Wisconsin State Budget Resolution and Preserving Workers’ Rights

By Padmini Arhant

In the State of Wisconsin thousands of protesters are defending the collective bargaining rights staved off in an attempt to deprive workers across the economy from any benefits viewed as liability by the Republican majority.

Budget crisis is widespread within United States and around the world.

As a result the governments at all levels have been adopting severe austerity targeting the worst affected demography through spending cuts on essential programs further exacerbating the vulnerable population plight.

Although the cuts are necessary – the focus is on the vast majority dependent vital services rather than eliminating redundant costs and trimming discretionary investments that are untimely and unaffordable.

Similarly balancing the budget without any revenue from increased productivity or tax hikes on the wealthiest including products and services that are detrimental to health as well as general environment contributes to the growing anti-austerity measures viz. Greece, Ireland and United Kingdom.

Wisconsin for instance could review the areas to generate revenue from manufacturing - being one of the economic strengths in addition to,

The tax rates on personal income especially the top bracket and sales tax that is comparatively lower than other states in the nation.

There appears to be no inheritance tax with the large estate taxes again arbitrarily collected.

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Padmini Arhant

Tyranny and Turmoil under Muammar Gaddafi

By Padmini Arhant

As the revolution gains victory in the east, Gaddafi is losing grip on power despite the innocent civilian massacre and soldiers slain for refusing to fire at the unarmed citizens in Tripoli as well as territories under brutal control.

Although Muammar Gaddafi is portrayed as defiant, he is rattled by the unfolding rapid developments.

Not long ago Muammar Gaddafi willfully surrendered his nuclear ambitions and invited the International Atomic Energy Agency for inspection.

Muammar Gaddafi also accepted responsibility for the terror attack in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing of the Pan AM flight that claimed 270 lives and reportedly paid $2.7 billion (Dinar 9.90 billion) to the victims’ families.

Earlier on the US bombing of Libya in April 1986 under former President Ronald Reagan killed many residents including Gaddafi’s adopted daughter at that time.

The twelve minutes air raid targeted Libyan air defenses, three army bases, and two airfields dropping 60 tons of ammunitions notwithstanding the diplomatic and civilian sites in Tripoli.

Subsequently the warm relations between the petro dictator and the western leaderships up until now signified the complacency to the tyrannical rule.

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Padmini Arhant

U.S. NATO, UNSC and UN Clarifications Required on Libya

By Padmini Arhant

U.S. NATO & U.N PLAN OF ACTION ON LIBYA

Is NATO Preparing to Invade Libya?

What is UNSC action on ‘No Fly Zone’ proposal by Libyan victims dying from artillery shelling?

Does Libya matter to U.S. in the same manner as Iraq did in 2003?

United States positioned as the leader of the free world and the United Nations as the umbrella organization for the international community including Libya and,

NATO representing the U.S. and European Union dependent on Libyan oil for the economy are yet to offer legitimate explanation on all of the above questions related to Libya.

Additionally the U.S. has not clarified the bizarre stance for not having directly condemned the brutal dictator Muammar Gaddafi and his sons Saif al-Islam Gaddafi as well as Mutassim Gaddafi implicated with evidence on hiring henchmen to murder Libyan civilians.

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Padmini Arhant

Libyan Regime Ultimatum to People

By Padmini Arhant

Libyan regime’s heir - Muammar Gaddafi’s son appeared on national television to warn the people to relent or deal with more casualties emphasizing that they will be confronting Colonel Gaddafi.

The self-proclaimed unknown leader has generously provided 48 hours for the oppressed mass to respond to the ultimatum.

There is a serious misconception in this context as it is a common syndrome among despotic leaderships.

The people have conveyed their message loud and clear on their decision to end the 42 years of oppressive era.

If the Gaddafis’ were paying any attention to Egypt revolution they would realize that pro-democracy movement do not negotiate with dictatorships.

Any use of force or threat to unarmed civilians will not be tolerated and it would be the worst blunder for the regime and the influential powers behind them.

