Nato foils Somali pirates' attack
Pirates have intensified attacks on shipping in recent weeks
An attempted attack by Somali pirates on a Norwegian tanker was foiled by Nato warships and helicopters after an overnight pursuit in the Gulf of Aden.
Nato said a Canadian warship caught the pirates before releasing them after the gang attacked the MV Front Ardenne.
The alliance said the pirates had been released because they could not be prosecuted under Canadian law.
On Saturday, Dutch commandos serving with the Nato anti-piracy operation freed 20 pirate captives from Yemen.
In that incident, too, the raiders were released.
We were faster and surprisingly more manoeuvrable than the pirate skiff Michael McWhinnie, Canadian warship spokesmanSomali piracy: Global overview
American forces joined in Sunday's pursuit of pirates who used rocket-propelled grenades in an attack on the 80,000-tonne MV Front Ardenne.
Portuguese Lt Cdr Alexandre Santos Fernandes told AP news agency the raiders only stopped after repeated warning shots were fired.
He said the gang was interrogated and disarmed before being released.
A spokesman aboard the Canadian warship, the Winnipeg, Michael McWhinnie, said they had switched off all lights to hunt the fleeing pirates through the night.
"We blocked their path. We were faster and surprisingly more manoeuvrable than the pirate skiff," Mr McWhinnie told Reuters news agency.
Pirates have intensified attacks on shipping in recent weeks in one of the world's busiest sea lanes, despite patrols by the foreign navies.
In another incident on Saturday, Somali pirates seized a Belgian ship and its 10 crew, including seven Europeans.
Nato's success this weekend is the latest in a string of recent Western military operations against the pirates.
French and US troops have both taken action against pirates in recent days.
The French rescued three people from a captured yacht in an assault which saw one man killed.
Last week US troops killed three pirates and captured another as they rescued the American captain of a tanker from captivity.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently unveiled a plan to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean off Somalia.
Henry M
Dear Mr. President, my name is Aloysius, I was born in Indonesia. I always think highly of you because I see in you a true leader who dare to rise up and choose to serve people in difficult time. Too bad I have no right to vote. However I believe in your ability to make a real difference. I have faith in you to act on behalf of the entire nation. I pray for you, Mr. President and wish you all the best.
Mr. President, I think it is imperative for one nation to have a good leader. A leader who envisions and guides his people to the right track. A leader with vision and right motivation to lead. A leader who is honest and able to inspire people. Indonesia, the country I am living with, also desperately needs good clean governance and inspiring leader. From the moment Indonesia declared its independence until the very moment, I don't see any leader who has charisma and dedication as in Mr. Barack Obama. I wonder in what condition a true leader will arise among particular nation? What kind of governance is suitable for nation such as Indonesia where corruption and power abuse is pervasive within? The election is about to come up but many of us feel discouraged and skeptic about the ongoing result of the election. I even ponder not to use my right to vote. Here no one has the right mind to be a leader, they only think about themselves and their cronies. They give us empty promises without any strategic plan and program. They may appeal to uneducated people, which comprises as majority. That's why it crosses my mind, the maturity of one nation is crucial in order to produce leader. Thanks for your time Mr. President.
Best regards,
Aloysius
www.aloymu.com
The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
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Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice?
