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The World Has Turned Against Women

The world has turned against women.  When it comes to protection, education, dignity and self-worth, the United Nations has legally and institutionally said no to women’s rights.   While you may not find any UN proclamation that denies the rights of women or supports their exploitation, actions speak louder than words.

On April 30, 2010, the nations of the world promoted Iran – a country where young girls and women live in a state of constant terror - to a high level commission designed to protect the status of women around the world.   On this day world leaders sat on their hands, the US President was AWOL, and US Representatives to the United Nations were silent. 

Iran's selection to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women is nothing more than a grotesque joke.  Making matters worse, the major media web sites, including ABC, NBC, and CBS, did not cover the Iran appointment.  Only Foxnews.com covered the Iran debacle. 

Iran was voted in by acclamation, with no opposition. A campaign by women's rights champions inside and outside Iran calling on the UN not to take this step fell on deaf ears.

Iran will now join other enthusiastic human rights advocates such as China and the Congo, along with the other 59 Arab countries in the UN to support women.  Clearly, the women of the world are at risk. 

SWIVL believes it’s time for the United States to support the rights of girls and women everywhere and to use its political and economic muscle to end the horrific treatment of women, particularly throughout the Middle East.  The first step is for President Obama to address the UN General Assembly and demand the expulsion of Iran under the threat that the US will remove all financial support. This action needs no debate, discussion, or task force.  It only requires that we put our money where our ideals are. In other words, it’s time to take action.

Iran was voted in by acclamation, with no opposition. A campaign by women's rights champions inside and outside Iran calling on the UN not to take this step fell on deaf ears. Click here for a close look at Iranian legal practices.

The US Contribution to the UN - The United States has the maximum assessed contribution to the UN regular budget -- 22%. In 2009 the assessed amount is $598,292,101. The minimum assessed contribution is 0.001%. The scale of assessments for each UN member for the required contributions to the regular budget is determined every 3 years on the basis of Gross National Product (GNP).

Only nine countries (starting with the largest contributor: United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Spain, China) contribute 75% of the entire regular budget. Cuba contributes .043% of the regular budget. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia contributes .713%.

The Obama Administration is Creating a Perfect Storm

The Obama Administration may not only be destroying the United States economy,  the current Administration may also be creating a perfect storm for the destruction of the social fabric that holds the American culture together.  Three key forces are at work: (1) Excessive debt, (2) Political division, and (3) Gratuitous entitlements.  Together, these forces are transforming the core values of the United States from a culture of success to a culture of dependency.  The exceptionality of the United States does not lie with the federal government – far from it.  Rather, our strength as a nation rests with its people.  From manifest destiny to our footprints on the moon, American ingenuity, creativity and independence have forged a national consciousness which is now being challenged.

Regardless of your economic theory or philosophy, no one could seriously have imagined the United States debt as 11 trillion dollars.  Eleven trillion dollars, divided by the U.S. population is over $36,000 in debt for every man, woman and child in the United States.  Such a debt loses all meaning and leads to a national state of confusion and chaos.  As a result, only the naïve would question why citizens are losing confidence in their government and its leaders.  Worse, a sobering assessment issued by Moody’s Investors Service, provided a reminder that even AAA-rated United States Treasury bonds, supposedly the safest of safe investments, could be downgraded if the Obama Administration continues to mismanage the federal debt.  “Growth alone will not resolve an increasingly complicated debt equation,” Moody’s said. “Preserving debt affordability” — the ratio of interest payments to government revenue — “at levels consistent with AAA ratings will invariably require fiscal adjustments of a magnitude that, in some cases, will test social cohesion.”   By cohesion, we can only conclude a breakdown in the social fabric that holds the United States together: in other words, violence.  Is the Obama Administration listening?

The second force behind this perfect storm is the growing division in the United States that has developed in one year since President Obama has taken office.  While division is certainly not unique in a free society, it was candidate Obama who promoted the view and campaigned on the position that he would unify and bring the country together.  Intentional or not, the Obama Administration has politicized the country in such a way as to make extremism the new normal.  Refusing to listen or even respect the majority viewpoint of Americans, the President has been combative, conflicting, and defensive in advocating for his legislative agenda.  The American people, benefiting from the individualist, entrepreneurial pathway carved out by the founding fathers, do not respond well when their elected leaders ignore their political will.  Nor, do Americans believe that European thinking should be imposed on their free spirited political culture.  More division – not less – is likely, if the President continues to argue for a political philosophy that is fundamentally at odds with the values and beliefs of most Americans.

