Power & Politics

New Economies Policies Needed for USA

2008-11-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

In the 90's & the 2,000's I have been single out to both presidents' that United State would need to built the economy power based on the Knowledge Base economy or rather the e-Economy.

I am a strong believer of Landbased prosperity is gone in the developed country & later the developing countries as well. The recent melt down on economy which have caused the economic Tsunami of our life time is just the prove on these.

In the next few issues, I would give you more on my thought on the way United State of America need to stay as the leader & continue exercising the power & influence of the economy & politics in this world.

Please read the following for now:-

What Obama Needs To Do
By jeffrey.sachs
Created 11/05/2008 - 10:18am

The election victory of Barack Obama offers a breathtaking hope for economic recovery, indeed a hope of historic proportion for America and the world. Change we can—if we escape from narrow thinking and tinkering around the edges of public policy. More gimmicks such as one-off rebate checks or zero interest rates at the Fed, as some now propose, will not suffice. The government needs a clear medium-term strategy, to reinvigorate private investment spending, and it will need increased budget revenues in the years ahead for urgent public investments and long-term restructuring. Short-term recovery will be promoted by clarity on the long-term direction of economic change.

In short, the U.S. economic crisis requires a new kind of macroeconomics, and it is the most urgent task before President-elect Barack Obama. The Humpty Dumpty of the housing and consumer bubbles cannot be put back together, no matter how many Wall Street bailouts, liquidity injections, or tax rebates are put in place. The end of the consumption boom marks the collapse of an era that began with Ronald Reagan. Some pundits and politicians would like to return to the policies of the Clinton years, but those policies were compromises with Reaganism that will no longer suffice. Twenty-first-century problems cannot be solved by trying to resurrect the policies of the 20th century.

The U.S. economy is spiraling downward into recession and gargantuan budget deficits. The Fed pumped up the economy for years and encouraged the reckless overlending and overborrowing for housing and consumer credit, all in the name of keeping the economy growing. (Remember, after all, how George Bush encouraged us to shop as the patriotic response to 9/11). A country that sustains zero or negative household saving rates for years and borrows heavily from abroad is bound to pay a heavy price and that time has come for the United States. But even worse, while the housing and consumption bubbles were ballooning and the Iraq war was bleeding lives and money, a range of other crucial challenges—environment, energy, infrastructure, inequality, global poverty—were all neglected. Now, the macroeconomic and structural crises are coming to a head simultaneously.

Here is a quick tour of our macroeconomic miseries, with roots that go back 40 years. The 1970s marked the end of two eras, the gold-backed monetary system (which ended between 1971 and 1973) and the era of cheap oil, which ended in 1973. The dual crisis, poorly understood at its inception, ushered in several painful years of stagflation, in which scarce energy was coupled with monetary policy mismanagement, to produce both high inflation and economic contraction. Jimmy Carter was dead right about the long-term energy challenge, but he was mocked for his efforts, which were abandoned after he left office.

Ronald Reagan misdiagnosed the stagflation, and put the United States on a disastrous long-term course. Reagan and his colleagues argued erroneously that the problems lay in government regulation, excessive taxation, and welfare handouts rather than on the need for a redesign of monetary policy (which Paul Volcker painfully accomplished) and a sound long-term energy policy. They proceeded to dismantle much of the social safety net, building an underclass in America that is shocking by the standards of any other advanced economy in the world, for example, leaving America ranked 24th in the world in life expectancy and 25th in infant mortality. The great myth in America is that capitalism demands such brutal neglect of the poor, a point that is disproved daily by the high incomes, low poverty, and social cohesion of other advanced economies. The Reagan tax cuts led to a generation in which we've been unable to invest in basic infrastructure. And the Reagan era began the massive financial deregulation that brought us to today's calamities.

The Clinton era reversed some of the excesses of the Reagan era but was basically a compromise with it. During the 1990s, tax revenues as a share of GNP were kept low, and Washington continued to dismember the social safety net (by "ending welfare as we know it" and abandoning any major efforts in housing, child care, or public education) and to accelerate financial market deregulation. Foreign assistance in the 1990s fell to rock bottom, a miserly 0.1 percent of GNP, allowing the AIDS pandemic and African hunger crisis to build. Then as now, Americans failed to understand that unattended hunger, disease, and deprivation are the breeding grounds of extremism and conflict that threaten our national security and lead to vastly larger costs.

Big money further infected the political system as well. Both Democrats and Republicans made peace with vast wealth by linking up with the high-flying innovators on Wall Street, the ones who have now crashed to earth. Yet the supplication to the bond market was taken to mean the end of ambitions to solve great challenges of energy, climate, poverty, or infrastructure. Universal health care remained essentially the only area of remaining progressive commitment, and that, of course, went unfulfilled.

Marx famously said that history comes first as tragedy and then as farce. Yet under Bush we've had both tragedy and farce. The Bush administration made shopping and tax cuts the official macroeconomic policy of the United States. Households were to borrow against their housing wealth to keep the consumption machine going. Financial deregulation, building on the precedents of the 1980s and 1990s (and the savings-and-loan and dot-com bubbles they helped to stoke), would keep the housing market in fine fettle.

We have, as a result of all of these changes, a U.S. economy that has been brought to its knees despite the incredible underlying strength of American innovation, the ultimate engine of prosperity. Here's the list of particulars. Consumer spending is in free fall, toppling housing, autos, and other consumer industries. Unemployment will rise by several percentage points. The budget deficit is ballooning, at around $460 billion this past year, and set to expand by several hundred billion dollars in fiscal year 2009. Some are forecasting a cool trillion dollars in the fiscal 2009 deficit.

America's dependence on foreign borrowing has also reached staggering and unsustainable proportions of more than $700 billion per year. Foreign central banks, mainly in Asia, have accumulated trillions of dollars of claims on the United States. And, of course, the banks remain deeply decapitalized and unable or unwilling to lend. Unconscionable Wall Street bonuses, exceeding $30 billion per year in 2006 and 2007 played their role, both by creating a climate of reckless short-termism and, more directly, by depleting the companies' net worths.

The energy sector is in a shambles. There is no national strategy to address the three-sided challenge of energy security, energy availability, and climate change. We've been reduced to a nearly insane call to drill, baby, drill. Hapless and woefully misinformed Americans are led to believe that there is a quick and lasting remedy in an environmentally dubious "solution" that would take years to produce the first drop of oil and that might produce a total of 25 billion barrels of oil, less than one year's global consumption.

Serious longer-term alternatives—such as carbon capture and sequestration, properly regulated nuclear power, and large-scale wind and solar power—are caught up in incredible confusion and lack of political leadership. Dishonesty and shortsightedness abound. Under Bush, the federal government has been spending less per year on energy research and development than in two days on the Pentagon. And industry is rightly paralyzed in building new power plants, not seeing any clear direction on national policies.

Indeed, just about the only thing the Bush administration found money for was military invasions and occupations, surely the one investment that is yielding us a nearly solid negative-100 percent return. The money has gone right down the drain, into Blackwater and Halliburton bank accounts, or the destruction of villages in the mountains of Afghanistan, where cruise missiles and bombs continue to blow up whole families, often dozens of members at a time.

The Obama economic strategy unveiled during the campaign has the right pieces, but he will need to be bold to make real change. He is right that we should spend vastly more on the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of clean, sustainable energy. His R&D proposal of $15 billion a year is a great advance over today, but it's quite likely that even twice that amount will be needed. We should remember that even $30 billion is merely 0.2 percent of our annual GNP, and we should put all fiscal choices in the context of a $14 trillion economy, a $700 billion military budget, and about $1 trillion, if not more, in bank bailouts and guarantees.

Obama is absolutely correct that America will be much safer if we invest more in foreign development than in foreign wars. He has proposed to boost development aid to $50 billion by 2012, an important move in the right direction but one that would still leave the assistance budget at a mere 0.3 percent of GNP, still far too low to address the multiple crises of water, hunger, disease, population, and climate in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia that fuel much of the global unrest today—and far below the internationally agreed—upon target of 0.7 percent (of which the United States has been a signatory since 2002).

America will sooner or later have to overcome its extreme allergy to taxation at a time when the government is hemorrhaging in deficits and when urgent public needs go unfulfilled. Obama's economic advisers have emphasized that their proposed tax package would leave federal fiscal revenues at around 18 percent of GNP, noting that this would be around the average of the Reagan years. Reaganism would live on, as it did through the Clinton years, by keeping the United States on a small-government path guaranteed to leave unsolved the problems of energy, infrastructure, poverty at home and abroad, and an aging population. Some off-budget revenues such as new income from auctioning carbon permits could raise some more funds, but the basic point should be clear: Our problems will need a robust fiscal program, with a gradual rise in tax revenues as a share of GNP during the next decade, or they won't be solved at all. We should avoid raising taxes on the middle class during a steep downturn, but we should also not lock in chronically deficient tax revenues for years to come.

Our macroeconomic problems require major public investments in new technologies, infrastructure, public education, and poverty reduction. At some point soon, Americans will have to start paying for these investments themselves, rather than borrowing heavily from abroad. We are experiencing the structural shift from an economy relying on easy money and seemingly endless international borrowing to an economy that is gradually realizing that ultimately we will have to pay our way, especially if the United States wants to be a leading power. There are pressing domestic and global investment needs, and the money has to come from somewhere. The only place it can come from is an increased tax base, which requires abandoning the Reagan-Bush mythology.

In sum, the recipes since 1981 of small government and small-bore solutions are passé and dangerous for our very survival in the United States and on this planet. While Reagan was crudely ideological, Clinton mildly reformist, and Bush simply crude in the application of these small-government doctrines, none of the recent approaches will do. It's time to stop talking about who can give away more to the public in rebates and start talking about investing in our future in a way that can save the poor, sustain the rest, and build a decent world for our children. Those are the real family values.

http://tbm.thebigmoney.com/articles/judgments/2008/11/05/what-obama-needs-do?page=full

WAR And PEACE To WALL STREET

2008-10-02T12:00:00.001-07:00

WAR And PEACE To WALL STREET, originally uploaded by massimiliano.

WAR And PEACE To WALL STREET

The ECONOMY AMERICAN Is DANGER, BUSH CONVENES An EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT To the WHITE HOUSE....

Good evening. This is an extraordinary period for America's economy. Over the past few weeks, many Americans have felt anxiety about their finances and their future. I understand their worry and their frustration. We've seen triple-digit swings in the stock market. Major financial institutions have teetered on the edge of collapse, and some have failed. As uncertainty has grown, many banks have restricted lending, credit markets have frozen, and families and businesses have found it harder to borrow money. We're in the midst of a serious financial crisis, and the federal government is responding with decisive action. We boosted confidence in money market mutual funds and acted to prevent major investors from intentionally driving down stocks for their own personal gain. Most importantly, my administration is working with Congress to address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets. Financial assets related to home mortgages have lost value during the house decline, and the banks holding these assets have restricted credit. As a result, our entire economy is in danger. So I propose that the federal government reduce the risk posed by these troubled assets and supply urgently needed money so banks and other financial institutions can avoid collapse and resume lending. This rescue effort is not aimed at preserving any individual company or industry. It is aimed at preserving America's overall economy. It will help American consumers and businesses get credit to meet their daily needs and create jobs. And it will help send a signal to markets around the world that America's financial system is back on track. I know many Americans have questions tonight: How did we reach this point in our economy? How will the solution I propose work? And what does this mean for your financial future? These are good questions, and they deserve clear answers. First, how did our economy reach this point? Well, most economists agree that the problems we're witnessing today developed over a long period of time. For more than a decade, a massive amount of money flowed into the United States from investors abroad because our country is an attractive and secure place to do business. This large influx of money to U.S. banks and financial institutions, along with low interest rates, made it easier for Americans to get credit. These developments allowed more families to borrow money for cars, and homes, and college tuition, some for the first time. They allowed more entrepreneurs to get loans to start new businesses and create jobs. Unfortunately, there were also some serious negative consequences, particularly in the housing market. Easy credit, combined with the faulty assumption that home values would continue to rise, led to excesses and bad decisions. Many mortgage lenders approved loans for borrowers without carefully examining their ability to pay. Many borrowers took out loans larger than they could afford, assuming that they could sell or refinance their homes at a higher price later on. Optimism about housing values also led to a boom in home construction. Eventually, the number of new houses exceeded the number of people willing to buy them. And with supply exceeding demand, housing prices fell, and this created a problem. BUSH: Borrowers with adjustable-rate mortgages, who had been planning to sell or refinance their homes at a higher price, were stuck with homes worth less than expected, along with mortgage payments they could not afford. As a result, many mortgage-holders began to default. These widespread defaults had effects far beyond the housing market. See, in today's mortgage industry, home loans are often packaged together and converted into financial products called mortgage-backed securities. These securities were sold to investors around the world. Many investors assumed these securities were trustworthy and asked few questions about their actual value. Two of the leading purchasers of mortgage-backed securities were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Because these companies were chartered by Congress, many believed they were guaranteed by the federal government. This allowed them to borrow enormous sums of money, fuel the market for questionable investments, and put our financial system at risk. The decline in the housing market set off a domino effect across our economy. When home values declined, borrowers defaulted on their mortgages, and investors holding mortgage-backed securities began to incur serious losses. Before long, these securities became so unreliable that they were not being bought or sold. Investment banks, such as Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, found themselves saddled with large amounts of assets they could not sell. They ran out of money needed to meet their immediate obligations, and they faced imminent collapse. Other banks found themselves in severe financial trouble. These banks began holding on to their money, and lending dried up, and the gears of the American financial system began grinding to a halt. With the situation becoming more precarious by the day, I faced a choice, to step in with dramatic government action or to stand back and allow the irresponsible actions of some to undermine the financial security of all. I'm a strong believer in free enterprise, so my natural instinct is to oppose government intervention. I believe companies that make bad decisions should be allowed to go out of business. Under normal circumstances, I would have followed this course. But these are not normal circumstances. The market is not functioning properly. There has been a widespread loss of confidence, and major sectors of America's financial system are at risk of shutting down. The government's top economic experts warn that, without immediate action by Congress, America could slip into a financial panic and a distressing scenario would unfold. More banks could fail, including some in your community. The stock market would drop even more, which would reduce the value of your retirement account. The value of your home could plummet. Foreclosures would rise dramatically. And if you own a business or a farm, you would find it harder and more expensive to get credit. More businesses would close their doors, and millions of Americans could lose their jobs. Even if you have good credit history, it would be more difficult for you to get the loans you need to buy a car or send your children to college. And, ultimately, our country could experience a long and painful recession. Fellow citizens, we must not let this happen. I appreciate the work of leaders from both parties in both houses of Congress to address this problem and to make improvements to the proposal my administration sent to them. There is a spirit of cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and between Congress and this administration. In that spirit, I've invited Senators McCain and Obama to join congressional leaders of both parties at the White House tomorrow to help speed our discussions toward a bipartisan bill. I know that an economic rescue package will present a tough vote for many members of Congress. It is difficult to pass a bill that commits so much of the taxpayers' hard-earned money. I also understand the frustration of responsible Americans who pay their mortgages on time, file their tax returns every April 15th, and are reluctant to pay the cost of excesses on Wall Street. But given the situation we are facing, not passing a bill now would cost these Americans much more later. Many Americans are asking, how would a rescue plan work? After much discussion, there's now widespread agreement on the principles such a plan would include. It would remove the risk posed by the troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, now clogging the financial system. This would free banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses. Any rescue plan should also be designed to ensure that taxpayers are protected. It should welcome the participation of financial institutions, large and small. It should make certain that failed executives do not receive a windfall from your tax dollars. BUSH: It should establish a bipartisan board to oversee the plan's implementation, and it should be enacted as soon as possible. In close consultation with Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox, I announced a plan on Friday. First, the plan is big enough to solve a serious problem. Under our proposal, the federal government would put up to $700 billion taxpayer dollars on the line to purchase troubled assets that are clogging the financial system. In the short term, this will free up banks to resume the flow of credit to American families and businesses, and this will help our economy grow. Second, as markets have lost confidence in mortgage-backed securities, their prices have dropped sharply, yet the value of many of these assets will likely be higher than their current price, because the vast majority of Americans will ultimately pay off their mortgages. The government is the one institution with the patience and resources to buy these assets at their current low prices and hold them until markets return to normal. And when that happens, money will flow back to the Treasury as these assets are sold, and we expect that much, if not all, of the tax dollars we invest will be paid back. The final question is, what does this mean for your economic future? Well, the primary steps -- purpose of the steps I've outlined tonight is to safeguard the financial security of American workers, and families, and small businesses. The federal government also continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. The Treasury Department recently offered government insurance for money market mutual funds. And through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit, and this will not change. Once this crisis is resolved, there will be time to update our financial regulatory structures. Our 21st-century global economy remains regulated largely by outdated 20th-century laws. Recently, we've seen how one company can grow so large that its failure jeopardizes the entire financial system. Earlier this year, Secretary Paulson proposed a blueprint that would modernize our financial regulations. For example, the Federal Reserve would be authorized to take a closer look at the operations of companies across the financial spectrum and ensure that their practices do not threaten overall financial stability. There are other good ideas, and members of Congress should consider them. As they do, they must ensure that efforts to regulate Wall Street do not end up hampering our economy's ability to grow. In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. Despite corrections in the marketplace and instances of abuse, democratic capitalism is the best system ever devised. It has unleashed the talents and the productivity and entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. It has made this country the best place in the world to invest and do business. And it gives our economy the flexibility and resilience to absorb shocks, adjust, and bounce back. Our economy is facing a moment of great challenge, but we've overcome tough challenges before, and we will overcome this one. I know that Americans sometimes get discouraged by the tone in Washington and the seemingly endless partisan struggles, yet history has shown that, in times of real trial, elected officials rise to the occasion. And together we will show the world once again what kind of country America is: a nation that tackles problems head on, where leaders come together to meet great tests, and where people of every background can work hard, develop their talents, and realize their dreams. Thank you for listening. May God bless you.

