Goliath pummels David 2-23-14

23, February 2014

Goliath pummels David

A shocking account of corporate intimidation of a renowned research scientist has recently surfaced.  The scientist, Tyrone Hayes of the University of California, Berkeley, was hired by an agribusiness giant, Syngenta, to study their flagship product, atrazine, a widely used pesticide that is applied to more than half the crops in the United States and widely used on golf courses and Christmas tree farms. Much to Syngenta’s dismay, Hayes research exposed the potential harmful effects on the endocrine system leading to severe sexual abnormalities. Fearful that the publication could hurt their bottom line, Syngenta attempted to purchase the data. When that failed they launched a vigorous campaign to discredit Hayes work. Syngenta then retained the services of ‘hired guns’ to embarrass Hayes and discredit his work at professional meetings.  Attempts were then made to smear Hayes’ reputation and pressure the U.S. Environmental Agency from banning atrazine which is already banned by the European Union. Fortunately, the EPA took a hard line and insisted that the research be published in several high-ranking journals including one sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The situation then took a surreal turn for the worse. Death threats were made to Hayes and his family. Traumatized by the relentless efforts to silence him, Hayes sought help from the vice-chancellor for research, the dean and office of legal counsel only to be told that he “was on his own” – a sad epitaph to David’s efforts to thwart the predatory practices of a corporate Goliath.

Ukraine – the “F-Bomb” 2-13-14

13, February 2014

Ukraine – the “F-Bomb”

All the brouhaha over Russia’s alleged leak of a tapped phone conversation between America’s top diplomat and a US State Department official has more than a touch of irony. While our National Security Agency have their electronic spooks in every corner of the world taping emails, phone conversations which has outraged many of our more ‘cherished’ allies, we feign outrage that the naughty Russians may have been listening to our diplomatic communiques. The leak caused a new low in the escalating diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Washington. Lately, Russia has been offering loan incentives and cheap gas to Ukraine to discourage it from moving into the tight embrace of the European Union. The loss of Ukraine would be a mortal blow to Russia who have been anxious to resurrect the ‘glorious days’ of the former USSR. The leaked recording posted on You-Tube captured a conversation between US Assistant of State, Victoria Nuland and US Ambassador to Ukraine, Geoffrey Pyatt. Towards the end of the conversation Pyatt suggested enlisting the help of the UN and the EU in a mediation role in the creation of a new Ukrainian coalition government. It was then that an exasperated Nuland launched her F-bomb and said “f- the EU.” Needless, to say the less than diplomatic exchange generated outrage. In the interest of fairness and reciprocity, it would be wise to remember, “Don’t do onto others what you would not wish to be done to you.”

Israel - the Peace Process 2-11-14

11, February 2014

Israel - the Peace Process

In a significant development, Israeli finance minister, Yair Lapid, stressed the urgent need to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. He warned that failure to do so could lead to a European boycott of the Jewish state seriously impacting exports, the loss of thousands of jobs, soaring inflation and internal unrest. The Institute of National Security, a Tel Aviv think tank, warned that “Israel’s economy is much more vulnerable than its national security.” EU foreign ministers dangled a large juicy carrot pledging “an unprecedented European political, economic and security support package” to both Israelis and Palestinians “in the context of a final status agreement.” This would be an unprecedented win-win for both sides of the conflict. The EU cautioned Israel that further settlement construction could jeopardize the EU offer. Mr. Lapid warned that failure to heed the EU strictures could isolate Israel from the EU and other trading partners - much like former apartheid South Africa.  

Lapid was also vehemently opposed to Netanyahu’s demand that the Palestinians recognized Israel as a Jewish state. He said this was merely a delaying tactic to forestall the peace process.  Israel would be wise to seize the moment and accept the generous EU offer and embrace John Kerry’s brokered efforts in bringing about a final peaceful settlement to this festering Middle East conflict  

Israel 2-2-14

2, February 2014

Israel

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) program targeted against Israel is growing exponentially. Israeli finance minister, Yair Lapid, stressed the urgent need to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians to avoid further isolation. He warned that failure to do so could lead to a European boycott of the Jewish state seriously impacting exports, the loss of thousands of jobs, soaring inflation and internal unrest. US Secretary of State, John Kerry is right to warn Israel that it “is likely to face an international boycott “on steroids,” if it continued construction of illegal settlements. The Institute of National Security, a Tel Aviv think tank, warned that “Israel’s economy is much more vulnerable than its national security.” EU foreign ministers pledged “an unprecedented European political, economic and security support package” to both Israelis and Palestinians “in the context of a final status agreement.” The EU cautioned Israel that further settlement construction could jeopardize the EU offer. Israel would be wise to seize the moment and accept the generous EU offer and embrace John Kerry’s brokered efforts in bringing about a final peaceful settlement to this festering Middle East conflict.  

Sadly, the biggest impediment to reaching a peaceful settlement is the US which never loses an opportunity to publically announce our undying love for Israel. Why must we continue to pour billions of dollars supporting Israel which has stolen land from the Palestinians, demolished their homes and has put Gaza on a starvation diet?