://globalamericanvalues.blogspot.com/2013/03/international-womens-day-2013-s\
tatus-of.html
Sponsored by Armor Glass International, Inc.
www.ArmorGlass.com
Just finished a DEA office in Houston. School and houses next week...
Global American Series
NBC just did a story with Al Roker on how the European Weather model lately has
been correct time after time while the American model has missed the forecast
completely - potentially putting peoples' lives in danger and being unreliable
compared to the competing European model.
WHY is this happening? Just "Luck" on the part of the Europeans? No. It's worse
than that.
For example, during Hurricane Sandy, the American weather model showed Sandy
going harmlessly out to sea in the Atlantic. However, the European model showed
that it would take a sharp left hook - as it did - and hit the Jersey Shore,
etc.
That failure by the American model jeopardized the lives of millions of people
on the eastern shore, who had less time to flee and prepare if they followed our
own model instead of checking out the competition.
The big storm that just hit Washington DC was predicted by the American model to
be snow. The European model said it would be rain. It rained. The Europeans know
something we should know. That's never a good thing for Americans and our
economic leadership in this high tech world.
Why is America falling behind in weather technology and forecasting?
It's because during the 80's and 90's the Europeans invested heavily into
weather technology upgrades. America did NOT. The Europeans spent ten times
what America did - so now their weather models are correct. And ours are wrong.
That should not be happening.
Belatedly, America has started investing into weather technology under President
Obama, but it is not enough. We are really late to the party and Congress seems
determined not to invest in any technology we need to lead the 21st century -
despite our falling behind China in 7 key 21st Century technologies (which I
describe in my book update coming in "Better Times Ahead: April Fool.")
America must upgrade our technology and education to catch up --not just with
the Europeans but our rapidly growing Asian competitors, China and India.
Americans will have to do even more to regain our "mojo" to be the world's best
we were for decades and should be.
Our past leaders and Congress failed to invest to keep America No. 1. President
Obama has been trying to change that to invest in areas like Clean Energy,
education and retraining that are vital in America's future, and described in
"Agenda for American Greatness."
China will have a brand new space station in 2020 when ours is due for
retirement.
During the Great Depression, FDR made the austerity mistake in 1937. In 1936
America was clawing its way back from the Great Depression due to FDR's big
investment to get people working on projects like dams, roads, bridges, etc.
But he panicked at the cost and the debt being built up, so in 1937 they decided
to try to "balance the budget." That act of austerity threw the economy back
into a deep recession --which didn't end until WWII provided the government
spendig stimulus that we had not done until then.The technology gains fueled our
industry base and global leadership for a generation. We need to do that again.
Because now, when the weather is uncertain -- and the American and European
models give different projections -- go with the European model!!!
We will suffer the consequences of being second rate until our Congress decides
to invest to make us No. 1 in all key modern technologies we need to compete
globally.
I choose the America that is second to none, even when forecasting whether to
wear snow shoes or duck a hurricane…
Michael Fjetland
Global American Series
Blog link (comment or follow)
http://globalamericanvalues.blogspot.com/2013/03/european-weather-model-beating-\
american.html
Tribute to International Womens' Day at the link:
http://globalamericanvalues.blogspot.com/2013/03/international-womens-day-2013-s\
tatus-of.html
Sponsored by Armor Glass International, Inc.
www.ArmorGlass.com
Just finished a DEA office in Houston. School and houses next week...
European Weather Model Beating American Model - Why?
NBC just did a story with Al Roker on how the European
Weather model lately has been correct time after time while the American model
has missed the forecast completely - potentially putting peoples' lives in
danger and being unreliable compared to the competing European model.
WHY is this happening? Just "Luck" on the part
of the Europeans? No. It's worse than that.
For example, during Hurricane Sandy, the American weather
model showed Sandy going harmlessly out to sea in the Atlantic. However, the
European model showed that it would take a sharp left hook - as it did - and
hit the Jersey Shore, etc.
That failure by the American model jeopardized the lives
of millions of people on the eastern shore, who had less time to flee and
prepare if they followed our own model instead of checking out the competition.
The big storm that just hit Washington DC was predicted
by the American model to be snow. The European model said it would be rain. It rained. The Europeans know something we
should know. That's never a good thing for Americans and our economic
leadership in this high tech world.
Why is America falling behind in weather technology and
forecasting?
