It seems that the World is becoming restless. Egypt now is in crisis; they talk about chaos, revolt, etc. Before that it was Tunisia, Algeria, and people was fearing of Yemen, North Korea,...
I Cambodia early in the month the ruling party celebrated the 7 January, date of their 2nd birthday, according to CPP. But people in the opposition said that it is also the day that opened the country for foreign intervention. The chief of the executive warmed of arrest if people dared to say that it is treason. It is now a war of words...
Whatever it will be, the US is opting for true democracy, a government by "consent not coercion".
We will see...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
10. Mahatma Gandhi
Today in history, in 1948 Mahatma Ghangi was assassinated. The world most reverred leader in non-violent resistance fighting for the liberation of the Indian people from the British Colonial rules. The theory he used is based on courage and the force of the truth called Satya Graha in sanskrit.
More than once Gandhi used fasting to impress upon others the need to be nonviolent . India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned between India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed.
On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, hebegan a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed. After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve days later, on January 30, 1948, a Hindu fanatic who oppose his program of tolerance of all creeds and religions assassinated him
Some Quotes from Gandhi:
1. I cannot teach you violence as I do not believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your head before any one even t the cost of your life.
2. We must become the change we want to see in the world.
3. Trust never damages a cause that is just.
4. You can chain me, you cn torure me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprisn my mind.
5. You may never know what results from your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.
More than once Gandhi used fasting to impress upon others the need to be nonviolent . India was granted independence in 1947, and partitioned between India and Pakistan. Rioting between Hindus and Muslims followed.
On January 13, 1948, at the age of 78, hebegan a fast with the purpose of stopping the bloodshed. After 5 days the opposing leaders pledged to stop the fighting and Gandhi broke his fast. Twelve days later, on January 30, 1948, a Hindu fanatic who oppose his program of tolerance of all creeds and religions assassinated him
Some Quotes from Gandhi:
1. I cannot teach you violence as I do not believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your head before any one even t the cost of your life.
2. We must become the change we want to see in the world.
3. Trust never damages a cause that is just.
4. You can chain me, you cn torure me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprisn my mind.
5. You may never know what results from your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.
Friday, January 28, 2011
9. Lessons from Egypt
Since last Tuesady January 25, Egypt has faced with vioent demonstrations in the country asking for the President Hosni Mubarak to resign. One of his son, the potential successor has fled the country to London, fearing danger.
Dictators in other country should learn this lesson. Recently Tunisia prime minister had already fled the country under similar popular demonstrations.
February 1, Washington Post headlines: Jordan's King Abdullah II outs Prime Minister, cabinet in wake of mass protests. This is what it is said: "AMMAN, JORDAN - Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday dismissed Prime Minister Samir Rifai and his cabinet after widespread protests by crowds of people inspired by demonstrations in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere."
Feb. 2 and after: Demonstrations got larger and violent with opposing group pro government emerged and clashed. The Media suspects that the opposing group coming in horse backs and camel was organized by the government. The army is still passive.
One lady who has a 19 years old in the protest said to the press that it was her fault too that she has accept the corrution in the government in exchange for stability. Media suspect taht the opposing group coming in horse backs and camel was organized by the government.
A young girl fininshing University in political science said that she is willing to die for freedom
Other people said that now they are proud to be Egyptian, not before.
What next?
Dictators in other country should learn this lesson. Recently Tunisia prime minister had already fled the country under similar popular demonstrations.
February 1, Washington Post headlines: Jordan's King Abdullah II outs Prime Minister, cabinet in wake of mass protests. This is what it is said: "AMMAN, JORDAN - Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday dismissed Prime Minister Samir Rifai and his cabinet after widespread protests by crowds of people inspired by demonstrations in Egypt, Tunisia and elsewhere."
Feb. 2 and after: Demonstrations got larger and violent with opposing group pro government emerged and clashed. The Media suspects that the opposing group coming in horse backs and camel was organized by the government. The army is still passive.
One lady who has a 19 years old in the protest said to the press that it was her fault too that she has accept the corrution in the government in exchange for stability. Media suspect taht the opposing group coming in horse backs and camel was organized by the government.