Uploaded by massimiliano on 25 Sep 08, 9.26AM PDT.

Massimiliano is a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

08-08-08

2008-08-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

08-08-08, originally uploaded by zeping.

Zeping is a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

42 Chapter of Dao

2008-07-02T10:43:00.001-07:00

42, originally uploaded by ensyn39.

TAO TEH CHING
The Classic Words of TAO & TEH
THE WAY OF THE HEART
Translated by John L. A. Trottier
Copyright 2008

42
Tao (la manière de l'univers)
a donné naissance à une, (le unifié)
Tao ( the Way of the Universe )
gave birth to One,
(The unified field)

On a donné naissance à deux,
(énergie et matière, E=MC2)
One gave birth to Two,
(Energy and Matter, E=MC2)

Deux ont donné naissance à trois,
(les forces de pesanteur, nucléaires et électromagnétiques)
trois ont donné naissance à toutes les choses.
Two gave birth to Three,
(Gravity, Nuclear and Electro-Magnetic Forces)
Three gave birth to all things.

Toutes les choses portent le Yin (physique
(matière)) sur leurs dos et tiennent
le Yang (spirituel (énergie)) sur leur coffre,
All the things carry the
Yin (physical(matter)) on their backs and
hold the Yang (spiritual(energy)) to their chest,

Obtenant leur équilibre essentiel
de se mélanger approprié
des deux souffles essentiels énergie
(d'examen médical (matière) et de Spiritual)
Getting their
vital balance from the
proper blending of the
two vital Breaths.
(Physical(matter) and Spiritual(energy))

Ce qui davantage est détesté
par des personnes que pour être
"délaissé (nécessitant l'aide),
" peu (aucun désir d'être supérieur),
"et" sans valeur (aucun désir d'être riche)"?
Ce sont les noms mêmes que les chefs s'appellent.
What is more hated by people than to be
“helpless(in need of help),"
"little(no desire to be superior),” and
“worthless(no desire to be rich)”?
These are the
very names the
leaders call themselves.

Vous pouvez gagner en perdant
(se mettant à une place au gain),
You can gain by losing (putting ourselves in a
position to gain),

Et vous pouvez perdre en gagnant (recevant notre
désir de coeurs et se sentant perdu).
And you can lose by gaining ( receiving our
hearts desire and feeling lost ).

Ce qui d'autres m'ont enseigné répétez :
What others have taught I repeat:

"une personne qui vit pour la destruction
attirera la destruction à eux . "
(La construction attire la construction.
La destruction attire la destruction.
La faiblesse attire la destruction.
La vertu (coeur (puissance)) attire la construction)
“A person who lives for destruction will attract
destruction to themself.”
(Construction attracts construction.
Destruction attracts destruction.
Weakness attracts destruction.
Virtue (heart(power)) attracts construction)

Je ferai à ce chapitre
mon enseignement plus important.
I will make this chapter
my most important teaching.

Uploaded by ensyn39 on 28 Feb 08, 5.32PM PDT.

No Trader Joe's In Canada

2008-05-24T10:35:00.001-07:00

No Trader Joe's In Canada, originally uploaded by Pachelbel Canon.

Please click on the image & read more....

Pachelbel Canon is a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

Since 1976

2008-04-04T10:21:00.001-07:00

Since 1976, originally uploaded by Keith Yeung.

Keith Yeung is a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

DongShan Island - Soon These Only Found On flickr!!

2008-03-11T20:28:00.001-07:00

DongShan Island - Soon These Only Found On flickr!!, originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989.

For this incident, I am calling our diplomat & EPA activists to serve notice to the President of China, for his attention & resolutions into this case.

I am also calling our President George W. Bush to have a word with President Hu JinDao on this issue immediately!!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

DongShan Island - Soon These Only Found On flickr!!

I am very surprise on the respond on the issue of PX plant in Ku Riu which is 7KM away from DongShan.

Where is the men of Novell prize winners' for EPA??

Having doing lots of foot works & empty my pocket!! I am still a lone ranger in the Global Warming & EPA things.

I can only find a link on Times News. The news posted on the Chinese sites are all taken off!!

DongShan & Ku Riu is about 100km away from Taiwan, I wonder why the Taiwan & international EPA activists have not mounted any moment in supporting the Ku Riu & DongShan people who are suffering the suppression & oppression & those people that are wounded & jail by their government..etc.

As I have to go now.

I would continue the translation tomorrow.

You see even the locals who provide info to me are unable to contact.

I urge all the international EPA activists do something in support to the poor people there!!

The polluted sea & air would hit the whole world soon.

Remember, there is only one world!!

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

The Ku Riu island PX project is not a straight & simple after all. If the project is allow to goes on. the after maths effects would be far & deep!!

东山的事情：
古雷半岛漳州各县城距离
云霄：31公里，诏安：45公里，东山：23公里，龙海：66公里，漳州：70公里
平和：65公里南靖：73公里，华安：119公里海沧：77公里厦门：81公里。
我相信FZ希望是社会稳定，但是，为了稳定，现封闭了所有的媒体传播，打记者热线一听是东山的，没有人敢出来采访。群众有人现场用手机，数码相机拍照，被发现后，手机、数码相机当场被没收，求诉无门的东山人民，用报纸抹着眼泪，更有志愿者，纷纷捐款，要将此游行进行到停止PX项目在古雷投建，游行队伍不管走到哪，累了，渴了，居住周围的群众自愿烧锅做饭，慰藉队伍。

队伍中不乏老太婆老大爷，小学生中学生，镜头一：警察上前阻截时，颤巍巍的老阿婆："年轻仔，我这把岁数，再活也活不了几年了，我是为我的子孙后代呀！"镜头二：一只有七八岁的小学生，从地上捡起一张皱巴巴的关于宣传反PX项目的小宣传单，细心抹平，平整地贴在墙上，粘好
善良的东山人确实愤怒了，他们周围四面环海，现大大小小的海产品养殖场近千家，每年占60%的东山人靠渔业而生活着，他们有他们的骄傲：可以与夏威夷媲美的海水，沙滩，千百年来几乎不受污染的空气，绿水，然而，在PX投建生产之后，谁来保证这一切不会受到影响，是政府现在说的一句和"煤气一样好管理"这样的空话吗？？
学生罢课，交通堵塞，商场停止营业，东山从没有这么的乱过，但东山人也从没这么的团结过！！！！

卢展工省委书记对厦门反PX项目游行事件评价说"PX是一个好项目，大项目，但是现在有这么多的厦门人反对，我们尊重民意，关注民生，这一定层次也说明了厦门人民的环境保护意识不断加强，这是一件好事。"那么，东山人的反对呢，须知，PX项目在漳州每个人的心里，都已是草木皆兵了。

事态已非常的恶劣，所发生的一切不是现在每一个东山人愿看到，相信也不是每一个有良心的漳州市民愿意看到，在这里，我一个平凡的东山人只能呼吁：快点站出来，各界的媒体，快点站出来，各级政府领导，要
给子民一个明确的答复。而不是钢盔铁枪的警察，防爆部队，武装警察了，跪求了！！！！

The following is the datas of Dongshan Incidents:

Ku Riu locality ( Distance in KM):

Yen Xiao 云霄：31公里，

ChowAun 诏安：45公里，

Dongshan 东山：23公里，

LongHai 龙海：66公里，

ZhangZhou 漳州：70公里

PingHe 平和：65公里

NanChing 南靖：73公里，

HuaAun 华安：119公里

HaiChiang 海沧：77公里

Xiamen 厦门：81公里。

I believed FuZhou (the Provincial Gov) would like to see the stability of the society. However because of stability, now gov have censor all the public medias. If you call up the press, the reporters heard that is DongShan, then no one would stand up to visit & report about the incident!!

There were public using Digital Cameras to snap the scene; once found by the police or the security protocols, it would be confiscated immediately.

It seem that DongShan people have no avenue to bring up their request to. Some Dongshan using the news paper to clean up their tears & some even donate money for the demo convoys.

Wherever they marching to, there are people offering drinks; food to the convoys.

Within the demo convoys, there are all works of life old & young. Primary to High school students. There is a image showing that, one policeman was stopping the demo people, a old lady knee down to beg the police by saying:

Young man ; I am would not be living for long in my old age; what I am doing is for our Dongshan future generations!!

Another image shown that a young student about 7-8 years old pick up a damage PX news poster; patiently pasted on the wall!!

Because the PX project; Now the simple & honors DongShan people angry; upset ; hopeless as their home for over 2K years would be destroy by the PX pollutions. Their lifeline on fisheries; tourism would totally gone!! All the beauties of the Sunshine; Blue sky; Green mountains would be gone forever.

No one can guaranty that PX plant would not polluted the area; but the gov just said, managing PX plant is just like managing LPG tank at home!! Can you believe that??

Students stop going to school; business & commercial people stop operations. DongShan people & DongShan Island have not been so mess up & so united!!

Fujian province committee secretary general Mr Lu Chan Gong said during the Xiamen PX event that:

PX is a gigantic project; good for the Xiamen people , However, now the people against it, we respect peoples' decision therefore GOV would not do it in Xieman.

The above have proved that Xieman people are highly aware the danger of PX plant & the environment issues arises. That is a good thing. Why is that a good project which Xiamen peoples' don't want it & then the GOV is forcing Ku Riu & DongShan people to accept it??

The incidents is very critical conditions; what I am asking or requesting is the various level of GOV officials; medias; Green & Sustainability activists have to come to the front & help the DongShan People.

We don't want the high handed police & reserve units using guns & weapon to point at the DongShan people!!

Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dongshan(东山) From Paradise 2 Hell Via PX Plant in Ku Riu (古雷)

2008-03-06T22:24:00.001-08:00

Dongshan(东山) From Paradise 2 Hell Via PX Plant in Ku Riu (古雷), originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989.

Dongshan(东山) From Paradise 2 Hell Via PX Plant in Ku Riu (古雷)

The following is the translation as promised.

Please Looks into the Dongshan People Interest on The Reason Why Against The Building of PX Plant!!

Please Looks into the Dongshan People Interest on The Reason Why Against The Building of PX Plant!!

On 2008 02 29, the simple & honors Paradise - Dongshan People are angry!!

People are carrying Banners with " Against Building PX Plant @ Ku Riu, Risk of Lives to Dongshan People" ku Riu penisular which is about 22KM off Dongshan Island.

Dongshan is just opposite Taiwan.

The groups of people put up blockages; barricades; block out the major street in their old town "DongLin"; DongLin have been a city center for Dongshan for over 2 thousand years. Which is also the home town of my late dad's.

The people requesting their county government to put off the decision to build PX plant which is 22KM away from their home island. They want their government to request their upper authority to ask Zhang Bu County to put off the decision. Since Ku Riu is under the control of Zhang Bu!!

So that this paradise island could continue their own lives!!

In principle, Dongshan county government have not authority over the Zhang Bu County government decision. However, government are used to use high pressure & high handed ways to suppress the peoples'. Therefore the riots broke out, County deputy mayor is wounded during the riots; police are torturing the people & students.

Thus one of the police petrol car is overturned by the rioters. From Mar 03, 2008 the rioters have increased to over 50 to 60K people. Rioters includes old folks; students, all works of lives. Now the riots have spread to the whole county!! It have been reported that 16 police car have been damaged; also the Government buildings glasses are broken by the rioters.

There are over 17 people wounded & 16 people were taken to county jail.

The words of the Dongshan people is that they want Blue Sky; White Clouds; They don't want PX plant;

They want the original; Beaches; White sands; Non polluted sea & water

Government saying is that only stability would bring prosperity!! If like these, how could government bring prosperity & development to Dongshan?? "PX is great project; it would generate 80Billions GDP to the Nation!! good management & control is just like managing LPG cylinder project, If within control then just like having the LPG in your family!!

Can you see how naive & stupid explanations??

If that is great project for the people & nation, why Xiamen don't want the project?? Why should Dongshan people accept the project??

