Australia Boycotts Durban II

WorldApril 2009 • Views: 2,133

A press release from The Hon Stephen Smith MP, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs:

Australia has decided not to participate in the Durban Review Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance to be held in Geneva from 20 to 24 April 2009.

Australia has taken this decision with regret as Australians are a people committed to eliminating racism and racial discrimination. Our nation thrives on and draws strength from its rich diversity.

The Australian Government has worked actively to advance the human rights of all Australians, especially those who have suffered most from disadvantage, notably indigenous Australians. Since taking office, the Government has put in place significant policies and programs to close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. We have also increased our overseas development assistance in the field of human rights and engaged strongly in multilateral human rights mechanisms.

The Durban Review Conference should be an occasion for the world to unite against racism in all its forms.

Australia has worked with a range of countries in Geneva these past weeks to promote an acceptable outcome document from the Review Conference and to ensure that the Conference does not see a repeat of the problems that marred the Durban World Conference Against Racism in 2001.

These efforts, the hard work of the Russian Chair and the flexibility shown by many countries, has led to significant improvements in the document to be presented to the Conference on Monday.

Australia, however, cannot support a document which reaffirms the 2001 Durban Declaration and Program of Action in its entirety - as is currently the case. The 2001 Declaration singled out Israel and the Middle East. Australia expressed strong concerns about this at the time. The Australian Government continues to have these concerns. Regrettably, we cannot be confident that the Review Conference will not again be used as a platform to air offensive views, including anti-Semitic views.

Of additional concern are the suggestions of some delegations in the Durban process to limit the universal right to free speech.

In recent weeks, I have spoken to a number of my foreign ministerial colleagues who share these concerns about the process. Canada, Israel, Italy and the United States have already indicated that they will not participate.

The Australian Government remains determined to combat racism and racial discrimination wherever it exists.

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146 comments

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:55:51am

Please PULL FUNDING as well as your RSVP!

No one should pay for this hatefest, in this economy.

Capitalist Tool Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:56:14am

Good job Australia.

loppyd Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:56:23am

Good for the Aussies.

SasquatchOnSteroids Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:56:38am

Good on ya.
But...with regret....did they cut and paste ?

J.S. Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:58:04am

I'm really glad to hear this. Way to go, Australia! (now if only Europe would follow suit).

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:59:13am

A big "Good on you, mate" to the land down under!

Dianna Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:59:56am

re: #4 SasquatchOnSteroids

All government statements read that way. It's boilerplate, expected.

itellu3times Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:00:15am

How about the US, Australia, etc hold our own conference, banning countries that, oh, I dunno, don't allow all faiths equal access to worship and the law, declare entire swaths of the world subhuman, and so forth?

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:01:16am

re: #8 itellu3times

But...that's hateful. We CAN'T do that. It would not be tolerant.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:01:28am

OT: Obama about to give a post Summit of the Americas news conference in Port of Spain. Gosh, I hope he gets grilled on the Chavez and Ortega chumminess (sure, he will!).

In a related note; the conference is at the "upside-down Hilton". I've stayed there!

Dianna Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:01:30am

re: #8 itellu3times

How about the US, Australia, etc hold our own conference, banning countries that, oh, I dunno, don't allow all faiths equal access to worship and the law, declare entire swaths of the world subhuman, and so forth?

That would require the willingness to offend.

"It's a revolution, man! Eventually, you're going to have to offend somebody!"

- 1776.

Walahi Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:01:48am

Fantastic news

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:02:45am

And, Hooray for the Aussies!

loppyd Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:02:53am

re: #10 Occasional Reader

OT: Obama about to give a post Summit of the Americas news conference in Port of Spain. Gosh, I hope he gets grilled on the Chavez and Ortega chumminess (sure, he will!).

In a related note; the conference is at the "upside-down Hilton". I've stayed there!

Don't hold your breath unless my boy Jake is there.

Why is it upside down or is that obvious?

reine.de.tout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:03:20am

re: #7 Dianna

All government statements read that way. It's boilerplate, expected.

Yep.
Find wording that works, and use it over and over.

The Other Les Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:03:20am

re: #8 itellu3times

How about the US, Australia, etc hold our own conference, banning countries that, oh, I dunno, don't allow all faiths equal access to worship and the law, declare entire swaths of the world subhuman, and so forth?

That would cause some cranial detonations amongst the progressive tyrrannophile element.

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:04:15am

The nations that have already signaled that they will not attend, have stripped a lot of credibility from the Summit.

