Monday, April 23, 2012

To Suggest We Allow Local Law To Dictate Our Norms While Upholding The Idea That America Alone Is Exceptional Is Just Plain Inexplicable


Article Analysis Assignment

First, read a news story from the newspaper or the Internet.  Answer the following questions regarding your news story: 1) What is the main issue, who are the main actors being discussed;  Then, choose one of the assigned articles you read for this week.  Answer the following questions regarding the assigned article: 1) What are the basics of this article (who, what, when, how, why, etc.);  2) What is the overall main point the author is trying to convince you of?  3) Do you agree with the author’s argument?  Why?  Why not?   Finally, tie together your news story with what you learned from the assigned article, textbook readings, podcasts, videos, etc. for this week.  Type your answers in the box below using your own words, no outline or bullets, complete sentences and paragraphs, single-spaced, full-page. 







This week I chose the article “Columbian President to Obama” because it is apparent the emphasis of this trip, certainly from the media focus, has been on the wrong syllable. Here is a helpful link no-one seems to have heard of or find titillating in the least: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/04/13/fact-sheet-small-business-network-americas
Our nearest neighbor to the south, Mexico, is by common measure  notably near civil war and in some areas  run by dangerous drug cartels—what we may not have realized: six Walton family members, using tremendous wealth, are party to subverting civil society in the name of the all-holy profit margin. Until they are called to the carpet and given fair chance to repent financially, this pattern of corrupt misbehavior will continue to not only tarnish America’s image, but limit Mexico’s growth and development as well. And on down the multiplying line.
In case you don’t know what I am referring to, corporate giant and largest employer (IN THE WORLD) Wal-Mart is trying to excuse some pretty shady bribery (though tame in scale)  in our southern neighborhood. The story itself is in the New York Times; worth the read.
According to Forbes writer Tim Worstall, “This really is just the way of the world. Some places do things differently from either the way we do or the way that we think things ought to be done. I tend to think that domestic laws which fail to recognise this fact are doomed to eventual failure. For those different ways are going to carry on even if we or our companies can no longer operate there because of our own domestic laws. Yes, of course, we all have to obey the law and no doubt there’s going to be a torrid time as possible violations of the FCPA are investigated. My argument is simply that such laws as the FCPA and the Bribery Act shouldn’t exist.”
In response to this nonsense, I will direct your attention to incontrovertible evidence that this was not run-of-the-mill –“chai money”—bribery...this was targeted corruption—from Think Progress-“The Times examination included more than 15 hours of interviews with the former executive, Sergio Cicero Zapata, who resigned from Wal-Mart de Mexico in 2004 after nearly a decade in the company’s real estate department. In the interviews, Mr. Cicero recounted how he had helped organize years of payoffs. He described personally dispatching two trusted outside lawyers to deliver envelopes of cash to government officials. They targeted mayors and city council members, obscure urban planners, low-level bureaucrats who issued permits — anyone with the power to thwart Wal-Mart’s growth. The bribes, he said, bought zoning approvals, reductions in environmental impact fees and the allegiance of neighborhood leaders.” I feel especially bad for the non-corrupt—you know, the victims of the crime who are left with the costs of adjustment.
To suggest we allow local law to dictate our norms while upholding the idea that America alone is exceptional is just plain inexplicable. But there you have modern conservative thought on growth and development: keep government out of the way! Liberty!
Sachs points out what we can do instead of allowing further neocolonialism in the name of free market capitalism/democracy, an unjust misnomer if ever there was one. Using a series of nine steps he explains how extreme poverty might be eradicated. Since the Millennium, there is a discernible improvement in the long-term prospects for dealing with HIV/AIDS and malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, for example. Perhaps we could use a similar strategy to force patriotism from non-sovereign MNC’s. “Commit to the task-Adopt a plan of action-raise the voice of the poor—etc.” to help achieve redemption of the “declining” power the United States holds.
If we are to continue honestly asserting our dependence on good governance we must also soon assert that an unbridled free market is inhumane in the theory as well as the practice. Many sources point to the unhealthy dominance of the “jobs benefactor” in just about every American community by Wal-Mart. They appear as a whole Person--a whole Corporate Person, Mr. Romney--unrepentant, incorrigible, unwilling and unfit to maintain good relations further in Mexico, and the response to the illegal activity by thinkers like Mr. Worstall shows an inability to empathize with victims that is not only unhealthy, it represents downright meanness. Surely conservative of all stripes will jump at the chance to prosecu---aaaah  nope  I hope they get kicked out of Mexico like Rohrabacher  was kept out of Afghanistan by Karzai. In case the corruption abundant overseas wasn’t convincing. Not cool, Sam’s Kids. Not cool. The Waltons are clear quislings here—worse, Norquislings, as ALEC and Walmart are long-term partners in a “moral” legislative conspiracy against good governance.
From the Root:  “The six Waltons are worth more than $100 billion -- a wealth greater than the bottom 30 percent of Americans combined -- and with that wealth comes power and influence. Since 1990, Walmart's political action committee and the Walton family have given a total of more than $1 million to politicians with close ties to ALEC in state and federal races. Between 2006 and 2010, they gave more than $500,000 to the campaigns of ALEC alums currently serving in Congress.” In other words, a rather well timed strategy. Jeffery Sachs, on the other hand, while not World Bank president (though he remains a friend of Bono, which is pretty awesome) is pretty awesome.
PS- Democrats from the House, Waxman and Cummings, have launched an investigation into Wal-Marts’ activities sure to receive the improper emphasis in the “free press” (see: Pew Research Poll).








