Police Quash Tiananmen Memorials

Reported by Radio Free Asia.

China blocks efforts to commemorate the 1989 massacre in Beijing of pro-democracy demonstrators.

HONG KONG—Attempts to stage public events and protests commemorating the 21st anniversary of the military crackdown on the 1989 student-led pro-democracy movement in Beijing's Tiananmen Square have been largely thwarted by Chinese authorities, activists said.

"The Chinese government continues to refuse to openly and truthfully address the events of June 4, 1989, and persists in its efforts to silence Chinese citizens who seek to commemorate the massacre," the nongovernment network Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) said.

Activists using the microblogging service Twitter said a planned commemorative event on the campus of Beijing University, one of the centers of the student movement two decades ago, had failed owing to the presence of large numbers of state security police.

"I am at the Beijing University campus," tweeted user PKUbuzheteng Thursday. "Looking at the current situation, it seems that the protest event hasn't been able to proceed."

Twitter users had called on netizens to arrive wearing the mourning color white at the university campus on June 3 to mark the night of the beginning of the advance on the student headquarters by the People's Liberation Army.

"It seems that they have stationed one national security policeman at the gate, with others walking around the place in all directions," PUKbuzheteng wrote.

'Scuffles,' detentions reported.

And Twitter user freemoren reported "scuffles between police and bystanders" outside the Great Hall of the People and numerous government departments, including the ruling Communist Party's powerful central propaganda department.

Police in Beijing detained six artists ahead of the anniversary as they staged public memorial events for the crackdown outside the capital's Museum of Fine Arts, including a sit-in and a signature campaign, artist Zhu Yanguang said.

Earlier this week, a cartoon entered for a competition which depicted a child drawing a line of tanks stopped by a single person at the Southern Metropolis Daily newspaper was removed from the paper's Web site.

"We decided pro-actively to remove the cartoon as it was being maliciously misread and misunderstood by some people, leading to a negative influence," an employee at the newspaper said.

"There was no question of being put under pressure."

But Beijing-based dissident Jiang Qisheng said the government had been obsessive about suppressing any mention of the crackdown for 20 years.

"I see the event as the massacre of poor people by an army, but the government thinks that it was right and proper to kill them," Jiang said.

"But it still won't come out and admit it."

Hong Kong criticized.

Accusing police across China of "harassing and intimidating activists against speaking out as June 4 approaches", CHRD said that at least four Beijing-based individuals are still serving jail sentences for their participation in the 1989 protests.

It added that a further three activists had been sent to labor camp last year for their attempts to mark the 20th anniversary of the crackdown, which officials refuse to discuss openly, and which left hundreds, perhaps thousands, dead and an unknown number injured.

It slammed the seizure by Hong Kong police of two replicas of the 1989 Goddess of Democracy statue ahead of memorial events, which have taken place in the territory every year, calling it "an unprecedented act of interference with the territory’s commemorative activities."

Hong Kong activists were in uproar on forums and microblogging services after the territory's Chinese University of Hong Kong refused to allow a sculpture of the Goddess to be displayed on campus, citing a need for political neutrality.

They called on people attending Saturday's memorial service in Victoria Park to carry the statue to the campus in protest after the event was ended.

Hong Kong Democratic legislator James To also hit out at the government's deportation of New Zealand national Chen Weiming, who sculpted the statue.

"The government is obviously playing dirty tricks and this must be condemned," To told local media. "I think it is playing dirty tricks."

"[I] believe that all the government has done is to suppress the June 4 remembrance activity ... I think the government is to be condemned," he said.

Hong Kong Security Secretary Ambrose Lee denied the charges, saying that the immigration authorities had acted fully in compliance with the law.

He said police had already returned the confiscated statues to the memorial organizers, the Hong Kong Alliance for the Support of Patriotic and Democratic Movement in China.

Activists watched.

Meanwhile, dozens of rights activists remained under surveillance across China, or had been warned off participating in any public events.

In Beijing, civil rights lawyer Teng Biao had been subjected to surveillance, while writer Wang Debang had received a warning.

In Xian, activist Yang Hai said police had said they would take him out of town until after the anniversary, while a second activist Zhang Jiankang hadn't been seen since being called in to "drink tea" with national security police.

In southwestern China, Suining-based dissident Liu Xianbin and Chongqing-based rights activist Mu Jiayu both reported being under surveillance on the eve of June 4, CHRD said in a statement on its Web site.

Original reporting in Mandarin by He Ping and in Cantonese by Grace Kei Lai-see. Cantonese service director: Shiny Li. Mandarin service director: Jennifer Chou. Translated from the Chinese and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Sarah Jackson-Han.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Silence is an oath I can't keep

Two courageous young women were doing a documentary on the crimes being committed by North Korea when they were forced into captivity by the North Korean guards. This is heartfelt account of one sister trying to free her sister from hell.

Hat tip: CNN.

Editor's note: Laura Ling is co-author with her sister, Lisa Ling, of "Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in North Korea and the Other's Fight to Bring Her Home" (HarperCollins).

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- On June 8, 2009, nearly one year ago, I stood before a judge in North Korea's Supreme Court and was sentenced to 12 years in one of the country's notoriously brutal labor camps, also known as death camps.

My legs wobbled in fear, and I grabbed the podium in front of me, fearing I would faint.

Three months earlier, I was on assignment for Current TV. I was reporting on the trafficking of North Koreans, most of them women, who escape to neighboring China, where they are used and exploited. Following a local guide we'd hired, my colleague Euna Lee and I did regretfully step foot into North Korean territory for no more than a minute.

As we made our way back to China, North Korean soldiers chased us onto Chinese soil and violently dragged us back into North Korea.

We were the first Americans tried in North Korea's highest court. Our sentence, two years for trespassing and 10 for "hostile" acts, shows where the North Korean government's real concerns lie. Leery about a negative portrayal of its regime, the North Korean authorities decided the documentary we were making would threaten their government. It was seen as a hostile act meant to weaken or bring down the country.

No country on Earth is more paranoid about its image than North Korea, which has maintained its firm grip on power in part because of its ability to indoctrinate its people. North Korea is one of the world's most closed-off societies, with little known about what goes on inside. Its citizens know little about the outside world.

