Obama's New Envoy, Mitchell, Asked to Talk to Ordinary People in Gaza

Middle East Envoy George Mitchell, photo uploaded on Flickr by mashget

Even though Israel did not allow journalists into Gaza during the recent incursion, the world was watching. Bloggers were posting photos of women and children murdered, schools blown to smitereens, and mayhem in the blood drenched streets.

Child in Gaza awaiting medical treatment, photo uploaded on Flickr by pink turtle 2

The video uploaded on YouTube of the doctor who called the Israeli journalist when his house was attacked put a human face on this war. It allowed people from around the world to see that Palestinians are ordinary people. Not all are extremists with a mission to destroy Israel.

Dr. Abuelaish lost three daughters and a niece asks why, photo uploaded by mashget

This incursion undoubtedly boosted extremists inside Gaza and in the rest of the Arab world. Extreme behavior in any situation is usually born out of feelings of injustice or unfair treatment.

In order to stop the extremists, we must openly discuss why they are angry. It is time to open up dialogue between both sides without fear of being labeled an anti-Semite.

Obama's new order to stop the all powerful stranglehold lobbyists have had on how government is run is an excellent beginning. AIPAC has always had a hold on decision making concerning the question of Palestine. Now, without their influence, maybe, just maybe, we will see real dialogue and possible diplomatic solution to this conflict.

Young woman protests in Paris to end war in Gaza, photo uploaded on Flickr by looking 4 poetry

And again, instead of being labeled an anti-Semite, we will be viewed as people or a government with a genuine concern for fair and just treatment for all people.

George Mitchell negotiated peace in Northern Ireland. Moreover, he worked with the Clinton Administration on issues concerning Palestine and Israel. His experience in the region will help expedite the process for real diplomacy and dialogue.

Here is an excerpt of an article filed by Stephanie Nebehay of Reuters yesterday:

War boosted extremists in Gaza, says U.N. official
By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA (Reuters)

John Ging, head of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, called for new U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell to talk to ordinary people in Gaza as part of a "new track" in diplomacy.

Ging, who is Irish, welcomed Mitchell's appointment.

"An individual of his experience and ability coming now to this conflict gives me cause for more than hope, it actually gives me cause for optimism that we will move on to a new track where we will see real progress," he said.

"What we hope will happen is that the U.S. administration will listen to the people. There has to be a rebalancing of the focus," he said.

(Editing by Jonathan Lynn and Elizabeth Piper)

Obama's First 48 Hours Cause a London Train Station to Erupt in Spontaneous Dance

London train stations are usually crowded with people rushing to work, looking tired and forlorn. However, on this particular morning at 11 o'clock, it was a different story.

News of Obama's plan to close Gitmo and end torture caused this busy Liverpool train station in London to erupt in spontaneous dance.

Just kidding. Although it is a rehearsal for the actual advert, the impromptu crowd reaction and participation are priceless.

I love the old grannies who participate and the guy with the funky mod hairdo.

President Obama's First Day on the Job

Obama street art, Atlanta, Georgia, uploaded on Flickr by brianmanley

And some people thought Obama wasn't ready to run the country. President Obama has done more in eight hours for peace and justice, freedom and ethics than Bush did in his whole eight years in office.

Palestinian children, uploaded from Flickr by shimriz

President Obama called the leaders of Palestine, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. In the simple act of picking up the phone in his office, this president sent out a strong message, not only to the leaders on the other end of the phone line, but to all of the Arab world that he is serious about opening up a dialogue and engaging in diplomacy toward a peace process in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict.


Wrapped present, uploaded on Flickr by altered angel

Obama also signed an executive order banning gifts to staff from lobbyists. Also, if staff members are former lobbyists, they are not allowed to engage in in any activities to promote the lobby they were involved. He also plans to limit access of lobbyists to the White House. No more revolving doors. With these acts, we are definitely going to get a more just government without the stranglehold of the all powerful lobbyists.

President Obama plans to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. The FOIA holds the government accountable by allowing access to public records. No more massive blacked out pages like in previous administrations.

The president said to staff, "Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency."

President Obama also held meetings with economic and military advisers.

And as mentioned in my post yesterday, he has suspended all hearings at Guantanamo Bay prison for 120 days. This is a step toward closing down this torture and absolute hell on earth. Obama is expected to sign an executive order by Thursday that will call for the closing down of the prison within a year.

Lastly, he has imposed a pay freeze on staffers making more than $100,000 in an effort to ease the economic crisis.

I would say a most productive first day. Please remember that his website is up and running. It is interactive and I have heard the Obama will be blogging there. This president welcomes comments and suggestions. Check it out and get involved. We are one, we are the change. Here is the website: www.whitehouse.gov
Art by Koolhats, uploaded on Flickr by seetwist

Obama Family on Inauguration Day

Photo by H Darr Beiser, USA Today

I just love this photo of Barack Obama listening to what his young daughter Sasha has to say moments after he took the oath of office.

An exciting time in history. I heard last night that he already made a move on Guantanamo Bay prison. Obama has signed an order to suspend all war crimes trials for 120 days. I believe this is a step toward closing down this torture chamber of a prison.

I hope he sends out an apology and monetary compensation to those who were wrongly confined in this hell on earth.