TresSugar

Obama's Nobel Peace Prize: Deserved or Premature?

TresSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 -0700

This morning, a humbled President Obama said he did not expect to wake up to the news that he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Maintaining that he did not feel that he deserved to be in the company of the transformative figures previously honored by the prize, Obama said he would accept it as "a call to action, a call for nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century."

The Nobel committee cited Obama's rare ability to have "captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future." The committee also strongly criticized Obama's predecessor, revealing that the award may have been a rebuke of President Bush.

But some aren't so convinced that Obama was deserving. RNC Chairman Michael Steele offered his opinion: "It is unfortunate that the president’s star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights."

Has the Peace Sign Sold Out Its Meaning?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:00:57 -0700

I remember drawing them on my notebook during the first Gulf War and not really knowing what they meant - and now the peace sign is turning the big 5-0. The famous symbol made its first official public appearance in 1958 to advocate nuclear disarmament, and has since been used to graphically support a range of efforts from economic justice to environmentalism. Nearly every altruistic group has used this iconic logo as a way to communicate the idea of universal brotherhood.

The designer of the symbol, Gerald Holtom, created the logo while in a big funk. He explains the symbol: “I was in despair. Deep despair. I drew myself: the representative of an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards . . .” (I never saw that until I read this, but now it makes sense!) Holtom died in 1985, and some say if he had lived this long, he might really understand the true meaning of the word “despair."

How has a simple symbol morphed from a cry for help to a price tag? To see how, read more.

In a time of conflict and relative prosperity, like many things the peace sign has become a commodity. For those with some bucks to blow advertising their quest for peace, Tiffany is hawking a platinum and diamond peace symbol pendant to celebrate the symbol's creation. The pendant holds 4.8 carats of round-cut diamonds and costs $4,000. It makes one wonder what kind of good that money could do someone whose life was really torn by war. Tiffany isn't the only company using what could be the world’s most recognizable cry for understanding to make a profit. The peace sign has adorned everything from Fendi bags to Volkswagen cards and Ed Hardy t-shirts.

Of course, there are those who cry "poppycock!" After all, it’s just a symbol (and one free from copyright protection), and is free to be interpreted by anyone, from a clothing designer, jeweler, or a car manufacturer. Plus, won’t more exposure of the “brand” give it even more power? Simon Doonan, creative director at Barney’s British, thinks so:

Sure, it’s probably not what the hippies had in mind, for it to become a marketing campaign for a department store. But it’s a symbol of the mainstream of counter-culture ideas, of things that were part of the alternative lifestyle - like environmentalism, and organic food. Isn’t that ultimately what the hippies would have wanted?

Perhaps, though the worry remains that the only power the symbol is going to gain is purchasing power. Is the peace sign on the verge of being played out? Does a peace sign done in $4,000 worth of diamonds still mean the same thing?

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Front Page: Russia Orders Halt to Fighting, More Women in Government, Israel Proposes Deal

CitizenSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:01:52 -0700

Russia Orders Halt to Fighting:
Russian President Dmitri Medvedev announced today that he's ordered a halt to the military action in Georgia. He did not say whether the troops are pulling out and was clear that Russian forces are still authorized to fire on enemies. Medvedev said that Russia had achieved its military goals during the five days of intense fighting. Georgia claims that raids are still ongoing despite the official halt.

More Women in Government:
A study has found that the number of women in state government leadership positions is on the rise. The number of women leaders almost matches their representation in the general population in six states. The study's author adds, ''the most important thing is the fact that in 36 of the states, women are doing better than they were in 1997, and by better I mean as a comparison of the percentage of women in leadership posts compared with the percentage of women in the state."
Israel Proposes Deal:
Israel has offered up a peace deal to the Palestinians which would annex 7.3 percent of the West Bank while keeping the largest settlements. The Palestinians would be given in return, 5.4 percent of the West Bank. The Palestinians have not formally received the offer but call it totally unacceptable. About 500,000 Israelis live among 2.5 million Palestinians in land that was occupied by Israel in the 1967 war. The two sides have been in US-sponsored peace talks since November.

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Front Page: Anthrax Scientist Commits Suicide, Dorm Collapse Kills 16, US Unemployment 4-Year High, Darfur Peace Mission

CitizenSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:56:30 -0700

Anthrax Scientist Suicide:
A top US biodefense researcher, who was of high interest to the FBI in connection with the spate of anthrax mailings following 9/11, has committed suicide. The Justice Department was seriously considering charges against the 62-year-old. The lab where he worked for 18 years was at the center of the FBI investigation into the anthrax attacks that killed five people.