Dongshan cannot compare with Xiamen in evconomy & culture. What Dongshan people want tis safe guard their life line in fisheries; tourism, clean environments. Dongshan people don't understand what is GDP!!

Ku Riu the nearest part to Dongshan is only 7KM away from Dongshan, what if the PX leakage of pollutants & ... then Dongshan people would be all sending to hell!!

According the the International EPA requirement, such industries must be 100miles away from the populated area. But now such requirement is not observed by authority!!

To be continue......

Uploaded by CharlieBrown8989 on 6 Mar 08, 7.22PM PST.

Dongshan Island - China Riots

2008-03-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

The following is what I found on Time Blog

Back in June, the people of the coastal city of Xiamen came out onto the streets for two successive days to protest plans to allow a billion-dollar chemical plant to be built within city limits. It was an unprecedented but entirely peaceful demonstration and, after considerable twists and turns, eventually resulted in the municipal government deciding to relocate the project to an island about 100 kilometers to the south of Xiamen. At the time, we noted that the authorities would have a hard time controlling the impulse to demonstrate in other cities. Sure enough, there were protests in Shanghai (over a planned train project) and elsewhere. They were entirely peaceful and relatively small, involving only a few hundred people. Now however, it looks as though that same chemical plant that caused the trouble in Xiamen is sparking large protest again, this time violent, with one or more protesters possibly dying. Reports remain sketchy—material on the internet in China is rapidly blocked or deleted—but it's now clear that many thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of residents living near the proposed site of the relocated plant have been showing their displeasure at the plan.

One post entitled, "New development on PX Project: Protest at Dongshan Island" on a Sohu.com (a popular portal) bulletin board mysteriously survived three days of censorship. Although the authorities never officially announced the plan to relocate the chemical plant to Gulei Peninsula in Zhangzhou City, the local opposition to the project was very strong. On Dongshan Island, which is next to the proposed project site, that opposition burst into the open on Feb.29.

"On Feb. 29th, the peaceful island witnessed a historic breakout by the residents. Thousands of people blocked the main roads in town and stopped all vehicles leaving for the government district of Dongshan County", the post recounts. And this was only the prelude. On March 1, "thousands of motorcycles, vans, buses, and even more people took to the streets", and an "even bigger demonstration has been planned for the next day". According to the posts, several police cars were destroyed by "furious protestors", and severe injuries occurred on both sides. A death toll of 1 or 3 is cited in the follow-up posts.

With a population of only 220,000, Dongshan Island mostly depends on tourism and the fishing industry for its local GDP. "We are diligent, honest and law abiding people. We put up with constant military exercises, we make a living by hard, honest labor, and what more do we have to give?" says an angry poster, "We can't afford to live in Xiamen with the salary we make, and now we are driven away from Dongshan as well! If we put up with the pollution from PX and endure the consequences, how can we explain to future generations?"

The local Dongshan authorities responded to the protest on the morning of the 2nd with an "Open letter to Dongshan citizens", broadcast only on local TV. Internet posts on the riot are quickly deleted as soon as they appear, but bits and pieces of surviving information indicate that the government's open letter--which warned against further protests--failed to mollify the demonstrators.

I shall give more information tomorrow!!

Reach Out To Burma

2007-11-19T09:31:00.001-08:00

Reach Out To Burma, originally uploaded by Expatriate Games.

Reach Out To Burma

Over fifty years of civil war have left Burma one of the poorest countries in the world. The military dictatorship attacks its own people, killing thousands, and leaving millions displaced.

Many in opposition are either imprisoned or killed. In most of the country there is a false peace due to the dictators' ability to control dissent, however in some ethnic areas the Regime’s army is still attacking the people. There are over 1 million internally displaced people, and over 1 million refugees who have fled the country. There is continual environmental destruction, an HIV/AIDS epidemic, the ongoing laying of landmines, human trafficking and religious persecution. www.2.free-burma.org/index.php

Uploaded by Expatriate Games on 19 Nov 07, 8.52AM PST.

Peace and Harmony to Burma & the World!!

2007-10-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

peace and harmony to burma, originally uploaded by insashi.

This great shot by Insashi, a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

FREE Burma

2007-10-14T10:35:00.001-07:00

FREE Burma, originally uploaded by insashi.

FREE Burma

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
If you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from the mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHqcHFkXArk

Uploaded by insashi on 11 Oct 07, 5.22AM PDT.
spacer image
Compose your blog entry
Title:
Your Post:
italicboldquotelink

This great shot by insashi, a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

Myanmar protest

2007-10-07T05:30:00.001-07:00

Myanmar protest, originally uploaded by Burma Friend.

Myanmar protest

Burma army killed more than 500 staged protestor at midnight and arrested over 5000 including Buddhist monks.
Photo: Secret source for Narinjara News

Uploaded by Burma Friend on 4 Oct 07, 8.14PM PDT.

This great shot by Burma Friend, a rising star & member on www.flickr.com

Myanmar protest

2007-10-07T05:27:00.001-07:00

Myanmar protest, originally uploaded by Burma Friend.

Monks Are Silenced, and for Now, Internet Is too in Myanmar

2007-10-04T05:40:00.001-07:00

Monks Are Silenced, and for Now, Internet Is too in Myanmar, originally uploaded by Luo Shaoyang.

Monks Are Silenced, and for Now, Internet Is too in Myanmar

Oct.3, it was about as simple and uncomplicated as shooting demonstrators in the streets. Embarrassed by smuggled video and photographs that showed their people rising up against them, the generals who run Myanmar simply switched off the Internet.

(Taken on May in Mt. Wutai - the well-know Buddhism mountain in China)

Uploaded by Luo Shaoyang on 4 Oct 07, 12.52AM PDT.
spacer image

Luo Shaoyang is a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

monks

2007-10-03T04:27:00.001-07:00

monks, originally uploaded by Farl.

monks

Monks are revered in Cambodia, as in any other Buddhist countries. The robes automatically confer a certain level of spirituality to the wearer. Monks of late are becoming politicized as well, and activism, hopefully can bring about the right change.

the Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Kampuchea

Uploaded by Farl on 30 Sep 07, 1.23AM PDT.

This great shot by Farl, a great artist & member on www.flickr.com

free burma in fiery red

2007-10-01T11:03:00.001-07:00

free burma in fiery red, originally uploaded by Kris Kros.

free burma in fiery red

Free blank "free burma" template in RED.

You may use this as your template. Thank you.

Get it HERE.

You may post your version on this thread.

Thank you.

Uploaded by Kris Kros on 30 Sep 07, 8.11AM PDT.

Buddhist Monks - Burma

2007-09-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

Buddhist Monks - Burma, originally uploaded by Kathleen Andersen.

Buddhist Monks - Burma

One of the Flickr 500 for September 21, 2007.

I never make political comments on Flickr but I'll make an exception today. This photo is in support of the Buddhist monks' protest marches in Rangoon (Yangon) and other parts of Burma this week.

Sept 26th update. Sadly we're now getting news of monks' deaths. Let's hope this situation doesn't get totally out of control with even more deaths.

This photo was taken a few months ago at a Buddhist monastery in Rangoon and has nothing to do with this week's protests. However, the monks are now locked in this monastery, and guarded, along with all the other monks in the city.

This photo was linked to various Yahoo news articles hence the 7,000+ views.

Uploaded by Kathleen Andersen on 21 Sep 07, 2.41PM PDT.
spacer image

the shout

2007-09-30T03:06:00.001-07:00

the shout, originally uploaded by Kris Kros.

the shout

The Shout of all Freedom Loving People Around the World!
FREE BURMA!!!

Time's An Eye in the Sky on Burma

On Friday Burma began to go dark. After days of the largest street protests since 1988, the ruling military junta cracked down, confronting and firing on civilians, reportedly sealing thousands of monks inside their monasteries. Lines of communication into the country were apparently being cut, with Internet cafes closed and web sites shut down, leaving Burmese exile groups and reporters starving for information.

But while the junta can control the street, the monasteries and even the web, they can't control the sky. On Friday the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), working with Burmese groups, released a new analysis of high-resolution satellite images that pinpointed evidence of human rights violations in the eastern Burma. For the first time in Burma, scientists were able to use orbital satellites to confirm on-the-ground reports of burned villages and forced relocations of civilians by the military. The technique has already been used to document human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and Darfur, but in Burma, a closed country that often seems like a modern-day version of Orwell's 1984, it's almost like turning Big Brother against itself. "We are sending a message to the military junta that we are watching from the sky," said Aung Din, policy director for the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

More from the source

Uploaded by Kris Kros on 29 Sep 07, 11.29AM PDT.

Serving the people？为人民服务？

2007-09-29T09:23:00.001-07:00

Serving the people？为人民服务？, originally uploaded by Luo Shaoyang.

Serving the people？为人民服务？

October 1, will be China's 58th National Day! The background of the photo is Dictator Mao Zedong's handwriting five Chinese characters "serving the people"; foreground is the prospect of two soldiers armed with conventional weapons walked into the Xinhua Gate —— the front gate of the Chinese Communist Party’s Headquarter in Beijing.

Mao Zedong's death 30 years, China has also undergone tremendous changes within the last 30 years, but Chinese people are still living under the shadow of the dictator, and China is still a highly centralized authoritarian state. 1.3 billion Chinese citizens still live in the darkness of the "Social Democracy "——a democracy without political rights. However, it has been a long time since Chinese people raised a question: Is the party serving the people, or are the people serving the party?

再过几天就国庆节了，我想到了一件饶有趣的往事：我漫步在红砖绿瓦的西长安街上，路过雕龙绘凤的中南海新华门时，偶然看到政府衙门的卫兵在换岗，我即刻拿出了相机，当卫兵所持的那两把刺刀把“民”挟持在中间时，我往前走了四五米，冲进了门口的“黄线”，并按下了快门。不料一个探子随之走了过来严厉质问我： “你是干什么的？”我只好随机应变，用英语反问了他几句，他摸不着头绪，以为我是外国游客，便指着我身后的黄线意示我离开。

上图照片中的背景是雕刻在新华门前牌坊上毛泽东当年手写的“为人民服务”，前景是两位手持常规武器的军人走入新华门。毛泽东已去世三十年，中国在这三十年里也发生了巨大的变化，但中国人仍然生活在毛的阴影之下，而且中国仍旧是一个高度集权的专制国家。十三亿中国公民至今仍然生活在阴暗之处的“刀光剑影”之中，没有政治上的民主权利，而共产党也没有任何在除去他们量身定做的法律保障之下的群体或机构的监督，这就使一个问题浮出了水面：到底是共产党在为人民服务呢？还是人民在为共产党服务呢？

1945年黄炎培访问延安，在窑洞里与毛泽东谈话说：“我生六十多年，耳闻的不说，所亲眼看到的，真所谓其兴也浡焉’，‘其亡也忽焉’，一人，一家，一团体，一地方，乃至一国，不少不少单位都没有能跳出这周期率的支配力。中共诸君从过去到现在，我略略了解的了。就是希望找出一条新路，来跳出这周期率的支配。” 毛泽东听后几乎从座椅上跳了起来，大声嚷道：“我们已经找到新路，我们能跳出这周期率。这条新路，就是民主。只有让人民来监督政府，政府才不敢松懈。只有人人起来负责，才不会人亡政息。”

可是六十多年过去了，共产党建国到今天又已过了五十八年，老毛及中共所说的“民主”在哪里呢？连个影子都看不见。别说“让人民来监督政府，”就是共产党的干部们少拿人民的纳税钱养几个二奶，少出几个贪污犯；高级官员的王八子孙们不用特权谋取私利，不把国家当自己家，中国的老百姓就谢谢共产党了！

This great shot by Luo Shaoyang, a rising star & member on www.flickr.com

TERRORIST TACTICS, CENSORSHIP ON AN ANTI-CENSOR GROUP!!! GAIL ORENSTEIN BANNED-SHOULD YOU BE ABLE TO BAN PEOPLE FROM AN ANTI-CENSORSHIP GROUP? FREE-SPEECH DOES NOT LIVE ON FLICKR!! IF YOU COME TO MY SITE YOU ARE A PORN MONGER-BEWARE YOU ARE BEING TRACKED

2007-07-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

TERRORIST TACTICS, CENSORSHIP ON AN ANTI-CENSOR GROUP!!! GAIL ORENSTEIN BANNED-SHOULD YOU BE ABLE TO BAN PEOPLE FROM AN ANTI-CENSORSHIP GROUP? FREE-SPEECH DOES NOT LIVE ON FLICKR!! IF YOU COME TO MY SITE YOU ARE A PORN MONGER-BEWARE YOU ARE BEING TRACKED, originally uploaded by NICE JEWISH GIRL.

Yahoo! Up on 'Semel Is Out' Rumors

2007-06-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! Terry Semel Is Out??

Yahoo! (YHOO-NASDAQ) is trading up about 2% in early trading on market rumors that Terry Semel is either out or on his way out. Is this true? Well, he didn't give this impression just last week and the company would have probably kept him from speaking too much if it was going to force Semel out. We have been pretty vocal about Terry Semel needing to leave. There was actually a point where he was the right guy at the right time, but that was a temporary issue and his value to the company was in the past. Semel came in at a time when the company needed someone with tenure and real world experience.

Can the above be true??

My opinion is that whatever the action of Yahoo! Board of directors took, the current Board member lack the solid credential to take the top job.

It is better for yahoo to find a season boomer Senior executives to run the Business.

In my opinion, there are too many in fighting in Yahoo. As many are eying the $1XXmillions a year job.

Updates On Censorship Issue On flickr

2007-06-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Flickr = Censorship

2007-06-14T10:34:00.001-07:00

Flickr = Censorship, originally uploaded by Thomas Hawk.

The following is by Thomas Hawk:

Flickr = Censorship

[I'm CEO of Zooomr]

Well it is with great disappointment that I found myself yet again a victim of censorship on Flickr. Earlier today while engaging in a debate about Flickr's recent censorship in Germany I had over a dozen of my comments permanently deleted out of a debate by Flickr staff.

You can see the references to my involvement in the debate here and here among other places.

It's ironic that of all places that Flickr would choose to censor me would be in a thread protesting their censorship. And without any warning even or explanation.

This is not the first time I've been censored by Flickr.

The points that I was making in my debate about censorship on Flickr had a lot to do with what I see as problems at Yahoo. The fact that their CEO is the highest paid CEO in the United States, the fact that Yahoo 2 days ago rejected an important shareholder proposal denouncing censorship. And yes this most recent issue of censorship where people in Germany can only access Flickr in "safe mode."

Now some might say that it's not right for me as a competitor to Yahoo to be critical of their practices. But let me point you to the screen shot above. It comes from Flickr employee Dunstan Orchard's public zipline on Zooomr. Dunstan and other Flickr employees have been on Zooomr disparaging our site for the past week. So to me it seems a tad hypocritical that when I legitimately object to censorship on Flickr that I would have my words censored, while Flickr staff seems to feel that it's perfectly appropriate to disparage Zooomr over at Zooomr.