It's because during the 80's and 90's the Europeans
invested heavily into weather technology upgrades. America did NOT. The
Europeans spent ten times what America did - so now their weather models are
correct. And ours are wrong.
That should not be happening.
Belatedly, America has started investing into
weather technology under President Obama, but it is not enough. We are really
late to the party and Congress seems determined not to invest in any technology
we need to lead the 21st century - despite our falling behind China in 7
key 21st Century technologies (which I describe in my book update coming in “Better
Times Ahead: April Fool.”)
America must upgrade our technology and education to
catch up --not just with the Europeans but our rapidly growing Asian
competitors, China and India. Americans will have to do even
more to regain our "mojo" to be the world's best we were for decades and should be.
Our past leaders and Congress failed to invest to keep
America No. 1. President Obama has been trying to change that to invest in
areas like Clean Energy, education and retraining that are vital in America's
future, and described in "Agenda for American Greatness."
China will have a brand new space station in 2020 when
ours is due for retirement.
During the Great Depression, FDR made the austerity
mistake in 1937. In 1936 America was clawing its way back from the Great
Depression due to FDR's big investment to get people working on projects like dams, roads, bridges, etc. But he panicked at the cost and the debt
being built up, so in 1937 they decided to try to "balance the
budget." That act of austerity threw the economy back into a deep
recession --which didn't end until WWII provided the government spendig stimulus that
we had not done until then.The technology gains fueled our industry base and global leadership for a generation. We need to do that again.
Because now, when the weather is
uncertain -- and the American and European models give different projections --
go with the European model!!!
We will suffer the consequences of being second rate until our
Congress decides to invest to make us No. 1 in all key modern technologies we
need to compete globally.
I choose the America that is second to none, even when
forecasting whether to wear snow shoes or duck a hurricane…
Michael Fjetland
Global American Series
International Womens Day 2013 - Status of Women in the World
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says "Women Hold Up Half the Sky."
Today is International Womens' Day 2013 - what is the status of the female half of the sky in the world today? Here is my take as someone who has seen the state of women in nearly 50 countries the last three decades.
Here are some FACTS:
Literacy: "There are nearly one billion people in the world who are illiterate, one-fifth of the world's population. In spite of the fact that most development agencies identify women's literacy as the single most important factor in development, one out of every three women in the world cannot read and write..." (Source)
http://www.globaled.org/curriculum/wlit.html
Yet in the United States, women are now a MAJORITY of college students and are getting more advanced degrees than men. Yet they are still being paid about 77% of men for doing the same job.
In 2013 it might as well be the days of Viking raiders raping and pillaging but its worse than that. It is the local men who have been swarming women on buses in place like India and Egypt and attacked them even when they have a male companion. Women are still incredibly abused in all countries worldwide. Rape is epidemic from Albania, to India to Zimbabwe --even in our own military installations.
It is estimated 1/3 of women in our U.S. military have been raped --by fellow soldiers. Even military recruiters and Air Force trainers at places like Lackland AFB have forced women into sex without their consent. That takes a real jerk with no respect for others to do such a thing.
In Egypt, a new "democracy" and India, the largest democracy in the world which has had women like Indira Gandhi as leader -- women are routinely attacked in public by large groups of men, raped and even killed as a result. It seems to be getting worse, not better, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
In Afghanistan we all know that women can be killed for attending school and girls' schools are still attacked by Taliban.
But attacks on women, or the tendency to treat them as second class citizens is not confined to any one religion or culture. The ultra-orthodox in Israel are now insisting women walk on certain sides of the street and sit separately from men on buses.
Not that the west is any better. In the U.S. women are still not allowed to be Priests or even Ministers in most religions, although there have been inroads in some of the more progressive churches (e.g. the Episcopalians allow women to serve as head of a church. I've had the honor of meeting some of the first trailblazers).
Instead, we have sign a disturbing number of sex scandals by male Priests and Ministers involving minors.
Today we also have "pro life" groups in the west who rail against "government intrusion" yet require women who face the difficult choice of an abortion to have a transvaginal probe inserted inside them against their will. Why? Because men wanted to show the women images of what is inside them.
It should be noted that none of the men who voted for the legislation have NOT been required to have probes inserted inside their private parts. This is an area ripe for equal opportunity! Time to reap what they sow.
