Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/category/world/page/20/)
Long ago, most Americans lived as Laura Ingalls Wilder chronicled in the “Little House” series. Pa Ingalls and family were out in the wilderness, surviving with the rhythm of the land and putting away what they could to survive long winters and perhaps beyond. The family’s net worth was what they had around them – nearly all put toward surviving on their own.
I am writing from Batumi, Georgia, where representatives from 15 countries have come together to acknowledge another milestone on the road to ending violence against women: Europe’s new Convention on Violence Against Women (the “Istanbul Convention”). Continue Reading
In the east African nation of Uganda, the issue of gay rights is the focus of a very serious battle with potentially dire consequences for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender people.
After listening on Bastille Day morning to a rousing version of La Marseillaise, performed by the Royal Opera Covent Garden Orchestra, the French Army Choir, and soloist Roberto Alagna, my caffeinated mind asked: How does France differ from the United States? Continue Reading
It’s summer, and time to talk national budget! No, not here in the USofA – we haven’t actually bothered to have a real budget in 3 years or more. We’re talking about France, a nation with a bold new Socialist government and determination to move ahead into the future. A future full of socialist visions of strong growth and commitment to reducing the deficit … wait a minute …
Secretary Clinton’s agenda this week will mark a historic moment: visiting Vientiane, Laos. 57 years later, it’s the first for a U.S. Secretary of State since John Foster Dulles in 1955. Continue Reading
Sami Rasouli, co-founder of the Muslim Peacemakers Team was greeted by over 200 people who gathered in the sweltering gymnasium of Joan of Arc Church in South Minneapolis.The bulk of those in attendance were in their 50s and older. Many wore shirts with peace slogans, tie dye shirts or other anti-war items. Those under the age of 30 were but a handful.Julie Madden of Joan of Arc Church opened the program expressing her excitement having her church co-sponsor the Sami’s presentation. Other event organizers were The Twin Cities Peace Campaign and Women Against Military Madness.John Brown, a man who had Rasouli stay with him for several years while living in Minnesota introduced him using a Howard Zinn quote, “You can’t be neutral while on a moving train” to describe, Rasouli applauding his peacemaking efforts. The Reconciliation Project was also present as they applaud those like Rasouli who choose to stand up against violence.Sami Rasouli began by introducing the audience to his wife and four year old son and then quickly moved to a lesson in history. He noted while some in the audience are aware of what is really going on in Iraq and the Middle East most have no clue as the mainstream media fails to cover the truth.“The truth needs a tongue to speak,” said Rasouli.He proceeded to connect the dots by noting that as early as 1956, M. King Hubbert of Shell Oil predicted peak oil use in the US would occur in 1975 and after 1975 and there would be a need to get oil and natural gas from elsewhere. Continue Reading
Terrible news piles up in the financial world. The famous JP Morgan inexplicable $2B derivatives may be as much as $9B, making everyone wonder who is in charge. Continue Reading
Here we were, having a quiet summer, and suddenly there is news! On a hot Friday heading into what might be a very long weekend for many people there is a lot to talk about. Let’s keep it light, like a salad in place of a big heavy meal. We wouldn’t want the day to feel even heavier than it already does.
From north to south, Mexican farmers are facing some of the most severe climate instability they’ve ever confronted. The northern states are suffering from what the Mexican government has called the worst drought the country has ever experienced; rain just won’t fall, and the crops that have been planted have dried up. Continue Reading