It's not right. And what Flickr doesn't understand is that by censoring your critic you only make him stronger. I'm sure it's probably only a matter of time before I get kicked off of Flickr entirely. All my photographs destroyed and deleted as well. Over 40,000 comments from many good friends.

This is the difference though between me and Flickr. When Dunstan and other Flickr employees disparaged Zooomr I let their words stand. Rather than censor them, I took the high road and did not. Meanwhile Flickr continues to build a name for itself: Flickr = censorship. Silencing me will not change this and it's a sad state of affairs to see happen to the Flickr that I once loved so much and that even now professes to "love me" on the little icon above my page.

Censorship is borne out of fear and weakness. This is something always to remember.

Uploaded by Thomas Hawk on 14 Jun 07, 3.24AM PDT.
spacer image

The following is my comments:

I have been a supporter of flickr like TH all along. Although I have a Zooomr account, but I am not too active.

To me, These events are a history repeated by itself of flickr-Yahoo.

Yahoo - flickr = Yahoo!

TH is a user of flickr. However, flickr have the Supreme God & goddess. Whom decide who should be censored; block or deleted...etc.

I have experience that since Sept 29, 2005 till today.

To me flickr is a great photo management community, but over time the Power - politics seem to be happening in both internal & external which are the "customers".

If the management on the top is assuming the imperialism management or authoritarian style then e-gangsterism or e-hooliganism would born naturally.

TH is good heart by sounding out for flickr to improve. It means well & good. However, that is not really appreciated as my earlier experiences.

Perhaps it is the same as what I have been served & f-team God think that it is a threat to their existence.

Especially, TH have commented at his own flickr. Which they have the power to do what they want. Anytime a violating the TOS can just created. & then they can exercise their power.

flickr junior staffs messing at Zooomr site are totally un-professional in the web2.0 era.

In my opinion, Yahoo CEO Terry Semel should need to come forward to the front to assume the leadership to iron out those censorship issue including Germany, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea & also those blockage, suspensions, deletions, harassments; oppressions; bully to the Yahoo customers..etc. before it is too late.

NICHT MIT UNS!

2007-06-13T21:01:00.001-07:00

NICHT MIT UNS!, originally uploaded by HamburgerJung.

NICHT MIT UNS!

flickr sperrt uns aus! Und auch dich!
Seit gestern werden für deutsche Nutzer keine Bilder mehr angezeigt, die als 'moderate' oder 'restricted' markiert sind! Es gibt keine Möglichkeit das umzustellen - das ist eine grobe Unverschämtheit und Frechheit von flickr!

Lade dieses Bild runter und poste es in deinem Account! Lass uns das Bild überall auf flickr verteilen und es in 'Interestingness' heben!! So geht es nicht!

Original Version: farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/543864623_7aadef1e69_o.jpg

Weitere Infos:
- www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/91085
- www.flickr.com/groups/404938@N23/discuss/72157600347681500/
- www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/42597/
- www.flickr.com/groups/keine_zensur/
- www.flickr.com/groups/againstcensorship

If your Yahoo! ID is based in Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong or Korea you will only be able to view safe content based on your local Terms of Service so won’t be able to turn SafeSearch off. In other words, german users can not access photos on flickr that are not flagged "safe" ... only flowers and landscapes for germans ...Copy and upload this picture to your account - show flickr who we are!

Uploaded by HamburgerJung on 13 Jun 07, 10.09AM PDT.

The Wheel That Gengiskhan Used

2007-06-09T17:49:00.001-07:00

The Wheel That Gengiskhan Used, originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989.

My research into the history is that , he bring along the carpenters, Smith; masons; technicians, architects; cooks; animals & birds; weapon & bomb scientists; chicken in his missions. These skill & knowledgeable people are taken from Middle kingdom then the Sung Dynasty.

He have a language adviser from Persia; A business consultant from Italy; the strategies & his Guru of Dao from China; a group of Lama from Tibet.

So all the tools never fall short!!

Gengiskhan rewrite the history of the Mongolian history & assume the leadership of the changing culture.

From my research, Mongolian or the Beijing Ren have trans immigrating in uni-directional to the whole world.

Then with the lack of the science & technology, language & business culture, the early human lost their root of origin.

Weather conditions; water; food; diet terrains further define the difference of the feature of individual & people in the location where they lives.

With the earth axis have change for about 5 times & the recent era of the earth plate formation. that further define the early man lives in the present world.

50,000 years before the present civilization in China, India, Egypt, Greece; Babylon there already have the early men culture. These also applied to the Mayan race in central & South America.

Gengiskhan have recruited the Chinese & Indian; physicians; mathematicians, astrologers; teachers; I believes that he also have a teacher from Babylon a jewish to work on the Mongolian characters.

He also bring in the Buddhism from as the national religion of Mongolia.

The leadership of Gengiskhan was quoted in my paper on the

"Creating Excellence New Philips Corporate Culture!!"

One of the first signs that marked the end of Colonialism

2007-05-26T10:02:00.001-07:00

One of the first signs that marked the end of Colonialism, originally uploaded by *Hurricane Hilda*.

This is the Statue of the Late Stamford Raffles, The British colony official who signed the lease agreement with Temengong the then King of Johor in Malaya.

He is a visionerist that who foresee the strategic position of Singapore geographical location.

This great shot by *Hurricane Hilda, a rising star & member on www.flickr.com

Oxford University Debate! 'Regret the Founding of America'? A raucous debate in front of a packed house, the motion - "this House regrets the Founding of America" - overwhelmingly squashed. "Its easy to find those who disagree with its current direction"

2007-05-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

Oxford University Debate! 'Regret the Founding of America'? A raucous debate in front of a packed house, the motion - "this House regrets the Founding of America" - overwhelmingly squashed. "Its easy to find those who disagree with its current direction", originally uploaded by gailorenstein.

It is no point to regret on already happening.

Looking at the falls of Imperialism of the European kingdom & The falls of the Asian Kingdoms.

That is folloing the:

CharlieBrown8989 says:

In according to Dao of Nature.

Union & Independence is Nature!!

Just Like Yin & Yang!!

According to the Gotama:

Every Seeing & Un-Seeing beings have & will have the following Noble Truth :

Birth

Growth

Decay

Death!!

Oxford University Debate! 'Regret the Founding of America'? A raucous

2007-05-03T18:12:00.001-07:00

This is a interesting report.

I suggest that you read over.

Then I shall futhre comments later!!

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Posted 7 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

I regret dumping of prisoners; imperism-opponents; convicts .....in New Foundlands!!

I regret Sign-off the Independance Rights for the British Colonies!!

I regret declaration on the Fall of The B. Empire!!

The list would be endless.......

Oxford University Debate! 'Regret the Founding of America'? A raucous debate in front of a packed house, the motion - "this House regrets the Founding of America" - overwhelmingly squashed. "Its easy to find those who disagree with its current direction"

Photo-Gail orenstein.

BBC- Last Updated: Wednesday, 2 May 2007, 11:40 GMT 12:40 UK

How many ideas has the US allowed to flourish that would otherwise have withered on the vine?

I am happy to report to you that the Oxford Union, in its infinite wisdom, has allowed America to continue existing.

After a raucous debate in front of a packed house, the motion - "this House regrets the Founding of America" - was overwhelmingly squashed.

My colleague Jonah Goldberg, from the National Review, made a witty and punchy case for the birthright of America, lambasting the Union for a motion that "sounded like a bad joke".

Peter Rodman, a former US assistant secretary of defence, entered the fray with patrician aplomb and, for what it's worth, this was some of my contribution to joust for the country where I keep my toothbrush and pay my taxes:

It is very easy to find Americans who disagree with its current direction. But you'll be hard pressed to come across those who regret its very existence in a fit of collective self-annihilation. The confusion of one with the other strikes me as the fundamental flaw of this motion.

Let's say you didn't need to regret the founding of America, because it had never been founded. How different might our lives look? We would not be listening to George Bush's fluent Texan. We would never have had the benefit of Donald Rumsfeld one-liners or clogged our arteries on a Big Mac.

But what music would we be listening to on our iPods? Would it be German marching songs or Russian ballads? Would we even have an iPod?

Yes, the beloved iPod was designed by a British citizen, Jonathan Ive, a son of Chingford, Essex. But would his design have changed the world of music if it hadn't been for Apple, an American company, based in Cupertino, California?

Freedom to dream

So much for iPods... what about ideas? How different would the world be without the Bill of Rights? What about Thomas Jefferson?

It's hard to imagine life without TV series like the Sopranos

The Declaration of Independence was the quintessential treatise of self-determination. If America had never been founded it would have remained unwritten. And who can imagine life without the Dumb Waiter, another Jefferson innovation?

The list goes on and on (and I apologise for any omissions): Thomas Edison, who had 1,093 patents for inventions in his name; Henry Ford; the Wright brothers; Bill Gates; the Boeing corporation; Desperate Housewives; The Sopranos and, of course, SpongeBob SquarePants.

As a TV correspondent, I would be out of a job. The television was invented over decades by a German, a Brit and a Russian but their ideas all came together in the middle of Middle America.

The United States created an environment in which inventive minds had access to easy credit, a willing market and the freedom to dream and create without fear of prosecution or recrimination.

As the writer and poet John Ciardi put it: "The Constitution gives every American the inalienable right to make a damn fool of himself"!

Europe's offspring

If we regret the founding of the US we regret a thoroughly European creation. If George III hadn't been as mad as a hatter, if the Redcoats had been more in touch with the feelings of His Majesty's subjects in the colonies, the English colony of Jamestown might never have given way to Yorktown, where 174 years later the English crown was finally defeated in the War of Independence.

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America

Bill Clinton

To be against the founding of America is not to be original but to continue a long line of misguided bigots who always resented the birth of the US. In the late 18th Century, the eminent Dutch scientist Cornelius De Pauw wrote that everything from America was "either degenerate or monstrous". He was considered the foremost expert on the New World of his time and, like many critics of America, he never went there once.

Then there's the Oscar Wilde quip, plagiarised by former French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau: "America is the only nation in history which miraculously has gone directly from barbarism to degeneration without the usual interval of civilisation". Anti-Americanism is as old as America and it continues to miss the point.

America did not come from nowhere. It was an offspring of Europe, the step-child of a corrupt, moribund post-feudal system. America encapsulated the principles of the Enlightenment - Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - wrapped them in the pursuit of happiness, underpinned them with an inalienable right and turned an IDEA into a country.

It took the missteps of the French and the English revolutions and it made them work.

Yes, there were terrible mistakes - the gross hypocrisy of slavery, segregation and McCarthyism, to name a few. But America found and keeps finding the solutions to its mistakes. It is a giant, rolling social experiment in constant pursuit of self-correction. As Bill Clinton once said: "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

In America the idea was ragged, rough and imperfect but it kept growing, it kept evolving and, if this isn't a vote of confidence, it kept attracting people, millions of them - Dutch pilgrims, Russian Jews, persecuted Egyptians, hungry Mexicans, uprooted Kurds, homeless Armenians, unloved and underpaid British film stars, now luxuriating in Hollywood. Ask them if they regret the founding of America!

Real promise

The US is a nation built not on ethnicity, not on religion, not even on history but on an idea.

Many Americans see Guantanamo detentions as a big mistake

Not only does this make America different, I would argue it also makes it ideally suited for the 21st Century. We live in a globalised world in which national boundaries are less and less relevant and the citizenship of ideas is more and more defining.

Al-Qaeda also strives for a world without borders, a trans-national entity based on ideas, which a majority of Muslims find as unpalatable as we do. So, ask yourself and be honest: where would you rather live - the Caliphate or California?

We Europeans created America and to regret this is to engage in a colossal act of self-denial verging on self-mutilation. We have a stake in its survival and its success and we ought to nurture it, not bring it to its knees or delight in its misfortunes. We can criticise its leaders without regretting its existence.

The reality of America may be vexing, frustrating, infuriating and puzzling but its promise is no less real and, given the right voice, should be no less inspiring.

Guantanamo Bay, the Abu Ghraib prison scandal and yes, so many aspects of the war in Iraq, were big mistakes. But these are aspects of current foreign policy, not part of the nation's DNA. They are lamented as much inside the US as outside. And that too speaks for America!

To quote the Harvard political scientist Samuel Huntington: "America is not a lie; it is a disappointment." But what is worse than being disappointed? It is not even to know what you're missing.

Source- news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6613861.stm

Uploaded by gailorenstein on 2 May '07, 10.47pm PDT.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Threats stifle female bloggers!! Sexual harassment on the rise in blogosphere-As women gain visibility in the blogosphere, they are targets of sexual harassment and threats. Men are harassed too, and lack of civility is an abiding problem on the Web.

2007-05-01T12:51:00.001-07:00

Threats stifle female bloggers!! Sexual harassment on the rise in blogosphere-As women gain visibility in the blogosphere, they are targets of sexual harassment and threats. Men are harassed too, and lack of civility is an abiding problem on the Web., originally uploaded by gailorenstein.

Threats stifle female bloggers!! Sexual harassment on the rise in blogosphere-As women gain visibility in the blogosphere, they are targets of sexual harassment and threats. Men are harassed too, and lack of civility is an abiding problem on the Web.

Photo-Gail orenstein-Threats stifle some female bloggers
Sexual harassment on the rise in blogosphere
Updated: 1:08 a.m. ET April 30, 2007
A female freelance writer who blogged about the pornography industry was threatened with rape. A single mother who blogged about "the daily ins and outs of being a mom" was threatened by a cyber-stalker who claimed that she beat her son and that he had her under surveillance. Kathy Sierra, who won a large following by blogging about designing software that makes people happy, became a target of anonymous online attacks that included photos of her with a noose around her neck and a muzzle over her mouth.

As women gain visibility in the blogosphere, they are targets of sexual harassment and threats. Men are harassed too, and lack of civility is an abiding problem on the Web. But women, who make up about half the online community, are singled out in more starkly sexually threatening terms -- a trend that was first evident in chat rooms in the early 1990s and is now moving to the blogosphere, experts and bloggers said.

More technology news

A 2006 University of Maryland study on chat rooms found that female participants received 25 times as many sexually explicit and malicious messages as males. A 2005 study by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that the proportion of Internet users who took part in chats and discussion groups plunged from 28 percent in 2000 to 17 percent in 2005, entirely because of the exodus of women. The study attributed the trend to "sensitivity to worrisome behavior in chat rooms."

Story continues below ↓
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
advertisement

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joan Walsh, editor in chief of the online magazine Salon, said that since the letters section of her site was automated a year and a half ago, "it's been hard to ignore that the criticisms of women writers are much more brutal and vicious than those about men."

Arianna Huffington, whose Huffington Post site is among the most prominent of blogs founded by women, said anonymity online has allowed "a lot of those dark prejudices towards women to surface." Her site takes a "zero tolerance" policy toward abusive and excessively foul language, and employs moderators "24/7" to filter the comments, she said.

Sierra, whose recent case has attracted international attention, has suspended blogging. Other women have censored themselves, turned to private forums or closed comments on blogs. Many use gender-neutral pseudonyms. Some just gut it out. But the effect of repeated harassment, bloggers and experts interviewed said, is to make women reluctant to participate online -- undercutting the promise of the Internet as an egalitarian forum.

