Iran Expands Military as Sanctions Bite

Iran has announced the expansion of it's fleet with the addition of two Ghadir class submarines. Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari proudly declared that every component of the ship had been built and assembled in Iran. The Ghadir class is bragged to be capable of complete stealth running, and would specifically target American aircraft carriers.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had his own announcement. He declared that, "within the next few days the world will witness the inauguration of several big new achievements in the nuclear field." The only thing further he stated, about it, was that Iran would never back down from nuclear enrichment. A program which has caused ever increasing hostilities between Iran and the rest of the world. So far the world's answer has been in the form of sanctions.

Just last week the United States increased it's sanctions upon Iran. The European Union and other individual nations have placed their own sanctions on Iran, only Russia's vetoing of any United Nations sanctions has kept the UN from joining in. Despite Ahmadinejad and his government's assurances, the effects of the sanctions are becoming visible. Food prices have dramatically increased within the country, as many of it's suppliers either have their own sanctions on Iran, see no profit in trading with them, or are simply afraid to go near the area due to Iran's constant stream of threats to blockade the area. On March 2, there are parliamentary elections for Iran, and the displeasure of the people is likely to be felt in the ballot box. Protests against the government are planned for February 14. The last elections were followed by mass demonstrations as the people felt that Ahmadinejad's reelection was rigged, and that their votes had been ignored.

Meanwhile in Shiraz, a home, where Christians met to worship, was raided by state police. The worshipers have been detained in an unknown location, and their families have not been notified on what charges. Last month in Ahvaz an entire congregation was taken away during a raid, still yet to be heard from. Iran recognizes Christianity as a religion, but continues to persecute, torture, and or murder anyone who converts from Islam.

Argentina Accuses UK of Bringing Nukes

Britain has announced that the HMS Dauntless, one of the largest and most powerful ships of the royal fleet, will be making a routine trip to the Falkland Islands. Normally such a routine mission would be of little importance, but Argentina has accused the United Kingdom of "militarization" in the South Atlantic. Argentina is also accusing the UK of having nuclear weapons brought to the area around the islands.

Almost 30 years ago Argentina invaded the British islands, in a deadly war that killed many on both sides. Argentina has been rekindling the conflict for the last while, including convincing Mercosur, a South American trading bloc, to close all their ports to any boats flying Falkland colours.

Argentina is hoping to coerce the islanders to submit to Argentinian rule, so that the neighbouring country could control access to any possible off shore oil and or natural gas finds. Britain feels that the Falklanders should have self determination over whether to remain British or switch to Argentina. In a show of how important the sanctity of the islands is, the UK did last month transfer Prince William to the islands.

Make My Day Better Law

A bill in Colorado called the "Make My Day Better", would make it so that the "Make My Day" law standards spread to businesses. The "Make My Day" law allows home owners to use deadly force against intruders. Spreading it to businesses would allow for them to legally do the same.

As it stands now, business owners who defend themselves can be sued by their attackers, or the attacker's family. To protect the owners is the primary reason for the bill. Opponents say that giving owners the right to do so, makes them too powerful.

This is not the first time that such an expansion has been attempted, each time before it failed to pass, but this time it is expected to make it through the Republican house. The Democrat senate is a different matter. All expectations are for the voting on the bill to be drawn completely along part lines.

Whitney Houston, Dead at 48

The one time queen of pop has been announced dead by her publicist. Said to have the perfect voice and image, she brought soul into pop. For over a decade she ruled the pop charts, with multiple multiplatinum albums and many number one hits. She also starred in movies such as The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale.

Unfortunately, from sometime in the 90s she was heavily using drugs, which ended up killing her career, and now maybe taking her life. She went through rehab twice, then declaring herself drug free, but still was constantly missing scheduled events. Her image was also marred by her marriage to Bobby Brown, who was arrested for domestic abuse.

Hopefully somehow she'll one day be remembered just for her music, and incredible voice.

