by Abhinav Sidana
A place where the true facets of Malaysian politics are talked about and discussed not by the politicians but by the people whose lives are affected by the politicians, the people of Malaysia.
There are many ways by which the people of Malaysia wants to be heard, for instance Raja Petra Kamarudin, a prominent opposition activist and editor that he claims would have insider information about the dark circles of the country's political arena and the various comments he has made that caused his incarceration under the Malaysian Seditious Act.
Issues like the murder of the Mongolian Model Altantuya Shaariibuu and the accusations of Razak Baginda, a former political analyst with the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who many claimed is related to the case. The trial is on-going with Razak still under charged with abetting two police officers who is accused of murdering the model and subsequently blowing her body to pieces using C4 explosives.
Issues arises like the petrol hikes have caused a major uproar among citizens not so much about the petrol hikes but more so are talked about on the issues involving the hike. The government of Malaysia today are being said to have not done enough to keep the price low, thereby increasing the people's burden. Words of advice like 'changing the lifestyle'of the people by the Malaysia Prime Minister are being shot back for being too naïve. The people want to know where the profits of the national petroleum company Petronas have been channeled to if not to help curb the rising price of fuel. The former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his dissatisfaction on his successor and how he claims the Primer to be a puppet to his son-in-law Khairy Jamalluddin, who has many corporate directorship under his belt. The former prime minister, who has alleged to have tried to control the judicial system too are being talked about, but many voiced that the past is gone, and more focus should be put on the present, which many believe that the government is incapable in managing Malaysia's economy and administration.
These issues are discussed in detail in Malaysia Today as it comes from the people themselves. Most of the people would give their insights and suggestions to be heard and understood. As a channel of interaction, Malaysia Today provides a place for Malaysians to talk about what they feel and think about politics that affects their everyday lives and everything else that don't. News on Malaysia Today are relevant, so much so that it allow the readers to comment on the current news as the topics are contemporary and up to date.
About the Author
Dahleen Julie is the editor in Portal Malaysia Today and have made the portal a success. Click here to know more about Malaysia Today .
Senin, 16 Maret 2009
The Assassination of the United States President?
by Daryl Green
INTRODUCTION
As the rhetoric heats up in the presidential election, partisan politics create passionate environments that demonize other candidates. Clearly, this is politics as usual. Under the ‘anything goes’ gamesmanship, talkshow hosts and political operatives are allowed to attack a candidate’s character. Will it be enough to galvanize the extremists to physically carry out an assassination on a presidential figure? In August, Senator Barack Obama was the first biracial candidate in history to represent a major political party. When you mix the characteristics of being very liberal and his racial background, Democratic president candidate Obama stands as a likely candidate for these types of attempts. Clearly, race will play a critical role whether he can win. Can Americans trust Obama with his Chicago machine connection or his different background?
Newsweek columnist Jack Weisber argues that race shapes this year’s presidential campaign: “…let be honest: the reason Obama isn’t ahead right now is that he trails badly among one group, older white voters. He lags with them for a simple reason: the color of his skins.†According to a New York Times/CBS New polls in July, 24% of voters said the country is not ready for a black president. As the media seeks to increase their rating with more drama, will it foster the climate for another presidential assassination? At the Democratic National Convention, law enforcement arrested three men for plotting Obama’s assassination. One suspect explained that the plans were to shoot Obama “from a high vantage point using a rifle sighted at 750 yards.†According to authorities, the men’s conversation was filled with racist slurs. One suspect stated, “He [Obama] don’t belong in political office. Blacks don’t belong in political office. He ought to be shot.†The men were released. No charges were made.
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Unfortunately, assassination becomes an inescapable part of American History. However, it is something that is fairly common for our neighbors across the globe. For example, Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim state, was assassinated December 27, 2007 during her presidential campaign in Pakistani. In America, more than 17 assassinations have been attempted on past, present, and future presidents and presidential candidates. The four American presidents who were assassinated include Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president), James Garfield (the 20th president), William McKinley (the 25th president), and John F. Kennedy (the 35th president). Yet, presidential candidates are also at risks. Senator Robert Kennedy, the Democratic presidential candidate, was killed in 1968. In the modern era, assassinations were attempted on the following presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Therefore, being a United States president or nominate carries a dangerous risk for assassination attempts.
