Yes, it's a story worthy of the Комитет государственной безопасности (KGB), Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo), and/or (let's do one more) Ministerium für Staatssicherheit (Stasi)...or maybe, too, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)...okay that was two more.
But now I digress!
The remains of former PLO leader, Yassir Arafat, are being exhumed as I type this missive in hopes to quash, or sustain, the suspicions of his wife that he was clandestinely poisoned by the המוסד למודיעין ולתפקידים מיוחדים--MOSSAD--or Israeli intelligence agency.
Arafat met his demise in a Paris military hospital in 2004 of unknown circumstances. Since his death, clues have surfaced that point to the possibility that he had been poisoned by polonium, which had been used as a method of assassination by the (defunct?) KGB on one of their former jabber-jawed agents in the United Kingdom. After all, they found evidence of the isotope on the former PLO leader's clothing.
Okay, maybe that part is hearsay and construed partly from my own wild imagination, but the truth remains that there exists a veil of a less than natural demise.
I think it is a ploy to rebury him in Jerusalem, since he was denied that courtesy by the Israeli government, citing, "Jerusalem is the burial place of Jewish kings, not of Arab terrorists."
That's harsh!
Personally, I'd like to see what he was keeping under that thing he wore on his head. I guess there are reasons I'm not invited to every exhumation!
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Pimpin' ain't easy!
When I read the charge levied against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of aggravated pimping, I literally burst out laughing. It is almost like a joke. Even now, my fingers are filled with laughter, as I type!
Only in France...
Only in France...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Libyan Independence: Homegrown or Out-Sourced?
After seeing the jubiliant throngs of rebels taking to the streets of a seemingly annexed Tripoli, I am left with a few questions about how these rebels came so far so fast.
My concerns were brought back to the forefront of my mind when I was watching a video provided by CNN, in which the reporter, who was at Gadhafi's former stronghold, Bab al-Aziziya, commented that a rather large crater in the center of the compound's grounds was caused by a NATO bomb.
Now, if I am led to believe that those machine gun toting, 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch wearing, hooting and showboating rebel soldiers did all this by themselves, does that make me a chump?
The answer, I'm afraid, is yes.
If we recall this revolution, as it were, started in the eastern part of Libya. Gadhafi's forces were pushing toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi about the same time the United Nations called for a ceasefire and the institution of a no-fly zone. Of course, Gadhafi forces were unwilling to accept these terms in the long-term. Why? Because the apparant words of the United Nations only applied to Gadhafi forces and not those of the rebels. Clearly, in this case, what was good for the goose was no where good enough for the gander.
In the days and weeks following this mandate, NATO-led forces, including France and the United States, commenced bombarding Gadhafi loyal forces and strongholds from the sea and air. All the while, rebel forces waltzed west facing only token resistance. Anything stronger from Gadhafi forces meant a whooping by NATO from the sky.
While countries like Tunisia and Egypt can say their revolution was homegrown and delivered by their own people, Libya is not in a similiar situation. Libyan forces relied on a friendly hand from Europe and America to do the work they were unable to do.
So, while watching the smiling faces of rebel forces in Libya, remember there truely is an invisible, wrathful hand watching over them from above. And I'm not talking about a man in a white beard, either.
My concerns were brought back to the forefront of my mind when I was watching a video provided by CNN, in which the reporter, who was at Gadhafi's former stronghold, Bab al-Aziziya, commented that a rather large crater in the center of the compound's grounds was caused by a NATO bomb.
Now, if I am led to believe that those machine gun toting, 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch wearing, hooting and showboating rebel soldiers did all this by themselves, does that make me a chump?
The answer, I'm afraid, is yes.
If we recall this revolution, as it were, started in the eastern part of Libya. Gadhafi's forces were pushing toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi about the same time the United Nations called for a ceasefire and the institution of a no-fly zone. Of course, Gadhafi forces were unwilling to accept these terms in the long-term. Why? Because the apparant words of the United Nations only applied to Gadhafi forces and not those of the rebels. Clearly, in this case, what was good for the goose was no where good enough for the gander.
In the days and weeks following this mandate, NATO-led forces, including France and the United States, commenced bombarding Gadhafi loyal forces and strongholds from the sea and air. All the while, rebel forces waltzed west facing only token resistance. Anything stronger from Gadhafi forces meant a whooping by NATO from the sky.
While countries like Tunisia and Egypt can say their revolution was homegrown and delivered by their own people, Libya is not in a similiar situation. Libyan forces relied on a friendly hand from Europe and America to do the work they were unable to do.
