Saturday 22 July 2017

Post No. 1,051 – Gnwmythr’s News Ed. No. 172


Information and Summary/Analysis:
Note: I am NOT a journalist, and make NO claims to objectivity or freedom from bias. Furthermore, I do not hold copyright to any of the articles I link to, nor do I claim authorship, except for those links to material I have written for this and my related blogs, and my commentary in these posts. (I try to make sure quotes are shown using quotation marks.)
The purpose of posting these news links is not only to inform; it is also to
   stimulate a connection to:
    - nonBPM units that need to be cleared, and
    - BPM units that need to be strengthened,
   so that you can do the clearing / strengthening that is required.
That only works if you don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by this, so take it in small chunks if you need to, but remember to actively clear and heal! … including yourself.
As part of that, note that there are key uncooperatives to be cleared (rescued): you should ONLY address those that are within your ability – if you get a sense (e.g., through meditation) or are told by your BPM Guides/Higher Self to back off, do so, and content yourself with clearing the smaller nonBPM units within your capability – which will weaken those uncooperatives. More importantly, there are many people doing this sort of work, and others are quite likely to be able to clear the uncooperatives concerned.
That is also one of the many reasons it is OK to take a break or cut back this work if you need – in fact, doing so will help you deal with the next point, which is …
… the energies we use and manifest in our daily lives contribute to the larger soup of energies that influence world events, so it pays to address those as well, to the extent that one can, or to at least stop oneself projecting them into the psychic soup.
The reminders / explanations about Sunday’s meditation-clearing are here;   see also here,   here,   here,   (here and also here and here are interesting),   here, here,   here,   and   this post reminds us to be patient and persistent, like a “speeding oak”.
There are some notes at the end of this post about other options for those who do not like this way of working.
Finally, one of the biggest concerns I have about spirituality in the world now is that the concept of agape type love has been perverted into both a quest for emotional warm fuzzies, and an excuse to avoid doing the hard work of improving oneself and all that one does. On that, it may help to consider the simplification that one cannot love perfectly until one has learned how to perfect. (And one of the concerns I have about those resisting change is that they are so shallow / superficial /stupid that they thing their actions have ONLY the meaning of their [limited] conscious intention … )
The themes that come to mind for my work this week, after I review all this news, are:
(a)   based on my interpretation of information here and here with Saturn in Sagittarius contributing to finding an authentic balance (until 20th December, 2017), Uranus in Aries contributing to fresh and possibly radical starts (until some date in the Year 2018), and Pluto in Capricorn contributing to a transformation of power and business (and careers) (until some date in the Year 2024), conditions are ripe for a change for the better in world politics;
(b)   there is an enormous need to clear nonBPM energy – the thought forms, unattached energy and scars of the collective unconscious created by millennia of violence, including spirit rescue, and healing the warped views, seemingly “inherent” biases, and other damage created. Also, remember that:
           1. the counter to fear is genuine  EQ and clear thinking, expressed through calm, de-escalating speech,
           2. where problems exist, advocating for BPM responses, and being as BPM as one can be, are constructive solutions,
           3. peace is powerful, but it is a process requiring patient, persistent and nuanced nurturing, and a blend of conventional spiritual work, clearing nonBPM units, and physical world activism;
(c)   viewing the overall emotional state of the world, this week we need:
           emotionally (astrally),the security of more BPM Stan;
           mentally, the sense of strength of more BPM Uruz ;
           on a causal/spiritual level follows, and shows a need for more BPM Berkana and Dagaz;
(d)   I’ve created a bindrune for this week’s work, which is:
(e)   dealing with the 45th US President, for whom I use the alias Voldemort, requires:
           1. eroding (i.e., slow, patient and persistent clearing of the little bits one can SAFELY cope with – remember, you are but one of many) the nonBPM influences feeding his arrogance and mind-set, and strengthening Voldemort’s BPM Guides and giving them whatever BPM help they need to present a BPM alternative – for which my “changing the personality of oppressors” post is useful – with a view to promoting what would seem to be a change of heart,
           2. lifting the nonBPM influences from the shoulders of Voldemort’s marginal supporters, allowing them to “come to their senses”, which may result in them feeling bewilderment/shame, and simultaneously strengthening the BPM influences around them (e.g., their BPM Guides) to counter them backsliding,
           3. to address the others, physical world activism (especially education) is required. As well as doing what one can there, help those who are doing this work (e.g., sending them “positive vibes”) and look for nonBPM blockages that can be cleared (e.g., setting up a BPM vortex above meetings to draw away external nonBPM influences/energies/units, so that the audience can listen as they are, without any obsession/possession);
(f)   chaos, violence, fear, and a sense of being overwhelmed are issues this week;
I also take this opportunity to emphasise that it is absolutely VITAL that this psychic / metaphysical / spiritual work be performed non-violently and as is for the Highest Spiritual Good – which is part of being BPM – on all levels and in all ways. Always remember (see here): Do you fight to change things, or to punish? See also here, here, here, here, here, and my comments about “authentic presence” in this post.
