The committee suggested, however, that "specific professions" may justify "heightened protection" and "statutory protection should be considered."
Hazel Blears, said: “What we’ve found is that the way in which the agencies use the capabilities they have is authorised, lawful, necessary and proportionate.“ But what we’ve also found is there is a degree of confusion and lack of transparency about the way in which this is authorised in our legal system. It is that lack of transparency that leads to people reaching the conclusion that there is blanket surveillance, indiscriminate surveillance.” Not unlike recent controversial revelations by Edward Snowden about surveillance and collection of data about Americans, one of the single most important revelations is that British intelligence agencies have had the capability to trawl through personal records and examine “bulk personal datasets” without any statutory oversight. David Cameron, the UK prime minister, responded immediately with a statement saying the intelligence services commissioner, Sir Mark Waller, would be given “statutory powers of oversight of use of bulk personal datasets.” Not all of the report, however, was available for public review, as portions of it were censored, according to the Guardian. Datasets containing personal information about British citizens vary in size from a few hundred to millions of records. And astonishingly, there is no legalities governing constraint on the storage, restrain, retention, sharing or destruction. Surveillance agencies do not require ministerial authorisation to access the information. “The lack of clarity in existing laws and the lack of transparent policies beneath them has not only fuelled suspicions and allegations but has also meant the agencies could be open to challenge for failing to meet their human rights obligations,” the report said. The ISC calls this report a landmark for ‘openness and transparency’ – but how do we trust agencies who have acted unlawfully, hacked the world’s largest sim card manufacturer and developed technologies capable of collecting our login details and passwords, manipulating our mobile devices and hacking our computers and webcams? “No doubt it would be simpler if we went along with the spies’ motto of ‘no scrutiny for us, no privacy for you’ – but what an appalling deal for the British public.” Resources https://news.vice.com/article/uk-needs-complete-revamp-of-surveillance-laws-official-report-finds http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/12/uk-surveillance-laws-need-total-overhaul-says-landmark-report-edward-snowden
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As noted on the website, “various organizations identify their own International Women's Day theme, specific to their local context and interests. Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. For example, organizations like the UN, Oxfam, Women for Women, Care International, Plan, World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and more - run exciting and powerful campaigns that raise awareness and encourage donations for good causes. The UN has been declaring an annual equality theme for many years.” London In London 600 women marched to demand equality. Dr. Helen Pankhurst, the great granddaughter of Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst participated with her 20-year-old daughter. Celebrities included singers Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith and Made In Dagenham actress Gemma Arterton. The entourage gathered and marched near London’s City Hall. Some women dressed in antique clothing representing 20th century Suffragettes. In 1918 the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed an act granting the vote to women over the age of 30 who were householders, the wives of householders, occupiers of property with an annual rent of £5, and graduates of British universities. Sunday’s march included demonstrations calling for equal representation for men and women in parliament. New York “Women's rights are human rights!" shouted by some amid an uproar of car horns, drumbeats and police commands, reported by Associated Press. Marchers started in the plaza near the United Nations and ended at Times Square where participants called for gender equality and comparable worth pay for women. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife Chirline McCray spoke to the assembly. "Today, you are marching in the footsteps of generations of feminists," noting that International Women's Day commemorates the day in 1908 when thousands of women marched through the city demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights, they said. Gaza Celebrations around the world included women marching, speaking their minds, and advocating for rights of women. For Palestinian women living in Gaza, however, the hardships they suffer every day as a result of the conflict overshadow the festive atmosphere prevalent in other cities. The International community has responded, however, and there is growing awareness about the unique, detrimental impact armed conflict has on women. The international community representatives in the UN passed number of significant resolutions on women’s involvement in conflict resolution and peace building (for instance, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325). This is how the celebration of Women’s Day was reported on Facebook: International Women's Day: In Gaza, extra burdens are placed on women as heads of households where men are in prison, disabled or killed. But Gazans cope. They have to. The stresses placed on women in Gaza are multiplied by the ongoing conflicts with Israel. Approximately 1,000 Palestinian and Israeli women gathered on Saturday at 11am at either sides of Qalandia checkpoint separating Jerusalem and Ramallah to protest the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza on Saturday, the eve of International Women’s Day, reported by Al Arabiya News. Israeli and Palestinian women demonstrating were undaunted and about 1000 were sprayed with teargas, with at least 10 having been injured and rushed for medical treatment. Although the protestors made several attempts to meet midway, Israeli authorities forbade them from doing so. In the true spirit of the Suffragettes a century ago, women united for equality and freedom from Jerusalem, Nazareth, Acre-Haifa, Tel Aviv and the Galilee, as well as various towns across the West Bank, they chanted for equal rights for women on both sides and an end to the oppression, discrimination and the siege on Gaza. Afghanistan In many cities men participated in solidarity with woman, but in Afghanistan the suppression of women was surprisingly demonstrated as men wore burqas to draw attention to women’s rights. The Taliban forced women to wear burqas in public during their rule in the 1990s and concern is growing in Afghanistan and among its allies that gains for women made since the 2001 U.S.