A young girl fininshing University in political science said that she is willing to die for freedom
Other people said that now they are proud to be Egyptian, not before.
What next?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
8. Sam Raingsy Party & Human Rights Party Merger
Today January 27, 2011 Phnom Penh Post journal publish an article on a letter by Mr. Kem Sokha of the Human Rights Party to Sam Raingsy Party's President asking him to restart the talk on a merger that was initiated and signed a year ago, on January 15, 2009.
Mr. Kem Sokha urged Mr. Sam Raingsy to form "an unified alliance that will be stronger and more successful" (to stand against the Cambodian People Party at the next elections).
Now the ball is in the Sam Raingsy Party court...
Update: Today Jan. 28 SamRaingsy Party circulated a letter signed by the Party's president to Mr. Kem Sokha regarding the merger. After agreeing on the merger, and he proposes to keep the name SamRaingsy Party in the alliance (subject to change later). Now it is up to Mr. Kem Sokha...
Mr. Kem Sokha urged Mr. Sam Raingsy to form "an unified alliance that will be stronger and more successful" (to stand against the Cambodian People Party at the next elections).
Now the ball is in the Sam Raingsy Party court...
Update: Today Jan. 28 SamRaingsy Party circulated a letter signed by the Party's president to Mr. Kem Sokha regarding the merger. After agreeing on the merger, and he proposes to keep the name SamRaingsy Party in the alliance (subject to change later). Now it is up to Mr. Kem Sokha...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
President Obama: State of the Union Address
Last night at 6:00PM PST all major news networks have broadcasted the 2nd State of the Union Address of his presidency. Not like the first one, this one is in front of the Representatives of the House controlled by the Republicans. And not like before, the Representatives from both sides of the aisle are comingling in their seating, no block for red (republicans) or blue (democrats); one seat vacant that is of Representative Gabrielle Giffords that was early this month victim of an armed attack. About the seating, the President said that: "What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we sit together, but whether we can work tomorrow."
Another powerful statement: "We will move forward together, or not at all - for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics".
Listening to his address and commentaries by newsmen and analysts it seems that President Obima has made adjustments to his policies toward the center to prepare for his reelection. "He made a point of reaching out to Republicans, at least rhetorically, and distanced himself abit from his fellow Democrats..." wrote USA TODAY (Jan. 26 issue) in a News Analysis by Susan Page.
To deal with the future and global competition, President Obama proposes more investments in innovation and education. But for the Republicans these may look like spendings and they are not keen to these.
Lesson learned: Voice of the majority must not be ignored, otherwise you are out...
CBS Polls: 91% approve President policies angainst 9% disapproval.
Another powerful statement: "We will move forward together, or not at all - for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics".
Listening to his address and commentaries by newsmen and analysts it seems that President Obima has made adjustments to his policies toward the center to prepare for his reelection. "He made a point of reaching out to Republicans, at least rhetorically, and distanced himself abit from his fellow Democrats..." wrote USA TODAY (Jan. 26 issue) in a News Analysis by Susan Page.
To deal with the future and global competition, President Obama proposes more investments in innovation and education. But for the Republicans these may look like spendings and they are not keen to these.
Lesson learned: Voice of the majority must not be ignored, otherwise you are out...
CBS Polls: 91% approve President policies angainst 9% disapproval.
Monday, January 24, 2011
President R. Reagan and the Fall of the USSR
In its today issue, Jan. 24,2010, the USA TODAY published its COVER STORY based on its interview with President Grorge H.W. Bush on President Reagan: "Recalling the private, "real, genuine man that he was". It is in commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of President Reagan first inaugurated on January 20, 1981. President Ronald Reagan was truly a great president, adored and respected by all, an iconic figure of the Republican party. What interested me in this long story is his role in the demise of the Soviet Union.
This is the excerpt of what it is written on "The Kremlin Connection": "In 1985, Reagan dispatched Bush to Moscow for the funeral of Konstantin Chernenko and a meeting with the Soviet leader's successor, Mikhail Gorbachev.
In a March 13 memo to the president, Bush proposed that Reagan establish a back channel to Gorbachev to create "truly personal rapport with this new and different leader."
