I believe this is going to be my last post from my current voluntary exile before traveling home in the upcoming hours, and though I want to keep the attention to the Jordan Social Debate, I am a bit convinced that the US Presidential Debate are too important to ignore, and the first debate on Foreign Policy shall represent a milestone to understand the course of action and policy the US will carry on in the upcoming President Obama, hopefully, or heaven forbids President McCain.
This debate was planned to be the last among the three televised debates but team Obama feels that the senator can really catch the hearts and minds of voters, and they might feel that this is the hardest debate among them all, as Americans tend to highly rates Republicans on Off-shore policy and Democrats on Domestic one.
In the debate expect the following:
Senator McCain:
Iraq: I supported the surge, I supported the war when it was not popular, the surge is working, I will intend to leave Iraq with a victory!
Senator Obama will not bring victory! He doesn’t acknowledge the victory and success we are gaining there!
War on Terrorism:
I will go after Bin Ladin to gates of hell!
Iran: I hope he will sing Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran, but he will say: Senator Obama is willing to meet with Ahmed Najad
Middle East: shall not be a bigger difference of the two Senators, but there is a general feeling that only a President Obama can bring some progress to the Middle East Peace Process, however the two candidates will go on a beauty contests on who is more pro-Israel, McCain can score there
Latin America:
I am not going to meet with Shavez or Castro (Castro is not in power, but hell yes it is McCain)
My Advisor is not a lobbyist for any non-Democratic State down there
Europe:
Spain is a Latin American Country, and I will review our relationship before meetings with its Prime Minister (he will flip on this statement made by him earlier this week), but he will mock Obama speech in Berlin
I AM A POW (Prisoner of War) I am a POW, I am a POW – like zillions times
Obama
Iraq: the Surge has worked beyond our wildest dreams, Iraqis want us out, we need to practice more pressure on Iraqis to be in charge of their security, I opposed the war far from the beginning (McCain can response: but you said you wouldn’t know how you were going to vote if you were actually in the Congress my friend)
Middle East: Obama said that Jerusalem is the Sole Capital for Israel, and said again it is a Capital for two-states- Obama would try to look a strong Israel friend, but he doesn’t have much credentials, never mind that Biden (Obama running mate) is a very hot prospect and big fan of Israel (third largest fund source for Biden)
Iran: we can not allow them having nukes (Cool Obama), but I am standing by my statement that I would meet with its leaders unconditionally (fully prepared)- I do believe he should echo that last Secretary of State
General Note:
I don’t consider Obama a great debater, and since he is a the frontrunner there is much to loose, so what I would advice Obama: Just don’t screw it, show leadership, focus on judgment coming to Afghanistan as the centre front of war on terrorism, Iraq as a passionate opposition, and draws a clear plan to withdraw. He might adapt a position that the liberal Americans will not cherish but this is the highest office on stake!
it is quite a dilemma for him to go against his initial calls that he will meet with the enemy of the States.
As a Jordanian I want him to focus on the Middle East Peace process, and calls for more comprehensive package that can at least speaks to the two parties instead of being an advocate of one. I wish there would be a reasonable withdrawal from Iraq, and no plans to storm with wars anymore!
He can focus on McCain shocking statements: we are all Georgians! COLD WAR! And of course echo how the US are not being considered anymore a leader of the Free World (if there is any)
Advice to McCain: just be yourself, and you will screw it for sure!
And yes please change the timing of the debate; it is bad to be up at 7 o’clock with no Non-Ramadan advantages
Wednesday 24 September 2008
Monday 22 September 2008
Social Debate 101: The Death Penalty Debate
The Death (Capital) Penalty has been established among the first punishment for crimes commonly in response to a murder or treason (treason had different understandings among the different ages but was quite meant to those who go against own group mainstream). An Eye for Eye is the primitive rationale to this Penalty and has been ever sense used as a common sense punishment.
Worldwide the debate has verified from religious, philosophical, moral, political, and even economic aspects. However the debate in Jordan is taking a different dimension and this is what I intend to challenge in this post.
The general code in Capital Penalty is whether the murders (convicted) violation of others right to life justifies them (murders, convicted) loosing their own right to life. Is it right to execute such punishment!