News and other matters from this past week follows:
   news items are presented in the following sections (there is overlap, and items may appear more than once):
    - Permanent and Thematically Arranged News,
    - Location Based News,
    - From a Range of Other Sites;
   opportunities/good news are shown in green;
   comments are shown in purple; and
   WARNING: some of these links may contain triggers around issues such as violence, sexual assault, discrimination, etc.
Permanent Issues and Thematically Arranged News:
  • Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM Leaders be kept BPM safe, including keeping them undetectable to the nonBPM and keeping all their Significant Others inviolable against being used for indirect  psychic attack, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at influencing the world’s direction, development and unfoldment, all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
  • Permanent issue: may all humans recognise, irrespective of the appearance of difference, the essential shared humanness of other people, the inherent resilience, the dynamic power, the strength of BPM collaboration, and the opportunities of having a diverse, inclusive and welcoming population, and may all people choose fairness, when such decisions are before them;
  • Permanent issue: may all actual and potential BPM Violence Interrupters (and Interrupters of hate / fear / anger) of be kept BPM safe, and may they have all the BPM opportunities and assistance (so-called “good luck”) for them to be BPM effective at containing and stopping – along the lines of the Cure Violence model - the spread of violence (and hate / fear / anger), all as is for the Highest Spiritual Good;
  • Permanent issue: may all humans choose to live modestly – to forgo outdoing others, or trying to have more than they need - for the sake of an easier, more manageable life, if they cannot do it for the sake of the planet;
  • Permanent issue: may all humans be in better communication with the better parts of their nature;
  • Matters warranting particular attention:
       -   on the 75th anniversary of a notorious round up of Jews, France’s President has decried his nation’s role in the Holocaust;
       -   the toxicity of the work environment in politics is threatening the health of democracy;
       -      computerised decision making in the Australian government has no transparency, oversight or accountability;
       -   "between 2007 and 2015, the U.S. government invested $14 billion in global health research and development. And that created 200,000 new American jobs and returned $33 billion to the U.S. economy";
       -   an examination of problems (such as coups, and “governments where the military has a large role are more likely to initiate conflict, repress political opponents, and make poor strategic decisions”) and long term changes in civil-military relations (interesting comments about how Korean War veterans affected this topic in China) and how to take advantage of such generational changes;
       -   a growing global crackdown on dissent; 
  • With regard to democracy (which requires  protection of minorities and the vulnerable – and remember Gandhi’s question about whether one is fighting to change things, or to punish, and the list of 198 methods of nonviolent action), freedom and governance (e.g., here, here, here and here, and see also here):
    Note: I have a section specifically for the 45th US President below
       -   analyses this week include:   the toxicity of the work environment in politics is threatening the health of democracy;   an article on the “new breed” of “authoritarian populist” who “seek to use their democratic mandate to undermine the rule of law”;   a critique of politics in the USA – see also here;   Canadians have better governance than the USA because they understand the need for taxation;   Russia’s rushed transition to a market economy in the 190s led to increase mortality and decreased life expectancy that DID NOT HAPPEN where the transition was slower;
       -   of concern this week:   diversity in Australia’s public service is not as good as thought, let alone what is needed;
       -   other concerning events have occurred or are developing in: Venezuela, USA, Poland, Venezuela (2nd), Taiwan, Poland (2nd), Uganda, Kenya, Gambia;
       -   in the grey/mixed [good and bad aspects] or neutral area this week:  
       -   other events in the grey or neutral area have occurred or are developing in: Iran (it is good that an arrest had been made, but bad that corruption may be occurring, so overall grey);
       -   good news this week includes:   Europe will push for a UN Parliament;
       -   and other matters in my home nation this week:   Australia’s military will train police and possibly respond directly to violent extremists incidents – leading to a call for caution;   the Australian government has placated internal tensions by setting up a new super-ministry of Home Affairs including existing national police and security organisations, similar to the UK’s Home Office – to the bemusement of UK experts, and the concern of immigration experts;   concerns over the public servant behind Australia's new "Home Office" (see here on the history);   unbelievably, another Greens Senator has had to resign over eligibility issues … and this has raised issues about replacements (we still don't properly recognise political parties, in my view) and questions about the requirements (I consider the requirements are fine) - see also here and here;   “the peak body for Australia's film and TV industry has raised concerns about a $30 million taxpayer grant for the News Corporation-owned Fox Sports network, which the responsible department has not been able to find any documents to support” (allegedly for smaller sports, including women);      computerised decision making in the Australian government has no transparency, oversight or accountability;   Australia’s need for a constitutional right protecting freedom of the person;
  • With regard to the 45th US President (who I consider seriously dangerous, even if his administration looks like a Schoolyard Squabble Squad) this week:
    I deliberately avoid using the 45th US President’s name for valid psychic reasons: however, to both simplify my typing and remind people that he is dangerous (actually, I consider him evil), I will use “(US CEO) Voldemort” – in this section, at least - as an alias.