The following year, Gorbachev begin instituing domestic and foreign policy changes that eventually led to the end of Soviet power and Communism in Eastern Europe, the reunification of Germany, and ultimately, the collapse of the Soviet Union.
"People around Reagan were skeptical" of the Reagan-Gorbachev link Bush had recommended, he said, but the two built a trusting relationship that "laid a great foundation" for the historic changes that followed.
Reagan had labeled the Soviet Union the "evil empire" in a 1983 speech and in 1987 challenged Gorbachev to "tear down" the Berlin Wall that separate the democratic and communist parts of Germany.
"Some people thought that rhetoric was too hot," Bush said, "but it all worked out."
The culmination of those efforts came during Bush's presidency: The Berlin Wall was distmantled in 1989, and the Soviet Union unraveled in 1991." - end of excerpt.
Lesson learned: An Empire, a Nation, or any human organization is not immortal. It was born, getting old and may die like a human body...
Update: February 6 marks the 100th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan birth's.
This is the excerpt of what it is written on "The Kremlin Connection": "In 1985, Reagan dispatched Bush to Moscow for the funeral of Konstantin Chernenko and a meeting with the Soviet leader's successor, Mikhail Gorbachev.
In a March 13 memo to the president, Bush proposed that Reagan establish a back channel to Gorbachev to create "truly personal rapport with this new and different leader."
The following year, Gorbachev begin instituing domestic and foreign policy changes that eventually led to the end of Soviet power and Communism in Eastern Europe, the reunification of Germany, and ultimately, the collapse of the Soviet Union.
"People around Reagan were skeptical" of the Reagan-Gorbachev link Bush had recommended, he said, but the two built a trusting relationship that "laid a great foundation" for the historic changes that followed.
Reagan had labeled the Soviet Union the "evil empire" in a 1983 speech and in 1987 challenged Gorbachev to "tear down" the Berlin Wall that separate the democratic and communist parts of Germany.
"Some people thought that rhetoric was too hot," Bush said, "but it all worked out."
The culmination of those efforts came during Bush's presidency: The Berlin Wall was distmantled in 1989, and the Soviet Union unraveled in 1991." - end of excerpt.
Lesson learned: An Empire, a Nation, or any human organization is not immortal. It was born, getting old and may die like a human body...
Update: February 6 marks the 100th Anniversary of Ronald Reagan birth's.
5. Enemies of the People
It is the title of the documentary presented at the Northwest Film Forum showroom in Seattle that we watched last night. The film is by Rob Lemkin and Theth Sambath, 2010, UK/Cambodia.
It is said of the film which received numerous award: "One of the most harowing and compelling personal documentaries of our times. Enemies of the People expose for the first time the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge who were behind the Cambodia's genocide".
Good job by a Cambodian investigative reporter working with Nuon Chea to seek the truth behind the tragedy. I hope that Justice will prevail...
It is said of the film which received numerous award: "One of the most harowing and compelling personal documentaries of our times. Enemies of the People expose for the first time the truth about the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge who were behind the Cambodia's genocide".
Good job by a Cambodian investigative reporter working with Nuon Chea to seek the truth behind the tragedy. I hope that Justice will prevail...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Martin Luther King, Jr
The previous long 3 day weekend (Jan. 15-17) was dedicated to the famous civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther Kiing, Jr, born January 15, 1929. He passed away, like President Lincoln, M. Gandhi and President Kenneky before him, on April 14, 1968, assassinated.
I remember 4 quotes from him:
1. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
2. Peace is not merely the absence of conflicts, but the presence of justice.
3. We must not judge people by the color of their skin, but by the the content of their character.
4. If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live.
We can meditate on those.
I remember 4 quotes from him:
1. We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
2. Peace is not merely the absence of conflicts, but the presence of justice.
3. We must not judge people by the color of their skin, but by the the content of their character.
4. If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he is not fit to live.
We can meditate on those.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
January 20
This date - January 20 - is the most important in American politics. Rain or shine, or snowy, it is the day that, every four years, it will be the day for the legal ordely transfer of power between the old and new elected President of the United States. By laws each President can only serve 8 years in the maximum, if reelected. If not, after 4 year term, bye bye... A perfect democracy !! ... Too short ? -Think of the term of a US Representative is only 2 years !
