Why are the fastest runners of African ancestry, the fastest swimmers white European ancestry?

Is a cultural thing?  According to research the fastest swimmers are of white European ancestry, but the fastest runners are of African ancestry.

The record books show there is a difference.  Folks of African ancestry are shown to be better at running.  Swimmers, on the other hand, are dominated by those considered white.

And indeed athletes are getting faster and stronger, and the clear divide between racers in terms of race and body type are definitely part of what has been identified as a difference.

Indeed in Hawaii, a long distance from Africa for certain, the same situations hold true.

The research on these differences was done five years ago at Duke University, as Adrian Bejan, Professor of engineering at Duke's Pratt School of engineering, told us then that one reason for the differences in athletic performance with athletes has to do with the center of gravity of the individual.  That center, he says, is higher on the body of blacks than whites.  These differences are not racial but biological.  The research was published in an online a paper online in the International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics, with Bejan, and co-authors Edward Jones, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University currently teaching at Howard University, and Duke graduate Jordan Charles who reviewed and explained what the results of the study might mean.

"There is a whole body of evidence showing that there are distinct differences in body types among blacks and whites" said Jones, who specializes in adolescent obesity, nutrition and anthropometry, the study of body composition. "These are real patterns being described here -- whether the fastest sprinters are Jamaican, African or Canadian -- most of them can be traced back generally to Western Africa"

Swimmers, Jones continues, tend to come from Europe, and therefore tend to be white. He also pointed out that there are cultural factors at play as well, such as a lack of access to swimming pools to those of lower socioeconomic status.

It all comes down to body makeup, not race, Jones and Bejan said.

"Blacks tend to have longer limbs with smaller circumferences, meaning that their centers of gravity are higher compared to whites of the same height" Bejan said. "Asians and whites tend to have longer torsos, so their centers of gravity are lower"

"Locomotion is essentially a continual process of falling forward" Bejan said. "Body mass falls forward, then rises again. Mass that falls from a higher altitude falls faster. In running, the altitude is set by the location of the center of gravity. For the fastest swimmers, longer torsos allow the body to fall forward farther, riding the larger and faster wave"

The researchers said this evolution of body types and increased speeds can be predicted by the constructal theory, a theory of natural design developed by Bejan that explains such diverse phenomena as river basin formation and basis of animal locomotion (www.constructal.org).

In the Honolulu Marathon last year athletes from Kenya scored victories.  This was the 42nd Honolulu Marathon.  Wilson Chebet, it was said, waited until the last miles to make his push to finish first.  Joyce Chepkiri, on the other hand, was out in front at the first of the race.

The Honolulu Marathon is in December annually, with runners competing from around the world.  It is an event that brings out hosts of spectators, along with the participants, as well as volunteers who offer water cups, and sometimes cloths for the forehead, every 4+miles.

This year the African runners were celebrated again.

In 2012 Missy Franklin took center stage at the Olympics for swimming.  The top medalists for swimming over the years have included Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Jenny Thompson, however, all of predominantly Caucasian ancestry.

The pattern has continued since the research of five years ago.  The research indicates why that is and why it is likely to continue in the future.

Recruiting for terror on social media: The devil is in the details

Several years ago it was reported on a well known religion news blog, that religious attacks have been fostered by Muslim extremists to attack Christians.  Muslims, on the other hand, have complained that social media sites like Facebook are being used to incite hatred and bigotry against them.  How are social media sites in 2014 handling the strident voices that can sometimes reach a high pitch during times of serious conflict?

The report in 2010 about Christians maintained that some of the extremists have called Christian converts "hyena evangelists" or "wolves in lamb's skins" who are "trying to shake the faith of Muslims"  The words were in Arabic and match some of Morocco's laws against proselytizing in a fashion that "shakes the faith of Muslims"

Names and addresses were said to be used on the site.

In the meantime, the report declares the Moroccan government had deported more than 100 foreign Christians for proselytizing, as described on Facebook.


The problems of the world often take to the "streets" of the Internet as Muslims and Christians use social media to explain their positions, discuss events and sometimes attack or verbally abuse one another.  And often the devil is in the details, in that the details that support the claims may be false or misleading.

In 2011 Yahoo News reported how extremists were taking to Facebook to obtain recruits. And recent news tells us they are.

ISIS, according to On the Media, is said by individuals such as J.M. Berger, editor of Intelwire, to be more effective in using online social groups to network with others and to recruit disaffected individuals to join them.  Intelwire is a publication devoted to discussing terrorism in its various manifestations.

And while the fact extremists are on social media is not news, as Berger maintains, how they recruit and the more subtle ways they find to do so is of critical importance to those innocents easily persuaded by their peers and others.

Intelwire's comprehensive articles and resources are of benefit for those who write about terrorism or seek to determine what to do if they are approached, subtly or directly, by individuals seeking to be recruited for an extremist organization of any kind.

While religious publications, Fox News and their compatriots, express concerns about how Christians are being attacked on social media, the same occurs from other groups as well.  Having knowledge of how this occurs and how to avoid being duped by either the right or left can be helpful with the vast reaches of the Internet able to hoodwink even those who see themselves too sophisticated to be fooled.  There are tools to help understand, resources for the media and anyone to review in the event they believe an individual or group is trying to foment trouble and getting others involved.

What is being done to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons?

Nuclear explosion

Carol Forsloff - Washington - Every year there are world summits that bring leaders together to discuss various problems.  With the rise of terrorism, and of ISIS demonstrations and beheadings, there are more discussions worldwide.  But over the years meetings have emphasized the importance of not allowing nuclear weapons to fall into the hands of terrorists.

A major conference in 2010 underlined specifically how risky it is for terrorists to gain control over nuclear weapons.  A two-day conference of world leaders met to find ways to prevent extremists from obtaining nuclear weapons.

At the White House, that year, Joe Biden spoke with reporters and advised how important it is for the United States and other countries to work together to prevent terrorists from getting weapons and using them to create additionally dangerous concerns for the rest of the world.
This came also at a time when world leaders were attending a summit in Washington DC designed to develop plans for building cooperative relationships to reduce proliferation of nuclear weapons.

In his opening remarks prior to a luncheon meeting with these leaders, Biden stressed the aims of the summit, but also underlined the fact that the United States supports the peaceful uses of nuclear power and technology. He reminded the assembled attendees who are looking to use nuclear technology peacefully, "As countries seeking to develop your nuclear sectors, we stand ready to support you, to share our experience with you."

But Biden also observed that risks were involved in the proliferation of nuclear materials without proper controls and cooperative efforts, including with industry. He reminded them, "More than half the world's dangerous nuclear materials are owned not by governments but by industry. And we will work with them, as we will work with you, to address our common concerns.

These concerns were also expressed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, who declared, "Nuclear terrorism is one of the greatest threats we face today. That is why, in Washington, I will call on all world leaders to come together, perhaps at the United Nations in September, to further advance this essential cause for humankind."

Ban went on to praise the recent START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty} signed by President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last week and ended his remarks with his intention, "to realize a world free of nuclear is a top priority of the United Nations and the most ardent aspiration of human beings."

The two-day summit was attended by nearly 50 world leaders at the time. President Obama met individually with many of them as his administration plays host to the gathering.

But beyond meetings, what do experts believe the leaders must do to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons?

In 2012 the New York Times looked at this issue, reporting on how experts tell us security needs to be tightened and that terrorists look for loopholes in order to find weaknesses, gaps in security, where they can find information.

