Planet News Views

Almost 10 Years After 9/11 Terror Attacks, Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. forces

2011-05-02T02:00:00.005-06:00

It took a long time to get Osama bin Laden. But now, according to many news reports, including one news story on CNN World (also see cnn.com), bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan.

I first heard this major news story while driving last night after dark to get something to drink at a fast food restaurant, and I had no idea when I turned on the radio that big and positive news would be reported at that hour.

My first response was maybe it's another false report, but then I heard a crowd cheering in the background of FOX News coverage of bin Laden's death. I disagree with coverage that is biased in political ideology or gives any sort of false impression about what is really taking place. However, it also appears that crowds were indeed celebrating and that clearly is part of the news in this particular big story of major world significance.

As I see it, Americans have a good reason to celebrate because bin Laden chose his fate by forming and leading al Qaeda, and regardless who is accused of what, found guilty of which crimes connected to 9/11 and other terrorism before or after that day, or no matter who is believed to have done the most evil, clearly bin Laden is the one person whose actions could not go unpunished. For people to celebrate may seem rather hard to understand and that it's going too far, but we can think of it another way: celebrating freedom which must be fought for at times, and much of the time protecting the importance of freedom by exercising our rights and demanding more, including freedom of assembly and the freedom of speech, which must include spoken and written words, expression, and much more. The main point in all of this is that the only people who fear this and would try to prevent (in too many countries) or stop or reduce such freedoms are dictators, wannabe dictators, businesses, and organizations that want to rule human beings in an unconstitutional and unjust way.

Terrorists want to make people feel afraid to be who they are and afraid to speak freely and go where they want to go. This continues to be a major problem in the world and it restates what I've been hearing but the difference is I think there's no need for a big war on terror, and the best way to get the terrorists strike against them when they least expect it, the way they supposedly did almost ten years ago to the U.S. In other words, give them a dose of their own medicine. Of course, if they want to peacefully turn themselves in then that also would be acceptable because loss of life is always a bad thing. That's because life is not a thing. And life without freedom isn't life to its full promise and potential. It's not just something that terrorists don't care about but a problem for leaders of many countries and some businesses and organizations as well.

Conclusion? Sure. In the style of a few rather arrogant senators I've heard answer questions in TV interviews: Look! ... Thought bubble over my head would read: No, you look! If you're gonna try to take away the rights of people, you're gonna have opposition. Alright, now I need lots of people to back me up on this and get busy working for freedom and our rights. I hope someday soon everyone will have freedom and rights in every country on this planet.

Al Jazeera English broadcast

2011-02-10T13:05:00.002-07:00

Al Jazeera has the Live English broadcast of what is going on right now in Egypt. Please click the link to go to Al Jazeera English on their YouTube channel.

Watch President Obama's Full Speech at Tucson Memorial

2011-01-12T23:51:00.003-07:00

President Obama gives a great speech at the Tucson Memorial Service to remember the six people who died in the shooting that took place Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.

This is a PBS NewsHour video on YouTube, and I felt it needed to be shared to help Americans be comforted by our president.

Also, please refer to The New York Times online, Times Topics which has information on the Arizona shooting, and interactive feature with a detailed description of each of the six people who lost their lives.

2008-11-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!

Obama won the U.S. presidential election and will be the first black president of the United States.

Thanks for dropping by

2008-07-01T16:45:00.001-06:00

The most recent entry was put back on this blog to the date it was originally posted. I plan to write another post about a similar topic. Have a great week!

Keep Blogging, Love People, and Win the Peace!

2008-06-14T05:53:00.005-06:00

Hello! Thanks for checking out my blog. During the past couple of months I've been adding to my blogroll with outstanding blogs by other people in several countries. I decided to add my blogs, Fast Food Yummy and Planet News Views, under the blogroll heading of "Blogs on Earth" because I'm happy to be listed with many other bloggers. It may change somewhat at a later date.

The reason why I didn't organize the blogs according to topics, countries, regions, 'friends' or 'bloggers I'm acquainted with' vs. 'other blogs I like' is: They are all great blogs, written by cool people; and we are all living and writing on the same planet, which is all that matters to me and, in my opinion, all that should matter to anyone.

As long as we love one another, this world will not only survive wars, famines, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and anything else thrown at us, we will also become better. It's pretty cool to think about what great things 'the human race' can accomplish if we stop running against each other to beat the other guy or gal, but rather run side by side, and by that I mean work together for the good of all people. Alright, take care and keep telling other people they matter to you.

Win the Peace!

How good are Rockets minus Yao Ming?

2008-03-08T15:00:00.006-07:00

The Houston Rockets have won 17 games in a row going into tonight's game against the the New Orleans Hornets. Houston's All-Star center Yao Ming recently suffered a foot injury and is out for the rest of the season. NBA fans are wondering whether the Rockets, minus Yao, can still contend for a championship.

I'm interested in hearing what readers think will happen in the NBA playoffs. Is the loss of Yao Ming going to keep the Rockets from 'lifting off' in postseason? You tell me.

By the way, yesterday I came across a great blog about the Chinese center, which I know you will enjoy reading. The blog is called "Yao Central" and I like it a lot! Just click on the blog name, and check it out.

2008-03-08T12:08:00.007-07:00

I'm here this afternoon and hoping to add more links. It's interesting to visit other blogs and know more about what's going on in the world. Sitting in front of a computer for hours can get kind of boring, but seeing as we are all spread out by hundreds or thousands of miles, this is an acceptable substitute for actually hanging out together. Hope you have a great weekend!

Democratic race for President has excitement of championship game

2008-03-07T05:25:00.005-07:00

John McCain reached the number of delegates needed for the Republican presidential nomination with his wins Tuesday; Barack Obama struggled in key Democratic primaries due to tough--some say negative, or even nasty-- campaigning by Hillary Clinton, which helped her win the Ohio and Texas contests and make this an edge-of-your-seat Democratic nomination process.

Opinion
By Scott McLean

It was another one of those late nights when there's so much excitement and tension that sleeping is impossible. On those occasions, I sort of forget how many cups of coffee I've had to drink and try to figure out what's going on with an election, this time important primaries, and just feel some pride in my perseverance, pointless as it might seem to someone not interested in presidential races.

I like the way Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are making it such a close race.

In terms of intensity and suspense, Barack vs. Hillary sort of reminds me of the big game in professional football. I'm sure most of you remember the thrilling fourth quarter. Unpredictable games and competitive presidential races make it hard to guess what will happen next. Some writers appear confident they 'know' who the Democratic nominee will be. Well, they hope they are right.

But on Tuesday, Clinton showed she wasn't going to simply give up, or lose the nomination to Senator Barack Obama without first proving she could get big-time, clutch wins in two key contests.

Clinton was able to stop Obama's momentum, at least temporarily, and stay in the race. Her campaign success this week could attract new supporters. She must also win over superdelegates, but it won't be a topic on this blog. However, I will try to provide more links, as I find them. Thanks for reading my blog. Take care.

Race for President

2008-02-26T02:20:00.001-07:00

If you've been following the Democratic nomination process, then I'm sure you know Senator Barack Obama is ahead of Senator Hillary Clinton. It's not looking good for her right now. Clinton needs wins in the Ohio and Texas primaries on March 4 to get back the momentum and stay close in the delegate count.

Senator John McCain is expected to be the Republican nominee, and he almost has the number of delegates needed for the nomination. McCain must find a way to gain support from more conservatives, yet not upset Republican moderates, and also reach out to independents and moderate-to-conservative Democrats.

My goal at this time is to add more links to news web sites and political blogs that focus on the U.S. presidential race.

The sites or blogs (listed as links or blogroll) have a variety of topics and are written and published by people in many countries. I enjoy reading other blogs, when I can find the time, and sometimes leave comments. Thanks for reading my blog.

New links to websites and blogs

2007-09-22T05:10:00.000-06:00

I'm currently updating links to news websites and blogs around the world. These are sites which I enjoy looking at when I have time.

While these sites and blogs are interesting to me and have good information and articles, I take no responsibility for what's published on any of them. Some may include posts, articles or photos of an adult nature. Those are solely the decisions of their writers, photographers, editors, publishers and visitors.

My goal is to provide a place where people can quickly and easily access news sources, information and entertainment from all over the world.

Cultural Center in Eastern Oregon celebrates 10th anniversary with opening of a Japanese garden

2007-09-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

Traditional Japanese dances were performed by Toei Kai dancers as part of the ceremony. One of the dances is pictured below.

Photos: Scott McLean

Japanese Garden party begins with a 'beat'

2007-09-08T21:25:00.000-06:00

The Japanese garden in eastern Oregon officially
opens to the public as unique drumming sounds fill the air.

Sangha Taiko drummers put an exclamation
point on the grand opening of the Hikaru Mizu Garden
at Four Rivers Cultural Center (located in Ontario, Oregon, USA)

Photos: Scott McLean

My name is Scott

2007-09-08T20:00:00.000-06:00

And I'm back!!!!

You don't believe me?? It's me. I'm serious.

I could write a long, boring article about the scandals in politics these days. But I'm not going to do it this week. And maybe not even next week or the week after that. So, now aren't you glad you are here?! I know I am.

Today and tomorrow, Planet News Views will have (an exclusive?? but I might allow reprinting or publishing of these) photos of a grand opening I attended as a photographer/writer this afternoon. Please check back to see these cool photos.

Thanks for reading Planet News Views!!!

2007-04-29T04:10:00.000-06:00

Of course the photo was edited...

I would like to say thank you to all the readers of Planet News Views!!!

I'm happy to have had the opportunity to know you and other bloggers all over the world. Due to exciting times in my life, I've decided to reduce my blogging and spend more time with people. But I hope to do some writing when I'm not too busy.

I wish you the best! Take care!

Scott

MLB Season Could Have a Few Surprises

2007-04-02T05:47:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

It seems like just yesterday that the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series.

They proved a ballclub can sneak into the playoffs and play their best baseball when it really matters.

Last year, I predicted the White Sox would again be the best American League team, but they struggled during the last month of the season and didn't make the playoffs.