So, while watching the smiling faces of rebel forces in Libya, remember there truely is an invisible, wrathful hand watching over them from above. And I'm not talking about a man in a white beard, either.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Terror in Detroit
What's going on in Schiphol?
A U.S. bound plane from Amsterdam to Detroit is the focus of an attempted terrorist's act. If it hadn't been for the quick action of some passengers the scenario may have played out quite differently.
To answer my own question, though, why would a world class facility, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, allow someone with an incendiary device through its security? Let me paint a picture for you using a personal experience.
While returning home from one of my trips to Paris, I encountered a lapse in security at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Now, you'd imagine that Charles de Gaulle, or as the French call it, Roissy, being one of the top airports in Europe, would have impeccable security. Well, it does, if you use it consistently.
I was boarding a trans-Atlantic flight from Paris to Cincinnati. International airports serving airports in the U.S. are required by the TSA to conduct the same security protocols as implemented in the United States for domestic and international flights. In the United States, they do everything but Roto-Rooter your ass (and even then some people get that privilege).
But back to Roissy.
As we approached the metal detectors, a sign clearly stated--in French and English--we had to remove our shoes and place them in a plastic bin for extra screening; however, most people were not removing their shoes. Security officers simply allowed those people who had kept their shoes on to pass quietly through security, my party included! (Let's face it, taking your shoes off in public is not a very appealing thing to do.)
Am I saying that x-raying our shoes would have stopped a terrorist attack? No. But I am saying that basic security protocols were not enforced; therefore, who can say if all the basic security protocols in Schiphol were enforced? Europe is a lot less anal about these sorts of things. They think Americans have a stick up their ass for being so hard-nosed about invading people's privacy.
Come to think of it, they might be right!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Capital Punishment
CNN recently posted a very disturbing story to its website about capital punishment.
Since 1984, a Texas reporter, Mike Graczyk, has allegedly been witness to over 315 executions in Texas. Since 1976, Texas has executed 439 individuals. That means Graczyk has witnessed 72% of them. According to state officials, he has witnessed more executions than anyone else. (In the article's photograph, he looks pretty jazzed up about the infamous honor.)
When I first began to read this article, I thought that the number of 439 was for the entire United States since 1976. I was stunned when I realized those statistics are simply for the state of Texas!
The United States is a developed nation that still uses third world techniques to punish its criminals. In the 21st century, the United States must work to abolish, forever, its torture of both the guilty and innocent, called capital punishment.
After vacationing in France, I find it hard to believe that the United States continues to willing lag behind its European contemporaries in many things, which includes its stubborn habit of using death as a punishment. In fact, it is embarrassing and appalling.
Since 1984, a Texas reporter, Mike Graczyk, has allegedly been witness to over 315 executions in Texas. Since 1976, Texas has executed 439 individuals. That means Graczyk has witnessed 72% of them. According to state officials, he has witnessed more executions than anyone else. (In the article's photograph, he looks pretty jazzed up about the infamous honor.)
When I first began to read this article, I thought that the number of 439 was for the entire United States since 1976. I was stunned when I realized those statistics are simply for the state of Texas!
The United States is a developed nation that still uses third world techniques to punish its criminals. In the 21st century, the United States must work to abolish, forever, its torture of both the guilty and innocent, called capital punishment.
After vacationing in France, I find it hard to believe that the United States continues to willing lag behind its European contemporaries in many things, which includes its stubborn habit of using death as a punishment. In fact, it is embarrassing and appalling.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sarkozy swept to safety from Tel Aviv tarmac
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was ending a three day meeting with Israeli officials, was swept to the safety of his airplane after the sound of a gunshot was heard in the security area surrounding the tarmac, along with his wife, Carla Bruni. Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was placed inside his car, which was parked on the tarmac.
Officials soon ascertained that the gunshot was the result of an Israeli soldier who had committed suicide. The prime minister later boarded the French president's plane to personally inform him of the situation.
Officials soon ascertained that the gunshot was the result of an Israeli soldier who had committed suicide. The prime minister later boarded the French president's plane to personally inform him of the situation.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
All Tanned and Coiffed
After a nice eight days in gai Paris, I am finally returned home. The trip itself was wild. What happens in Paris stays in Paris, yes? With that said, the most I am willing to divulge is my new tan (which was rather serendipitous in attainment).
Honestly, I almost stayed, in lieu of returning home. I found it hard to leave something that is so magical and liberal. The French are everything Americans are not. They are bold and understanding. At the same time, however, we, as Americans are more outgoing in our convictions, which is a virtue, also. In the end, though, I decided that I had to return home. Home is where the heart is, after all. My heart will always be in the land that bore me: America.