Source citation:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/04/15/remarks-president-obama-and-president-santos-colombia-joint-press-confer http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/22/david-axelrod-reign-of-terror-republicans-congress_n_1443722.html first mover advantages --a competitive edge provided to firms or countries that first enter a new industry; these include advantaged gained from economies of scale, network effects and investment funds-- good governance a strategy adopted by the World Bank that emphasizes the elimination of government corruption that undermines investment and economic growth
 “2012 Walmart Annual Report - Chairman's Message ww.walmartstores.com/sites/annual-report/.../chairmansMessage.asp...
This year, we mark the historic occasion of Walmart's 50th anniversary. Our success over ... Good corporate governance is good business. As your chairman, I .

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Rooney, Romney, and a Key Question On Leadership...

“I don’t believe it when they tell there ain’t no cure/ the rich stay healthy, the sick stay poor…” God Part II- U2


This week I chose the article Nigeria World Bank because of this quote from the lone contender in the running for President of the World Bank who was not an American, Nigerian Finance Minister/coordinating minister of the economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: “…who is the leader in this world? The US is looked on for that leadership.” While the person speaking was not chosen, this insight I found valuable given the weeks reading/lectures.

 The Republican candidate is known to go on at some length regarding his appraisal of the current president’s leadership ability (poor). I find this awkward, at least, given the philosophy espoused by the right, and by default, Romney -let the free market fix the problem, whatever the problem is-- government is the problem, not the solution—the solution cannot come from the government without sacrificing some sense of self-worth or individual liberty. Minorities in the position of highest leadership in the company Romney captained (Bain Capital) totaled zero (Astonishing? When did he begin to see non-whites as human? Before his church condemned their own stance? After? When? If he's is going to bring up a child eating dog meat while living in Indonesia, the clear implication being "See! He's a Muslim!" then questions regarding the candidates own upbringing are only equally necessary and appropriate) and only ten percent of presidents during his tenure were women. What strikes me about this is that the free market has already come up with a rule to help ensure the hiring of minorities,  and it's called Rooney rule. 

In the NFL, the Rooney rule is that owners have to interview minorities before making their choice. Odd that Mitt Romney didn’t apply this common sense mechanism to his company, unless he didn’t think such appalling lack of diversity was a problem. Leadership? A guy who never went out of his way to ensure dignity and freedom for those not at all like him berates the duly elected President publicly over leadership? Won’t condemn Allan West’s outrageous comments about Communists in Congress, but is “outraged” over an essentially true statement regarding his wife’s availability of choice (if only everyone could afford that rather lovely choice)? 

In his speech to the NRA, Romney made clear he believes the Constitution was perfect when it was written. This is not a mindset to trust with the power to sign off on ending foreign aid, it is a mindset I must condemn, as all are worth equal dignity and deserve equal opportunity. Yes, our Constitution did originally assert this, but the law was not equal, the laws were not applied equally (many still are not) and we all know it took federal intervention to make desegregation the norm in American society. I do not believe I am making a controversial statement when I say a President Romney never would have chosen someone like newly confirmed World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim. 