With the lapses in security, demonstrated by hacking incidents and the ability for folks like Edward Snowden to take secret materials, then take them first to China, then to Russia, US security experts are particularly alarmed.

At the same time, many of those in social media advocate for complete freedom on the Internet and that the revelation of government spying is critical for citizen information, even as security experts counter it.

And while the conversation escalates over freedom vs international security, government experts and others remind us it is just a matter of time before information falls into the wrong hands, an alarming possibility in a tinder box of issues.

Mali struggles against Al Qaeda, factionalism and legacy of colonialrule

Medersa Sankore mosque

While the United States and Russia deal with the issues in the Ukraine and Syria, France has its own struggles with its involvement in Mali, as it plans a withdrawal of troops in Mali's northern regions even as the fighting continues and food shortages mount.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa.  Its northern regions, however, have more than poverty to contend with, as groups struggle for supremacy in the governance of the region.

15 million people live in Mali, a land of plenty according to those who have traveled there.  It has abundant national resources and great beauty, it is reported; however, the problems of war and the scramble among groups has caused a depletion in those natural resources and an upheaval in the social structure that creates health problems, food shortages and a host of other problems for the population.

Geographia.com describes Mali as a place of great beauty and charm, comparing the country with Egypt with both countries identified and nurtured by rivers.  Egypt has the Nile, and Mali has the Niger.  Both are central to the sustenance of their populations.  And even though Mali is now a poor and struggling country, it was once the source of great African empires and a legendary history.  The country was at its peak of both power and wealth during the 14th century, with its great cities Timbuktu and Djenne as centers of golden glory from the trading that was central to the flourishing of the empire.  In the 19th century it became a French colony and was given its independence in 1960.

Aid groups clamor for aid to Mali, as people are going hungry in the northern regions of Mali in particular.  Agencies have warned that more than 800,000 people need food assistance.  Political instability and poor harvests are said to be responsible for the problems.

In Northern Mali French troops have been fighting Islamic insurgents.  In November 2013 two French journalists were killed.  Al Qaeda is said to hold control in some pockets of the Northern region.

Like other countries, such as India, who have been dominated by foreigners prior to independence, Mali has grappled with governance for years.  As it once was part of a kingdom led by Muslims, then by France, it bears the benefits, and the scars, of the domination of different cultures while working to build its own identity.  Despite the centuries that have passed since Mali was part of the kingdom of Ghana, and French rule that ended more than 50 years ago, both the Muslim and French influences remain.  And these influences are part of the issues facing the country, as its people strive for independence.

The United Nations has been working to bring peace and security to Mali.  At a meeting of the Security Council today Gerard Araud, the French representative, briefed members about the situation in Mali, declaring, according to a UN report, that "a comprehensive and sustainable peace in Mali could only truly be realized by the country's people themselves, with the full backing of the international community."

Public figures reinforce cultural attitudes about women, rape and birthcontrol

                                    Iranian woman who offers an image to say "my body, my choice"

Carol Forsloff---In the United States a former Presidential candidate and preacher, Mike Huckabee, believes, in reference to women and contraception, they can control their impulses without having government-sanctioned birth control methods.   In India a woman politician offers the statement that women are the cause of rape, defending her statement as "her opinion."  How do attitudes like this influence our culture and patterns of behavior?

Asha Mirje, the woman politician in India, was quoted by the press as saying women were "responsible to an extent" for rape.  She went on to add their "clothing and behaviour" played a part in what happened to them.

Human rights activists as well as the opposition party to that of Mirje were quick to respond that Mirje"s comments were "unacceptable".  Mirjie's defense, however, was to state that this had been her "personal opinion."  Nevertheless, her opinion was public; and the consequences to the culture in a country where a rape is said to be recorded every 22 minutes is disturbing, counter the activists.

Huckabee's remarks brought an outpouring of discussion about his attitudes in reference to giving women access to no-co-pay birth control under the Affordable Care Act.  His remarks, "they are helpless without Uncle Sugar coming in and providing for them a prescription each month for birth control because they cannot control their libido or their reproductive system without the help of government,"offered an example of opinions that are pervasive in reference to women and sex.  Some members of the Christian right were quick to defend Huckabee's remarks, while some in the Republican party were also said to want to distant themselves from those remarks.

In the United States women are divided on the issues of contraception and abortion.  References to women's sexual responses as something they should just control in order to prevent unwanted births reinforces attitudes about sex and women's issues that have influenced the culture in negative ways, according to experts on sex, reproduction and psychology.

Ms Mirje later apologized about what she said, maintaining it was her "personal opinion." Huckabee defended his remarks by pointing to the press as being responsible for the firestorm along with the political opposition.  “I'm always flattered when people on the far left manufacture a new version of being ‘offended. They can be quite creative in finding something that hurts their feelings,”  he was quoted as saying to a Fox News host.

Experts on the matter of unwanted pregnancies maintain the burden of preventing unwanted pregnancies is a shared responsibility.  Furthermore, even though abstinence is the method of 100% guarantee as offering birth control, the shared responsibility presented includes methods of contraception as well.  But the notion of pregnancy being the woman's fault continues to be offered as the foundation for focusing on women in counseling and birth control forums.

Rape is known to be an act of violence, not of sexual response.  It is that violence that is said to be at the heart of the problem, and the lack of knowledge of what rape really is and its long-lasting impact on the woman's life and the life of her family but also on the community as a whole.

Public figures offer pronouncements that often reinforce prejudgments and lack of knowledge about sex and women, as each culture struggles with accepting responsibility for the outcomes of those remarks and women become the target of the negative impact they can bring.

Legendary Pete Seeger, father of folk music renaissance, dies at age 94

[caption id="attachment_22572" align="alignleft" width="210"] Pete Seeger[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---He was a rebel with a cause.  His cause was human justice; and he made his declarations about it at a time when America was in the throes of anti-Communist hysteria, culminating in the McCarthy hearings.  Pete Seeger held firm to his principles, even at a time when his music was blackballed by many, maintaining the rights of the underprivileged, the culturally and racially different and the working man.

Seeger's advocacy for humanitarian issues used the vehicle of music, something that often transcended the boundaries of political and cultural differences.  Despite the controversies that had occurred about his political views, most especially in the 1950's, Seeger, the folk singer, heralded the folk music renaissance that swept the country.  Everyone was singing "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" and other anthems penned by Seeger, while the hippies paraded with guitars and flowers, joining in the music craze on almost every street corner in America.

Seeger died on Monday, January 27, at the age of 94.  His was a rich and event-filled life, although in the decades past the folk music era, few people remembered his was the creative force that launched the music of many.  Bob Dylan followed in Seeger's path, he too singing the famous songs about flowers and war and poverty and the common man's troubles.  But for Dylan, according to his friend and former lover Joan Baez, it was the music, not the mission, that guided his work.  For Seeger it was the mission.

News commentators on the Today Show brushed by lightly the announcement of Seeger's death, focusing instead on the weather conditions of cold and frost now sweeping much of the country and the upcoming Sochi Olympics where the skiing star, Lindsey Vonn, was interviewed about her withdrawal from the famous sporting event due to knee injuries.  She will instead be assisting other sports broadcasters in reporting the news of the games.  The death of Seeger was offered as a brief anecdote to the introduction of the news.  At another time and place, it would have been front page on every newspaper, with his famous photos holding a banjo in one hand, with his head tilted to sing.