I am still suffering some touches of jet lag. I am usually good about getting over it quickly. Give me a few hours of sleep in the middle of the day and I am fine. That is when I am going ahead in time, of course. When I arrived in France, I had to catch up six hours. Now, I am slowing down to be caught up by the time deficiency. In fact, it is still one a.m. in my mind. I should be asleep, perhaps. By tomorrow, I prophecy, that I will be as good as gold.
All-in-all, it was a bon journée.
Honestly, I almost stayed, in lieu of returning home. I found it hard to leave something that is so magical and liberal. The French are everything Americans are not. They are bold and understanding. At the same time, however, we, as Americans are more outgoing in our convictions, which is a virtue, also. In the end, though, I decided that I had to return home. Home is where the heart is, after all. My heart will always be in the land that bore me: America.
I am still suffering some touches of jet lag. I am usually good about getting over it quickly. Give me a few hours of sleep in the middle of the day and I am fine. That is when I am going ahead in time, of course. When I arrived in France, I had to catch up six hours. Now, I am slowing down to be caught up by the time deficiency. In fact, it is still one a.m. in my mind. I should be asleep, perhaps. By tomorrow, I prophecy, that I will be as good as gold.
All-in-all, it was a bon journée.
Back
After a total of about seventeen hours in flight--to France and home again--I am back!
And what a time I had while I was there!
And what a time I had while I was there!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
Trip Anxiety
As the day approaches for me to leave for Paris, I find myself worrying more and more about the little things, which I suppose is normal (but I hate).
I wonder if I will have enough clothes; what if they get stained? Soiled? Ripped? Lost?
I worry about money; will I lose my credit cards? Will someone steal my cash? Will the housekeeper help herself to my things while I'm not there?
I just want to wake up and find myself there with no problems. I don't want to sweat the little things. I suppose I need a travel planner/personal assistant, someone to pack my luggage, hold my hand on the flight, escort me to all the places I want to go, feed me, water me, bathe me, and in general, take care of me.
Wow! That's a lot of responsibility. How will I manage?
I wonder if I will have enough clothes; what if they get stained? Soiled? Ripped? Lost?
I worry about money; will I lose my credit cards? Will someone steal my cash? Will the housekeeper help herself to my things while I'm not there?
I just want to wake up and find myself there with no problems. I don't want to sweat the little things. I suppose I need a travel planner/personal assistant, someone to pack my luggage, hold my hand on the flight, escort me to all the places I want to go, feed me, water me, bathe me, and in general, take care of me.
Wow! That's a lot of responsibility. How will I manage?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Trip to France
After much work, I have finally worked out my trip to France.
I will be leaving on July 15 and returning on July 23. I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation in Paris. I am not setting an agenda for myself while I am there, either. I have told some people I may simply stay in the hotel room the whole time, and I just might (not really).
I do want to go and experience some places of historical significance. I am going to visit Versailles, of course. Also, I may get my nerve up to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the panoramic view of Paris. I want to visit the different areas of Paris and see the architecture, while sampling the local cuisine.
My greatest hope is to not get lost and make it back home in one piece. This will be my greatest solo adventure ever. I really wanted to do this trip alone. It is sort of a way to reconnect with myself without having people around me that I know. Let's face it, in a city of millions of people, no one is going to know me, which is perfect. I can become a completely different person, if I want. Hmmm...??? I doubt that will happen, though, I am pretty set in my ways and neuroses.
I just hope there aren't any snakes on the plane! (Okay, bad joke.)
I will be leaving on July 15 and returning on July 23. I am looking forward to some rest and relaxation in Paris. I am not setting an agenda for myself while I am there, either. I have told some people I may simply stay in the hotel room the whole time, and I just might (not really).
I do want to go and experience some places of historical significance. I am going to visit Versailles, of course. Also, I may get my nerve up to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the panoramic view of Paris. I want to visit the different areas of Paris and see the architecture, while sampling the local cuisine.
My greatest hope is to not get lost and make it back home in one piece. This will be my greatest solo adventure ever. I really wanted to do this trip alone. It is sort of a way to reconnect with myself without having people around me that I know. Let's face it, in a city of millions of people, no one is going to know me, which is perfect. I can become a completely different person, if I want. Hmmm...??? I doubt that will happen, though, I am pretty set in my ways and neuroses.
I just hope there aren't any snakes on the plane! (Okay, bad joke.)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Nicolas Sarkozy: France's Bush?
Today, France elected Nicolas Sarkozy, a conservative, over liberal candidate, Segolene Royal, as its president.
Sarkozy has already boasted his friendship for the United States, which can be either positive or negative. He is also considered to have a heavy hand when it comes to national policies. Many expect that he will "strong-arm" and micro-manage the government of France for the next five years.
