BPB's Open Salon Blog

Could H1N1 Swine Flu Virus Actually Be Biological Warfare Attack??

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:04:52 -0400

With news of a dangerous strain of the Swine Flu virus which has already killed 68 people and infected more than 1,000 causing widespread panic, one wonders if this is the result of regular Human illness or another Terrorist attack?

After two more cases of the virus thought to have been transmitted from Mexico, were recently confirmed in Kansas, samples of the H1N1 strain are now being tested by Center for Disease Control personnel.

The CDC is familiar with the H3N2 Swine Flu virus, but unfamiliar with the H1N1 Swine Flu virus strain currently circulating.

By definition the Swine Flu is a strain of the Human Flu virus mixed with Pig and Bird genes.

It can be treated with vaccines however for new strains such as H1N1, the development of an effective vaccine could possibly take months.

Cause for panic surrounding the outbreak is due to how quickly the flu is spreading. The epidemic is spreading so fast CDC officials have admitted its too late for U.S. Medical officials to control it.

The most vulnerable victims of H1N1 are young children and the elderly.

Mexican Government officials are cooperating with White House officials who at the moment are closely monitoring the spread, in efforts to help save lives.

To assist Mexican citizens officials have set up a Hotline, shut down all public events including Tourist attractions and closed schools.

In addition Mexican solders and Health Workers are passing out face masks.

Margaret Chan of the World Health Organization, states "the outbreak of the never-before-seen virus has “pandemic potential”, but she said it is still too early to tell if it would become a pandemic".

In 1918 a Spanish Flu strain spread killing more than 40 million people worldwide.

If this type of epidemic doesn't motivate Congress to please immediately begin reforming the American Health Care System, then what?

SYMPTOMS:

Fever, cough and sore throat, though some of the U.S. victims who recovered also experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

One has to wonder where did this unfamiliar strain originate from and how did it spread so rapidly? Could this latest Health Scare give rise for concern regarding another possible Terrorist attack in the form of Biological Warfare?

Let's hope not.

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Sources: MSNBC, Washington Post, Reuters, Huffington Post, Google Maps

Condi Rice Takes the Fall for Bush Administration Torture

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:04:20 -0400

Earlier this week as the White House and Congress agreed to release CIA documents regarding Torture techniques used in Iraq on Prisoners of War during the Bush Administration's reign, new revelations have surfaced which places a significant amount of the blame on former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

Senate documents some more than 126 pages long, reveal that in July 2002 Condi who was at the time our country's National Security Advisor, authorized CIA Intelligence officials and the U.S. Military to execute severe methods of Interrogation techniques for the purpose of obtaining information about Al-Qaeda Terrorist groups.

According to those Congressional documents, Condi gave the "OK" to former CIA Director George Tenent from former President George W. Bush for the use of Torture, not excluding "Waterboarding", during Interrogations. Such acts violated the Geneva Conventions Treaty which prohibits such use, even on Prisoners of War.

These latest reports are in contrast to what Dr. Rice stated during her testimony to Congressional members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

When previously questioned by Armed Services Committee members about her role in the execution of Torture techniques used by CIA Intelligence and U.S. Military personnel, Rice's explanation was that she only sat in on discussions regarding the use of Torture.

So it looks as if Condi is taking the fall for "Dubya" on this issue.

If Condi did in fact lie for former President Bush about such a critical issue the sixty billion question is why? Why would she risk ruining her excellent reputation to protect this man?

Inquiring minds would like to know.

In the meantime I wonder if he's going to step up and come to her defense.

Hmmmmm

Stay tuned.

Kieth Olbermann and MSNBC proved that Condi Rice lied when she said the Bush administration did all it could to stop Osama bin Laden's terrorist plots prior to 9/11.

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Sources: Telegraph.co.uk, Reuters, Daily Kos, Huffington Post, NY Times, Timesonline, MSNBC, Youtube, Google Maps

Forbes Ranks Charlotte 14th Most Dangerous U.S. City!....Charlotte's Black Community Needs To Do Better!

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:04:38 -0400

Just in from Forbes.com, Charlotte, NC ("Queen City of the Carolinas") has been ranked one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Number 14Th to be exact!

For anyone who dares to doubt this information, Forbes gathered the data for their reporting from the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations). The FBI provided Forbes with national crime statistics from the year 2008.