Another time and another place far away in another era, where folk music no longer is the rage and instead, among the core of few relative to other music genres, the folk music is called roots.  And most of the time it is Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, the Everly Brothers, Peter, Paul and Mary and others who are associated with the folk music of the 1960's.  The parenting of Pete is submerged, as the younger heirs of his music, now aging or gone, are remembered still.

This journalist never met the man but knew many of his friends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Seeger's music was performed in coffee shops and homes years after the rest of the country turned to rock and roll instead.  Vivian Richman, whose own music is in the Smithsonian, learned much about folk music from Seeger, a personal friend, then became one of those who helped carry the message and music of her friend.  When she died in the late 1980's, it was Seeger's large bouquet in remembrance of his friend that folks remembered at her funeral and in the years since.  For Seeger was known as a man who cared about others, not just in the crowds but in those small groups and with individuals who knew him best, as Richman often said about the man she considered a dear friend, mentor and music guide as well.

But it was Pete Seeger's call to action on injustice that he related in song that is the root of folk music, the very heart and soul of the 20th century's movement toward civil rights and to humanitarian causes.  Like Seeger, however, the call to arms in music is no longer one heard much, while issues Seeger sang about are replaced by partisan politics and the Me-First money men whose voices ring the loudest.  Yet history will remember him, even as modern musicians may not know that Seeger's music served as a model for many and will in years to come.

 

Protest becomes worldwide, but should you be among the crowds?

[caption id="attachment_10630" align="alignleft" width="288"] Greece riots[/caption]

Carol Forsloff with Marsha Hunt----Standing up to government is the message going on around the world, as one after another groups of people are taking to the streets to voice their objections to how their various countries are being managed.  And while democracy and the people's voices can be critical in overturning injustice, is there a different side to the clamor for change and the suspicions surrounding the criticism?

While governments have their problems, with many of them, since many are composed of elected officials, the problem might be "us" in the larger sense of the word.  For when we elect officials, often we do so with our emotions and not necessarily with the facts.  It has also been well substantiated by science that we, as a people, are often "monkey see, monkey do" when it comes to public events.  We see others responding a certain way to their objections, and we mirror those responses by our own activities.  Sometimes those responses are correct, and sometimes they are simply based on wanting to be one with the crowd.

For there are only a few who, in the midst of crowds all seeming to shout with the same slogans of freedom, change, rights and so forth, as we have seen in Greece, Egypt and many areas of the world, will say it's important to look at individual situations.  For are the problems in Egypt identical to those in Great Britain?  Some surely are, for people need jobs, freedom of expression, rights for those living in poverty, or rights for individuals who have racial, cultural or religious differences.  The traditions, however, are different.  Great Britain has a history of democracy from the 11th century, a democracy whose basic foundations have been used by countries around the world.  Egypt, on the other hand, comes from domination by European nations, but it's longest history has been of monarchical rule, religion-dominated themes in much of its more recent times, and an ancient past of tribes and cultures that lived in disunity for centuries.

Some countries consist of many tribes, factions, languages and cultures, so fractionalized in their patterns and customs they often do not socially interact.  So across regions of the world, these people, when protesting their own need for independence, will recall the issues of the past as the foundations of their objections.  Their anger and frustration sometimes boils to the top because of those ancestral roots that call for revenge for old wrongs.  This was in the case of Bosnia, where conflict created genocide, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, where similar instances of violence have occured.  Western Europe too has had its tribes and factions, but the unification within countries has been maintained for a longer period of time than in other regions of the world.

This means that the kind of protest that is being copied in different places throughout the world may be appropriate for some places and not as appropriate in others.

And sometimes, as seen in the United States, there is a certain unity in large regions where differences are significant in social as well as political arenas.  One must only look at the US political map to see that of these patterns and some of these differences between North and South, and smatterings of other areas, mirrors much of the Civil War differences, although there are enough differences as well to suggest the present map is not exactly that of pre-Civil war times.  Yet America has dragged its own baggage along in its historical growth.  But while there are these differences, there are few instances in modern times where wholescale mobs take to the streets, as some within the United States protest should be done.  The foundational history, however, reinforced by the Constitution, allowed for protest, while the Founders foresaw the protest to take a more gentlemanly tone, based upon long-held traditions, ideals and precepts of the philosophers, Locke and Rousseau.  In Egypt, however, there are factions that call for religious government, others for secular strength, and still others who protest in a fragmentation of voice, not aligned with a particular group, and instead are individuals seeking the strength of many for their own individual purposes.

The Internet fuels that "monkey see, monkey do" behavior and the slogans that span the globe.  And while social media can bring good principles and shine a light where there are problems, it can also spark fires that in a great conflagration can bring down the just as well as the injust.

The world's door is open for the most part, and people walk through it in the freedom of exchange in a world where information traverses thousands of miles to bring people to sound their complaints.  Yet education, sound judgment and an understanding of one's history, should create for each of us the wisdom that reminds us that while we are all the same in essential ways, our history, cultures and religions are different enough to warrant an individualized response to the events surrounding us.  For if we do not heed these essentials, we can bring chaos to our countries and ourselves.

Prevent a death and end homelessness of the mentally ill by helping a man called Dean

[caption id="attachment_22513" align="alignleft" width="346"] "Dean"[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---Homelessness is a big problem facing people in every country.  And while some of us turn away, most people may want to help but believe they either can't or they don't know how.  A single man in Missouri offers the tragic evidence of how hopeless and helpless people feel as they reach out to help others.  Perhaps, however, someone somewhere will recognize the man called "Dean" so that he doesn't become a victim of his own misunderstandings and disabilities.

Part of the frustration people feel when they try to help individuals like Dean, who live on the streets, comes from government agencies and social service agencies who are supposed to be the refuge and support for the most helpless among us.  But somehow they fail to provide the guidance needed to help the most tragic victims who have disabilities and who don't have the capacity to understand the terrible risks of living in conditions where they might be killed or die from the problems in the environment, including cold weather.

All over the world people live on the streets, but in some areas doing so can risk an individual’s life and health in a major way.  Whereas the problem of homelessness is rampant, it becomes even more serious when someone lives on the streets and does not have the capacity to understand or follow advice, consult or even the offer of a warm bed, as is the case with Dean.

Experts tell us that 48% of the people who live on the streets are there because of mental health problems.   And these figures were offered six years ago, even as the numbers of homeless people have increased.    There are many stories of homeless people being beaten, shot, raped and terrorized; and often these people are defenseless and incapable of understanding their situation or even to call for help.

Add to these problems, the recent inclement weather in various parts of the world, the terrible cold and freezing winds that can slice through the fabric of the most healthy body.    This is Dean's status, a focus of this magazine in order to help find someone who can help this man before it is too late, a friend, a relative, an agency, somewhere.

Dean is a man among millions, yet he represents social failure.  For those who have interacted with him believe he may have autism.

Autism is a complicated disorder, on a wide spectrum of behaviors and limitations.  Often the autistic individual lacks the ability to communicate coherently or to understand language and follow directions.  Change is difficult for these individuals and in fact is one of the hallmarks of the disease.  Moving from one place to another can be a frightening and even devastating experience.  So as even mentally ill people with other diagnoses are sometimes able to comprehend and get help, the autistic adult’s limitations go beyond the ordinary and present a barrier, and a challenge, for those who try to help.

