US Helps Iranian Fishermen, Again

The United States Navy has once again come to the aid of Iranian fisherman. This marks the third time this month that they have done so. The first time the USS Kidd, freed a group that had been held captive, for over a month, by Somali pirates. Iran's response was to say thanks, but we think you rigged the whole thing. A few days later, the US Coast Guard saved a crew of fishermen who's boat was sinking out from under them. Iran refused to comment on that one. And now, a week later, this group is rescued by other fishermen, but don't have enough supplies. So what did the USS Dewey do? They gifted them with one hundred and fifty pounds of "food, water, medical, and hygienic supplies".

One would hope, and maybe even think, that such humanitarian acts of good will would help ease tensions between the United States and Iran, but that's not the case. If Iran deigns to respond, it will likely be another accusation or maybe continued harassment of US forces in the Persian Gulf. With Russia joining the verbal war, on the Iranian side, things have not gotten any better. President Obama may be trying to start a cold war with China, but it definitely looks like Russia is trying to get the old cold war going again.

Or maybe all of this US aid, of Iranians, will somehow reach the Iranian people and they will remember it. In all the violent revolutions and protests going on in the Middle East, as well as the belligerence of the Iranian government, the Iranian Green Movement seems to have been forgotten. With some real luck the people of Iran will find their way to freedom from the tyranny of Ahmadinejad and look upon the US as a friend.

Russia and The Wretched Tyrant

Russia has once again declared their support of the Syrian government. The Russians originally announced the support by sending an aircraft carrier flotilla to the country, and having each ship's captain go on Syrian TV pledging the support of the Rodina. And now Russia pledges to not only defend the country from outside interference, but block any UN resolution to even sanction the country. Russia claims that the "western countries" are one sided against the regime of President Assad. Earlier this week Russia also pledged to defend Iran, stating that any attack on Tehran would be counted as an attack on Moscow.

The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, David Cameron, has accused Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah of aiding the regime of the "wretched tyrant". Stating that Turkey has proof of arms shipments to Syrian security forces. He continued to pledge that the UK would "lead the way" in ensuring stronger sanctions against Assad's regime. Interestingly enough, Hezbollah just this week released a statement of support for President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown, and added that all members of the opposition should turn themselves in and accept an offer of amnesty.

Arab League observers are still hoping that their presence will end the violence, that has killed an estimated fifty-five hundred people since March. So far they have been ineffective, and may have actually been the cause for more. China, however is strongly encouraging their continued and expanded presence. The Arab League says they will continue debate on Syria, Saturday and Sunday. The Emir of Qatar is calling for troops to be used to ensure peace, but so far he is alone in that.

One Year Down, Now to The Future

It was one year and two days ago, January 15, 2011, that I posted my first blog. On March 29, 2011 Landmark Report published the first of several pieces I had written. The year ended with fifty-five entries, and just under nineteen thousand views.

Now in 2012, currently sitting at 21,415 views, this will be the twenty-fifth piece of the year, with hopes to surpass last year's total in just the month of January. This year has already seen some big changes. The blog has gone from being just a blogger site, to having it's own domain. It has it's own Twitter account and, as of today, a Facebook one too.

Plans are underway to see the basic layout, that you currently see, be replaced with an entirely new design. The focus will still be on news, current events, and politics; but areas for food, sports, music, movies, gaming, and others will appear. By the end of 2012, our goal is to be more than a staff of one and to be using multiple medias to reach you.

We are very grateful to all of you who have supported and spread us throughout our first year of adventures. We hope you will continue to bear with us through the coming growing pains, and that you are as excited as us to see what the next year (and the many beyond that) will bring. You the readers have made this all possible. Thank you!

Centaurs and Tattooine

A centaur is but one of the skeletons you will see at the "Mythological Wildlife" exhibit at Tucson's International Wildlife Museum. The latest exhibit was designed by sculptor and zoologist Bill Willers from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. The goal is mostly to get people to open their minds, and explore the possibilities of what was, or might have been. And then there's just the fun of it. Scheduled to be showing til 2014, you may want to take the opportunity to see this, and the regular exhibits of actual animals, if you have the chance.

