Abortion clouds Obama event at Notre Dame

A student and an activist express views near the campus of Notre Dame University on May 16, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. Pro-life activists from around the country have been gathering in South Bend to protest the university's decision to invite US President Barack Obama, who supports abortion rights, to deliver the commencement address tomorrow and to award him an honorary degree.

17 May 2009

Washington-President Barack Obama speaks at America's foremost Roman Catholic University on Sunday, where deep divisions over abortion and stem-cell research have rammed to the forefront in a country fighting two wars and battling a withering economic recession.

A storm broke out immediately after Notre Dame invited Obama to address commencement exercises and he accepted. It still rages, with anti-abortion activists promising to disrupt the new president's appearance at the ceremony, where he also is to receive an honorary degree.

Obama, a liberal Democrat who supports abortion rights but who says the procedure should be rare, finds himself caught in the so-called "right to life" whirlwind that has riven U.S. society for decades, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 1973 Roe v. Wade case that states may not ban abortion. Recriminations against Obama's appearance in South Bend, Indiana, are zinging across the Internet, on cable television and the editorial space of newspapers. A debate that is electric and fundamental to American political and moral tenets. The Catholic church and many other Christian denominations hold that abortion or the use of embryos for stem cell research amounts to the destruction of human life, is morally wrong and should be banned by law.

The contrary argument holds that women have the right to terminate any pregnancy and that unused embryos created outside the womb for couples who cannot otherwise conceive should be available for stem cell research, which holds the promise of finding treatments for some of mankind's most debilitating ailments. Within weeks of taking office, Obama eased a Bush administration executive order that limited such research to a small number of stem-cell strains that existed when the former president issued the directive.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama in his commencement speech "obviously would make mention of the debate that's been had" over abortion, while emphasizing that "this is exactly the kind of give and take that is had on college campus all over the country."

Obama's appearance at Notre Dame would appear to be complicated significantly by new polls that show Americans' attitudes on the explosive issue have shifted dramatically toward the anti-abortion position.

A Gallup survey released on Friday found that 51 percent of Americans call themselves "pro-life" on the issue of abortion and 42 percent "pro-choice." This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as "pro-life" since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.

It's a dramatic shift from just a year ago when Gallup found that 50 percent of those polled termed themselves "pro-choice" while 44 percent described their beliefs as "pro-life."

A Pew Research Center survey found a similar, if less dramatic, shift, with public opinion about abortion more closely divided than it has been in several years.

Pew said its latest polling found that 46 percent of Americans say abortion should be legal in most (28 percent) or all cases (18 percent). Forty-four percent of those surveyed were opposed to abortion in most (28 percent) or all cases (16 percent). Gallup said shifting opinions on the divisive issue lay almost entirely with Republicans or independents who lean Republican, with opposition among those groups rising over the past year from 60 percent to 70 percent. "There has been essentially no change in the views of Democrats and Democratic leaners," the Gallup organization said.

The abortion issue, meanwhile, also is front and center as Obama vets potential nominees to fill the vacancy left by the retirement this summer of Justice David Souter. Abortion opponents are determined to see Roe v. Wade overturned, but only four court justices out of nine have backed that position. Souter has opposed arguments for overturning the key ruling.

The Rev. John Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, has not joined the fiery debate that erupted after Obama's invitation, but it has produced extraordinary blow back among some students, faculty, alumni and at least 70 Catholic bishops. A leading Catholic scholar, citing the Obama invitation and honorary degree, declined the school's most prestigious award, making this year's commencement the first time that the Laetare Medal hasn't been awarded since 1883. "It is clear that Notre Dame didn't understand what it means to be Catholic when they issued this invitation," Cardinal Francis George of Chicago said shortly after the university announced Obama's appearance.

Friends and colleagues say Jenkins has listened to the criticism but is confident in his decision. "He respects people who differ, but he's resolute in his decision because he did it based on conscience and what he really believes in," said Richard Notebaert, chairman of Notre Dame's board of trustees.