Those who have interacted with Dean define his behaviors as representing many of the characteristics of autism.  It’s a good faith estimate based on his behavior and communication difficulties.

A woman known by her musician friends as Kathy Songbird and by others her real name, Jan Jackson, has been trying to help Dean,  and offers this background:

"This man, who says he is 27, calls himself Dean.  He sits near the ToysRUs on 40 highway and Noland road every day.  My husband and I have been trying to help him, taking him food and clothing. He seems to be mentally disabled as his speech is very hard to understand.

I came home crying when I saw him.  It is heartbreaking to see a man in the cold like this.  He kept saying "appreciate it" My husband asked him questions, but his speech is almost unintelligible so most of the time we can’t understand what he is saying.  I asked him to tell us where he lives, and he answers 3:30-4 o'clock, almost as if someone is going to pick him up at that time.  But no one comes, so what he says is likely unrelated to anything except maybe what goes on in his mind.

I have a bag that has a zipper on it and putting bananas, cookies, nuts and such in it. He had gloves yesterday but taking an extra pair today. He has a plastic bag he holds on to, as if he is afraid someone will take it.

On one occasion I sat with Dean, if that indeed is his name, while he was eating then I parked some distance away so I could watch.  I called 911, but no one came.  I called again, and the person who answered told me they were so busy but would get there at some point.  But no one came.

I called three different places and the people who answered the phone and spoke with me said Dean has to be seen at a hospital and get a recommendation to be sent there.  I called the hospital, and the personnel there told me to call 911 which I did and got nowhere.

Finally I contacted HOPE Ministries here in Kansas City, and they didn't know what to tell me.   Someone at the ministries told us that if we brought him in, they could find him a place to sleep for the night.  We were also told that might stress him more if we did that.  We explained he was mentally challenged.

On one occasion, we saw a police officer who told us there is nothing we can do.  He mentioned the police have had a number of telephone calls about “Dean” but that he always refuses to be helped.  But when we offer Dean food, he takes it.  On one occasion, when we have noticed items missing, including his raincoat and a hat we bought for him, as well as gloves.

Authorities excuse all this by saying Dean is where he wants to be. But it’s cold, and I feel a man who can’t communicate or understand, and may be fearful as well, is likely not where he would really want to be.

I just wish he could communicate with us.  He tries hard to get the words out but only a few come out.  Sometimes he walks away from my husband and me and occasionally he becomes agitated, when there appears no reason for the behavior.  Everything we gave him to help him survive in the cold has disappeared, potentially stolen.

I have contacted the media in my town, two television stations where folks said they would check their resources, but they never called me back.  A local mental hospital simply told me to call 911, but again they say they can’t do anything.  I believe there is something people can do, and that he needs help.   No matter who I contact, seems to put me in a circle from which there appear no answers.  I can’t, however, walk away without one.

Can anyone help?

A close-up picture is provided with this article.   It is urgent that someone help given the fact that at least five homeless people froze to death last week.  Additional information about Dean and his status can be found here.   Contact this magazine or the authorities near the address where Dean sits 4545 S Noland Rd Independence, MO 64055 or offer a private message for Kathy Songbird, whose love and concern inspired this article.


 

 

How to reverse disastrous conditions in the cities of India

[caption id="attachment_22470" align="alignleft" width="336"] Smog in New Delhi[/caption]

Asim Boral----Just a few days ago I witnessed the Sabarmati marathon race in the polluted City of Ahmedabad, Gujarat state of India . Thousands of enthusiastic people were running or walking in the morning roads, in my opinion it was disaster to so many people unable to tolerate the huge smog they were passing that lingered in every street .There ware no ambulance vans available for these tired people, breathing that pollution, which could have been a disaster and human tragedy.

Today some environmental activists in cities and towns are involved actively in saving trees and raising money from donations or government assistance to run their NGO activities.  But in some ways, they may be bringing their own problems or a virtual death knell for city life.

It is always good to see plants in areas of the cities, and this should be encouraged.  But I also feel that overgrowth of trees can also cause a different type of pollution that is not present in the rural villages where they belong.

Real places for an expanse of trees should be in places like rural villages in India in the jungle – coastal areas.  In the cities we find trees that have already been polluted with dust and smoke.   Cities emit gaseous substances like CO2 (Carbon dioxide ) in the night, which is something that takes to vanish from earth due to no sun not visible until mid-morning.  Low emission of oxygen in the daytime then causes heavy smog in the morning.

As a consequence of these conditions, people suffer from various upper respiratory ailments, some of which medical scientists declare could result in serious diseases, like cancer.  Asthma, we know, is a very prominent disease in India and in almost all the cities of the country where more han 60 lakh people live in a polluted environment from vehicular gases to carbon monoxide as well as the smoke which pours from huge wood fire chullas from millions of people who live in open sky along the pathways.

Government apathy is part of the problem, as agencies don’t look after these environmental issues properly, which causes even more disastrous situations in the cities of India in terms of living conditions.  So those who ask for more trees in cities are actually causing more problems and bringing more death to humans and living things.

Plants should grow in their rightful places and rightful places for plants are in Rural Indian Villages.  That is why I say India needs 50,000 developed villages within 100 km of any big cities in a circular way with the most modern connectivity of a railway system to link cities and towns.  Solar and alternative energy sources should be used.  Industries that cause pollution should be kept away from the population of cities.  Cities should also not be overburdened with trees, but rather have a green zone with its concrete well instead of covering all the roads with green trees, that block the vision of the drivers who are already trying to find their way on polluted roadways.

The ideal cities should be clean, solid with less damaging roads, and constructed systematically along with solid architectural buildings for people to live.  And finally we should not allow more trees in the cities.

 

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Asim Boral lives in India and is a freelance writer concerned about the economic welfare and health of the people of his country.

Individual behaviors, patterns may predict disease outbreaks before international agencies

[caption id="attachment_14341" align="alignleft" width="447"] Internet[/caption]

Marsha Hunt---The ordinary person may be part of the prediction of a disease outbreak even before the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization.  Is it because you and I have special powers or is it some other reason?

What happens when you have a series of symptoms?  Like most people you turn to the Internet for answers.  You do a search for those symptoms in clusters.  Many of you use Google, one of the more popular search engines.

Then other people with similar symptoms do the same thing as you are doing.  Sometimes the searches cluster in a single location, then begin to spread to other places.  Sometimes they occur simultaneously in a number of places.

This hints at the power of the individual.  For when a number of people added together have similar symptoms and begin searching for answers this may be a signal of a major disease similarity or an outbreak.

So the prediction comes from the human behavior.  This often happens before official organizations do their surveillance, their due diligence in looking for answers as well.  They get reports of people expressing symptoms, and then they too search for answers, examining patterns throughout the world, contacting agencies, reaffirming their own findings.

So the patterns that the major organizations find may bring conclusions that people determine individually as well, making a prediction of sorts that can actually be found by analyzing search results.

These are the conclusions Kurzweil finds.  It is an interesting concept.

And what is particularly valuable is the notion that Internet behavior has the ability to bring good in the world, to bring analysis, facts that can lead to determination of disease patterns, and similarly patterns, and scientists examining them, can lead to results and treatment approaches.

All from the beginnings that may begin with you, trying to find answers to symptoms you have, joined with others like you, and making a difference in worldwide health.