Scientists now estimate that the Tattooine planets, are but two of a possible one hundred billion planets in existence throughout the universe. Up to seven hundred planets have already been confirmed by astronomers, who now figure that on average every star could have at least one planet. Their main goal is to find habitable ones in the "Goldilocks zone", unfortunately with not much luck so far. They do however keep discovering new planets, doing new things, and continue to help us expand our imaginations.

The importance of human imagination can never be underestimated. It is what makes us intelligent beings. Without the ability to creatively think, we wouldn't truly be sentient.  No matter what remember to just think about the possibilities of how to better the world.

I Have a Dream

Easily one of the greatest Americans of all time, let alone the 20th century, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for what he believed in, equality and freedom for all. His policies of peaceful protest and civil disobedience were very key towards his success. His "I Have a Dream" speech is one of the most famous in all of history, and is often quoted still. His death is one of the greatest tragedies in American history. One can't help but wonder how much more he could have accomplished had he lived a longer life. He is one man that I can truly say I would love to have had the respect of.

Like the great Martin Luther King Jr. I too have a dream, one that I truly believe he would have shared.
I dream of the day where colour truly doesn't matter. Where race, sex, or age are just descriptions not qualifiers.
I have a dream of an America where all men are truly created equal. Where how a person does things matters more than what they do for a living. Where equality will be earned on moral grounds, not enforced by government regulations.
I have a dream that my children will not be shackled in debt to big government. That they will be free of oppression from all levels of government, especially any foreign one. Where their fellow man will be willing to work beside them to build this great country called America; not destroy it with excessive government programs, high taxation, and foreign debt.
I have a dream that America will be ruled by morality, justice and law; not by taxation, tyranny, and political correctness.
I have a dream that politicians won't be industry and special interests' bought puppets, but men and women of moral character that felt the call to public service to improve the country for all Americans. People who believe in American exceptionalism and will bring America back to being the single world leader in everything.

Russia to Defend Iran

After the assassination of a scientist in Tehran, Iran was quick to point blame at Israel and the United States. Now, they claim to have proof that the American CIA and British MI6 were directly involved. The US has denied any role and Britain condemned the killing of any civilians, whilst Israel said they weren't directly inolved. Gen. Masoud Jazayeri, spokesman for Iran’s military, was quoted by one of the Iranian state news channels, ISNA, as saying that Tehran was “reviewing the punishment” of “behind-the-scene elements” involved in the assassination. An obvious message that Iran is planning to retaliate.

United States Navy and Coast Guard forces have saved Iranian sailors twice in recent weeks. The Iranian response was to accuse the US of staging the first rescue, and then completely ignored the second. And now they harass US ships in a continued thank you. This does nothing to help ease tensions that are at all time highs due to the assassination of the scientist and Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz over promised sanctions, due to Iran's continued nuclear program. President Ahmadinejad stated once again that sanctions will not have any effect on the program, and that any military intervention will be dealt with firmly.

Russia not content to only state that they will back the Syrian government against it's opposition, have now decided to stand with Iran as well. The Russian government has stated that, "Any attack on Tehran is an attack on Moscow". This complicates any decision by the US and her allies, or the UN for that matter, to enforce the end of Iran's nuclear program. Russia's bringing in of naval forces to the area, has been countered by the French and British navies. China, and now Japan, have spoken out against further sanctions as well, but unlike Russia have not stated they will defend Iran with their own military forces.

Turkey on the other hand has publicly joined the US side of the argument, as a radar station has been made operational in Turkey. The base is manned by Turkish and US forces. Iran has issued a protest against US involvement in the area.

Al Qaeda Seizes Yemen Town

Armed members of Al Qaeda have seized the Yemen town of Radda, centering their occupation in the old citadel and a nearby mosque. Radda was apparently captured with little fight, as it was only defended by the local police. This move puts them close than ever to the capital of Sanaa. Til now they had been restricted to the southern province of Abyan. Fears are that they will continue to expand throughout the country, as tribal forces expand in the north.