Robert Scoble, a technology blogger who took a week off in solidarity with Sierra, said women have told him that harassment is a "disincentive" to participate online. That, he said, will affect their job prospects in the male-dominated tech industry. "If women aren't willing to show up for networking events, either offline or online, then they're never going to be included in the industry," he said.

The treatment of women online is not just an equivalent of what happens offline, some women say. The Internet allows the content to be seen immediately, often permanently and far more widely than a remark scribbled on a restroom wall.

"The sad thing is, I've had thousands of messages from women saying, 'You were a role model for me,' " Sierra said in an interview, describing communications she received after suspending her blog. Sierra was the first woman to deliver a keynote speech at a conference on the Linux operating system. Her blog was No. 23 in the Technorati.com Top 100 list of blogs, measured by the number of blogs that linked to her site.

Her Web site, Creating Passionate Users, was about "the most fluffy and nice things," she said. Sierra occasionally got the random "comment troll," she said, but a little over a month ago, the posts became more threatening. Someone typed a comment on her blog about slitting her throat and ejaculating. The noose photo appeared next, on a site that sprang up to harass her. On the site, someone contributed this comment: "the only thing Kathy has to offer me is that noose in her neck size."

CONTINUED_SOURCE: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18386900/

Uploaded by gailorenstein on 1 May '07, 12.24pm PDT.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Posted 5 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

Gail this is what I refered as eGansterism & eHooliganism!!

The Bullies goes internet.

It is the traditional Communities & societies goes on to the dark side!!

The action is just like the triads & Gangsters & Marfias turn to websphere!!I have mentioned these in my peech in the late 80's & 90's.

Therefore, a truely independent governant body need to regulate the internet.

Republican Blames 'The Devil' For Immigration! "If you really want to blame someone for destroying the United States, point your finger at…Satan. Chairman Larsen "Satan’s apparent weapon of choice: Allowing illegal immigrants to cross the border".

2007-04-28T14:28:00.001-07:00

Republican Blames 'The Devil' For Immigration! "If you really want to blame someone for destroying the United States, point your finger at…Satan. Chairman Larsen "Satan’s apparent weapon of choice: Allowing illegal immigrants to cross the border"., originally uploaded by gailorenstein.

Republican Blames 'The Devil' For Immigration! "If you really want to blame someone for destroying the United States, point your finger at…Satan. Chairman Larsen "Satan’s apparent weapon of choice: Allowing illegal immigrants to cross the border".

photo-Gail orenstein-Utah Republican Blames 'The Devil' For Immigration
(KUTV / The Salt Lake Tribune) PROVO - Forget al Qaeda.

If you really want to blame someone for trying to destroy the United States, point the finger at… Satan?

The devil, Lucifer… whatever you want to call it, one Utah Republican says it is he who is trying to bring the USA down.

And Satan’s apparent weapon of choice: Allowing illegal immigrants to cross the border.

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah County District 65 Chairman Don Larsen has submitted a formal resolution to oppose the devil’s plan to destroy the country -- to be discussed this weekend at the Utah County Republican Convention.

“In order for Satan to establish his ‘New World Order’ and destroy the freedom of all people as predicted in the scriptures, he must first destroy the U.S.,” Larsen’s resolution states. “[It is] insidious for its stealth and innocuousness.”

Larsen’s proposal to defeat Satan? Close the borders to illegal immigrants to “prevent the destruction of the U.S. by stealth invasion.”

MORE:
Salt Lake Tribune: Utah Co. Republican says Satan is behind illegal immigration

Source link-http://kutv.com/local/local_story_116133225.html

Uploaded by gailorenstein on 28 Apr '07, 2.44am

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Posted 7 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
NickFun says: name reply / icon reply

I've always blamed the Statue of Liberty.

NY (SN) - President Bush announced today that the inscription on the Staue of Liberty will be changed in order to combat illegal immigration and terrorism. The inscription currently reads:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

The new inscription will read:

"Give me your well-rested, your wealthy,
Your elite few yearning to spend free,
The most fortunate of your hotel-dotted shore.
Send these, the ones with big mansions and expendable income to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door - Just make sure you fill out the proper paperwork"

"We have had too many immigrants and terrorists taking advantage of this inscription for far too long", Bush said in a prepared statement, "We will no longer tolerate these kinds of people coming to our great country, making messes and destroying our nation".

Newly appointed Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff said, "the inscription on the Statue is an open invitation to terrorists that it is OK to attack our country. I am proud to say that for the poor and evil the lamp has been extinguished and the golden door has been slammed shut".

Eduardo Aguirre Jr, who heads the Homeland Security Department's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services gave some surpprising statistics.

"Between 2001 and 2004 we had 3,780,019 immigrants to this country. Of that 3,780,019, almost 90% of them were tired, whether from jet lag or whatever. Over 50% had incomes below $30,000 a year thus qualifying them as poor. Nearly 1/3 were huddled masses. Another 1/3 was wretched refuse from teeming shores. 785,000 were tempest-tossed. Among those tempest-tossed nearly 50% were also homeless! In other words, we are not getting the quality of immigrants this country so desperately needs and deserves. By changing the inscription on the Statue we have effectively told the world we don't want their scum, we don't need them and we won't take them!"

"The 9/11 terrorists were undoubtedly tempest-tossed", said Aguirre . "I suspect some of them were also wretched refuse of the teeming shores of the United Arab Emirates. If they had the money we would welcome them with open arms and let them buy up shipping ports but these terrorist guys are not in that league".

Some people interviewd were not as enthusiastic about the change to the Statue. Long Island businessman Joe Cabrera said, "granted, it doesn't mean anything anymore but it's got sentimental value. I think we should leave it alone".

Halliburton, Inc. will oversee the changes to the Statue. Expected costs for the Statue of Liberty modernization should be around $1.2 billion.

"That's a small price to pay for Freedom", said Halliburton spokesperson Dick Cheney.
Posted 7 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
scampercom Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

My crazy uncle believes that toothpaste comes from mermaids.

Who cares? Irrelevant.

I blame the press for publishing non-stories. Sure, it's cute that District 65 is now allowing the mentally handicapped to be chairpeople, but when they start citing mythological beasties as the cause for modern ills, it's time to fit them with a bib, diapers, and safety helmet.
Posted 3 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Blue Cubic Electron Syncrony says: name reply / icon reply

what to say

well simple its obvios chastity holyness and faithfullness help lots !
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Blue Cubic Electron Syncrony says: name reply / icon reply

however i believe its Lifes Black Message in flowers
Lifes Black Message in flowers - Contrasts - RS

for without a hand reaching out

"reach out for the glove when you make love"

becouse infection is natured easyest way to prune those you love for sensitivity away when thy are vanerable to love

lifes biggest message
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

In my opinion.

All the political aids of the administration need to go for a psychology re-education.

I believe that with these aids are with Acquire Intelligents Deficiencies. they would not in the best position to serve the administration & Our Nation.

My observations after traveling so many countries in studying the truth about people, culture, history, food..etc. these can be on the ancient trans-emigration of Human kind &, animals & beings......etc. I see that the main issue on the immigration is due to:

1. The living enironments

2. The Economic situations

3. Social & Country unrest & War

4. The political oppressions & idealogy

5. Brain Drain

6. Low cost Labour exportation

7. Relationship emigration

8. Religion & believes

Now looking at the emigration pattern of Dinosaurs era, how a giant being moving from one place to the other without the invention of the passport control. Yet they could extinch just in one instances!!

Let looks at Mayan trides history, till today, no one could explain why overnight these race have been dis-appeared!!

Then lets look at the African wildflowers emigrating to California!!

The birds carry birds flu from Asia calling into America.

The earlymen;Mongolian ancesters travel east & north to North America & South America.

The earlymen, Mongolian ancesters travel North & west toward Indian continetal & Europe.

In my research on the trans-emigration before the 20th century. One common finding is that the "hardship" be it economy or political or religion!! With exception on those empire sending their convicts or political opponents oversea to America, Australia & New Zeland.

I always said in the podium that it is the imigrants that built a strong economy for the Nationa's they espire to call it their home land. Be it Human or animals even plants rather all beings.. have something in common that is hate to be rooted & start all over again with the unknown future.

You see when Margaret T in power, she change the imigrating system by stopping the coloney & commonwealth counties citizen from comming to UK for further study. Then I said that is very short sighted as, these young graduates in 20-30 years time would assume the countries leadership positions & Business as well.

These have proved today, some 3 years back an Asian Iron man said in his speech that if the time can turn back, he would come to USA to persue his studies & get his graduate degree as well!!

Now looking at the 4 little dragons, which country their economy are not excel by the immigrants or their decendants?? However, when the China door is opens up, suddently, they found their fortune in their countries are flown to China.

Looking at the high tech industry, you look at Intel founder & Ex-Chair he is from Eastern Europe. If one research into the success of the High Tech industries in US, you would discover more example of what the immigrants or immigrant descendants have contributed to the success of this great Nation they call it their home & motherland!!

Well they are many more may not make it big. However, contribute their own ways to survive in the land they call hom!!.

With the issue of Terrorists who come to our nation & create trouble & cause losses about life & money. That is not only happen on our homeland. You see they boombing our installations & Embassies & taking our citizen hostages in another friendly countries...etc.

These is actually a religious, racist & Psychological war.

In the 70's & 80's those incidents about hijacking the US planes, the boombing of old refineries & strategic installations. Those I still remember.

You see now the post 911, these terrorists have trumpant. As all of our citizens are living in fear. They have won a psychology war against us.

This is according to Sun Zi straegy, winning the war without loosing their resources. The electronic medias have help us to win over the Iran invasion of Kuwait.

But the Medias Have helping the terroists to win the psychological war against us.

Just imaging, we as a individual, no long can take any pictures in the public buildings & even nature of flowers & sunrise & sunset!! Even the Artistic "N" is not allowed!!

The Terrorists have won in the area of the Guerrilla Warfare by hit & run, But most critical is planted the enemy within the heart of all off us.

The key issues here, after knowing that the actual cause are:

1. Religious Power that Anti-American

2. The Polical Power of Anti-American

Then what we need to do to protect the interest of our citizens & the strategies to win the war against terrorists.

As the Guru's of Sun Zi Said:

"To Conquer & To Pacify People;

Go To The War To Stop The War!!

The administration may have implimented this part.

However, that is not the right things after all.

As Sun Zi Said:

To Win the War is not to loose a single Resources & Lives!!

for this strategies. My late Guru's Kong Ming have done it very well.

That is the best strategies in the Knowledgebase & e-Economy era!!

Stop blamning on anyone including God or Demon.

Hire right people to implement the right strategies to bring Peace & happiness to our people, our nation & resume the leadership of the world.

Russia prepares for Boris Yeltsins funeral!! Former Soviet President

2007-04-24T05:07:00.001-07:00

Russia prepares for Boris Yeltsins funeral!! Former Soviet President Gorbachev said Monday: "I express my deep condolences to the family of the departed. He did a lot for this country, even though he committed serious errors. A tragic fate.", originally uploaded by gailorenstein.

Russia prepares for Boris Yeltsins funeral!! Former Soviet President Gorbachev said Monday: "I express my deep condolences to the family of the departed. He did a lot for this country, even though he committed serious errors. A tragic fate."

Photo-Gail orenstein. MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Tributes are pouring in from current and former world leaders for former Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Yeltsin died at the age of 76, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Yeltsin, who had suffered health problems since resigning from office on December 31, 1999, suffered sudden heart failure, medical sources told Russia's Interfax news agency.

The Kremlin said his funeral would take place amid a day of national mourning on Wednesday, The Associated Press reported.

Yeltsin became the first democratically elected president of Russia in 1991 and two months later put down a coup attempt against Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. (Gallery)

Russia's first freely elected president, Yeltsin is being remembered as a courageous fighter for democracy -- and sometimes quirky behavior. (Full story)

Former Soviet President Gorbachev said Monday: "I express my deep condolences to the family of the departed. He did a lot for this country, even though he committed serious errors. A tragic fate."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Yeltsin nominated as his successor, has called Yeltsin's widow, Naina, to express his condolences, Interfax reported.

One of the images most associated with Yeltsin is that of him sitting on a tank during the raucous street rallies that marked the coup attempt.

"I think that is the image that he would like people to have forever," former Yeltsin adviser Alexander Nekrassov told CNN Monday.

But just two years later, he ordered tanks to storm the Russian White House to oust barricaded deputies who dug in after Yeltsin dissolved parliament, accusing it of blocking reforms. (Full story)

In a later interview, Gorbachev accused Yeltsin of "trampling on democracy."

Yeltsin was both loved and hated by fellow Russians, said Matthew Chance, CNN's senior international correspondent in Moscow. (Watch why Yeltsin's legacy is likely to be mixed )

"[Many] Russians who lived under his power didn't think much of him," Chance said.

A large part of the population blamed him for the overall demise of Russia, Chance said.

In December 1994, Yeltsin sent tanks to stop the fighting in Chechnya in what would become a 21-month conflict. Later he said he couldn't tolerate the "disintegration of Russia," and acknowledged his actions might have been a mistake.

"I feel the pain of every mother's family," Yeltsin said. "My heart bleeds for every victim. It makes me sleepless at night, and no one can help me with that."

Chance said Yeltsin talked about the war in Chechnya as his biggest regret adding that Yeltsin said he felt responsible for the deaths of the Russian soldiers in Chechnya.

Other people remember the more positive aspects of Yeltsin's reign. He played a large part in the demise of the Soviet Union and promoted democratic reform in Russia.

While he was an ideological man who took positive steps to reform his country, Chance said Yeltsin was an inconsistent reformer.

"He was a totally imperfect statesman and certainly had many failings," Chance said.

Yeltsin favored privatization, but sweeping corruption put the vast majority of wealth in the hands of a few individuals who "wielded enormous political power." Chance said this upset and angered many Russians who were left with nothing.

Yeltsin's image on the international stage was very different, said CNN's Jill Dougherty, who served as the network's Moscow bureau chief during Yeltsin's presidency.

Dougherty said everything about Yeltsin was larger than life.

"He was oversized, he was huge, everything about him -- he was physically a giant, a big-barrel chest of complete charisma," she said. "When you met him or were around him he was absolutely charismatic."

While Yeltsin may have been a failed statesman, Dougherty said he had a unique ability to connect with people.

"He was able to -- in the late 1980s, early 1990s -- tap into something that was afoot in Russia. He was able to emotionally connect with people in a way few politicians have ever been able to do."

From Washington, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush also offered their sympathies. "President Yeltsin was an historic figure who served his country during a time of momentous change," Bush said in a written statement.

"He played a key role as the Soviet Union dissolved, helped lay the foundations of freedom in Russia and became the first democratically elected leader in that country's history.

"We offer our sincerest condolences to the Yeltsin family and to the Russian people," the president said.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed sadness at Yeltsin's death.