Experts worry about nuclear threat, Taliban, expansion of terror in Pakistan

[caption id="attachment_22445" align="alignleft" width="352"] Insurgencies in Pakistan- Afghanistan[/caption]

Ed.--As the world watches the Middle East boiling over from civil unrest, and one by one civilian protest sweeping that area of the world, in the region of Asia Pakistan is now the big worry regarding the nuclear threat as well as the rise of the Taliban.

Despite the capture of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, recently experts, watching the recent killing of three Americans and 18 others in Afghanistan, observe the possibility that given the increased terror in Afghanistan, that is Pakistan's neighbor, will also follow suit.  Other experts worry over the potential of a nuclear threat from Pakistan as well.

Ploughshares, an organization fund that declares its support for security and peace worldwide, declares, "If a regional nuclear war were to break out anywhere, most experts think that it is most likely to happen in India and Pakistan. Such a conflict would have dire consequences in loss of life, food insecurity and direct deaths from the bombs themselves."

Where is the evidence of such a threat?Ploughshares goes on to say that the rising extremism in PATA, The Provincially Administered Tribal Areas with the implementation of Sharia Law in 2007, the potential for threats to security in the region has increased dramatically, underlined as well by the recent massacre of 21 people at a popular restaurant in Afghanistan.  Then today it was reported by CBS that a bomb that had been placed by the Taliban exploded through a truck carrying paramilitary soldiers from a Pakistan army compound in  north-western Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province bordering Afghanistan.  In this attack, 20 soldiers were reported as killed, with another 30 injured.

This recent uptick in violence comes even as the US has promised to withdraw its forces by the end of 2014.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan responded today to these terrorist attacks, and the increased violence in his country and neighboring Afghanistan, by saying that a Joint Intelligence Directorate will be organized to coordinate intelligence gathering among the 26 agencies involved in intelligence activities.  Mapping of identity databases of thousands of excerpts of chatter.  Some of this is already being secretly undertaken, according to reports.

 

Rape still used as an instrument of war by both Christians and Muslims

[caption id="attachment_22397" align="alignleft" width="422"] Rape in art --- Goya[/caption]

Gordon Matilla----Terrorizing one's enemy is a tactic often used in war, and one of those tactics is to target the women, as this can demoralize the opponent's community, often bringing shame to the victims and anger towards the perpetrators, increasing the fuel for retaliation.  One of the countries now indicted by women's rights groups is Myanmar, as international agencies step up campaigns to end the practice.

Myanmar continues to have its internal struggles, struggles that have become more visible in these days since the country, once particularly secretive and thus hidden in many ways from the outside world, has stepped into the spotlight through government change.  But the practice of terrorizing one's opponent in the ongoing civil strife continues unabated, which is why international aid agencies are calling attention to the violence against women, that is part of the practice of inciting hatreds among the disparate groups.

An organization called The Women's League of Burma, which is based in Thailand, maintains the military continues to use rape as a weapon of war and that more than 100 women and girls have been raped by the army since the 2010 election, according to the Catholic Online magazine.

But Myanmar is not the only country in recent history to be highlighted for using rape as a war weapon.  During the Bosnian War rape was reported as widespread, used by the Bosnian Serb armed forces to terrorize the people.  Estimates are that between 20,000 and 100,000 Bosniak women (Muslim ethnic women) were raped in the clashes between Christian and Muslim groups.  In fact, it was determined that the women raped were overwhelmingly Bosniak.

Islamic countries tend to treat rape as a shame of women, urging them to remain silent, which can magnify the stress and hurt of the female victims.  Indeed under Shariah Law women are treated not as victims but as guilty, with many dramatic examples of how young women are stoned to death after the rape incident is known.  This occurred in the case of a young teenage girl in Somalia who was stoned to death by a mob of Islamic men.  Somalia is a country where many extreme Islamic groups are said to reside.  In some communities rape is used as a punishment against a male by another male in order to exact revenge upon the family.  The real target of the violence, although of course the woman is the centerpiece of it, is the male, who is often the brother or father or another close relative of the female victim.

And if the woman fails to prove she has been raped---and the proof must be substantial and not just her word---she can be accused of false accusation and punished severely as a consequence.  Yet according to Islamic scholars, punishing the woman who charges rape, if she is a chaste woman, is not grounds for her to be punished, but instead protected as outlined in this verse, quoted in one of the Islamic reference sources:

Almighty Allah says: (Quran 4:15) " If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way." (Quran 24:4) "And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations)- flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such men are wicked transgressors;- (Quran 24:13) "Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in the sight of Allah, (stand forth) themselves as liars!"

The scholar goes on to reiterate that the chaste woman who is raped is a victim and is not required to produce four witnesses, as it clearly underlines "chaste women" as having protection.

Despite the explanation, however, the stories that get the headlines are often about the extremist groups practices, especially in areas of the world where there is conflict, such as in Myanmar.  And the violence of rape, as shown by the experience in Bosnia, is a two-edged sword of revenge and retaliation, that both Christians and Muslims have practiced in order to terrorize and subjugate their enemies.

 

Africans helping Africans may lead to resolving Central African conflict

Editor--UNNC--As hopes had dimmed about resolution of the conflict in Central Africa, a United Nations official has announced the organization sees potential opportunity for the new government to be able to make a difference in settling the disputes that have caused widespread bloodshed and terror in the region.

Thousands of people have been killed in weeks of sectarian violence in Central African Republic. UN Special Representative, Babacar Gaye, speaking from the capital Bangui, told journalists via telephone  “The profile of the new head of state of the transition could help restore hope,”

Mr. Gaye went on to say the international community would assist in assuring the country have "free, credible and democratic elections”.

As early as tomorrow, the country's new Parliament, together with its new interim leader, Alexandre Ferdinand Nguendet could begin the process of selection a new transitional president as early as tomorrow, he said.  This is anticipated to occur in 15 days according to the charter of the CNT.

“We are confident that these timelines will be respected,” Mr. Gaye said. “We may even deliver in less time.”

Reinforcement is arriving from the African-led International Support Mission to CAR (MISCA) with a contingent from Rwanda and the continued engagement of French troops, known as SANGARIS.

“Hope is within grasp, but not yet in our hand,” said Mr. Gaye, who is also the Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the country (BINUCA).

Central Africa has been undergoing conflict for a year since Muslim rebels forced President Francois Bozize out of office and the country.  Escalation of the fighting has brought severe humanitarian crises in the region.

Religious discord has spread everywhere, but today officials have maintained there is relative calm in the capital.  Further reports from the region say that one in five people in the country are believed displaced.

Editor - UNCNC“----Today, people in Bangui can die because of their religious beliefs, because of their clothing style or just because of their physical appearance,” said Gaye.  That's why reconciliation among the factions should be at the top of the agenda of the new government.

The greatest problem, however, facing the new government, according to Ban-Ki Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, is the fact that the events of the past year have damaged relations between Muslims and Christians.  This is considered to be a long-term threat to the country.

Half the population, or some 2.2 million people, are said to be at risk and in need of humanitarian aid.  A donors conference for CAR is scheduled for February in Addis Adaba, Ethiopia, where the headquarters of the African Union are located.

 

 

 

Three powerful reasons to sign up for working with kids in Cuba

Volunteer Work in Cuba

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Andreea Sterea--------When it comes to children and children’s rights, Cuba is largely a paradox, in many respects. One the one hand, it is the country that gave the world José Martí, a national hero, a writer, and a personality who was highly concerned with what children understand from the world around them. One of his declared life-long dreams was to make sure that every child lives in freedom and happiness – however, this is far from being true in Cuba.

