Gideon Rachman, Financial Times (UK) (7-13-09)
[Gideon Rachman is the FT’s chief foreign affairs columnist.]
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, it suddenly became obvious that the USSR had never been a proper country. It was a multinational empire held together by force. Might we one day say the same of China?
Of course, any such suggestion is greeted with rage in Beijing. Chinese politicians are modern-minded pragmatists when it comes to economic management. But they revert to Maoist language when questions of territorial integrity are touched upon. Supporters of Taiwanese independence are “splittists”. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, has been described as a “monster with a human face and an animal’s heart”. The Muslim Uighurs who rioted violently last week were denounced as the tools of sinister foreign forces.
According to David Shambaugh, an academic, the main lesson that the Chinese drew from studying the collapse of the USSR was to avoid “dogmatic ideology, entrenched elites, dormant party organisations, and a stagnant economy”.
It is an impressive list. But it misses out one obvious thing. The Soviet Union ultimately fell apart because of pressure from its different nationalities. In 1991, the USSR split up into its constituent republics.
Of course, the parallels are not exact. Ethnic Russians made up just over half the population of the USSR. The Han Chinese are over 92 per cent of the population of China. Yet Tibet and Xinjiang are exceptions. Some 90 per cent of the population of Tibet are still ethnic Tibetans. The Uighurs make up just under half the population of Xinjiang. Neither area is comfortably integrated into the rest of the country – to put it mildly. Last week’s riots in Xinjiang led to the deaths of more than 180 people, the bloodiest known civil disturbance in China since Tiananmen Square in 1989. There were also serious disturbances in Tibet just before last year’s Olympics.
In a country of more than 1.3bn people, the 2.6m in Tibet and the 20m in Xinjiang sound insignificant. But together they account for about a third of China’s land mass – and for a large proportion of its inadequate reserves of oil and gas. Just as the Russians fear Chinese influence over Siberia, so the Chinese fear that Muslim Xinjiang could drift off into Central Asia...
http://hnn.us/roundup/comments/100592.html
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The World Future Counsil - For Sustainability, Justice, Ending Poverty & Working for Peace
Hans Lak posted an announcement to the cause Join and support the World Future Council;
Click on title above to go there;
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/288587?m=e3f8715b
----------------
The World Future Council, a group of 50 activists, politicians and thinkers from around the world, is focused on finding ways to prevent today’s actions from constraining tomorrow’s choices. The group just wrapped up a two-day symposium in Montreal at which more than 100 experts in international law explored ways to use legal tools, most of which are oriented toward doling out justice among those alive now, to avert what amount to crimes against the future.
These include such actions as driving species to extinction and adding long-lived greenhouse gases to the atmosphere in ways that have few impacts now, but could disrupt climate patterns, ocean ecosystems and coastal settlements in decades to come. In a news release, the council said that world leaders, through decades of statements on sustainable development, have pledged to balance current needs with the obligation to avoid impoverishing the future. “But the legal enforcement of these agreements is still very limited,” it noted.
In a news release, C.G. Weeramantry, a member of the council and former vice president of the International Court of Justice, described the group’s goal this way:
We are today using international law in a heartless fashion, for we think only of those who are alive here and now and shut our eyes to the rest of the vast family of humanity who are yet to come. This forecloses to future generations their rights to the basic fundamentals of civilized existence: acknowledging them as holders of rights in the eyes of our law.”
This harks back to a post here about a proposal for the creation of a government position of “ legal guardian of future generations.”
What do you think? Are we mature enough as a species to safeguard the rights of future generations without the threat of a day in court?
Namasté
Hans Lak
One person can make a difference
Please add me if you like, and join one person!
http://tinyurl.com/oneperson
----------------
View Announcement - Invite Friends
Thanks,
The Causes Team
Click on title above to go there;
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/288587?m=e3f8715b
----------------
The World Future Council, a group of 50 activists, politicians and thinkers from around the world, is focused on finding ways to prevent today’s actions from constraining tomorrow’s choices. The group just wrapped up a two-day symposium in Montreal at which more than 100 experts in international law explored ways to use legal tools, most of which are oriented toward doling out justice among those alive now, to avert what amount to crimes against the future.
These include such actions as driving species to extinction and adding long-lived greenhouse gases to the atmosphere in ways that have few impacts now, but could disrupt climate patterns, ocean ecosystems and coastal settlements in decades to come. In a news release, the council said that world leaders, through decades of statements on sustainable development, have pledged to balance current needs with the obligation to avoid impoverishing the future. “But the legal enforcement of these agreements is still very limited,” it noted.