Notebaert said Jenkins, who is in the fourth year of a five-year term, has the "full support" of the trustees. That hasn't soothed critics, who question whether Notre Dame has lost touch with its Catholic roots. Calls for Jenkins' ouster have grown louder amid protests by abortion opponents, who have flown pictures of aborted fetuses over campus and paraded dolls smeared in fake blood outside a recent trustees' meeting. Dozens of anti-abortion activists have been arrested, and more arrests are likely as protesters converge on the campus for commencement weekend.

A Notre Dame graduate walks past protestors near the campus of Notre Dame University on 16 May 2009; in South Bend, Indiana.

Update:

Obama: "Stop Killing Our Children"

An anti-abortion protestor shouts slogans, interrupting US President Barack Obama as he speaks during the commencement ceremony in the Joyce Center of Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana; on 17 May 2008.

Ahead of Obama's address, at least 27 people were arrested on trespassing charges. They included Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff identified as "Roe" in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. She now opposes abortion and joined more than 300 anti-abortion demonstrators at the school's front gate.

More than half held signs, some declaring "Shame on Notre Dame" and "Stop Abortion Now" to express their anger over Notre Dame's invitation to Obama.

Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, "Stop killing our children."

Mazel Tov Peres for Receiving Honorary Doctorate From King's College

Mazel Tov and much happiness is in order for Peres: (PICTURED) London's Lord Mayor Alderman Ian Luder (2nd R) poses with Jewish President Shimon Peres (2nd L) as Peres receives an honorary doctorate from King's College, on 18 November 2008; in the city of London, England.
Jewish President Shimon Peres speaks at the Sheldonian Theatre of Balliol College, Oxford University's largest college, on 18 November 2008; in Oxford, England. The 1994 Nobel Peace Prize winner is in on three-day state visit in which he will be knighted and received an honorary degree from Kings College.

Jewish Children Learning and Having Fun

Jewish Palestinian children play on an old checkpoint gate near a Muslim Palestinian home, unseen was a Muslim Palestinian woman next to these children in the city of Hebron; on 3 November 2008.
Only thing I was a little concerned, is one of the children falling off the gate, getting hurt and having to make that trip to emergency. Just I do not wish anyone to get hurt in an accident.-HRM Deborah

While other Jewish Palestinian children are diligently studying the Torah nearby in the neighborhood.

Students Enjoying Universities First Day

Students enjoy the first day of classes at the Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus, on 2 November 2008.

Muslim Palestinians Introduce Music Appreciation to Children

Palestinian girl attends a music class at the Gaza Music School Project in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Gaza City, on 27 October 2008.

The school, the only one of its kind and was opened with funding from the Al-Qattan Foundation and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music.

The students are to be taught the fundamentals of the oud, guitar, violin, keyboard/piano, and kanoun.

Only five students per instrument are accepted into the program.

It was explained to me that this concept came about because I was required to study music appreciation in a school when I was about twelve or thirteen, which I will admit was beneficial for me.

While I was in the state of Oregon at the time and my music teacher who was an excellent teacher on this subject and took a special interest in me because I wanted to learn especially in the reading of music, which after this much time is probably poor; but nevertheless he was from Albany, New York.

I have never forgotten him because he was such a good teacher to all the students and they thoroughly enjoyed taking his class, as to my memory; he only came for a time to teach this particular class on music.

Something I did almost forget is for a time, I played the flute when I was about ten or eleven years-old; with a different school teacher who was before the one above, which she thought I was very good. But nevertheless, like so many things, it was only for a short time.

As even a younger child, I had a very good ear when it came to understanding about the playing of musical instruments; which was a bit interesting even for me.

I could here a piece of music played on the instrument of some type and then could play the piece of music on the same or similar instrument flawlessly, I was told; which was one of those thing’s I never could understand, how I could do this.

Guess it is just a gift, that I am not sure if I still have.

To what I understand of Edward Said, he was like so many people for a time in Palestine that was like a rabbit following the carrot when it came to the truth about the war and what is sad, he never lived long enough like the majority of us from Palestine to learn the truth.