Listen to the Ed Meese Radio SpotFreedom of Speech Our 1st Amendme... I have just taken action to stop the attacks on our Free Speech Rights, and I'm asking that you join with me by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? + + Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? Will 2009 usher in a fanatical push to re-instate the so-called Fairness Doctrine? Such a move would effectively silence the conservative voice and remove the last conservative stronghold against a fast-moving liberal agenda. James & Lydia, One need only read the words of Dianne Feinstein to see the true threat to conservative speech that is brewing on the horizon!" Talk radio tends to be one-sided. It also tends to be dwelling in hyperbole. It's explosive. It pushes people to, I think, extreme views without a lot of information ... I'm looking at the [Fairness Doctrine]... Unfortunately, talk radio is overwhelmingly one way." Recognizing this threat, the Media Research Center has created the Free Speech Alliance which is a coalition of organizations and citizens strongly opposed to any such move to limit or undermine our Free Speech Rights! Please take a moment right now to join the hundreds of thousands of Americans who oppose the Fairness Doctrine and all that it stands for by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? Thanks for joining with me. Mr. & Mrs. James & Lydia Everitt P.S. If the liberal voice in America has their way, the Fairness Doctrine will end conservative talk--including Rush, Sean, Laura, Mark, and a host of others. Take action today by clicking here: Will The Fairness Doctrine Silence The Conservative Voice? Hey, President-Elect Obama is hard at work getting this country back on track, but he’s counting on all of us to get involved.I just signed up to learn more about the presidential transition, and I thought you might want to do the same. Just visit Presidential Transition, and enter your e-mail address in the top right corner. Thanks. 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. Amendment I, The Bill of Rights Freedom of Speech - Our 1st Amendment - Our Sacred Right! Posted by Better Home Business at 9:04 AM 0 comments Links to this post Labels: biden, blueprint, Bush, commercial, Congress, economy, Election, energy, gotcha, grassroots, independence, kennedy, McCain, News, Obama, outreach, palin, pickensplan, political, senate
..... Contact: http://Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
WHO IS THAT GUY BARACK OBAMA? HE IS US.We have made historic headway by together pointing our nation in the right directions. After decades, we have America focused on the issues of fundamental importance. Now, each of us acting in concert can together move our country to lead the world to the fruitfulness of moral goodness. I have no doubts about my abilities and the abilities of fellow Americans to work smart and hard to achieve these goals.Barack Obama has the visions, leadership, and integrity for us to correct and redirect our country to once again lead the world for the fruitions of good. Let's closely listen, learn, and move forward based on that which we know deep inside is good and which we can validate with our hearts. I hope that those who had but a few reasons to support Obama, look further into the other issues more deeply. I found the more I explored, studied, and listened to Obama the more I found us in agreement. The couple of issues that I did not have depth of knowledge of, quickly became obvious in need. This was unusual for me since I have always refused to be any kind of a follower, and still am not. I find Obama to be a deep thinker who is articulate and inspirational; and, of most fundamental importance, Obama makes excellent moral sense.Hopefully, our country has learned lessons from the past of mistakenly following leadership blindly, as was done with Nixon and Bush. There are leaders who are simply in it for themselves and will cater to individuals or groups in order to grab for their own benefit. Corrupt and bad leaders hide at all levels. This is especially true in city government as well as county and state government. The corrupt deals of politicians need to be exposed, and those responsible need to be weeded out in the coming local elections. Others need to be investigated by law enforcement and be prosecuted for illegal dealings; for deals they often make for their hidden personal agendas. Let’s look at the bad experiences of the past as bitter medicines, let’s eliminate the need for such bad medicine in the future. Let us use what we know is good to go forward.I believe we have chosen wisely, not by greed and not by misguided retaliatory anger. I believe this time our country has chosen with open eyes, with each of us listening and examining our choice of leadership closely, driven and validated by our hearts.I hope we can continue to make our efforts even more inclusive (in many more ways than I touch on here). Far right republicans will be stubborn to change, but we will need to include them to change if we are to succeed. Sure a few more will leave our country, but that is not the American way. No, we really don't need their false fronts of power, money, insider knowledge, or other trappings that they have taught many to 'respect?'