In a news release, C.G. Weeramantry, a member of the council and former vice president of the International Court of Justice, described the group’s goal this way:
We are today using international law in a heartless fashion, for we think only of those who are alive here and now and shut our eyes to the rest of the vast family of humanity who are yet to come. This forecloses to future generations their rights to the basic fundamentals of civilized existence: acknowledging them as holders of rights in the eyes of our law.”
This harks back to a post here about a proposal for the creation of a government position of “ legal guardian of future generations.”
What do you think? Are we mature enough as a species to safeguard the rights of future generations without the threat of a day in court?
Namasté
Hans Lak
One person can make a difference
Please add me if you like, and join one person!
http://tinyurl.com/oneperson
----------------
View Announcement - Invite Friends
Thanks,
The Causes Team
Thursday, July 9, 2009
3M chemicals found in residents' blood
Tests of east metro residents shows 3M chemicals in their blood.
By TOM MEERSMAN, Star Tribune
Last update: July 9, 2009 - 12:16 PM
Sorry, nojustice - 3M Co. Class Action Rejected
Stillwater MN: (Jun-20-07) Eastern Twin Cities area residents tried to file a class action against the chemical plant for private and city … read more well contamination. 3M Co. made perfluourochemicals (PFCs) for 50 years before stopping production in 2002. The chemicals do not break down readily in the environment and allegedly build up in human and animal blood. 3M disposed of waste materials containing PFCs at two landfills in Washington County in compliance with the applicable laws at the time. However, the chemicals were later found in private wells in the Lake Elmo area and in Oakdale's city well. The lawsuit sought to force 3M to take steps to prevent further contamination and remove the contamination that already exists, as well as monetary damages. Washington County District Judge Mary Hannon ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the extensive legal requirements under Minnesota law to get the lawsuit certified as a class action. [LA CROSSE TRIBUNE: PFC WELL CONTAMINATION REJECTED]
Article;
East metro residents who drank water tainted with 3M chemicals have retained trace levels of those compounds in their blood, according to a new state health study. Scientists tested blood from 196 volunteers in Lake Elmo, Cottage Grove and Oakdale and found that levels of three compounds were slightly above the national average. Those eligible for the study had to live in areas where private wells or city water was found to be contaminated.
Study participants have been notified of the results, and state health officials will hold two public meetings to explain the findings and to answer other questions.
The compounds, known as perfluorochemicals, were manufactured by 3M in its Cottage Grove plant for more than 50 years until 2002. They were used in Scotchgard, Teflon, firefighting foam and hundreds of other products. The company disposed of wastes in area dumps until the mid-1970s.
3M agreed in 2007 to clean up the chemicals in four locations. It has also financed hookups with city water for more than 200 households with contaminated private wells in Lake Elmo, and paid for Oakdale to install special filters for a city well that was tainted.
Little is known about the long-term health effects of exposure to the chemicals. 3M has reported that studies of its workers who made the perfluorochemicals have had no impact on their health. Studies on animals have shown effects on the liver, thyroid and pancreas, but it's unclear whether those problems are likely to affect humans and at what levels of exposure.
The public meetings will occur on July 21 at Skyview Elementary School in Oakdale, and on July 22 at Cottage Grove's city council chambers.
Both meetings begin with an open house at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m.
Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388
Click on title above for original article and place to comment;
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/50376382.html?elr=KArksUUUU
By TOM MEERSMAN, Star Tribune
Last update: July 9, 2009 - 12:16 PM
Sorry, nojustice - 3M Co. Class Action Rejected
Stillwater MN: (Jun-20-07) Eastern Twin Cities area residents tried to file a class action against the chemical plant for private and city … read more well contamination. 3M Co. made perfluourochemicals (PFCs) for 50 years before stopping production in 2002. The chemicals do not break down readily in the environment and allegedly build up in human and animal blood. 3M disposed of waste materials containing PFCs at two landfills in Washington County in compliance with the applicable laws at the time. However, the chemicals were later found in private wells in the Lake Elmo area and in Oakdale's city well. The lawsuit sought to force 3M to take steps to prevent further contamination and remove the contamination that already exists, as well as monetary damages. Washington County District Judge Mary Hannon ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the extensive legal requirements under Minnesota law to get the lawsuit certified as a class action. [LA CROSSE TRIBUNE: PFC WELL CONTAMINATION REJECTED]
Article;
East metro residents who drank water tainted with 3M chemicals have retained trace levels of those compounds in their blood, according to a new state health study. Scientists tested blood from 196 volunteers in Lake Elmo, Cottage Grove and Oakdale and found that levels of three compounds were slightly above the national average. Those eligible for the study had to live in areas where private wells or city water was found to be contaminated.