The embattled Libyan leaderships also implied that United States and European Union will not approve the political transition for economic interests.

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Padmini Arhant

Libyan Army Attack Against Peaceful and Non-Violent Protesters

By Padmini Arhant

The Arab world is rocked by the peaceful and non-violent protests determined to end autocratic rule in the region.

According to the news reports - the governments in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen are using firearms against their citizens in the violent crackdowns to quell pro-democracy peace rally.

From Libya - The peaceful protester account to CNN on Saturday February 19, 2011 while pleading for help clarified that the Libyan Army lied to the crowd by posing as their sympathizers then turned around and fired at the unarmed civilians in a reproachable response to anti-government peaceful assembly.

Earlier on the news reports revealed the aerial shooting from the helicopters resulting in more casualties thus far.

The governments’ deceitful tactics is a cowardly act deserving worldwide indignation.

International community can no longer be silent spectators to the government brutal attacks against peaceful dissent.

It is clear from the ground activities in the capital city Tripoli and other metropolitan areas like Benghazi that -

Libya’s Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi and Brigadier General Salih Rajab al-Mismari currently serving as Secretary of the General People’s Committee of Libya for Public Security are directly responsible for the merciless killing of more than 300 people with at least 15 others fatally shot at the funeral in the latest government violence against the citizens.

Colonel Gaddafi like most dictatorships assumed power in a coup d’état and has remained in office against republic will for nearly 42 years and the leader is quoted to have stated the following:

• “I am an international leader, the dean of the Arab rulers, the king of kings of Africa and the imam (leader) of Muslims, and my international status does not allow me to descend to a lower level.”

• “There are signs that Allah will grant Islam victory without swords, without guns, without conquests.”

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Padmini Arhant

Egypt Political Transition To Democratic Rule

By Padmini Arhant

Egypt revolution having liberated their nation from over three decades of oppression is justifiably jubilant as they enter the preliminary phase in democracy.

Since the power has been transferred to Egyptian Supreme Council for Armed Forces reportedly briefing the U.S. military high command and defense secretary throughout the uprising and following the dictatorial Presidency termination,

There are legitimate concerns among the pro-democracy movement regarding the transition process under military rule.

The Supreme Council for Armed forces in their statement outlined the immediate tasks to be performed with details to follow later.

Egyptian revolution requests for republic governed democracy are:

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Padmini Arhant

Egypt Revolution Demand Mubarak Regime Dismissal

By Padmini Arhant

Egypt political stalemate into third week is reportedly met with clashes between pro and anti-government rallies following the provocative announcement by Vice President Omar Suleiman that the state of emergency will not be lifted claiming Egypt is not ready for democracy.

The revolution demand for Mubarak regime immediate dismissal was based on the government reluctance to relinquish power and prolong authoritarianism against the vast majority opposition.

It was evident from the government reaction that political transition would be impossible under the Mubarak administration emboldened by the allies’ insistence on the continual Mubarak leadership for any political evolution.

The Vice President’s reckless remarks are reprehensible and legitimize republic concern accompanied by the unanimous call for President Mubarak and entire cabinet instant removal from power.

Any procrastination from the government due to internal or external influences in obliging citizens’ request to leave office would exacerbate the political turmoil with regional impact.

Presidential resignation including cabinet members discharge from duty is a priority and no longer negotiable with people having conveyed their message loud and clear.

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Padmini Arhant

Egyptian Revolution for President Hosni Mubarak Resignation

By Padmini Arhant

President Hosni Mubarak defiance to republic call for his immediate resignation is prolonging the political standoff between the people and leadership.

The Egyptian President expressed strong desire to leave office in a public statement – “I am fed up of being President for thirty long years and I wish to quit now.”

Accordingly the resignation was expected from the leader for peaceful political transition after the national conflict having claimed many innocent lives and brought the country to the brink of civil war.

Now the dramatic decision to stay in power and political imprisonment of the uprising organizers as witnessed with the people representative and Parliament opposition leader Ayman Nour recently is counterproductive for the leadership and against national interest.