-led ouster of the Taliban are at risk, according to a report by Reuters. A group called Afghan Peace Volunteers organized the march in solidarity with recognition of International Women’s Day on Sunday. "Our authorities will be celebrating International Women's Day in big hotels, but we wanted to take it to the streets," said activist Basir, 29 they said in the report. "One of the best ways to understand how women feel is to walk around and wear a burqa." The burqa covers the entire body, with a mesh fabric window to see through. Though a symbol of Taliban treatment of women, it remains commonly worn in many parts of Afghanistan. Even though the political statement by the 20 men drew a mixed reaction as they donned the burqas, public political activism indicates the changing tide in suppression of women in the country. Having men demonstrate in favor of women’s rights to wear clothing of choice furthers not only women’s rights, but also human rights in the war torn country attempting to rise out of the ashes of war and civil strife. In cities and countries around the world that celebrated International Women’s Day, one theme prevailed and that is women and men can be united for women’s rights, whether it’s protecting the right to vote in the US, women’s freedom and safety in Gaza, or the right to wear clothing of choice in Afghanistan. Resources http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/08/hundreds-march-london-equality-international-womens-day http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/york-city-marks-international-womens-day-march-29483288 http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2015/03/08/Palestinian-Israeli-women-protest-occupation-to-mark-International-Women-s-Day.html A full toxicology report is pending and should shed more information on the death of beloved dog. There are no other reports of dogs being sick at the show as of this report.
Unlike some dog shows where access to the dogs is limited, Crufts show is different. "The accessibility of shows such as Crufts... is such that the general public can wander in and out of the dogs' benches and approach any dog, so to keep an eye on everybody who came up and spoke to the dogs is very difficult,” said a family member of the dog’s owner. The Crufts Dog Show is advertised as the largest dog show in the world and is sponsored by Eukanuba Pet Food. Crufts boasts it is no longer only a dog show but a celebration of every aspect of the role dogs play in our lives. Established in 1891 by the Victorian show man Charles Crufts, the show has evolved since then and become part of the British canine establishment in the country. The judges are trained to ensure that only healthy dogs win prizes to ensure healthy and safe breeding practices by owners. Dog owners around the world send their condolences to the owners of Jagger and share in the grief for the loss of their family member. Dogs are members of our families and their loss is felt deeply. We hope the killers of Jagger will be found and prosecuted according to British law. Resources http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-31792152 http://www.crufts.org.uk/content/show-information/history-of-crufts/
Plaintiffs case involves the wording does not include some 7.5 million people in 34 states who get their insurance through federal exchanges, after their states declined to run exchanges of their own. Millions of people would lose the subsidies needed to help pay for private health insurance if the court decides for the Competitive Enterprise Institute. During the hearing, the justices appeared sharply divided during Wednesday’s arguments, and a decision is expected by June of this year. The US Internal Revenue Service is charged with implementing the law and interprets the subsidies as being available for all eligible individuals in the health exchanges nationwide, in both exchanges set up by the states and the federal government. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. defended the position of the administration. He ridiculed the challengers argument saying it "revokes the promise of affordable care for millions of Americans -- that cannot be the statute that Congress intended,” reported by CNN. The court’s four liberal members voiced strong support for the administration’s position. But the administration must almost certainly capture the vote of either Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. or Justice Anthony M. Kennedy to prevail. Chief Justice Roberts did not say very much that would indicate which way he was leaning. Justice Kennedy asked questions suggesting that he was uncomfortable with the administration’s reading of the statute. But he added that the challengers’ reading posed problems, too. “Your argument raises a serious constitutional question,” he told their lawyer, according to the New York Times. Solicitor General Donald B. Verrilli Jr. argued for the Obama administration, facing Michael A. Carvin, who represented the plaintiffs in another challenge to the law that reached the Supreme Court in 2012. The argument, which lasted 80 minutes rather than the usual hour, started with a presentation from Mr. Carvin that was tied closely to the text of the law. “This is a straightforward question of statutory interpretation,” he said If the Court rules against the Affordable Care Act, millions of individuals will no longer be eligible for the subsidies. The fate of the law could rest—again-- on Chief Justice John Roberts -- who surprised many in 2012 when he voted to uphold the law -- he said next to nothing on Wednesday so not to indicate which way he was leaning toward. Americans will have to wait for the US Supreme Court decision which will be made public in May or June. At this point there are no preparations in place if the administration loses. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell warned that if the government loses it has prepared no back up plan to "undo the massive damage." Resources http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/us/supreme-court-arguments-health-care-law.html http://www.democracynow.org/2015/3/5/millions_could_lose_obamacare_coverage_as http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/04/politics/obamacare-supreme-court-oral-arguments/ http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2015/03/06/Obamacare-s-Fate-Rests-Argument-State-s-Rights
He then doubled down saying further that the ad reflected “close-knit and conservative” views, which to this writer’s perspective is even more reason for hiring practices to be monitored to protect civil rights of minority religious populations as well as atheists.