Martí’s home country is known the world over for its rather deplorable status, when it comes to respecting children’s rights. The one-party state has given rise to the proliferation of underage prostitution, child labor, and many violations of international conventions that protect the rights of children. According to the most current facts and figures, Cuba has a 6.56 (out of 10) index for the realization of children’s rights. This is a country in which 16.6 per cent of the population of 11 million is aged 0 to 14 years-old. Many international organizations try to promote improved conditions for Cuban kids – and if you’re thinking of doing some volunteer work in Cuba, there is ample reason for you to do so. We’re listing the five top reasons below, as based on cold, hard data, and reports.

Kids in Cuba are poor

Of course, they are no poorer than children in underprivileged nations and, as far as the ‘glass half-full’ side of the story goes, they do receive access to basic healthcare, schooling, drinkable water, and other essential amenities. However, 10 per cent of all Cubans are currently living underneath the poverty line, a situation which must be improved, in order to further the well-being of children.

Cuban kids die young

Perhaps one of the most alarming statistics when it comes to the lives of Cuban children is the one related to infant mortality. Currently accepted definitions of this phenomenon refer to kids who die before turning five – in Cuba, this rate stands at 6 per cent, which makes it a huge problem, far more widespread than in other corners of the world. There is no other way to address this issue than by making sure that local kids are getting access to health care they don’t have to pay for, irrespective of whether they live in the big city or in the countryside. This is one area in which volunteer work is highly appreciated, as not-for-profit organizations are trying to improve healthcare conditions, in conjunction with the Cuban Public Health Minister’s prevention program.

Kids in Cuba are forced to work

There is a wide gap in Cuba between currently enforced laws and cultural practices. On the one hand, local laws prevent kids younger than 15 from performing any remunerated work. On the other, however, as Tulane University reports indicate, many kids in Cuba are forced to work by their families – by and large, Cuban children are regarded as important contributors to the nation’s economy. Local laws have done their share in making sure that the work kids do does not prevent them from growing up in a safe environment and from having a proper childhood, in the following ways:

-          15 and 16 year-olds can be trained for specific jobs, which they can take on, in the event of a workers’ shortage.

-          School is mandatory in Cuba until the 9^th grade.

-          Students aged 11 and upward have to work 30 to 45 days on local farms in the summertime, but their work schedule cannot exceed 8 hours per day.

This having been said, kids as young as 8 work dangerous, complex jobs in Cuba. International support and volunteer work is clearly needed to address this situation – and you, too, can help by volunteering.

How to teach your children religious tolerance

[caption id="attachment_22276" align="alignleft" width="178"] World Religion Day symbol[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---Many children grow up with no religion or one that teaches theirs is the best or only one of significance, when there is a world of people with differing beliefs; and the fact that is not emphasized has created prejudice and intolerance, leading to strife and war.  How can we change that focus and teach our children religious tolerance?

Brad Hough has an idea that makes that kind of good sense to make a difference.  He hopes to publish a children's book that emphasizes the fact that all people are part of God's world and that most religions believe in the same God, but may refer to Him with a different name.

Like the song, "One God," recorded years ago by Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis, and its most recent Internet recording by Kathy Songbird and Mark Hall,  and recently described in this magazine, there are many paths to God, according to the concept put forth by Hough and others like him, of various faiths around the world.  That is why World Religion Day is celebrated across the United States and in other places where people are open to sharing religious ideas.

Hough tells us, "

We all pray to the same God....whether we realize it or not. About 5 years ago I told a bedtime story to my daughters. Fast forward to today and they're still talking about it, so we figured it was time to share with the world. My now 10-year old daughter and I took the time to animate the story. She helped with voices, drawings, and even an original piano piece.

After a very positive response, we decided it was time to create it into a children's book."

To do that Hough hopes to raise enough money to self publish and to obtain guidance to direct the marketing so that it opens the door to readership.

Brad Hough is a software engineer at Exelis, Inc.  He received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1993.  He volunteers in his neighborhood as a teacher of virtues classes for children from 1^st to 5^th grade.  In his spare time, he likes to write and edit videos.  He currently resides in Brambleton, VA with his wife Nassim, two daughters (Sarah 13, Layla 11), and their dogs Chloe and Jasmine.  He is a member of the Baha’i Faith, which teaches that all religions are one.

Other recommendations given by experts on parenting about how to teach children religious tolerance that include first understanding your own spiritual values, defining them and deciding how you want your children to learn and practice them.   Treat religious discussions as education, focusing on developing curiosity and respect for others, as a value.  Provide information on how in many parts of the world religion becomes part of the culture and focus of family traditions.

There are many ways to help children learn about religion and respect the beliefs of others.  Hough focuses on teaching children directly through stories, while others through concepts; but however the belief is developed it becomes a way to bring new generations to understanding and goodwill that may reduce conflict and war, often with their roots of religious intolerance.

 

How much does it cost to kill a man (or woman) in America?

[caption id="attachment_22248" align="alignleft" width="361"] Gerard David's painting: The Judgment of Cambyses[/caption]

Carol Forsloff--If you want to kill a man (or woman) in America, it will be a costly exercise.  You need a lot of money for that license to kill.  So it's important, if you want to save money, to know some of the facts.

The cost of executions in the United States are broken down on a state-by-state basis.  For those states with the death penalty, the additional costs of the death penalty vs life in prison without parole is millions per year in extra costs.  And it's likely to be more costly to execute a woman since it isn't done as much and folks take their time to get the job done.

For example, a study done in Maryland in 2008 showed that it cost $186 million for five executions or $37.2 million per person.

New York State paid out $170 million in 9 years, with no executions, since in 1995 it reinstated the death penalty, then overturned the law in 2004, so all 7 death sentences that had been imposed were overturned.

Now Texas is tough indeed.  It often metes out more death penalties than any other state, a leader of the pack for years.  And whereas there don't seem to be current numbers on costs, it was found in each death penalty case the tax payers spent about $2.3 million, which is three times the amount of keeping a prisoner in a single cell at the highest security level for 40 years.  That was in 1993 according to the Dallas News, and we all know that prices for everything, including executions, has gone up since then.  It's verified by the fact that all the other states have shown increases in costs for sending a man to his death.

Oklahoma now has the top spot these days on execution rates, although it often vies with Texas for the prize; and for those interested, you can find on the Internet the type of death penalty administered and the statistics on almost every aspect of the death penalty across the country.

Most states complain about overcrowding and prison costs, even as the cost of executions far outweigh long-term prison costs, by millions in fact.

The problem is, however, executions are popular.  While the execution of Kim Jong-un's uncle was reported as abhorrent by the American press, relating the brutality of North Korea's government, the United States led the entire world in the number of prison executions in 2013,  excluding China.  Furthermore the US with its death penalty has its execution details found similar to those of Somalia considered a terrorist state, since both execute youth under age 18.  And while the US does not offer beheading as an option, it still allows death by a firing squad.  Most Americans also favor the death penalty, although the numbers are dropping.

140 countries are either abolitionists by law or practice, according to 2012 statistics, while 58 are retentionists and 20 actually carried them out.   It appears therefore in most of the world's countries, execution is unpopular as a form of punishment.

It would appear, therefore, if the United States wants to save money and raise its standing in how other nations perceive its system of justice, one way to do that would be to eliminate the death penalty and for the other 78 to follow suit.