To my understanding Said, was actually a good man in many area’s; which I will admit, I am not an expert on the man‘s life as a whole.-HRM Deborah

Is it an Apple or an Orange Ideology?

by HRM Deborah

What is being found to be most interesting as far a some within the global community is concerned, is the equating of those in the West particularly the United States, as Zionist and this comes not in the term usually equated with this word either.

While Zionism in what would be considered its usual meaning, is becoming the past; it is becoming considered more as a miswrote word towards Nazism or fascism and the atrocities of World Word 2 and not directed at the Jewish people at all.

For what some people may not understand, is the original ideology of Zionism was by a man that was previously Jewish, that converted to Christianity, to what became more profound, Anti-Semantic; with the forgone conclusion to destroy his own people in every manner possible, even going finally to the two countries he thought would destroy the Jewish or all Semantic people as it turned out and with out insult to anyone, the man was Theodore Herzl.

The two countries that became the countries of choice, Germany and the United States; to carry out this master plan, as for the United States, there past historical ideology; it is thought came into play here.

So to term any ideology, even myself, one should be sure that they understand meaning or if; it is an apple or an orange.

Furthermore as to something I learned yesterday that was a bit of a hair raising experience for a time with a lot of wits, that reformulated a better understanding of Activism, becoming more towards a person or people that are committing Anti-Semitic heinous acts more equated to terrorism towards anyone Semitic in origin with there association to the Canaanites; especially in its association to Palestine and if a person is Semitic be very cautious of these types of people.

This too, can be considered another type of apple and orange ideology towards calling oneself and activist for Palestine, when in actuality they are Canaanite associates in terrorism.

Draped in Prayer

Jewish men draped in prayer Tallit's (shawls), take part in the Blessing of the Priests ceremony or 'Birkat Cohanim,' at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, on 16 October 2008; during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot ( the Feast of the Tabernacles).

Jewish men draped in prayer Tallit's (shawls).

A father covers the head of his son in a prayer Tallit's (shawls).

Orthodox Jewish men cover their heads with prayer Tallit's (shawls).

One may see Jewish Tallit's (shawls) in various sizes and colors, but each one according to Jewish Law; but something about seeing them from time to time since I was a child, has always given me a sense of amazed admiration to the point I shyly say of staring and the interesting part, I have never fully understood why; unless like so many things as in Islam, it is like seeing Allah (G-d) in the world. Which makes one’s heart leap, just thinking about it.

As in further thinking, in the several places I had to go or were forced to go in my life thus far, that there are some buildings that are supposed to be dedicated to God and I have found sometimes, you can feel Him present and in other’s it is very cold; because He is not there. I have found in my life, this is one of those tests or gaining of knowledge that a person should learn or experience, to understand about Allah (G-d) within truth‘s about Him.- HRM Deborah

World’s Longest Golf Cart Mobile Children’s Library

The CEO of HSBC Asia Pacific drives the world’s longest golf cart, which the international bank has converted into a mobile children’s library for China's earthquake-hit province of Sichuan, 0n 14 October 2008.

This idea especially to hopefully put a book into a child’s hand, is very innovative and clever; it appears it would also be environmentally friendly.

Anyone that has been through some sort of devastation especially a natural disaster like what happened in China, knows showing honest kindness to another is appreciated more times then the giver may know on any given situation.

I know very well having been through three Hurricanes, myself.

Just a Moment in Time

A group of observant Jews stand in front of the New York Stock Exchange, on 10 October 2008; in New York City.

In my opinion, this is one of those types of photograph’s that should be remembered and seen many time’s within the future, on what happened on this particular day; for this reminds me of some similar that people have came to know an admired for there quality and historical value.

On a bit of a different subject, it is interesting to me these days, in listening to what people have to say and how one learns a variety of new words. Words alone have always been fascinating to me for their value.

It makes me further think, of how a person sometimes does something very nice for another and not realize they have done so.

Muslim Palestinian Students Start Academic Year

Muslim Palestinian students listen to their teacher at a secondary school in the village of Tuqu’a, near Bethlehem, on the first day of the Palestinian academic year, on 24 August 2008.

According to the UNICEF, 80 per cent of school age Muslim children in Palestine attend school.