The regime's mass propaganda machine carefully and consistently disseminates information to the North Korean citizenry extolling the virtues of the communist state and its megalomaniacal "Dear Leader," Kim Jong Il.

During nearly five months of captivity, I was allowed to watch television in a guard's area and saw black-and-white movies about the Korean War and the heroic communists defeating their arch-enemy, the United States. Rallies celebrating a recent satellite launch or nuclear test featured North Korean men and women proudly, defiantly waving their fists in the air. I rarely spotted any young adults, or college-aged spectators within the crowds, just older folks who seemed less likely to cause disruptions.

With their booming voices, newsreaders listed off the latest achievements made by Kim Jong Il, such as the opening of a chicken-processing factory or the building of a dam. At night, I had to put a pillow over my head to drown out the patriotic anthems sung by the military choir.

But beneath all this flag-waving is a different reality. Escapees from North Korea paint a stark picture of a place where human rights don't exist. The slightest criticism or disrespect paid towards Kim Jong Il could land one in a hard labor camp, where starved and tortured prisoners scavenge for food while performing backbreaking work.

When my Current TV colleagues and I were in the northeastern part of China that borders North Korea, we spoke with several defectors who had fled the desperate conditions, seeking food and freedom across the border. While they have been able to get more sustenance in China, freedom has not come as easily.

The Chinese government does not regard these defectors as refugees, even though they face certain, brutal punishment if they are sent back to North Korea.

A young woman, whom I'll call Ji-Yong, recounted her escape, braving the rushing waters of the Tumen River that separates North Korea and China. Not knowing how to swim, she nervously made her way across the frigid waters in the dark. She had been told she could find a better life in China and that there would be work opportunities in the computer industry. Instead she was placed in the online sex industry and was forced to undress for clients who watched her via the web. Her boss tied her arms behind her back and locked her in a room to prevent her from escaping.

With help from a friend, she was able to get away, but with nowhere to go and no money, she ended up working for another online sex company. She was grateful that her boss treated her humanely and allowed her to go outside for breaks. With tears streaming, smearing her thick black eyeliner, she spoke of how much she missed her mother.

Ji-Yong's story is becoming increasingly common as traffickers prey on vulnerable and scared women from North Korea. Many others are sold like commodities into loveless marriages where they are abused and treated like slaves.

North Korean women have no legal status in China, so the children they bear with Chinese husbands also suffer. The Chinese government does not grant these children citizenship; they must live in the shadows as stateless children with no access to public health care or education. If the mothers are deported, or leave their husbands, the children are often left abandoned and orphaned.

During my captivity, I thought about the North Korean defectors who had opened their lives to me. Thinking about their struggles gave me strength to endure.

I might have been living the biggest horror of my life, but what I was going through paled in comparison to what North Koreans in their country and in neighboring China have lived through and continue to struggle against today. I am fortunate to be home in America now, where freedom is my birthright. North Koreans are imprisoned.

But there is hope. Organizations such as the nonprofit LiNK (Liberty in North Korea) are on the frontlines of raising awareness about the desperate plight of North Korean defectors and helping escapees find refuge in countries where they can begin new lives. LiNK's campaign "The Hundred" aims to rescue and resettle 100 North Korean defectors.

Their efforts are risky because they must shuttle defectors from secret shelters in various countries across Asia before they can find safe haven in countries such as South Korea or the United States. This video shows North Korean defector, Ki-Won, and his journey to freedom with the help of LiNK.

Recently a bill was introduced in Congress by Sam Brownback, R-Kansas in the Senate, and Rep. Ed Royce, R-California, and Diane Watson, D-California, in the House that seeks to address the issue of North Korean orphans and stateless children in China. If passed, the bill will help pave the way for families in the United States to adopt eligible children.

In June, I stood before a North Korean judge and expressed my hope that the United States and North Korea might one day establish closer relations. That desire still exists.

I also promised that if released, I would never report on the issue of defectors or North Korean human rights abuses again. That is an oath I cannot keep as long as the people of North Korea remain silenced.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Laura Ling.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Kagan's Socialism Exposed

It is amazing that many people do not believe in the Bible anymore. It does state that if the truth will not come forth by the people, the stones will cry out and reveal it. RedState.com has uncovered her thesis writtin during the Cold War when our enemy was the USSR.

Do they really think they can hide who they really are? Do they really so little of us that we won't find out the truth? Amazing. Their arrogance is blinding them.

You may read it here at this .pdf.

Hat tip: Liberty First PAC pointed me to RedState.com.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Remember Neda: Where Are You NOW?

This is a very sad day and shame should brought upon this Administration. Yesterday, Iran was appointed to the Womens Rights Commission. Say what? It is true. The US did not utter a peep in protest, but the Iranian women have. I guess they are braver than Obama? I have lost all respect.

How can tell me that this man gives a damn when he has allowed this to occur? Where is NOW? Not a word. You think Iran is just like America? WATCH THIS VIDEO THEN.

Here is the link in case the video doesn't work.

I hope to God that someone comes to their senses and stops this nonsense. I want the UN gone. Destroyed as far as no more money from the USA (26%!) and no longer in existence. Dissolved is the word I was looking for.

Please remember the woman, Neda, who was gunned down by the Iranian govt just for asking for democracy. All she wanted was freedom. Something you seem to take for granted, and you pay no attention to others who have none. Liberty is God's plan. Marxism is the plan of evil men. Dictatorship is also evil. Please, raise up your voices in unity with the women in Iran!

I will NOT live under the orders of any other country than that of AMERICA. God bless her and Keep her.

Go to #iranelection and let them know you stand with them in spirit, since you cannot be there. Find out where there is going to be a protest in your area, and SHOW UP. This makes me very angry. The dinosaur media gave it maybe 2 seconds, while they gave those 16 words that President George W. Bush spoke TRUTHFULLY in his address to the nation months. WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

I'm not saying they shouldn't have covered what Bush had said. Although I agree that he spoke he the truth, he certainly didn't have a very good way of standing up for whatever he said. But that's a-whole-nother story...

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

SWAT Called On Tea Partiers

What kind of stuff is this when they have to call some SWAT teams on peaceful people protesting against President Obama's policies, and some of those include allowing Iran to get nuclear weapons while giving up our own? Everything is upside down and inside out.