       -   the nuances and historical arguments around investigation / indictment / impeachment of whoever is the USA's sitting President;
       -   the US administration has certified Iran’s compliance with the P5+1 nuclear deal … but imposed new sanctions over their missile programme, to Iran’s anger;
       -   a critique of US CEO Voldemort – and another;
       -   more revelations about the – unvetted - meeting between Russians (one of whom claims she wants to dispel what she dismissively calls “mass hysteria” … ) and the son of US CEO Voldemort during last year’s US Presidential campaign – more background here and here, and see also here;   Russia's and the USA's President had second, previously undisclosed meeting at this month's G19+1;   "Three members of Donald Trump's inner circle will appear before US Senate committees next week";   claims that US CEO Voldemort "and his legal team are exploring ways to hamper the investigation into alleged collusion with Russia and, in a worst-case scenario, nullify the repercussions" - or might sack the Special Prosecutor … ;   -   US CEO Voldemort is losing the support of swing voters – see also this review of his promises, and this criticism of US CEO Voldemort’s economic plan, and his party’s MPs are squabbling;
       -   the US Senate has deferred its debate on the bill to remove health care from millions of US citizens – see also here … and the latest bill has now failed, which may lead to removal without replacement;   a Fact Check on what (confused?) US CEO Voldemort has been saying about health care in the USA;   conservative voters want both sides to work together on health;
       -   as court challenges proceed over privacy concerns, US CEO Voldemort’s commission investigating alleged fraud has released over 100 pages of comments – including email addresses … ;
       -   the conviction of a woman for laughing during a confirmation hearing has been overturned, and a new trial ordered (to also cover her reaction to being removed);   an "alt right" extremist has been appointed to a US court;
       -   as he plans to shut out more legal immigrants, grandparents have been excluded from the latest version of US CEO Voldemort’s travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations;
       -   one of US CEO Voldemort’s key and most notorious advisors is taking a step back;
       -   other matters relating to US CEO Voldemort: US Universities (sexual assault policies);
  • With regard to violent extremism (VE) (aka, terrorism - e.g., Da’esh) (ALL people advocating hate or discrimination in response to violent extremism are actively doing the work of violent extremists. This will be countered, in part, by the sort of approach advocated by “Cure Violence”, and, in part, by addressing real and perceived disempowerment and acknowledging the variety in what provides genuine, BPM fulfilment as a counter to fanaticism as a source of meaning. I am deliberately avoiding the use of specific names of violent extremist groups as much as possible to reduce the publicity they get – I’m not a primary news source, and thus consider I can do so):
       -   violent extremist attacks/acts have occurred this week in Israel, Ivory Coast, and, according to this Wikipedia page, there have been 14 attacks in Iraq, 8 attacks in Afghanistan, and 2 attacks in Syria (out of a total of 45);   and actions (Note: there are many others that don’t reach the media I read) have occurred this week against violent extremists in Pakistan, Europe;
       -   "the number of terrorist attacks worldwide and deaths from such attacks dropped in 2016 for the second straight year, the US State Department has said, driven by decreases in Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria, Pakistan and Yemen" (total number [11,072, mostly in Iraq, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and the Philippines] down 9%, fatalities [25,600 - 6,700 of whom were perpetrators] down 13%, but in Iraq attacks up 20% and deaths up 69%);   “enhanced counter-terrorism measures help to protect lives, but unfortunately also reduce trade”;   a review of violent extremism in Africa;
       -   other violent extremist matters have also occurred in: Australia, the Philippines;
  • With regard to refugees (noting the New York Declaration):
       -   “Australia will need to find an alternative home for a large number of Tamil asylum seekers [in its refugee gulags who are] expected to be denied entry to the United States under sweeping anti-terror laws”;   one South Sudanese refugee's story;   a call for Canada to fast-track the refugee claims of seven people who sheltered US National Security Agency whistle-blower Edward Snowden in Hong Kong;   another report on the shocking abuse African women refugees face;
       -   other refugee-related matters have also occurred in: Tanzania;
  • With regard to human (and other) rights and discrimination:
       -   on homophobia/transphobia this week (noting that trans kids are the same as cis kids of the trans kids’ true gender) :   most LGBTIQ people feel unsafe at football matches, but feel safer at Pride matches – which also increase the number of straight and cisgendered people who would call out homophobia / transphobia;   the USA’s - moronic - Census Bureau decided “there was no need” to know about LGBT people … ;   the fight against homophobia in Jamaican music;   a trans woman would rather just play footy;   “a majority of Australian Christians support same-sex marriage and think parliamentarians should vote on the issue as soon as possible”;
       -   other homophobic/transphobic matters have also occurred in Turkey;