The metropolitan cities considered for this story all scored BIG on Crime in these four categories:

1) Murder/ Non-Negligent Manslaughter

2) Forcible Rape

3) Robbery

4) Aggravated Assault

Charlotte is listed as one of our nation's most dangerous cities?? OMG! How can this be?

Wait a minute!

Doesn't Charlotte have a New, Big City Police Chief now (former DC resident Chief Rodney Monroe)?

In fact wasn't he hired just last year?

So....what's the problem?

I don't wish to point fingers but....

Could it be that Charlotte's "chickens have come home to roost" as it relates to Gang Activity and Illegal Immigration?

Could it also be that since Charlotte's Black Community has failed to show proper guidance to their Youth, especially the Low-Income Youth now they are out of control?

(Didn't Mayor Pat McCrory (R) warn everyone this was going to happen?)

Instead of Charlotte's Black Community running to the Media with rumors of Mayor McCrory being a "Closet Racist", perhaps they should have been listening to him and coming up with a plan to help the Black & Hispanic Youth. (Denial is not a river in Egypt.)

Moving forward, what about the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Commissioners both controlled by the North Carolina's Corrupt Democratic Party?

Is it possible some of that corruption somehow trickled its way down to Queen Charlotte's resident namesake?

Oh well no use crying over spilled milk.

Here are a few suggestions regarding cleaning up this mess. Please take heed so that going forward no publication or website will have to ever publish such negative news about Charlotte, NC again.

A) Stop all the division and lay aside all egos! Both the Republicans and Democrats need to begin working together. This includes accepting each party's differences for the common good of the Charlotte community.

In order to get Charlotte off of the "FBI's Most Dangerous Cities list", its going to take a Bi-Partisan effort.

B) Create Jobs and offer more Job Training. Real JOBS! NOT just jobs paying $8.00 or $9.00 an hour. Who can make it in Charlotte on those wages?

Governor Bev Perdue's $2 Million dollar investment to Charlotte for Job Training, is a good start but there is NO way $2 Million dollars will be able to meet all the needs of city with a population of more than 1 Million citizens, hit so hard by the failing Banking Industry.

She is going to have to come up with more than $2 Million dollars to help put Charlotteans back to work.

C) The Black community's "Leaders" need to stop Bickering and Fighting over titles and positions.

Sidebar: While we're on the subject, why is it that before every major political election the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Political Caucus members tend to behave like immature children?

For all of their Academic and Professional Achievements, why can't the Caucus members demonstrate examples of Dignity, Poise, Respect, Leadership and Wisdom for Charlotte's Minority Youth?

I don't understand why you all just can't get along? What's up with all the "isms" and "schisms"? Your Well-Educated, Gainfully Employed, Semi-Wealthy, Residing in Nice Homes, etc., so what's the problem?

Why can't you all learn to respect one another's differences?

Can the newly appointed President of the organization Gloria Rembert, explain why the Black Political Caucus hasn't been more effective in helping to foster Equality, Fairness, Unity, Cultural Understanding, Positive Racial Relations, etc., between Charlotte's Black community and the rest of Charlotte's population? Inquiring local minds would like to know.

To the Caucus Leaders here's an idea to help resolve the situation, with only 150 Black Political Caucus members in a city with more than 1 million citizens perhaps the organization should just disband.

Charlotte doesn't have an NAACP Chapter anymore, so why do we still need a Black Political Caucus?

Especially when the Caucus members aren't doing anything but bickering, arguing over money, causing division and electing new "Leaders" every year anyway.

I mean come on, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Political Caucus doesn't even have a website. Your not even on Twitter for Heavens Sake. How embarrassing!

Yes I'm a proud registered Democrat but let's be honest shall we?

Neither the Republican Party or the G.O.P. is destroying Charlotte's Black Community. Charlotte's Black Leaders are!

Our Minority Children and Youth deserve better. Much better.

D) Both the City and County needs to partner with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public School District. In addition assist the district with helping the Parents, especially the Low-Income parents to become more involved in their child(ren)'s Education.

Several years ago while employed at one of Charlotte's Elementary schools as an Instructional Teacher Assistant, I recall Mayor Pat McCrory taking time from his busy schedule to come and read to a group of third grade students on Volunteer Day. That's an example of someone who cares.

I also recall Charlotte City Councilman John Lassiter working tirelessly on the CMS School board for 11 years, to ensure that Charlotte's Public School students both Black and White, would receive an Equal Education.

Since his departure along with former Chairman Aurthur Griffin, Charlotte's Public Schools have become Re-Segregated and are going downhill.

