Saturday, April 17, 2010
During an interview on KING 5 Morning News
Gates and Silva Luján in a Museum
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fast inshore attack craft exercises
Gates in Lima, Peru
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Treads water with Sailors
A Letter from Amnesty International USA
Linda Coale died of an embolism a week after giving birth via c-section. The hospital failed to tell her the warning signs even though she was high risk. Our record is abysmal - half the maternal deaths in this country (USA) are preventable. Don't be silent. Take action. |  |
Wed, Apr 14, 2010 at 3:56 AM
Linda Coale, a healthy, vibrant 35-year-old woman, gave birth to a baby boy, Benjamin, by c-section in September 2007.
One week later, she died following a blood clot.
Neither the infant welcome packet nor her discharge papers contained detailed information about warning signs and symptoms of serious blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), even though Linda was at high risk because of her pregnancy combined with her age and the surgery.
The packet did contain information on how to acclimate a pet to a new baby.
"I know you can 'what if' until the end of the world, but knowing Linda was once an Emergency Medical Technician, if those discharge papers had said it could be a sign of a blood clot, in my heart of hearts I believe that she would have acted on it," said Linda's twin sister, Lori.
"My parents had to bury a child," Lori added.
Pregnant women and new mothers like Linda are falling through huge gaps in our maternal health care system.
All women, including Linda, have a right to a safe childbirth, yet women in the United States are at greater risk of maternal death than those in forty other countries.
It's time to do something about this silent killer. Contact Congress today.
We are in a maternal health care crisis. More than two women die every day from pregnancy-related causes. Severe complications are up 25 percent, now over 34,000 each year. The situation for pregnant women of color is even more acute.
We have slipped dangerously backward.
Amnesty International traveled all over the country to capture and share stories like Linda's. Our Deadly Delivery report documents discrimination and egregious systemic failures. It reveals an inexcusable failure to defend a woman's right to a safe birth.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius has the authority to dramatically improve conditions for pregnant women and reduce maternal mortality in the U.S. Our government has the obligation to protect pregnant women and guarantee a health care system that ensures their rights universally and equitably.
Contact your Representative to help press Secretary Sebelius into action.
It's astonishing that the US has fallen into this crisis when we spend so much on health care. The way out requires a strong, loud push now to set the solution in motion.
Please stand up today so that we can save lives by protecting women's human rights.
Sincerely,
Sameer Dossani
Director, Demand Dignity Campaign
Amnesty International USA
Saturday, April 10, 2010
President Barack Obama conducts a press conference
Assault boat during live-fire battle drills
Photography of an Iraqi man
Friday, April 09, 2010
Fire-fighting drills
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
The Military Sealift Command fleet
Review Provides Deterrence, Arms Reduction Roadmap
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON : The Nuclear Posture Review is a roadmap for reducing America's nuclear arsenal while maintaining an effective deterrent, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The congressionally mandated review charts the steps toward reducing nuclear risks to the United States, U.S. allies and partners, and the international community. "This review describes how the United States will reduce the role and numbers of nuclear weapons with a long-term goal of a nuclear-free world," Gates said. Gates – accompanied by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen – explained some of the changes the review recommends. New declaratory policies have taken the place of intentionally vague policies of the past, Gates said. For example, if a state that does not have nuclear weapons is in compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and its obligations, the United States will not use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against that state. If such a state were to use chemical or biological weapons against the United States or its allies or partners, however, "it would face the prospect of a devastating conventional military response," the secretary said. Gates said the United States will adjust its policy if circumstances dictate the need. "Given the catastrophic potential of biological weapons and the rapid pace of biotechnology development," he said, "the United States reserves the right to make any adjustment to this policy that may be warranted by the evolution and proliferation of biological weapons." The Cabinet secretaries and the chairman stressed that the Nuclear Posture Review was a collegial interagency and international effort. "The consultations that supported this process included more than 30 of our allies and partners," Clinton said. "For generations, the United States' nuclear deterrent has helped prevent proliferation by providing our non-nuclear allies in NATO, in the Pacific and elsewhere with reassurance and security. The