The Detroit Tigers were the surprise team last year, settling for a wild-card berth, then reaching the World Series anyway.

Before last season began, I didn't think the Tigers would even be a .500 ballclub. But I was wrong.

The National League had it's own surprise team in the playoffs.

New York was great during the regular season! I'm not referring to the Yankees, but the Mets.

However, when their best pitcher, Pedro Martinez, got injured and didn't pitch in the playoffs, the Mets got knocked off by the Cardinals.

When Pedro is hurt and his team loses, it's proof that he's the most valuable pitcher in the league, if not the most valuable player of all. With Pedro, the Mets would have been tough to beat.

Will we hear more from the Mets this year? With good pitching, they should still be to win again in '07, just as the Yankees usually win their division.

Like the Yankees, the Mets also have a powerful lineup, featuring sluggers Carlos Beltran (the player I would have picked for MVP), Carlos Delgado and David Wright.

I predict the Mets will push through to the World Series this year, but it won't be easy...

With Lou Piniella taking over as manager of the Chicago Cubs, one has to wonder whether this just might be the year Cubs fans have been waiting for.

The Cubs could be the surprise NL team this season if they can get consistently good pitching. We will have to wait and see what happens.

What could have been a bigger surprise last year than Detroit?! Maybe that's why I'm unable to figure out which team might go from losers to AL winners this year.

If you think you know the team that will rise from a lousy record last season to the best record this year, please feel free to leave a comment.

I'd like to hear from you. Thanks and enjoy the baseball games!!!

U.S. Politics Made Difficult

2007-03-30T23:30:00.000-06:00

When people in other countries read about U.S. politics, especially in the last few weeks, they must have a difficult time knowing what will happen next. I'm even finding it hard to figure out.

The toughest part for me to understand is why President Bush and Congress don't seem to be able to reach an agreement on how to bring an end to the war in Iraq.

Then there's the question I'm sure has been causing plenty of stress-related headaches: Will there be a war between U.S. and Iran, with possibly other countries getting involved? That would be a terrible idea if you ask me. Just think how difficult it would be to have war in both countries at the same time.

In my opinion, getting the troops out of Iraq over a year or slightly more is what needs to be done and Congress is trying to do it by way of the budget. However, the president keeps telling Congress that he would veto such legislation if it reaches his desk.

Obama Runs Strong Race

2007-03-20T22:45:00.000-06:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) has been in the news quite often this year because he is a major U.S. presidential candidate.

However, Obama is not the first African American candidate with a chance to win, despite some people thinking that's the case. Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, was an effective candidate in the Democratic primaries nearly two decades ago.

He didn't win the nomination. But he did make it possible for other African Americans to run for president, win the election or at least the nomination.

I attended a Jackson speech about two decades ago or less, although I don't recall what year it took place and whether it was during a campaign or at another time. (I'll get back to you if I can find my notes.) But I do know this: Jackson's charisma and focus on issues really impressed me.

"What an outstanding speaker!" I thought to myself. By the time he finished the speech, I knew from then on that I would pay more attention to Jesse Jackson in the news.

By contrast, Obama doesn't come across as a guy who can bring an audience to their feet, make them cheer, smile and feel good the way Jackson had. But that's not his style, nor is it necessary to win the nomination.

Obama's strengths are that he is articulate and appears to have a good grasp of the issues, which makes him a credible candidate.

Because Obama is a U.S. Senator, he will be able to get media exposure, develop name familiarity among voters and raise money for his presidential campaign.

This has been a particularly good month for Obama, who appears to be picking up a large number of supporters and reaching others who would consider voting for him.

According to a Harris Poll made public last week, available to the media on PR Newswire, Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) had very similar poll numbers pointing to almost the same amount of support, whereas Clinton was ahead in previous polls.

Hi! I'm glad you are here!

2007-03-11T22:30:00.000-06:00

I've been posting over at the food blog while taking a rest from writing on serious topics. And my eyes needed a break as well. I hope to add some new entries here this week.

Oh, by the way, most of the snow melted the afternoon of the photo, and it was all gone a day or two later, which was exactly the way I wanted it.

Anyone Want Some Snow?

2007-02-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

I'd rather be in a tropical paradise!

March is almost here. But early this morning it snowed. It hadn't snowed in several weeks.

I'm ready for spring, baseball and eating ice cream outside. Yes, I need more patience, and some coffee...

Blaming the Cold Night For My 'Frozen' Mind

2007-02-23T23:40:00.000-07:00

There are days when nothing seems to go right. Writers have tough moments that can turn to hours, often blamed on writer's block. Variations of my own very personal 'mind freeze' exist.

It could be that ideas dance around in my mind, but the words don't want to join them. And other times ideas are nowhere to be found, but an endless stream of words appear that make little sense as a whole.

In the old days, back when people were using typewriters, balls of paper were scattered on my floor, all around the wastebasket.

Just think how many trees that paper equaled when multiplied by all the typerwriters. Of course, since the shift to computers the modern world has found countless other ways to plunder the forests, which, though this may seem a strange idea, should have rights to survive forever.

Yeah, you're right: It's the espresso talking. Or at least it's helping a bit to jumpstart my mind.

Just kicking back with an espresso drink is a lot of fun, whether that's on my home turf or on a trip, such as when I visited Makati, Philippines.

Editorial Note: Responsibility and Mobile Phones

2007-02-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

This is a note to clarify what was posted last time.

Each day we go faster to the future, at least in terms of technology. Mobile phones have changed our lives.

When I visited the Philippines a few years ago, at the beginning it felt like I was in a futuristic sci-fi movie, with phones everywhere and people quite attached to them.

While cell phones (as they are commonly referred to in the U.S.) are popular in America, I don't recall a fascination with reading and sending text messages. I'm sure many other countries besides the Philippines, especially Asian countries, are way out ahead of the U.S. in this regard. Cool!

By comparison, when I was in Thailand, I didn't see as many people sending text messages, although the popularity of mobile phones there is obvious.

After riding buses, taxis and getting stuck in traffic, I can see how important it is to have a mobile phone to let people know what's going on. I'm not against mobile phones, I just think overuse is not wise when with others.

I think it's up to each person to set sensible limits on when they will use a mobile phone. I'm also opposed to rules or laws (except no mobile phone while driving) because people need to become more responsible.

Nobody should have to say to a person not to use their phone in the church, although I saw this one time during my trip.

Many times people ignore or even neglect the people with them because they are sending text messages or talking on the phone. That's wrong.

It's not for any of us to force them to behave. After all, most of the people I'm referring to are adults. It's difficult to believe people need someone to tell them when they can and cannot use their phones. And there's no need for it if they are responsible phone users.

Hi! Thanks for stopping by

2007-02-19T23:50:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a great week! I'll be back soon. Take care!

Popularity of Mobile Phones and Time with People

2007-02-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Opinion
By Scott McLean

I don't own a mobile phone. If it were my choice, I'd never own one. While it makes sense to carry a phone in case of an emergency, I like to focus entirely on the people I'm with and when I'm alone don't want to talk on a phone.

A few years ago, the day I arrived in Makati (a very cool city, by the way), I couldn't believe how many people were using their phones in public, as they were walking down the street, dining in restaurants or hanging out in a coffee shops. Who were they calling without actually speaking to anyone?? Maybe they were accessing their voice mail, I reasoned.

No, it turned out many of them were reading or sending text messages (it hadn't caught on yet in the U.S.), which I was told is cheaper than talking on the phone. Well, that's cool! I'm not against saving money.

But then the same feeling I had years ago when I was in an airport and everyone was talking on phones (they didn't pay attention to the people with them), that nervous tension took a hold of me.

At the time, I was a victim of people close to me paying more attention to "their damn phones" than to me. It felt lousy! I didn't want to form deep relationships and friendships with mobile phones.

I like people, not phones. But some people value things (phones, cars, computers, etc.) more than time with their family and friends.

I'll write more on this topic later.

U.S. House Ready to Debate Troops Resolution

2007-02-12T23:06:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, the House will begin debating a concurrent resolution showing opposition to President Bush's decision to send more than 20,000 additional troops to Iraq.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has taken strong opposition to the increase in troops. Statements by Pelosi and fellow House Democrats were part of a news release, which can be read at the online Office of Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

The following statement from Speaker Nancy Pelosi summarizes what's going to happen: "This week, at long last, the House of Representatives will have an honest and open debate on Iraq where all voices will be heard. Every Member of the House will have an opportunity to vote on a bipartisan resolution that will commend our brave men and women in uniform for their courageous work in Iraq and Afghanistan and will express our strong disapproval of the President's proposal for an escalation of our military involvement in Iraq."

For more information or the exact wording of the resolution, please click on the link: Office of the Majority Leader.

Senate Democrats Want Debate on Iraq War Escalation

2007-02-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Senate Republicans on Monday blocked debate on President Bush's plan for additional troops in Iraq, but a group of Senate Democrats are demanding a Senate debate.

According to a news release from the Senate Democratic Communications Center on PR Newswire, in a press conference on Wednesday, "Democratic Senators Patty Murray, John Kerry, Jack Reed, and Sheldon Whitehouse will join veterans of the Iraq war to call on Senate Republicans to stop blocking a debate on the president's plan to escalate the war."

The release went on to give the following statement: "Before sending another 48,000 young Americans into battle, the Congress owes it to our troops, their families, and their communities to have an honest and open discussion about their mission."

An increase of 21,500 troops, called for by President Bush, is the number we have heard over and over. However, to determine budget costs, the Congressional Budget Office looked at a scenario requiring 20,000 combat troops and 28,000 support troops, which would bring the total to 48,000, according to documents in the Congressional Budget Office website.

The Senate Democrats leading the opposition to the Iraq War surge are using this figure, and one has to wonder just how much the Bush administration plans to escalate the war.

Not Getting Younger

2007-02-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Getting Greener

Recently, and with few people noticing (thank goodness!), I got--to put my spin on it--not younger. That means I blew out candles on a cake? No, actually I didn't have that kind of cake. Instead, I ate a thick, delicious slice of cheesecake, which has been my favorite since I was, well, much younger.