Dorm Collapse Kills 16:
A three-story girls' dorm at a school in Turkey collapsed after a large gas canister exploded, killing at least 16 and injuring dozens. Most of the girls, aged 8 to 16 were asleep at the time. They were at the school to attend Koran classes during Summer vacation.

US Unemployment Four-Year High:
The US unemployment rate hit 5.7 percent in July, its highest level in more than four years. The economy lost 51,000 non-farm jobs, the seventh straight month of losses. Areas showing job growth: government, hospitality, education, and health services.
Darfur Peace Mission:
The UN Security Council renewed the mandate for peacekeepers in Sudan's Darfur region for another year. The decision came two hours before the mandate was set to expire, complicated by the ICC's move to indict Sudan's president for genocide. The United States abstained from voting over language added to the resolution would send the wrong signal to the Sudanese president. The Darfur conflict has left 300,000 dead.

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Fancy First Lady Steals Sarkozy's Mideast Peace Talk Thunder?

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:00:15 -0700

Though his visit ended amid panic, France's Nicolas Sarkozy's first presidential visit to Israel this week made quite an impression. Sarkozy called on the country to stop settlement in the occupied West Bank, saying Mideast peace depends on Israel dropping its refusal to surrender sovereignty over parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians. As compensation, he assured Israel that it could count on France's support in halting Iran's nuclear program.

Sarkozy praised Israel's democracy and quoted the biblical passage in which God promises the Holy Land to the children of Israel, drawing a mixed review of applause and scowls (from the handful of Arab members). Speaking to parliament he said:

"There cannot be peace without an immediate and complete halt to settlement," he said. "There cannot be peace without recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of two states and the guarantee of free access to the holy places for all religions."

Sarkozy's address follows fluffy weekend coverage of his arrival by the country's newspapers that seemed more preoccupied with his Italian singer First Lady Carla Bruni than his agenda. According to the AP, the front pages of Monday's newspapers were filled with pictures of a smiling Carla "overshadowing her husband." For a preview of their coverage, read more.

The Haaretz daily, which is Israel's oldest daily newspaper, featured a front page close-up of Carla, taken as the couple arrived at Israel's international airport Sunday, with Sarkozy and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the background.

Israel's largest daily, Yediot Ahronot, used the front page headline "Queen Carla" to tease a spread with a collage of her photos and a celebrity style-esque breakdown of her wardrobe - including the $2,500 Prada dress she wore upon arrival, a $1,200 purse and a $650 pair of sandals.

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Front Page: Attack Threatens Cease-fire, Clinton Back to Work, Germany Sending More Troops

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:56:44 -0700

Attack Threatens Cease-fire: Two Palestinian rockets struck southern Israel moments ago, prompting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office says the week-old cease-fire has been broken. The first rockets fired since the truce hit an open area leaving no injuries. As of yet, there has been no word as to how Israel will react, nor any claims of responsibility. The attack occurred hours after Israeli troops killed two Palestinians in a West Bank raid. Though the West Bank is not formally included in the Gaza truce, the Israeli raid could be perceived as violating the spirit of the cease-fire.

Clinton Back to Work: US Senator Hillary Clinton is heading back to work today, a return to congressional politics for the first time since conceding to Obama nearly three weeks ago. Her return to the chamber today comes before her first joint appearances with White House contender Barack Obama, expected later this week. On Sunday, Clinton told a high-school graduating class in New York that meeting thousands of people across the nation during her primary campaign had been an "extraordinary experience."
Germany Sending More Troops: Germany is preparing to send 1,000 more soldiers to serve with the NATO-led peace-keeping force in Afghanistan. The US urged Germany to send more troops in February, and NATO allies have pushed for a boost in deployment to southern Afghanistan, the heart of the Taliban insurgency. Most of Germany's 3,500 troops are already based in northern Afghanistan and around the capital, Kabul. The UN has just announced that the Taliban made an about $100 million in 2007 from Afghan farmers growing poppy for the opium trade, producing about 8,000 tons of opium.