One could say the KuKluxKlan was “close-knit and conservative,” but that did not mitigate the horrific and violent nature of its members, nor the repugnance with which the larger American society viewed them. Being “close-knit and conservative” does not give a pass on civil liberties and human rights. Publically funded education is not a place for school administrators or teachers to advance or proselytize children about their personal points of view on religion or politics, as young minds are still developing and vulnerable. Taking advantage of children as a captive audience to impose one’s personal philosophy is wrong. The fact that a community could be perceived as “conservative” or even “liberal” for that matter has nothing to do with providing children non-prejudicial and non-judgmental educational principles that respect all people and belief systems. Resources http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/03/michigan-school-district-seeks-chief-with-strong-christian-background-until-aclu-notices/ http://religionandpolitics.org/2014/01/07/the-dangers-of-religious-instruction-in-public-schools/ Perry responded to recent reports that the Clinton foundation had not notified the State Department when it previously accepted a donation from a foreign nation, Perry questioned Clinton was loyal. “I think it falls flat in the face of the American people when it comes to, are you going to trust an individual who has taken that much money from a foreign source? Where’s your loyalty?” Perry said in the interview. The donation in question was from Algeria for $500,000 and came right after the Haiti earthquake. All of the funds were distributed for relief there. The Clinton Foundation is a nonprofit that focuses on issues like economic and leadership development and health security. Since 2010, they’ve raised a total of $36 million for Haiti efforts, according to MSNBC. “The foundation acknowledged they should have alerted officials about the donation from the country,” they said in the report. “As the Clinton Foundation did with all donations it received for earthquake relief, the entire amount of Algeria’s contribution was distributed as aid in Haiti,” the statement said. “This donation was disclosed publicly on the Clinton Foundation website; however, the State Department should have also been formally informed.” Still, Perry chose to paint the oversight in policy protocol as American disloyalty. And even more egregious and presumptive he suggested the American people would question it. Question what exactly? How does an accidental breach in protocol equate to American disloyalty? This kind of exaggeration casts doubt on the mayor’s real intentions. The tactics by Giuliani and Perry are similar to infamous Republican “whisper campaigns.” The difference is that in “whisper campaigns” the lies, half truths, and suppositions are spread masking the perpetrator of origin to protect liability. The two mayors in this case are overtly attempting to plant a seed of unpatriotic doubt into the minds of Americans about two of the most prominent Democrats—one the current president and the other possibly a future president. The best way to counter this kind of propaganda is to call it out and confront vague innuendo with facts and the truth. Still once a derogatory allusion has been broached, some people who want to believe the worst, even if it’s untrue, will do so. As competition for the media spotlight surrounding the 2016 elections intensifies, are these seemingly casual smears an intentional, nefarious effort by Republicans to begin chipping away at the creditability of Democratic leaders? Running and holding public office means a candidate puts themselves, their family and reputation out for public scrutiny. It’s not for the faint at heart or those unseasoned in the challenges of seeking a career in politics; therefore, President Obama and Mrs. Clinton will move forward prioritizing the best interests of Americans at heart as they have done throughout their careers. Resources http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rudy-giuliani-let-me-explain-why-i-said-obama-doesnt-love-america/ http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/democrats-criticize-giuliani-comments-obamas-patriotism-29076933 Jones, Tim (March 27, 2007). "Barack Obama: Mother not just a girl from Kansas; Stanley Ann Dunham shaped a future senator". Chicago Tribune. p. 1 (Tempo). http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/02/22/obama-bush-patriotism-politicians-america-column/23842055/ http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/rick-perry-questions-hillary-clinton-loyalty |
Dava Castillo
is retired and lives in Clearlake, California. She has three grown
children and one grandson and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services
Administration from St. Mary’s College in Moraga California. On the
home front Dava enjoys time with her family, reading, gardening, cooking
and sewing. Archives
November 2015
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