Walahi Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:04:20am

re: #5 J.S.

I wish the British government would take a real stand against racism and follow the Aussies and America. I wish the EU would stop trying to be liked by people who hate them but only 'like' them when they are sending European taxpayer money as welfare

Off to write a letter to my MP....

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:04:29am

re: #13 Occasional Reader

And, Hooray for the Aussies!

Good Morning OR..I hope today finds you well..

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:05:17am

Oh, good Lord.

Chris Wallace noted that the podium seems very exposed, the Secret Service can't be happy about that, and another Fox talking head (don't know here name) says, "yes, it looks like a pretty easy shot there." Wallace immediately said "let's not go that far."

What an idiot this woman is.

Lincolntf Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:05:31am

Excellent. Well done, Aussies. Glad to see you've chosen to remain part of the civilized world. Wish I could say the same for more of our "allies".

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:05:51am

re: #19 HoosierHoops

Good Morning OR..I hope today finds you well..

I feel like Denzel Washington getting paid to make out with Eva Mendes, thanks!

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:06:07am

re: #20 Occasional Reader

What the hell was that about?

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:06:20am

I really, really wish the entire UN headquarters would relocate to Geneva or Caracas or ... Lagos, Nigeria.

Shay4l Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:06:21am

Just caught up on the overnight and her's a new thread. Good timing.

FYI Charles you're obviously on target, all the flak you're getting these days.

itellu3times Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:06:30am

re: #16 The Other Les

That would cause some cranial detonations amongst the progressive tyrrannophile element.

Kewl!

Well look, we've already gone half the distance, and thank goodness.

If need be, maybe Newt or some other Republican wannabe's can organize something.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:06:45am

re: #14 loppyd

Don't hold your breath unless my boy Jake is there.

Why is it upside down or is that obvious?

It's built into a hillside, so you enter at the lobby level, then take the elevator down to all the guest rooms. Stunning scenery around it.

Walahi Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:07:37am

I've had mixed opinions about Rudd, especially since Howard was a good PM for Oz (was just in power too long). Having said that, still love Australia and definately one of my favourite places in the world (even if it does take forever to fly there)

loppyd Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:07:46am

As much as I hang on every word the TOTUS utters I have to go grocery shopping and then make a Target run so I will miss his mesmerizing speech.

Have a good Sunday, all.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:07:57am

Way to go Aussies!
And thanks to Canada, Israel, Italy and the United States as well.
Yes, I'm saying that Obama made the correct call on that one.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:08:05am

re: #23 calcajun

What the hell was that about?

Foot in mouth disease, I'd say, nothing worse, but geez... how much does this lady get paid to speak on television?! And she couldn't figure out ahead of time that remarks about "easy" sniper shots at the President of the United States are f****ng inappropriate?!

Shay4l Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:08:37am

The irony of these world bodies full of thugs, dictators and tyrants chastising the democracies for their evil ways....

Killgore Trout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:08:41am

US boycotting, Iran starring, at UN racism meeting

The Netherlands declared its boycott Sunday, while Australia, Canada, Israel and Italy already have said they would not attend. Some European countries were still weighing their options. Britain said it will send diplomats, despite concerns the meeting could become a forum for Holocaust denial or anti-Semitic attacks.

At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI said the conference is needed to eliminate racial intolerance around the world. Asia News, a Catholic news agency that is part of the missionary arm of the Vatican, said of the pope's comment: "The Holy See is distancing itself from the criticisms of some Western countries."

loppyd Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:00am

re: #27 Occasional Reader

It's built into a hillside, so you enter at the lobby level, then take the elevator down to all the guest rooms. Stunning scenery around it.

Kewl!

My grandparent's house on the Cape was like that. It was also built into a hillside.

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:20am

re: #31 Occasional Reader

There are other ways to say the same thing without sounding so incredibly dense.

loppyd Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:40am

Latah Tatahs

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:46am

Wow. Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua are refusing to sign the milquetoast "declaration" that had been pre-cooked and agreed (supposedly) even before the summit.

Killgore Trout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:49am

OT:Slow loris loves getting tickled

Youtube Video

unreconstructed rebel Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:09:55am

re: #1 alegrias

Please PULL FUNDING as well as your RSVP!

No one should pay for this hatefest, in this economy.

or in any economy.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:10:00am

re: #24 funky chicken
Oh please make it somewhere in Africa - UN out of the US and the Western Hemisphere altogether.