Sorry I was unable to get online last week due to some problem with the Internet connection. It gave me time to look through my photos and find an interesting one.

In the above photo, taken in Thailand in 2005, it looks like a tree is growing on the top of my head. I don't think I'd be smiling, though, if that were the case. However, I do like the color green, as is obvious from my green T-shirt, and I also love nature, especially trees. Just not growing on my head! haha

Have a great day! See you again soon!

2007-01-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've been having problems getting online this week. Some work needs to be done on the home computer before I'll be able to publish the blog. Right now I'm at the only place I know of with Internet for miles around. Anyway, I'll return again before long. Until then, take care!

Daybreak

2007-01-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

First light through lines of night
photo: Scott McLean

I like photos that are a bit different. It's intriguing to not know precisely what the photographer was thinking. Maybe there is some symbolism, or a statement being made?

I'm not always sure what my own photos mean. The photo (shown above) gives me the impression sunrise and night are battling for supremacy. And the sun will win, unless the clouds come along to swallow up the light and turn the day cloudy and gray. Other than that, it's a common sunrise for this part of Oregon, USA.

In this moment of balance between darkness and light, which do you feel is strongest, and why?

End the War? Congress Needs a Big Play

2007-01-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Other than nervously walking in and out of the living room dozens of times Sunday afternoon during the Bears-Seahawks game, I tried to come up with some thoughts on why President Bush would want to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq.

I still am scratching my head, trying to explain it to myself. I'm puzzled by the current direction of the war. The game was equally confusing.

The two defenses couldn't do much of anything to stop the offenses.

Somehow Chicago won the game with a field goal in overtime, even though they had problems tackling Seattle's star running back. Yeah, I missed some plays because I kept visiting the kitchen.

I drank way too much soda pop, began to feel like an enormous parade balloon, then drifted off to sleep before the sun went down.

If I had a picture of myself snoring, I would insert it here, though I'm sure you feel lucky I don't.

When I finally woke up, it was dark outside, the perfect setting to do more thinking and writing on the topic of American politics and Iraq.

After typing out several paragraphs, I came back here to add: the defense is not working.

Overtaking Saddam Hussein and his regime was no problem for the U.S. and allied forces. However, the whole idea that the U.S. military could somehow stop all the terrorism and sectarian violence in Iraq has come up short.

Through the air, the U.S. military is superior, but on the ground, in a civil war-like environment, the military, doing what the Iraq's police should by now be doing, has been unable to win.

And unlike a football game, there's no long field goal that can end whatever you want to call what's going on in Iraq.

Is there a way to end it, stop the bloodshed, replace violence with calm and tranquility. At the moment, a happy ending doesn't seem likely.

President Bush's decision for more troops is directly opposite to the wishes of Americans, as indicated in public opinion polls and the landslide win by Democrats in the November '06 congressional elections, in which the big issue was the direction of the war.

The president must find a way to justify the addition of troops to Democrats in charge of Congress. They are mounting strong opposition, as they should.

Following the president's speech, Democrats had strong criticisms for the increase in troops. Bush, a Republican, said Democrats should come up with an alternative plan if they didn't like his plan in Iraq.

Some Democrats, though by no means all, have warned that funds could be cut off, although it's still hard to say what form that would take or whether such a political move would have any success.

More U.S. Troops in Iraq... Why??

2007-01-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sipping on a latte. I'm tired and feeling kind of sad after President Bush's speech Wednesday evening. The president wants more than 20,000 additional troops sent to Iraq.

The majority of Americans are opposed to the War in Iraq. As previously noted, I have chosen to capitalize "War" out of respect and concern for the soldiers and all who have been killed in Iraq, including soldiers and civilians.

Democratic leaders should not give the president the funding necessary for more troops to Iraq.

Violence in Iraq is causing an alarming number of deaths. It's a good reason to begin bringing troops home, the exact opposite of sending more troops. That's all I have to say at this moment.

I'm reading over what Democratic leaders had to say about the president's plan. My goal is to write an analysis article during the next few days or week.

The Fight for Internet Freedom

2007-01-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Should there be Internet freedom throughout the world? If there cannot be universal Internet freedom, should there at least be a law in the United States that prevents U.S. Internet companies from cooperating with countries that censor the Internet and dictators who punish their own citizens for reading, writing or accessing web site information?

U.S. Congress this year will have a second look at a proposal that would, if it becomes law, stop U.S. companies from assisting oppressive regimes.

U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) Monday reintroduced legislation to prevent Internet firms from helping ruthless regimes limit freedom of expression and access to the Internet, according to Rep. Smith's news release on PR Newswire.

"American companies should not be working hand-in-glove with dictators. By blocking access to information and providing secret police with the technology to monitor dissidents, American IT companies are knowingly-and willingly-enabling the oppression of millions of people," said Smith, who in the last session of Congress received extensive testimony on similar unsuccessful legislation from companies that had helped limit Internet freedoms by going along with the requests of dictators.

"Microsoft, Google, Yahoo! and Cisco Systems testified that they have complied with censorship laws and/or provided personally identifiable information about Internet users to repressive regimes in countries where they do business," the news release from Rep. Smith states.

"By helping dictators stifle free speech and spy on dissidents, American IT companies are putting profits before principles," said Smith.

However, Smith added that he thinks the "Global Online Freedom Act of 2007" (as it is named) will have a better chance at success before the 110th Congress. He cited Internet companies changing business practices with oppressive governments as a reason for his optimism.

Cute Fruit

2007-01-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

Pomegranate Love?

During my visit to Bangkok, Thailand in 2005, I took this pic of pomegrantes growing on a small tree in Saphan Mai. I really doubt it's possible for pomegranates to fall in love, but they do seem kind of close, don't you think?

Philippines Abolished Death Penalty In 2006, Credit Catholic Religion's Advocacy For Life

2007-01-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

Holy Doors
Manila Cathedral - May 05
photo: Scott McLean

By Scott McLean

Today is New Year's Day and people around the world are thinking about what will happen in 2007.

Will this year bring more good news than bad, or will the pain and suffering caused by war, natural disasters, disease and violence make more people wish they could turn back the hands of time?

Lately, commentators have been criticizing the many religions of the world, possibly because all that they take into consideration is the lack of tolerance by extremists, who take religious documents and teachings out of context to discriminate against people they don't like.

Terrorists are using their twisted versions of religious doctrines to harm people. That's just plain sick!

Now for the upside of religion, and I feel it's huge!

Before I begin, let me say this is not a blog about religion, nor do I write about it often. And I'm not a member of the Roman Catholic Church, although I do think the church plays an important role in the lives of people and in society.

Now for the sweet part. No matter what the mainstream media or commentators think, religion is essential in the world, that is when people quit being so selfish and think about others.

In the Philippines, the Catholic Church is a key part of the daily lives of most Filipinos. Not only is Catholicism the main religion but the religion runs through the culture and politics of this beautiful country.

As mentioned in the last article, the death penalty was abolished in the Philippines in 2006. That's marvelous!

The Catholic Church's advocacy for life, I feel, was a major reason the Philippines got rid of the death penalty. I'm going to add, "Thank you, God!"

Clearly, religion influences events in the world, often in a positive way.

Unlike critics of religion, who blame religions for wars and other problems in the world, I believe religions have accomplished many, many good things for people.

Human beings are capable of good, evil and just about every thought and action in between. If we followed the highest laws of God, and did not mix in our own selfish actions, there wouldn't be as much violence and turmoil in the world.

In conclusion, it's up to each one of us to do what we can to make the world a better place to live in 2007 and beyond.

Best Wishes To You In 2007!!!

2006-12-31T03:15:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year!!!

Life, Human Rights and Peace

2006-12-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Opinion
By Scott McLean

There seems to be no end to the negative news these days. That's why it's important not to forget about what's positive, especially what each person can do to make the world a better place.

In the United States, as in other countries that have democratic elections, people can influence government by voting. The U.S. congressional elections in November showed that people do make a difference. Democrats will be in charge of the U.S. Congress next month.

Change is not going to happen overnight, at least not with Iraq policy unless President Bush decides it's time for the U.S. military to leave Iraq.

The President has said many times that U.S. troops would stay in Iraq until we 'win'. In some ways we did win because Saddam Hussein was found guilty of crimes against humanity and will be executed. Not everyone agrees with the death sentence.

Amnesty International USA said Friday in a PR Newswire release it was concerned that violence might increase in Iraq because of the execution, the organization stating: "Amnesty International opposes the death penalty, regardless of method, in all cases, and regards it as the ultimate, irreversible human rights abuse."

I agree. I'm opposed to the death penalty, but I do respect the decision of the Iraqi court and was saddened by the horrible atrocities Hussein was found guilty of committing against people.

Looking at it a bit different way, if a person convicted of such heinous crimes were spared, then the death penalty could not fairly be given to others awaiting execution.

Putting the emphasis on life rather than death is an important goal for the planet, although it's easy for me to see that not all governments and people would agree with me.

On a very positive note, the Philippines abolished the death penalty this year. The Catholic Church Bishops had a major influence and of course the church advocates for life.

Of course commuting death sentences to life in prison without the possibity of parole would be no 'walk in the park' for murderers, but it would take the government out of the business of killing people.

While I'm not trying to speak for other opponents of the death penalty, I do feel that God--not governments-- should determine when it is time for life to end.

Then again, many people don't believe in God, so possibly they will at least understand if I say only natural causes not government should decide when life is over.

Besides the common argument that putting a person to death is cruel and unusual punishment, there is a bigger issue of trying to reduce the human suffering in the world caused by brutal regimes. Human rights violations are a huge problem in many countries.

So then, if the U.S. wants to encourage China and other countries with questionable human rights records to clean up their act regarding how they treat their own citizens, the best way to get results is leading by example.

If the U.S. were to abolish the death penalty, I think it would send a very strong message that governments should not put people to death nor should they be involved in violence against their own citizens.

Instead, governments should put an emphasis on protecting life, respecting human rights and pushing for peace in 2007 and beyond.

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Love! Peace! 2007 & Always!