"He was a remarkable man who saw the need for democratic and economic reform and in defending it played a vital role at a crucial time in Russia's history," Blair said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel described Yeltsin as a "brave fighter."

"Boris Yeltsin was a great personality in both Russian and international politics, a brave fighter for democracy and freedom and a true friend of Germany. His contribution to the development of our relations between our two nations will never be forgotten. We will honor him in our thoughts." (World reacts to Yeltsin's death)

Yeltsin had a darker side as well that included embarrassing incidents in which he appeared to be drunk. In Berlin in 1994, he grabbed a baton from a conductor and tried to direct an orchestra while singing and stumbling.

Source; edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/24/russia.yeltsin/in...

Uploaded by gailorenstein on 24 Apr '07, 3.59am PDT.

click here to post to Blog

Title:

Photo Size: Thumb Small Medium Include description
Visit official site for more info and document. Posting this photo to your blog......
Comments
view profile

CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

As Gotama Said:

From The Day of Birth;

Every one is Certainly Going Through

Growth

Decay

Death!!

No one can escape such noble truth!!

A Great man for his own Nation also much Die.

Wish him

Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin
Борис Николаевич Ельцин

rebirth in the higher plane.

Peace........Peace........... Peace.................
Posted 2 seconds ago.

Flickr Aborts Gail's Orenstein's original site. Was it the Boobs or the politics?

2007-04-23T22:01:00.001-07:00

Flickr Aborts Gail's Orenstein's original site. Was it the Boobs or the politics?, originally uploaded by gailorenstein.

Flickr Aborts Gail's Orenstein's original site. Was it the Boobs or the politics?

click here to post to Blog

Title:

Photo Size: Thumb Small Medium Include description
Visit official site for more info and document. Posting this photo to your blog......
Comments
view profile
BillyWarhol Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

jesus christ*

i am livid*

oh mano*

I hope U had yer shit backed up Gail*

it was some of the Best + most enlightening Discussions ever on Flickr*

Hugs Sweetie* Billy xoxoxooooooooooooooo

--
Seen on your photo stream. (?)
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
jefray2006 says: name reply / icon reply

Thank you for coming back....the bastard are mad to delete you...
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
bodofotoz Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Seems a consenting adult section is needed. Some things interest me, some don't, but it should be my decision to check it out, or not. No one forced me to read your work, I did because I wanted to. I can see kids need to be weeded out....but to just flip the switch, pull the cord, kill the site for politics, or whatever reason is one sided censorship.

Now if you were writing about say, Yahoo, which owns Flickr, and there stance on censorship concerning the State censorship on the internet, as in China, and such, and their lust for the almighty yen in the Chinese market, bet you'd been shut down a lot sooner. Flicker ain't no democracy. Then...what izit????

I will miss the freedom of speech Gail, and freedom of thought, and ones indivdual aspect of beauty and interests. You put a lot of work into this Flickr thing. I need to back my shit up. Not that it tests the proprietors censorship, but where does this stop? If they don't like ya...they terminate yer account?
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Manhattan Observer Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

I am so sorry Gail and you know how many of us spent countless hours debating each other. We all know there is no real Freedom of Speech in the US or elsewhere just an illusion of it.

Anyway, Your followers are loyal and will find you have no fear and I do hope you somehow kept track of all your contacts?
Posted 2 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
contopuser says: name reply / icon reply

This machine kills fascists.
Posted 79 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
daveinLV says: name reply / icon reply

First of all, I do lament to loss of your site, but you have to remember that flickr is a business---a BIG BUSINESS---especially since the purchase by Yahoo. Freedom of speech is an essential element of the US culture and you can have all you want on your own site. As a part of the big business cog, Flickr will attempt to silence anyone with an opinion contrary to the business of making money. Doesn't matter if it's liberal or conservative, if it detracts from their business, they'll shut you down. And you know what? They have the right to do that.

That said, I will protest to Flickr because I enjoyed to debate on your site. It was rarely personal and always interesting. I come from a more conservative point of view, but I always enjoyed the views of others, whether I agreed with them or not. And I can't see how debates like this or even a few boobs would mean that Flickr's business would be threatened.

So more power to you, Gail. I am going ot spread the word once again!!!
Posted 69 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
gailorenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

daveinLV

Well if Flickr is going to censor everyone's discourse and art based on their profit model its probably a good idea to get that information out to the public so they can decide as to the future of Flcikr.

Also I would point out your telephone company does not delete your phone conversations now does it, and blogger is owned by Google and does not engage in this kind of behaviour.
Posted 65 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
BillyWarhol Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Blogged*

Peace*

--
Seen on billiondollarbaloney.blogspot.com (?)
Posted 52 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
vangruvie Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Puritanical Bush (the person) loving dictators!!!!!!! I'm with you Gail.
Posted 48 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
NickFun says: name reply / icon reply

I am outraged! I suspect it was he politics. Though our American government is also decidedly anti-tit.. Fuckr is not the only one cowering before an inflated, paranoid government.

You are not the only one being censored Gail. There is something rotten going on. For the second time in two years my Gmail password has been reset - that was today! I couldn't log on to get my email! In my case it's most probably the US government. They have investigated me before by tapping my email, changing the passcode on my phone - twice! - and Homeland Security under the guise of the FBI even investigated me once for something I had written.

We no longer live in a free society. Our rights are being eroded on a daily basis. "Free speech" has become an antiquated catch phrase. Personally, I don't mind speaking up. I wouldn't mind going to prison for it.

Flickr was once a bastion for free speech. It has since been purchased by a huge conglomerate that no longer respects anything more than its bottom line. "Don't make waves" seems to be the phrase of the day.

Disgraceful!
Posted 38 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
www.DaveWard.net Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

I don't think it was the politics at all. I'm very sure it was the breasts. Americans are, in general, terribly puritanical and repressed. Tits scare the hell out of most Americans. While we've a tendency to talk tough about terrorism, an exposed nipple sends us screaming in terror.

The fear of sexuality is even more intense when it comes to American businesses. Oh no! Somebody posted a photo that shows a bare breast on the Internet using our company's servers! Oh, goodness! What are we ever to do?

American companies are complete fucking COWARDS about sexuality. Seriously, utter pussies. They're terrified of mammary glands and natural human reproductive systems.

'Cos, you know, mammary glands are such a huge threat, right?

Flickr is dedicated to winning the War On Genitalia.
Posted 22 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
film noir anti-hero Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

I have been enjoying your photo postings. I am sorry you were deleted, Ms. Orenstein. My understanding of the policy is that you must tag your stuff if it has content so it cannot be seen by those who have left their filters up. If you do not tag after being asked to, you are nipsa'd, which means all your work is tagged to be filtered, regardless of content. So, did you tag? If not, why weren't you just nipsa'd? This is the first I've heard of someone being deleted.
Posted 7 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

gailorenstein

I am Sorry Gail.

These should not happen.

Perhaps again "The System Issues"!!

Look just after Sept 25, 2005 my account have been re-instated after 20 hours of suspension. Because I have too many contacts within 5 months!!

Call me a liar!! the gangsters using FXXX to me & my daughter; openly said there is no human rights for me, no freedom; no respect of individual; they vote me out!! There is not demoncracy for me......

I swallow.... Then my account continue to be NIPSA , I not even aware of such term till Mar 8, Billy told me about the term.

But I did get feedback from contacts & friends that they cannot search for me on flickr & my contacts have been deleted by the "System".

Mar 4th , 2007 is the 1st time I use Artsy Nudes & is is a sihoulette of the back of the pic, but I am served a warning email saying I post frontal Nudes & expose genital.....

I have been grown up in the Ironman hand from baby time, when I return to Asia, my artsy nudes books were confiscated at the custom,
Even I appeal to the Minister of Art & his boss - the Ironman , I still cannot get back the manuals. As the custom officers already cover their track.

Although as a American now, I am still live my the habbits & fear, also the principle of against porn & exposing genital part taking a deep roots into me. Therefore, I have not post such pics on the internet nor promoting otherwise.

So the culture & facts is clear & deep in the conscious & sub-conscious mind!!

One thing I am sure the Legend Guru Said:

If one going to find a bone in a Tofu, it can be done so!!

Another saying is:

Hatred is Created by person.

There is a Loaner & There is a Borrower.

So once you understand the wisdom then you understand that the real reason & the being behind.

In the contacts of here, we are just a sub-domain under the provider of the services.

The events happening is just a nature of Gurus' wisdom revisited in our life time.

We shall be re-examing ourself & the future like the water than the rock!!

May I qoute Lao Zi Say:

The most Peaceful & honest things is Water!!

My apologist for saying to much here & I am sorry about the situation we are in!!

Peace...Peace....Peace.....
Posted 6 minutes ago. ( permalink | delete | edit )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

I featured this on

ebusiness-ecommerce.blogspot.com/

Thanks.....

China begins purge on Internet porn!! "Strip shows, images, stories, audio, video. ‘This pervion corrupts China's young minds" says Chinese government

2007-04-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

www.itwire.com.au/content/view/8877/53/

Chinese Internet population hits 137m PDF Print E-mail
By Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
That leaves over 1.1b Chinese offline, but figures have grown an impressive 23.4% in the last year, now reaching 10.5% of the Chinese population.

Related stories

* Salesforce.com adds content management to SaaS lineup
* Yahoo's Alpha in beta
* Firefox goes social with The Coop
* MySpace debut for Eisner's Prom Queen
* Old media "YouTube killers" just don't get it

The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) has published its 19th report (although unavailable at the English version of the website at the time of writing), announcing a big jump in Chinese Internet users, according to Reuters and Cnet.

Actually the un official number could be even more. I am told by end of Dec 2006, China already over took US as Number 1 internet population in the world.

When I visit the mountain logs area un rural China. I am surprising to find that there are computer center & internet cafe. In 2005, when I visit the same area, there isn't any computer there!!

From my research & up bring in, Chinese culture is not to eat other people bowl of rice.

The Legend Teaching is:

" Just clean up your own front yard snow,

Never border about other Ice on their neighbour roof!!"

masterdebater16

remark is exactly the requirement on China for Many thousand years.

You see Marco Polo is the great embassador of the west on the trade, he is the advisor to Gengiskhan, he trades the culture & technology at both end. But he never put rules on China!!

Looking back into the end of the last China imperialism era, those 8 Nations attempt to colonized China , Japanese Invasion, Soviet Union Communist International attempts to control over China all failed!!

Looking at 1977 the War "To Teach North Vietnam" a lesson!! That exactly exhibited China did use the Sun Zi Art of War strategy. As well as behave as a big brother of North Vietnam then.

In the Chinese culture, they know what is the family affair & what is external. I believe the leaders there know how to treat friends & allies nice. So that they have the life boat when they call the term ended!!

They do know that as a big country if they don't behave like what they suppose to conduct then with the internet technology & the international pressure they would cannot be a bully. It is the Chinese family teaching for the 6,XXX years of civilization that one should be behave more on the "Yin" & take losses then be a aggressor. That is Chinese people call Virtue.

Although there might be some hawks may attempt to flex the power. But as the

Dao of Nature.

Nothing is Permanant!!

Birth & Death is just in a Cycle!!

- Gotama

The above is my additional comments on my understanding of Chinese Culture....

Additional reading:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/journalism/457862733/?#comment72157600074369149

Power Play - My Account Moderated

2007-04-13T12:19:00.001-07:00

MyAccountModerated, originally uploaded by CharlieBrown8989.

Phil_B

Thanks Phil

Just to let you know. I have Mentioned the "Study & Research" into the flickr members view rates & behavioural science from Mar 08, 2007.

I have announce & written to the flickr team that I would not post the Nudes shot here & would be on www.flickr.com/photos/charliebrown9898

However, it is oneway traffic.

Even before I did my research, I already recorded the membership profiling & stalking on my account.

I have contacts from all over telling me that they are unable to search for me.

The contacts numbers appeared in fd flickr toys shown that I have over 10,XXX contacts, whereas, in flickr inspector it show 958.

I have not reciprocate any contacts sign me up unless I am going to write a testimonial for them.

I have not use flickr mail to invite anyone to joint groups.

I requested the team to delete those dead members on their database. But ......

These are the hard facts to be known.

I help members without asking for any returns.

Somehow, Imperialism still alive!!

They exist a god & goddess that decide the live of member's.

Thank you once again for your visit & encouragement!!
Posted 19 minutes ago. ( permalink | delete | edit )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

I have declaired & shown on my post on my research with regards to flickr.

I always say good about flickr is still the best. I never take side.

By blocking people to viewing mysite before Mar 8, 2007 (which I start to use Artsy Nudes to conduct my research.)

As a person grown up in the environments that run by the Ironman, I am certainly know what is porn what is Art!!

I don't envy people who become milions & billions in the cyber space. I alway congratulate them & wish them well.

It is unbelieveable that in the land of freedom, while doing good course in my ownway, yet I have been continue facing the various high handed treatments.

As a American, I vow to defend my rights & my Nation Constitutions.

Flickrs new filtering sytem panders to Chinese censorship market? Reason for change-profits and Censorship? Yahoo annouces today launch of Chinese version of FLICKR-China censors online information it deems politically sensitive.Flickr expects ten-million

2007-04-12T16:38:00.001-07:00

Flickrs new filtering sytem panders to Chinese censorship market? Reason for change-profits and Censorship? Yahoo annouces today launch of Chinese version of FLICKR-China censors online information it deems politically sensitive.Flickr expects ten-million, originally uploaded by Gail Orenstein.

photo added to the group.
Posted 31 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 says: name reply / icon reply

Gail

"Your account has been reviewed as moderate by Flickr staff. (What does that mean?)

www.flickr.com/photos/charliebrown8989/

CharlieBrown8989's Most Interesting Images for 21 Months On flickr

The following Image Explain About the View Rates"

CharlieBrown8989's Most Viewed Images for 24 Months On flickr

As I understand, China have their own filtering system on the Net. Nudes Art is not block in China. Pornographies Yes, is illegal, the offender can be sentence to death as I believe. If an US or European Union based company have been enlisted by China to work on the security & filtering system for China.

Alibaba is controling over the Yahoo China, in outside of China, it is not under the juridiction of China to Control over the Internet sensorship or news media security issue.

(China as a giant, they know that. China would never want to behave a giant bully a minor like what is happening here. It is also not their Culture & Moral value, For what I understand during my various talk at all level on Internet issue they said they have enough issues to work out then eating other people food!! or step into other foots!!)

If a foreigner or foreign company have been enlisted by China to work on the China interest,

Then that would be the interest of the US State Dept & Cocom to investigate & enforce the Nation & Home Land security of this nation.

The whole truth is on here, even you set it to Safe:off, the Systems team still can & have the authority to set in to whatever classification they like!!

I have contacts from all over including the free world that they cannot search for me on flickr search. Contatcs have written to flickr on these. But so what?? This is not new. These have been happening far before I conduct my research & study on Artsy Nudes on here say 6 weeks ago!!

The facts & truth is clear that the imperialism still rules!!