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:10:01am

re: #36 loppyd

Latah Tatahs

See ya.

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:10:20am

re: #22 Occasional Reader

I feel like Denzel Washington getting paid to make out with Eva Mendes, thanks!

Miss Lima says to say hi...
:)

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:11:41am

BHO late for his press conference. The little people can wait,
punctuality is for rubes like W.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:11:42am

re: #31 Occasional Reader
Did you by any chance catch her name?

Randall Gross Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:12:18am

Great news from OZ

OT: Just me, or is LGF bogging a bit this am?

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:12:20am

re: #35 calcajun

There are other ways to say the same thing without sounding so incredibly dense.

Wallace said it appropriately, in my opinion. The woman was the one who needs her brain/mouth switch checked.

I know from having been at the hotel that there's no "front" line of sight toward where the podium is. But I can see how the USSS could be nervous about a rear line of sight to the hills in the background, and say a very good shooter with something like a Barrett. I'm surprised they allowed this setup.

Steffan Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:12:20am

The people of Oz are our best friends (screw the Special Relationship).

They are our closest allies, and I've long been an admirer of their pragmatism.

That they consider Durban II to be a waste of time is not a surprise.

BTW: The women of Oz are exceptional, and I'm told they like Yankee imperialists. So much the better. :)

In this, I echo Monty Python. "Australia, Australia, Australia. Australia, we love you. Amen."

/my name isn't Bruce, btw....

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:12:32am

re: #31 Occasional Reader

Foot in mouth disease, I'd say, nothing worse, but geez... how much does this lady get paid to speak on television?! And she couldn't figure out ahead of time that remarks about "easy" sniper shots at the President of the United States are f****ng inappropriate?!

* * **

Ms. CeCe Connolly who made that dumb remark, used to work for the Washington Post! Her colleagues there were celebrated for taking down Pres. Nixon (see her Woodward Bernstein colleagues' "All the President's Men")

unreconstructed rebel Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:13:00am

re: #43 opnion

BHO late for his press conference. The little people can wait,
punctuality is for rubes like W.

IIRC, Bill Clinton felt the same way.

/This country just does not need a rockstar as President.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:13:02am

re: #44 realwest

Did you by any chance catch her name?

Nope, stay tuned, I'll see if she pops up again. She's probably getting waterboarded by a producer at this very moment!

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:13:23am

re: #43 opnion

BHO late for his press conference. The little people can wait,
punctuality is for rubes like W.

The one is always late. Arrogance at it's finest.

itellu3times Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:13:50am

re: #45 Thanos

Great news from OZ

OT: Just me, or is LGF bogging a bit this am?

Site seems zippy from here.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:13:54am

re: #45 Thanos
Good morning - er, afternoon and it's ok on my end!

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:14:04am

Ok, the White House just sent word that Obama will appear 'soon"
Whatever coud he be doing? Maybe Bo ate his speech.

Shay4l Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:14:13am

re: #40 realwest

Oh please make it somewhere in Africa - UN out of the US and the Western Hemisphere altogether.

The UN is like if an alternat universe United States were composed of California run by drug cartels, Iowa run by an insane militia commander, Tennessee run by a colonel who had all his political opponents shot, etc.

Then they'd all gang up on any state that actually had a prosperous, functional government and attack them.

Like that can work!

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:14:13am

Instapundit had this link to my outrage of the day: John Murtha's pet airport

In 1998, at Murtha's urging, the Marine Corps agreed to move a helicopter unit to Johnstown and constructed a $14 million hangar and training facility at the airport's southeastern edge.

That year, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) singled out the hangar project on the Senate floor as an example of Congress members' "addiction to pork." He argued that larding up the Defense Department budget with pet projects the Pentagon did not request would hurt the working military.

A new air traffic control tower was built in 1999 for $6.8 million, after Murtha persuaded Congress to add the project to the federal budget. He also got the funds that year to build the new terminal, where his portrait graces the entrance.

The airport property is dotted with big-ticket items and buildings funded with Murtha's help.

An $8 million radar system for detecting weather problems more than 100 miles away spins on the southern edge of the property. Murtha had said that the system would create at least a dozen air traffic control jobs, but the state Air National Guard, which was supposed to staff it, said personnel reductions have left the radar unmanned.

A $17.8 million earmark in 2006 from the Defense Department replaced the airport's 7,000-foot-long asphalt runway with a reinforced concrete bed capable of handling larger civilian and military jets, but it is not being employed for that purpose.