policies outlined in this review allow us to continue that stabilizing role." Officials said this is the most comprehensive review of U.S. nuclear strategy since the end of the Cold War, and that it places the prevention of nuclear terrorism and proliferation at the top of the U.S. nuclear policy agenda. "Given al-Qaida's continued quest for nuclear weapons, Iran's on-going nuclear efforts and North Korea's proliferation, this focus is appropriate, and indeed,... an essential change from previous reviews," Gates said. Gates stressed that the review has strong messages for Iran and North Korea. "Whether it's in declaratory policy or in other elements of the [Nuclear Posture Review], we essentially carve out states like Iran and North Korea that are not in compliance with [the nonproliferation treaty]," he said. "And basically, all options are on the table when it comes to countries in that category, along with nonstate actors who might acquire nuclear weapons." The message to Iran and North Korea is if they play by the rules, then they will be covered by the new recommendations, Gates said. "But if you're not going to play by the rules, if you're going to be a proliferator, then all options are on the table in terms of how we deal with you." The review has the full support of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mullen said. "We believe it provides us and our field commanders the opportunity to better shape our nuclear weapons posture, policies and force structure to meet an ever-changing security environment," Mullen said. "This Nuclear Posture Review reaffirms our commitment to defend the vital interests of the United States and those of our partners and allies with a more balanced mix of nuclear and non-nuclear means than we have at our disposal today." The review's conclusion that the United States can maintain deterrence with half of its current nuclear arsenal served as the basis for U.S. negotiations for the new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia that President Barack Obama is scheduled to sign April 8. The United States also will continue an on-going and high-level dialogue with Russia and China aimed at fostering more stable, resilient and transparent strategic relationships, Gates said. Some aspects of the posture will remain static. The United States will continue to field its triad of nuclear-capable missiles, aircraft and submarines. "The United States will continue to hold accountable any state, terrorist group or other nonstate actor that supports or enables terrorist efforts to obtain or use weapons of mass destruction, whether by facilitating, financing, or providing expertise or safe haven for such efforts," Gates said. The United States will continue to develop and improve non-nuclear capabilities – including regional missile defenses – to strengthen deterrence and reduce the role of nuclear weapons, Gates said. "Finally, the United States will continue abiding by its pledge not to conduct nuclear testing," said he added. (Issued on April 6, 2010) |
| Biographies: Hillary Rodham Clinton Robert M. Gates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites: Special Report: Nuclear Posture Review |
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Amnesty International Urges Lebanese Authorities to Intervene to Halt Expected Saudi Arabia Execution
Washington: Amnesty International today urged Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, to intervene to help halt the possible imminent execution of a Lebanese national in Saudi Arabia, after the organization received reports that an execution is scheduled for tomorrow.
Amnesty International fears that former television presenter ‘Ali Hussain Sibat, convicted on charges of "sorcery" in Saudi Arabia, may be the Lebanese national facing execution.
On March10 a Saudi Arabia court upheld the death sentence against 'Ali Hussain Sibat, after he was convicted in November 2009 on charges of “sorcery”, for giving advice and predictions about the future on a Lebanese satellite TV show.
"‘Ali Hussain Sibat appears to have been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression," said Malcolm Smart, director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa program.
"We urge the Lebanese authorities to do all they can to prevent this execution," said Smart, "and we are calling on King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia not to let this or other executions go ahead. It is high time the Saudi Arabian government joined the international trend towards a worldwide moratorium on executions."
‘Ali Hussain Sibat was arrested by the Mutawa'een (religious police) in May 2008 while he was visiting Saudi Arabia on a form of Muslim pilgrimage, the 'umra.
His lawyer believes that the TV presenter was arrested because members of the Mutawa'een had recognized him from his show, which was broadcast on the Sheherazade TV station.
The police asked 'Ali Hussain Sibat's to write down what he did for a living, reassuring him that he would be allowed to go home after a few weeks if he complied.
The defendant was convicted after the statement he wrote was presented during the trial as a "confession.”
He was sentenced to death by a court in Madina on November 9, 2009 following secret hearings where he was given no legal representation or assistance.
In January 2010, the Court of Appeal in Makkah accepted an appeal against the TV presenter’s death sentence, on grounds that it was a premature verdict.