. Let's recruit as many as we can, that's the American way, evolving and changing together as one nation. Try to be understanding as we move forward; by better understanding each as individuals and people with various desires and needs we will find ways to reach out with friendship and have them join our causes of good.Be on the lookout, and root out bad leadership in government and business. Do not be intimidated by those who use the false fronts of power and give a false sense of security in order to lead. Be extra leery of those who say or imply ‘Trust me’; those who give a sense that they somehow omnipotently know better. No longer will Americans be dazzled by phony displays of brilliance or baffled by baloney. There are government aristocrats and business leaders who still believe in the old adage of: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle em with bullshit”. We can embrace complexity by demanding true, fundamental, and understandable explanations. We can root out falsehoods by not accepting double speak. We as Americans know how to grow ourselves by first believing in ourselves. Don’t be a follower. Don’t be a follower of followers.However, when we find leaders who are good; a leader that thinks, speaks, and acts from their heart; one that is honest, has integrity, and leads by sincere examples; then we need to in a big way, join them, support them, and promote their causes of good. From much research, investigation, and scrutiny, I believe Barack Obama is such a person. I hope we search for and find many more who are similar, who we can add to service at all levels of government. We need to add/replace leaders in business with ones that have honesty, integrity, and show quality in leadership. We need more people in leadership roles who are moral, like Barack Obama.Remember, we are not fighting a battle, we are the artisans and sculptors of the future for ourselves and generations to come. Rarely do societies have opportunities to make such dramatic moves forward as we now have in this opportunity of today. Take pride and practice in being inclusive as we stride forward. In moving forward, create opportunity not only for yourself, but also for all. Hope is a wonderful thing to behold; but without opportunity, hope can become but a dream never achievable. We can, will, and must, create opportunity.In the coming year I hope that we do not lose our spiritedness, but instead continue to build and make headway. I hope we all continue our campaign for change in government and business. We will succeed in moving forward once again, it will take much effort and good oversight on the part of each of us. We will make great strides in the months and years ahead in order to achieve the fruitions of good. Let's keep our enthusiasm progressing through these coming toughest of times. Let us use the light of goodness and love to motivate us with historic momentum.I have chosen Barack Obama because he best represents my deepest beliefs in America. Please take time to read the issues that Barack Obama has published on this website. Also, give your attention to see how he leads us to move our nation forward in the time ahead. Most importantly, be part of America's great future, participate in the greatness that together we will make. Participate!We will each and all flourish, if we think, speak, and act, by using the love in our hearts.
Your reply is welcome. Contact: Alex.Karoub@gmail.com
For years I've been wondering what if ...
What if we had the means to carry on the legacy of John F Kennedy?
What if we had a President who cared passionately about the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
What if we had a President who recognized, as Kennedy did, that we must never negotiate out of fear, but should never fear to negotiate?
What if we had a President who led not with fear and surrounded by secrecy, but with trust and the belief that our finest hour is still ahead of us?
What if we had a leader who counted everyone his equal but no man his superior?
What if we had someone to complete that journey Martin Luther King began so nobly, who could make the barriers of color crumble?
What if ... we had a man like Barack Obama to lead us?
Have you ever considered running for Presidency of the USA. Do you realize how much investigating will be carried out? Your family too will be scrutinized. But the tickler of it all is your associates, no matter how close or distant the bonds are between you and them. The truth of it all is that we all have something in our past that may look questionable under such careful scrutiny. When we look at the two Candidates this closely, test results are very clear to me. Barack Obama’s although he has some bumps along the way had always made decision that showed his integrity. He was never hot off the cuff and running to out fires not yet started.
Tried Tested And True
There is much ado about who can
Really be the peoples’ best man
Intelligent and with diverse prowess
Experienced to facilitate certain success
Deliberately choosing to be fully tested
Tossing privacy aside for your life to be vetted
Encouraging the public to see who you are
Showing them you microscopically and not from afar
There is no Presidential Candidate in history
Equaled to Obama under such scrutiny
Dear friends the darkest sides of his past
Are associations with men whose affiliations didn’t last
None of them influenced Obama to be less than he became
Didn’t cause him to live a life of shame
There has been grilling, mud slinging and the a broken economy
Reactions have remained Presidential and cool with integrity
Unmatched by others, so there is one thing left to do
Elect Barack Obama, the Candidate Tried, Tested and True
John McCain brags that he makes quick decisions. His solutions to problems are simple and direct: "drill, drill, drill,” fire the chair of the SEC, set up a $300 million dollar prize for a better car battery, cut taxes. When you are a naval aviator on a bombing campaign, with a defined target, speedy thinking and simple answers are to be prized.