It is my sincere hope that the people of France did not elect their own version of George W. Bush. Of course, his ideas may sound progressive and nationalistic, but they will soon pander to the select few who are responsible for helping to get him elected today, like Bush did. Why not? That's what conservatives do!
Sarkozy has already boasted his friendship for the United States, which can be either positive or negative. He is also considered to have a heavy hand when it comes to national policies. Many expect that he will "strong-arm" and micro-manage the government of France for the next five years.
It is my sincere hope that the people of France did not elect their own version of George W. Bush. Of course, his ideas may sound progressive and nationalistic, but they will soon pander to the select few who are responsible for helping to get him elected today, like Bush did. Why not? That's what conservatives do!
Sarkozy Succeeds Chirac as President of France
Nicolas Sarkozy wins 53% of the French electorate to become the next president of France. He will take over after twelve years of Jacques Chirac's tenure as president.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sarkozy et Royal
In the French presidential election, two candidates, Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal, came out on top. Even though, Sarkozy came in ahead at 30.46% of the vote, Royal only trailed at 24.41%. Now the two candidates meet each other on May 6 for the run-off election, and to see who will succeed Jacques Chirac as president of the French Republic.
Élections Présidentielles Françaises, Partie Deux
Since my last post regarding the national elections in France, it has been reported that this year's election is the largest in decades for the French people. I find it refreshing that people take their obligations seriously.
The following are links to information about L'élection du Président de la République française:
Google News
L'Election Présidentielle 2007
The following are links to information about L'élection du Président de la République française:
Google News
L'Election Présidentielle 2007
Élections Présidentielles Françaises
Merci, et l'accueillez à mon forum politique.
(Forgive me if I slaughtered the above translations. I was just trying to have a bit of fun translating.)
Who will France elect as its next president? After twelve years, French president, Jacques Chirac, has decided to retire from public life, leaving the French electorate free to usher in a new era of French politics.
The candidates for the French presidency are varied on their ideas regarding the United States. How will the new president influence international attention when it comes to US policies, in such places as Iraq (and the Middle East, in general)?
Unlike presidential elections in the United States, France has an open system that allows different parties to put forward formidable candidates, rather than having two exclusive political parties. This election year, France has at least four viable candidates vying for the top position. These range from conservatives, like Nicolas Sarkozy, liberal candidates, such as Segolene Royal, and the moderates are being led by Francois Bayrou. There is also a Bush-like candidate, who running to far to the right he almost failed to register on the radar, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
In addition, the French have an admirable run-off system for presidential candidates. If any candidate fails to garner at least fifty percent of the vote, then the two top candidates go to a run-off election, which is scheduled for May. Then, from those two top candidates the people of France can elect their president; thus, giving them a truly superior form of electoral democracy.
It is fair to say that if the United States had such a system, we might have avoided eight years of George W. Bush. The election of a president must be the right of the people, not the Supreme Court of that country, or a particular state's secretary of state, who is doing the candidate's brother (who happens to be the governor of certain state) a political favor.
I have my money on the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal, but it is far from my right to even have an opinion on the issue, since I am not French.
Liberté. Égalité. Fraternité.
(Forgive me if I slaughtered the above translations. I was just trying to have a bit of fun translating.)
Who will France elect as its next president? After twelve years, French president, Jacques Chirac, has decided to retire from public life, leaving the French electorate free to usher in a new era of French politics.
The candidates for the French presidency are varied on their ideas regarding the United States. How will the new president influence international attention when it comes to US policies, in such places as Iraq (and the Middle East, in general)?
Unlike presidential elections in the United States, France has an open system that allows different parties to put forward formidable candidates, rather than having two exclusive political parties. This election year, France has at least four viable candidates vying for the top position. These range from conservatives, like Nicolas Sarkozy, liberal candidates, such as Segolene Royal, and the moderates are being led by Francois Bayrou. There is also a Bush-like candidate, who running to far to the right he almost failed to register on the radar, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
In addition, the French have an admirable run-off system for presidential candidates. If any candidate fails to garner at least fifty percent of the vote, then the two top candidates go to a run-off election, which is scheduled for May. Then, from those two top candidates the people of France can elect their president; thus, giving them a truly superior form of electoral democracy.
It is fair to say that if the United States had such a system, we might have avoided eight years of George W. Bush. The election of a president must be the right of the people, not the Supreme Court of that country, or a particular state's secretary of state, who is doing the candidate's brother (who happens to be the governor of certain state) a political favor.
I have my money on the Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal, but it is far from my right to even have an opinion on the issue, since I am not French.
Liberté. Égalité. Fraternité.
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