Arguments stand for Capital Penalty consists of some of the below list:
- Death Penalty is right as those who don’t celebrate others right to life don’t deserve their own right (same as Eye for Eye)
- Some crimes need severe punishment so: It stands as a strong reminder of the consequences the Death Penalty has in reducing number of murders and relevant crimes (protects the society)
- Economically sounds (reduces cost of prisons and holding those convicted)
Arguments against Capital Penalty can be made of:
- Right to life is a basic human right that shall not be violated under any circumstance
- It does not help the community being secured, it add items of brutality and conduct of violence
- The Judicial System is being operated by Human Beings (no Aliens, no Hamzaists, no angles) so there is a great chance of wrong conviction, and it is worthy saving one innocent life to abandon Death Penalty
-Death Penalty has been usually a tool to take on Minorities (race: black), political opposition (review Arabia, and China)
Of course the debate is more in-depth and on philosophical and moral grounds, but lets’ see how it operates in Jordan (it, for the debate)
One head of the Lawyers bar in Jordan argued that the new developments in Jordan and discussion regarding the abolition of Death Penalty is due to Pressure from Foreign and International Human Rights Group (though he does not really mind using their reports, and email them when he thinks that he rising to power can be jeopardized for violations of different nature)!
So, what is wrong with Human Rights Groups: Their Double Standards of going after the US, and other forces operating in Iraq now, and of the Israeli Occupation in the West Bank! This can be very true, but what is wrong with the Principles; such informed opposition doesn’t have a clue! Or don’t want to shake the foundation of the Society and the religious laws (Jordan is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy)!
Well, the Lawyers Bar in Jordan is usually under the control of Pan-Arab groups (supported by the Islamists) and both groups never put human rights as a serious agenda, except when it fits them!
Islamists with so many people will say: You Can not contradict a God’ law, I would accept this if law and judicial practice has a share of this divine power, and of course if all argue this don’t submit to banking services, endorse slavery, and of course wish to abolish co-education.
What was a divine and sacred right to enslave people became rejected once the entire world stood up together and the practice became socially and humanely not accepted.
1400 years shall allow us to think and go beyond the exact text, and tries to develop new ideas that serve on a global human rights conduct code.
Now, for those state that Capital Punishment is a society protector and it is a necessary tool to address the society of not going beyond limits, my answer is this: Capital Punishment is not a sole act, it must become a part of a holistic human rights and ethics education that starts from the very early days (primary school, homes, why not!)
There are no statistics that support the argument of abolition capital punishment adds to crime counter, simply it might be irrelevant: Crime Prevention is far more complicated includes Education, Providing Basic Needs to Citizens, and wish for the best (Sounds Strategy ha!)
The 1-million argument is abolishing capital punishment would trigger an old act of revenge, and this brings us back to another debate of having a law of tribal, old traditions, scripts, religious, and civil as part of Jordan twenty first century. We do need to become courageous to reform the way we understand things!
Jordan did not report any execution of Capital Penalty in the years of 2007 and 2008, and I do believe we must carry on this practice. Now, this can represent a milestone to go forward with abolition of Death Penalty and here is a strategy:
- Hold to all verdicts that were stated earlier, and halt the practice for the next ten years
- Review all of the death sentences and ensure that the proceedings were sounds established
- Establish a national debate on the issue of Abolition of Death Penalty and allow for Awareness Campaigns to show that we don’t only feel EU are cool, but we do need this aspect of social justice, for us, the nation of Jordan, and not as a decoration on table.
Worldwide the debate has verified from religious, philosophical, moral, political, and even economic aspects. However the debate in Jordan is taking a different dimension and this is what I intend to challenge in this post.
The general code in Capital Penalty is whether the murders (convicted) violation of others right to life justifies them (murders, convicted) loosing their own right to life. Is it right to execute such punishment!