Front Page: Hillary To Drop Out, 9/11 Tribunal, Abbas to Meet With Hamas

CitizenSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:00:36 -0700

Hillary To Drop Out: Hillary Clinton will endorse Barack Obama on Saturday, ending her 17-month campaign for the White House, according to aides. Her decision was influenced by Democrats' urges to leave the race and allow the party to come together around Obama. She is going to express support for Obama and party unity at an event in Washington, June 7. One adviser hinted that Clinton would concede defeat, congratulate Obama, and proclaim him the party’s nominee- looking forward to do what was needed to assure his victory in November. Obama told reporters of his plans for Clinton, “we’re going to have a conversation in the coming weeks.”

9/11 Tribunal: Five top alleged al Qaeda prisoners, including September 11 mastermind suspect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, began appearances before a military commission this morning after extended time in CIA prisons and battles over the court itself. All the defendants were just arraigned before a military court at Guantanamo - all five are accused roles in the 9/11 attacks, responsible for the death of nearly 3,000 people. They all face potential death sentences if convicted. Mohammed has been forthright with his involvement - in a written statement read at a March 2007 hearing, at which he was present, he said he was responsible for the attacks "from A to Z."
Abbas to Meet With Hamas: Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president called late yesterday for a resumption of dialogue with the Islamic militant group Hamas. In a short address, Abbas, expressed the plan as part of his desire to restore national unity. Hamas took control of Gaza in June 2007. The move could halt peace talks with Israel, who only met with Abbas after he broke away from Hamas. Israel has refused to have direct contact with the group, considering it a terrorist organization, and has threatened to cut off talks with Mr. Abbas if he rejoins forces with Hamas.

Cheney Tells Palestine and Israel, "Love Hurts"

LibertySugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:00:01 -0700

Yesterday, US Vice President Dick Cheney attempted to resurrect Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Cheney met Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, as well as Israeli leaders Sunday, and maintained that an independent Palestine is long overdue.

Of course, achieving that vision won't be easy. Cheney warned that a peace deal will mean "painful concessions" by both sides. Abbas was quick to demand Israeli concessions. He asked Cheney to call on Israel to stop building settlements and stop firing on Palestinian militants.

The Bush Administration is working hard to help Israel and Palestine reach an agreement before Bush leaves office. Bush traveled to the region in January, and will return in May. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is making monthly visits. Do you think President Bush can bring the two sides together, adding a tangible and commendable accomplishment in the Middle East to his legacy?

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Become an Activist: Peace Rallies Held Worldwide Today

CitizenSugar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:43:05 -0700

On this, the Ides of March and near the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, rallies against the war are being held internationally. Today, antiwar protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square bolstering a worldwide day of protest against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the organizers, demonstrations are taking place from Washington to Beirut and from Sydney to Seoul.

In Rome, the US Citizens for Peace and Justice have named their demonstration today, "The Ides of March Protest: 'Et tu Congress?'" In the United States, the antiwar movement is in the midst of 10 days of civil disobedience in Washington DC, and events are scheduled today nationwide, from Santa Barbara, CA to Charleston, SC. Dozens of international events, including Madrid, Seoul, Oslo, and Reykjavik means that peace has its passport out. If you're an activist looking for an event stateside, here's a map and calendar to help you find one.

While I wholeheartedly defend the right to protest, I wonder - do you think demonstrations are an effective way to spark change? Attention-getting, to be sure, but do you think they're effective? Will you be protesting the war today?

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Front Page: No Link Between Hussein/al-Qaeda, AOL, Peace

CitizenSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:55:12 -0700

There was no link between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. This fact was confirmed by a Pentagon-sponsored study released yesterday. After a review of more than 600,000 Iraqi documents that have come into American hands since the March 2003 invasion, the Institute for Defense Analyses found “no smoking gun.” The study's conclusion is significant as the finding comes from a federally funded research institution, and senior administration officials have used the belief of the existence of ties between Hussein and the terrorist network run by Osama bin Laden as a rationale for the invasion.

AOL said today it was set to buy Bebo, the third most popular social networking website in the United States, valued at $850 million. AOL is set to integrate the networking site with its AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), jumpstarting AOL’s social networking strategy.
The presidents of Sudan and Chad signed a peace agreement intended to end border rebel attacks in a region that includes Darfur. The agreement will hopefully quell the use of Darfur by Chadian rebels as a base for launching incursions into Chad. Sudan has repeatedly accused Chad’s government of backing Darfur rebel groups. The signing was witnessed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, following talks in Senegal.