Bridging the growing national debt and increasing political division is the expanding number of entitlements being legislated from Washington D.C.  While portrayed in a cloak of morality, elected officials have rejected the notion of personal responsibility and freedom and replaced them with a culture of dependency.   Simple common sense and good old fashion American logic are no longer part of the discussion.  Hard work, ingenuity, and accountability have been marginalized to the point where now a growing number of Americans are looking to their government for entitlements in the form of handouts, subsidies or employment – all to be paid for by someone else.  Policy makers seem to be more concerned with creating a constituency that is less informed and more beholden to them for what they can get or receive from their government.  This approach can only lead to greater alienation and anger on the part of most citizens.

Thus, a perfect storm for transforming American society is underway.  With little regard or concern for the values and beliefs held by Americans, too many elected officials have turned their back on the capacity and resilience of Americans to act on their own behalf.  What has made the United States exceptional is our political and economic culture where all individuals have the potential for greatness. The United States is exceptional because every citizen can use their personal strengths and experiences to be successful.  While there are no guarantees, America is a country where hard work and personal responsibility can propel you to success beyond your hopes and dreams.  This is not rhetorical commentary or simply a slogan to be placed on a bumper or pasted on a billboard.  It is part of our fabric that must be treated with respect and dignity.  If our elected officials – regardless of political party – forget or ignore this important part of our culture, there will be a breakdown of our basic institutions and we will surely see more violence and less civility within our communities and society.

Brandeis University Removes Swastika

Brandeis University removes swastika from its conference PR materials.  SWIVL with other individuals and organizations requested that Brandeis University remove the swastika from its conference materials.  Click here for a statement from Brandeis University.

Brandeis University Swastika

Brandeis University Symposium On “Right-wing Radicalism” depicting the Swastika shows just how far Brandeis University is removed from World War ll and history. The insensitivity of Brandeis University shows that the administration and the faculty do not care about those that they offend. The Swastika represents human torture, medical experiments, rape, mutilation and death. Finally, to associate this unholy of all symbols with American citizens (Tea Party Participants) and their constitutional right to protest their government exposes Brandeis University for their true nature. The organizers of this conference and Brandeis University may be closer to the Nazis then they know. Perhaps the symbol fits Brandeis University. We need to remember that Hitler was elected to power. Please contact Brandeis University to voice your displeasure: Telephone: (781) 736-2756Fax:(781) 736-8140Email: [email protected]

 

Supremes Turn Their Back on Man’s Best Friend

Supreme Court rules animal torture videos as free speech.  Simply put our dogs and cats have little value according to the US Supreme Court and while it may be illegal to torture and murder them, individuals and businesses that electrocute, crush, drown, strangle, rape, and otherwise torture companion animals are protected by the US Constitution to produce, market, publicize, and distribute the video and material representation of these monstrous acts.   

Key media outlets joined forces to promote their right to publicize the torture of animals, claiming free speech as their defense, with the New York Times leading this unholy alliance.  Arguing their position, the New York Time, twisted the ugly truth about animal torture into the protection of animals.   Here is the 1984ish position of the NY Times:

The goal of preventing crush videos and other animal cruelty is certainly a worthy one.  It is this very interest in protecting animals from abuse that makes speech about their treatment so valuable. Press coverage serves the community by exposing animal cruelty such as crush videos, animal fighting and the mistreatment of animals at some puppy mills and slaughterhouses.

In other words, we should not prohibit the publicizing and marketing of these horrific videos – otherwise the New York Time and other media outlets could not publicize them.  

Only one Justice had the courage to tell the truth:  Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissented, saying the majority’s analysis was built on “fanciful hypotheticals” and would serve to protect “depraved entertainment.”

 

Chief Justice Roberts and other Supreme Court Justices should get out of their ivory tower to understand the connection between animal cruelty, child abuse and domestic violence.  Animal abusers are never satisfied with the torture of just animals.  More and more evidence shows that animal abuse leads to child abuse and domestic violence.

Does the majority of the Supreme Court really believe individuals who distribute videos that depict animal torture are not disposed to violent behaviors?  Do they believe that the Founding Fathers of our country would have given these horrific videos and merchandise the status of protected speech?  The Supreme Court’s decision to ignore the link between human and nonhuman animal abuse gives the animal torture industry a pass while endangering our children and families.  Like so many of our elected official, they are out of touch with everyday thinking Americans.

Ashtabula County: Precursor for the Nation

As Washington spends billions on wasteful projects that serve the interests of a few, everyday Americans are seeing their community services erode, a culture of despair, and a breakdown in civility.  Transportation systems, water systems, and energy problems are ignored as elected officials spend billions on programs that have no relevance to tax payers.  And now, our right to a safe, civil society is at risk.  As the social and economic infrastructure of our country deteriorates, violence increases.  Examples are everywhere and Ashtabula County may be a precursor for the rest of the nation.

In the ongoing financial crisis in Ashtabula County, the Sheriff's Department has been cut from 112 to 49 deputies.  With deputies assigned to transport prisoners, serve warrants and other duties, only one patrol car is assigned to patrol the entire county of 720 square miles. Ashtabula County is the largest county in Ohio by land area. 