A $6.5 million, three-story National Guard and Reserve training center, resembling a rustic ski lodge, is perched on Airport Road.

Each of the six daily flights that the United Express local carrier makes to and from the airport is subsidized, costing taxpayers about $1.4 million, or $147 per passenger, last year. The subsidy is double the national average for the federal program designed to guarantee air service for 150 rural communities, excluding those in Alaska.

In addition to the passenger subsidy, the Murtha airport has long received funds from another federal program, meant to help pay for runway improvements and safety at regional airports. The airport has received $7.3 million since 2004 under the program.

Boy, I'm so glad the evangelicals beat that angry old John McCain back in 2000. Just imagine what could have happened to the John Murtha Johnstown Airport if it had lost all of those dollars from the Department of Defense during wartime.

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

I rearranged the paragraphs to try to put them in chronological order...

Dianna Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:03am

re: #37 Occasional Reader

Wow. Venezuela, Bolivia and Nicaragua are refusing to sign the milquetoast "declaration" that had been pre-cooked and agreed (supposedly) even before the summit.

Another slap in the face. Wonderful.

I'm going to go get cleaned up and start my day.

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:22am

re: #49 unreconstructed rebel

IIRC, Bill Clinton felt the same way.

/This country just does not need a rockstar as President.

Yeah, Clinton was famous for being late.

Killgore Trout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:29am

re: #54 opnion

CNN has a live feed.I doubt he'll say anything intereting but it's a slow news day so I'll watch.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:42am

re: #50 Occasional Reader
"She's probably getting waterboarded by a producer at this very moment!"
We can only ~~pray~~ hope that it's so!

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:44am

Oops, and Evo Morales accusing the US of being behind an assassination attempt on Thursday.

Where's the love, Evo?

unreconstructed rebel Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:15:47am

Back to chores. A very holy, happy & healthy Low Sunday to you all.

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:16:31am

re: #46 Occasional Reader

I've never given this much thought, but the "sniper" potential has to be the easiest threat to anticipate --especially since 1963. The biggest threat and the one hardest to guard against is the "determined man" scenario- an assassin who does not fear getting caught/killed. I have to think the USSS has more concern with the POTUS moving though a crowd rather than being shot at while speaking.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:16:34am

re: #54 opnion

Ok, the White House just sent word that Obama will appear 'soon"
Whatever coud he be doing? Maybe Bo ate his speech.

I don't write this often, but: LOL.

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:04am

re: #59 Killgore Trout

CNN has a live feed.I doubt he'll say anything intereting but it's a slow news day so I'll watch.

The scenery behind the lectern looks beautiful, but I don't like how exposed that he will be.

Dr. Shalit Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:24am

Durban II? - If I want to watch the "Cantina" scene from Star Wars, I will watch the movie. Good on 'ya Aussies.

-S-

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:38am

re: #50 Occasional Reader

Nope, stay tuned, I'll see if she pops up again. She's probably getting waterboarded by a producer at this very moment!

She is checking wind direction and speed.

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:52am

CeCe Connolly has just called people "a peasant on the street" in Latin America, repeating the revolutionary meme.

Who does she think sneaks into North America for opportunity to live free & EAT, but these same "peasants in the street"?

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:56am

re: #60 realwest

At the very least, the USSS called Fox and read them the riot act.

SixDegrees Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:17:57am

re: #4 SasquatchOnSteroids

Good on ya.
But...with regret....did they cut and paste ?

Typical diplo-speak boilerplate.

J.D. Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:01am

re: #48 alegrias

* * **

Ms. CeCe Connolly who made that dumb remark, used to work for the Washington Post! Her colleagues there were celebrated for taking down Pres. Nixon (see her Woodward Bernstein colleagues' "All the President's Men")

They got rid of her on the panel at the end of Fox 6 PM news. Some moonbat comment she made that destroyed any credibility she might have hoped to have.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:04am

re: #61 Occasional Reader
Uh, what assassination attempt?

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:14am

re: #63 calcajun

I've never given this much thought, but the "sniper" potential has to be the easiest threat to anticipate --especially since 1963. The biggest threat and the one hardest to guard against is the "determined man" scenario- an assassin who does not fear getting caught/killed. I have to think the USSS has more concern with the POTUS moving though a crowd rather than being shot at while speaking.