Photo/computer artwork: Scott McLean

Hope you have a great week!

2006-12-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays!

I wish you the best in your life including good health, much success and happiness!

End the War in Iraq!

2006-12-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful gift to the planet that would be

Opinion
By Scott McLean

It's Christmas Eve and I just returned from shopping. I literally waited until the last minute to finish buying presents. Maybe I'll elaborate on that topic at Fast Food Yummy.

So anyway, I'm driving home with the radio on, not blasting but at a low volume, and a Marilyn Manson song or one imitating his style got me feeling pretty good.

I'm sure you didn't expect me to write about a rock star whose eyes rarely match due to some really bizarre contacts lenses, at least not on Christmas. Anyway, I'll just break in with something about music when I feel like it. Cool!

Lousy segue moment after the colon: This weird talk about celebs becoming president or senator is poppycock to some people (can you imagine M.M. as president? yikes), but I think it's a result of Americans not trusting their elected officials. Many politicians have proven themselves untrustworthy jerks.

By the way, I'm talking about American politicians, but there are many problems in other countries calling themselves democracies. For one, journalists are killed at alarming rates in some countries and the governments of those countries should in 2007 prove they are pursuing, prosecuting and punishing murderers of journalists.

In the U.S. the hot topic is something altogether different: apparently the Iraq War is going to get bigger in terms of troops before it gets smaller. Okay, I chose to capitalize "War", even though it is not a conventional war against a government but rather a war against terrorists in Iraq. The bottom line is people are getting killed. Those people are very important.

Before I continue, I want to point out that people like me who say the war should be ended now do support the troops. They want no more deaths of soldiers and Iraqi civilians. But what's going on in Iraq is getting hard to understand.

President Bush not long before Christmas said more troops would be sent to Iraq early next year. I think that was the worst decision he has made as president.

It's starting to look more and more like a Democrat will win the White House in 2008, though things could change. If the war-hawk presidential hopeful John McCain is the Republican nominee, I think the Democrat will be hard to beat.

McCain is an older version of Bush. McCain wants more troops in Iraq. Neither man seems to get it: Americans want an end to this war.

Bush, McCain and other politicians seem to think an increase in troops is the right way to bring the troops home later. Bush says we must win in Iraq. This certainly is a time of year when "winning" is talked about on TV with all the football games. War is no game. When people die, that's it. They're not coming back.

Enough of grim reality.

As I write these words, it's Christmas in less than one hour! So, let's not forget it's a celebration of the birth of Jesus. I wonder what Jesus would say about this war in Iraq. Maybe the leaders who call themselves Christians should really think about the peaceful life of Jesus.

Back to my brand of thinking. I'm opposed to war. Ending the war is the best gift many of us could imagine for the world. Sure it sounds like a fantasy. But there's always hope.

Democratic leaders in Congress can demand that the war be brought to an end. They have the power to make a difference on policy regarding Iraq. It's up to them. That's why Americans voted them in to take the reins of Congress. Now they just need to do what they promised.

Then I'll be able to turn up the radio and really celebrate to whatever rock songs fills the airwaves.

Compassion is a Busy Santa

2006-12-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Men put boxes of food and toys in the
back of a vehicle.

By Scott McLean

Holidays are times we are able to see our own reflection in shiny ornaments on a Christmas tree. We can shake our presents and guess what's in them. But holidays are also about giving to people in need, namely those who have little to eat and possibly not enough warm clothes.

Help Them To Hope, an organization serving the needy on both sides of the Idaho-Oregon border and staffed entirely by volunteers, shows what it's like to put compassion into action.

Volunteers work together to make the holidays brighter for those in need.

On a freezing cold Wednesday morning, boxes of food and toys were loaded into vehicles and then delivered to more than 800 families by volunteers using their own cars and gasoline to make the deliveries, according to Help Them To Hope.

The volunteers included men, women and high school students, who helped load boxes into vehicles and school buses for distribution throughout the region.

Students help load a bus headed
for a nearby town.

Food, toys and clothing were donated by countless residents at drop off sites the organization opened shortly before Thanksgiving. The clothing was not delivered with the other items, but instead will be selected by each recipient using a voucher at a nearby clothing warehouse.

Article and photos: Scott McLean

Holiday Giving To People in Need

2006-12-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

This morning, Help Them to Hope volunteers delivered boxes of food and toys to needy families on both sides of
the Idaho-Oregon border.

Photo: Scott McLean

Hi! Thanks For Reading Planet News Views!

2006-12-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

Writing is fun!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Now Sold in Manila

2006-12-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

Krispy Kreme opens for
business in Manila.
(photo: provided by Krispy Kreme)

By Scott McLean

The Philippines recently greeted Krispy Kreme with great enthusiasm despite the possibility of some of the harshest weather conditions imaginable.

Krispy Kreme, a major doughnut chain which started in the US, opened its doors on November 30 for the first time ever in the Philippines, the flagship store setting a number of records for a first day, the Krispy Kreme marketing department said.

As the donut store was preparing to open in Manila, the news media broadcast a typhoon warning which soon turned nasty elsewhere.

This didn't stop hundreds of hungry people from showing up many hours early to set a record number for dozens of doughnuts purchased on day one.

"It was really a surprise! There was a typhoon on the 30th and the 1st of December but it gave way to us because there were 500 people in line" which set a record for customers waiting "before the door opened," Mark Gamboa of the Krispy Kreme marketing department said Thursday in an interview.

The market for sweets in the Philippines keeps growing even though the country already has many delicious Filipino desserts, ice creams and even other brands of doughnuts.

But apparently some Filipinos had been waiting awhile for Krispy Kreme doughnuts to be sold in the Philippines.

Before the new Krispy Kreme store opened in Manila, "Filipinos were bringing Krispy Kreme doughnuts back from the US", Gamboa commented.

Customers waiting in line for doughnuts
(photo: provided by Krispy Kreme)

The first customer on opening day won a one year supply of glazed doughnuts, setting a record for waiting in line the longest before the doors opened.

Gamboa described how the first customer showed up at 7 am on Nov. 29, more than a full day before the 9 am, Nov. 30 opening. She bought a double dozen and coffee, spending 645 pesos, according to Gamboa.

More doughnut locations on the way...

Gamboa says the Krispy Kreme expansion plan is to add 30 stores during the next five years.

"The majority will be here in Manila, but we are very much open to Cebu and Davao," he commented.

If you live near Manila or plan to visit the Philippines before the end of the year, there will be another Krispy Kreme store opening in the SM MegaMall later this month. Stay tuned for more details...

Find Krispy Kreme in the Philippines

2006-12-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

For more information, click on Krispy Kreme to get store locations in Manila and a contact phone number in the Philippines.

Doughnuts and Coffee go with News and Views

2006-12-08T23:55:00.003-07:00

There is nothing like reading the morning newspaper while sipping on a cup of coffee, except relaxing with newspaper, coffee and a doughnut at a local doughnut shop.

Doughnuts are available in so many locations these days. For example, the international doughnut chain Krispy Kreme recently celebrated the grand opening of it's first Philippine store in Manila. I spoke with the company's marketing department this week, and tomorrow I'll publish an article on Krispy Kreme in the Philippines.

It's making me very hungry. See you later...

Flowers For Happiness

2006-12-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Beautiful orchids of Thailand
Bangkok - Sept. 2005
Photo: Scott McLean

Happy Birthday, N!

Scott

Thailand Flowers

2006-12-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

Beautiful flowering tree in Uthaithanee
Thailand - July 2005
Photo: Scott McLean

Have a nice week!

2006-12-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Looking at this photo makes my finger
cold all over again.

Hi There!

2006-12-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

How are you? Nice of you to stop by. It's cold tonight, as it's been much of the past week. But that didn't stop me this evening. A few hours ago I went outside, got in the car and the moment I sat down felt as though I would freeze to the seat.

After driving down the road a bit, I began to warm up, but the heater made me too warm. Rather than drink hot coffee, I had my favorite iced latte.

My advice is the same as always: If you are cold, you ought to eat some soup or warm milk. I do that once in awhile, though right now I'm going to devour some delicious ice cream! I'd let you see it, but it will be gone before I can take a picture.

Anyway, I hope you have great week! Take care!

Democrats' Agenda in Congress

2006-12-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Analysis
By Scott McLean

Democrats are preparing to take over leadership of Congress, which will mean a change in priorities. Election Day and public opinion polls showed that Americans are overwhelming opposed to the war in Iraq and the direction Republican leaders in Congress and President Bush have been taking the country.

It's obvious, too, that Americans want much more done to improve our country and help those in need. Democrats have said they will go right to work in January on specific domestic issues.

It's clear to just about anyone (except for many Republicans in Congress) that the federal minimum wage at $5.15 an hour is way too low.

This week, Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi released a statement that ethics reform and a minimum wage increase would be at the top of the Democrats agenda in the 110th Congress.

“Democrats are determined to take our country in a New Direction to restore economic fairness and opportunity for all American families; that is why in the first 100 legislative hours of the new Congress, we will increase the minimum wage and impose strict pay-as-you-go budgeting,” said Pelosi in a news release.

On another key issue, big-money interests through their lobbyists exert far too much influence over legislation, especially as some companies have benefited greatly at the expense of consumers.

Pelosi in another news release said what Democrats intend to do about it.

“The Democratic ethics package will break the link between lobbyists and legislation, where well-connected special interests write legislation that cost consumers more at the pharmacy and gas pump," Pelosi said.

Speaker-designate Pelosi and her fellow Democrats have their work cut out for them, but their agenda makes a lot good sense. Here's to hoping they will be successful next year.

Autumn, Meet Winter! The Season That Just Can't Wait

2006-11-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Inside, it's warm and cozy.

On a cold, dark autumn afternoon,
snowflakes fall on the landscape.

Photos by Scott McLean

Wishing You a Wonderful Week!

2006-11-22T02:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm getting hungry for a feast and plan to have seconds of cranberries and yams. But I would leave some for you, if you were here...