Westboro vs. Jesus

Westboro "Baptist Church". We've all heard that name, whether it be for their anti gay protests, their celebrations of soldier's deaths, or their latest plan at a funeral of young boys killed by their father. The clearest thing about their message is hate. Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate with a side of loathing. The only thing good about them is how they unite so many other groups. From biker groups who rally to defend soldier's funerals, to Christian groups, and even now Occupy Seattle. Occupy Seattle plans to "protect it (the boys' funeral) from Westboro's abhorrent message". Yes, leave it to Westboro to make a full Occupy group the good guys.

With their message of hate, they show the truest form of hypocrisy. They twist Bible verses to fit the meanings they wish upon them. But to them I have but one clear and simple message. Matthew 22:36-39 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

Jesus, and through Him God the Father, made it very clear how we were to treat others, with love. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, with a side of caring. Jesus showed this throughout His life. He took care of those in need with His own time and energy, He visited the sick, He hung out with the tax collectors, He showed mercy to prostitutes. In short He loved and cared for everyone (note: not demanding that the government do it for Him). The only times we see that Jesus became angry or lashed out were times such as the temple being used as a market place. Righteous indignation, has it's place, it is not meant to be an every day thing that consumes our life.

Who's side do you think He would've really been on Westboro's message of hate or His own of love for all? Westboro wold've protested Jesus for healing. They would've seen those He helped as deserving of their illness and troubles. Westboro would've been on the same message then, that God hates everyone, and is punishing you for what is happening in the world around you. Not the message of Jesus, one of which God cares for you no matter your past or circumstances.

Felon Obama?

If a newly proposed law passes in Arizona, then Obama, and any Senator or Representative that voted for Obamacare, could be charged with a class four felony in Arizona. Especially guilty by the law would be anyone who voted for or signed anything requiring Arizona to pay for it.

The bill in question was introduced on Monday, and begins by stating that Obamacare is "not authorized by the Constitution of the United States and violate its true meaning and intent as given by the founders and ratifiers and are declared to be invalid in this state". It continues to give Arizona the right to "adopt and enact any and all measures as may be necessary to prevent he enforcement of" Obamacare.

If this passes in Arizona, and it could very well do so, look for similar bills to pop up in other states. 28 states have law suits against the US government over Obamacare's constitutionality.

Recently it has been in the news a lot due to the American Catholic Church coming out against it. Part of the legislation would require Catholic schools, hospitals and charities to buy birth control pills, abortion-producing drugs and sterilization coverage for their employees. All of which are against their beliefs, and therefore infringe upon their religious freedom.

The Defense of Religious Freedom

I am not a Catholic, but I am appalled that Obama and his administration have the audacity to insist that it is their duty to trample upon the religious rights of Catholics and the people of this country. Our country was founded on religious freedom. Our forefathers were religious men and it was clearly their intent to preserve and protect the religious freedoms of the people of the United States of America. So important to them was this, that when writing the Bill of Rights, it was number one on their list of things to add to the Constitution as evidenced by the fact that it is the first sentence of the First Amendment.

Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

That rumble you heard was our forefathers collectively rolling over in their graves.

Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise (of religion). This administration is bound and determined to undermine the Constitution and prohibit the free exercise of religion. Today it is the Catholic church, who will be the target tomorrow?

There have been references made to Pastor Martin Niemöller’s statement:

“In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.”

--Martin Niemöller, 1945

Obama may stand up and say he is a Christian, say he supports Christianity, say he is not anti-religion, but his actions say otherwise. We cannot stand by and allow this administration to run roughshod over religion. Where will it end? How can anyone agree with what they are doing?

The Catholic Church does not believe in the use of contraceptives. I, personally, do not agree with that belief. What I do believe, however, is that the Catholic Church has the right to believe that. I do not believe that the Catholic Church, and their businesses, even if they are hospitals, should be required to provide contraception, it goes against its belief.