“Outside is America/Run into the arms of America.” Bullet the Blue Sky-U2


It is our military might as much as our political process that the world looks to for leadership---withdraw aid (from enemies even more so) and our only presence, should Romney be the US President would be a renewed American military might. Is that the brand we want? The World Bank isn’t going to quit using HDI/GDI/the Gini co-efficient just to appease the Governors “severely conservative” views on the role of government (ensuring liberty not inflicting it by “force”.) The World Bank is going to continue asserting an agenda of equal opportunity for all to the democratic and economic structure of the developed world. We don’t sell “republic freedom” by the way—it’s always the democratic process that matters. Who among us will not condemn the mindset that says these institutions are no longer necessary? Do rights evolve or does our human recognition of them?


“Where you live should not decide/Whether you live or whether you die/Three to a bed/Sister Anne she says/'Dignity passes by'…” Original Of the Species- U2










http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/obama-as-a-boy-ate-dog-meat/



Article Analysis Assignment

First, read a news story from the newspaper or the Internet.  Answer the following questions regarding your news story: 1) What is the main issue, who are the main actors being discussed;  Then, choose one of the assigned articles you read for this week.  Answer the following questions regarding the assigned article: 1) What are the basics of this article (who, what, when, how, why, etc.);  2) What is the overall main point the author is trying to convince you of?  3) Do you agree with the author’s argument?  Why?  Why not?   Finally, tie together your news story with what you learned from the assigned article, textbook readings, podcasts, videos, etc. for this week.  Type your answers in the box below using your own words, no outline or bullets, complete sentences and paragraphs, single-spaced, full-page. 


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

For Some Reason, Some Wont Condemn Violence Or Pledge Allegiance to Our Union

I came, I saw, I found... Nothing!!! OCCUPY DC = FAIL!!!
· · · 20 hours ago

  • 8 people like this.
  • 50 of 215
    • Soup McGee well,lemme guess, libertarian....
      28 minutes ago ·
    • Todd Randall Can't we all just get…….get along?
      28 minutes ago · · 1
    • Jason Izquierdo You sound like a fucking statist brown shirt who says If I don't support Obama then I must want him to be harmed. Which is total bullshit, I will not vote for him this election that is how I make my choice.
      28 minutes ago · · 1
    • Soup McGee obama a marxist--that shit don't get old---
      28 minutes ago · · 1
    • Jason Izquierdo Actually Progressive-Libertarian or Left Leaning Libertarian.
      27 minutes ago ·
    • Todd Randall statists aren't outmatically "brown shirts". There is an element of fascist nationalism that makes statism "brown shirt"ish.
      26 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Sandra Skolnik, unlike Soup who actually came here to debate you just inserted yourself into the debate by shouting insults ..that makes you a troll by default.
      25 minutes ago · · 1
    • Jason Izquierdo Obama is no Marxist but a Corporatist.
      25 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Gaddafi was more of a Marxist than Obama will ever be.
      24 minutes ago ·
    • Soup McGee
      things to Know:

      Fascist Christian Anarchist Nativist Idiocy Number One:

      Hold Both sides of Irritatingly Wrong Position
      ...See More
      23 minutes ago ·
    • Sandra Skolnik
      You have one right - the voting booth. As we all do. when you use the propaganda pumped into your empty weak characters to badmouth a man who runs circles around any of you right wing slobs in intelligence, character, or integrity, it is ...See More
      23 minutes ago via mobile ·
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore To avoid being mistaken for a sellout,I chose my friends carefully.The more politically active black students.The foreign students.The Chicanos.The Marxist Professors and the structural feminists
      barack HUSSEIN obama
      23 minutes ago · · 2
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore obama's mentor? frank marshal davis. self avowed communist
      22 minutes ago · · 1
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore van jones=communist
      22 minutes ago · · 1
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore anita dunn=communist
      22 minutes ago · · 1
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore valerie jarret=communist
      22 minutes ago · · 1
    • Evan TheAmerican Shore Etc etc etc
      22 minutes ago ·
    • Michael Trotter Jason Izquierdo Obama is no Marxist but a Corporatist.And the nuts on the right are not??? Oh, wait you like Ron Paul the biggest corporatist on the planet!
      22 minutes ago ·
    • Michael Trotter Evan TheAmerican Shore= DUMB ASS
      21 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Who took campaign money from Goldman Sachs' Michael ? Obama or Ron Paul?
      20 minutes ago ·
    • Carol Michelle Rawlins Sandra Skolnik, you a crazy old lady.
      20 minutes ago ·
    • Sandra Skolnik These are the types that are hating on America and Obama and there are some here.