       -   on racism this week:   an Airbnb racism incident in the USA;   a native title claim in a mineral-rich area of one Australian state has been recognised, potentially allowing an indigenous group to sue a mining company;      "a man found not guilty of manslaughter [after he ran down an indigenous boy, causing riots and the burning down of his house] has been sentenced to three years in jail on a lesser charge" - leading to more anger and concern over justice;   Federal Government Minister Ken Wyatt (who is indigenous) has said there is a need to better represent the views of Indigenous people and as many Indigenous views as possible need to be considered, but a new Indigenous advisory body would be better established by parliament, and not through the referendum recommend by the Referendum Council's recent report, prepared following the Uluru convention;   a call to stop blaming immigrants for city problems;   “Aboriginal people in Victoria are one step closer to self-determination, after the State Government transferred 470 properties from the Department of Housing into the hands of Aboriginal Housing Victoria”;
       -   other racism problems have also occurred in the food industry;
       -   on sexism this week (keeping in mind the overblown influence given to testosterone):   long running TV series “Doctor Who” will have its first (official) female Doctor - see also here,   concerns over the US administration’s possible backdowns on the management of sexual assault at Universities;   men who sporadically attend neochristian churches are most likely to abuse their wives – and this is allegedly enabled and concealed by the church - and as an example of that, the personal experience of a woman who was abused by the priest she was married to;;   the UK's Advertising Standards Authority will now take a tougher line on gender stereotypes - male and female - in advertising;   women are likely to retire with half as much superannuation as men (I agree, based on my experience and that of others I know, and many have less or none);   a now well-known Australian female artist’s career was put on hold in the mid1900s for her family life;   a call for gender sensitive public transport – see also here;   many domestic violence murders in the USA could have been prevented;
       -   other sexism matters have also occurred in: Saudi Arabia;
       -   on religious rights (including Islamophobia) this week:   another revelation of abuse of children in a religious setting;   a possible case of Islamophobia in a Canadian town (it is also possible that the objections were over the location or having any cemetery there);   an Islamophobic act has occurred in Australia;   a Perth Imam, Australia's youngest, doesn't see the need for Muslim schools, would rather shake a woman's hand than cause offence, is happy for cameras to be installed in his mosque, has pledged to resign if there's any trace of extremism, and is tackling Islamophobia over coffee;
       -   other religious rights / Islamophobia matter have also occurred in: Indonesia, USA, Poland;
       -   on workers’, children’s, privacy, and other forms of human (and other – e.g., animal) rights this week:   many foreign workers in Australia are underpaid or abused;   more on the health effects of stress and poverty;   “[a] Canberra girl [was] allegedly manipulated by child protection worker to drop restraining order against carer”;   calls have been made in Bali, Indonesia to end the slaughter of dogs for food;   as a European Union court decides whether or not to uphold the “right to be forgotten”, an attempt to launch a class action against social media on privacy grounds is underway;   another revelation of abuse of children in a religious setting;   my home state is making moves towards a sensible assisted dying arrangement;   an examination of “how the policies of technology companies either advance or hinder the privacy rights of users”;   land ownership in US coal mining country is well hidden;   recommendations for moving away from stereotypes to better address lack of opportunity for older workers;   a call for a different approach to controversial speakers (I actually disagree, as the world can and should be changed – e.g., slavery is no longer endemic, and sexism, racism and other forms of bigotry are retreating, leaving a better world behind, one in which better ways of experiencing adversity are available, without the trauma);   Australia’s “industrial laws are among the most restrictive in the developed world, with employers having too much power in the pursuit of a “flexible” workforce” (and if bosses learned how to relate to human beings, they quite possibly wouldn’t need those laws);
       -   other workers’, children’s, privacy, and other forms of human or other rights matters have also occurred in: Indonesia, USA, Poland, India, Australia, Africa;
  • With regard to crime, judicial matters and policing:
       -   “relatives of an Aboriginal woman who suffered years of domestic violence are asking why no one has been charged over her stabbing death, 10 months after the [Northern Territory] Coroner criticised a police investigation into the case”;   yet another staggering killing by gunfire by US police (who have distanced themselves from the office concerned, but there have been 524 such killings this year, this being the 5th in that US state), with dubious  claims of fears of an ambush, and appropriate comments about racism; in one Australian state, youth detainees are being used as enforcers;   a maliciously hidden syringe has pricked two children and put them at risk;   an identity fraud victim is upset that fake ID and stolen details could be used to open Telstra account – and was stuffed around by conflicting advice;   an illegal drug site on the internet has been shut down;   a woman who used a prosthesis to commit rape has been jailed;   three US police have been caught planting drugs by body cam footage - raising doubts about 53 other cases they were involved with ... ;   "a man found not guilty of manslaughter [after he ran down an indigenous boy, causing riots and the burning down of his house] has been sentenced to three years in jail on a lesser charge" - leading to more anger and concern over justice;  a call for women's prisons in my home state to learn from overseas experience, and build women up, rather than breaking them down;   from my home state: “the inaugural report of the Community Safety Trustee … covers the five key elements of the Community Safety Statement: reducing harm, increased connection to the community, putting victims first, holding offenders to account and improving Victoria Police”;   the dehumanisation of the USA’s mass imprisonments – including on those NOT in jail;   research shows that early intervention is needed to manage breaches (50-60%) of Community Corrective Orders;