The job of being president of the United States is something else. These are complex times: economic turmoil, global terrorism, climate change. The president must have the skills, talents, and personality of a true leader. McCain may have had tactical reasons to suspend his campaign during the budget crisis, but he seemed oblivious to the fact that the president must be prepared to multitask.
Barack Obama has demonstrated that he has the wisdom to consider all aspects of a problem, to look back and forward in time to know how and why a situation developed, to consider both immediate and long-term solutions, and to consult with others. For example, he appreciates the American people's concern about gas prices and the rising costs of home heating. His energy plan includes immediate help for the consumer as well as the long-range development of alternative sources of energy, higher standards for cars, and negotiating with newly developed nations on carbon emissions. His energy plans address security, jobs, the environment, and costs.
Barack Obama has spoken about the dangers of deregulation in the finance industry. He knew we were heading toward a financial crisis, and was aware people were in danger of losing their homes as well as savings. These economic problems will not be resolved before the next president is sworn in. Barack Obama—supported by leading economists and by a notable collection of investors, veterans of previous administrations, and ordinary people—is the leader we want.
He's a smart man. Steady, even-keeled, thoughtful, and prepared. He does his research, he thinks ahead, he knows his challenges, and he takes them on.
No erratic behavior. No grandstanding. No big talk, little action. No jaded personality. No dishonesty.
What I truly miss most from the eight long, painful years of George W. Bush, aside from the prosperity our country enjoyed in the Clinton era, is having a leader who has, and shows, their intelligence. A leader who is their own person and doesn't perpetually act like an aggrieved second grader. A leader who isn't afraid to run in the tall grass with the big boys and girls. A leader who can pronounce NUCLEAR properly. A leader who doesn't pander but stands up and speaks their own mind. A leader who can do all these things AT THE READY, without a team of advisors orchestrating their every move and every word.
To me, that leader is Barack Obama. And that is why I will be voting for Barack Obama on November 4th.
As an ardent supporter to Barack Obama I take full privilege to express my opinion.
First, the contest for the economic stability in this country is squarely dependent upon to the checks and balances of a two-party political system designed to counter each other sufficiently to put my needs [the taxpayers] front and center. That seems to be working as of today.
Second, where is the leader of the Democrat party? Who is that? Oh yeah, Obama. Why can I not recognize that? President Obama it's time....if you were waiting for November 4th that would be a mistake. Either you are or you are not the President of the US. The November election must simply be a validation of the same. LEAD! We need to feel the calm and control you provide when you speak. You are the only one who can fill the chasm of leadership we currently have. With your intelligence and advisors, great leadership on this issue will win you all the independents and republicans on the fence.
Third, President Obama, take 20 minutes to explain this issue to the public, it's cause, the current plans, the current proposal, etc. As the MSM reports, suspend the campaign [like during a vacation], go to capital hill and be the hero of this economic crisis. Does your current action display how you will govern? Remember that little fact....
Fourth, McCain is weak on many fronts - media access, Palin lies, troopergate, campaign lobbyists, and more. These all directly speak to the Senator's judgment. Dig-in, it's a smorgasbord.I guess I'm disappointed in your playing-it-too-safe-approach. I have worked too hard for this campaign to watch a made-for-Obama moment to slip by.We believe in this change, how about it President Obama?
Fifth, can the economic bailout be a phased approach? Can we not do something now and more later? This is the sensible approach $500 billion now with $200 billion available with each successive round. Nobody should trust Bush.