Wrangling With Congressman Rangel Over His Terrible Draft Idea

2006-11-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Someday it might be cool to get a senior citizen discount. But don't rush me. For now, being 'barely' middle-aged has its privileges, such as being too old for a proposed draft by Congressman Charles Rangel, a draft idea that has shocked Americans. In my opinion, nobody, regardless of age, should be drafted to fight in Iraq or in this war on terror.

While this strange draft idea doesn't appear to be going anwhere with his fellow Democrats, who will in January take over the leadership in Congress, it does raise a red flag that there could be trouble ahead for Congress trying to figure out what to do next about Iraq.

Congressman Rangel would be better off using his time and energy working with the Democratic leadership on realistic proposals to bring an end to the war. Rangel's draft idea seems to have the goal of causing more opposition to war in Congress and among the elites who would be afraid their grown children (from age 18) would be drafted.

Now, I might as well add my name to the long list of people who think the war in Iraq is looking more like the Vietnam War everday.

It's a protracted military involvement and doesn't appear to be a war that can be won, which is basically what Henry Kissinger, the former secretary of state, has said, and a sharp contrast with President Bush's belief that the war can be won.

That doesn't make it necessary to have a draft, or increase the number of troops as Senator John McCain and others including some Democratic Senators, Senator Hillary Clinton included in this group, as I understand it. No, not at all.
The only way to bring the war to an end is to decide to do so, then decide the timetable and stages for withdrawal of troops.

Without a plan in place, the war could go on and on for a very long time. It would be the right approach for Congress to deal with this directly, rather than propose a draft or increase troops in order to get out later.

Candidate McCain in Search of Conservatives

2006-11-19T23:30:00.000-07:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) is running for president, or at least it looks that way. McCain is known as a fiscal conservative and is hoping to set himself apart by stressing his conservatism.

Last week at a Federal Society dinner, McCain said Republicans lost their majorities in Congress because they abandoned their political beliefs of limited government. The senator's remarks are in a press release on his web site. (I'll add my thoughts, but first let's see what he said on the topic of conservatism.)

“Hypocrisy, my friends, is the most obvious of political sins. And the people will punish it. We were elected to reduce the size of government and enlarge the sphere of free and private initiative. We increased the size of government in the false hope that we could bribe the public into keeping us in office. And the people punished us. We lost our principles and our majority. And there is no way to recover our majority without recovering our principles first," McCain said.

Now what I wanted to say:

First, I agree. Republican politicians lost their advantage on the money issues. Republican candidates over the years have won elections by criticizing Democrats for raising taxes and then spending the money.

Now, Republicans are spending money like it grows on trees, and instead of finding revenues to offset the spending, they have chosen to run up huge deficits, adding to the national debt.

There seems to be little interest in reducing waste in spending on the war in Iraq. Conflicting priorities is one reason. Conservatives typically support a strong defense, the meaning of which has been expanded over the past five years to protecting the United States from terrorism and going after terrorists abroad.

I believe there should be limits on this so-called war on terror.

The congressional elections showed Americans are fed up with this war in Iraq without timetables, without spending limits and without limits to how many casualties are too many.

After Republicans got trounced in the elections, some conservative radio talk show hosts made excuses and said the majority of Americans are still conservatives.

I'm not listening anymore to them put down liberals and moderates. This evening I was just flipping the radio dial and got an earful of them saying more angry words. They get paid big money to mouth off and say some absurd things.

I don't believe most Americans are conservatives, as they claim, but I do think Americans want Congress to quit wasting so much money on the war.

Just Enjoying Friday Night

2006-11-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back. The latte is great! I had to stir it a bit. And when I got home, I added some milk. I'm still sipping on it as I write. It's an iced latte.

I suppose most people prefer a hot drink on a cool autumn evening. But it's only light jacket weather, dry outside, not raining. I'm going to get some rest and publish again on Saturday.

Friday Night Latte and Politics

2006-11-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

I'll be drinking my Friday night latte in a few minutes. Once I head on over to the local coffee house. Maybe then it will make sense why some political talk show hosts don't seem to understand this world is made up of all different kinds of people.

No it won't. It doesn't make sense now, and it never will.

Anyway, after a tasty latte, I will be back with some comments on American politics and whatever else seems interesting to me.

Talk About a Timetable for U.S. Troops Leaving Iraq

2006-11-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Democrats won majorities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in last Tuesday's congressional elections. Opposition to the war in Iraq was a top reason so many Republican incumbents were defeated.

While there's not much talk about pulling out of Iraq right away, the fact that there is talk about a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal shows that political change is coming.

Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.) is talking about a way to gradually get the troops out of Iraq. I like what he's saying.

The following is an excerpt from Senator Levin's statement at the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on Iraq:

"The only way for Iraqi leaders to squarely face that reality is for President Bush to tell them that the United States will begin a phased redeployment of our forces within four to six months. That is not precipitous. It is a responsible way to change the dynamic in Iraq, to stop the march down the path to full blown civil war on which the Iraqis are now embarked. Yes, some U.S. troops would need to remain in Iraq for the limited missions of counter-terrorism and training of Iraqi Security Forces, and to provide logistical support and force protection. And yes, we should also convene an international conference to support a political settlement and to provide resources for Iraq’s reconstruction."

I hope Senator Levin can get some action on this idea in the Senate. By the way, does anyone know what the strategy is in Iraq? I don't expect an answer. But just think about it. Whatever the strategy has been, it hasn't worked.

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow didn't give an inch when the proposal for phased withdrawal was brought up Monday at a White House press briefing.

"As far as phased withdrawal, the President has always said, look, this is dependent upon the conditions on the ground. And that remains our position. The President believes that as Commander-in-Chief it is his obligation to make sure that our forces get the job done so that people don't die in vain, have not died in vain. And, furthermore, that we have the ability, when this is all over, to be able to say to moderate Arab states, we have been here, we have defended your interests; to say to the Iraqi people, we have kept the faith with you; and to say to terrorists, you failed," Snow said.

The conditions in Iraq are far from the kind of peace the president has said is his goal for the country. The matter is whether chaos is a reason for troops to remain in Iraq or to bring them home.

At the same time, it's difficult for most people to understand the meaning of "moderate Arab states" when there is so much violence motivated by religious hatred in the Middle East.

Snow's statement might be an accurate representation of President Bush's position on Iraq. However, Bush used to say over and over his policy was to "stay the course" in Iraq, which was the main reason Democrats won control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Americans voted for a new direction, especially in Iraq. A timetable for troop withdrawal, such as Senator Levin's proposal, would be a step in the right direction.

Senator Reid Outlines Democrats' Priorities in Spanish

2006-11-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

Democrats won control of Congress last week. President Bush met with Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. They said it was time to put partisan differences behind them and work together.

Senator Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader, is expected to be the new Senate majority leader as Democrats won a majority of Senate seats.

In an effort to provide post-election information to Spanish speaking immigrants, I have decided to post a press release in Spanish from Senator Reid. The press release follows:

DEMÓCRATAS DEL SENADO CUMPLIRÁN CON LLAMADO DE FAMILIAS LATINAS PARA UN CAMBIO

Friday, November 10, 2006
Washington, DC—El Líder Demócrata del Senado Harry Reid (D-NV) emitió hoy las siguientes declaraciones sobre cómo los demócratas cumplirán con traer la nueva dirección que las familias latinas están exigiendo.

“Desde Searchlight, Nevada a Brooklyn, Nueva York, los estadounidenses a través del país hicieron un llamado por un cambio este martes. Los hispanos también se dejaron escuchar y ellos expresaron abrumadoramente su deseo de una nueva dirección de esperanza y prosperidad que los demócratas estamos comprometidos con lograr.

“Los demócratas hemos escuchado el mensaje de las familias latinas y estamos listos para cumplir con ellos y con todo el pueblo estadounidense. Necesitamos una mejor dirección en cuanto a educación, salud, la economía, inmigración e Irak para asegurar un futuro de esperanza para nuestra nación.

“Los demócratas estamos comprometidos con una serie de prioridades, incluyendo arreglar nuestro sistema roto de inmigración. Nuestro país necesita fortalecer la seguridad en nuestras fronteras, traer a millones de indocumentados fuera de las sombras de nuestra sociedad y restaurar el orden legal para nuestro sistema de inmigración. Los demócratas tenemos muchos deseos de trabajar con los republicanos para lograr una verdadera seguridad fronteriza a través de una reforma inmigratoria bi-partidista, fuerte, justa y práctica.

“Además, tenemos que atender los temas de educación y la crisis de salud que muchas familias latinas enfrentan. En la actualidad, los hispanos tienen la tasa de deserción escolar más alta del país y la cantidad de personas sin seguro médico más alta – uno de cada tres latinos no tiene seguro médico. Esto es inaceptable. Los demócratas vamos a luchar por las prioridades de los trabajadores estadounidenses y de la clase media. Ha llegado un día nuevo y los demócratas estamos comprometidos con cumplir para proveerle un mejor futuro a las familias de nuestra nación”.

Democrats Win Control of Congress

2006-11-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

Democratic leaders talk about working together and change of strategy in Iraq

By Scott McLean

Democrats are now in control of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is expected to become the next House speaker, while Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will be the Senate majority leader.

Election Day was as interesting as it's been in a long time. Before Election Day, I thought Democrats had a good chance of winning majorities in the House and Senate, but it wasn't a prediction, just an educated guess.

Americans were fed up with the war in Iraq and angered by a Republican-controlled congress unable or unwilling to deal with pressing domestic issues and at the same time give the president everything he wanted to fight the unpopular war.

Now things could get much more interesting as President Bush and the Democrats in Congress will have to work together to be effective.

After many of the election results came in Wednesday morning, Congresswoman Pelosi spoke about the kind of Congress Americans could look forward to under Democratic leadership.

“The American people voted for a New Direction to restore civility and bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. Democrats promise to work together in a bipartisan way for all Americans. The American people voted to restore integrity and honest in Washington, D.C. And the Democrats intend to lead the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history," Pelosi said.

President Bush in a press conference Wednesday talked about finding "common ground" with Democrats on issues including immigration reforms and energy policy.