This video below was taken either today or yesterday, and a few people have it. I 'borrowed' it from HotAir.

Here is the link just in case the video does not work properly.

Here are some people who have also reported on this hypocracy:
The Dana Show: Illinois Sends Riot Police to Peaceful Protest in Quincy, Illinois.
The Fox Nation: SWAT Team Called on Tea Party.
Doug Powers at Michelle Malkin: Riot Police Called in to Protect Obama.
Gateway Pundit: Obama Sniper Teams Ordered to Rooftops To Quash Radical Tea Party Protest (Video).

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Justice 1; Senate Boo Hiss

I've just read an article I received December 16, 2009, and it is powerful. There is so much corruption within our government on every level including the courts that this is a refreshing outcome. However it is a dire warning as to how far we have moved away from 'Justice for All'.

Here is the comment from Stephan Frank that came with this article:

Federal Judge Exposes Massive Conspiracy by Justice Department.
December 16, 2009, 07:05 PM

Yesterday a Federal judge threw the book at the U.S. Justice Department for corruption of the process, bullying defendants, forcing people to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit (happily one guilty plea has been thrown out and the second will shortly).

This is what the U.S.Justice Department did to a billionaire and other wealthy people--imagine how they would treat you and other middle class and poor people.

The words and thoughts of the Federal Judge says it all:

"Accusing prosecutors of a "shameful" campaign to intimidate witnesses and obtain unjustified convictions, a federal judge threw out high-profile criminal stock fraud charges against Broadcom Corp. co-founder Henry T. Nicholas III and the company's former chief financial officer."

"In remarks that followed two months of testimony, Carney cataloged what he called the government's misdeeds. He said the government's treatment of Samueli "was shameful and contrary to American values of decency and justice." The judge called him "a brilliant engineer and a man of incredible integrity."

"The judge said the government unreasonably demanded that Samueli submit to as many as 30 "grueling" interrogations, falsely stated and improperly leaked to the news media that he was not cooperating in the government's investigation, and improperly pressured Broadcom to terminate his employment.

In reviewing the case, the judge singled out the way the government handled two witnesses. He said Nancy Tullos, a former Broadcom vice president of human resources who refused to cooperate in the investigation, was fired from a new job after a prosecutor called her employer and disclosed allegations against her."

"The judge said the government also pressured former Broadcom general counsel David Dull to testify in a way that favored the prosecution." In plain terms: the government demanded he lie.

the judge may be one of the truly honest people in government: ""I'm sure there are going to be many people who are going to be critical of my decision . . . and argue that I'm being too hard on the government," the judge said. "I strongly disagree. I have a solemn obligation to hold the government to the Constitution. I'm doing nothing more and nothing less."

If they treat rich people like this, you know how they treat poor people.

Our Justice system from the local courthouse to the Federal courts are broken. This system works only if people are not aware of how corrupt government can be, and this story must be given to everybody.

We need total honesty in the judicial system, not just what judges or prosecutors want us to know.

What do you think? Who should go to jail--Nicholas or Eric Holder?
Read More...

This is refreshing and frightening at the same time. To find out with absolute proof that our Attorney General is breaking the law and there's nothing we can do? I believe there is something we can do. Are you willing to join me in doing it?

Today the SCOTUS also ruled that the Cross at the cemetery of our WW Vets was to stand, but they sent it back to the same court that said the government could not sell it which is what they had settled on to begin with. This same court may be biased against Christians, so our fight is not over.

They are supposed to have the government sell the land to the VFW. Let us keep an eye on this case very closely.

Here are some words from a good friend who has been following this and is worried that many think this fight is over. Please read his take on this situation.

As far as the Senate goes, the Repukians caved on the Financial 'Stability' Reform Act, so they are now moving forward with Dodd's permanent bailout for Wall Street while we sit around without a job. Oh yeah, they're really looking out for the unemployed people, eh? Bastards.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Cap(Tax) and Trade (Tax)

While I like to do my own writing, this one is so well written that I don't think I have anything to add to it. So here it is:

Beginning with this post will be an overview of the Cap and Trade Bill or as
it is better known in more conservative circles, Crap and Tax Bill. The
Bill has passed the house, in the dark of night and right before a recess
which seems to be the norm for the leftist regime currently ruling Congress.

The Bill is being stalled in the Senate due to the so called Immigration
Reform Bill or as is better known in conservative circles, Buying Votes for
Democrats. The Bill is being presented to the American people as a Climate
Bill which is a way of hiding the fact that it is a TAX BILL, pure and
simple that will raise the cost to every man, woman and child in the US.

Today's post will take a look at some of the cost and the HIDDEN COST within
the bill. The administration is touting the bill as costing only a small
amount to each family but the true cost, just as with Health Care are well
concealed.

In future post we will look at the Bill section by section and hopefully
educated the uninformed on just how negatively this Bill will affect each
and every person in this country. Yes, the reading may be long at times and
a bit dry but it is important that we understand what is happening to
America and the results that it will have on our country.

Here is the article. It may be considered longer than some posts, but it is well worth your time if you care about saving our country. Thank you.

Hat tip: Ticker.

WE WILL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER!

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Counter Terrorism Threatened

There is some news I am bringing to you (through the Warrior Legacy Institute) which, if they have their way, could have very grave consequenses to our war against Islamic jihadis. Yes, I name the enemy, because I want them defeated.

January 18, 2010

The Legal Assault against our Counterterror efforts- Universal Jurisdiction & Targeted Killing.

The Warrior Legacy Institute has released it's latest paper "Universal Jurisdiction & Targeted Killing" which discusses our policy of killing known terrorists and the authorizations for this. One of our most successful tactics against al Qaeda has been the use of armed drone aircraft and if we are to continue this we need to make certain we are on firm legal ground. Congress passed an Authorization to Use Military Force against al Qaeda following 9/11 which gives legal standing within our own judicial system for these strikes. There are trans-national organizations that believe they have jurisdiction over our operations, such as the International Criminal Court and we need to establish that our inherent right of self defense as a nation gives us the freedom to attack enemies who represent a terrorist threat wherever we may find them. Recently the American Civil Liberties Union filed a Freedom of Information Act request for the legal justification of the drone strike program. This will not be the last challenge to this program.We suggest a treaty that enshrines such a right similar to pacts that recognize piracy as a borderless crime. Failure to do so could leave our forces in danger of actions from organizations that claim a Universal Jurisdiction over what they consider war crimes. Download pdf here.