As to the Queen of Palestine’s idea, it should be 100 per cent attendance of school age children; within the country.

For education makes better citizens and creates a better outlook on life and gives better professional opportunities for a students future.
One thing about knowledge, it is something that one carries there whole life, especially knowledge, which makes good people; for this turns into wisdom.

Also something about knowledge, it is not just learned in a classroom or at home, but in one’s daily life experiences; for often times, this is when Allah teaches or gives sometimes the hard tests.

These tests by Allah can be greeted with happiness, hardships or tears; but this is just apart of life.- HRM Deborah

Fake-degree mill in US leads to Saudi inquest

CHEAT SHEET: The US-based Spokesman-Review newspaper posted the list of those who had purchased fake degrees. It includes at least 70 Saudis or persons who list their country of residence as Saudi Arabia.

21 August 2008

by Fatima Sidiya

JEDDAH: A long list of people who had purchased or attempted to purchase fake university diplomas in the United States has spurred the Saudi education authorities to launch an investigation into the issue of Saudis and expatriates who may be working in the Kingdom on counterfeit certificates.

However, Shoura Council member Abdullah Al-Tuwairqi called the reaction to the list “disappointing,” and expressed concern that education officials would have a death-by-committee mentality in addressing the issue.

The Spokesman-Review newspaper in Washington state recently obtained and posted online a list of nearly 10,000 names of people who had spent $7.3 million on purchasing or attempting to purchase fake diplomas from an illegal operation. The US Department of Justice shut down the illegal enterprise and compiled a list of its clients. The list was then leaked to the newspaper, which posted it online at: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/data/diploma-mill/.

The list contains at least 70 Saudis, or persons who listed their country of residence as Saudi Arabia. For example, one of the names on the list is a Saudi woman who bought degrees in obstetrics and gynecology. The newspaper reported that US federal investigators do not know if the woman is currently working as a medical doctor in the Kingdom.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Muhammad Al-Ouhali told Al-Watan newspaper that the ministry would investigate people on the list who may be working in Saudi Arabia on fake documents. He said that if the US Department of Justice’s list were accurate then Saudi education officials would take necessary action.

Al-Tuwairqi lambasted newspapers for publishing advertisements from institutes promising college diplomas without background checks. He blames both the government and the media for promoting these illegitimate operations that churn out unqualified degree holders who then “unfairly” compete with people who worked hard for their academic achievements at real universities.

Abdullah Al-Qahtani, head of the Certificates Accreditation Department at the Ministry of Higher Education, told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that his department had won an approval from higher authorities to form an investigative committee. The committee would include members from the Ministry of Higher Education, the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Labor and would also receive assistance from the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology.

“The Ministry of Higher Education expresses its worries regarding the increasing number of agencies that lure students into nonexisting universities and obtaining unaccredited certificates,” said Al-Qahtani, referring to the issue of local unaccredited institutions and degree mills.

Al-Qahtani also said the Ministry of Higher Education is now consulting the Ministry of Culture and Information to put a stop to the publication of advertisements from unaccredited institutions offering sketchy diplomas. He also called on newspapers and magazines to cooperate with the Ministry of Culture and Information to ensure the accuracy of information provided by universities that want to advertise their services.

According to Al-Watan, there are roughly 18 branches of unauthorized universities, with over 5,000 students in the Kingdom. Last year, 70 staff members at different girls’ colleges around the Kingdom were fired for having fake diplomas.

Children Reading Material is it good for them?

A Palestinian youth holds an Arabic translation of a Harry Potter book at a bookstore in east Jerusalem, on 11 August 2008. Harry Potter and Pinocchio are apparently not welcome in the Jewish sector, at least in their Arabic translations imported from Syria and Lebanon. Arab publisher Salah Abassi told Jewish public radio that authorities ordered him to stop importing certain Arabic-language children's books.

by HRM Deborah

I happened to have made a comment not long ago on my feelings about the Harry Potter books and the fact that I do not approve of these books. As to them being written in Arabic, Hebrew or by chance some language from Mars, it makes no difference.

