Obama Administration to Help Plan Durban 2

WorldFebruary 2009 • Views: 2,652

The first United Nations conference on “racism” held in Durban, South Africa, turned into an incredibly vile display of antisemitic hatred, notorious as one of the worst travesties in the UN’s travesty-filled history. The Bush administration walked out of it.

And now the Obama administration is planning to participate in the next one: US to help plan ‘Durban 2’ conference.

The Obama administration said late Saturday it would participate in planning for a UN conference on racism dubbed ‘Durban 2’ despite concerns the meeting will be used by Arab nations and others to demonize Israel.

The State Department said it would send diplomats next week to participate in preparatory meetings for the World Conference Against Racism, which is set to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in April and which some countries including Israel have already decided to boycott. In a statement released late Saturday, the State Department said the US delegation to the planning discussions would review “current direction of conference preparations and whether US participation in the conference itself is warranted.”

“This will be the first opportunity the (Obama) administration has had to engage in the negotiations for the Durban Review, and - in line with our commitment to diplomacy - the US has decided to send a delegation to engage in the negotiations on the text of the conference document,” the department said. “The intent of our participation is to work to try to change the direction in which the review conference is heading,” it said. “We hope to work with other countries that want the Conference to responsibly and productively address racism around the world.”

Good luck with that.

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69 comments

[deleted] Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:52:55pm

Randall Gross Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:53:06pm

He can't appease everyone all the time.... it's going to catch up to him .... and us.

Truck Monkey Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:53:21pm

HOPE! CHANGE! Obambi is a putz of the first order!

[deleted] Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:55:44pm

[deleted] Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:55:49pm

vagabond trader Sun, Feb 15, 2009 12:57:09pm

Aw gee, what a surprise....NOT.

Guess it'll give him creds with the haters, and that's what The Obama is all about.Obtaining creds via associations with haters.

AuntAcid Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:01:02pm

I got nothing, but a bottle of Merlot is calling my name. Caio!

Geepers Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:01:10pm

Canada has already said it will not participate, maintaining the meeting will promote racism and not combat it.

Calling it like it is.

Good at ya Canada.

Karmapolice Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:03:24pm

As someone who studies the United Nations extensively, I can honestly say Obama has no clue how to work the system, let alone what the system is. he will not "help plan" the conference, that is not something he can do at this point, let alone at any point. He can have his representative express his thoughts, but they will fall on deaf ears.

I'm often in disagreement with people here at LGF on the UN. I agree it is corrupt, but I do not think we should abandon it entirely. The United Nations is not an entity, but a tool. The US needs to learn to use it effectively, but again there are limits to what we can do, and Obama does not understand those limits. That is why Obama may be the most dangerous thing to happen to the United States, that he has no idea what he's getting himself into.

UberInfidel67 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:04:11pm

Did you guys hear about this:
[Link: israelmatzav.blogspot.com...]

Maybe some good news?

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:07:10pm

Good for Canada!

Durban 1 was a travesty, much like the UN's status of women conferences.

Indian low-caste groups who showed up in Durban complained that no one would listen to them, because every time they tried to talk about their issues, the Palestinians would rush in.

Karmapolice Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:07:10pm

The United Nations has become a tool that developing countries, most effectively the Arab countries, have learned to exploit to their advantage, and that is why the United Nations has become so clearly antisemitic and bias on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At this point, there is little we can do to address that, so in that sense we should abandon the United Nations and refuse to grace it with our presence. We can address those issues far more effectively bilaterally, or even multilaterally outside the framework of the United Nations system. Without the support of the United States, the UN can't do much on those issues anyways.

We should, however, learn to use the United Nations on economic issues before the UN becomes so far leftist on those issues that there is no coming back. If we do not, then there will be irreversible damage to our interests.

pre-Boomer Marine brat Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:08:32pm

Hillary did health care.
Is this one going to be Michelle's?

jaunte Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:09:14pm

re: #10 UberInfidel67

Did you guys hear about this:
[Link: israelmatzav.blogspot.com...]

Maybe some good news?

The United Nations Transparency, Accountability and Reform Act, sponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking Republican member Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Fla.), would require that the United States withhold U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency unless certification could be provided that nobody associated with, or receiving money from, the agency is associated with terror.

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
[Link: www.washingtonwatch.com...]

zombie Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:09:29pm

Actually, I'm glad about this.

Durban II is practically guaranteed to descend into a genocidal anti-semitic hatefest, a seething viper pit of anti-Jewish and anti-"white" hysteria.

And the Obama administation will be stuck right in the middle of it, unable to control the agenda, but also unwilling to walk out (as Bush so admirably did). The end result is that the Obama administration will be tarred by association with this conference, and will further serve to undermine his godliness.