Arguments stand for Capital Penalty consists of some of the below list:
- Death Penalty is right as those who don’t celebrate others right to life don’t deserve their own right (same as Eye for Eye)
- Some crimes need severe punishment so: It stands as a strong reminder of the consequences the Death Penalty has in reducing number of murders and relevant crimes (protects the society)
- Economically sounds (reduces cost of prisons and holding those convicted)
Arguments against Capital Penalty can be made of:
- Right to life is a basic human right that shall not be violated under any circumstance
- It does not help the community being secured, it add items of brutality and conduct of violence
- The Judicial System is being operated by Human Beings (no Aliens, no Hamzaists, no angles) so there is a great chance of wrong conviction, and it is worthy saving one innocent life to abandon Death Penalty
-Death Penalty has been usually a tool to take on Minorities (race: black), political opposition (review Arabia, and China)
Of course the debate is more in-depth and on philosophical and moral grounds, but lets’ see how it operates in Jordan (it, for the debate)
One head of the Lawyers bar in Jordan argued that the new developments in Jordan and discussion regarding the abolition of Death Penalty is due to Pressure from Foreign and International Human Rights Group (though he does not really mind using their reports, and email them when he thinks that he rising to power can be jeopardized for violations of different nature)!
So, what is wrong with Human Rights Groups: Their Double Standards of going after the US, and other forces operating in Iraq now, and of the Israeli Occupation in the West Bank! This can be very true, but what is wrong with the Principles; such informed opposition doesn’t have a clue! Or don’t want to shake the foundation of the Society and the religious laws (Jordan is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy)!
Well, the Lawyers Bar in Jordan is usually under the control of Pan-Arab groups (supported by the Islamists) and both groups never put human rights as a serious agenda, except when it fits them!
Islamists with so many people will say: You Can not contradict a God’ law, I would accept this if law and judicial practice has a share of this divine power, and of course if all argue this don’t submit to banking services, endorse slavery, and of course wish to abolish co-education.
What was a divine and sacred right to enslave people became rejected once the entire world stood up together and the practice became socially and humanely not accepted.
1400 years shall allow us to think and go beyond the exact text, and tries to develop new ideas that serve on a global human rights conduct code.
Now, for those state that Capital Punishment is a society protector and it is a necessary tool to address the society of not going beyond limits, my answer is this: Capital Punishment is not a sole act, it must become a part of a holistic human rights and ethics education that starts from the very early days (primary school, homes, why not!)
There are no statistics that support the argument of abolition capital punishment adds to crime counter, simply it might be irrelevant: Crime Prevention is far more complicated includes Education, Providing Basic Needs to Citizens, and wish for the best (Sounds Strategy ha!)
The 1-million argument is abolishing capital punishment would trigger an old act of revenge, and this brings us back to another debate of having a law of tribal, old traditions, scripts, religious, and civil as part of Jordan twenty first century. We do need to become courageous to reform the way we understand things!
Jordan did not report any execution of Capital Penalty in the years of 2007 and 2008, and I do believe we must carry on this practice. Now, this can represent a milestone to go forward with abolition of Death Penalty and here is a strategy:
- Hold to all verdicts that were stated earlier, and halt the practice for the next ten years
- Review all of the death sentences and ensure that the proceedings were sounds established
- Establish a national debate on the issue of Abolition of Death Penalty and allow for Awareness Campaigns to show that we don’t only feel EU are cool, but we do need this aspect of social justice, for us, the nation of Jordan, and not as a decoration on table.
General Note of Jordan Government, Legislation, and Judiciary System:
Jordan is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy led by HM the King of Jordan, head of the State, and Commander in Chief. HM the King of Jordan appoints the Prime Minister who then formed his cabinet famously upon a national consensus on Cabinet Members and his own figure.
The Government led by the Prime Minister has to stand before the House of Nation (Senates; appointed with right to amend, Representatives; elected with right to bills introduction) and hath to pass a measure of trust (I, vote, majority of 110 representatives of different cities and districts).
For any law bill to pass it has to have the 2/3 majority of both Houses, shall be issued a Royal Decree, and shall not contradict the foundation of Constitution.
The Judiciary System is the third pillar of the establishment, and enjoys independence and right to challenge context of law bills that found to be unconstitutional.
The Civil Criminal Judicial System has limited the execution of Death Penalty to those crimes of severe nature (murder if established to be intentional, rape of 15 years old and younger, terrorists’ attacks and vandalism acts if led to murder of individuals)
The system allows in stance of the victim’ family (murder only) a type of pardon (curfew), results usually in third party (other family) intervention to agree a type of peace’ talks among all involved parties.