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Padmini Arhant

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Resignation

By Padmini Arhant

President Hosni Mubarak expressing desire to quit needs to be exemplified in action with immediate resignation from office.

The President’s resignation in honor of the republic will for a fundamental political transformation would resolve the national conflict and prevent further exacerbation of political unrest having claimed many lives.

President Hosni Mubarak concern for the violence in Tahrir Square, Cairo is appreciative.

However the situation is predominantly attributed to state-sponsored infiltration in the peaceful and non-violent demonstration thus far resulting in casualties that are unacceptable.

The government bears responsibility to citizens’ safety and national security. It is imperative for the deployed military personnel to restore law and order.

Those in violation of the law are to be isolated from the peaceful protesters and security measures enforced to terminate clashes between the pro and anti-government rallies.

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Padmini Arhant

Middle East Republic Revolution

By Padmini Arhant

The pro-democracy protest in Egypt is currently developed into Million Citizens March demanding the dictatorial power resignation remaining defiant in prolonging the undemocratic rule.

Meanwhile the latest report on February 1, 2011 from Washington D.C. issued by the U.S. State Department is -

“State Dept. spokesman P.J. Crowley reiterated the White House’s position that President Mubarak must enact political and economic reforms as he pledged. We want to see concrete actions that show the government of Egypt is responding to the aspirations of the Egyptian people.”

For the U.S. administration’s kind information – the aspirations of the Egyptian people is the removal of repressive regime headed by their embattled ally President Hosni Mubarak.

Ignoring the republic will for fundamental change beginning with the head of the state is categoric refusal of real democracy for vested interests.

Further the U.S. double standards in foreign policy is accentuated through staunch support for totalitarian governments across the Middle East with selective elimination of adversary (once an ally) Iraq’s former President Saddam Hussein through warfare while protecting the strategic partner President Hosni Mubarak against Egyptian citizens’ peaceful plea for his ousting.

Again the differential policy maintained despite widespread persecution and human rights violation throughout West Asia.

It is ominously clear that such discriminatory foreign policy foments disenfranchisement contributing to the status quo.

Tunisian deposed leader Ben Ali and now Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as well as several other U.S allies would not be in power without the established complacency to despotism.

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Padmini Arhant

Egypt – Republic Revolution for Democracy

By Padmini Arhant

Yet another country in North Africa is confronted with republic revolution against oppression.

Egypt – the Pharaoh land has remained so until now with autocratic rule since declaration as the republic on July 18, 1953.

The systemic abuse of power and corruption in the political system has been endured by the 80 million people without any representation in governance.

Uprising in the past has been successfully quelled with violence by the security forces including intimidation through military presence in civilian zone – the standard practice of all repressive regimes in pro-democracy peaceful protest.

The political freedom struggle is never without sacrifice especially against totalitarian government emboldened by strong diplomatic and strategic relationships with powerful ‘democracies’ advising the embattled ally to contain the uprising and not called for renunciation of power due to vested interests.

Besides Egypt military funded with U.S aid in billions of dollars is believed to exert authority in power sharing with the unpopular government.

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Padmini Arhant

Lebanon Political Crisis and U.S. Role in Special Tribunal Trial

By Padmini Arhant

The Mediterranean country in the Middle East is situated between Syria up north all the way to the east and Israel down south.

A French Colony post World War 1, Lebanon gained independence in 1946.

The secular society enriched in cultural diversity experienced tremendous economic boom from agriculture, service sector viz. banking and the hospitality industry – tourism.

During that period it was regarded as the Switzerland of the East and the capital city Beirut – Paris of the Middle East.

Lebanon is also known for political upheavals predominantly attributed to foreign power intervention, invasion and occupation following independence up until now.

The prominent crises are – the prolonged civil war (1975-1990), Hezbollah and Israel confrontation referred to as July war or Second Lebanon war (12 July 2006 – 14 August 2006) with Israeli blockade of Lebanon ending in September 2006.