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
As the politic propaganda escalades, an assassination becomes more imminent. Many blacks fear for Obama’s life and hope that history does not repeat itself. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was considering a presidential campaign but declined primarily due to his wife’s concern that he would be assassinated. Yet, other Americans fear for Obama safety due to the extremists. Evidence for concern arose in February 2008 when British Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing predicted Obama’s assassination: “He would probably not last long, a black man in the position of president. They would kill him.†Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee made an off color joke about Obama at an annual National Rifle Association meeting. When a loud bang was heard off- stage, Huckabee remarked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he...he dove for the floor.†By making this harmless joke, Huckabee appeared to quiet the reality of this possible occurrence. Yet, other opponents continue to flame the fire of political rhetoric.
CONCLUSION
Conservative media heavy weights, such as Fox News and Rush Limbaugh gain traction by launching personal attacks on Obama that he’s unpatriotic, un-American, and radical. Unanimous sources launch emails about him that he’s a racist or a secret Muslim which create an atmosphere ripe for an assassination. The negative campaign strategy appears to be working. Will 1968 repeat itself in 2008? Let us pray that it doesn’t happen.
About the Author
Daryl Green, a Knoxville College professor, is a nationally recognized lecturer and author of several books, including Awakening the Talents Within. If you have any questions, you can contact them at www.darylgreen.org and www.darylandestraletta.com.
INTRODUCTION
As the rhetoric heats up in the presidential election, partisan politics create passionate environments that demonize other candidates. Clearly, this is politics as usual. Under the ‘anything goes’ gamesmanship, talkshow hosts and political operatives are allowed to attack a candidate’s character. Will it be enough to galvanize the extremists to physically carry out an assassination on a presidential figure? In August, Senator Barack Obama was the first biracial candidate in history to represent a major political party. When you mix the characteristics of being very liberal and his racial background, Democratic president candidate Obama stands as a likely candidate for these types of attempts. Clearly, race will play a critical role whether he can win. Can Americans trust Obama with his Chicago machine connection or his different background?
Newsweek columnist Jack Weisber argues that race shapes this year’s presidential campaign: “…let be honest: the reason Obama isn’t ahead right now is that he trails badly among one group, older white voters. He lags with them for a simple reason: the color of his skins.†According to a New York Times/CBS New polls in July, 24% of voters said the country is not ready for a black president. As the media seeks to increase their rating with more drama, will it foster the climate for another presidential assassination? At the Democratic National Convention, law enforcement arrested three men for plotting Obama’s assassination. One suspect explained that the plans were to shoot Obama “from a high vantage point using a rifle sighted at 750 yards.†According to authorities, the men’s conversation was filled with racist slurs. One suspect stated, “He [Obama] don’t belong in political office. Blacks don’t belong in political office. He ought to be shot.†The men were released. No charges were made.
A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Unfortunately, assassination becomes an inescapable part of American History. However, it is something that is fairly common for our neighbors across the globe. For example, Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim state, was assassinated December 27, 2007 during her presidential campaign in Pakistani. In America, more than 17 assassinations have been attempted on past, present, and future presidents and presidential candidates. The four American presidents who were assassinated include Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president), James Garfield (the 20th president), William McKinley (the 25th president), and John F. Kennedy (the 35th president). Yet, presidential candidates are also at risks. Senator Robert Kennedy, the Democratic presidential candidate, was killed in 1968. In the modern era, assassinations were attempted on the following presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Therefore, being a United States president or nominate carries a dangerous risk for assassination attempts.
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
As the politic propaganda escalades, an assassination becomes more imminent. Many blacks fear for Obama’s life and hope that history does not repeat itself. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell was considering a presidential campaign but declined primarily due to his wife’s concern that he would be assassinated. Yet, other Americans fear for Obama safety due to the extremists. Evidence for concern arose in February 2008 when British Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing predicted Obama’s assassination: “He would probably not last long, a black man in the position of president. They would kill him.†Former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee made an off color joke about Obama at an annual National Rifle Association meeting. When a loud bang was heard off- stage, Huckabee remarked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he...he dove for the floor.†By making this harmless joke, Huckabee appeared to quiet the reality of this possible occurrence. Yet, other opponents continue to flame the fire of political rhetoric.
CONCLUSION
Conservative media heavy weights, such as Fox News and Rush Limbaugh gain traction by launching personal attacks on Obama that he’s unpatriotic, un-American, and radical. Unanimous sources launch emails about him that he’s a racist or a secret Muslim which create an atmosphere ripe for an assassination. The negative campaign strategy appears to be working. Will 1968 repeat itself in 2008? Let us pray that it doesn’t happen.