The clashes in Yemen, are said to be of great concern to their strong allies, the United States and Saudi Arabia, but not much has actually been done by either country to assist in ending the violence, which the UN estimates has displaced four hundred thousand people. US aid was expected, due to the relationship with Yemen, and that Al Qaeda is a top enemy of the United States.

Yemen's President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, is in the midst of stepping down, as demanded by the people of the country. Power has officially been transferred to the Vice President, but there are fears that he is still pulling the strings and will never actually leave the country.

Hezbollah Backs Assad

Since President Bashar al-Assad's televised address last week, not much has actually changed in Syria. Every day on the streets protestors are being killed by government security forces. Every day the civil war grows and more troops defect to join the rebels. And another member of Syria's government has defected as well, stating that many more would do so, but are afraid to do so.

President Assad has once again offered amnesty to those who have protested against him, this marks the fourth time he has done so. Protestors have until January 31st to turn themselves in, for a full pardon. The Lebanese terrorist organization, Hezbollah has suggested that the amnesty be accepted to avoid further bloodshed. The opposition however points out that each time anyone has accepted the offer, they have disappeared without due process. Over the duration of the protests, an estimated sixty-nine thousand have been detained. Less than half of which have been released.

Sunday, United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon demanded that Assad's government cease killing Syrian people. But as China and Russia have both blocked any attempt by the UN Security Council to even impose sanctions, it is extremely unclear what exactly Ki-moon plans to do about it if the violence continues. Qatar's leader, Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, did state that troops should be sent in to enforce peace. However, Arab League leaders said that no plan was in place. Egypt, the country most able to send troops, stated they are too busy dealing with their own internal turmoil and national defense.

Romanian Crisis

For most of the past week Romanian's by the thousands have taken to the streets to protest against austerity moves made by the government. The latest ignition for the protests was the forced resigning of the popular Raed Arafat, who had been fighting extremely unpopular government health care reforms. Unfortunately now the protests have turned violent with both police and protestors taking injuries. Prime Minister Emile Boc warned that violence would not be tolerated.

Bucharest, the largest city and capital, has the been main focus for the protests demanding President Traian Basescu step down from power and that new elections be granted. Basescu's government has been unpopular since taking power in 2004. They've gained in strength since 2009 when an agreement was signed with the European Union, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank for a loan of $27.5 billion. Part of the agreement was reducing wages by twenty five percent and increased taxes.

Because of the austerity measures, many Romanians have been unable to find work, seeking employment in other countries. The measures have broken up the country's society, with too many leaving families behind and sending what money they can back to them. Also struck by the measures were pensions, leaving many retirees financially stranded. The Romanian economy has been all but crippled by them, with no change really in sight.

Europe Downgraded

After Standard and Poor's credit downgrades today, nine European countries found their credit ratings lowered. France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Slovakia and Slovenia all felt the effects of the latest slashing. Last summer the S&P struck down the United States from AAA to AA+, which is where France and Austria find themselves at now. Europe's strongest economy in Germany was left untouched at AAA. The European Financial Rescue Fund, which is mostly funded by the combined power of France and Germany, was left alone at AAA.

Stocks fell across European and US markets as the rumors of the downgrading began, and were only halted as they closed. French Finance Minister Francois Baroin declared that France has nothing to worry about when even "the United States, the world's largest economy, was downgraded over the summer". Portugal on the other hand, responded quite angrily blaming the S&P's own shortcomings for the credit lowering. And European Commission Vice President Olli Rehn stated that S&P failed to take all things into account and accused them of being biased.


The downgrading will likely make it harder for the various indebted members of the European Union to escape their current financial troubles, as now they will have to pay higher interest rates on their debt. Greece specifically is considered likely to default if they can not get out of their current woes. Italy however seems to be improving, though what effect their downgrade will have is yet to be seen. The United States may be risking seeing it's credit downgraded again, as President Obama has asked for another $1.2 trillion to be added to the debt ceiling.