The Court of Appeal said that all allegations made against 'Ali Hussain Sibat had to be verified, and that if he had really committed the crime he should be asked to repent.
But on March 10, a court in Madina upheld the death sentence. The judges said that he deserved to be sentenced to death because he had practiced “sorcery” publicly for several years before millions of viewers and that his actions “made him an infidel.”
The court also said that there would be no way to verify that his repentance, if he should repent, would be sincere and that imposing the death sentence would deter other people from engaging in “sorcery” at a time when, the court said, there is an increase in the number of “foreign magicians” entering Saudi Arabia.
The crime of "sorcery" is not defined in Saudi Arabian law but is used to punish people for the legitimate exercise of their human rights, including the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, belief and expression.
The Saudi Arabian authorities arrested scores of people for “sorcery” in 2009, and have continued to arrest people on the same charges this year.
The last known execution for "sorcery" was that of Egyptian national Mustafa Ibrahim, on November 2, 2007. He had been arrested in May 2007 in the town of Arar, where he worked as a pharmacist, and accused of "apostasy" for having degraded a copy of the Qur'an.
At least 158 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2007 and at least 102 in 2008. In 2009, 69 people are known to have been executed, including 19 foreign nationals. Since the beginning of 2010, at least eight people have been executed.
Amnesty International called on the authorities to release 'Ali Hussain immediately and unconditionally if he has been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
President Barack Obama in Afghanistan
U.S. Crew Rescues Somali Mariners
Combined Maritime Forces
MANAMA, Bahrain :The crew of a U.S. Navy ship saved 30 men, women and children off the coast of Somalia March 25.
USS McFaul, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer on a seven-month deployment in the Gulf of Aden, was conducting a routine patrol about 100 miles off Somalia's north coast in support of counterpiracy operations when the crew spotted a small skiff. The 30 people onboard had been stranded with no food and very little water for nearly four days since departing the Somali coast, they said. The skiff had suffered engine failures in both outboard motors. "Once we recognized there was no threat, noticeable engine failure and lack of food and water, it was evident they desperately needed our help," the ship's boarding officer said. McFaul's embarked translator facilitated communication between the Somali mariners and the boarding team. The McFaul crew immediately took the Somali mariners onboard and prepared to return them to their homeland, offering them a place to sleep, blankets, water and food to make them feel as comfortable as possible for the two-and-a-half-day journey back to Somalia. Abdulrahman Ali Barhaaye, one of the elders rescued from the skiff, offered thanks. "We gave up hope until we saw you," he said. "We are alive, hopeful, and glad to be here." Helping the Somali mariners became a shipwide event, whether repairing the skiff's engines or supplying the rescued mariners with food, water, shelter, life jackets and blankets. "This was a rewarding experience," one of the boarding team members said. "They appreciated our efforts and were very thankful." On the morning of March 27, McFaul returned the 30 Somalian mariners safely ashore with their repaired skiff at the small fishing village of Ceelaaya. USS McFaul is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, which is a 24-nation task force established in January 2009 to conduct counterpiracy operations. (Issued on :March 29, 2010)- |
| Related Sites: USS McFaul Combined Maritime Forces |
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Motivation
Agency Provides Meals, Supplies for Religious Observances
By Larry Levine
Defense Supply Center Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA : The Defense Logistics Agency's supply center here is ensuring servicemembers around the globe have Passover meals available for observance of the upcoming Jewish holiday and palm fronds for the upcoming Christian observance of Palm Sunday.
