Ted's Soapbox 2.0

UNSC Resolution 1860 (2009)

Prime Minister Olmert said Israel was disregarding the U.N. vote because the resolution will not be heeded by “murderous” Palestinian groups. The firing of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel on Friday, he said, “proves the U.N. resolution is not practical.”

The Security Council voted last night to adopt a resolution that called for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In a resolution adopted by 14 votes to none, with the United States abstaining, the Council also called for the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, and it condemned all violence and hostilities directed against civilians and all acts of terrorism.

Speaking after the vote, the Secretary-General said that he was heartened and relieved at the Council’s adoption of the resolution, telling Council members, “Your decision signals the will of the international community. It must be fully respected by all parties to this conflict.”

He said that a ceasefire would open the way for the United Nations to resume urgently the delivery of humanitarian aid, food and medical supplies.

The Secretary-General added that his visit to the region next week will focus on helping to ensure that the ceasefire is implemented and that urgent humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. The visit would also encourage the diplomatic efforts currently underway.

Asked whether the Secretary-General is disappointed that a ceasefire has not yet been established, as the Council had called for, the Spokeswoman pointed out that the resolution was only passed last night. Discussions on implementing a ceasefire, she said, are not only continuing but are intensifying. Asked about the Secretary-General’s diplomatic contacts, Montas said that he continues to work through diplomatic channels as he tries to ensure that a ceasefire will be implemented.

The Spokeswoman later said the Secretary-General spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert by phone this afternoon and expressed his disappointment that the violence is continuing on the ground in disregard of yesterday’s Security Council resolution.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay told a special session of the Human Rights Council, which met today to discuss “the grave violations of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the recent aggression in the occupied Gaza Strip”, that the violence must stop. She said that the ceasefire called for by the Security Council must be implemented immediately.

In Geneva, the Human Rights Council is expected to take action, January 12, 2009, on a draft resolution during its resumed Special Session on “the grave violations of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the recent aggression in the occupied Gaza Strip”.

Israeli forces shelled a house where they had ordered about 100 Palestinian civilians to take shelter, killing about 30 people and wounding many more, witnesses told the U.N.

“According to several testimonies, on 4 January Israeli foot soldiers evacuated approximately 110 Palestinians into a single-residence house in Zeitun, warning them to stay indoors,” the UN report said on Friday. “Twenty-four hours later, Israeli forces shelled the home repeatedly, killing approximately 30.”

US CONGRESS VOTES TO SUPPORT ISRAEL TO THE END

U.S. AND ISRAELI FLAGS

The US House of Representatives has voted to endorse a resolution backing Israel in its offensive in Gaza, in which at least 780 Palestinians have been killed.

The body passed Friday’s resolution “recognising Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza” by 390 votes to five.

Twenty-two members of the House voted “present”, which means that they voted neither in favour or against the resolution.

The measure also noted that the humanitarian situation in Gaza “is becoming more acute” but did not rebuke Israel.

Dennis Kucinich, a Democratic congressman for Ohio who voted against the bill said before the vote: “I’m hopeful that we do not support the inhumanity that has been repeatedly expressed by the Israeli army.”

“We must take a new direction in the Middle East, and that new direction must be mindful of the inhumane conditions in Gaza”.

Washington has been Israel’s closest ally since 1948, when Harry Truman, the former president, made the US the first country to recognise Israel.

Harry Reid, who leads the Democratic majority in the senate, said on Thursday following that vote: “Our resolution reflects the will of the state of Israel and the will of the American people.”

Israeli air strike in Gaza.

****Harry Reid doesn’t speak for me****

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2.6 MILLION JOBS LOST

2.6 million jobs disappeared in 2008, the most since World War II, and the pain is only getting worse with 11 million Americans out of work and searching. Unemployment hit a 16-year high of 7.2 percent in December and could be headed for 10 percent or even higher by year’s end.

Rachel Davis of St. Louis said “If you get laid off right now, God help your soul,” she said. “You better hope you’ve got savings or someone backing you.” In fact, she was laid off three months ago after working as a dental technician for 20 years. While Congress and the new president struggle to find answers, she says, “I have no faith in this system” and plans to move out of the country in hopes of finding better luck.

During Bush’s nearly eight years in office, a net total of 3 million jobs were created. In President Clinton’s two terms, roughly 21 million jobs were generated.

****Thanks George for a job well done…… NOT!****

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Obama Smoking

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Read a aid workers diary from the BBC. It starts from newest entry to oldest so go back to the beginning and read to get the entire picture.

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ON THE HOME FRONT

I woke up and it was actually nice outside. When I left for work in the afternoon it was 39, when I got to work it was 31. Now it is sleeting, freezing rain and snowing out.

Things at home are going good. Everyone seems to be in a good mood. Maybe that is because I am working and am not around. Maybe I should always work this shift.

Well I decided I would like to sell the house and move the family to Nenana and start all over. The school district is good and is big with the arts education which would be great for Shane. The summers are perfect with temps in the 70’s which is great for Dawnell and the winters are not bad with lows around minus 40 and highs around minus 10. They have a library, two or three restaurants and is close enough to Fairbanks that you could make a day trip and pick up the major items needed every few weeks or months.

I think it would be great to get back to nature somewhat and live life at a slower pace. The move would get Dawnell away from her ASSTARD boss and since the standard of living is lower there than here, she could stay at home and enjoy herself.

Sunrise

Fishing

Flowers

Whats could there be not to like?

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11 Days Left… What can go wrong?
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Number of Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring
Freedom casualties as confirmed by U.S. Central
Command: 4836

Its more than just a number