Oh, I agree. The USSS I've always thought has a nightmarish job in those public appearances; they have to be on guard against the enthusiastic supporter trying to hug the President, the protestor trying to throw paint on him, and the jihadist trying to blow him up. Very different threats... tough job.

Barry's on.

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:44am

He just said that it was a 'productive " Summit. Unless what I am reading is wrong, nothing got accomplished.

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:50am

re: #40 realwest

Oh please make it somewhere in Africa - UN out of the US and the Western Hemisphere altogether.

You know, it would make sense for lots of reasons. The headquarters really would be a boon for an economically distressed but otherwise stable place like Botswana, or could help re-stabilize a place like Kenya. The diplomats would do some good just by travelling to the headquarters and employing year-round resident staff.

It might be the only good they do, to tell the truth.

oh well....

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:18:54am

re: #72 realwest

Uh, what assassination attempt?

Supposedly against him (Morales)... I don't know circumstances.

reine.de.tout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:19:07am

OT OT OT
Vol 1 sales update, click my nic.

$90 for March sales received and disbursed; $45 to LGF and $45 to Soldier's Angels, identified as from LGF readers via cookbook sales.

Lincolntf Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:19:35am

re: #57 Dianna

Obama gets such "respect", doesn't he? Europe slapped him down, N. Korea defies him, Iran taunts him and the thugs in our own hemisphere just played him for a fool.

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:19:58am

re: #73 Occasional Reader

Time for breakfast and church. Got to take care of my little slice of the world.

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:04am

re: #69 calcajun I sure as hell hope so. That was just unbelievably BAD.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:05am

Mentions: Garcia (Peru), Uribe (Colombia), Harper (Canada), Bachelet (Chile). Which is good... all are at least relatively friendly to us.

J.D. Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:20am

re: #74 opnion

He just said that it was a 'productive " Summit. Unless what I am reading is wrong, nothing got accomplished.

He got his picture taken and air time, didn't he?
I think that defines "productive day" to him.

The Other Les Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:26am

re: #74 opnion

He just said that it was a 'productive " Summit. Unless what I am reading is wrong, nothing got accomplished.

You have to remember that ego-boosting and adulation are positive values to god-king wanna-bees.

Dustyvet Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:35am

Fair Dinkum Aussies!

Charles Johnson Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:41am

re: #81 Occasional Reader

Mentions: Garcia (Peru), Uribe (Colombia), Harper (Canada), Bachelet (Chile). Which is good... all are at least relatively friendly to us.

I think his speech isn't bad so far.

Oh no. I'll probably get some more hate mail for saying that.

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:20:54am

re: #74 opnion

He just said that it was a 'productive " Summit. Unless what I am reading is wrong, nothing got accomplished.

* * * *
That handshake with Hugo produced a lot of love--certainly helped Huggo bring America down to his thuggish level.

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:21:03am

re: #65 opnion

The scenery behind the lectern looks beautiful, but I don't like how exposed that he will be.

There is not an 'unknown" person within a mile of the backdrop

SasquatchOnSteroids Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:21:10am

He's got his ~~blackberry~~ emergency teleprompter out.
Main Teleprompters must be region specific.

goddessoftheclassroom Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:21:12am

re: #77 reine.de.tout

THANK YOU for doing this! I love my copy...

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:21:23am

re: #76 Occasional Reader

Supposedly against him (Morales)... I don't know circumstances.

I did pass a little gas in his general direction on Thursday, I hope that's not it.

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:21:41am

Sheesh, from this angle now I AM feeling worried about lines of sight. Gah. Why did Secret Service give this the okay?

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:22:02am

This is boring. Now if he said that he was going to mud wrestle the top Somali pirate, now then you would have something.

reine.de.tout Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:22:36am

re: #89 goddessoftheclassroom

THANK YOU for doing this! I love my copy...

Glad you like it!
Lots of people involved - Jaunte, Flak Music, many others.

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:22:54am

re: #82 J.D.

He got his picture taken and air time, didn't he?
I think that defines "productive day" to him.

Silly me, I lost my head, you're right.

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:23:07am

re: #85 Charles

I think his speech isn't bad so far.

Oh no. I'll probably get some more hate mail for saying that.

Agree, but theres no emotion, no inflection unlike how he usually speaks in public. He sounds like a 5th grade teacher reciting the multiplication tables

Charles Johnson Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:23:21am

re: #91 Occasional Reader

Sheesh, from this angle now I AM feeling worried about lines of sight. Gah. Why did Secret Service give this the okay?