 In addition to supplying all daily meals, the Defense Logistics Agency also ensures troops receive traditional holiday meals and necessary religious supplies. "As with all our holiday or special-event meals, our personnel begin demand planning and contacting customers as well as potential suppliers several months in advance to ensure timely delivery," said Ray Miller, subsistence deputy director. "Our planning for meals for this Passover holiday began back in November." Passover, the Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, is observed from sundown March 29 to April 9 this year. Traditionally, many Jewish people refrain from eating many leavened baked goods, including bread and cakes, during Passover. Some also refrain from eating rice or legumes, including beans and peas, during Passover. This can be difficult for military members in remote locations. The four different main courses of the special Passover meals are canned salmon, bone-in chicken, gefilte fish and beef stew, all certified Kosher for Passover. The meals also contain with other Passover extras such as matzo and macaroons. Each meal is in a chemically activated, self-heating package. The 12-meal cases will be distributed to U.S. warfighters throughout the world. While most U.S.-based servicemembers will have access to regular dining facilities or other local options for their Seder meals, most of the domestically delivered meals will go to servicemembers on training missions. The retail value of the 10,932 Passover meals provided this year is $141,988.46. This represents an increase by almost 30 percent from 2009, when 8,424 meals were provided. In addition to food items, the agency's clothing and textiles supply chain provides Passover Seder kits containing special prayer books and robes. The supply chain's ecclesiastical branch provides Seder kits to chaplains and Jewish servicemembers in the field. DLA also supplies Christian and Orthodox Christian celebrants of Palm Sunday with palm leaves. Palm Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before Easter, and it commemorates Jesus Christ's entrance into Jerusalem, when palm fronds were strewn in front of him. Traditional services include a procession of members of the congregation carrying palms. "Whether servicemembers are in the field or on training assignments away from the regular places they would celebrate, Jewish and Christian alike, we offer all the items needed to conduct their respective ceremonies," said Maryann Bonk, an inventory management specialist in the clothing and textiles ecclesiastical branch. (Issued on Mid night of March 24-25, 2010) |
| Related Sites: Defense Logistics Agency Defense Supply Center Philadelphia |
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Indians seems to have forgotten the sacrifice..and it is unfortunate.....
--Rector Kathuria
In her message she says that today 23rd march 2010 would mark 79 years of the sacrifice three young men gave for the nation. Bhagat Singh- Raj Guru- Sukh Dev.
So today no one in news would talk about Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru the three young men who were hanged on this day near Ferozpur near the present India-Pakistan border. These men never cared about religion and fought for the freedom of the nation.
Indians seems to have forgotten the sacrifice. It is definitely an unfortunate thing that people who were not in congress and worked for India’s freedom never got the credit they deserve. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru shall remain in my heart till I die. These are the people whom the young generation should have as idols. Their sacrifice, their patriotism & their principles, we should never forget them.
Jai Hind.....!
Gates, Mullen Extend Military Support to Mexico
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON: Top U.S. defense officials met with their Mexican counterparts in Mexico City today to strengthen the U.S.-Mexico military partnership in the fight against drug cartels there.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen are in Mexico today as part of a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair also are part of the delegation. The high-level talks are part of the Merida initiative, a partnership promised by President Barack Obama last year to help the region combat drug trafficking and related violence by the cartels. The three-year program provides $1.6 billion to fund drug-fighting initiatives. The talks demonstrate the level of commitment the United States has in aiding Mexico in its struggle against the cartels and to impede the drug trade from crossing the border into the United States, Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters at a news conference here today. "Sending a delegation of this stature to Mexico is a clear indication of the critical importance both we and the Mexican government ... place on law enforcement cooperation, strengthening Mexican institutions and other cooperative efforts to support the government of Mexico's campaign against organized crimes," Morrell said. Gates and Mullen met with Mexico's Defense Secretary Guillermo Galvan Galvan and Navy Secretary Mariano Francisco Saynez Mendoza to discuss military-to-military coordination and to develop a comprehensive approach to counternarcotics operations and planning. The meetings focused on bilateral information sharing, joint defense cooperation and the need for transparency and accountability on human rights. Currently, the Pentagon provides intelligence and surveillance support, communications equipment and mobility assets, Morrell said. The talks come at a time when the Mexican government has suffered heavy losses in its war on drugs. Since 2006, some 18,000 people, including security personnel, have lost their lives to drug-related violence. "The government of Mexico has taken strong actions to address these security threats," Morrell said. "They are making some progress, but have paid high prices for their brave stand. Those sacrifices have only made our two nations more determined to work together to combat these criminal groups." Funds allocated to Mexico under the Merida initiative are due to expire in 2011. The remaining funds will go to other countries in Central America. Gates and Mullen are set to return to Washington, D.C., tonight. (Issued on March 22, 2010) |
| Biographies: Robert M. Gates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen |
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
George W. Bush in addresses members of Joint Task Force - Haiti
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)