We hope you will share this paper and video with your friends and family. This is an important issue that affects all of our brave troops and you can use this knowledge to be part of that discussion and decision.

Cordially,

Jim

Jim Hanson
Director, Warrior Legacy Institute

Please help me to spread this message far and wide. It would be a tragedy (and dare I say treasonous) if the United States were to be blown to bits because of those within who have been trying to destroy our country since the days of Stalin?

Thank you, and have a nice day.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Coakley: What Is Your Opinion On Free Speech?

This needs to be brought to your attention if you care about freedom of the press. Last night Mr. John McCormack was shoved to the ground by someone who may have been the Democrat Senatorial Campaign Committee's Michael Meehan. He was trying to prevent him from asking Coakley any questions after she had answered questions from other media personnel.

He writes for the Weekly Standard, and his article is, "We Report, We Get Pushed". So are we to believe there is only voice, one train of thought in America? NO, we are not.

Please watch this short video of the incident and make up your own mind. Would you prefer to live in this world where your point of view is not as important as the next persons? I know I wouldn't. This has got to called out and condemned.

If this video isn't working properly, here is the link to YouTube.

I condemn this action Mrs. Coakley. We demand an apology. I condemn it no matter who is speaking. While there are some people I wish would never speak, they have to do so. If you cannot answer a simple question, how do you expect to be a United States Senator?

Hat tip: NewsMax.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

I Let You Down

I was a little late this morning. Since I had to carry everying in my walker and packback, I was in such a hurry trying to get everything set-up that I couldn't find a few things until some people left. Someone even came all the way from South Bay, and I was unprepared. After all the time I spent preparing, I blew it. I apologize. It surely has been one of 'those' days. Thank you for coming.

Today I had to leave early. It was around noon. I also heard about the people that were told to get out of the congresscritters offices, Well I ran into a problem with some people who appear to be ACORN proto-types. I was told I was not allowed to protest on one of the corners because it was a business area, so I asked if anyone complained. She said it was her job to remove me before they did! I asked when was the last time she read the constitution, especially the FIRST AMENDMENT!

It was either leave or throw down. I wanted to show her that she couldn't push me around but the truth is, I'm only 5 feet tall and disabled. Back in the day it wouldn't have taken a second thought. In a way, I'm kind of glad it did. She probably could have stomped me. I wouldn't want to bring that kind of a message to our cause either.

I complained to her boss who gave me a different story (lie) about why I could not use my megaphone and protest there. First it was due to the businesses, then it was because people live in the area. So I guess people are only allowed to protest in the middle of the woods where no one will ever hear them? Bull.

I also questioned her boss as to whether the fact that I was the only one there at the time made a difference. She of course said no. Then I asked her if I were an illegal alien with hundreds of thousands of people with me if we would be having this same conversation? She lied right to my face and said yes. THAT is a lie. The police protect the illegals and arrest the citizens of my great country. I know. I've seen (heard of) it happening during (Karl) Marx Day (May 1st is known as May Day).

When they protest, they block all the traffic in downtown Los Angeles. No work can be done, business have to shut down whether they like it or not, and the illegals get special treatment. Maybe I can be defined as a minority or some protected group? Gosh, and I used to believe my citizenship MEANT something. I guess it is only special to me.

The few people who did show up today were very nice and took advantange of the opportinuty to go upstairs and voice their opinions to Congressmember Laura Richardson. For those of you who do not understand why there are no bands there and all that, it was a Tea Party in unity with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann to speak with our Congresscritter to kill the bill HR 3962.

There is another issue I would like to bring up just this once. I am disabled and I take the bus. If you want a big time party, bring it yourself! I cannot. I do not have the equipment and if I did, I have no way to transport it. I continue to ask for help, but there is none forthcoming.

I cannot say that about everyone, however. Many of you have asked how you can help, and many of you have actually helped. To you I am very grateful. On the 4th of July, Roxanna brought the helium for the balloons. There was also the ride to the Federal Building. That was the first time I have been able to make it there out of all the times I wanted to go. THANK YOU!

Your posters are also great. I love them. Keep them coming. Jamie, was it you who hooked us up with the speaker for the 4th of July? Whoever it was, thank you. You guys sure are awesome. I just wish I knew the words to motivate everyone and get you to know how very vital a time we are facing.

Pelosi thinks she has the votes. Otherwise I do not believe she would be calling for a vote on Saturday. Please keep those phone calls going! That is more important than what I did. I appreciate your efforts so much. Thank you.

Off-Topic (OT): Please say some prayers today for our service men and women and their families in Fort Hood. God help them and heal them. Comfort those who have lost their loved ones. It was a jihadis attack, and I knew it as soon as they would not give his name or race. Do they really think we're that stupid? Oh yeah, they came out right away without any investigation to say it was NOT a terrorist attack. No, I guess it was just one of those "man-caused disasters'. I am so disgusted with him and all those who think that way.

PS. If you have come to one of our Tea Parties and are not receiving a newletter, it is because I could not read your writing. Please send me your email address so I can fix this. Everyone who does receive my newsletters, please send me an email with the words "Yes, you have permission to add me" to our restricted google group in the subject line. It won't allow me to email you again using their Add Members, however I can add you directly by email.

If I can mail everyone the newsletter in one email, it would surely save me much time! You may also write any info and ideas you have, too. All you have to do is write an e-mail post (or any post, and copy/paste to email), then use the e-mail address of our private group in the To: area. This way it will post to our site and send an email to everyone. Cool, eh? God bless.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Tea Party Patriots and TCU. Digg!

Stand Against Healthcare Takeover Tea Party

Below you will find the information necessary for you to attend this Thursday's Tea Party. It is coming down to the wire again, and we are all counting on your support. Please pick a time during the day when you can attend. Also, please email me and let me know which time you can make it. It is appreciated.

Type: Causes - Protest
Network: Global
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Location: 100 West Tower
Street: 100 West Broadway, Suite 600
City/Town: Long Beach, CA
View Map

Description

For all the people who couldn't go to DC, we are having a Tea Party right outside of our Congresswoman's office. It is located between Pacific Ave and Pine Street on Broadway. (Downtown) We shall march up and down the block so that the people on the main streets (Pacific and Pine) may notice us.