They have to work very hard to get re-elected. It doesn't matter in whatever political party they belong.
The next inauguration day will be January 20, 2013. Democratic President Obama is facing an an uphill and tough battle for his re-election while working with a new Republican controlled House of Representatives. How much the Democratic Senate can help ?
... Demain n'est jamis bien loin; qui vivra verra !!
Footnote: January 20 is my birthday 72 years ago, in Prek Ta Sar village, Peareang district, Prey Veng province.
They have to work very hard to get re-elected. It doesn't matter in whatever political party they belong.
The next inauguration day will be January 20, 2013. Democratic President Obama is facing an an uphill and tough battle for his re-election while working with a new Republican controlled House of Representatives. How much the Democratic Senate can help ?
... Demain n'est jamis bien loin; qui vivra verra !!
Footnote: January 20 is my birthday 72 years ago, in Prek Ta Sar village, Peareang district, Prey Veng province.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The National Cambodian American Organization - NCAO
Incorporated in the State of Illinois by the end of August 2010, NCAO will provide services to the members of the Cambodian American communities and their organizations throughout the United States. Last December 27, 2010 NCAO elected their officers to serve for the 2011 term composed of Dr. Khatharya Um (CA), Chairperson, Sarah Kith (VA), Vice Chair, Dary Mien (IL), Secretary, and Phavannn Chhuan (VA), Treasurer.
Other Board members are Yorn Yan (MN), Samkhann Khoeun (MA), Bouy Te (VA), Vichet Chhuon (MN), Connie Mom-Chhing (WA),
VAN Sar (WA) served as Chair since the incorporation until the end of 2010. He continues to serve NCAO in the Board of Directors as Chair Emeritus. Kompha Seth (IL) another Board member also served as Chair Emeritus for this 2011 term.
Other Board members are Yorn Yan (MN), Samkhann Khoeun (MA), Bouy Te (VA), Vichet Chhuon (MN), Connie Mom-Chhing (WA),
VAN Sar (WA) served as Chair since the incorporation until the end of 2010. He continues to serve NCAO in the Board of Directors as Chair Emeritus. Kompha Seth (IL) another Board member also served as Chair Emeritus for this 2011 term.
Monday, January 10, 2011
1. Few Days After...
... the controversial day of January 7, 1979, now in its 32nd anniversary. Second Birthday for many in the ruling Cambodian People Party (CPP), the day that begin the Vietnamese colonization for the people in the Opposition. All in all, it depends of were you stand. One thing is clear: that day is the end of the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot that rules Cambodia from April 17, 1975, after defeating the Army of the Khmer Republic, offspring of the March 18, 1970 constutional coup.
The controversy flare up after the Vietnamese tanks rolled in full forces into Cambodia in the Christmas Day of 1978. Many books were written on the subject, and many Cambodians more died in the aftermath. Now can it the time to reflect on the failures of the losers and the victory of the winners. The Paris Peace Agreement called for national reconciliation, it hard to achieve after many years of fighting. Another option, people select their own leaders through ballots box; it is called Democracy. But it is possible to have real and fake democracies. A French proverb says that: "La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure" or the reasoning of the stronger is always the strongest, but sometime it is not the case. So why not sharing power in a real democracy, two heads are better than one. Let the Opposition have equal rights and opportunities... "A government by consent not coercion" as true democrat used to say. Let's learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools, the words of Martin Luther King, Jr...
The controversy flare up after the Vietnamese tanks rolled in full forces into Cambodia in the Christmas Day of 1978. Many books were written on the subject, and many Cambodians more died in the aftermath. Now can it the time to reflect on the failures of the losers and the victory of the winners. The Paris Peace Agreement called for national reconciliation, it hard to achieve after many years of fighting. Another option, people select their own leaders through ballots box; it is called Democracy. But it is possible to have real and fake democracies. A French proverb says that: "La raison du plus fort est toujours la meilleure" or the reasoning of the stronger is always the strongest, but sometime it is not the case. So why not sharing power in a real democracy, two heads are better than one. Let the Opposition have equal rights and opportunities... "A government by consent not coercion" as true democrat used to say. Let's learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools, the words of Martin Luther King, Jr...
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