Ashtabula County Judge Alfred Mackey was asked what residents should do to protect themselves and their families with the severe cutback in law enforcement.  Arm themselves, the judge said.  Be very careful, be vigilant, and get in touch with your neighbors, because we're going to have to look after each other.  Click here for the video.

Ashtabula County gun dealers and firearms instructors tell WKYC their business has really picked up since the Sheriff's Department cutbacks began some months ago.  That's exactly why they are coming, so that they can protect themselves, says Tracy Williams, a certified firearms instructor in Jefferson. They don't feel that they are protected. They want to be able to protect themselves.

Sparrows Return to SWIVL

For the last three years, two sparrows have shared their spring on SWIVL grounds. Last week one of them returned and sat on the misting system just waiting.  Today April 13^th, two days earlier than last year, I heard a lot of chirping and singing.  When I looked out the office window the two sparrows were jumping and playing together - greeting each other after a long year.  The female went to their nest to check out things and then the two of them flew off together.  We are eagerly awaiting their return.  We hope that within a month, once again we will be blessed with a healthy baby sparrow.  Mom (Maude) and Dad (Harold) are just beginning to do their part. 

 

 

Federal Government is Wasting Tax Dollars on Cruel Animal Experiments

Los Angeles has no money for police, we have no money to secure the US border, we have no money to pay for teachers, we have no money to continue the space program, we have no money to keep community pools open, we have no money to pay for libraries, and on and on and on.  But, we do have federal tax dollars to support the torture and abuse of animals.   Every year, the federal government, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), spends billions of tax dollars to underwrite biomedical experiments on animals.

As Americans file their annual tax returns, our federal elected officials continue to approve wasteful spending on cruel animal experiments in the name of science.   Below is a tiny example of how your tax dollars and animals’ lives are frivolously wasted on research that adds nothing to medical progress, ignoring common sense and topics that really matter.  

It’s time for all tax payers to contact their elected officials and demand that this wasteful, cruel spending stops.  Stop the spending and end the cruelty.

Below is a sample of experiments conducted on live animals with your money:

• Research on the ejaculation of rats
• Research on castrating hamsters
• Research on fighting lizards
• Research on mice on wheels
• Research on the sexual behavior of rats

Click here to find out more about how the federal government is wasting tax dollars on cruel animal experiments.

April Book of the Month - "Please Stop Laughing At Us" by Jodee Blanco

Each month SWIVL features a book that exemplifies the spirit of ViolenceFree.  For the month of April 2010, SWIVL recommends a wonderful author and advocate for ending violence.  

Don’t be a victim!  That’s the clear and simple message from Jodee Blanco, author of the best-selling book, PLEASE STOP LAUGHING AT US. 

Bullying, like animal cruelty, child abuse, and domestic violence is a disease that must be eradicated from society and Blanco describes a number of actions that children can take, including:

- Realize there’s nothing wrong with you

- Reacting to the moment, not later

- Reaching out to a parent or other individuals of authority

Ideas to stop the bully are promoted by Blanc through stories, examples, and most of all action.   Ignoring the abuser – the bully – will not make him or her go away.  SWIVL encourages schools officials, teachers, parents, and community leaders to review the work of Ms. Blanco and visit her web site.  

To end animal cruelty, child abuse, and domestic violence, we must focus on the act of violence and recognize that the abuser does not care who the victim is – it is the abusive act itself that gives pleasure and motivates the abuser. 

It’s time to get serious about the bully; an important first step to ending the cycle of violence.

SWIVL Brisenia Flores Memorial Award

On March 11th, the Southwest Institute for ViolenceFree Learning (SWIVL) presented the Brisenia Flores Memorial Award to four sixth graders from Sopori Elementary School.  Each student described their relationship with a companion animal and how they became more responsible and a better person.  Students received a certificate of success and a $25.00 gift card.

Sopori Elementary Principal Desi Raulston & 6th Grade Teacher Mrs. Gettinger with the four SWIVL Brisenia Flores Memorial Award Winners

The SWIVL Award acknowledges the beauty and creative spirit of children – a spirit that was exemplified by Brisenia Flores.  Brisenia’s young life was tragically taken through a brutal and senseless killing.  According to SWIVL co-founder, Dr. Kathleen Wishnick, the Award pays tribute to Brisenia and promotes the view that our schools should encourage compassion, creativity, and responsible behavior. From this Award, SWIVL hopes the dreams of a little girl will be realized through the lives of other children.  According to Wishnick, we celebrate the young life of Brisenia and we hope that good people everywhere will keep her memory alive.

 

SWIVL endorses the view that ViolenceFree can be created through personal self-reliance and accountability in a culture that encourages a strong work ethic, independence, and innovation. Through a learning environment, based on the Golden Rule, our schools can create relationships that are ViolenceFree.