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U.S. China Relations and Global Impact

By Padmini Arhant

Hon. President Hu Jintao of China is currently on a state visit to the United States.

The head of the state arrival in the U.S. is pivotal to promote bilateral relationship on economic, political and strategic matter having a direct global impact.

Many issues have been brought to attention that requires mutual understanding and cooperation. The economic reality with United States as the largest consumer and China being the major manufacturer as well as creditor are inter-dependent to succeed in their respective ambitions.

China is the fastest growing economy with tremendous potential to be an effective global partner in resolving international crises.

Although the dialogue between the two nations in strengthening ties has been consistent in the past two years, the intentions are yet to be delivered in action on the domestic and international fronts.

The preliminary step towards fostering simultaneous growth is to review the activities and modify strategies beneficial to both economies with equal responsibility to contain the burgeoning economic crisis.

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Race

By Padmini Arhant

Race is a contentious matter. Hence thoughts are presented in this blog - an innovative medium to express views and comments.

Cyberspace is a platform where the voiceless can have a voice or be heard through someone on their behalf on any issue.

It is not necessary to go through the Red Tape or be newsworthy to be a news item in the prominent media and print press. There is no requirement to be part of any influential circle either.

An average citizen with internet access can state an opinion or recount an experience that is relevant to all or none. It has unequivocally revolutionized communication in the new millennium.

Mankind Giant Leap in this regard is poignant.

However, have we made progress in human relations?

Why is it difficult for the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom hierarchy to co-exist in harmony and accept one another as human beings first and then anything next?

We have been gifted with the discriminatory power. Unfortunately, it is being used effectively for negative purpose than otherwise.

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Padmini Arhant

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Padmini Arhant

Today United States celebrated the birth of Honorable. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. renowned for breaking barriers in human relationship dedicated his life to unity and eliminating injustice.

Dr. King believed in the strength of human character transcending race, religion and social-economic background.

An eloquent orator, theologian and a supreme leader – Dr. King led the mass at the height of social inequality entrenched in prejudice emanating largely from ignorance and yet triumphed in civil rights recognition for his fellow human beings.

Rev. Martin Luther King understood the intricacies in weaving the social fabric and passionately involved to promote integration against segregation, empathy over apathy and last but not the least practiced his mentor Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy.

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Padmini Arhant

Tunisia – Victory to People Power

By Padmini Arhant

The North African nation is in major political transition after the people successfully unshackled themselves from decades old authoritarian oppression.

Tunisia having been a French colony sought independence in 1956 and subsequently President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali gained power in 1987 imposing repressive form of government until the recent ousting.

The citizens across the nation were marginalized due to massive corruption, political suppression through surveillance and confinement of human rights activists, sentencing journalists for revealing the reality on soaring unemployment and economic chaos.

As a result the former Tunisian government ranked lowest in public internet access and freedom of press in the world.

These activities were considered mild compared to the abuse of Presidential power with opposition quelled eliminating checks and balances in a political system characterized by the people as kleptocracy thriving under nepotism through political appointments of family members including subservient entities in various capacity exercising control over economic sector.

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Padmini Arhant

Global Poverty Alleviation – Micro Lending Myths and Management

By Padmini Arhant

The greatest challenge confronting humanity is alleviating poverty, hunger and disease.

With global population on the rise, the gulf between the rich and poor widening – the worldwide statistics in deaths related to starvation and preventable disease is alarmingly high especially among children, the most vulnerable victims in the human caused misery.

There is no doubt that many organizations such as the United Nations, Government and Non-Governmental efforts in the developing countries including some philanthropists from different corners are striving hard to address this issue to their best of ability.

Their commitment in this regard is remarkable for the situation would be worse in the absence of myriad interventional measures.

As for the industrialized and developed nations’ role in containing the growing humanitarian plight – the G-20 pledge to contribute $100 billion to developing nations is honorable but yet to be exemplified through action.

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Padmini Arhant

International Recognition of Israeli Palestinian Peace Process

By Padmini Arhant

Israeli Palestinian peace talks have come to a grinding halt following the moratorium expiration on Jewish settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem last September.