      -    other crime, judicial and policing matters have occurred in: USA/Turkey, Egypt, USA, Poland, China, Africa, Uganda;
  • With regard to press aka the media, and freedom of expression (keeping in mind that claims of presenting “both sides” of a debate can be WRONG if the other side is RUBBISH –as is the case on LGBTIQ issues: having an “equal say”, or a “right to respond” MUST be assessed in the context of what is happening overall in society – NOT solely in one limited incident. Also, funding is an issue … ):
       -   "the disappearance of an Azeri opposition journalist in the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi has caused an outcry in a country which prides itself on championing democracy";
       -   other media / freedom of expression matters have occurred in: USA/Turkey, the Gulf states, Russia;
  • With regard to overcrowding and “modern” lifestyle issues (is YOUR smart phone free of conflict  minerals, environmental harm and child labour? [IT manufacturers are making some effort in on those – in response to activist pressure.] Do you suffer from FOMO or addiction? Are you having second thoughts about technology? Is your social media making you miserable or envious? Are you being duped by modern mantras? Are you “failing” at being well? Does your AI use ethics? Does your corporation misuse mindfulness as a distraction from working conditions? Are you afflicted by management  fads? Do you understand embedded emissions? Do you want a bigger, flashier home/car than people had 50 years ago – which means you are actively abusing the environment and society’s cohesion and contributing to the problem of financialisation?):
       -   on climate change and other environmental matters this week:   calls in Australia for a ban on plastic bags;   more spending on adaptation for climate change;  evidence suggests charging for plastic bags may not have a significant, long term benefit for the environment;   “Small amounts of oil in marine environments cause reef fish to make risky decisions”;   another article on forest bathing;   “a group of local government councils are joining forces in an ambitious effort to tackle climate change”;   70% of the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic ever made is in the environment … ;   attempts to contain the spread of the deadly imported red fire ant in an Australian state have failed;   "23,000 hectares of koala habitat ... has been "virtually cleared"";   the interim report by the Northern Territory's independent inquiry into fracking has been described as balanced by both a fracking company's chief geologist and an anti-fracking cattle company;   fish are dying in waterways near a recycling plant in my home city that recently caught fire;  another trophy hunting killing of a lion in Africa – this one may lead to outrage;   a stranded whale has been saved;   concerns over moves by the USA's conservative party to make ALL environmental science data and programmes publicly available– which, apart from being impossible, raises concerns that "when industry delays regulation by nit-picking the science, public health suffers";   improving refrigeration and air conditioning could do more for the world than cutting out meat;   a call for “a revenue-neutral carbon fee”;   “climate change will force Native Americans to adapt religious rituals yet again”;   ecocities need to be just;   “the worldwide Transition movement”;
       -   on technology and science matters this week:   the ongoing problem of cyber threats;   research on how we react to screams has led to an improved siren giving better attendance at a mobile health clinic in Africa;   experts have told businesses to focus on coping with cyber attacks, rather than trying to prevent them;   “exorbitant fares on Uber during major traffic incidents and public transport delays could be stamped out by new .. laws” in my home state;   "software forcing porn website users to verify their age has been introduced in Britain and cyber safety experts say similar laws could be used to protect Australian children";   prescription expiration dates may be overly cautious;   ways to stop cyber-hate;   an identity fraud victim is upset that fake ID and stolen details could be used to open Telstra account – and was stuffed around by conflicting advice;   computerised decision making in the Australian government has no transparency, oversight or accountability;   the potential positives of social media;
       -   other technology and science matters have occurred in: Europe, Europe (2nd);
       -   on economic and financial matters this week:   disturbingly glib responses to elderly whose electricity bills were doubled;   the UK has banned credit card surcharges, on the grounds that they are a rip off;   women are likely to retire with half as much superannuation as men (I agree, based on my experience and that of others I know, and many have less or none);   “a sophisticated tool to investors to align their capital allocation decisions with the company’s exposure to climate risks”;   a call for intergenerational unity;