About the Author
Daryl Green, a Knoxville College professor, is a nationally recognized lecturer and author of several books, including Awakening the Talents Within. If you have any questions, you can contact them at www.darylgreen.org and www.darylandestraletta.com.
A Quick Glance at Political Cartoons
by John Thompson
Political cartoons have a great ability to satirize politics, current events leaders' life and political trends. These types of cartoons rely on political stereotypes and common social symbols offering a peculiar image of this identity. They mix irony, humor with outrage and civil unhappiness.
Many newspapers and magazines have among their pages such cartoons with political allusive context. People usually enjoy reading daily political cartoons in their newspaper especially when there is a big political event involved, like around elections.
They also like reading good political cartoon books. These may be directed in particular toward a certain political character or toward a typical nowadays political system or situation.
Another reason for the existence of these political cartoons is to inform people in a more amusing and educating way and to promote politics among younger generations. Today, newspapers are employing more and more political cartoonists than before. These political cartoonists, a combination of politics with artistic and journalism skills, have shaped public political opinion for centuries. They rely very much on symbolisms and caricature, helping people think in politic terms.
Political cartoons must have good artistry, genuine sentiment, uncomplicated imagery and a lasting nature according to Charles Press. This lasting attitude is very important for the cartoon to be understood by next generations. They also have to convey some truth through their message; otherwise people are not interested in.
It is also known that political cartoons may change political views, because they are attractive and effective enough and they convey a well defined message and mood linked to the social or political event in question.
Connoisseurs of political cartoons and books can discover an exquisite selection of online sources. Here you can find political cartoons that you look for at affordable prices and even cartoon prints. Cartoon Bank is a permanent political cartoon resource.
About the Author
Cartoon Bank has the best political cartoons for you
Political cartoons have a great ability to satirize politics, current events leaders' life and political trends. These types of cartoons rely on political stereotypes and common social symbols offering a peculiar image of this identity. They mix irony, humor with outrage and civil unhappiness.
Many newspapers and magazines have among their pages such cartoons with political allusive context. People usually enjoy reading daily political cartoons in their newspaper especially when there is a big political event involved, like around elections.
They also like reading good political cartoon books. These may be directed in particular toward a certain political character or toward a typical nowadays political system or situation.
Another reason for the existence of these political cartoons is to inform people in a more amusing and educating way and to promote politics among younger generations. Today, newspapers are employing more and more political cartoonists than before. These political cartoonists, a combination of politics with artistic and journalism skills, have shaped public political opinion for centuries. They rely very much on symbolisms and caricature, helping people think in politic terms.
Political cartoons must have good artistry, genuine sentiment, uncomplicated imagery and a lasting nature according to Charles Press. This lasting attitude is very important for the cartoon to be understood by next generations. They also have to convey some truth through their message; otherwise people are not interested in.
It is also known that political cartoons may change political views, because they are attractive and effective enough and they convey a well defined message and mood linked to the social or political event in question.
Connoisseurs of political cartoons and books can discover an exquisite selection of online sources. Here you can find political cartoons that you look for at affordable prices and even cartoon prints. Cartoon Bank is a permanent political cartoon resource.
About the Author
Cartoon Bank has the best political cartoons for you
Human Goodness by Yi-Fu Tuan
by Joy Cagil
I admit I do not read too many books on philosophy, but Human Goodness is more than a philosophy book. It is positive and uplifting, and it offers practical assurances of goodness in people in contrast to dry, humorless beliefs and theories.
In the preface, the author presents a happy thought. "Think how people of different cultural and social backgrounds might learn from one another and enjoy one another's company if they gather to tell stories of human goodness in their particular culture and society." Inside the main part of the book, she follows up on that thought.
This study of goodness comes in four sections. In the first "Vignettes" section, the subject of range and variety of goodness succeeds in causing the readers to think and very often agree with the author's observations. One such observation is: Good manners and being good are not necessarily the same thing. The second section is a short one, pointing to "Doing Good in the Midst of Evil," which has examples of people who risked their own welfare to help others in hard times.
The book continues with "Good Individuals" to show several examples of good people by offering the detailed life stories of many individuals we already know and admire, like Socrates, Mozart, John Keats, Mother Theresa, Confucius, and Simone Weil. The end section of the book, titled Reflections, refers to the negative influence of dark backgrounds and behavior, which the author deems boring; then the text goes on with 'the points of light,' in which more individuals such as Carl Jasper and Schweitzer are shown as examples.