 

 

 

Musical performance of 'One God' brings sense of song's immortality

[caption id="attachment_22113" align="alignleft" width="560"] Performers Kathy Songbird and Mark Hall[/caption]

Carol Forsloff--In the world of music many songs have been forgotten, that were uplifting at the time they were written, then put on a back shelf and seldom heard again.  But one has been brought back, dusted off, renewed and made particularly beautiful with the superb talents of a songstress named Kathy Songbird and a pianist/music producer of consummate skill, Mark Hall.  The song is of the nature that it brings a sense of immortality to music, the kind for whom fine music was created.

The song "One God" was performed by Mario Lanza more than 50 years ago, although no permanent recording of it can be found.  Later Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis sang it in a duet.  The Streisand - Mathis rendition is part of YouTube offerings, yet it languishes at times in the heap of non-music material as well as lesser tunes without the same level of skill and measure of permanence and perfection as this great song, "One God."

This time, with the new recording by Hall and Songbird,  the song simply soars on what feels like the wings of peace itself, as it reminds us over and over in the stanzas throughout that God belongs to us all, regardless of race, religion, culture, location, and that wherever man prays, answers come.

Often the message there is one God is forgotten in the hue and cry of what's better and who's better and the message of everlasting love given by the great prophets of man's antiquity is lost in the din of political and religious strife.  Yet when we focus on what binds us as creation, what rises above all other issues, to affirm our unity, our connections and our every-lasting spirits that make us special in what has been called the likeness of God, we are reminded we are more alike than we are different.  Because we all have a relationship with the Creator, each in our own way.  In fact, it is often said that each man finds his path, and on that path is often found the Divine.

As James Henry Leigh Hunt tells us, God loves those who don't believe in Him but do indeed practice the love He offers to all, regardless of where they may be and what their faults and foibles might occur.  In that poem "Abou Ben Adhem" the message brought by an angel tells us in God's Book of Gold one who practices love is honored most.

In affirmation of "One God" is the song composed by Ervin Drake and Jimmy Shirl.  It is the kind of song that is memorable for many reasons,  with its lyrics and melody.  But it is made even more memorable by talented professionals who have the distinction of making music special with everything they perform.  In this case, that special performance of Songbird and Hall was reinforced in its final mixing by the detailed music brush of Darcy Jeavons, with just her bits of musical angel dust to make what was already golden, shine with added brilliance.

"One God", now on YouTube and Fandalism,  is performed by the soprano known as Kathy Songbird, whose thrilling voice has captured the hearts of thousands of her friends and followers, and the masterful piano of Mark Hall, whose music is heralded by many musicians as among the best. His production mastery reveals the truest measure of beauty for the song.   The video contains pictures of people of various faiths in worship and in prayer, along with pictures of God's creation, focusing not on any sectarian view but one that represents a universal representation of God and His love, regardless of the names by which He is known among men, for the song reminds us there is one God, loving us all. Additional pictures are provided from the Forsloff collection of photos from World Religion Day in Shreveport in 2008.   The song is for all seasons, all faiths and for people everywhere as a reminder of how all men and all creation are part of the world of one God.

On New Year's Day let us celebrate together a new beginning, as we would like those kindergarten children who, as told related by Robert Fulghum in  All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten  reminded us, hold hands as they cross the street.  And as we cross the streets throughout our lives, it's a message that might ring well for us all, the message of One God that we are all God's children, united by His love.

The song can be found at two locations, and others will be posted as updates to this article:

http://fandalism.com/carolforsloff/cEGl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1vc442zo-0

 

Remembering the message of 1946 with hope for the New Year

[caption id="attachment_16990" align="alignleft" width="326"] A New Year is like a baby with hope for the future[/caption]

Carol Forsloff---Was this year bad for you?  If it was, you aren't alone.  Weather disasters, conflicts the world over, social and economic stress filled the pages of the news every day, with humanitarian issues touched upon, but without the impetus among many to highlight what can be done to make the world a better place for you and me.  But while we worry about our past, if we are like the people in 1946, we will glance behind and know that we have before us a New Year of hope from which we can gain new pathways to peace and understanding.  For 58 years ago, President Truman announced the end of World War II.

Every year in recorded history has seen changes in many directions, and every year people worry that it can't get worse or better.  But we learn, as we grow older, there are things we can change and things we cannot.  And when we learn this important precept, we know where to place our frets and worries and where to place our hope.

Hope, as the poet said, springs eternal.  So 2014 is a year in which we all can hope.  We can hope to make the changes we wish for individually as well as for our communities.  We can use that as a beacon to shine our way to the victory of making that hope materialize into the changes needed to make our personal paths better and also for those others whom we care for everywhere.

Those who fought in World War II had hope when they returned, and when it was announced to the world the end of the war had come, people rejoiced as they looked forward to new beginnings.  What the nations of the world accomplished in those 57 years since has been remarkable in the sciences, technology and human affairs.  While we see where we are lacking, were we to turn back the time and observe the events of yesteryear, we would glow with pride with what we have done.

The Journal of Humanitarian Affairs begins closing the year with the hopes we wish for everyone:  that peace, understanding, goodwill and harmony among peoples be the ultimate goal and that we all lend ourselves to accomplishing that goal one person at a time.

How to meet the social needs of India

[caption id="attachment_17902" align="alignleft" width="340"] Farming is important, but so is meeting social needs of the people.[/caption]

Asim Boral---India is a great country with 1.2 billion people which creates the need to upgrade the development of human potential at faster pace in this 21 st century.  The last century saw the development of the availability of modern science -technology --internet ,health system, but now it is important to do some constructive measure for India urgently with fragmented social structures suffering huge discrimination and division in the name of religion caste creed language and pluralized and polarized society living with 100 languages, six main religions, a thousand dialects and thousands of social structures with different bodies.

India is vast.  It has more than 1000 rivers, the mighty Himalayas and 3500 coastal lines . So the political parties need to change their priorities to meet the present needs of social demands.

These are some ways to do it: 

1. Decentralize power from High Command culture to state body


2. Treat every state on its social political economical need and necessity


3. Put 70% honest and performing youths in the state highest body and 30% to the old and efficient and allow the old to slowly and gracefully retire for social work needs.  Allow youth to take the state body politic to represent a viable, solid, efficient State Congress that will maintain regular contact with districts - Taluka level bodies by using a social media initiative.


4.  The State body should form a huge pool of social activities in each and every district and Taluka that will remain contacted 24/7 via actual physical contact when it is available and use the Internet to interact with the people at large that will send reports to the state body which in turn will report on all districts and Taluka to the central body of High Command by using a token remuneration to social workers.  These would be named as Social Sena.  Money can be generated by engaging these people in developing inclusive farming on an Amul Model of cooperatives and a marketing body of such Social Sena.  In just 10 acres of land one can easily generate Rs50000 to 1 lakh a month along with gas from waste.  Solar energy can be installed to meet energy needs and rain water harvesting can be used to develop water in times of crisis.   These Social Sena cooperatives can be registered as rural entrepreneurship with all profits being shared with employees on a certain percentage basis.  A certain percentage for funding the Party can be maintained, which will meet government tax liabilities plus meet the needs for a return on the actual business.  The idea is that political parties will work like entrepreneurs for generating funds.


5. These well educated Social Sena will look after all implementations of people's empowerment laws like MNREGA-RTI-RTE-FOOD SECURITY -LAND with close coordination with state authorized body like collectors , banks, labor and regulators.