       -   on affordable housing and homelessness matters this week:   home ownership in Australia has been declining for three decades (and the article here is typical of the naïve, simplistic, flawed [no mention of changing house prices, climate change/operating expenses – and most Australian houses are stupidly built without proper insulation – or even eaves!] given to people wanting to get a home. On the other hand, this article gives a better range of choices);   renters in my home state have been pushed to the limit by record low affordability (which I can attest to – and, ultimately, the greed of landlords is the issue); - see also here, on the struggle for older, single women, and an article on the Women's Property Initiatives (WPI), a community housing organisation that is exactly what I would be looking for if I was single, and also here (which still misses out on privacy issues and the behaviour of real estate agents);   there is a block in social housing because older people cannot find smaller homes;   how to change the “blame narrative” on homelessness (including using history);
       -   on other matters in the category this week:   examination of why Australia’s most progressive state Premier (my home state) is refusing a trial of safe injecting rooms;   the problem of floods of tourists;   babies have been helping elderly people who have dementia recover their speech and memory;   “a police officer has penned a poignant online plea, telling people to spend more time with senior citizens after an elderly couple … were found dead in their … home. A friend to [our elderly isn't a click of a button, a friend] is someone who exchanges eye contact and genuinely cares about them";   a dementia village will be built in Australia, copying such villages successfully used in Europe – see also here;   how to be a good neighbour to the elderly (and, after a crude reminder during the week, sometimes it is necessary for the elderly to not be judgemental or bigoted - in other words, neighbourliness goes both ways);   “the family of an army veteran who killed himself believes the rejection of his compensation claim by the Department of Veterans' Affairs pushed him to take his own life” (this may be true, and for the sake of a civil society, I consider people should receive support, possibly through other areas if the DVA rejects applications – and they MUST be always be credibly – TRUTHFULLY - reassured that they are not going to abandoned);   role modelling is better than supervision when it comes to young people's development of alcoholic drinking habits;   a story on women who are on the autistic spectrum without knowing it, and are intelligent and used to compensating for communication impediments they may not be consciously aware of – and slip through the cracks of inefficient diagnostic procedures;   a Council’s fine for a five year old’s lemonade stall has led to a much needed debate on things like common sense, etc;
  • With regard to education:
       -   a call for the education system to be less left-brain dominant;   the USA's Education Secretary is showing a simplistic - and disturbingly conservative - position on approaches to education, one that risks resulting in no-one being available to be objective teachers in well furnished educational settings, in my view;   a warning against scientology materials being sent to schools;   using Wikipedia is not so bad;   the history of University fees in the USA as the concept of public good – and thus no fees – in the early 1800s was less accepted (nevertheless, public good from such education is a fact still, and the main reasons I want to see less student debt, and some access for grandparents);
       -   other education matters have occurred in: USA;
  • With regard to war, violence and hate generally:
       the latest rash of killings in the US city of Chicago has killed ten people, including an anti-violence activist and a nine year old;   the underbelly of the military’s “band of brothers” mentality;   “an annual meeting of Asian and Arab Parliamentarians [has] examined how regional conflicts hinder the development of effective policies to achieve sustainable development”;
  • With regard to natural and other catastrophes:
       a flash flood in the USA has killed seven people;   an article on how to react during disasters;   bushfires in the USA;   mosquito eradication programmes overseas are allowing the development of chemical resistance;   a former primary school teacher of 30 years believes prep students are being "set up to fail", and resigned from teaching 18 months ago to promote more play-based education is needed for children;   a flash flood in the UK;   bushfires in Canada have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands;   an earthquake in the Mediterranean Sea has killed two people;   “Pope Francis has donated … to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s efforts supporting people facing food insecurity and famine in East Africa”;
  • With regard to peace and/or spirituality generally, development (in an end poverty/thirst/hunger sense) and the occasional nice story (are you crippled by the fear of being single or asexual or off-grid or in any other way a rebel / innovator / non-conformist / true to yourself, or believe in management  fads and fashions? Do you distract yourself and fill your time to avoid finding real meaning? If so, you have a spiritual problem, and a need to constructively remedy that):
       the significance of learning another language;   a woman whose “US$30,000 wedding was cancelled has hosted the homeless at her banquet rather than let it all go to waste”;   birthing kits (with black plastic sheet, pair of gloves, surgical blade, a cake of soap, gauze, string) are being prepared to help save lives in developing nations;   positive news about young people in the USA - and an historical perspective here.