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:10:39pm

re: #15 zombie

Actually, I'm glad about this.

Durban II is practically guaranteed to descend into a genocidal anti-semitic hatefest, a seething viper pit of anti-Jewish and anti-"white" hysteria.

And the Obama administation will be stuck right in the middle of it, unable to control the agenda, but also unwilling to walk out (as Bush so admirably did). The end result is that the Obama administration will be tarred by association with this conference, and will further serve to undermine his godliness.

With whom?

vagabond trader Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:10:50pm

Sounds like a perfect opportunity for Jerry Wright, with Farrakhan and Pflegar as backup.

Lynn B. Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:14:22pm

re: #15 zombie

Actually, I'm glad about this.

Durban II is practically guaranteed to descend into a genocidal anti-semitic hatefest, a seething viper pit of anti-Jewish and anti-"white" hysteria.

And the Obama administation will be stuck right in the middle of it, unable to control the agenda, but also unwilling to walk out (as Bush so admirably did). The end result is that the Obama administration will be tarred by association with this conference, and will further serve to undermine his godliness.

I like the way you think.

My fear is that association with this conference will be seen by far too many as a badge of honor. I don't trust him not to be seduced by that.

Ringo the Gringo Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:16:10pm

If Durban II turns out to be anything like the first one, then President Obama will have a great opportunity to earn my respect, by walking out again.

We'll see.

nyc redneck Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:16:57pm

this will be abt. maligning israel as racist because they want to exist.
will it even address the real racism that exists in the world.
like moslems persecuting black people in africa.

rumcrook Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:18:58pm

when your antisemetic why miss the biggest antisemetic party thrown all year? Oh im sorry I meant to say even handed between the zionists and the palistinian downtrodden....

albusteve Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:22:55pm

re: #9 Karmapolice

As someone who studies the United Nations extensively, I can honestly say Obama has no clue how to work the system, let alone what the system is. he will not "help plan" the conference, that is not something he can do at this point, let alone at any point. He can have his representative express his thoughts, but they will fall on deaf ears.

I'm often in disagreement with people here at LGF on the UN. I agree it is corrupt, but I do not think we should abandon it entirely. The United Nations is not an entity, but a tool. The US needs to learn to use it effectively, but again there are limits to what we can do, and Obama does not understand those limits. That is why Obama may be the most dangerous thing to happen to the United States, that he has no idea what he's getting himself into.

maybe but M Bolton, Mr Goodwrench, has been cast onto the junk heap...it's a lost cause...give it up

unrealizedviewpoint Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:23:06pm

re: #19 Ringo the Gringo

If Durban II turns out to be anything like the first one, then President Obama will have a great opportunity to earn my respect, by walking out again.

We'll see.

He listened to Trinity-Wright racism for 20+ years and didn't walk out. He ain't never walkin' outta nothin'. He'll hang about to effect his wordy Change. Words, just words.

z9z99 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:26:50pm

The direction that discussions and policies regarding racism needs to go is this:

The accusation of racism has to stop being used as a club with which to attack ideological opponents, and justify restictions on individual liberty. Racism is bad precisely because it inhibits individuals from succeeding on their own merits and reaping the benefits that free human beings enjoy. Combatting racism is not an ends, but a means to allowing every human being to realize his or her own purpose and potential.

The current fashion among racism hustlers is however to use the emotionalism of racism to achieve exactly the opposite ends. Accusations of racism are used to justify rocket and bombing attacks against innocent civilians, to stifle expression of legitimate opinions, to deprive persons of their property, to stigamatize and marginalize people for perceived ideological impurity and most egregiously of all, use the threat of official force to exact compliance with ideological fashion.

Few people respect rank racists, but it should be noted that infinging the liberty of any group because of what they think or believe or what their ancestors did or where they live is as illegitimate as doing so on the basis of race.

UN delegates may wrap themselves in the virtue of condemning racism, but history shows how they might simply pursue the aims of the racist under the guise of opposing it.

Ringo the Gringo Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:28:03pm

The first thing I ever read by Mark Steyn was The slyer virus: the West's anti-Westernism which was published at The New Criterion shortly after 9/11...It's still a good read:

In the first week of September 2001, the kindly earth, lapt in universal law, was gathered in South Africa, yakking incessantly, shrieking hysterically, but slumbering nonetheless. In a novel or a movie, it would have seemed too pat, the juxtaposition too obvious. But real life is not so squeamish as the professional scenarist, and so the weekend of September 8, 2001 found the representatives of the civilized world locked in intense negotiations with the planet's preeminent thugs over what recompense the West should make for its evil legacy.