KC
A few months ago, I attended a luncheon with several of the most influential leaders of the Hawaii community. These leaders discussed the chracteristics, the personalities, and the actions of a good leader. Open-mindedness, time management skills, sincerity, trusthworthy, and enthusiasm ranked among the top. They further noted how numerous members of the Hawaii community possessed these skills. Unfortunately, the community lacks the most important skill. Voice.
I am a high school student in Honolulu, and am currently taking an Advance Placement class on the History of the United States. One of the class's major projects this year is to volunteer at a political campaign, and write a reflection on the experience: feelings, thoughts. Basically, the good and the bad stuffs.
I was very excited about the project. But, as I started to search for Barack Obama campaign events that provide volunteer opportunities, I was quite dismayed at how uninvolved the community is. I searched, and searched, and searched, and searched, and nothing. I found nothing.
When I came across this website, I thought I finally found hope-- awesome webpage design, teen-friendly interface, social networking-- what else can you ask for? But, as I search for events that are going on at my community (96818, 50 miles radius), the curtains were once again shut as the search only came up with 12 results.
What is going on Hawaii? Sen. Barack Obama is from our land! He is a member of our community, our ohana! We should be the one in front of the battle lines, campaigning, fundraising, painting our bodies with blue and red like the crazy football fans (only if necessary--sounds fun though). But instead, we do nothing!
I write this blog not just to vent out, but to raise the Hawaii awareness of how UNAWARE we are. How UNINVOLVED we are. How we LACK, and NEED VOICE.
It's not too late. We have each other, and Sen. Barack Obama on our side.
Let's go Hawaii, Let's go OBAMA!
I lost my electicity for a little over a day this week - a minor inconvenience compared to the catastrophic damage that was done in Texas and Louisiana by Gustav and Ike, but it gave me some time to think. I thought about what would happen if our financial system unraveled;I thought about what would happen if the American economy unraveled; what would happen if our social security system unraveled; what would happen if our roads, power grid, transportation system and communications systems unraveled and came crashing down like a house of cards. Then I couldn't think about it any more.
We are in a period of change. Whether we want it or not, things are changing. What I CAN think about is who I want leading that change. Do I want someone willing to entertain new ideas, willing to bring fresh, young, idealistic people to Washington, willing to surround himself with people who have different ideas, are willing to challenge him and the status quo? Yes, that's the type of person I want. I don't want someone born in the 1930's who doesn't know how to send an email, doesn't understand the complexities of wall street, and isn't willing to listen to young people. I don't want someone who already has his mind made up in advance about everything.
I want someone willing to consider options and listen to and come up with alternatives, so the BEST solutions are chosen not the solutions that will satisfy his political cronies. I want a leader who inspires trust, confidence and hope. What do you want?
What are you willing to do to get what you want? Are you willing to get involved? Are you willing to let your voice be heard? Talk with your friends and co-workers even if they disagree with you. Your voice and opinions are important and the stakes are too high in this election to keep them to yourself. Give money if you can, time if you can, and if you can't give those send an email, forward an email, write a letter to the editor, take whatever action you can.
Your actions today do make a difference!
Here's another link you might want to read. (you have to click on Salon to get to the article)
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/09/15/bess/index.html
Barack Obama, you changed the tone of the campaign this week. You brought it back to politics and policy. With all of the right policies, you should be winning in the polls.
Again, I say it: Barack, take the highest of high roads. Right now, be the change you want to see.
You want a campaign free of smears? Praise your opponents.
You want a campaign based on truth? Tell us the truth about you. Your plans. Bring it back to you.
Barach Obama, you inspired a nation during the Democratic convention. You inspired us to believe for so many months. We learned all we could about you. We had the audacity to hope.
Then McCain pulled a rabbit out of his hat and inspired his own base.
You have no more rabbits. We all know your message.
All you can bring us is you.
Inspire us again. Speak only kindness. Focus on helping in Texas, even before the financial markets. Go to Texas. Fix things! Be the hope you talk about! Be the change you promise! Start your presidency of hope and kindness and fairness today. Lead us now! Inspire us again. We need you.