Location based News:
  • With regard to the conflict in Afghanistan (noting that Afghanistan was once a peaceful and modern society, even allowing women in miniskirts, before the Russian invasion – see here):
       the military challenges of building a viable army in Afghanistan;   an Afghani vice-president who left the nation after being accused of having a rival kidnapped, beaten and raped was refused permission to return;  a friendly fire incident has occurred;   Iran could possibly help the USA end the war in Afghanistan;
  • With regard to Africa, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (and other sources) has:
       -   “five park rangers were killed in a joint operation with the army to rescue an American journalist and three park rangers … in [the] Democratic Republic of Congo” (DRC);   the UN aid chief has urged the world not to forget the DRC’s aid needs;   “more than 20% of the [DRC’s} mining revenue is being lost due to corruption and mismanagement”;   UN forces in the DRC are being downsized for budgetary reasons;
       -   the terrible story of a child that was murdered by thugs in the Central African Republic is an illustration of the brutality of violence against civilians;
       -   women are vital to sustainable peace and development in Nigeria;
       -   incredibly, the ICC has decided no action is needed on South Africa’s failure to arrest Sudan’s President … which is examined here;
       -   separating myth from reality on Islam in Mali;
       -   “Pope Francis has donated … to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s efforts supporting people facing food insecurity and famine in East Africa”;
       -   Tanzania’s leader has urged Burundian refugees to go home (I wouldn’t);
       -   300 lawsuits may affect Kenya’s elections;
       -   Gambia has launched a crackdown on “mutinous” soldiers;
       -   Ugandan police have arrested dozens who were protesting changes to allow Uganda’s soon to be 77 years old President to stand for re-election ;
       -   a new tax law in Ethiopia has led to protests;
  • With regard to China (may her growing middle class bring a love of peace and freedom), East and South East Asia and the Pacific (noting the risks of atrocities in North Korea and Burma):
       -   China has banned Winnie the Pooh because of internet jokes comparing him to that nation's President … ;   a designated driver service in China;   "An Australian currency brokerage says up to 20 staff at its Shanghai office have been held against their will ... in an alleged extortion attempt [and] police had not resolved the situation";   Liu Xiaobo’s death shows the depth of Chinese anger at the West;   concerns over China’s new, more aggressive national intelligence law;   a Chinese general has toured an Australian military facility, during which the South China Sea was discussed (my first reaction to such news is: I hope they didn’t show any thing secret – which is stupid, patronising and fearful reaction [I know a fair few ex-military people, and they are ALL good on that sort of security and common sense]. Perhaps more appropriately, there is a bit of dialogue in the [fictitious] TV series “The West Wing” [Season 6, Episode 19, at ~33min:23sec] where the character Leo McGarry says – of the USA “When we've tried reforming a communist regime through embargo and severing relations, we've always failed. When we sought change through engagement and trade, we've succeeded" … so engagement is better – which is probably a lesson for North Korea as well … );
       -   "North Korea's economy accelerated at its fastest pace in 17 years, despite sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs" and despite severe food shortages from its worst drought since 2001;   the USA will ban US citizens from travelling to the DPRK because of the risk of arrest (it has amazed me how much people can travel to the DPRK – one of my colleagues went there to review the design of a wastewater treatment plant several years ago);
       -   “South Korea has proposed military talks with North Korea — the first government-level talks since late 2015 — in an effort to halt hostile activities near their joint border and after a series of missile tests by the North in recent weeks”;   "South Korean intelligence officials are investigating whether a prominent defector from the North has been kidnapped [possibly while attempting to smuggle out family members] back to [the DPRK]";
       -   the unedifying spectacle of fighting in Taiwan’s parliament;
       -   “an army general, two politicians, and police officers were among the 62 people found guilty by a judge in the biggest human trafficking trial in Thailand's history”;   corruption in Thailand’s Buddhism (in my opinion, cultural expectations that the eldest son would become a monk for a month may have contributed to this);
       -   more information is emerging on the beatings, gang rapes and murders of Rohingya by Burmese soldiers;   the USA is pushing Burma to end ties to the DPRK;
       -   following a Presidential decree banning groups that do not support the nation's principles, Indonesia has revoked the legal status of a hardline Islamist group;
       -   “the battle for the city of Marawi in the southern Philippines will have long-term repercussions across the region”;
       -   and in the Pacific:   against a background of community concerns over a proposed tourist development (see also here) and a population with 60% under 25, Timor-Leste is preparing to vote;
  • With regard to Europe and the European Union (EU):
       -   on the 75th anniversary of a notorious round up of Jews, France’s President has decried his nation’s role in the Holocaust;
       -   thousands in Poland have protested against changes which would undermine judicial independence and democracy;   “the European Union [has given Poland] a week to halt judicial reforms it said would put courts under direct government control, or face punishment for undermining democracy”;
       -   “France's armed forces chief has resigned after a dispute with [the] President … over defence budget cuts, [which is] an early test of the newly elected leader's mettle and the tough style he is cultivating”;
  • With regard to the conflict in Iraq (noting that Iraq was once a peaceful and prosperous society, before the UK / USA / CIA backed revolution – see here, and that it needs an emphasis on a secular society and citizenship – but also here, although based in Syria and here):
       -   the ongoing ordeal of civilians displaced from Mosul;   Germany has urged Iraq to investigate reports of human rights abuses;