Study participants have been notified of the results, and state health officials will hold two public meetings to explain the findings and to answer other questions.
The compounds, known as perfluorochemicals, were manufactured by 3M in its Cottage Grove plant for more than 50 years until 2002. They were used in Scotchgard, Teflon, firefighting foam and hundreds of other products. The company disposed of wastes in area dumps until the mid-1970s.
3M agreed in 2007 to clean up the chemicals in four locations. It has also financed hookups with city water for more than 200 households with contaminated private wells in Lake Elmo, and paid for Oakdale to install special filters for a city well that was tainted.
Little is known about the long-term health effects of exposure to the chemicals. 3M has reported that studies of its workers who made the perfluorochemicals have had no impact on their health. Studies on animals have shown effects on the liver, thyroid and pancreas, but it's unclear whether those problems are likely to affect humans and at what levels of exposure.
The public meetings will occur on July 21 at Skyview Elementary School in Oakdale, and on July 22 at Cottage Grove's city council chambers.
Both meetings begin with an open house at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7 p.m.
Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388
Click on title above for original article and place to comment;
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/50376382.html?elr=KArksUUUU
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Colorado River Infected with Deadly Virus?
HANTAVIRUS UPDATE 2009 - AMERICAS (08): USA (NEW MEXICO, ARIZONA)
*****************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
In this update:
[1] HPS Arizona
[2] HPS New Mexico
******
[1] HPS Arizona
Date: Tue 23 Jun 2009
Source: UPI.com [edited]
A Minnesota woman who died from a hantavirus infection may have
contracted the rodent-linked [virus] during a trip through the Grand
Canyon, authorities said.
The woman, whose name and hometown were not released, died 12 Jun
[2009] at a hospital outside Arizona, said Trish Lees, a spokeswoman
for the Coconino County Arizona Health Department.
The woman, in her early 50s, may have contracted the disease during a
family boating trip on the Colorado River in mid- to late-May 2009,
Lees told the Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff in a story published Tue 23
Jun 2009.
It was the 1st hantavirus infection case linked to Arizona this year
[2009]. One case was reported last year [2008] in the state, Lees said.
Hantavirus infections are contracted by inhaling infected particles
from mouse droppings and urine. The woman told health officials she
wasn't aware of any recent contact with mice.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[A report in NAZ Today of 22 Jun 2009
indicated that this was a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
Several hantaviruses in the western hemisphere can cause hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome. Although this report does not indicate which
hantavirus is involved in this case, or in the one reported from New
Mexico below, most likely they are due to infection by Sin Nombre
virus. Its rodent host is _Peromyscus maniculatus_ (deer mouse, see
).
A map showing the location of the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona
can be accessed at.
For the location of the states of Arizona and New Mexico, in the
southwestern USA, see
and the HealthMap/ProMED-mail
interactive map at. - Mod.TY]
******
[2] HPS New Mexico
Date: Thu 20 Jun 2009
Source: KOB.com [edited]
The state health department reports that a 65-year-old San Miguel
County man has contracted a hantavirus infection, the 2nd confirmed
case of the year [2009]. The man has been hospitalized at the
University of New Mexico Hospital. The state health department is
conducting an environmental investigation to try to determine where
the man contracted the virus and whether people may be at risk.
Hantavirus infections can cause a potentially fatal disease that is
transmitted to humans by infected rodents through their urine,
droppings and saliva [which dry out and turn to dust, which can be
stirred up and inhaled - Mod.JW].
The deer mouse [_Peromyscus maniculatus_] is the primary carrier of
the virus. Symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle
aches, chills, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
and coughing. Chances of recovery are better if treatment is sought
promptly, according to the health department.
[Byline: Reed Upton]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
A map showing the location of San Miguel County, in central New
Mexico, can be accessed at
.
Picture of deer mouse (_Peromyscus maniculatus_)
-
Mods.TY/JW]
[see also:
Hantavirus update 2009 - Americas (06): USA (NM) 20090511.1753
2008
----
Hantavirus update 2008 - Americas (22): USA (NM), Chile ex Arg.: susp
20081206.3836
Hantavirus update 2008 - Americas (04): USA (NM) 20080308.0957
2007
----
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (14): USA (NM) 20071201.3871
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (07): USA (NM) 20070621.2007
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (06): USA (NM) 20070531.1756]
.......................................................jw/ty/msp/jw
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Become a ProMED-mail Premium Subscriber at
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at.
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
*****************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
In this update:
[1] HPS Arizona
[2] HPS New Mexico
******
[1] HPS Arizona
Date: Tue 23 Jun 2009
Source: UPI.com [edited]
A Minnesota woman who died from a hantavirus infection may have
contracted the rodent-linked [virus] during a trip through the Grand
Canyon, authorities said.
The woman, whose name and hometown were not released, died 12 Jun
[2009] at a hospital outside Arizona, said Trish Lees, a spokeswoman
for the Coconino County Arizona Health Department.
The woman, in her early 50s, may have contracted the disease during a
family boating trip on the Colorado River in mid- to late-May 2009,
Lees told the Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff in a story published Tue 23
Jun 2009.
It was the 1st hantavirus infection case linked to Arizona this year
[2009]. One case was reported last year [2008] in the state, Lees said.
Hantavirus infections are contracted by inhaling infected particles
from mouse droppings and urine. The woman told health officials she
wasn't aware of any recent contact with mice.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
[A report in NAZ Today of 22 Jun 2009
indicated that this was a case of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
Several hantaviruses in the western hemisphere can cause hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome. Although this report does not indicate which
hantavirus is involved in this case, or in the one reported from New
Mexico below, most likely they are due to infection by Sin Nombre
virus. Its rodent host is _Peromyscus maniculatus_ (deer mouse, see
A map showing the location of the Grand Canyon in northwestern Arizona
can be accessed at
For the location of the states of Arizona and New Mexico, in the
southwestern USA, see
interactive map at
******
[2] HPS New Mexico
Date: Thu 20 Jun 2009
Source: KOB.com [edited]
The state health department reports that a 65-year-old San Miguel
County man has contracted a hantavirus infection, the 2nd confirmed
case of the year [2009]. The man has been hospitalized at the
University of New Mexico Hospital. The state health department is
conducting an environmental investigation to try to determine where
the man contracted the virus and whether people may be at risk.
Hantavirus infections can cause a potentially fatal disease that is
transmitted to humans by infected rodents through their urine,
droppings and saliva [which dry out and turn to dust, which can be
stirred up and inhaled - Mod.JW].
The deer mouse [_Peromyscus maniculatus_] is the primary carrier of
the virus. Symptoms of hantavirus infection include fever, muscle
aches, chills, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
and coughing. Chances of recovery are better if treatment is sought
promptly, according to the health department.
[Byline: Reed Upton]
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
A map showing the location of San Miguel County, in central New
Mexico, can be accessed at
Picture of deer mouse (_Peromyscus maniculatus_)
Mods.TY/JW]
[see also:
Hantavirus update 2009 - Americas (06): USA (NM) 20090511.1753
2008
----
Hantavirus update 2008 - Americas (22): USA (NM), Chile ex Arg.: susp
20081206.3836
Hantavirus update 2008 - Americas (04): USA (NM) 20080308.0957
2007
----
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (14): USA (NM) 20071201.3871
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (07): USA (NM) 20070621.2007
Hantavirus update 2007 - Americas (06): USA (NM) 20070531.1756]
.......................................................jw/ty/msp/jw
*##########################################################*
************************************************************
ProMED-mail makes every effort to verify the reports that
are posted, but the accuracy and completeness of the
information, and of any statements or opinions based
thereon, are not guaranteed. The reader assumes all risks in
using information posted or archived by ProMED-mail. ISID
and its associated service providers shall not be held
responsible for errors or omissions or held liable for any
damages incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted
or archived material.
************************************************************
Become a ProMED-mail Premium Subscriber at
************************************************************
Visit ProMED-mail's web site at
Send all items for posting to: promed@promedmail.org
(NOT to an individual moderator). If you do not give your
full name and affiliation, it may not be posted. Send
commands to subscribe/unsubscribe, get archives, help,
etc. to: majordomo@promedmail.org. For assistance from a
human being send mail to: owner-promed@promedmail.org.
############################################################
############################################################
NASA's Kepler Mission: Search for a "New Earth"
Guess our gov't figures that when our own earth becomes un-inhabitable, It would be nice to have a "New Earth" in reserve waiting for us to take-over, plunder, pillage, exploit and destroy;Imagine that, disposable worlds!
Overview of the Kepler Mission
Kepler
... NASA's first mission capable of finding Earth-size and smaller planets around other stars.
Importance of Planet Detection
The centuries-old quest for other worlds like our Earth has been rejuvenated by the intense excitement and popular interest surrounding the discovery of hundreds of planets orbiting other stars.
Click on title above for full story;
http://kepler.nasa.gov/about/
Overview of the Kepler Mission
Kepler
... NASA's first mission capable of finding Earth-size and smaller planets around other stars.
Importance of Planet Detection
The centuries-old quest for other worlds like our Earth has been rejuvenated by the intense excitement and popular interest surrounding the discovery of hundreds of planets orbiting other stars.
Click on title above for full story;
http://kepler.nasa.gov/about/
Friday, July 3, 2009
Can music change the world?
Here at Oxfam, we believe it can. That's why we've devoted an entire section of our brand new website to the work of volunteers and supporters in the music industry – including musicians (like Coldplay, Wilco, Angelique Kidjo, and Arcade Fire), labels, managers, and media – who are speaking out to support a global movement to overcome poverty and injustice. Check on title above to see who's involved, sign up to volunteer at a concert, and find out how you can join the movement.
Our belief in the power of music is also why we're out in force at major summer concerts this year, like this month's Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
Go here http://blogs.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/2009/06/22/music-meets-responsibility-at-bonnaroo/ to read a first-hand account of Oxfam's outreach work at the major music event.
Take action on the go
Our belief in the power of music is also why we're out in force at major summer concerts this year, like this month's Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee.
Go here http://blogs.oxfamamerica.org/index.php/2009/06/22/music-meets-responsibility-at-bonnaroo/ to read a first-hand account of Oxfam's outreach work at the major music event.
Take action on the go
Nestle' Wars: Crunching the Environment / Food & Waterworks Needs Our Help to Fight Them
The Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation (MCWC) has been battling corporate giant Nestlé for nine long years, but the group is running out of money and time.
Can you make an urgently needed donation to help the MCWC raise the $10,000 necessary to counter Nestlé's deep pockets?
Nestlé, which is the world's largest food and beverage corporation, has spent a fortune in legal battles over the years so that it can continue to pump water from Michigan streams and keep profiting at the expense of the environment.
This fight isn't just about Michigan- Nestlé's approach there is indicative of its attidude about control of water resources, and a loss in Michigan will surely encourage it to continue its practices elsewhere. Six years ago, a judge ordered Nestlé to stop its extraction of 400 gallons per minute from a Michigan wildlife preserve because the pumping had a negative impact on local streams and ponds. Rather than cease the pumping, Nestlé appealed the decision, and has kept the MCWC tied up ever since.
Now the MCWC has only a few days to secure the money needed to appear at a court hearing this Monday, July 6th. If the group can't make the hearing, it may have to drop the case.
MCWC and its 2000 members have funded this lengthy fight by having bake sales, raffles, and garage sales. But now they face defeat, simply because Nestlé has been able to outspend them.
Click on title above to go to our home site and give to make sure the MCWC's hard work hasn't been in vain.
Your entire contribution will go to the MCWC, and Food & Water Watch will update you on the outcome of this extremely important matter.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Wenonah Hauter
Executive Director
Food & Water Watch
Can you make an urgently needed donation to help the MCWC raise the $10,000 necessary to counter Nestlé's deep pockets?
Nestlé, which is the world's largest food and beverage corporation, has spent a fortune in legal battles over the years so that it can continue to pump water from Michigan streams and keep profiting at the expense of the environment.
This fight isn't just about Michigan- Nestlé's approach there is indicative of its attidude about control of water resources, and a loss in Michigan will surely encourage it to continue its practices elsewhere. Six years ago, a judge ordered Nestlé to stop its extraction of 400 gallons per minute from a Michigan wildlife preserve because the pumping had a negative impact on local streams and ponds. Rather than cease the pumping, Nestlé appealed the decision, and has kept the MCWC tied up ever since.
Now the MCWC has only a few days to secure the money needed to appear at a court hearing this Monday, July 6th. If the group can't make the hearing, it may have to drop the case.
MCWC and its 2000 members have funded this lengthy fight by having bake sales, raffles, and garage sales. But now they face defeat, simply because Nestlé has been able to outspend them.
Click on title above to go to our home site and give to make sure the MCWC's hard work hasn't been in vain.
Your entire contribution will go to the MCWC, and Food & Water Watch will update you on the outcome of this extremely important matter.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Wenonah Hauter
Executive Director
Food & Water Watch
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