Why don't we as a community raise the Educational bar for Charlotte's students by geting rid of and Closing ALL the Failing Public and Charter Schools where 95 to 100% of the student population are Poor, Minority students?

Then work together on a New, Strategic Educational plan to Re-Integrate Charlotte's Public Schools?

This focus should be implemented immediately even it means electing a whole New School Board and hiring a New Superintendent.

Throwing kids in jail with Adults is NOT going to solve the problem or reduce crime.

We as a community MUST begin investing in the lives of our Children and Youth, regardless what side of the tracks they hail from. (Hint, Hint to the Charlotte Black Community)

E) To help reduce Recidivism or Repeat Offenders, instead of trying to create "Trumped Up Charges" against them or use Entrapment to send them off to Prison for life, why not partner with Charlotte Churches and Cities like D.C. with effective Ex-Offender programs, to get these folk job training, G.E.D.s, housing, medical care, HIV/ AIDS testing & treatment, Substance abuse treatment, Mental Health treatment, Birth Control/ Family Planning, enrolled in President Obama's Americorps Volunteer programs, etc.,

Wouldn't that be a lot less expensive then spending hundreds of millions of Taxpayer dollars to house them in Prison cells for say 20 to 50 years?? After all they are still Human Beings. Aren't they?

F) City and County officials need to ensure that ALL of Charlotte's neighborhoods are being treated equally. This includes Sidewalks, Public Safety, Cleanliness, Affordable Housing but NO large concentrations of Public Housing residents in one community, Good Schools, Good Mass Transportation, Recreation for Children and Youth, Economic Development, etc.,

For example in my community (a Multi-Cultural, working class neighborhood), the Charlotte Police Dept. often React instead of working the residents in that region to be Proactive.

We can barely get them to come out and Patrol "certain" communities.

The only time we really see them is when they are arresting someone or handing out Traffic Tickets. This appears to be commonplace within communities where the majority of the residents are Black and Hispanic.

In comparison.....

To communities where the majority of the residents are Caucasian, Wealthy, Semi-Wealthy or all three. In those neighborhoods the Police are often Friendly and they actually patrol the premises while interacting with the residents, versus pulling out a Taser gun or handcuffs to arrest a citizen.

I don't personally know Chief Rodney Monroe, thus it would be unfair to imply his department is behaving this way with his permission.

However since he is the Chief, he will bear the blame for the conduct of his Officers, both positive and negative.

G) As the city continues to grow offer more Uptown activities and allow the Businesses Uptown to remain open longer. At least until 5:00 am in the morning.

Tourists don't want to spend money or remain in a dead city.

I believe its called Urban Planning & Development.

H) Assign at least two Police Officers on the Lynx Light Rail daily and at least one Officer on Mass Transit buses (CATS) that service communities with a lot of Crime. Once again this should be done daily.

If Chief Monroe needs more Officers, than perhaps he should seek funding from President Obama's COPS program.

I) Continue to control the Illegal Immigration problem but do so without practicing Racial Profiling.

Reduce Gang Activity by deporting Illegal Gang members and reach out to Charlotte's Black and Hispanic Youth. Help get these kids into Colleges or Trade Schools instead of just wanting to throw them in jail.

In addition (as I mentioned above) help get them enrolled in President Obama's National Service program. Expand the Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs. Allow Zoning for more After School and Summer Camp programs.

To the Charlotte-Mecklenburg DSS officials STOP allowing and encouraging Charlotte's Teenage girls to have baby after baby, etc.,

And.....make those Deadbeat dads pay Child Support!

J) Develop a Charlotte Teen Entrepreneurial program. I'm serious!

You can't expect these kids to change with someone helping to give them a Hope and a Future, better than what they see everyday in their regular environments.

K) Last but not least, create more affordable housing and do something (MORE) about helping get Charlotte's Homeless citizens off the streets. This does NOT mean locking these people up or placing them in Mental Health Institutions unless they have committed a Real crime or are actually in need of Mental Health treatment. Just like Ex-Offenders, Homeless people are still Human Beings made in God's image.

Now let's get moving and create the CHANGE we wish to see!

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Sources: Forbes, Charlotte Observer, Newsobserver, Washington Post, Wikipedia, Acorreia.net, Charmeck.org, North Carolina Dept of Health and Human Services, Big Brothers and Sisters, votelassiter.com, WCNC, CMS

R.I.P. North Carolina Senator Vernon Malone

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:04:33 -0400

After a long successful career in Public Service, today NC Senator Vernon Malone (D) was laid to rest in Raleigh.

Senator Malone who was 77, died of natural causes at his home last Saturday.

Men like Malone, especially within the Political arena are difficult to find these days.

Hardworking, Loyal, Good Character, Caring, Intelligent, Bold, Conscientious, Family-oriented, God-Fearing, Kind, Full of Wisdom, Always had time for his Constituents including Children and Youth, an Educator, Pioneer, etc.,

I could elaborate more but I believe you understand where I'm going as I describe his life. It is safe to say that he practiced what he preached, led by example, wasn't self-serving and made it a habit of reaching back to help others.

His career in Politics began in 1972 on the Raleigh School Board, fighting for the Equal Rights of all Raleigh students.

Sidebar: Doesn't it appear as if all great Political Leaders have either previously worked with Children or previously started some type of effective program to help Children?

He worked diligently to peacefully transition the Wake County school system through its Integration phase.

In 2003, he joined the North Carolina Senate where he remained active until his death.

There aren't many Men in Politics of whom I give honor to, however Senator Vernon Malone was well deserving of it.

Senator Malone sir you will most definitely be missed.

Rest In Peace Faithful Soldier.

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Sources: North Carolina General Assembly, WRAL, Newsobserver, Google Maps

Mel Watt's Amended Predatory Lending Bill Rejected by Roy Cooper!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:04:40 -0400

Earlier this week North Carolina Congressmen Mel Watt (from Charlotte, NC) and Brad Miller both Democrats, teamed up to revive a Predatory Lending Bill they previously introduced to the U.S. House in 2007.

H.R. 3915, Legislation designed to punish Lenders who approve Home Loans for Unqualified Buyers and stable the Housing Market by preventing repeated Wall Street crashes caused by Toxic Home Loans or Foreclosures, was re-introduced to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee for further consideration.

While the old version of this bill focused more so on Sub prime Lending practices, the new version would also apply to Non-traditional, Fixed Rate Mortgages.

The bill's success or failure rate depends largely upon its text as it relates to whether or not it preempts legislation drafted by each state on Mortgage Regulation.

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) a frontrunner for U.S. Senator Richard Burr's (R) seat, wasted no time voicing his concerns by firmly rejecting the new version of Congressmen Watts and Miller's Predatory Lending bill.

Its been reported Cooper rejects certain text in the U.S. House's amended version that would preempt North Carolina's Predatory Lending statutes.

North Carolina's Predatory Lending Law established since 1999, is one of the most sound in the nation for Mortgage Regulation. The law thoroughly ensures that each prospective buyer can fully afford the homes being purchased.

Cooper's chief concern is that Watt and Miller's amended bill would pose a serious risk for Consumers, by offering them a lesser form of protection from Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending then North Carolina's law.

If you recall a couple of weeks ago I posted a story about Congressman Watt's recent trip to Cuba with fellow Congressional Black Caucus members. In that story I mentioned how it appeared as if he were using that trip to regain the trust of his North Carolina Constituency.

Perhaps I'm mistaken but somehow this latest turn of events also smells of another Political Public Relations gimmick for Watt.

In addition its no secret that lately he's come under fire for seemingly having dropped the bomb on the 12Th district by allowing the U.S. Supreme Court to rule against Gerrymandering, thus placing the future of his seat in jeopardy.

To gain Cooper's vote of confidence for Watt's Predatory Lending Bill, it looks as if he is going to have to either change some of the bill's language or just let it die.

As it relates to Watt rebuilding his NC Constituency base, that's probably not going to happen any time soon.

After more than a decade on Capitol Hill, stepping down to allow a younger candidate who's more in touch with North Carolina voters like NC Senator Malcolm Graham (D), might be difficult for Watt who obviously enjoys the Political limelight.

However since its apparent he has run out of steam, stepping down just may be Watt's best move for North Carolina yet.

Face it Mel you've had a good run but now its time to pass that baton to the next generation.

The million dollar question is will Congressman Watt go kicking and screaming like a toddler being denied cookies before meal time or with the conduct of a well-educated, respected gentleman?

Inquiring minds want to know.

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Sources: Washington Post, Under The Dome, Newsobserver, Huffington Post, Public Polling Policy, Roll Call, North Carolina General Assembly, NY Times, Scotsblog, Gov Track, House.gov, Hud.gov, Responsible Lending.org, Congressional Black Caucus, Flickr, Google Maps