Flickrs new filtering system panders to Chinese censorship market? Reason for change-profits and Censorship? Yahoo annouces today launch of Chinese version of FLICKR-China censors online information it deems politically sensitive.Flickr expects ten-million

2007-04-10T17:30:00.001-07:00

Flickrs new filtering sytem panders to Chinese censorship market? Reason for change-profits and Censorship? Yahoo annouces today launch of Chinese version of FLICKR-China censors online information it deems politically sensitive.Flickr expects ten-million, originally uploaded by Gail Orenstein.

This is the article that from my friend Gail!!

These are the comments:

ahoo to launch Chinese version of photo site
Fri Mar 16, 2007 7:35 AM BST
Email This Article | Print This Article | RSS [-] Text [+] By Sophie Taylor

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Yahoo said on Friday it plans to launch a Chinese language version of its popular photo-sharing site Flickr.com this year to tap demand from Chinese digital photo enthusiasts.

The development comes as Sunnyvale, California-headquartered Yahoo tries to localise and expand its services -- such as bookmark-sharing site Del.icio.us, Yahoo Mail and Yahoo Groups -- that centre on user-generated contributions.

"The HK traditional Chinese interface of Flickr will be available later this year," a Hong Kong-based spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters.

Online services, such as Flickr, Shutterfly Inc., Eastman Kodak's EasyShare Gallery and Hewlett-Packard's Snapfish, lets users load digital pictures online, where they can be edited, shared with others, printed and mailed.

The new Web site will target Hong Kong users and will offer all the core features currently available on the English platform, spokeswoman Pauline Wong said, without elaborating.

While the traditional version of written Chinese is widely used in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the simplified version of the script is the standard in mainland China. However, most mainland Chinese are able to read traditional Chinese, and vice versa.

After targeting Hong Kong consumers, Flickr's Chinese site will also focus on the Taiwan market, the spokeswoman said, but declined to elaborate on the mainland Chinese market. Yahoo's China business was absorbed by the country's leading e-commerce company, Alibaba, in 2005. Yahoo also bought a 40 percent stake in Alibaba.

And while Beijing routinely censors online information it deems politically sensitive, Flickr -- which has reportedly been blocked in United Arab Emirates -- remains accessible in China, the world's second-largest Internet market after the United States, with around 137 million Web users.

In 2006, Yahoo China had a 9 percent share of China's online photo-sharing market, according to consultancy iResearch.

Netease.com Inc. took the largest share with 43.4 percent followed by QQ.com with a 33.9 percent share, though other media companies such as Sina Corp. are fast catching up, iResearch said in a report.

China will have around 10 million new users of online photo-sharing services annually over the next few years. Most photo-sharing Web sites are still free of charge as they explore different profit avenues.

Flickr said in a posting on its Web log (http://blog.flickr.com/flickrblog/2007/02/help_wanted.html) last month that it was looking to hire translators from among its members to develop non-English language versions of the service.

Source; today.reuters.co.uk/news/articlenews.aspx?type=internetNe...
Blogging
blog settings
Blog API Type: Metaweblog (Movable Type) ATOM (Blogger)
Blog API URL:
BlogID: Username: Password:

click here to post to Blog

Title:

Photo Size: Thumb Small Medium Include description
Visit official site for more info and document. Posting this photo to your blog......
Comments
view profile
DrQ2 Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Aaaah..... So thats how you do it. How silly

Q x
Posted 14 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
doppeltbelichtet Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Gail- I just got uncensored, after being NIPSA'd by flickr for 11 month of pro account flickring....

It's sad, mankind isn't allowed to consider for itsself, what we look at or not...
Not every photo of a naked body is porn, but most of them here are art and should be viewed by the public.
Everyone can choose for him/herself, if its appropiate or not, I guess.

Thanks for making this an issue widely recognized at flickr!
Posted 14 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
loupiote (Old Skool) Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

no surprise there.

i even predicted this 2 weeks ago:

www.flickr.com/forums/help/35971/page2/#reply190627
Posted 13 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

@old skool

You were on the threads supporting this originally and you were an original champion of the system old skool. Don't be a hypocrite. You were kissing the flick admins asses and you know it-

How convenient you were ripping into us when we asserted from day one on those thread this the new filtering system was not for the good of the community but for the emerging market place and at our expense of censorship-that is what the filtering system really meant!
Posted 13 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

In fact you and your posse came after me advocating this fucking thing-now that the cat is out of the bag and we can clearly see what the filtering system was for your a critic?

i would not mind it so much but since you busted mine and Roberts balls being a champion of it with your policing posse- I find it hard to digest you coming on here as if you did not kiss the systems ass when it first came out-

Just be honest at least!

you did not see it for what it was in the beginning and slammed any critic that did see it!
Posted 13 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

This group I am sure you and your policing posse patroled and it was diabled!!!!!!

I just tried to add this pic to it!!!!!!!!

"Adding photos to PROTEST THE NEW COMMUNITY GUIDELINES has been disabled."

This was a forum that was set up when the filtering system came out-it was disabled because they saw the filtering system for what it is-not to " better the good of the flickr community"-but for profits, which is fine but lets just be honest about it-

Flickr claims it was to starve off Porn which, is bullshit-I have logged in at 3 internet cafes using different names and I was able to hit the porn site within 3 minutes. It did not ask my age or anything.
Posted 13 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
AnomalousNYC Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Yahoo sucks.
Posted 11 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Traces in the Sand Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Well, I guess this is an acclimatisation for our long future as pawns of the Chinese government.

One of these days we'll wake up and the "Tibet" will be missing from the Encyclopedia Britannica, and "dissent" will be absent from the Oxford English Dictionary.

Thank you Yahoo, you spineless goons.
Posted 11 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
BillyWarhol Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Twits n Hypocrites*

altho I agree with the New Filter System in that it Gives People the all Important CHOICE to decide what they wanna View*

the Problem is even tho U or i may have hundreds or even thousands
of Fans ie Viewers - Flickr is a HUGE stratosphere & if yer NIPSA yer Photos + ART + Thoughts + Words + Chinese WISDOM aren't being Seen or Heard by the Masses + Outside World*

Flickr treats ARTISTS like shit - Shoddy 2nd Class 3rd World treatment that is reprehensible*

& it ain't just Yahoo! this has been Flickr from the TOP down*

They Love & thrive on KICKING People Out of Groups + Threatening to KILL (delete) People's Accounts without ANY TRIAL or ANY RECOURSE or telling U WHAT THE CHARGES ARE + WHO is CHARGING U so that U might be able to DEFEND YERSELF!!! fer fucksakes*

Their KANGAROO COURT is GITMO at it's Finest + frankly they oughtta Feel right at HOME in COMMUNIST DICTATORSHIP CHINA where the PEOPLE have NO RIGHTS!!!*********************

fuckrz*

SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION*

;))

Peace*
Posted 10 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
BillyWarhol Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION*

Blogged*

;))

Peace*

--
Seen on billiondollarbaloney.blogspot.com (?)
Posted 9 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
jphotoshooter Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Maybe China made Jerry Yang, Co-founder and Chief Yahoo! an offer he could not refuse. You know, the Sopranos IS back on for it's 7th season!
Posted 8 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Yes, it is called 1 billion people! a giant market!!
Posted 8 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
MMMMichelle Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

wow...I haven't checked in in awhile. What's going on? Your pics are not hurting anyone or putting anyone in a compromising position....just positions we all wish we could still get into. Good luck with the flickr police...whoever they are. what a shame!!!
Posted 8 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
jphotoshooter Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Even with 80%+ blissfully ignorant that their settings default to "safe" Yahoo still has too many holes in the dike and not enough fingers.

There is a 2-week backlog (or longer??) because Flickr Yahoo is trying to approve/censor every new account (that's new too!) and police the self-censorship scheme they've imposed.

I suppose they'll outsource the censorship task out to the Third World if they haven't done so already...
Posted 8 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Hi Michelle-

Missed ya-glad you found me though!!

Hi jp-

Sorry, the back log is now 30 days. You have to wait a month to get an answer-you just get a auto response notice now-
They are up to 30 days for a review time-

That will only be a matter of time before it become 60 days!
X
Posted 7 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
rhooker1236 says: name reply / icon reply

The filter system was a pretty clear effort to establish a framework for censorship to make this move possible.

Welcome to the Global Web 2.0, where your rights and your freedoms are a marketing features in large companies efforst to sell to China.
Posted 6 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Lola Lyndon ~ Cephalopodaphile! says: name reply / icon reply

Gale Orenstein says:

"Adding photos to PROTEST THE NEW COMMUNITY GUIDELINES has been disabled."

This was a forum that was set up when the filtering system came out-it was disabled because they saw the filtering system for what it is-not to " better the good of the flickr community"-but for profits, which is fine but lets just be honest about it-

That is not accurate.

The PROTEST group is my group and I disabled the pool myself. Our petition is specific to the threat of Flickr censorship as it concerns the written word.

I have been a consistent and passionate supporter of the filter alternative. I believe it to be far superior to the tar and feathering witchhunt that went on under NIPSA.

What I don't support is Guidelines which would prevent you from "ranting" about your views to the contrary.

Despite the fact that I don't agree with you-- I saw the way certain people threatened you (in front of Flickr admins) with insinuations that your account could be deleted for rocking the boat. I did not approve of that at all.

Ironically, less than a year ago, the suggestion of filters drew heavy criticism by many of the people that now credit themselves with the idea.

Anyway... I think we are all very clear on your objections to filters, Gail. The question remains: what are you proposing as a solution?
Posted 5 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

A solution

The next photo sharing site, Flickr is just broken.
Posted 4 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Lola Lyndon ~ Cephalopodaphile! says: name reply / icon reply

Build it and they will come.
Posted 4 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Perhaps

Perhaps and Open Source photo sharing site, one that charges so much for a pro account but will not sell to any compnay but owned co-operatively by its subscribers.

A club. No reason all the web needs to be a company.

The technology will be open source available in a year or so,. anyone have any ideas.

And we could have a proper constitution and bill of rights, and spent what effort we do administering actually following the law and not trying to make the thing more acceptable in China.

And if China, Russia, Inda and UAE block it we won't chagne it.

Oh its a fine dream, and maybe a few years around the corner.

Robert Hooker
Posted 4 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
fisserman says: name reply / icon reply

Yahoo sucks... they will ake Flickr suck, Google sucks... Joost will suck... about time something came along that didn't suck.... :) How about all of us make that one?
Posted 4 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
Gail Orenstein Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Well firstly we need to know what technology base to use, an open source image swapping system. Maybe GNU has one, I don't know.

Than a independent corporation needs to be created, non-for profit of course, to provide as ISP. But the critical things is a simple clear constitution allowing freedom of expression while protecting people and respecting the law.

So neo-nazis and child pornographers would be gone, while artistic nudes would be fine, or just porn if you like.

Anyone know an Open Source image swapping program that's any good?

Robert Hooker
Posted 3 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
tantrictim Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called THE PEOPLE'S CAFE, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Gail
where's the porn...i came here for the naked babes...i am sorely disappointed...........lol..............tim..:)))))))))))))))))
Posted 3 hours ago. ( permalink )
view profile
johncoxon Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

It is shit and that is the stuff that happens when big bunsess takes over something good and we have to stay honest and work around that . Flickr is a shit sandwich and I have no idea why I even bother opt be here or upload a shot as it is so f ******* underactive. Nice tits and tarts are very good , you are my best internet fried , I love and respect your work and you make a diem or two on the adult place. Flickr sold outh and that sucks. Let's talk and share even if it has to be e mail, MAN or Flickr mail as upfront doesn't work any more as the orginals who started this palace are now now whores.
Posted 86 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
grahmmaby says: name reply

It is time to get into Asian porn!
Posted 39 minutes ago. ( permalink )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

I received warning again today.

Threadthen to terminate or delete my account.

All the Hardworks for the last 2 years is gone.

I have been very loyal & ahered to the Term & Conditions of the Yahoo - flickr.

What "Frontal Nudity" is not allowed??. During my research on the Views rate on flickr - Yahoo. I found many accounts are actually exposed Genital Parts & also with Sexual Porn post.

If you examing my site, you would discovered that the whole truth of these friendly "Warning" & Advise.

It is certainly on a personal whim, on profiling, oppression, discrimination, dis-respect of individual customers.

The rights of Artists have been abuse & suppressed.

This clearly exhibited the high handed Power - Political play in between of Client - Customers relationship. It as well exhibited the traditional Imperialism & Religion "God" controls of the pre-demoncracies of this era.

USA constitutions & International Human rights are abused & oppressed by some!!

We put our resources & times, energy to support the members here. While not making any income for ourself , yet get all these bully & harassement.

Are we insane!!

What talking about pioneer of Web 2.0?? Image sharing ?? All these what we do are for the benefits of Yahoo - flickr. Yet these are what we deserving??

In the land of freedom & demoncracy, & while we are doing the law & constitutions of this great Nation. It still have the people or team could rise above it.

This is unbelievable!!
Posted 36 minutes ago. ( permalink | delete | edit )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

Talking about China.

As on Dec 31 2006, China net citizen already surpassed USA. Become number one in the world on internet.

I have been traveling China & talking to people on the "Have & Have Not" issues on Digital & internet. That includes all level .

To China Jerry Yang may be the founder of Yahoo, but it does not concern them as Jerry is from Taiwan & now believe is US citizen.

Whereas, Alibaba is the local brew corp. & If it is not supported by the China Gov back finance, then Alibaba cannot reverse took over Yahoo China.

Alibaba still is within the China Local Government & Laws or even the Charter that put them to be a giant corp.

China Gov more concern about the subversive anti-Government site then Artists site. As there is already a Government Admin together with the Central committees to govern the National Arts & non political movement as well as religions afairs.

The Government have all along against the Porn "Yellow - Grey Culture" from the Imperials Gov era till now.

However, Artistic Nudes of Nature & female have not been under any oppression or suppression.

My Late Guru from Shanghai was sent by Gov to France to learn all aspect of Arts. & he is a pioneer of Chinese Nudity Artist of the Modern time.

If you care to examing the Nudity arts in China.

The authenticated 10 most beautiful ladies of China each is trading over few 10millions in US$$$$.

What China Gov. censoring is any site that suspect with the subversive activities against the interest of their Nations & people republic, also the religious groups that with some ulterior motive to cause insergencies of their Nations. The other is the Pornographies articles.

Other then that Nudity Art is allowed, there was once I read the news coverage on the Nude body painting arts competitions in Nanking & Sichuan. which have over 1X,XXX people attended. there is no riots or unhappy incidents then.

Therefore, any actions as it show prove that is on the whim of certain people or the God of the System.

I sincerely hope that everyone can think more deep & far.

China would have their own censorship system without calling a USA base corp to help. After all that is their Nation.

Whatever happen here is still out Not China Concern.
Posted 12 minutes ago. ( permalink | delete | edit )
view profile
CharlieBrown8989 Pro User says: name reply / icon reply

I blogged this on

http://ebusiness-ecommerce.blogspot.com

Thanks......