I'd be surprised if they didn't have men all over those neighborhoods behind Obama.

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:23:46am

re: #85 Charles

I think his speech isn't bad so far.

Oh no. I'll probably get some more hate mail for saying that.

Good Morning Charles..How are the digs working out for you? We all hate unpacking...
Hope today finds you well

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:24:19am

re: #91 Occasional Reader

see my #87

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:24:57am

OK--now watchin' Fox and all I can say is "Good Lord". The USSS has to be hoping that there's a strong wind blowing. That is really exposed. Who approved that set up?

100

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:25:35am

re: #96 Charles

I'd be surprised if they didn't have men all over those neighborhoods behind Obama.

It's an awful lot of ground to cover.

Hey, first reporter referring to Chavez handshake... but in the context of whether Obama gave ENOUGH face time to Ortega and Morales!

101

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:25:44am

Obama says he had meetings with ALL the leaders, contrary to Univision's reporter's query.

102

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:26:00am

re: #96 Charles

I'd be surprised if they didn't have men all over those neighborhoods behind Obama.

He should have some kind of bulletproof backdrop, like the ones in front at the convention.

103

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:26:27am

Obama said "Chavez was better at covering things with cameras" than Ortega and others or something like that?

104

Dr. Shalit Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:26:30am

re: #85 Charles

I think his speech isn't bad so far.

Oh no. I'll probably get some more hate mail for saying that.

Charles -

Tend to agree. Very interested in "micro-financing" angle. That program actually works - amazing how the loan of enough to buy a sewing machine works like "teaching a man to fish."

-S-

105

FrogMarch Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:26:41am

Australia has decided not to participate in the Durban Review Conference against ~~Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance~~ Jews, Israel, Zionists, and anyone who insults Islam... to be held in Geneva from 20 to 24 April 2009.

106

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:26:47am

re: #99 calcajun

OK--now watchin' Fox and all I can say is "Good Lord". The USSS has to be hoping that there's a strong wind blowing. That is really exposed. Who approved that set up?

That's what I think. I don't care how much security there is, a dedicated assasian would have a good chance. This does not look good.

107

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:27:50am

re: #87 sattv4u2

There is not an 'unknown" person within a mile of the backdrop

The Secret Service does not have 40,000 agents in Port of Spain... that's what it would take.

108

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:28:05am

re: #103 Occasional Reader

Obama said "Chavez was better at covering things with cameras" than Ortega and others or something like that?

I don't understand that remark..I'm sure they will explain it at end..

109

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:28:29am

Hugo's and Ortega's thugs are providing total security, relax. These guys are dictators, for heaven's sake. Security is their thing.

110

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:28:34am

re: #107 Occasional Reader

The Secret Service does not have 40,000 agents in Port of Spain... that's what it would take.

This postioning of the lectern is not a good idea.

111

debutaunt Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:28:36am

re: #51 VegasRick

That one is always late. Arrogance at it's finest.

A McCain-like comment.

112

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:28:55am

re: #103 Occasional Reader

Obama said "Chavez was better at covering things with cameras" than Ortega and others or something like that?

LOL, hey, just like Chuckie Schumer!

113

debutaunt Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:29:19am

re: #54 opnion

Ok, the White House just sent word that Obama will appear 'soon"
Whatever coud he be doing? Maybe Bo ate his speech.

Teleprompter adjusto.

114

Charles Johnson Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:29:36am

Every time he mentions the IMF, I can't help hearing the Mission Impossible theme in my head.

115

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:30:23am

My God , if he was giving a power point presentation in the confernce room, heads would be hitting the table.

116

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:30:23am

re: #114 Charles

Every time he mentions the IMF, I can't help hearing the Mission Impossible theme in my head.

The slap at "Washington consensus" was a sop to the Latin left, big time.

117

[deleted] Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:30:38am

118

Lincolntf Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:30:59am

re: #104 Dr. Shalit

I heve been impressed with a few examples of micro-loans in Asia and Africa. Largely, they were small scale agricultural/livestock type of loans and the recipients became far more productive, the (small) localities became less poverty-stricken, the loans got paid back and facilitated more loans. Sadly, good ideas like this tend to generate multi-billion dollar UN-style bureacracies that crush the good idea under tons of corruption, incompetence and institutuonal inertia.

119

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:31:22am

re: #107 Occasional Reader

The Secret Service does not have 40,000 agents in Port of Spain... that's what it would take.