I keep hearing from those who support this measure that the measure is needed so that everyone who wants contraceptives has access to contraceptives and that this measure is the only way to guarantee it. This is where I cry Bull Sh*t!

Let me lay it out for you:

1. Those who work for a Catholic organization are aware it is a Catholic organization that follows Catholic beliefs when they were hired. If you don’t like it, work for someone else. I worked for a Seventh-Day-Adventist hospital, and I knew that every day I would hear the daily prayer over-head, it was a given. If you agree to work for a religious organization, you agree to work under guidelines set forth by the beliefs of that religion.

2. Your job is not the only place to receive contraception.

3. Patients have options too, mostly the same as the employees, go somewhere else.

I don’t care where you live; you cannot tell me that a Catholic Hospital or organization is the only means to receiving contraception. It’s not.

As for those with an aversion to Catholic hospital services, if there was such a great demand non-Catholic hospital services, there would be non-Catholic hospital services. If so many people disagreed with and would not go to a Catholic run hospital, the hospital would close or be bought out. Trust me, hospitals change hands every day. There is a hospital in my area that has been owned by 3 different organizations in the last 20 years.

Let me tell you about my Great Grandfather Newman Dube.

My mother’s mother, my grandmother, Judy, was Newman Dube’s daughter. My mother was very close to her grandfather Newman and grandmother Jenny and even lived with them for a while. My grandmother had 4 brothers and 1 sister. My grandmother's sister died at the age of 16 from the Spanish flu. Great-grandpa Newman didn’t sit back and complain that the government should have provided a hospital for her he said, there needs to be a nearby hospital. He gathered up his friends and founded Israel Zion Hospital of Boro Park in Brooklyn, New York. Great-grandpa Newman was the first president. His son, Daniel, my 103 year old great-uncle, still is involved with what is now Maimonides hospital.

For more on my Great-grandpa Newman Dube

Now, Great-grandpa Newman didn’t complain that others didn’t provide for him and his daughter, he saw a problem and he fixed it. You want contraception, go get it.

We must stop Obama here and now, for who knows how far it will go? Will it stop at contraception? Will Cedars-Sinai hospital be required to serve pork? Will it then move outside the hospital setting? Will kosher delis be required to serve bacon on Saturday morning, or Southern Baptist Churches required serving beer at the Friday fish fry or Jehovah’s Witness’ required to celebrate their birthdays? Will there then become a national religion, the religion of Obama?

It is unconstitutional! It should never have gotten approved in the first place. Let’s stop it now.

Marco Rubio has introduced the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 2012 and in a statement today said:

This is very straight forward. This is about whether the government of the United States should have the power to go in and tell a faith-based organization that they have to pay for something that they teach their members shouldn’t be doing. It’s that simple, and if the answer is yes, then this government can reach all kinds of other absurd results.

I think the vast majority of Americans, whether on the left or the right, will tell you that the government of the United States should not have the power to be able to go in and tell a church based organization that they must pay for something that that faith teaches their members not to do. And that is what this issue is about, and that is why you have commentators on both the left and the right saying that this is wrong. That is why I think you have people in the White House uncomfortable with it.

So here is the solution in my mind. The solution is for the President to come back and say ‘You know what, maybe we over reached. Maybe we went too far. We’ve heard from a lot of people, we are going to reconsider this decision.’ There is nothing wrong with that.

“We have plenty of other issues to argue with this President about. We have plenty of other issues to take to the American people throughout the year and in the next November election. This does not have to be one of them. And all the President has to do is basically reconsider the decision they made and acknowledge that maybe they went too far and maybe they did not think about it all the way when they made it. And I hope that is what will happen. If it doesn’t, then I hope that this Senate and that House will act on it, as well, because the American people are asking us to, and I think that’s an important issue.

http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f11959a9-0a60-4c5b-bb6c-bf0372224de8