      http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/fbi-reports-gang-infiltration-us-military
      20 minutes ago via mobile · · 1
    • Jason Izquierdo Who took campaign money from JP Morgan Chase, Michael ? Obama or Ron Paul?
      19 minutes ago ·
    • Michael Trotter All of them took money from Goldman and Sachs. They donated to everybody even to John McCain!
      19 minutes ago · · 1
    • Sandra Skolnik Righties are so worried about Ghaddafi that i almost have to extend my sympathies.
      19 minutes ago via mobile ·
    • Michael Trotter Have you checked Ron Pauls donaters Jason Izquierdo, he refuses to reveal them!
      18 minutes ago ·
    • Sandra Skolnik I think what they are really worried about is that we will start weeding out domestic terrorists.
      18 minutes ago via mobile · · 1
    • Soup McGee
      Herb Titus: "n the late 1970s, Titus played an instrumental role in launching the law school at Oral Roberts University (ORU), from which GOP presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann graduated in 1986. Titus, who rejected his Harvard Law Schoo...See More
      www.religiondispatches.org
      < ​p>At the May “First Friday” lecture hosted by the Institute on the Constitution at the Heritage Community Church in Severn, Maryland, IOTC founder Michael Peroutka presented the evening’s guest speaker, attorney Herb Titus, with a “Patrick Henry Award” for&n...
      18 minutes ago · ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Sorry Sandra hate to break it to you but the 60s aren't making a come back. I guess you're just going to have to check out in disappointment.
      17 minutes ago · · 1
    • Soup McGee http://soupsauntieoxymoron.blogspot.com/2011/09/ron-paul-is-not-your-americahellooooo.html
      soupsauntieoxymoron.blogspot.com
      While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom there will be no State.Lenin, "State and Revolution", 1919Russian Communist politician & revolutionary (1870 - 1924)In a featured column on flashreport.org, Grover Norquist clarifies and defends the default conservative position,...
      17 minutes ago · ·
    • Soup McGee http://soupsauntieoxymoron.blogspot.com/2011/09/on-ron-paulgary-northlet-churches-do-it.html
      soupsauntieoxymoron.blogspot.com
      While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom there will be no State.Lenin, "State and Revolution", 1919Russian Communist politician & revolutionary (1870 - 1924)In a featured column on flashreport.org, Grover Norquist clarifies and defends the default conservative position,...
      17 minutes ago · ·
    • Sandra Skolnik Carol - thank you. i call it character. but i'd rather be a crazy old lady than a lifeless Stepford wife without a brain.
      16 minutes ago via mobile ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Soup do u see any RP banners on my page?
      16 minutes ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Ha, why am I getting the mental picture of Oclueless running with his teleprompter?
      16 minutes ago ·
    • Carol Michelle Rawlins well i was expecting more from you Sandra.
      15 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo I like Ron Paul on liberty issues and constitutionalism but I disagree with him very much so on economics and the function of govt.
      13 minutes ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley I have never hated any politician, but I hate Oclueless with a passion. He has totally gutted our energy policy, awarded his crony friends in the failed green energy projects. Has 45 Czars, was and is an Alynski proponent, and has almost reached his goal of making sure the USA is no longer a super power--cause, you know--it wouldnt be FAIR...
      13 minutes ago · · 1
    • Jason Izquierdo Sandra must be Tracey's mom or aunt.
      13 minutes ago · · 1
    • Soup McGee
      what I do see is you refusing to outright condemn the mindset that has led to an attempt on our President's life, I see you using conservative talking points and decades old R talking points to make out the Democratically elected President to e illegitimate. Is he Legitimate? Can you pledge allegiance to our Union under his leadership, or is President Obama an enemy to you? Fair question...because, no, no RP banners, just social darwinistic talking points, pointing to a belief that life was better before racial components in housing agreements was illegal. You know, cos of State rights! :-/
      12 minutes ago · · 1
    • Michael Trotter He believes in Liberty and constitutionlist go hand in hand with economics of government. check his speeches. Ever been to one. The man is a nut bagger! his son ain't too far behind him!