"The people expect us to work together. That's what they expect," Bush said.

Bush said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation would have happened regardless of the election results.

Still, the mandate for change on Election Day was clear. American voters want change, especially regarding the war in Iraq and Rumsfeld received a lot of criticism of late.

The war on terror may not be over any time soon, but a timetable for leaving Iraq could be discussed by government leaders before long.

Senator Reid on Wednesday made it clear he wants a new strategy in Iraq.

"Today, I ask the President to convene a bipartisan Iraq summit with the leaders of Congress and the Chairman and Ranking Members of key national security committees. After more than three years of a failed strategy, we must come together to change course and give the American people and our troops the real security they deserve," Reid said.

It's also quite likely Democratic leaders will want more details on current strategy in Iraq and oversight of the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on the war thus far.

Democrats To Lead Congress

2006-11-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Democrats won control of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. At the time of this writing, they are also close to taking control of the Senate, as the Democratic candidate in Virginia has what looks like a comfortable lead in the vote count. That senate seat would give Democrats a majority in the Senate.

President Bush in his press conference Wednesday expressed a willingness to work together with Democrats to find "common ground" on some issues.

Bush, a Republican, said he would meet later this week with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader who is expected to be the next House Speaker.

The president must find ways to work with Democrats to avoid gridlock if he intends to keep his priorities moving forward.

Next time, I will have comments by President Bush and the Democratic leaders, along with analysis of the congressional elections.

Have a Great Evening...

2006-11-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

morning or afternoon! Take care.

Congressional Elections About Direction of U.S. Government

2006-11-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

Democrats may not be providing enough details on what they will do if they take control of Congress, but Republicans have fallen short in leadership and getting things done

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Democrats and Republicans are at it again. With verbal pokes and attack ads abundant, the races may be fun to follow for political activists, but one can't blame most Americans for wishing the campaign spectacle would just go away.

And then there is the fine art of the political 'spin'. The White House is a good place to look for Republican campaign talk--and spin--because President Bush wants another two years of Republican control of Congress.

If Democrats take control by winning enough House and Senate races for a majority in each chamber, the president will have hard time getting what he wants from Congress.

Tony Snow, the White House Press Secretary, a national talk show host prior to taking this job, seems like nice guy and a great spokesman for the president, who in my opinion deserved those poor poll numbers. Snow's job must be very difficult, although at times he makes it look easy.

There seems to be little problem getting reporters to like him, the problem is trying to make voters like Republican congressmen. At one time Congress had worse poll numbers than the president.

What are Democrats going to do as leaders in Congress if they win big on Election Day? Tony Snow wants to know! During this week's White House Press Briefing he said Democrats don't have a plan.

About Democrats in Congress, Snow said: "They've talked about a whole series of things, in terms of complaining -- looking back over their shoulders and complaining about past decisions. But when it comes to the key issue, how do you achieve victory -- they say they want to achieve it, but they won't tell you how. They will tell you what they oppose what the President is doing. They oppose the Patriot Act; they have opposed the Terrorist Surveillance Program; they oppose the program by which we detain, question and bring to justice the worst of the terrorists. So they have opposed all of those things, so we know what they oppose, but we don't know what they're going to do."

I do agree, they should say what they will do, but if the Democrats decide to reverse some of these programs or at least ensure that the programs will not violate the civil liberties of regular Americans, then that is a plan. It's a great plan as I see it.

The scope of these programs must be limited to preventing terrorism and catching terrorists, and the government should stop violating the privacy rights of regular Americans.

But it begins by having a Congress that doesn't just let the president do whatever he wants in the war on terror, especially they need to stop wasting billions of dollars as though it were pocket change.

I know Americans care about those billions, which now adds up to well over $300 billion spent on the war in Iraq. I seem to recall Republicans were against wasting taxpayer dollars. Times have changed. It doesn't appear they have such a big advantage over Democrats on that issue anymore.

Republicans are responsible for enormous waste of Americans' hard-earned money. Maybe that's the kind of plan Snow was talking about. If so, he may be right. I doubt that Democrats have a plan to waste so much money on the war.

Time Travel to the Past With Star Trek!

2006-10-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

By Scott McLean

Time travel was a subject dealt with in the original Star Trek series, and the episodes were quite suspenseful.

My favorite episode of this genre is “All Our Yesterdays”, which is to take nothing away from the sci-fi masterpiece “The City on the Edge of Forever”, starring Joan Collins. If time travel ever becomes possible, it would serve as a cautionary tale not to get emotionally involved with someone from the past.

Kirk, Spock and McCoy take an unexpected 'leap' back in time to Earth's early 20th century, where they try to help a special woman (played by Collins). But should they follow their hearts and not their minds, their good deeds could have disastrous consequences for future generations.

“All Our Yesterdays” visits a world bracing for the end brought on by a supernova, but instead of leaving the planet for safety, it's inhabitants transport themselves to the past, which isn't all bad because they are allowed to choose which eras they would like to spend the rest of their lives.

Captain Kirk, Spock and Doctor McCoy get separated in different historical periods many centuries apart, and they must find each other and their way back to the present time.

The three men find themselves in difficult situations, though that is nothing new for them. They must hurry or it will be too late to leave the planet. The plot is tense and taut. Each time I've seen this episode, I wanted it to go on for another hour or two.

Have a Nice Breakfast...

2006-10-26T01:50:00.000-06:00

lunch or dinner. Thanks for stopping by. Take care.

My Favorite Star Trek Episode

2006-10-25T23:32:00.000-06:00

With so many great episodes, how could anyone pick one over the others? But I did and will explain why.

By Scott McLean

I might as well begin with what I feel was the best episode in terms of having a wonderful plot, touching moments, the unexpected and an incredible surprise ending.

“Return to Tomorrow” was a brilliant look at what might happen to a civilization that becomes too advanced and powerful.

The Enterprise crew is used to beaming down to planets but not deep beneath the surface of a planet as they do this time. (Most people know how they get from a starship circling a planet down to the planet's surface, but if you don't, I won't spoil it for you. At least not until the next article.)

When they get there they find beings that no longer have bodies and are something like pure mind and energy, and the energy is almost gone, as they are being kept alive by artificial means. The one being able to speak claims they have ties to the human race, going way, WAY back in time.

This could be a sweet, little reunion of sorts, except for one small catch: These beings want to spend some time in the bodies of three crew members. Of course, Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) and Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy) the First Officer, a Vulcan who is part human, say they will let the beings use their bodies, add in a female crew member, and this story begins to show signs that it is special.

The problem is these beings are in this predicament in the first place because their civilization became too powerful, and, well, uncivilized in the way they treated each other. So then one might wonder whether letting them use bodies is such a good idea.

Then the big issues, which Star Trek is superb at bringing up, come forward as these beings show maybe they can't be trusted. At the same time side plots are developing wonderfully, the eternal battle between mind and emotion, so well displayed in the life of Spock, brings him nearly to the brink of disaster as the being in his body goes out of control.

Spock is the central character in "Return to Tomorrow", and this is perhaps Leonard Nimoy's finest performance in the original Star Trek series.

This is my favorite episode because the writers deal with such important issues, it's so exciting and has a wonderful surprise ending.

It's a Good Evening here, but...

2006-10-25T23:30:00.000-06:00

This site is having some problems tonight. Sometimes when I was typing, the letters didn't print out right away. I wanted to publish earlier this evening, but it took at bit more time due to these technical difficulties. Thanks for your patience.

Some of My Favorite Star Trek Episodes

2006-10-24T23:30:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

Science fiction movies and TV series for decades have provided audiences with great entertainment.

Modern sci-fi films seem quite believable as they dazzle viewers with remarkable special effects. While they are realistic looking, how would anyone know what's really possible?

Human beings have been to the moon, but space missions to far away worlds don't seem likely in the near future.

Star Trek has taken viewers on a journey through outer space to unusual planets, made us believe space travel could happen in the future and that it would be amazing.

I have been a huge fan of the first Star Trek TV series pretty much all my life. It often touched on serious themes, especially getting at the complexities of human beings, who love, laugh, cry, hate and at times fight like savages.

Anyway, the next few articles will have mini reviews of Star Trek episodes, but I've chosen not to do a "Top 10" or list them in chronological order of when they first aired on TV. Since I'm doing this from memory and I haven't seen some of the episodes for several years, I won't get into much trivia.

I will be back tomorrow with an article on some of my favorite episodes.

Have a nice breakfast...

2006-10-20T04:06:00.000-06:00

lunch or dinner! Thanks for stopping by. Take care.

Kyiv is the Capital of Ukraine

2006-10-20T04:05:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine, and that's the way the U.S. Department of State will now spell the Ukrainian city.

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman for the U.S. Department of State explained the spelling change Thursday in the Daily Press Briefing, which is on the U.S. Department of State web site.

"Now, this decision was made to change the spelling of the capital of Ukraine to what is now currently spelled K-y-i-v. The reasons for this as I understand the board's decision making was that this is more in keeping with how the Ukrainians themselves pronounce the name of their capital. It is also now in keeping with how a number of international organizations, including NATO and the UN, are now spelling it. So basically it was a change designed to be more consistent both with local pronunciation standards as well as to ensure some consistency with what other international organizations as well as the Ukrainians themselves are doing," said Casey in response to a reporter's question.

However, if you write and say Kiev, you are not alone.

Kiev is the spelling Americans learned in school, it's spelled this way on maps and the pronunciation is from the Russian language. Kyiv is a spelling in English letters that when said sound like the Ukrainian pronunciation of the capital.

Hi! I'll be here for the next few hours

2006-10-19T23:52:00.000-06:00

I will be posting again in about 30 minutes. Thanks for visiting my site. Feel free to leave a comment or just say hi. Take care.

Thais Listen For a Big Winner

2006-10-16T04:20:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

Radios and televisions across the country are being turned on as people anxiously await a major announcement...

It's what Thailand is talking about, although it has nothing to do with the political changes following last month's military coup.

I'm told someone could be smiling there this afternoon, if he or she has the winning lottery ticket for the grand prize. Many Thais, like Americans, seem to be hooked on the lottery.