Yet once the baby is born the same men from the same party readily denies them food stamps to feed those babies, refuses to provide them health insurance, a living minimum wage or equal education opportunities. In Texas over 1 in 4 people are without health insurance - the highest number of uninsured in America.
The good news is that "Empowerment cuts Abuse." It has been shown in numerous countries that empowering women cuts the abuse they were subject to. Educating women raises the entire country's standard of living. Women pass learning on to their children and with an education they earn more money, benefiting the economy. In other words, it is a win-win to advance women's health and education.
America has not yet had a women President, but it has now had three dynamic women Secretaries of State - Madeleine Albright, Condi Rice and Hillary Clinton. Each of them, Democrat and Republican, made equality and advancement of women worldwide a core priority for these reasons. Women of both parties understand the same things that few men before them did. Few men know the sting of inequality based on gender. Women from all countries share a bond because they have had the same experiences.
To his credit, newly minted Secretary of State John Kerry who said "he has big heels to fill" has stated that he intends to continue the work of these American women pioneers to help women globally. No young girl should be shot in the head by a Taliban simply because she wanted to go to school.
Americans believe in justice and equality. Until women everywhere are paid the same for equal work, until women are free from rape at work or on the street, and until women have the same education opportunities as men, the world will remain a lesser place than it could be.
We have a ways to go before American justice and equality is available for all, including the women who hold up half the sky. Make your voice heard by your State and Federal representatives on this special day.
Until we have equality for all there is justice for none.
If you agree, please share..."follow" for updates.
Today is International Womens' Day 2013 - what is the status of the female half of the sky in the world today? Here is my take as someone who has seen the state of women in nearly 50 countries the last three decades.
Here are some FACTS:
Literacy: "There are nearly one billion people in the world who are illiterate, one-fifth of the world's population. In spite of the fact that most development agencies identify women's literacy as the single most important factor in development, one out of every three women in the world cannot read and write..." (Source)
http://www.globaled.org/curriculum/wlit.html
Yet in the United States, women are now a MAJORITY of college students and are getting more advanced degrees than men. Yet they are still being paid about 77% of men for doing the same job.
In 2013 it might as well be the days of Viking raiders raping and pillaging but its worse than that. It is the local men who have been swarming women on buses in place like India and Egypt and attacked them even when they have a male companion. Women are still incredibly abused in all countries worldwide. Rape is epidemic from Albania, to India to Zimbabwe --even in our own military installations.
It is estimated 1/3 of women in our U.S. military have been raped --by fellow soldiers. Even military recruiters and Air Force trainers at places like Lackland AFB have forced women into sex without their consent. That takes a real jerk with no respect for others to do such a thing.
In Egypt, a new "democracy" and India, the largest democracy in the world which has had women like Indira Gandhi as leader -- women are routinely attacked in public by large groups of men, raped and even killed as a result. It seems to be getting worse, not better, both in the U.S. and worldwide.
In Afghanistan we all know that women can be killed for attending school and girls' schools are still attacked by Taliban.
But attacks on women, or the tendency to treat them as second class citizens is not confined to any one religion or culture. The ultra-orthodox in Israel are now insisting women walk on certain sides of the street and sit separately from men on buses.
Not that the west is any better. In the U.S. women are still not allowed to be Priests or even Ministers in most religions, although there have been inroads in some of the more progressive churches (e.g. the Episcopalians allow women to serve as head of a church. I've had the honor of meeting some of the first trailblazers).
Instead, we have sign a disturbing number of sex scandals by male Priests and Ministers involving minors.
Today we also have "pro life" groups in the west who rail against "government intrusion" yet require women who face the difficult choice of an abortion to have a transvaginal probe inserted inside them against their will. Why? Because men wanted to show the women images of what is inside them.
It should be noted that none of the men who voted for the legislation have NOT been required to have probes inserted inside their private parts. This is an area ripe for equal opportunity! Time to reap what they sow.
Yet once the baby is born the same men from the same party readily denies them food stamps to feed those babies, refuses to provide them health insurance, a living minimum wage or equal education opportunities. In Texas over 1 in 4 people are without health insurance - the highest number of uninsured in America.
The good news is that "Empowerment cuts Abuse." It has been shown in numerous countries that empowering women cuts the abuse they were subject to. Educating women raises the entire country's standard of living. Women pass learning on to their children and with an education they earn more money, benefiting the economy. In other words, it is a win-win to advance women's health and education.