Not really. The sight was picked weeks ago, so the preparation has been done. 1st the make sure that the local police force and secret services has areas cordoned off. Then they check that to make sure no 'rogue' local has let something slip by. Then they have our SS men at key locations with 360 degree video surveillance

120

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:31:37am

re: #115 opnion

My God , if he was giving a power point presentation in the confernce room, heads would be hitting the table.

LOL
So true..This is a little surreal..

121

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:31:43am

"If our only interaction is drug interdiction and military, we're not developing the connections [we need]"... gosh, you mean things like FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS?! Well, talk to Pelosi et al about why THOSE haven't been moving, Barry. Or just look in the mirror.

122

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:31:45am

re: #108 HoosierHoops

I don't understand that remark..I'm sure they will explain it at end..

* * *
Probably meant Hugo Chavez is a camera hog that plotted his photo op with Pres. Obama. (Venezuela's minister is in the picture between them, so it was planned by them no doubt, to maximize Hugo's face time for the camera shot they posted in Venezuela's news right after that handshake.)

123

Macker Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:33:00am

re: #16 The Other Les

That would cause some cranial detonations amongst the progressive tyrrannophile element.

That...sounds like something Data would say. If I could give you 1,000 updings I would!

124

irongrampa Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:33:15am

Have to wait for a transcript. Can't STAND to listen to the person.

125

A Man for all Seasons Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:33:21am

Upthread

126

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:33:26am

I think I'll click on the Applebees ad on the top right. Reading the menu will be more entertaining!

127

VegasRick Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:33:36am

re: #111 debutaunt

A McCain-like comment.

My lasting memories of the McCain campaign will always be his ridiculous endings to his last speeches where he encourages everybody to "fight with me".

128

realwest Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:34:05am

re: #119 sattv4u2
" the local police force..." See, now that's what has me concerned.
IF I were running the POTUS's USSS detail I sure as hell wouldn't trust the local police; and video and other surveillance cameras are all well and good but it's still a SHITTY location, from a security standpoint.

129

Lincolntf Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:34:55am

I always get nervous when someone claims they have "very specific" plans when asked what their plans are and then immediately begins speaking in generalities.
Just tell us the plans, dude.

130

J.D. Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:35:32am

...As the CIA sets about the revising its Interrogation Manual—that will be a fun project—here are some suggestions for up-to-date techniques that will have the dastards crying “Uncle!” in no time.
Traffic Jamming Subjects are placed in cars and made to endure daily commutes of up to four hours, five days a week. Technique may be enhanced by alternating the interior temperature by means of A/C and heat; also by having radio set to Rush Limbaugh radio show or Christian Broadcasting stations at high volume.

Telephoning Subjects are given rotary dial telephones and told that they will be released if they call a certain number and follow the prompts, which will instruct them to “press” various numbers. As subjects dial the numbers, the prompts will respond that their did not understand and repeat their instruction.

Televisioning Subjects are ushered into comfortable TV rooms with state-of-the-art TVs with cable, DVD, video game players, etc. TV will display cable guide with hundreds of channels, all themed to delight murderous religious fanatics, e.g.: TALIBAN TODAY, DRIVING ISRAEL INTO THE SEA, THE IED CHANNEL, WHO WANTS TO BE A MARTYR? No matter which button or combination of buttons are pressed on the nine remote controls, nothing happens. After several hours, screen will spontaneously display the 1960 movie Exodus, which will remain on no matter which button is pressed or even if electrical cord is yanked out of wall socket. (Note: the International Court of Justice at the Hague has ruled that being forced to watch Exodus constitutes “torture.”)

Confinement With Cheney In this “extreme” technique, the subject is placed in a confined area with former Vice President Dick Cheney. In past experiments, most subjects have broken “within minutes.”

Enough With the Torture Sanctimony

131

alegrias Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:35:46am

"When" we are at our best, the United States represents .....we've got a set of ideas that have broad applicability.

BUT what I also believe, is other countries have ........

** * *
We not simply gonna lecture you.... There aren't junior and senior partners on the international stage....

132

opnion Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:36:18am

re: #120 HoosierHoops

LOL
So true..This is a little surreal..

Yeah, this is brutal. People would be taking frequent bathroom breaks.

133

irongrampa Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:36:28am

re: #127 VegasRick

Ridiculous? I dunno.

Seems we fought with him on a few occasions. McCain-Feingold and immigration come to mind.