Underneath the surface controversy, the United Nations Conference Against Racism, Racial Intolerance, Xenophobia and/ or Related Intolerance in Durban had an impressive unanimity on the key points. Everyone agreed that the West was guilty as charged, disagreement being confined only to the appropriate remedy. Dismissing apologies for colonialism and slavery as a pathetic attempt to cop a plea, Robert Mugabe's government--taking rime out of its hectic schedule of terrorizing white farmers--called on Britain and America to "apologize unreservedly for their crimes against humanity." There was a big split on the slavery-reparations front between the African-American bloviators, who wanted whitey's payments to go to individuals, and the African presidents, who thought it would be more convenient if the West just dropped off one big check at the presidential palace. The Organization for African Unity demanded that reparations for the Hutu slaughter of the Tutsis should be paid--by the Americans.

Van Helsing Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:29:06pm

I'm glad they'll have this opportunity to discuss some of the apartheid issues in the KSA.

Miss Trixie Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:29:17pm

re: #8 Geepers

Calling it like it is.

Good at ya Canada.

Upschwingading! :D

/I can finally do that now that Safari's installed ... hallelujah!

earth56 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:31:20pm

I too believe in Change !

about every 3 months or 3000 miles whichever comes first

Athos Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:33:08pm

Of course we'll participate since we are now in the era of hope 'n change......I'm sure that actively participating will get so many so-called allies and other 'friends' liking us all the more.....

hotel_2_oscar Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:45:31pm

You gets what you pays for children...sadly, not only do I think that we'll "participate" in, but "lead" in this ugly exercise. To this unenlightened barbarian, it appears as if our POTUS has been partaking for years of the Antisemitism so popular on the left these days...you think he's changed his mind because he now occupies the White House? Doubtful IMHO.

Hope 'n change? Only in the directions this reptile does not wish to go.

Someone earlier in the thread headed for the Merlot...I'm headed right for the rum. Yep, rum and Bob Dylan on the stereo. Cheers.

KBO

ProUSA Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:47:24pm

The Obama Administration: We're working hard to mess up everything within our power.

right_wing2 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:57:43pm

Only Jooos and white males can be racist.

set it in Sun, Feb 15, 2009 1:59:51pm

group hug?

WF Bach Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:00:05pm

I wish I had some confidence that this wasn't the first step in throwing Israel under the bus.

gymnast Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:12:19pm

re: #34 WF Bach

I wish I had some confidence that this wasn't the first step in throwing Israel under the bus.

First step? This is just another step!

pat Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:12:27pm

We did send an observer to Durban one. He was outraged. I think Obama has something more nefarious up his sleeve. Appeasement.

gymnast Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:16:46pm

Perhaps the Dear leader, Hope n Change is going to send his two favorite "Christian Clerics" to Durban II to represent the Administrations and therefore by implication the Nations interest. "Reverend" Wright and "Father" Phleger.

Kosh's Shadow Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:18:01pm

I hope those Jews who voted for 0bama are happy now.
Does anyone still doubt he does not like Jews and Israel?

Now we know 0bama isn't going to stab Israel in the back, but in the front, in full view of the world. And the world will cheer.

Idle Drifter Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:25:38pm

*Movie Preview Guy's Voice*

In a world full of racism and oppression, One man hopes to erase his county's past sins by engaging in dialog with dictators, despots and thugs who would call themselves world leaders. He must fight his way pass distractions like AM Talk radio hosts and avoid traps laid before by an evil conspiracy hoping to put prayer in schools.

Barack Obama as the Empty Suit,
Hillary Clinton as the Shrill
And Karl Rove as the Magnificent Bastard

Durban 2: Epic Failure.

In theaters April 20, 2009.

/////Heh, could be better.

TimO Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:28:20pm

Yup, the Jews who voted for Obama are going to have a big wake-up call.

....personally, I think the entire O'Administration is going to get a big wake-up call over the next year when they find out that the world isn't running on their rainbows and unicorns reality.

Kosh's Shadow Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:30:00pm

re: #40 TimO

Yup, the Jews who voted for Obama are going to have a big wake-up call.

....personally, I think the entire O'Administration is going to get a big wake-up call over the next year when they find out that the world isn't running on their rainbows and unicorns reality.

I just hope it isn't a nuclear wake-up call, but I'm afraid it will be.

the_flying_pig Sun, Feb 15, 2009 2:54:29pm

I am afraid that the Durban 2 conference will turn the issue of racism into Islamophobia.

Roses Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:01:11pm

This presidency can't end soon enough.