There are no rules enacted to support homosexual rights, and generic note of abortion law indicates that the law does not consider a legal act, and the same goes to HIV/AIDS positive anti-discrimination regulation that does not in place till this moment.
It is a common practice in Jordan to apply “don’t ask … don’t tell” and let the debate begins
The Government led by the Prime Minister has to stand before the House of Nation (Senates; appointed with right to amend, Representatives; elected with right to bills introduction) and hath to pass a measure of trust (I, vote, majority of 110 representatives of different cities and districts).
For any law bill to pass it has to have the 2/3 majority of both Houses, shall be issued a Royal Decree, and shall not contradict the foundation of Constitution.
The Judiciary System is the third pillar of the establishment, and enjoys independence and right to challenge context of law bills that found to be unconstitutional.
The Civil Criminal Judicial System has limited the execution of Death Penalty to those crimes of severe nature (murder if established to be intentional, rape of 15 years old and younger, terrorists’ attacks and vandalism acts if led to murder of individuals)
The system allows in stance of the victim’ family (murder only) a type of pardon (curfew), results usually in third party (other family) intervention to agree a type of peace’ talks among all involved parties.
There are no rules enacted to support homosexual rights, and generic note of abortion law indicates that the law does not consider a legal act, and the same goes to HIV/AIDS positive anti-discrimination regulation that does not in place till this moment.
It is a common practice in Jordan to apply “don’t ask … don’t tell” and let the debate begins
Thursday 18 September 2008
The Jordan Social Debate 101
So many people will argue that we are not in the luxury of social debates, and though economic and political debates are quite active, not to say very hot in Jordan, it is fair to say that it is still a minority in Jordan that want to bring this debate forward and obliviously no player in Jordan Political Life wants to, as it does not win you much appreciation among the majority, and the sensitivity of this issue can be turned into a killer of ones political future, or even creditability. Is this a political suicide? Perhaps it could be made one depends on capacity to understand and methods to analyze, but again who can better explain words but their owners. And at a personal note I do believe social reform is a must and should not be ignored due to such issues being unpopular, and to very certain extend Taboos.
There is no agreement if Jordan is 100% democratic state, and none can argue it is a perfect opposition to this claim, the consensus on the Jordan Democracy is that Jordan is a country in transition with much done over the course of the last few years, and very much among the leaders of Democratization processes among Arab States competing with Morocco and Lebanon, and widely debated Iraq.
Having this established a “country in democratic transition” means that at certain moment of the foreseen future Jordan should be considered as a well-established democracy with its own traditions and domestic own understanding. But the Status Queue should not be tolerated to allow a luxury of time of those who favored it. There is a risk that in a short spin of time we can find ourselves as Jordanians lagging in a Chapter that we are its clear frontrunner.
In a general note the author of this post believes that this “moments of transition” is about the right time to introduce a comprehensive social reform package, as public awareness of civic rights and duties, along with respect to others individualism, and own personal space are a milestone for the whole enacted process and that it should not be delayed anymore.
Established earlier there have been a very hot debate on Economic Reform, and another strong debate on political scene that though I do not always enjoy its tone it is quite thrilling to see more Jordanian getting relatively involved in light of current economic challenges that can not be separated from the Whole Social, Economic, and Political Reform the country is witnessing.
In the upcoming posts few quite controversial social issues will be addressed with the leading agenda of sparking a debate on these issues, the posts due to arrive at Hamzaism will try to address the following social reform demands, and review progress made or steps backwards, these issues are:
- Abolishing the Capital (Death) Penalty
- Recognition of HIV/AIDS +ive, prejudices, rights, and social comprehension
- Recognition of difference of sexual orientation, and tolerance as a concept in practice, and civic rights
- Pro-choice vs. Pro-life (A Debate on abortion)
- Other: allowing a space to other issues being introduced
It is quite interesting to collect reviews on these subjects prior to the date of release as it can be to see the reflections on such issues.
Sunday 14 September 2008
US Politics of Irrelevance
The Hamzaism Revealed: the Insane of The
Preamble:
In light of recent polls that suggested that J. McCain is getting ahead in the race and just has been strengthening his lead it is worthy trying to understand what is exactly happening!!!
So many reasons can be argued but the anchors and analysts seem either not being able to get it, or choose to ignore the reality of the undergoing race. This is a different angle to review the matter of study and it might get a bit ugly but hopefully straight.
