Your Wednesday Enlightenment 09.05.07
Posted by Matthew D.S. on 09.05.2007
Terror on two fronts: in Denmark, and Venezuela!
*The age is at hand.*
*It is the age of the Enlightenment.*
[YourWednesdayEnlightenment.]
So are you back to school?
Well, are ya?
Are ya?
Back to school?
Pens and notebooks handy?
Pencils sharpened?
Textbooks purchased?
Backpack filled with homework?
I remember those days.
But school is a past landmark for me now, at least for the time being.
So for all of you poor souls back at school, all I can say is:
Hynahahhananahah….
Aren't I mature.
The NEWS.
Danish Arrest Suspected Plotting Terrorists
Copenhagen, Tuesday, September 4: The Danish authorities have made a series of important arrests, seizing eight men allegedly with ties to high levels of al Qaeda. The men, aging in range of 19 to 29, supposedly planned a bomb attack, against an as of yet determined target(s). Police hailed the arrests, stating that they "prevented a terror attack." The men are of Middle Eastern and African origin, with one Turk, and six held Danish citizenship. The officers made sweeps across eleven different addresses overnight in and around Copenhagen to secure the capture of the suspected men. Two were remanded in custody after their court appearance, and the remaining six are expected to be released after interrogation. Police moved to seize the men after keeping the alleged cell under observation for quite some time.
Police had to seal off a part of the city as part of their investigation.
Almost two years ago, Denmark was at the centre of an international diplomatic and religious uproar after the publication of political cartoons that depicted the Prophet Muhammad - contrary to Islamic beliefs. There were protests around the Islamic world, death chants directed at Denmark, and several Muslim nations made strong diplomatic objections, demanding punishment for the newspaper and cartoonist at the heart of the firestorm. It may be possible that some of this - coupled with Denmark's past presence in Iraq - has contributed to the northern state becoming a target for radicals. Denmark's contribution to the invasion of Iraq was paltry at best - 430 soldiers - but any involvement whatsoever gives fodder to extremists looking to justify an attack upon the Danish state. These alleged terrorists who sought to attack Denmark though do a disservice to their fellow Muslims - they make them feared, targets of racial attacks, and contribute to an undermining of peaceful Muslims' place in society. However, perhaps this is yet another goal of would-be terrorists: making their own people feared and targeted creates resentment on the part of the Muslim population, thus enabling them to be prone to radicalization as well: it truly is a vicious circle. Although nobody was physically hurt by these alleged eight terrorists, damage may very well be done now, and in future.
Close Election in Jamaica
Kingston, Tuesday, September 4: The ruling government of Jamaica, the People's National Party (PNP), has yet to acknowledge what the BBC has called, a "razor -thin defeat." The opposition Labour Party has claimed 31 of 60 seats in Parliament, but the Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, has made accusations of "vote buying" and other campaign irregularities. The authorities governing elections in Jamaica has noted that it may take a few days to sort out the votes to determine a final winner, and until that time, the situation may be tense on the island. In a positive note, the elections were largely peaceful with minimal violence reported, hopefully indicating that if there is a change of government, it will be without incident.
What is this, Florida?
Chavez Makes Decades Long Overtures
Caracas, Sunday, September 2: In following up a previous story I've posted in YWE, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has admitted that if constitutional reforms are passed, he may remain in power to the ripe old year 2027. Chavez, ever controversial in the Western world, has stated he needs the time to establish a socialist economic model for his country, in order to help the nation's poor. He has admitted that he will be old by that time. The President will have to face a national referendum if he wishes his proposals to become law, and it is expected that such changes to the electoral laws will be approved by both the parliament and the people.
Hugo's role model for aging, frail, dictators.
What can I say, but, Hugo, you're giving dictators a bad name.
The "Moment" is a bit striking, and harkens back to an age once thought long gone; but it serves to remind that nations need keep on guard.
"A Moment of Suspicion."
Target: Pentagon. US officials have accused the Chinese military complex of launching a cyber attack on the Pentagon military computer infrastructure. The Financial Times reported that the Chinese army launched the attack, which crashed part of the network of the Secretary of Defense. A Chinese official vehemently denied the truth of such accusations, declaring that it, "reflected Cold War mentality."
Who to believe? If the statements are made by government officials on both sides, I think the decision of whom to believe has to be: who knows.
Let's take a whirl now with the feature which the New York Times has hailed as, "………..", because I haven't heard from them. So screw them! It's "This Just In".
*spins the globe*
Congratulations KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, it's your turn to shine!
One of the most significant of all Middle Eastern nations gets the nod, or spin, this week, and there's always news a plenty flowing forth.
The top story then.
The Saudi Minister of Health has made plans for the next Hajj, or sacred pilgrimage that all able bodied Muslims must make in their life times. Funding for healthcare facilities - including the expansion of such places - and an increased number of ambulances will be made available to serve the tens of thousands that flood across the world towards Mecca. Several have died over the years in Hajj related disasters.
A sacred but dangerous pilgrimage.
Reference: http://www.saudiembassy.net
And, due to moving and all the crap surrounding that, I will take a week off, so stay tuned to 411 for all the other kick ass writers that aren't me, to entertain and enlighten you.
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STAY CURRENT