      12 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo Can you condemn Obama's militarism and expansion of war as i'm sure you did with Bush 5yrs ago?
      10 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo What attempt was made on the Presidents life ? A deranged lunatic with a gun on Pennsylvania ave makes for a poor assassin.
      9 minutes ago · · 1
    • Michael Trotter I want our men and women home. They did what they were supposed to do and have done away with bin Laden. Most people who try and shoot the president any president is stupid!
      8 minutes ago ·
    • Soup McGee http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/11/white-house-shooting-directed-at-obama/1#.T4TGwtXLvE0 so he shouldnt be charged, then?
      content.usatoday.com
      Authorities are investigating whether the man accused of firing bullets at the White House acted out of hatred for President Obama.
      7 minutes ago · ·
    • Bill Noneyabiz But jason there are plenty of Deranged Lunatics on Pennsylvania ave... most of them claim to be elected
      6 minutes ago · · 1
    • Soup McGee
      you really don't read, do you? """I once had an error in thought I can see now, and I do not mind admitting I have learned from it. Like Mitt Romney (jokes), some of my positions on fundamental issues have (more jokes) evolved over time. Wi...See More
      6 minutes ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo If he admitted that it was his intention to cause harm to the president then of course he should be charged, same as with an attempt on any other person.
      6 minutes ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Oh big FLuking deal that there was a guy that fired at the president...hell, alll the presidents are targets...what makes Oclueless so special
      3 minutes ago ·
    • Soup McGee wonders what happened? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6285971.stm
      news.bbc.co.uk
      A man wearing a T-shirt depicting President Bush as a terrorist is banned from a Qantas airlines flight.
      3 minutes ago · ·
    • Jason Izquierdo This guy looks and sounds like a retard who was every bit as deranged as the man who shot Gabby Giffords. I remember all the Lame Stream Press calling that guys a right wing nut as well until they looked at his books.
      3 minutes ago ·
    • Soup McGee what I do see is you refusing to outright condemn the mindset that has led to an attempt on our President's life, I see you using conservative talking points and decades old R talking points to make out the Democratically elected President to e illegitimate. Is he Legitimate? Can you pledge allegiance to our Union under his leadership, or is President Obama an enemy to you? Fair question...because, no, no RP banners, just social darwinistic talking points, pointing to a belief that life was better before racial components in housing agreements was illegal. You know, cos of State rights! :-/
      2 minutes ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Jason that was all Palin's fault, remember, they made a big deal of her "targeting" politicians'
      2 minutes ago ·
    • Soup McGee ‎--one problem--that many believe the President to e the Anti-Christ is Nearly Mainstream---wonder how that happened?
      about a minute ago ·
    • Bill Noneyabiz although i don't agree with the gabby Giffords shooting i will say this it did teach us something about the nature of democrats.... you can shoot one in the head and it doesn't change thier voting or thier actions... they never used thier brains to begin with
      about a minute ago · · 1
    • Soup McGee hard to call him a nutag when he holds what one party believes is a mainstream belief--or won't condemn, anyway---sound familiar? Condemn it already!
      about a minute ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Soup, stop projecting...no one has called him the anti-christ here
      about a minute ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Or do I have to bring up the lynching photos of Bush.
      a few seconds ago ·
    • Soup McGee finds it hard to address you Therea, as you clearly can't cut and paste me saying anyone here has/does/did---but can you condemn those who d?
      a few seconds ago ·
    • Teresa Yeisley Bill, that's because they have shit for brains
      a few seconds ago ·
    • Soup McGee do? Ahhhhhh---
      a few seconds ago ·
    • Jason Izquierdo What you are seeing is what you want to see. I can care less about your opinion since they are like assholes in that everyone has one. Again I am not subject to your interrogations so please with a cherry on top go fuck yourself.
      a few seconds ago ·
    • Soup McGee will happily post your sedition all over the internet...
      2 seconds ago ·