6. All posts in State -District -taluka level bodies must be filled 90 % by on line election and 10 % on recommendations of all experts in different segments as advisers again on token remuneration systems. 

7. These Social Senas also can be engaged as village guards to protect the villages from all kind of anti -social activities including terrorism with close connection of Police ATS,NIA and other bodies who maintain law and order in a state.


8. Govt also give funds to each political parties for maintaining Social SENAS along with funds from Political parties --Bank can work with them for microfinannce also . 

9. The duty of the government would be to create infrastructures--for all other social needs 

If this Social Sena model is adopted for all political parties and implemented, then India can generate more than 15 crore employments in rural India . And similar models can also be generated in urban India by encouraging roof top and kitchen gardens.  Beggars can be engaged for road cleaning, house construction.  Social services should be provided in every city and town in India.


Imagine India has 6.4 lakh Villages 3000 districts --400 towns and cities.  We must know politics and political parties must solve social problems instead of exhibiting tantrums and political gimmicks.  Adopting a way to serve the physical and social concerns of the Indian people is the only way to remove corruption and discrimination, promote equality and develop human equality throughout the land.

Regards

Asim Boral

Man of providence in France maintains altruism as political goal

[caption id="attachment_22075" align="alignleft" width="228"] Maxim[/caption]

Michell Spoden----Sometimes people fall into positions that are driven by the hand of fate. They are positioned as a manifestation of divine care or direction.  Today we are here to learn more about a young man who has taken a stand for what he believes in and still lives for today.  He is a man who has directed himself to be a source of comport to those who need to see change in their current cultural conditions.  This gentleman is known for his political goals and described as patient, ambitious and persistence; deemed as a tool of divine intervention.  We are indeed pleased for this interview with Maxime Verner

 www.facebook.com/max.verner

www.twitter.com/maximeverner

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/maximeverner

1. 1.       What is your name, age, nationality and occupation?    Please tell us a bit about your up brining.

My name is Maxime Verner and I am 24 years old from France. I studied at the Celsa, the Communication School of Sorbonne’s University. My job consists of helping entrepreneurs to create projects that change society for the better.   I am from a little town called Bron, near Lyon, in the southern region of France.  I studied at Université la Sorbonne; which is a renowned university situated in Paris. Today I still reside in Paris.   I am grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up in France  because this country makes it possible for anyone, whether born in a poor or rich environment, as long as an individual is ambitious and curious, to be empowered with liberty to succeed and make changes to improve the society we live in; even if it involves taking delicate initiatives.   Everyone has the opportunity to fight for what he or she feels is right and to speak his or her mind out loud for more liberty, equality and fraternity, which is what we would consider brotherhood.  Freedom of speech in France is something incredibly important in my eyes and one of the reasons I am feeling extremely fortunate and thankful that I grew up in this country.

1. 2.      You ran for president of France in 2012 and you were 22 years old at the time. Please tell us what that was like?

It was a great experience. I met a lot of people involved or unmotivated, but they were always open minded and friendly. I think that youth should be taken into account more often in political and legislative decision making.  Youth here is a concept that has within it different social layers and that social disparity and inequality within young people is the main reason for ideological divergences rather than the age factor.   During the campaign, many young people have asked me for advice because they were feeling unappreciated and depreciated. My goal was to give them a voice and create wider awareness to the forgotten youth. I specifically worked on targeting the driving license issues.  Driving licenses are extremely expensive in a lot of European countries, including France; they can be anywhere between 1000 and 1500 euros which means almost 2000 US dollars, regardless of your financial situation or age. A lot of young people do not have the financial means to have a driving license, and it is unfair to them. Moreover, many jobs require having a driving license, which creates indirectly some sort of discrimination against people needing a job the most. Mobility is necessary for work and leisure.    The French government calls itself the Government of the French Republic.   They consider themselves to be democratic, social republic and secular but indivisible.  It is divided between executive, judicial and legislative branches.

2.     Why did you feel you needed to run for president? What were some of the issues that you felt needed to be addressed?

The first quality is listening for me; engaging in politics is knowing how to transcribe what  “ressentir” ( A French verb basically means to feel, to think, or to experience).  The majority transcribes what the majority feels and thinks.  The Presidential election for me was a medium to take young people into consideration and act towards finding solutions for them.  I influenced some of these young people and insisted that policies be made to help the French youth.  I realized that sadly enough the young people in France were involved less in society and its politics.  That’s why I am committed to launch a new impetus.

3.      What is your position today?  What sort of things are you doing today to continue with your cause?

I respectfully remain President of the Association “French Youth” and I continue to exprim (In French it means to express yourself, to tell out loud) and examine myself the issues that affect the youth in France.  I also have created Forwards, a media about prospective on technology or sociology.

4.     One of the major issues you had striven to create change for were the young adults in France that have been affected by homelessness.  Have you ever considered collaborating with organizations internationally to generate funding to solve some of the housing issues?     There are some amazing funding opportunities through Charity Cruise’s associated with the travel industries, American Foundations and much more.

The precarity (précarité in French has the same etymological origins as precariousness, however, whereas in English the meaning of precariousness focuses on insecurity and instability, in French précarité means lack of financial means , instable situation due to poverty the emphasis is put on the lack of money; the instability and or insecurity of it.) This is a very important thing in France. I grew up in poor family and I am currently working with organizations to fight exclusion, discrimination or social exclusion and poverty.  Thank you for introducing me to these organizations; I would love to work with these organizations in the near future.

5.      Today it seems less and less young people are involved with politics and maybe losing interest in it. Why do you feel it is so important for young people to get politically involved from an early age?

Because the young people are what will take the next generation where it needs to go.  It is the ability of today’s youngsters to convince politicians to make right decisions for them that will seal their chances of succeeding in the future; no one else can help French youth to create a brighter future for their generation unless they speak out for themselves.  New communication tools such as different levels of media, social networks and the internet help new generations to influence other citizens to change the society.

6.     Can you please share with us a bit about “Hesychia”?   

Hesychia is a communication agency. We work to create a specific image of a given brand. We want to give back identity and value with fancy creations that work.

7.     We know that when it comes to politics and problems it can bring a strain on our perspective at times.  Can you share some of the great things that France does for its citizens?   

I am convinced that the Parliament should vote in favor of the eligibility for all citizens to vote at the age of 15 and that the age of 23 be the age at which one could consider running for President.  In France you can purchase a pack of cigarette at age 16 but you cannot drive or drink alcohol until you are 18.  I mean if you are mature enough to vote in France, then you should be considered mature enough to run for an office.   I also worked towards convincing Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande to reform the access to holding a driving license for example.

8.     Please share with our viewers some of your long term goals

To change this society and give it opportunities for people to improve the lives of others. I think service and mutual aid is the real power and to care about others is the value revealed virtue of the XXIst century. I think our century will be altruistic or not.

9.     What is the best advice you could give to anyone who is considering a position in the political realm of France?

The independence and freedom of speech are the most important things today in politics.

This reporter found Maxim's point of view particularly exciting, the kind to share with others to make us think of what the best of human nature can conceive.

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Michell Spoden is a frequent contributor to The Journal of Humanitarian Affairs offering insightful interviews that reflect humanitarian principles and areas of positive growth and experience.  She is a Marketing Consultant and Management Associate of this Journal.  Translations of some of the French words were found on the Internet translation sites and are as accurate as could be made possible.