Flags, posters, music, CD player/cassette/radio player. I'll bring my megaphone for everyone's use. If anyone knows of a speaker, please send me an e-mail.

Individually we shall go upstairs and express our views and concerns with the staffers. Be polite but firm. They are very nice in her office.

Also bring your own food and drink. Although being downtown, you should have no problem finding something to eat. Let's have some fun while we venture to save our nation from socialism!

PS. To find me on Facebook, look under Rosemary RawSense. I couldn't think of a name when I signed up a while back, so I just made something up. Now I'm stuck with it. *heh*

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Facebook, TCU, and Long Beach Patriots Digg!

Iranian Christian Women In Prison Due To Their Faith

While I remain skeptical of Iran's 'justice' system, there is some wonderful news I'd like to share with all my Christian and non-Christian friends.

Dear Friends,

There has been a new and more promising development in the case of Maryam Rostampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30). On the morning of October 7th, 2009 they were unexpectedly taken to appear before the court to face three charges:

• 1) Anti-state activities.
• 2) Propagation of the Christian faith.
• 3) Apostasy.

There was a new judge presiding, and unlike the previous judges, he was sympathetic. He acquitted Maryam and Marzieh of the charge of anti-state activities, which rarely happens. This is a great relief for the two women and their lawyer was very pleased.

They allowed their lawyers to be present? Praise God!

As a result, their case will now be transferred from the revolutionary court to the general court that will now consider the other two charges.

They maintain they will not deny their faith.

October 5th marked seven months that Maryam and Marzieh have been imprisoned in Tehran, Iran for their Christian faith. In the face of harsh prison conditions, constant interrogations, court proceedings, and severe pressure to recant their faith they have remained faithful to Christ.

They maintain that they will not deny their faith.

In an interview with the Voice of America Persian News Network, their lawyer said: "My clients are not prepared to lie about their faith under any condition."

Their health.

Both Maryam and Marzieh continue to be frail with ill health. On Sunday the 4th October, Maryam had severe food poisoning and after much insistence finally the prison authorities relented and gave her medical attention.

The impact of their story.

Maryam and Marzieh's story has spread across the Christian world. Their faithfulness to Christ has encouraged countless believers and strengthened their faith. In Iran, many Christians have resolved to be faithful to Christ and have become more courageous in following Jesus.

Maryam and Marzieh are aware that their world Christian family is praying for them. They are very encouraged that they are not voiceless and have not been forgotten. They say: "Thank you for praying for us. We are humbled and strengthened by your prayers and we are determined to remain faithful to Jesus even unto death."

Thank you again for all your support and prayers.

Dan and Carmen Hale
Area Representatives for Iran

Advancing Native Missions
P. O. Box 5303
Charlottesville, VA 22905
(540) 456-7111
www.adnamis.org.

Remember their chains - Colossians 4:18.

Please be a prayer partner with me for our brouthers and sisters especially in Iran. There are over one million - 1,000,000 - Christians in Iran living in danger just for being Christians. You think you have it hard? Every Christian in Iran faces death by law. When we look at it in the full context of reality, we are so blessed.

Dear God, I pray for Your forgiveness for my complaining I want this or that. I already have so much. You have been so wonderful and faithful to me, and I thank You for everything You have done in my life. This humbles me, Lord. Please, move the judges heart to set Maryam Rostampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh free from prison with no more threats to their lives. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ TCU and SGP. Digg!

One Man's POV On Obama's HealthScare

Yesterday night President Obama gave a tired old speech about what he considers a health care insurance 'crisis'. (Isn't everything with these peeps?) The only thing I found to be new was lip-service to malpractice insurance. It was boring, it was full of lies, and it was insulting to at least half of America.

Liars are we? I was happy when CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON of South Carolina called him to task when Obama did lie. He did apologize, but he also energized both the Left, the Right, and most people in between! Please donate today! The Leftist Marxists are collecting on what happened, let's outdo them. ;)

A friend of mine wrote about this event (speech) today as well. I will share some of it with you, and then you can decide if you choose to continue reading his article.

Obama lied, his credibility died.
By J. Matt Barber.

On Wednesday night President Obama threw a universal healthcare Hail Mary. The call? Incomplete pass.

His much anticipated address to a joint session of Congress promised to finally — for real, this time — provide details about his "healthcare reform plan" (the government takeover of about 20 percent of America's once free market).

Instead, the President regurgitated the same worn-out talking points, tired platitudes and baseless rhetoric he's been spouting for months, generating more confusion than clarity.

As his approval ratings sink faster than an Olds off the bridge Chappaquiddick, the speech-giver-in-chief's latest lecture was a transparently desperate attempt to salvage his signature issue and, by extension, the very presidency he's wagered on it. He even went so far as to breathlessly suggest this time that a failure to implement his governmental healthcare scheme means that "more Americans will die." It was embarrassing.

This was Obama's umpteenth healthcare homily amid an average of more than one speech per day since he's taken office. True, it's better he should run his mouth than actually attempt to govern, but, nonetheless, it's become annoying that he continues to stubbornly refuse America's, "Not only no but h--- no," answer to his persistent "pretty please."

"I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last," he proclaimed. To that end he may succeed. Indeed, in light of America's boisterous rejection of his socialist vision, future presidents may avoid — like Harry Reid avoids Nevada — the polarizing issue altogether.

As for the speech: I'll leave it to other pundits to tackle the President's arrogantly partisan, condescending and less-than-convincing Windy City tough-guy tone. Instead, I want to address — at the risk of being "called out" by chief thug, Rahm Emanuel (scary, I know) — the fact that Obama, with a straight face, repeatedly lied to the American people (the teleprompter made him do it). I was reminded of my eight year-old, standing before me with chocolaty crumb covered cheeks, saying, "Cookie? What cookie?" [Continue reading Renew America.]

It gets better. Truly. Well, then again, I guess that would depend on if you are still able to do a little critical thinking for yourself. I am so grateful I am able to do so. Have a great night everyone. Don't forget, tomorrow is September 11, 2009. Even though the Left may desire to turn it into Service Day, do not allow this to upset you. We remember...

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

No Sharia In America

If it takes my dieing breath, there shall be no sharia in America. I'm asking you not to take my word for this, I want you to watch this video: Officer Does Not Like anti-Obama Poster: "It ain't [America] no more, OK?" courtesy of DissentFromDayOne and this video: Arab Festival 2009: Sharia in the US courtesy of Acts17Apologetics.

Hell shall come to earth and announce itself before anything like this is allowed. If you are not as outraged as I am, may I ask you question? What the hell is wrong with you? You must watch these videos. It is the only way to understand my outrage.

I go away for the first time since I got here (except to visit home and go on mission trips) to a Tea Party, and I come home to this? Not on my watch. Not on yours either, I hope. I must read something else now to calm down. Have a nice down.

Update: This memo was just received:

"Wesley Cheeks is NOT a Fairfax County police officer; he is a security officer employed by the Fairfax County Public Schools. You may go to www.fcps.edu to contact the School's Department of Communication and Community Outreach concerning this matter. They may also be reached by phone at 571-423-1200.

Thank you.

Patti Smylie
Administrative Assistant to Chief Rohrer
Fairfax County Police Department"

For the second video:

Subject: Attack on Free Speech in Dearborn, Michigan Nabeel Qureshi and David Wood asking questions at Arabfest, Dearborn, MI June 21st, 2009.

Direct your complaints about the behavior of "Security" at the June 21, 2009 'Arab Festival' in Dearborn to:

Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr.
General Information 313.943.2300
Email: Mayor@ci.dearborn.mi.us.

If you wish to contact more people who can do something about this, here are some emails and numbers:

DEARBORN, MI City Council Members:
President
Thomas P. Tafelski 313.943.2405
Nancy A. Hubbard 313.943.2403
Doug Thomas 313.943.2407
Suzanne Sareini 313.943.2404 ssareini@ci.dearborn.mi.us.
Mark Shooshanian 313.943.2406
Robert A. Abraham 313.943.2408 rabraham@ci.dearborn.mi.us.
George T. Darany 313.943.2402 gdarany@ci.dearborn.mi.us.

Hat tip: Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC).

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!

Updated Post At LB Patriots

I have pretty busy between trying to get all these posts posted and taking care of our new site, Long Beach Patriots. It may be hectic, but it sure is fun. The newest post over at LB Patriots is about the event I am having on the 14th of August. If our coungresswoman won't make herself available to us in a TownHall, we'll just go to her. RESPECTFULLY.

Here is the link for LB Patriots Go To Congress. Everyone in Long Beach, if you are tired of being lied to by politicians, please join us Friday between 12-2 pm. Remember the golden rule though, be respectful. NO violence, not even if provoked. There is a police station very nearby and there is a security guard inside the building. As long as we are on the right side of the law, we will be fine.

Bring decent, nonpartisan posters and your lunch if this is your lunch hour. I've been to her office before, and there are many very nice people working there. Please don't embarrass yourselves or me. Yes, we are upset, but let us ask reasonable questions. She may even be there and be able to respond! Imagine that. Someone we're paying to be at work actually being at work. What a concept.

PS. It makes me very angry that I even have to say anything about being respectful, because you guys are some of the most respectful I've ever met. It is the LEFTARDS that act like animals, then they think the whole world thinks as they do. Here's a clue for you on the LEFT. If we thought like you did, why do we oppose these MARXIST bills so much? Hmm?

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Friends sharing their great works with us:
1. The Potbelly Stove: Ezekiel Emanuel Caught with pants down.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Beating At Townhall Meeting

A Twitter friend of mine is outraged at what has happened, and so am I. I just heard Rush speak to some of the people who there, and this is worse than we thought. We knew there were going to be union bosses there with their minnions, but they were there only to do violence with anyone who disagreed with the democrat politician. This is NOT a republican form of government anymore. PS. Read the Constitution. We were promised a republican form of government, NOT a democracy. Please read his press release.

For Immediate Release

August 7th, 2009 Phone: (***) ***-****

ALG Condemns SEIU Beating of Kenneth Gladney at St. Louis Town Hall, Calls for Special Prosecutor to "Investigate White House Complicity"

August 6th, 2009, Fairfax, VA—Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson today condemned the brutal beating of activist Kenneth Gladney in South St. Louis County, MO, at a town hall event sponsored by Congressman Russ Caranhan (D-MO) by SEIU members who Wilson said "appears to have been sent out purposely to intimidate the crowd and instigate violence."

Wilson said that a Special Prosecutor would need to be called "to investigate the possibility of White House complicity in this union thuggery." The White House told representatives and senators 'punch back twice as hard' against opposition to Barack Obama's government-run health care initiative, and "clearly some of their followers took the message to heart," Wilson said.

According to Kenneth Gladney's attorney, David B. Brown, "Kenneth was attacked on the evening of August 6, 2009 at Rep. Russ Carnahan's town hall meeting in South St. Louis County. I was at the town hall meeting as well and witnessed the events leading up to the attack of Kenneth. Kenneth was approached by an SEIU representative as Kenneth was handing out 'Don't Tread on Me' flags to other conservatives."

The statement continued, "The SEIU representative demanded to know why a black man was handing out these flags. The SEIU member used a racial slur against Kenneth, then punched him in the face. Kenneth fell to the ground. Another SEIU member yelled racial epithets at Kenneth as he kicked him in the head and back. Kenneth was also brutally attacked by one other male SEIU member and an unidentified woman."

According to the statement, "The three men were clearly SEIU members, as they were wearing T-shirts with the SEIU logo."

"This sort of thuggish political violence is what one would expect in Mussolini's Italy by the Black Shirts," said Wilson, adding that, "This is pure fascist aggression. The SEIU is sending out goon squads to beat people up who disagree with ObamaCare. Only a Special Prosecutor can determine if it was done with the knowledge of the White House and Congressman Carnahan."

After watching the video, Wilson said, "The part where the attackers claimed they were attacked, when Mr. Gladney is clearly on his back, is straight out of the SEIU-ACORN playbook. They train their thugs well. Only, this time, they were caught."

According to Brown's statement, Gladney was being civil when he was attacked: "Kenneth was beaten badly. One assailant fled on foot; three others were arrested. Kenneth was admitted to St. John's Mercy Medical Center emergency room, where he was treated for his numerous injuries. Kenneth was merely expressing his freedom of speech by handing out the flags. In fact, he merely asked people as they exited the town hall meeting whether they would like a flag."

Brown insisted that Gladney "in no way provoked any argument or altercation, as evidenced by the fact that three assailants were arrested."

"This is a sad chapter in American history," Wilson declared, "when a man is cruelly assaulted by political hooligans merely for expressing his beliefs and exercising his First Amendment rights to speak freely and peaceably assemble."

Wilson said there was a causal relationship between the White House's call to "punch back" against opposition to Barack Obama's government-run health care initiative and the incident. "The White House sent out millions of emails, as did the DNC, and the SEIU, all calling on supporters to attend these meetings. And now we know why."

The SEIU, the Service Employees International Union, was formed by Wade Rathke, also founder of the group, ACORN, which Barack Obama served as an attorney for. "These are the same people that helped get Barack Obama elected," Wilson explained.

"Barack Obama has long-time financial and material relationship with ACORN and SEIU. SEIU donated $30.8 million to Obama's campaign, organized volunteers, and campaigned on his behalf. ACORN is under investigation for crimes in 15 states, and Barack Obama served as their attorney at one point. He even gave them $800,000 in 2008 for 'get-out-the-vote' efforts. And now they're carrying out his dirty work," Wilson added.

According to the Brown's statement, "This was a truly senseless hate crime carried out by racist union thugs. Regretfully, Representative Carnahan's statements blaming Kenneth for being a disruptive force are wholly untrue and slanderous."

Carnahan today stated that "Sadly, we've seen stories about disrupters around the country, and we have a handful of them here in Missouri."

"The only disruption that occurred was of Mr. Gladney's rights to life-and-limb as an American citizen," Wilson said in response, charging that, "Carnahan appears to have been complicit in the incident."

Wilson also condemned press outlets for failing to report on Mr. Gladney's story. "Where is the controlled media?" Wilson asked. "Where is CNN? Where is Olbermann and Matthews? They rave about 'mobs' but turn a blind eye to a man who was beaten by union thugs. They should hang their heads in shame, or else apply for network anchor positions in Venezuela."

Wilson said a Special Prosecutor to investigate the White House, SEIU, and Carnahan was necessary because "The American people have no faith in Eric Holder's Justice Department, which just let two goons off-the-hook who were intimidating voters in 2008 at a Philadelphia polling station with Billy clubs."

"If anyone thinks there was no relationship between Obama's call to "punch back" and this brutality in the streets of St. Louis, we have some nice real estate that runs over the East River in New York we'd think they'd be interested in purchasing," Wilson concluded.

Interview Availability: Please contact Robert Romano at (703)383-0880 or at Robert@getliberty.org to arrange an interview with ALG President Bill Wilson.

# # #

Americans for Limited Government is a non- partisan, nationwide network committed to advancing free market reforms,private property rights and core American liberties. For more information on ALG please call us at 703-383-0880 or visit our website at www.GetLiberty.org

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Long Beach Patriots and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

Iranians Betrayed by Obama Administration

Today the riots are continuing. It is fierce. Soon there will be cracks in the upper-class echelon of mullahs, ministries, and even the ayatollah will shake in his boots. GOOD. It's about time. Now if only America had a leader...

By: Kenneth R. Timmerman

More than 1.5 million protesters took to the streets of Tehran on Monday, marking the largest anti-regime demonstration Iran has seen since the final days of the shah in early 1979.

Seven people were killed by anti-riot police and roving bands of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad supporters. Many of those supporters shielded their faces from surveillance videos that plainclothes police were shooting.

The protesters included some unlikely participants: 16 Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officers pledged to join the people’s movement, according to initial reports from Tehran. That signaled that the once-solid support of the guard corps for Ahmadinejad is beginning to crack.

The 16 officers were arrested after meeting secretly with top regular army officers on Monday night. [Continue reading.]

Prayers are needed for these people. I can't stand Mousavi, but I am not supporting him. I am supporting the Iranian people. Please stand together with the rest of us who know that it is time the Iranian people tasted freedom by their own choice. Thank you.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's Thoughts. Rosemary's News and Ideas.

War For Peace Inside Iran?

Background: The last sham election was boycotted by many people, so there was a low turnout. Possibly 20%, but I do not remember. Since Ahmadinejad 'won', the people of Iran have suffered greatly, especially the young and the women. He has strictly enforced Sharia law, no women can leave the house without their head covered, no alcohol, no music, no dancing, no affection in public ie. holding hands etc, no disrespect (speaking the truth about Ahmadinejad) about Ahmadinejad or the 'Supreme Leader', and many more rules. Also, many people in Iran believe (know) the only vote that counts, yes it is only one, is that of 'Supreme Leader' Khomenei. All other votes do not count, so elections in Iran are not as we know them here. They are a sham to appease the appeasable.

That being said, Ahmadinejad did not win this election. Do I have the facts, the ballots? No, I do not. Have I seen the documentation? No, I haven't. So how can I make such a statement? I am an American and we have a little thing called "FREE SPEECH" which, unfortunately, many people take for granted. They do not understand how rare God-given rights are. This way, governments cannot take these rights away, because they are not the ones from whence they came.

Back to the point. It was reported that 70%+ of the people showed up to vote on June 12, 2009. Would that many people show up to vote for someone they do not like? Would they show up for the same-old same-old, or would they show up for change? That is why I believe Moussavi won. When you refer to the first paragraph, would you vote for that? Neither would many Iranians, although some would I imagine. The mullahs (think of union bosses) and the intimidated.

There is an Iranian blogger who I follow, and he has written much about this. There are now riots in the streets, 20,000 people at last estimate, and the phone services have been cut off to the outside world. Please read these two articles of his: Infighting and Clashing. You may also follow him at Twitter: Winston80. That is what I will be doing shortly.

After you read those two articles, you may understand why I titled this post, 'war for peace inside Iran?'. The police (militias) have orders to shoot to kill the protesters. DO YOU NOW BELIEVE YOU ARE LUCKY AS ALL GET-OUT TO LIVE HERE? Can you imagine if President Bush gave those orders? I would have changed sides in an instant flat. No kidding. Government didn't give us the right to free speech, God did. Anyway, let me back off this rant.