While I do not believe in censorship or book banning, but I do have a problem is books especially created for children with the subject matters that are condemned by Allah (God); which in this particular case is Witchcraft or Sorcery, to anything associated with this matter; for the simple fact these types of subjects belong more on Satan‘s bookshelf then for good people.

It is well known through not only religious history, but other types, that material such as this causes temptation and at one time, it would isolate the person or person’s that took it upon themselves to learn or practice these types of subjects from Satan.

As for the book of Pinocchio, I actually do not have a problem, because personally I have not found anything really offense in this particular book; what I have found in my little reading of this story was an attempt to teach children to be good, instead of bad children.

While Pinocchio happened to be a childhood favorite of my mother’s and I am sure if she thought it had been harmful; she wouldn’t have let me know of the books existence, I am most assured on this fact.

There is a whole world of books that not only teach good subjects, but are educational and this is what one should think of when putting or allowing books to be put in children’s hands, because a child while they should understand the world around them, have a good education; it is not necessary to teach them the dark sides of life, for in doing this one creates sad or dysfunctional children in numerous ways on the long road and Satan always has an open door.

While my opinion is not just limited to the Jewish people, it should be a practice thorough out Palestine and I say this for the well-being of everyone.

Nevertheless, the foundation a parent or teacher gives to there children, especially reading material; creates the type of adult they will become.

U.S. Continues Attacks on Fulbright Students

Palestinian scholars Fidaa Abed points at his name on his dossier from The Fullbright Program as he sits in his family home, on 6 August 2008, in Gaza City.

10 August 2008

The Palestinians who'd won US-sponsored Fulbright scholarships are now falsely accused of being criminal’s by the U.S. which they are not, but just seven young men that have worked hard academically and had wanted to further there education in the U.S. as well as where honorably awarded the Fulbright Scholarships for there achievements as scholar’s.

Just a wonder, if the U.S. appreciates people that work hard for there education and wish to be more of an academic asset; where ever they may go?

For the whole of the Palestinian people believe in impeccable citizenship, not only in Palestine; but where ever we go in the world and this is taught to Palestinians from the time they where children.

As for the U.S., dragging certain people into this saying they recommended this type of abuse; is not creditable, it is sorry to say.

"Holy War Against the Infidels"

This crusade would be the first of nine total crusades that Christians would carry out as they attempted to control Palestine.

Many in the West mistakenly equate the word Jihad, to mean "Holy War against the infidels" or war against non-Muslims.

Where did this concept come from if it is foreign to Islam, the following is a Medieval definition pertaining to the Crusades.

Crusade
A holy war, utilizing the CROSS as a rallying symbol. From the eleventh through thirteenth centuries, each crusade was a military foray to recapture Jerusalem from the infidels or to surpass local heresy such as the Albigensian*; or to fight against Muslims in Spain or Prussian heathen in Eastern Europe.

So the idea of a "Holy War against the infidels," is a Medieval Christian concept; not one from Islam nor has it ever been, but rather, an early version of Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism or conquest against Muslims.

Less we also not forget that many Jews where living in Palestine at this time, that they too where being subjected to slaughter; by the Crusaders, the same as Muslims.

*Albigensian (definition): Christian religious group in southern France during the 12th and 13th centuries. They believed that everything in the material world is evil.

U.S. Attacks Fulbright Students

Palestinian Fulbright scholars Zuhair Abu Shaaban, 24, right, Fidaa Abed 23, left, and Osama Daoud, 25, wait to cross the Erez Border crossing in order to meet U.S. consular officials at the Jewish sector of the border, Thursday, 10 July 2008.

5 August 2008

Three Palestinians who won prestigious scholarships to study in the United States have had their American entry visas revoked after alleged "new information" was received about them, a U.S. diplomat said on Tuesday.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had previously championed efforts by the three Fulbright scholars, residents of the Gaza Strip, to secure exit permits through the Jewish sector.

"We discovered new information that led us to revoke those visas prudentially," said an official at the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, without disclosing the information or where it came from.

The three scholars, Zuhair Abu Shaban, Fida Abed and Osama Daoud, received visas after being interviewed and fingerprinted by U.S. consular officials last month at Erez crossing.