Hey I just read your message and I don't understand why Flickr did that with your account! I'm surprised, there's a guy who had the same problem and he was quite a good photographer, I don't understand this new rule, it's okay to protect little kids from

2007-03-28T14:07:00.001-07:00

Hey I just read your message and I don't understand why Flickr did that with your account! I'm surprised, there's a guy who had the same problem and he was quite a good photographer, I don't understand this new rule, it's okay to protect little kids from, originally uploaded by BillyWarhol.

This is just another example of Power & Politics play on the web sphere.

Clickr the picture to read more.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Hey I just read your message and I don't understand why Flickr did that with your account! I'm surprised, there's a guy who had the same problem and he was quite a good photographer, I don't understand this new rule, it's okay to protect little kids from

www.BillionDollarBaloney.blogspot.com

;))

Peace*

LOVE******************************************

;))

Flickr

2007-01-27T12:41:00.001-08:00
This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

About The Recent Coup In Thailand

2006-12-19T10:44:00.000-08:00
In April 06, 2005

On this blog I have commented about what then the Prime Minister could be in danger inspike of most technocrats & advisers said that he is doing fine!!

Thailand Coup In Picture BBC News

This have proved that my Vision's prediction on Power & Poliics is absolutely right.

These is not only for South East Asia or Asia.

In fact I have been observing the subjects that I wrote since I am 7 years old.

Due to the family, society, political culture where my up bringing I am not being able to express in wrting until now.

My intension is to to cause any trouble for people in power nor people aspire to be in power.

My main aim to to provide my thoughts as an constuctive advise so that we can make our world a better living world for us & our decendants.

Flickr

2006-12-19T10:40:00.000-08:00
This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Re - Launch

2006-12-19T10:33:00.000-08:00
Today

I decided to re-launch this Pwoer & Politics Site.

So that I can share my visions ...opinions about the poer & politics that we are in today & tomorrow.

The objectives is to share my thoughts & suggestion how one can make our world a better world to live not only today but for tomorrow as well.

Happy Luna New Year

2006-01-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Great In Every Avenues!!

On The Future

2005-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:00
I just reviewed the http://www.powerpolitics.org/ Oct 9 post on "Into The Future"

My comments Are In Bold:

1. Princeton ethicist Peter Singer authors the lead essay, contending that "during the next 35 years, the traditional view of the sanctity of human life will collapse under pressure from scientific, technological, and demographic developments." Singer is prominent in his field, and is acknowledged as one of the leading scholars in the area of animal rights. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3159&print=1

I don't agreed with this, as my observation is that as people moving more into Technology & Sciences, they are more tendency to believe in the power of super-nature & also the philosophy of religions that more acceptable to their life. i.e. Stephen Hawkins is a firm believer of Christ & god. Whereas, Albert Einstein; he had said that the more he understand about Buddhism, the more he think that it is not a religion.....

2. The next essay is a prediction of the demise of political parties by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso. This was, for sure, one of the least persuasive essays. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3160&print=1

If you research into the human behavior, you would discover that that cannot be true. As the basic organization of groups are

Preacher's
Warrior's
Soldier's
Laborer’s

As long as the classification is there for the past; the present & into the future, my opinion is that the political parties shall exist!!

3. Christopher Hitchens follows that up with a piece on why there's a good chance that the Euro will collapse. As usual, the essay is well-written and literary; in this case, however, that hurts the strength of Hitchens' argument. The case that the Euro will collapse is certainly there; the EU has proven to be a tenuous and politically weak institution in that it's dominated by member-states and their parochial concerns. A divergence between the European economies that the EU is unable to bridge may very well lay the groundwork for a collapse, as the concept of the unified currency is predicated on the idea that Europe really is one economy.
http://foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3161&print=1

The answer can be yes & no.
Yes is Euro currency can be seen as a international currency after the US$!!

No is the currency have not actually well adopted by members' of the union that they are committed to use EU$ as their common national currencies.

4. After Hitchens comes Shintaro Ishihara, governor of Tokyo and a Japanese nationalist. He predicts that Japan will become a strong and interventionist Asian power. The general concept underlying this thinking--that the great power competition in Asia will compel Tokyo to adopt a security posture grounded in realism--has been discussed before on this blog, and I remain supportive of the theory. The movement toward a more traditional foreign policy, in fact, has already gained widespread acceptance among the elite, as expressed by the serious bipartisan effort to amend Japan's constitution and remove its mandate of pacifism.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3164&print=1

In my observation, Japan would unlikely become a super-power in Asia. It is because the effect of Atomic bomb to end the 2nd world war still felt deep in the Heart of Japanese & the Asian in South East Asia. As well as the China is growing strong in economy, Chinese Government & people would also like to see a peaceful Japan then a military super-power Japan.

5. Minxin Pei follows with why he thinks the Chinese Communist Party will disappear, and I generally agree. China is definitely going to shift away from dictatorship and toward more democratic institutions. My one caveat would be that the Party may very well survive, but in name only; meaning that, for all intents and purposes, the old Party would be dead. Lord John Browne on why the cars of the future will hardly emit anything dangerous is decent enough, I suppose, but it seemed fairly bland compared to rest of the articles; surely he could've gone into a little more depth on this obviously important issue, as he has done in print before. Same with Professor Lawrence Lessig's argument that the public domain will disappear, which was unnecessarily alarmist and short-sighted. Among the rest of the predictions, there are only two I find of interest. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3174&print=1

In actual fact, in the Chinese history, the word of "Communist Party" never existed. For the 6,000 years of Chinese civilization, Chinese politics is model on the socialism of Chinese kind. By & large the political system is based on the "Family Politics System" which the Father of the Family have the final say, if want study the reason then Mao expel the Russian adviser's out of the China Communist International, then you would understand why I said.

6. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father, discusses the increasing importance of demography. In his view, "it will gradually dawn on governments that immigration alone cannot solve their demographic troubles and that much more active government involvement in encouraging or discouraging procreation may be necessary." Lee, now retired from government, is unusually perceptive and honest among former politicians, and his views always deserve consideration. In this case, I think he's right to point out the important position that demography will occupy in the future; I think he's also right to say that governments will take a more active role in trying to shape demography. Nevertheless, he puts too great of an emphasis on government authority. In Asia it's true that governments will naturally play a major role in regulating procreation; indeed, they do so already. Yet political culture in the Western world is different, and I suspect that Western governments will play less of a role in fertility decisions than Lee imagines.http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3183&print=1

I believe he is right for the present & near future on this issue. I also agreed that the Western government would pay less in the intervention of role in fertility & birth control. However, if you look at the nature & history of the evolution of the human kinds, you would envisage that Nature would take it coast of it own cause. A simple analogy is looking at the "Aids" in certain countries, these is the deadly decease that cause of self-destruction today!! Whereas, No one can explains why the Mayan race disappeared over night!!

Human race is continue to be into the phrase of integration into a single race, this is what we can see now or 10 births from now, it would through at least another 1,000 perhaps 2,000 generations.

Thai PM Thaksin's Could Be In Danger!!

2005-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:00
Fabio Scrapello could be right "Thaksin Could Be Played by fire!!"

I have monitor the Thailand politics & economy since the mid 60's.

My observations is that Thailand Politics, the day to day operation is control by the Prime Minister & his cabinet. The stability of the Nations is mainly influenceby the Police & the Military General's.

The Royal Thai Kingdom for the past history have been modelling after the China Emperor Court system. Which the king is the supreme commander in the Kingdom. Although for these years of change. In the outlook the Prime Minister & it's cabinet is running the country. The King is more a less a ceremonial figure.

But because of the rich history, religion & culture. The King is still a most important or Supreme figure in the heart of the Thai people.

Between, mid 60's till now, I have witness many military coup's that took the power. & Finally when the King step in & ordered the General's to return the power to their Parliment & return the Democracy to the people.

Thasin is consider very fortunate that after the Last economy downtown , with the guranty purchase order from China. Their Economy is more healthy then anytime in the history.

Thasin may think that using the Military power to enlarge his power base. But that would also invoke the ill feeling of the Police force as well. Then the Parliment could be divied by the 3 groups of infleunce. Namely the People The Military & the Police. Then the equilibrium that built since 1992 would be broken.

With the Aging of the King, the situation may not be as simple to control then before. If the Military General's set another coup!! So the result is beyond imagine.

My opinions is Thaksin should re-think his strategies in the power play. & using the Military Power to his cabinet. Go further to strengthen the economy.. provide food & shelter to his fellow Thai's. Build Thailand as the Nirvana for their citizen. Then he shall be respected like a living Buddha.

Thaksin's power play with Thai generals
By Fabio Scarpello

Thai politics have always been characterized by a close association between the country's military and its politicians. But under the administration of business tycoon turned politician, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, that relationship has changed. Where before the generals held the reigns of power, the prime minister is now calling the shots and has integrated the military into his power base. Analysts who were hoping for a de-politicization of the armed forces fear long-term negative consequences.

There seem to be no limits to Thaksin's power. Re-elected in February by an overwhelming majority to an unprecedented second consecutive term in office, he sits comfortably at the helm of the country with full control over the parliament and cabinet, the latter filled with members of his inner circle. But the prime minister's influence extends much further, encompassing big businesses, bureaucrats, politicians, most of the media, the police and - crucially - the armed forces.

At first glance, the link between Thaksin and the military is nothing new in Thailand, where politicians and generals have always stood shoulder to shoulder. Yet scraping the surface only slightly, it becomes apparent that the current association is made from a different mold. The difference is the shift in the balance of power, which has slipped away from the generals and now - for the first time - lies firmly with the prime minister.

To say that the army has dictated the political tempo in Thailand is an understatement. Historical records tell of 17 coups or attempted coups since 1932 and of generals occupying the prime minister's seat for all but eight years between 1938 and 1988. Furthermore, whenever not in power, the military had been the main force behind most of the civilian leaders who preceded the current prime minister.

The situation is different with Thaksin, who despite training at a military cadet school and serving as a policeman for a few years, entered politics as a civilian and has been legitimized by two democratic elections. Moreover, Thaksin's ascent has coincided with probably the weakest period of the army in modern Thai history.

The military began losing ground in the political arena in the late 1980s, but the turning point in the civilian-military relationship was the violent civilian resistance of May 1992, which brought an end to Thailand's last military regime. The resulting pro-reform movement, culminating with the drafting of the 1997 constitution, cornered the generals' political aspirations and threatened the army's status and its main financial resources. As a consequence, the military had no option but to lie low and partially de-politicize. This trend was interrupted, however, in 2001, when Thaksin was first elected premier.

In this position, Thaksin carved a new role in society for the generals and secured the army's financial resources, halting its decline. Both moves won him favor among most high-ranking officers. The prime minister also set out to transform the country's three armed forces - the Royal Thai Army, the navy and the air force - into another branch of his power base. The approach he used to achieve such a goal involved meddling with the military's internal promotions.

Making over the military
When Thaksin became prime minister, the military lacked a clear role. With the communist threat long gone and without any immediate foreign threat, the military had difficulties in claiming a special role in society and was somehow squeezed out of the limelight by the democratization movement that pressed for its de-politicization. The new situation was in stark contrast to the previous 50 years, during which the military was wrapped up in an aura of reverence and generals were offered senior positions in government agencies.

Thaksin filled the vacuum by using the army to flank the police in dealing with civil issues. Under the current administration, the army has been called upon to deal with protests in rural areas and to play a pivotal role in the "war on drugs" and the "war on dark influences" begun in 2003. The army is currently involved in the predominantly Muslim provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, where civilian unrest has flared since January 2004.

In addition, Thaksin stepped in to ease the chronic surplus of generals in the Thai army by offering "high influential advisory governmental positions" to more then 50 of them. The prime minister has also restored the army's influence over the country's foreign policy - another area in which it had previously been losing ground.

Likewise, Thaksin's rise to power found the armed forces struggling to hold on to their main sources of finance. The share of the national budget allocated to the military had shrunk gradually from 18%, allocated in the 1980s, to about 11-12% in the mid-1990s and 9% in 1999-2000. Even more dangerous for the army was the instruction laid down by the 1997 constitution that called for Thailand's radio and television frequencies to be placed under public management. Such a change meant that the army was in line to lose its main source of income, namely its control over roughly 200 radio frequencies and television Channel 5.

Since 2001, Thaksin has increased the military budget, lifted the embargo on military procurements that had been in place since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, and approved the entire army's spending list for the 2005-13 period. With Thaksin in power, the army has also managed to hold on to its radio frequencies.

Hidden dangers in controlling the military
Regenerating the armed forces' status and securing its financial resources were important means for Thaksin to secure the generals' gratitude, but what turned the military into another part of Thaksin's power base was the relentless meddling with its internal promotions.

In the past four years, Thaksin has pushed some members of his own family and no fewer then 35 of his former cadet-school classmates, collectively know as "Class 10", up the seniority ladder in the army and, to a lesser extent, in the navy and the air force. In doing so, he has shaped a powerful new clique that owes a lot to him and little to ability and seniority. The generals' gratitude translates into open support for Thaksin.

Among the beneficiaries of Thaksin's patronage, Chaisit Shinawatra, one of Thaksin's cousins, deserves special mention.

From August 2001 (the first military reshuffle under Thaksin) to August 2003, Chaisit shot to the very top of the army's hierarchy. In rapid succession he was promoted to lieutenant-general (2001), full general (2002) and then army commander (2003). His meteoric rise - as noted at the time by several military experts - would have been impossible without political connections. Last August, Chaisit was pushed into the highly ceremonial role of armed forces supreme commander, after his failure to ease separatist tensions in the troubled south and his involvement in Channel 5's controversial plan to be listed on the Thai stock exchange.

Some analysts have argued that Thaksin is playing with fire with his military meddling and say he not only risks burning his fingers but might set the whole house ablaze.

"The re-politicization of the military is very dangerous for Thailand and for Thaksin himself; he cannot handle it," said Professor Ukrist Pathmanand, assistant director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University and co-author of the book The Thaksinization of Thailand.

Part of what worries Professor Pathmanand - and a few others - is that by allowing Class 10 to dominate the armed forces, Thaksin has opened the door to the risk of another military coup. In his book, Pathmanand noted that some of Thailand's past military coups - Class 7 or "The Young Turks" in 1977, attempts in 1981 and 1985 and Class 5 in 1991- were the direct consequence of a specific military-class supremacy.

"It has happened before and it could happen again," Pathmanand said.

Other critics, including Suriyasai Katasila, secretary general of the Campaign for Popular Democracy, fear that by allowing his friends to leapfrog the seniority ladder, Thaksin has created a larger and more unhappy layer of generals. Such a situation, they argue, could lead to a takeover, especially if the socio-political situation in the country were to change.

"Thaksin has interfered too much with the promotion of his peers in the military," Suriyasai said.

Although the logic behind both analyses stands, it must be noticed that Thaksin's current grip on power and the lessons of history have made the eventuality of another "successful" military coup in Thailand a slim possibility - as noted by Abhisit Vejjajiva, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, in an interview in late December.

Asia Times Online :: Southeast Asia news and business from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam