Bigger Picture P2 - Voter Suppression - The 4% Flaw in Our Democracy
Greg Palast, BBC News / Al Jazeera / The Guardian / Vultures and Vote Rustlers Brad Friedman, The Brad Blog join Thom Hartmann. Americans love to think they #39;re number one at everything. But...
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from dictatorship to democracy Dr tadese p2
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How to Download Democracy 3 inclDLCs no bs Version For Free 2014 (Voice Tutorial)
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How to Download Democracy 3 inclDLCs no bs Version For Free 2014 (Voice Tutorial) - Video
JERUSALEM In the face of a rising wave of violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing forward a plan to formalize by law Israel's status as "the Jewish state." Netanyahu says it's a needed response to those who question Israel's right to exist. But the measure would anger Israel's Arab minority and could draw international condemnation, severely testing a delicate balance between democracy and the country's Jewish character. Here's a look at the debate:
Q: WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION DO?
A: The bill aims to officially designate Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. Israel has always defined itself as the "Jewish state" a term that appears in its 1948 declaration of independence while also characterizing itself as a democracy that upholds the rights of all citizens. The new law seeks to put the Jewish state idea into a constitution-level law.
Q: HOW "JEWISH" IS ISRAEL NOW?
A: Israel's primary language is Hebrew, Jewish holidays are national holidays and Saturday, the Jewish sabbath, is the national day of rest. The country's blue and white flag is adorned with the Star of David, and its national anthem, "Hatikva," highlights Jews' connection to the land. Under its "Law of Return," Israel automatically grants citizenship to any Jew, while immigration for non-Jews is limited. The Arab minority about a fifth of the 8 million citizens are meant to hold equal individual rights; Israel has Arab lawmakers, professors, judges, military officers and entertainers. This balance, however, has always been fragile. Arabs frequently suffer discrimination in the job and housing markets. Israeli Jews, meanwhile, are deeply divided over the role of religion in everyday life.
Q: WHY IS THE BILL SO CONTROVERSIAL?
A: Preliminary drafts, passed in principle during a stormy Cabinet meeting this week, include language that is widely seen as favoring the country's Jewish character over democratic ideals. One proposal would remove Arabic as a national language. Even a watered-down version proposed by Netanyahu says that Jewish law should "serve as an inspiration" for the legislature.
"This is a shameful decision," said Yossi Sarid, a veteran political dove who was once education minister. "I can hardly recognize the face of my country." He said the bill makes Arabs second-class citizens. "Our main source of pride was always equality between citizens. This law puts an end to our illusions."
Q: IF ISRAEL IS ALREADY THE JEWISH STATE, WHY IS NETANYAHU PUSHING THE BILL?
A: Netanyahu seems to be aiming to fend off hardline critics inside his governing coalition, especially with a party primary looming in January. But he denies it and says he has long supported such legislation. He says the measure is needed at a time when Israel's foes, including Palestinians and even some members of Israel's Arab minority, challenge a Jewish state's right to exist. Netanyahu said this week he can't understand how people who advocate establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel oppose him. "They are pleased to recognize a Palestinian national state but strongly oppose a Jewish national state," he said. Netanyahu's government, however, is lobbying countries against recognizing the "State of Palestine" at this time.
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'Jewish state' bill tests Israeli democracy (+video)
Police arrested key student leaders of Hong Kongs pro-democracy protests Wednesday as they cleared barricades in one volatile district, throwing into doubt the future of a two-month-old movement seeking free elections. (AP)
HONG KONG Police cleared the remaining barricades from one of Hong Kongs largest protest sites Wednesday and arrested two pro-democracy leaders as authorities stepped up their efforts to end the two-month-long civil disobedience campaign.
Hundreds of protesters chanted for full democracy as workers in red caps and I love Hong Kong T-shirts began clearing the metal and wooden barricades in the shopping streets of Mong Kok, a crowded working-class neighborhood that has become a flash point between protesters and opponents during the occupation.
The protests and clashes which began over Beijings controls over Hong Kong elections increased into a wider challenge over central government control in the former British colony and whether its traditions of relative freedoms can endure.
Authorities opened dialogue with demonstrators, but have refused to significantly change policies over the administration of Hong Kong, which was turned over by Britain in 1997.
On Wednesday, police in helmets soon waved away the workers and took over the operation, gathering up more barricades, as well as tents, canopies and other debris. Onlookers clapped and cheered the police as they cleared the final obstructions.
You are kids, and the whole of society does not support you, one woman shouted at the protesters.
The operation was carried out after taxi drivers won a court case demanding the streets be cleared. Public opinion has turned against the civil disobedience campaign the longer it has dragged on, although support remains strong for the protesters goals.
Riot police and protesters faced off intermittently during the day, with officers slowly pushing activists back and arresting anyone who failed to retreat quickly enough.
Among those arrested were Joshua Wong, the 18-year-old protester who is the most recognizable face of the movement, and Lester Shum, one the leaders of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, who took part in talks with the government last month.
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Hong Kong police clear pro-democracy demonstrators protest site