"They gave us the visas on July 30 and two days later we were told the visas were not valid," Shaban, who wants to pursue a second degree in electrical engineering.

"It was a great shock. We had hoped to complete our studies, especially after we were granted the visas. We were packing our bags."

According to Shaban, Abed had flown to the United States via to Jordan, only to be turned back at the airport.

The three were among seven Gazan’s awarded Fulbright scholarships this year.

Four of the seven students travel to the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem for visa interviews but, citing alleged security needs, denied permits to Shaban, Abed and Daoud.

The U.S. consulate official said another Palestinian who planned to study under a different program in the United States had also had his visa revoked. All four students could reapply at a later date, the U.S. official said.

Update:

Gaza Fulbright scholars appeal for US visas

7 August 2008

Three Fulbright scholars from Gaza appealed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Thursday to reissue their entry visas, denying they were security threats.

The three were initially issued with entry visas to pursue their Fulbright scholarships after a months-long diplomatic tussle between the State Department and Israel.

But the students' entry visas were suddenly canceled after U.S. officials said they received new information suggesting the three were security threats. Israeli and U.S. officials would not give details of the new information.

"We do not understand why, and we do not understand what changed," Zuheir Abu Shaban, a 23-year-old graduate of engineering, wrote to Rice on behalf of the group. He denied he and his colleagues were security threats.

A Man from Burundi

Burundi (East Africa), man with basket on there back picking tea.

A Muslim man from Burundi helped me today, with a small problem that I had which I had no choice but ask for help and while I do not know much about this country, I have to admit; if they are anything like the man that gave me help when I was in need, they must be very nice people.

Something else, very nice about these people, they are not just nice within themselves, but very respectful and seemed to be very good Muslims; which under the circumstances, I was most grateful.

As to knowing anything much further towards this country, I have to admit my knowledge is poor; even though the nice man was trying to explain a little.

Something like this instance, I always think of it as Allah’s way of showing a person, something new to learn or understand; even when it did not start off that way.

This further reminds me of something I have always liked to do, is learn about people; for the simple fact, while sometimes a person may think there life is uninteresting at least to themselves; to others it may be fascinating for a variety of very good reasons.

Like a young American woman one time, that thought she had a dead end job as a shop clerk and we got to talking and I learned she was very gifted, within certain types of the arts or another woman who was Palestinian, that made very beautiful window drapes. -HRM Deborah

Religious Studies Makes Better People.

I have always been a firm idea, that at least some religious studies should be taught in all school’s along with the other academics; for the simple fact, religious studies makes better people.

Furthermore, one is less likely to see some of the social problems and crime, people have in our modern times.

Nevertheless, religious studies can close the gap of the many misunderstanding’s people have about other’s, in the world; with the hope that religious persecution for example, can be stopped, among other of global problems.

UNRWA Girls Camp

Palestinian refugee school girls play on the beach as they attend a summer games camp, on 14 July 2008 in Gaza City, Gaza Strip.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are operating summer camps for at least 200,000 children registered in the UNRWA's schools.

Earlier this month the PLG announced the creation of around 800 summer camps of their own in the Gaza Strip; to promote better citizenship among Palestinian children.

It was also reported, these many camps, help the children to put the aftereffects of war, behind them.

Palestinian refugee school girls play on the beach as they attend a summer games camp.
Palestinian refugee school girls draw pictures while on the beach as they attend a summer games camp.

U.S. Officals Meet With Fulbright Scholars

Palestinian Fulbright scholars Zuhair Abu Shaaban, 24, right, Fidaa Abed 23, left, and Osama Daoud, 25, wait to cross the Erez Border crossing in order to meet U.S. consular officials at the Jewish sector of the border, Thursday, 10 July 2008.

U.S. consular officials have traveled to the Gaza border to process the visa applications of the three Palestinian Fulbright scholars; who did receive Scholarships.

As it was further reported, the scholars are going to the U.S.; to continue there education.

A Happy Day for Olmert

Jewish Prime Minister Ehud Olmert attends a class as he visits a primary school, located in a town close to the border with the Gaza Strip.