       -   and the Iraq Body Count project reports 114 civilians violently killed in the last week;
  • With regard to Russia (which is currently supporting an – in my opinion, based on R2P principles - illegitimate regime in Syria), Russian influenced nations and eastern Europe, and responses:
       an article on Russia’s objections to the USA’s Magnitsky Act - and the history of US sanctions against Russia;   “Russia has been pressing demands that the US give it access to two diplomatic compounds seized in the US last year”;   Russia has selected a hardliner as its next ambassador to the USA;   Russia's and the USA's President had second, previously undisclosed meeting at this month's G19+1;   Russia is continuing to silence dissent;
  • With regard to South and Central America:
       -   “at least one person has been shot dead while waiting to vote in an unofficial, opposition-organised referendum in Venezuela” – voters included Venezuelan émigrés;   the Venezuelan government is continuing its controversial and concerning changes despite sanctions;   some Venezuelans are leaving for Brazil;   millions of Venezuelans have gone on strike as violent clashes kill at least three people (amongst everything else [anger, etc], there is extraordinary courage being shown by some Venezuelans – this is where the fight for democracy and freedom on this world is hottest. On the other hand, why are people holding on to power? Fear of consequences? Maybe … Habit? Possibly … Or could it be a sense that they haven’t completed what they tried to do, at least in part? In any case, those who read this blog need to work – in a BPM manner – for them to come to a state of balanced rationality, and willingly leave before more devastation to individuals and that nation comes abut);
       -   farmers markets in Mexican cities;
  • With regard to South Asia (aka the Indian sub-continent), The Hindu and other sources have:
       -   an article on India's next President, who is little known, and a Dalit (who were formerly known as “untouchables);   calls have been made for better laws to protect cyber users in India;   a backgrounder on why an Indian state wants its own flag;   the UN has said education and women’s empowerment are top priorities in India;
       -   an Indian soldier has been killed by a ceasefire violation on the Indian-Pakistani border;
       -   the USA “will not make the remaining military reimbursements to Pakistan for fiscal year 2016 [because Pakistan] had not taken sufficient action against” violent extremists;
  • With regard to Sudan and South  Sudan:
       -   four Sudanese opposition leaders have been arrested;   the USA “is praising Sudan for improving its counterterrorism record despite keeping it on a blacklist of countries that sponsor terrorism” … so progress, but not enough progress yet;
       -   South Sudan’s leaders – one of whom has refused to denounce violence - may lose US support;   fighting is continuing despite a ceasefire;  South Sudan has verified the regional deployment force;
  • With regard to the conflict in Syria, where Assad’s regime has, in my opinion, lost all claims to legitimacy, and it is time to consider partition (see here, here, here and here):
       Syrian Kurds are concerned that the USA may abandon them;   clashes have ended the truce – see also here;
  • With regard to Turkey:
       about a month ago warrants were issued to arrest the thugs in Grand Sultan Erdogan’s bodyguard who assaulted peaceful protestors;   Grand Sultan Erdogan has criticised the European Union and backed institutionalised murder (i.e., the death  penalty);   3,000 people have died in the latest (two year) round of Turkey’s PKK conflict;   Turkey’s endangered LGBT community is standing up for LGBT Syrian refugees;
  • With regard to West Asia (aka “the Middle East”) and North Africa, the Middle East Eye and other sources have:
       -    violence between Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers after new security measures at a disputed area has led to six deaths;   Israel’s Prime Minister has been caught ranting against Europe by a live microphone (this is a clumsy mistake for an experienced politician to make);
       -    “the United Arab Emirates reportedly hacked a Qatari news website in May and planted a false story, setting off a diplomatic crisis in the region” (which the UAE denies);   “the four Arab nations leading a boycott of Qatar … now [want] it to accept six broad principles”;   Qatar has called for negotiations;   “the Arab League's silence over the Gulf crisis and inability to keep the GCC from splitting reflects a post-WWI regional order in its final throes”;
       -    the UAE is shifting to greener energy;
       -    more sexism in backward Saudi Arabia;
       -    a clash between squatters and police in Egypt has resulted in the injury of scores and the death of one squatter;
       -   the US administration has certified Iran’s compliance with the P5+1 nuclear deal … but imposed new sanctions over their missile programme, to Iran’s anger, and warned Iran over detained US citizens;   the brother of Iran’s re-elected President, who has been criticised on corruption, has been jailed over unspecified financial issues;   Iran could possibly help the USA end the war in Afghanistan;
  • With regard to the conflict in Yemen (unlike Iraq, I cannot find a source of regular information on casualties in Yemen, but the hardship and deaths from food, water and medical shortages that concerns me just as much – if not more, and I don’t know if such sites would report that; it is also important to remember that there are multiple sides in this dispute – and opponents to the government are not necessarily Houthi or violent extremist):
       the rainy season has exacerbated Yemen’s cholera crisis to the worst on record;   three internally displaced families have been killed by an airstrike;   calls for Saudi Arabia to be included on a “children’s rights shame list” as a result of what has been done in Yemen;   “why Saudi Arabia can’t let Yemen go” (basically macho reasoning).
Other News:
  • new excavations of a rock shelter near Kakadu National Park (conducted under one of the strongest agreements between archaeologists and traditional owners, the Mirarr people the right to veto the excavation at any time, control over the artefacts and final say about findings announced about the site) indicate humans reached Australia at least 65,000 years ago — 15-18,000 years earlier than archaeologists previously thought.
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