Please stop the lie counter. It's not the example of grown adults. I want for my grandchildren. It's not Presidential.
If a Republican statement can be shown as untrue, back it up with FACTS!!! Do not go around telling us how many times someone has misstated that Fact. I believe we all can see how the McCain campaign is using the truth to fit their needs and not the needs of "We the People of the United States". Calling someone a liar is just as Negative as the misstatement that person is making.
Will the Obama Campaign get back on point!! It's the future of our country that is at stake here. It's not what political party that beliefs they have the solution for our future. It's about which leader will have the Vision to bring ALL Americans together and get us to put aside our petty differences and overcome the stupidity of our elected officials, who have tried to borrow our way to a future happiness.
Remember what the Preamble to the United States Constitution says:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,[1] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
I got more than a little frustrated with the mainstream media giving the McCain campaign free air time for its commercials, meaning McThug would air the commercial on the web and the media would give free ad time by discussing it. So, I decided to create a few of my own commercials to counter the McCain campaign, but I need your help.
Here are links to the individual commercials. There will be more to come.
Your help to spread the word is vital and its truly appreciated.
CheersCrystal
Hii All
I am in high spirits to share with you this portion of information especially for young people who’s their future is being defined by this campaign. Take politics aside and first ask yourself this question; who will make this world better place in the next 8 years and why? The answer is clear like this: Barack Obama is the kind of President the world need now because the best approach needed is in him; Facing real enemies with the well planned diplomacy can yield a best result to both America and the world in many ways. In order to know a person better, you need to sit down with him and talk and this is the best way to know how dangerous your enemy is, and this is what Obama will do. Obama will turn American adversaries to American friends and allies. Proof me wrong fours year after he is elected president.
And this why I judge Obama is a true leader for America
1. For America and the world, Obama will be the right example in bridging the racial differences across America and the world. I am not an America but what I know is that, when Marine goes to war they bled as American but not as people of any color. Young people need to move beyond this notion and to support Obama as symbol of generational change, unity, courage and devotion to the future of America as nation and the world that need solidarity at this stage.
2. I believe Obama is a true hero because bringing poor people from the South Side of Chicago to know what they are doing is a clear vision every America and other concern world citizen should take to support the needy. Because America is the most generous nation in the world, it should show that caring for the poor is a priority and this is what symbolizes the generous America. Obama had shown that very clear in the South Side of Chicago.
3. Being Civil Right lawyer is another big example people should know about him as a true hero who helped people to face a true justice in the free country. Obama stood up for the people who were not able to represent themselves in the court of law and won many cases, these are the characteristics of a true leader who care for his nation and recognize people first.
4. Political Ads may play a big hand to give the wrong information but for me as foreigner, who lives thousand miles out of US, I do consider the legitimacy of your support and other young people across America and the world as not for rhetoric as critics predicts but for what he had done so far.
5. As young person, I need a peaceful world and the world we will consider ourselves as brothers and sisters bearing the God image. To love ourselves and our nations and believe again that this world is going to a right direction.
May God almighty keep all those volunteers in this campaign safe? May all young people helping since the beginning of this campaign last 19 months ago be well as November approaches? I have always visiting this website everyday and watched TV everyday just to offer my support as I will not vote but have a chance to tell you what is better.
You have done but come out in big numbers and knock doors to inform the undecided voters tell your friends and wish all of you good lack
Make the history happen Obama-Biden 2008
God bless you all
Given his temperament, track record, and life-long commitment to public service, the American people can trust that if elected President Barack Obama will run the Executive Office effectively, with the common good foremost in his mind. He will also use the “bully pulpit” of the Presidency to rally ordinary people to counter the power of the special interests and their lobbyists. He will continue to inspire us to care for each other and work together to improve ourselves and the larger community.
We know this because of how he has run his campaign.