The Palestinian casualties in early January 2011 involving a man and a woman in the northern West Bank checkpoint and the barrier is a setback for the long anticipated peace resolution between Israel and Palestinian authorities.

Additionally the recent tension in beleaguered Gaza with Israel reporting on the rocket firing by Hamas across the southern border resets the status quo after a prolonged ceasefire promoting hope for exports from Gaza to Israel.

Subsequently Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for direct dialogue is praiseworthy.

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Padmini Arhant

Arizona Tragic Shooting

By Padmini Arhant

The shooting near the supermarket in Tucson, Arizona on January 8, 2011 reportedly claimed six lives including a nine year old victim along with a critically hurt Congress (Rep.D) Gabrielle Giffords stated to be the primary target in the tragic incident.

Although motives behind the violence has not been determined or presented, the fatal attacks against innocent citizens is deeply regrettable and unjustifiable.

Whenever human mind is overwhelmed with contemptuous thoughts defying reasoning faculties then actions lead to an irreversible situation.

If the intention to harm people was political it represents a grave danger to democracy allowing free speech as the fundamental right to all members regardless of their identity in the society.

Whatever is the cause, the decision to take others’ life reflects the failure of rationality.

Heartfelt condolences are offered to the victims’ families and prayers for the seriously injured Congress Representative as well as others in the inhumane assault on life.

It is sincerely hoped that the families and the survivors gain strength to bear the loss of their loved ones with time being the healing factor on their side.

Concluding with prayers for the departed soul to rest in peace and the wounded for speedy recovery.

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Padmini Arhant

Sudan Secession Referendum

By Padmini Arhant

On January 9, 2011 the largest nation in Africa and the Arab world – Sudan will be split into two separate states upon validation in the Southern Sudanese independence referendum.

Sudan like other parts of Africa has been ravaged by decades of civil war.

The Second Sudanese Civil war resumed in 1983 to 2005 and then continued in western region - Darfur still engaged in skirmishes on the ground.

The current President Omar al-Bashir then seizing power in 1989 bloodless military coup set up a totalitarian government leading the nation towards genocide.

The civil wars resulted in the worst humanitarian crisis with -

2 million casualties and more than 4 million displaced population including an estimated 200,000 prisoners of wars and civilians taken into slavery not barring child soldiers by the pro-government Arab militias, the Sudanese army as well as the rebel factions involved in the north-south economic, ethnic, religious and political confrontation.

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The 112th Congress begins on January 5, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Welcome! To the 112thCongress with the Republican House and Democratic Senate.

The power shift in the new Congress is prepared to make some significant changes to the House rules, previous legislation and the Senate procedure.

Initiatives to implement proposals on Congressional transparency and accountability through on-line presentation of legislation as outlined in the blog post ‘Defining the Humanitarian Responsibility’ - 04/16/2010 on this website is deeply appreciated.

Yet another strategy as stated earlier on omnibus spending delineating earmarks from the Congressional budget would enable legislators to clarify the expenditure.

The recommendation for bill funding to be raised from cutting costs and not through revenues might lead to essential program termination with an adverse economic effect.

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Padmini Arhant

Happy New Year – The World Welcomes 2011!

By Padmini Arhant

New Year Greetings to all!

Amid great many challenges ahead the world welcomes the year 2011 with hope and joy.

Human beings have consistently proved that they have the ability to overcome hardships and achieve their goals.

Reflection on the 2010 domestic and global events leads to specific issues that require public attention.

The 2010 legislative actions would clarify the impact on the economy and the ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet in the difficult situation.

In the economic front, the job market recovery is much anticipated among the long term unemployed and underemployed citizens forced to survive on jobless benefits gained after a huge compromise on the tax cuts for the wealthiest - offering the average Americans temporary relief in exchange for a permanent tax burden.

Winning the Bush tax cuts extension to billionaires is motivating the legislators to risk baby boomers and seniors’ lifeline – Social Security.

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Padmini Arhant