Reviewing American Media and rebounds on McCain lead answers suggest the following:
- the Enthusiasm gap has been tackled through the appointment of Sarah Palin
- Independent voters (including white women, Wal-Marts moms and dads) are leaning McCain, no reason is given here.
- McCain and Palin are Mavericks, and they are going to change
- McCain has the experience and the leadership due to his years of experience to take the U.S in the right direction
- Obama is on the defense now
And the list goes on and goes on neglecting some other dimensions
The Hamzaism list includes new items:
Argument I:
Sarah Palin, portrayed, as the GOP’ Obama has been made a star overnight through the same Media that has been criticized. McCain camp has been able to portray Media as sexist and Obama’ lovers turning Obama into the Elite’ choice Vs. Palin the ordinary people’ pick:
She just done one interview on her own ground, and her miserable performance was portrayed by Media itself as a brilliant and wise: Media is on a new fear record of criticizing Palin’ record to avoid being called Sexist, very similar to the environment prior to the war on Iraq when all News went supporting the War and justifying the War as the White House wanted! Media 0 McCain 1
Argument II:
The Race, and Yes, few people will suggest publicly that they are not willing to elect a Young Black Man to the highest office in the country, regardless of experience, credentials, or capacity. The arrival of Palin and use Obama’ theme of change, and suddenly people believe that Obama is the same agent of change as McCain. Now, many people who are not willing to address race can go and claim that McCain represents change as much as Obama, and here we go again! Tolerance 0 Racism 1
Earlier it was very alright to say we are not voting Obama because he is unknown, Palin is absurd unknown candidate and she is doing alright among those intellectual-wonna-be!
Argument III:
Americans are not politically aware as the Europeans lets say, who do not vote usually to people more than they vote for political and economic agenda, they voted Bush twice and reason was him being likable which was a taboo for Obama to become likable, Bush and now Palin can be called Likable and it is alright, those people are not naïve now having decided to vote for a Hockey Mom, I just can recall Matt Damon rightful analysis: this is a bad Walt Disney Movie, or did he say a bad Hollywood Movie!
Yes an intellectual has the same one vote to cast as any naïve or ignorant citizen! Smartness 0 Stupidity 1
Argument IV:
Obama is only great with his rhetoric, and he needs to have substance, so he did loosing an opportunity to address the historic achievement he made and changing his acceptance address into a Policy Address. He lost such a moment to respond to Media’ request, and now there are no more occasions left where he can speak from heart. This was a great strategy of Media and McCain together managed to steal Obama’ inspirations that the Campaign was built around him earlier. Obama 0 McCain and Media 1
Argument V:
Yes, the Hillary Clinton’ effect and it was white women and blue-collar workers it is the meaningless life-time campaign that consumed Obama’ image and resources, and challenged his movement. Clinton who is already planning a 2012 presidential bid did not stay in race to win, it stayed so that in 4-years from now can go and say I told you earlier, this young black unknown can’t win! The course of the Presidential Race would have changed if
Argument VI:
Obama does read what News say and believe it, Naïve who can vote and did badly get it many times do not! So Obama needs not to worry of the Media as much as focus and again on his grass-roots movement and double registration among his true supporters, intellectuals (mostly registered), and minorities (Black and Youth)
Argument VII:
Foreign Policy and Judgment:
I would not be surprised to know that
Argument VIII:
Yes the GOP convention held a monopoly on September 11th, and magnified the threat of Islamic Radicalism in a GOP Style; Democrats were portrayed as far from being patriotic and Security Guards. GOP/McCain 1 Obama/DNC 0 and yes Media allowed them a free pass!
Conclusion:
GOP can count on a mixture of naïve, racist, radical conservatives, and a nation in fear to secure a new term. They can make a good share of voters and Obama can in no way won those people. He needs to go again on track, reaffirm him message and bring up his inspiration and not to follow Media advice of being too specific, McCain doesn’t and he is winning. He needs again to ensure his once very enthusiastic supporters that he is the Change we can believe in.
Nevertheless, I just hope that with the three presidential debates to come, and one for vice-president and with strong outreach campaign that doesn’t respond to GOP and McCain that Obama can call it a day.
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