The tone of the author is factual and positive as she spreads her pearls of wisdom throughout the pages. She offers her words in a serious yet heartening style, without letting them turn into sermons.
Human Goodness, published by the University of Wisconsin Press, comes in hardcover and 244 pages with ISBN-10: 0299226700 and ISBN-13: 978-0299226701
Yi-Fu Tuan, according to the back flap of the book, is the J. K. Wright and Vilas Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been honored with the Cullum Medal of the American Geographical Society, the Lauréat d'Honneur of the International Geographical Union, and the Charles Homer Haskins Lectureship of the American Council of Learned Societies. Her books other than Human Goodness are: Coming Home to China, Cosmos & Hearth: A Cosmopolite's Viewpoint, Dear Colleague: Common and Uncommon Observations, Dominance & Affection: The Making Of Pets, Escapism, Geography and the Human Spirit, The Good Life, A Historical Geography of China, Landscapes of Fear, Morality and Imagination: Paradoxes of Progress, Passing Strange and Wonderful: Aesthetics, Nature, and Culture, Place, Art, And Self, Segmented Worlds and Self: A Study of Group Life and Individual Consciousness, and Who Am I?: An Autobiography of Emotion, Mind, and Spirit. She has also co-authored World Views: Maps and Art September 11, 1999-January 2, 2000 with Robert Bruce Silberman and Landscape Nature and the Body Politic: From Britain's Renaissance to America's New World with Kenneth Olwig.
Sometimes, it helps to focus on the decency of others to encourage ourselves to become better people. This inspirational book, offering hope, encouragement, and salvation is a step in that direction. I recommend it whole-heartedly.
About the Author
Joy Cagil is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers
I admit I do not read too many books on philosophy, but Human Goodness is more than a philosophy book. It is positive and uplifting, and it offers practical assurances of goodness in people in contrast to dry, humorless beliefs and theories.
In the preface, the author presents a happy thought. "Think how people of different cultural and social backgrounds might learn from one another and enjoy one another's company if they gather to tell stories of human goodness in their particular culture and society." Inside the main part of the book, she follows up on that thought.
This study of goodness comes in four sections. In the first "Vignettes" section, the subject of range and variety of goodness succeeds in causing the readers to think and very often agree with the author's observations. One such observation is: Good manners and being good are not necessarily the same thing. The second section is a short one, pointing to "Doing Good in the Midst of Evil," which has examples of people who risked their own welfare to help others in hard times.
The book continues with "Good Individuals" to show several examples of good people by offering the detailed life stories of many individuals we already know and admire, like Socrates, Mozart, John Keats, Mother Theresa, Confucius, and Simone Weil. The end section of the book, titled Reflections, refers to the negative influence of dark backgrounds and behavior, which the author deems boring; then the text goes on with 'the points of light,' in which more individuals such as Carl Jasper and Schweitzer are shown as examples.
The tone of the author is factual and positive as she spreads her pearls of wisdom throughout the pages. She offers her words in a serious yet heartening style, without letting them turn into sermons.
Human Goodness, published by the University of Wisconsin Press, comes in hardcover and 244 pages with ISBN-10: 0299226700 and ISBN-13: 978-0299226701
Yi-Fu Tuan, according to the back flap of the book, is the J. K. Wright and Vilas Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been honored with the Cullum Medal of the American Geographical Society, the Lauréat d'Honneur of the International Geographical Union, and the Charles Homer Haskins Lectureship of the American Council of Learned Societies. Her books other than Human Goodness are: Coming Home to China, Cosmos & Hearth: A Cosmopolite's Viewpoint, Dear Colleague: Common and Uncommon Observations, Dominance & Affection: The Making Of Pets, Escapism, Geography and the Human Spirit, The Good Life, A Historical Geography of China, Landscapes of Fear, Morality and Imagination: Paradoxes of Progress, Passing Strange and Wonderful: Aesthetics, Nature, and Culture, Place, Art, And Self, Segmented Worlds and Self: A Study of Group Life and Individual Consciousness, and Who Am I?: An Autobiography of Emotion, Mind, and Spirit. She has also co-authored World Views: Maps and Art September 11, 1999-January 2, 2000 with Robert Bruce Silberman and Landscape Nature and the Body Politic: From Britain's Renaissance to America's New World with Kenneth Olwig.
Sometimes, it helps to focus on the decency of others to encourage ourselves to become better people. This inspirational book, offering hope, encouragement, and salvation is a step in that direction. I recommend it whole-heartedly.
About the Author
Joy Cagil is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers
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