For some people, the lottery announcement is bigger than the major news of the day. Most of us have known someone with a plan to win the lottery and what they would do with the money "when" they win it.

Back to what's happening in Thailand...

The setting: sunny, but not hot, a regular workday in the middle of the afternoon.

People are at their jobs as usual but "some people don't pay attention to their work," says N.P., MBA in Thailand.

"We still work but we understand together because we have announcement of lottery today. Many people will not go out of home because they want to know result of the lottery," said N.P, who adds that some business offices turn on the radio and most bosses don't seem to mind.

However, the lottery in Thailand, which is announced every 15 days, is not without it's critics and while the government uses lottery revenues, some members of government are opposed to it.

"It makes people's life with dreaming, and not do anything... It's a social problem, too," N.P. said.

Also, there are lots of prizes but the biggest prize or jackpot can range from a few million baht to around 70 million baht.

Note: N.P., MBA, Thailand contributed to this article.

Human Beings Everywhere are More Alike Than Different

2006-10-15T23:54:00.000-06:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

People keep looking for differences between themselves and others, which often leads to anger, hatred and war. But "we" (human beings throughout the world) are more alike than different, and this statement is backed up by more than anatomical sameness.

Some of those shared characteristics of human beings, whether in the Eastern or Western half of the planet, are good while others quite bad, indeed.

People everywhere have hopes and goals, most of which are natural and good. However, a winning number is becoming the means more people think will help them reach their financial goals. Lottery luck isn't just an American obsession.

It has been brought to my attention that the lottery is on many people's minds in Thailand. What makes that even more interesting is less than a month ago Thailand had a military coup.

I will have more to say on this topic in the next post.

Star Trek Episodes of the '60s Among Sci-Fi's Best

2006-10-13T23:54:00.001-06:00

By Scott McLean

After a few readers requested movie reviews, I decided to write a list of my favorite Star Trek episodes, which makes sense as this is the 40th anniversary of the famous TV series.

Aside from my sister’s objections when we were kids that the rocks looked fake (it was the 60’s, what did she expect?) Star Trek was among the best, most original TV series of all time.

Actually, sis would have been more accurate to have said Star Trek “rocked” because the stories were always interesting, the characters personal, and the episodes dealt with big issues, not shying away from the topics of human nature and emotions.

In recent years, sci-fi movies have become more believable with incredible special effects that dazzle moviegoers. Like sci-fi fans all over the planet, I enjoy those movies (Star Wars, The Matrix and others) but the original Star Trek series, in my opinion, did a better job of taking on big issues and making it all very exciting.

Over the next week or two, I’ll write about a few of my favorite Star Trek episodes.

Editorial Note:

2006-10-12T23:56:00.000-06:00

Planet News Views focuses on news and issues in Asia and Southeast Asia. Not all the issues will be written about due to lack of time, although such important topics as the coup in Thailand and North Korea testing a nuclear weapon have been featured here during the last three or four weeks.

North Korea Poses a Difficult Assignment In Diplomacy, and Psychology

2006-10-11T23:30:00.000-06:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

U.S. foreign policy is much more difficult in recent times, as there are so many unpredictable leaders of the so-called rogue nations, the ones that seem to follow none of the rules and could be dangerous if and when they develop major weapons of mass destruction and the ability to launch them great distances.

North Korea tested a nuclear weapon this week, as was widely reported, making action by the United States, China and other countries an urgent matter.

If North Korea’s leader doesn’t care that much about his own people, it’s unlikely trade sanctions by the United States and it’s partners will lead to the desired action of getting North Korea to give up it’s nuclear weapons.

How do you reason with leaders like North Korea's when they don’t appear to care about their own people! When the military is built up at the expense of goods and services for the people of any country, such as what happened in the Soviet Union under Stalin, that speaks loudly about what’s important to such a regime, and limits the productivity of bilateral or multilateral talks.

In trying to get a country perceived as a threat to become more friendly in it’s actions, doesn’t it ultimately come down to what the other countries can do for them?

The problem isn’t only that this type of leader will not do what other countries want him to do, but that he doesn’t even care what they will do in response to his actions.

If compared to a board game, for example, the losing player rather than admit defeat might throw the whole game on the floor, which if North Korea acts this way could lead to dire consequences for Asia and all of the world.

Have a nice Day...

2006-10-10T03:15:00.000-06:00

or night! Take care.

The Nuclear North Korea Headache

2006-10-10T03:00:00.001-06:00

By Scott McLean

A headache is one way to ruin a fun time. My Sunday evening started with a splitting headache (the kind that makes me feel nauseated and weak) and it got worse when I heard North Korea had tested a nuclear weapon.

I did get something to eat, which helped me keep going, but the North Korea issue continued to make me feel sick inside. However, it did get me thinking about this foreign policy dilemma.

The standard type of foreign diplomacy is unlikely to be successful with North Korea. At least if the goal is to get them to give up their nuclear weapons. I'll continue with this topic next time.

Future Never Truly Leaves The Past Behind

2006-10-08T23:50:00.000-06:00

The '60s Star Trek series is outstanding science fiction with humans battling their emotions on far away planets of the future

By Scott McLean

Human nature keeps standing in the way of intelligent action. Our emotions often cause things to turn out very badly, and it's nearly impossible to break free from our emotions.

I'm referring to love, hate, jealousy, envy, greed, anger, etc. But for some reason we never give up hope for the best. Hope that we will overcome difficulties, and ultimately that civilization will make real progress (not the kind associated with bulldozers clearing land to make way for strip malls and apartment buildings) toward the improvement of who we really are on the inside, call it our minds, souls, or simply what makes human beings run...

Getting to that higher level may require us to reach out beyond our own planet in order to learn about ourselves and achieve significant inner growth. We are able to learn from others. But we don't have alien beings to learn from, at least not to my knowledge.

Someday if we do encounter higher beings throughout the universe, then we will become enlightened like never before, or be destroyed in the process.

The struggles of humans adapting to the future, including interaction with other planets and their inhabitants, are complicated by human emotions.

The original Star Trek, which recently celebrated it's 40th anniversary, touched upon just about every human struggle, and shows that the future of human civilization intersects with the past at every moment in time where human emotions reside. It's pretty cool stuff, and a lot of fun!

Bangkok's New International Airport

2006-10-07T15:20:00.000-06:00

Thailand Has a New Airport
By N.P., MBA, Thailand
...click on headline

Suvarnabhumi Airport is open. The article by N.P., featured last week on Planet News Views, provides details on the new airport in Thailand. Give it a read. It's a great article!

To readers: Hope all your travels are safe, interesting, fun and without too many hassles! If you are flying to Bangkok, may you enjoy your time in the new airport, and in Thailand.

Editorial Statement:

2006-10-06T04:08:00.000-06:00

Planet News Views has no position on partisan politics in Thailand. In other words, this blog is objective and has no opinion on Thailand's political parties and the Thai people's choice of leaders.

What matters is that the Thai people be able to choose their leaders through democratic elections, and those freedoms limited since the coup (expression, press, political assembly) are restored.

A free press independent of government control must be allowed to report the news on a daily basis. For in depth analysis of this issue, please see the article posted on Monday.

Some of the media seem to leave out what's most important about Thailand.

The Thai people respect, revere and love the King. This is quite obvious to anyone who has visited Thailand and spoken with people there. This blog echoes the words of the Thai people:

"Long live the King of Thailand!"

At the same time, may Thailand's leaders, present and future, regardless of their political party always put the people of Thailand first in their decisions and their actions. The priority should be to bring back democracy, civil liberties and state them in a constitution.

What I'm doing...

2006-10-05T02:12:00.000-06:00

I'm adding more links tonight. Also, a few hours ago I posted another article. Sometimes my computer doesn't work, or I have problems getting online. I post here when it's possible. Take care.

Good Night, Have a Great Lunch...

2006-10-04T00:50:00.000-06:00

or at least have a good day! Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments. Take care.

Free Press Necessary On Thailand's Road Back To Democracy

2006-10-02T23:42:00.000-06:00

The media provide important information on government, those in power and those seeking power, and in so doing act to safeguard the survival of healthy democracy and stand in the way of threats to freedom

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Thailand is setting out in a new direction, as the world watches with many hoping the destination is democracy. Following the September 19 coup in Bangkok, the military leaders suspended the constitution and declared martial law.

Less than two weeks later, Thailand has an interim prime minister and temporary constitution, as is widely reported by many credible news sources including the Bangkok Post. The world may feel as though Thailand is headed back in the right direction, although it's still too early to breathe a sigh of relief as elections reportedly will not be held until 2007, and it's difficult to assess how the media will be treated.

Freedom of the press is important to safeguard the survival of healthy democracy, and in this case necessary to moving the politics of Thailand back in that direction.

In the United States, the Fourth Estate (the media) is considered essential for the preservation of democracy. After all, who are the people going to turn to in the event that the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government are corrupt or violate the rights of the people!

In a healthy democracy government criticism by the media is to be expected-- and it is welcomed. Without scrutiny of government, protection of the other parts of a constitution become problematic.

At times the media deserve to be criticized for publishing or broadcasting conjecture posing as facts. But without the media, all we really have are guesses about what's going on where the political decisions are being made, and no way to head off an attack on democracy. With this in mind, it's important for these media to go beyond reporting basic facts and get at 'why' and 'how' a political event occurred.

Numerous theories exist on why major events in history happened. Thailand's military coup similarly has received thoughtful analysis. One of the leaders in critical thinking is the blog Bangkok Pundit. In a recent post, the blog examines one possible scenario leading up to the coup. The blog is both popular and getting the recognition it deserves.

Which Direction Is Thailand Going?

2006-09-30T06:04:00.000-06:00

Bangkok traffic - Sept. 2005
Photo by Scott McLean

Is this a Noontime or Bedtime Blog?

2006-09-28T17:42:00.000-06:00

Actually it's both. For example, yesterday's article on Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi Airport was posted at lunchtime in Thailand, which was around 11 pm here. However, articles are posted at other times, too.