Tupac23X Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:04:42pm

re: #9 Karmapolice

As someone who studies the United Nations extensively, I can honestly say Obama has no clue how to work the system, let alone what the system is.

Unfortunately for us, he (by proxy of whoever "sent him") has a firm grip on how to work this system. In the end, that's all that matters to them.

I hope the Karma Police catch up with the communists.

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:10:15pm

re: #32 right_wing2

Only Jooos and white males can be racist.

Oh, you missed out on Feminist Thought 101, dincha? White women can also be racist, in fact, white women ARE racist, just by being white women.

I, of course, have a double whammy.

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:11:19pm

re: #42 the_flying_pig

I am afraid that the Durban 2 conference will turn the issue of racism into Islamophobia.

Stop worrying. It will. End of story. Worry about something else now...

pingjockey Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:12:17pm

Well I hope all those liberal Jews, who are 'liberal' first and Jewish second are happy. The 'ones' admin starts the isolation of Israel with this conference.

Rancher Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:13:22pm

My question is will Obama be surprised to find that America is still one of the most racist countries in the world despite the results of the last Presidential election? Rev. Wright and Michelle won't.

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:14:56pm

One thing I remember, for some reason, so clear, is a picture from Durban I, of some ladies from some South American tribe. They were wearing beautiful traditional clothes, those gorgeous woven stripey things, and carrying signs that said stuff like "Israel is the Enemy of Indigenous Peoples". In English.

And I was thinking, well, there goes any chance of talking about whatever their problems may happen to be...

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:15:30pm

re: #47 pingjockey

Well I hope all those liberal Jews, who are 'liberal' first and Jewish second are happy. The 'ones' admin starts the isolation of Israel with this conference.

Standing by on that. Hope not.

Boxy_brown Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:16:27pm

You have to hand it to him, he is doing everything he said he would that people somehow ignored or didn't believe that he actually would go ahead with doing.

Growing government by leaps and bounds; Yup.
Spending us into prosperity; (Something with a zero percent success rate) Yup
"Redistributive justice": Oh yeah.
Surrendering our hard won sovereignty to international organizations that hate our guts and want to teach us a lesson; Yup.

Maybe next time people will take our candidate at his/her word rather than just hearing the dreamy, sweet, sweet way in which he says what he is saying.

tradewind Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:21:17pm

Stickin' to their motto: They Hope it'll Change.

So? Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:42:28pm

Obama is a dufus. He should go there and speak in person and watch first-hand as all the anti-Semitic nations throw shoes at him. Maybe that'll knock some sense into his pea-size brain.

Kosh's Shadow Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:47:01pm

re: #53 So?

Obama is a dufus. He should go there and speak in person and watch first-hand as all the anti-Semitic nations throw shoes at him. Maybe that'll knock some sense into his pea-size brain.

I'm afraid he'd agree. 20 years of G-d damn America sunk into his head.

Randall Gross Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:53:53pm

The group complaining, Union of Concerned Scientists is notoriously anti nuke. The make statements like Barack does... nuclear could be a solution but only if it's made much "safer and cheaper". Note that any coal or gas plant producing power now could not meet the regs nuke plants do while running at 90 pct or better efficiency. Here's the telltale from their page:

The UCS also acknowledges that nuclear power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but maintains that it must become much safer and cheaper before it can be considered a workable solution to global warming (see nuclear debate).

They are also the third or fourth largest recipient of AGW research funding... beginning to get a clue yet?

horse Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:56:05pm

re: #41 Kosh's Shadow

I just hope it isn't a nuclear wake-up call, but I'm afraid it will be.

It could be if they really allow Israel to be pushed into a corner and threatened with imminent annihilation. Israel has at least five submarines likely armed with nuclear missiles. Those alone could make glass out of every major military installation and population center across the Middle East.

Elcid Sun, Feb 15, 2009 3:58:55pm

These peoplewill welcome him like Kunte Kinta released. Much like Kunta Kinta, Obama is just a character, playing his part for a world socialist utopia.

Ain't gonna' happen. Not Western Hemisphere, North American Continent, specifically the U.S. At least not without a fight, indicating Heston's words..."Out of my cold dead hands".

horse Sun, Feb 15, 2009 4:04:23pm

re: #9 Karmapolice

... The United Nations is not an entity, but a tool. The US needs to learn to use it effectively, but again there are limits to what we can do, and Obama does not understand those limits. That is why Obama may be the most dangerous thing to happen to the United States, that he has no idea what he's getting himself into.