America has not yet had a women President, but it has now had three dynamic women Secretaries of State - Madeleine Albright, Condi Rice and Hillary Clinton. Each of them, Democrat and Republican, made equality and advancement of women worldwide a core priority for these reasons. Women of both parties understand the same things that few men before them did. Few men know the sting of inequality based on gender. Women from all countries share a bond because they have had the same experiences.
To his credit, newly minted Secretary of State John Kerry who said "he has big heels to fill" has stated that he intends to continue the work of these American women pioneers to help women globally. No young girl should be shot in the head by a Taliban simply because she wanted to go to school.
Americans believe in justice and equality. Until women everywhere are paid the same for equal work, until women are free from rape at work or on the street, and until women have the same education opportunities as men, the world will remain a lesser place than it could be.
We have a ways to go before American justice and equality is available for all, including the women who hold up half the sky. Make your voice heard by your State and Federal representatives on this special day.
Until we have equality for all there is justice for none.
If you agree, please share..."follow" for updates.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Next Big Terror Threat - Right Wing Militia's in USA
During 9/11 and for a couple years after, I was a TV Terrorism expert for a Houston TV station. Some of those videos are on YouTube, dating back to my first appearance as a Middle East expert during the first Gulf War in 1991.
Today, it appears that our biggest terror threat is not from Al Qaida - but more likely from an extremist right wing militia right here in the USA as discussed in this article.
Why do I think so? Because since the election of a black President these groups have mushroomed - to the point of being very much like the situation when President Clinton was in office. Al Qaida members can't get here without a visa. Despite there being millions of Muslims in the U.S. we have not had any significant terror attacks.
However, right wing groups have both the extremism and access to weapons and bomb making material to launch an attack, possibly against a government entity.
Add to that volatile mix a recession and he gun control issues that have emerged from the Sandy Hook shooting.
Stay tuned. As Pogo once said: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
Or more accurately: "we have met the enemy and he is our neighbor with a gun and a grudge." With Fox News inventing outlandish stories and the Internet feeding even more hysteria, sooner or later some American nut who wants to "take back America" will act out. They want to take us back to the dark ages, of racism and violence.
It's a matter of time...and if it does Fox News will have blood on its hands for feeding the flames.
Why do I think so? Because since the election of a black President these groups have mushroomed - to the point of being very much like the situation when President Clinton was in office. Al Qaida members can't get here without a visa. Despite there being millions of Muslims in the U.S. we have not had any significant terror attacks.
However, right wing groups have both the extremism and access to weapons and bomb making material to launch an attack, possibly against a government entity.
Add to that volatile mix a recession and he gun control issues that have emerged from the Sandy Hook shooting.
Stay tuned. As Pogo once said: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
Or more accurately: "we have met the enemy and he is our neighbor with a gun and a grudge." With Fox News inventing outlandish stories and the Internet feeding even more hysteria, sooner or later some American nut who wants to "take back America" will act out. They want to take us back to the dark ages, of racism and violence.
It's a matter of time...and if it does Fox News will have blood on its hands for feeding the flames.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
ARGO - Ties in to "Better Times Ahead" My Argo Near Miss
It ties right in to my book! I was supposed to be working for Brown & Root on the Chabahar Naval base in Iran (on the Persian Gulf)...I could have been put on a barge and pushed into the Persian Gulf instead of being at the Nile Hilton donating my room for the first ever Mideast peace treaty between Israel and an Arab country.
Fine tuning the final version. It should be done in a few days - then to HTML markup for uploading to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple....price is going up from the current edition (warning!) But it is so much better with photos to visualize the journal entries - then showing what the same places look like TODAY 30 years later - and how they are now passing us by while our idiots in Congress don't even know since most have never been out of Small Town USA to have a clue...
Tags will be huge, from Obama to Bush, Reagan, Friedman, Pistorius, West Texas dust storms, Iowa farm houses, international criminals from Africa operating in Europe, a look at Syria during an international child kidnapping case, seeing Egypt before it turned into a Muslim Brotherhood anti-woman Theocracy - while American representatives are doing the same thing by trying to turn public schools into religious extremism of our own by teaching "creationism" in states like Louisiana instead of real science, etc...."
final chapter "Agenda for American Greatness" is about winning the future and how we fix our broken political system...
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