Rubio is giving Obama an out and perhaps too much credit. Obama went way over the line, the war on religion in his attempt to make this a socialist nation. While Obama was able to sway the people into electing him President of the United States, he is losing his hypnotic ability. While there are those who still believe the great words spewed forth by Obama, there are even more who once believed who do not. This also may have pushed those who were on the fence firmly to side against Obama. This is because Obama made a crucial mistake, he deiced to go against something that is so ingrained in the thoughts of the people that he will not sway them. Our country was founded on religious freedom, it is what the founding father's believed in and it is clearly stated in the first amendment. It is the belief of religious freedom that is ingrained in every American's psyche. Even Atheists and those who claim no religion, believe in the principle that the government should not dictate religious beliefs. This is why Obama will ultimately fail.

I defend religious freedom.

Making Fun Illegal

Frisbees and footballs are now illegal on Los Angeles County beaches. Tuesday legislation was passed that prohibits "any person to cast, toss, throw, kick or roll" any thing other than a beach ball or volleyball "upon or over any beach" as well as "in or over the Pcific Ocean", during summer. It does also allow for water polo.

Anyone who is caught with the "illegal materials" could be fined up to $1000. Ball throwing areas will be created, and it would also be possible to purchase a permit so that you could carry a ball or other sports equipment on the beach, or in the ocean. And during the rest of the year, anything goes.

The bill also makes digging holes, on the beach, deeper than 18 inches, illegal unless you have a permit for filming a tv show or movie.

Nasheed Confirms Coup

The protests in the Maldives have continued and escalated despite the resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed. In an interview he said, "You call it what you want. But when someone metaphorically and physically puts a gun at your head and tells you to resign, that's a coup in my mind."
He also stated that "it was nothing but a coup by Islamists" that took him from power, and he plans to put his name in for election. Former vice president Mohamed Waheed, the new president, denies that there was any kind of forced resignation and states that it was popularly demanded by the people.

However Nasheed's supporters have taken to the streets demanding that he be returned to power. Current reports would suggest that the majority of the country still supports the deposed president. The crowds do not appear to be going anywhere, only growing. With the police and military already split between the sides, it is unsure if anyone will be able to keep this from getting truly violent.

Maldives President Resigns

In a series of events which seem all too familiar these days, President Mohamed Nasheed, of the Maldives, has resigned. Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has been selected by the military to take power, and will serve until the regularly scheduled elections in 2013. President Nasheed, elected in 2009, had been the first democratically elected president in the history of the Maldives.

Disputes have been growing for some time between the ruling party and the opposition, but since January they've increased until they exploded recently.

In 2009 defamation was decriminalized by the government, ending a history of arresting anyone who criticized the government. But in early January the government asked police to begin investigations into opposition leaders who had been accusing the government of undermining the country's Islamic faith. Instead of investigating the opposition, the police arrested them. The ruling party, the Maldavian Democratic Party, started a legal policy that forbade "baseless allegations" against it. Clearly a return to the old ways.

In mid January, the Chief Judge of the Criminal Court, Abdulla Mohamed, ruled that one of the detentions by police was illegal, and orderd the person released from police custody. In response the police asked the Maldives military to assist in apprehending the judge. Since January 16, the judge has been in military custody. That is what ignited the current protests, which have continued since. Many of the opposition parties and prominent lawyers have cited the military's act as unlawful, pointing out that the military has no right to detain citizens. At this time he still has not been charged with anything, prompting the United Nations and Amnesty International to ask for his release.

On Monday, the streets became filled with violence as what are being described as thugs from both sides began street fights, rioting, and looting. A mutiny of police officers joined the opposition and then stormed government buildings and the state TV station, demanding that the president resign. At that point the military went on the streets to "maintain order". Immediately after resigning Nasheed was taken into military custody.

It is unclear whether the resignation will have any effect on the protests. The military and Hassan have made no move to release Judge Mohamed, and have not stated whether they will do so. The possible coup could make things worse or better. Only time will tell how it will go for the nation of islands.