134

sattv4u2 Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:36:46am

re: #128 realwest

1st, it's in Trinadad/ Tobago. Very USA freindly (most of the country depends on US tourism in one way or another for their income)
2nd, it really is a confined area, backdrop notwithstanding. (he's most likely no closer than a mile from those houses you see)

135

debutaunt Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:36:51am

re: #127 VegasRick

My lasting memories of the McCain campaign will always be his ridiculous endings to his last speeches where he encourages everybody to "fight with me".

My friends...

136

Occasional Reader Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:38:20am

re: #134 sattv4u2

(he's most likely no closer than a mile from those houses you see)

Mr. Barrett can reach out and touch you from a mile or more.

Still makes me nervous, this setup.

137

hazzyday Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:40:55am

Require basic human rights for membership in the UN.

No honor killings.
Women can vote.
Recognize Israel.
No child labor.
Health standards for prisons.

138

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:43:13am

McCain's been fighting crap like this for almost 30 years. How tragic, speaking as a military wife, that so few people care to join him.

In 1998, at Murtha's urging, the Marine Corps agreed to move a helicopter unit to Johnstown and constructed a $14 million hangar and training facility at the airport's southeastern edge.

That year, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) singled out the hangar project on the Senate floor as an example of Congress members' "addiction to pork." He argued that larding up the Defense Department budget with pet projects the Pentagon did not request would hurt the working military.

An $8 million radar system for detecting weather problems more than 100 miles away spins on the southern edge of the property. Murtha had said that the system would create at least a dozen air traffic control jobs, but the state Air National Guard, which was supposed to staff it, said personnel reductions have left the radar unmanned.

A $17.8 million earmark in 2006 from the Defense Department replaced the airport's 7,000-foot-long asphalt runway with a reinforced concrete bed capable of handling larger civilian and military jets, but it is not being employed for that purpose.

A $6.5 million, three-story National Guard and Reserve training center, resembling a rustic ski lodge, is perched on Airport Road.

139

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:44:32am

Whoops

In 1998, at Murtha's urging, the Marine Corps agreed to move a helicopter unit to Johnstown and constructed a $14 million hangar and training facility at the airport's southeastern edge.

That year, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) singled out the hangar project on the Senate floor as an example of Congress members' "addiction to pork." He argued that larding up the Defense Department budget with pet projects the Pentagon did not request would hurt the working military.

An $8 million radar system for detecting weather problems more than 100 miles away spins on the southern edge of the property. Murtha had said that the system would create at least a dozen air traffic control jobs, but the state Air National Guard, which was supposed to staff it, said personnel reductions have left the radar unmanned.

A $17.8 million earmark in 2006 from the Defense Department replaced the airport's 7,000-foot-long asphalt runway with a reinforced concrete bed capable of handling larger civilian and military jets, but it is not being employed for that purpose.

A $6.5 million, three-story National Guard and Reserve training center, resembling a rustic ski lodge, is perched on Airport Road.

[Link: www.washingtonpost.com...]

140

funky chicken Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:45:48am

re: #137 hazzyday

just move the headquarters to Africa, and then let them keep their own rules

141

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:47:35am

re: #114 Charles

Not far from reality there.

142

SixDegrees Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:48:35am

re: #70 SixDegrees

Typical diplo-speak boilerplate.

re: #137 hazzyday

Require basic human rights for membership in the UN.

No honor killings.
Women can vote.
Recognize Israel.
No child labor.
Health standards for prisons.

Like the League of Nations, the UN has outlived it's usefulness, if it ever possessed any usefulness to begin with. I don't believe it can be salvaged; it's rules and procedures make reform next to impossible.

If there is value to be found in such international proceedings, it's time to start over from scratch. "The League of Democracies" has a nice ring to it, and your list of requirements is an excellent start that would exclude a number of less-than desirable nations from participation.

143

NY Nana Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:50:02am

re: #140 funky chicken

just move the headquarters to ~~Africa~~ Tehran, and then let them keep their own rules

Fixed it for you!

144

calcajun Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:50:29am

re: #128 realwest

Anytime you have someone speaking from a rooftop, it's a risky position. If there was a viable threat or risk, they would not have allowed it to occur there.

145

[deleted] Sun, Apr 19, 2009 10:37:16am

146

Steffan Sun, Apr 19, 2009 11:55:27am

re: #114 Charles

Every time he mentions the IMF, I can't help hearing the Mission Impossible theme in my head.

Wasn't the Secretary supposed to disavow any knowledge of their actions?

Spy Mode Auto

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