Thailand Has a New Airport

2006-09-27T23:20:00.000-06:00

By N.P., MBA, Thailand

Suvarnabhumi Airport opened today, September 28, after it opened for a test on Sept. 15.

The new national airport is larger than the old airport, Don Muang Airport, which is too small now because many people used it, and business in Thailand is growing beyond the size of the old airport. It will be the main airport for Thailand's developing economy.

The Thai government expects Suvarnabhumi Airport will be the main airport of Asia and Southeast Asia.

Suvarnabhumi Airport was named by King Phumiphon, King of Thailand.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has the highest traffic control building,132.2 metres. The passenger building is very large at 563,000 square metres. The 8 floors include an underground floor and will accomodate 45 million people per year.

The new airport is very large and has 360 points to check-in and passport check areas are numerous; 124 points (check-in areas) for incoming and 72 points for outgoing passengers. In the future it will have an electric car railway path in the passenger building, too.

The parking garage for the airport has two buildings. Each of the five floors links with the passenger building. There is room for 5,000 cars in the main lot, and 15,677 cars in the other parking lot.

For a warehouse system it has a service area of 568,000 square metres. They intend to do service work by free duty ritual, 24 hours a day and can handle 3 million tons of goods per year.

I think this new airport will be an important airport for Asia and Southeast Asia. In my opinion this airport will make it so Thai people can work and will be able to help Thai businesses grow.

Have a Nice Week!

2006-09-27T16:10:00.000-06:00

Hi! I'm here now. Just leave me a message in the comments section, and I'll stop by your blog, too. Take care.

Terrell Owens Deserves a Fresh Start

2006-09-27T16:08:00.000-06:00

Sports Editorial

Terrell Owens held a press conference this afternoon to answer questions regarding news reports that he had tried to commit suicide. Owens, who had been hospitalized, said he did not try to commit suicide and was not depressed.

Owens, the Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver, may or may not need help. However, it's obvious the media who violate privacy just to get a big story do.

Reporters seem to have no concern for privacy rights. Where do the editors draw the line on what can be published? Maybe they don't give a damn about people. It sure looks that way to me.

Moreover, it's time for sports reporters to quit writing about what happened last season. Owens deserves a fresh start in Dallas.

Owens is an outstanding athlete and one of the game's top wide receivers. But he's human. He could be in need of a little more kindness and understanding. Like many of us.

Thailand News and Commentary

2006-09-26T07:48:00.000-06:00

Editorial Note: Last evening an article was posted showing it's necessary to prepare for extreme humidity and rain when traveling to Thailand. Links to weblogs about Thailand and other countries are being added today and all week. I'll also have more articles on Thailand, and possibly touch on other topics.

Bangkok Humidity 'Oppressive', Military Coup 'Mild'

2006-09-25T23:16:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

Bangkok - This morning in Bangkok (I was just told by telephone) it's very humid, like yesterday. In the middle of the night it was raining hard, which is typical this time of year in Thailand.

It's the kind of oppressive heat that makes people want to seek out the nearest air conditioner, whether that be in a shopping mall, convenience store, or a fast food restaurant. I know this from experience.

Last September I was in Bangkok and really enjoyed myself. But I'm telling you, the weather was a bit of a shock to my system, so I'm thankful my body got used to it after a short time.

Also, according to the person I spoke with by telephone, Bangkok remains calm not even one week after a coup, which everyone in Bangkok has said was nonviolent, and even peaceful.

Thai people are busy going to work and living their lives, when they're not having their pictures taken with soldiers, many of whom they've given flowers to and even brought food and water.

The only thing I know for sure is, if I were in Bangkok right now I'd be looking for something cold to drink, almost every hour.

Continuing to Add More Thailand Links

2006-09-25T17:16:00.000-06:00

Hi. Today I'm continuing to add more weblogs about Thailand. Feel free to leave me a message in the comment section. Have a nice Day!

Thailand Links

2006-09-24T16:59:00.000-06:00

Note: For some reason yesterday's post was taken off the blog. I just restored the post. I will continue adding relevant links today. Continue to check back. I've decided links are important because it's so difficult to remember the web addresses.

It's Sunday, a day of rest for many people, but there's nothing I'd rather do with my free time than help you and other people all over the world find news and commentary on what's happening in Thailand, as well as other current events.

New Links Added Today

2006-09-23T14:47:00.000-06:00

Check the new links added the last two days. I'm busy adding more links, so please check back later, too. There you will find more information on what's happening in Thailand.

Thailand's Restrictions on Media Difficult to Measure

2006-09-22T23:55:00.000-06:00

If you are going to Thailand soon or live there now, you should avoid using your mobile phone to send text messages political in nature, as martial law is still in effect. The online publications Pattaya Daily News and Southeast Asian Press Alliance Friday reported the new restrictions on the media.

While I was unable to pull up the new rules or so much as a news release on the Thai government website (parts of the site might be shut down or under construction), it's clear that freedoms of the press and personal speech, including written, have been curtailed, especially political opinions, though the extent is impossible to measure.

Still, my sources tell me Thailand appears to be a safe, peaceful place, only a few days after a nonviolent military coup. And most people have gone back to their daily routines.

Thailand Coup

2006-09-22T18:05:00.000-06:00

Please feel free to read articles on the Thailand coup (below). Also, some of the links are to websites that provide news and commentary on the current situation there.

Have a nice weekend!

Thailand After Nonviolent Military Coup -- People Return to Daily Life

2006-09-21T12:57:00.000-06:00

By Scott McLean

In the few short days since the nonviolent military coup in Thailand, the kingdom has begun to set out in a new direction, although at this point that direction remains uncertain. There seems to be differing reports on public opinion, politics and what might happen in the days and weeks ahead.

The National News Bureau Public Relations Department reports that ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived last night in London, England. What he will do next is anyone's guess.

Some political observers speculate as to the ex-prime minister's future and wonder whether he might stage a political comeback, which was brought up in a Reuters news report and later discussed in Bangkok Pundit.

However, a recent public opinion poll in Thailand shows little backing among the people for him to return as prime minister. "A Suan Dusit Poll (indicates) 80 percent of the Thai people like this change", according to a Planet News Views advisor on Thai issues, who lives in Thailand.

"Social problems in the South of Thailand and business problems everywhere in Thailand" and accusations of corruption by the ex-prime minister are among the reasons people wanted change. At the same time, there is strong support for the King of Thailand, "because he is at the center of our Thai people heart. We love the King."

The word "coup" or "coup d'etat" is usually thought of as violent overthrow of a government. However, this military takeover has been characterized as "non-violent", as the person being removed from power, the prime minister, was out of the country and there was no major opposition to the coup.

"It's a safe situation (in Bangkok)... Some people take flowers to the soldiers. Some people take photographs with the soldiers, too." What's more, the military leaders said "They will hurry to give back power to the population.... They said on Thai television, 'do as simple life' or do as always," the Thai issues advisor added.

Wednesday was a holiday in Thailand, and life seemed to go about their lives almost as though nothing earthshaking had occurred. Leisurely activities -- including shopping and eating out at restaurants-- appeared unaffected by what some observers perceive as a potentially life-altering event.

What was happening on Wednesday? "This day many people were in Zeer Rangsit (shopping mall) like a happy day, because many people want this situation to change." For the most part, restaurants were open as well.

While it appears to be calm in Bangkok, people traveling to Thailand are advised to check with their embassy in Bangkok.

The U.S. Embassy in Thailand has provided the following details regarding the military coup in Thailand and what people should know concerning the present situation:

"On September 19 a military group calling itself the Council for Democratic Reform Under the Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM) seized control of the Thai government and declared martial law. The CDRM banned any political gathering of more than five persons. The CDRM also banned the hoarding of goods or the increasing of the price of goods of any kind. The CDRM announced it will appoint a civilian government within two weeks as the first step to returning the country to democratic government."

For additional information please visit the following website: U.S. Embassy in Thailand.

Note: Planet News Views advisor on Thai issues contributed to this article

Bangkok's Rangsit McDonald's "Open" and Busy As Usual The Day After Military Coup

2006-09-20T05:28:00.000-06:00

Commentary
By Scott McLean

Zeer Rangsit McDonald's is open -- and very busy--despite a military coup occurring in Bangkok less than a day ago. That's the "tasty" tidbit of information my friend told me a little more than an hour ago.

Nothing seems to stand in the way of fast food, although it's true that most businesses in the Rangsit area were open, something I'll describe more fully later today.

For the moment I'd like to reflect on my visit to Bangkok a year ago and how I spent a good deal of time in the Rangsit area.

Actually I have quite a fondness for that McDonald's and the entire area because I spent happy times there with my friend. If asked, I would have to give that business district a very high rating.

The only downside was a few times when we, along with many other people, were stuck in the restaurant because the monsoon rains came without notice and the street was flooding.

It reminded me of years ago when I had to take photos of a flood for a newspaper. One of the pictures was of a McDonald's, and the drive-thru sign barely poked out above the water and rescue boats were freely maneuving between trees and around the internationally famous fast food restaurant.

It's just one of my more interesting fast food stories, which really has little to do with today's news, or commentary for that matter. However, just seeing businesses survive in the face of the storm or military coup must be some kind of good sign.

Please Check Out The Links On Thailand

2006-09-19T20:00:00.000-06:00

More information on the military coup in Thailand should be released during the next few hours, as it's almost 8 am in Bangkok at the time of this post.

From my understanding, the country is now under martial law. But the coup leaders told the country they will return the power to the Thai people. We will have to wait and see exactly what will result from the military taking control. What next?

There are many ways to get updates on what is happening in Thailand. Some sites have been listed in the links sections to make that reading easier. Please scroll down the page and look under the heading "Blogs, Many Countries". I'll add to those links as I discover other sites.

Thanks for dropping by...

2006-09-19T17:25:00.000-06:00

I'll be back later tonight. If you leave me a comment, then I can look at your site, too. Take care.

Thailand Military Coup Is Today's Big Story

2006-09-19T16:23:00.000-06:00

The big story today is the military coup in Bangkok. Please read the article below, and check out some of the links to information on Thailand.