Then it has become a dangerous tool. Like a knife blade that has lost its handle. Every time we go to pick it up and use it, we get cut. With Obama, it looks like we will be suffering a number of self-inflicted wounds. Make sure you have lots of alcohol for the disinfectant (and pain).

redc1c4 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 4:12:08pm

What could possibly go wrong with this?

kansas Sun, Feb 15, 2009 5:11:11pm

Maybe by then Obama can have us in a full on depression. Isn't that what he's aiming for. He's got the house senate and white house and now his porkulus maximus. Any positive statements in sight? Nope.
[Link: online.wsj.com...]

hro001 Sun, Feb 15, 2009 5:13:01pm

re: #59 redc1c4

What could possibly go wrong with this?

Why, nothing of course! No doubt BHO's representatives' marching orders will include treating with "respect" all who can be persuaded to "unclench" their respective fists. And the world will live happily ever after.

/sarc

MJBrutus Sun, Feb 15, 2009 5:15:52pm

I can see it now. All the cut throats, banditos and scum of the earth all lined up to get in.

Oh look, there's the ghost of John Belush yelling, "Badges! We don't need no stinking badges!"

Yeah right. Good luck with that O. Your only chance of making "progress" there is if your real intent isn't to beat them, but to join them. I'm holding my breath to see how you "engage" this mob.

barry the baptist Sun, Feb 15, 2009 6:28:59pm

Obama's arrogance is dwarfed by his ignorance.

This is a dangerous combination.

We should all be worried.

Edward Halper Sun, Feb 15, 2009 7:55:19pm

That 9/11 occurred the week following Durban I was surely no coincidence. Of course, the attack would have occurred in any case, but Durban I provided a good occasion. The principal targets of Durban I were the US and Israel despite (because of) the fact that it was supposed to be about slavery, and many Muslim countries still practice slavery. Bin Laden expected the participants at Durban to thank him.

We can expect Durban II to be a similar hate-fest whether or not the US participates, and we can expect terror attacks afterwards.

Cry of defiance and not of fear Mon, Feb 16, 2009 1:20:22am

re: #42 the_flying_pig

You are entirely correct in your fear and estimation of the real purpose of this Conference. The OIC (Organisation of Islamic Conference), acting through the 57 Moslem nations in the UN, is seeking a ban on 'blasphemy of religion,' and its first step is to conflate 'racism' and 'islamophobia.' The ultimate goal, of course, is protected status of Islam and Sharia Law from criticism and/or legislation against such law in other countries as an affront to the 'religion' of Islam. In obtaining an unbinding resolution at the UN, they have asked all nation states to enact legislation in each nation's legislature against 'Islamophobia.' (The proposed Lisbon Treaty also lays such groundwork.)

As I mentioned on another thread, the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam, which was accepted by the UN as a 'regional variation' on the UN-sponsored Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1997, is entirely antithetical to the latter's support of freedoms of speech and conscience:

This site lists both the UDHR and Cairo Delcaration texts and contrasts them:

[Link: www.faithfreedom.org...]

The International Humanist and Ethical Union produced a paper in March 2008 detailing its concerns ("Islamic Law vs Human Rights"):

[Link: www.iheu.org...]

The concept of "hate laws" and "hate speech" actually fits in well with Sharia law's refusal to countenance any criticism of, or 'deviation' through apostasy from, Islam.

As for any proposed Fairness Doctrine, under that or a different name, ultimately the goal of such an Act would be to stifle free speech and even preclude discussion of certain topics.

arminius Mon, Feb 16, 2009 7:32:27am

The first Durban conference is one of the major reasons I flipped from seeing myself as liberal to realizing I was a conservative.

I thought, wow the UN is addressing racism, awesome, it's about time they dealt with issues that really matter! What, racism is only found in the US and Israel? Oh. Is this some sort of performance art joke? No?

That was in the very early days of Instapundit, when I first began to understand the power of the internet to provide alternative viewpoints, and then only days later, 9/11.

Tazzerman Mon, Feb 16, 2009 7:43:39am

Wow, I'm going to definitely invest in both the KY and Vaseline compaines. With as much bending over I see in the future, these stocks are going to skyrocket!

Strap on the old seatbelt folks, we're in for a BUMPY ride...

samsgran1948 Mon, Feb 16, 2009 8:34:56am

For the first time in my life, I can truly say that I am ashamed to be an American. BO is going to drag this country down to the level of the lowest of the low -- financially, politically and morally.

By merely participating in Durban II, we demonstrate that there is no cesspool filthy enough for the United States not to condone and support.

Feh!

Bradley F Mon, Feb 16, 2009 10:22:28am

Look for a Truth and Reconciliation Council town hall coming to your city soon.

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