Perspectives

"What we are seeing is the all-out effort to preserve human institutions, such as banks and corporations, whose reason for existence is out of whack with human sustainability on the planet. The financial system exists to enhance wealth and profit and economic growth and usually at the expense of natural "institutions", such as ecosystems, species, and even whole planetary realms, such as the global climate. We think nothing of putting the polar bear at risk, but go all out to save Wachovia."

America has been subjected to the some severe shock therapy over the years. JFK, MLK, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy were all murdered! Then, there was the Vietnam War (1963-75); the “Watergate” scandal; and the horrors of the 9/11 tragedy; followed by the invasion and occupation of Iraq. The latest hit is the Wall Street bailout, to wit: the economic and fiscal meltdowns. They all spell out the sharp decline of America. Is it by accident or by plan?

"The current crisis in the financial sector is affecting millions (and potentially billions) around the world, mostly the middle-class and the poor. For the most part, government intervention has come as too little too late, but it may lessen the full impact of the global economic meltdown. Adding insult to deep financial injury, however, is the fact that the West is reluctant to use the "N" word -- nationalization."

"Positive integration occurs when public institutions facilitate the right (or best available) conditions for smooth interaction among all parties. Members of different cultures and religions could then coexist, accept and respect each other, and interact through those integrated institutions."

"...in today’s post-9/11 era, Muslim minorities in the West can be added to the top of Profs Quinley and Lock’s list of those who suffer the most from "political derision and attack."

"Corporate media and members of congress responsible for letting things get out of hand are fond of singling out overpaid CEOs and other market culprits..."

"Also ignored by mainstream media was the report of how three hundred Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans came forward in March of 2008 to recount the brutal impact of the ongoing occupations. The Winter Soldier hearings in Silver Spring, Maryland, organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War, presented multiple testimonies by veterans who witnessed or participated in atrocities against Iraqis or Afghans."

"According to Article 63(a) of the constitution, a person is disqualified to be a member of the National Assembly if “he is of unsound mind and has been so declared by a competent court.” Unlike the courts in Pakistan, even if lately they have tried to show some degree of independence, the courts in London are not known to be swayed by political considerations nor can we assume that the judge or judges were bribed by Mr Zardari and co., though that is a common practice in Pakistan."