Iranians protesting against election results 2009 - Part 02
by PasargadNewsAgency, June 13, 2009.

Hat tip: Winston. [The script in this video is giving me some trouble, so here is the link at YouTube so you can see it.]

I am very worried for the Iranian people right now. They are in grave danger. If you are a believing person (in God), please send up your prayers for these protesters and Iran along with me. There are many Christians in Iran, and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are also Jewish people in Iran who are suffering very much. There are even people in Iran who do not believe in anything at all because of what they see. How can they believe when all they see is evil, desperation, hunger, etc? Pray for them as well to know God. Many organizations are sending Bibles and praying with them and for them. Thank you.

PS. Winston has written another post while I was writing this one. The title of it is Iran on Fire. Then Michael Ledeen: The Iranian Circus III and MSNBC are also covering this now. (Michael has been covering this for decades.)

The chanting you hear in that video above is the Iranian people saying, "Death to the Dictator!" [Update: Today, the 14, they are chanting 'We Want Freedom' as well!] They are even fighting with the police to get their friends back from their custody. This time, the air is different. The people are no longer afraid of the police, and the IRG and other militias have not shown up so far. Could this be the beginning of the end of the cruelty Iran has suffered by its own politicians? Time will tell, my dear friends. Let us pray.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Today I am having an open trackback courtesy of Linkfest. This means you can (track)post your best post here. Remember to link me to your article before you trackback. You don't have trackbacks available? Why not use Wizbang Stand Alone Trackback? Everyone have a nice day.

Sharing this news with third world county: If Bush Had…, Nuke Gingrich: Building a Home Distillation Apparatus, Woman Honor Thyself: Israel is to Blame, NOT, Walls of the City: sensor ping LX, The Pink Flamingo: In Defense of David Letterman, MacBro's Place: OTA #97, Potbelly Stove: More climate change propaganda, and Right Voices: Another Cartoon Summarizes the Nobama campaign, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, Caffeinated Thoughts: Latte Links (6/15).


Friends who have responded with their own great articles:
1. The World According To Carl: Uncle Jay Explains The News — June 15, 2009Uncle Jay Explains The News — June 15, 2009.
2. Woman Honor Thyself: True Jewish Response to the Obama Cairo Speech.
3. Woman Honor Thyself: Iran Riots: Obama doesn’t Want to "Meddle".

Cross-posted @ Talon, TCU, SGP and Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!

China 20 Years Later

It didn't have to happen. Tienanmen Square. Below please find lost audios about what led up to that awful, terrifying, unforgivable day on 4 June 1989 and try to contemplate what could have been.

Zhao Ziyang Tapes Reveal Call for Democracy.
For more, go to www.RFA.org.

HONG KONG, May 14, 2009 — Twenty years after the People's Liberation Army crushed the student-led pro-democracy movement in China with guns and tanks, a former top Communist Party official has released audio recordings in which former premier Zhao Ziyang calls for parliamentary democracy for China, Radio Frede Asia (RFA) reports.

Zhao, who fell into political disgrace in the wake of the crackdown, described it in recordings as "a tragedy to shock the world, which was happening in spite of attempts to avert it."

He recalls hearing the sound of "intense gunfire" on the evening of June 3, 1989 while sitting at his Beijing home, where he was held under house arrest until his death. He concludes in extracts read from an unpublished political memoir that the only way forward for China is a parliamentary democracy.

"Of course, it is possible that in the future a more advanced political system than parliamentary democracy will emerge," Zhao said. "But that is a matter for the future. At present, there is no other."

He said China could not have a healthy economic system, nor become a modern society with the rule of law without democracy.

"Instead, it will run into the situations that have occurred in so many developing countries, including China: the commercialization of power, rampant corruption, and a society polarized between rich and poor."

Released by aide.

Zhao's former political aide, Bao Tong, who served a seven-year jail term in the wake of the crackdown, released the tapes ahead of the 20th anniversary of the violent suppression of the 1989 student movement, in which hundreds, perhaps more than 1,000, died.

"Zhao Ziyang left behind a set of audio recordings. These are his legacy," Bao wrote to RFA's Mandarin service from under house arrest at his Beijing home.

"Zhao Ziyang's legacy is for all of China's people. It is my job to transmit them to the world in the form of words and to arrange things," he said.

"Their contents have implications for a history that is still influencing the people of China to this day. The key theme of this history is reform," Bao said.

Authorities in Beijing suppressed any public displays of grief for Zhao in the days after his death on Jan. 17, 2005, detaining dozens of people for wearing white flowers in his honor or attempting to pay their respects at the former premier's home.

Zhao was openly mourned by thousands in the former British colony of Hong Kong, however, where is seen by many as a symbol of the territory's own struggle for political change.

Educating China's youth.

Bao said his purpose in releasing the tapes, which he described as "political task," was partly to educate a whole generation of young people in China who had never heard of Zhao Ziyang.

"On the mainland at the current time, this part of history has been sealed off and distorted, so it will be useful to discuss some of this history for younger readers."

"The name of Zhao Ziyang was erased from news media, books and periodicals, and the historical record within China," Bao wrote in a six-part essay accompanying the tapes, titled "The Historical Background to the Zhao Ziyang Recordings."

"Zhao wanted to address the issues of official corruption and democracy which were the concerns of most ordinary Chinese people, using the principle of the rule of law," Bao wrote of the conflict between his former political mentor and late supreme leader Deng Xiaoping.

"He wanted to instigate reforms of China's political system alongside deepening economic reforms, concentrating the attention of the whole of society onto the issue of reforms."

The Chinese authorities have already begun tightening security in and around Beijing ahead of the sensitive anniversary.

Articles and forum posts connected in any way to the events of 20 years ago are being deleted regularly from Chinese cyberspace, including an appeal for the rehabilitation of Zhao and Hu Yaobang, whose death on April 15, 1989 triggered the student movement.

Original reporting by RFA's Mandarin service. Mandarin service director: Jennifer Chou. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Sarah Jackson-Han.

Source: RFA.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas.

China: Protests? What Protests?

Below you will find an article written by Radio Free Asia. This is the time of year they and we remember Tiananmen Square, 1989, when the Chinese government told its army to roll its tanks over the people, and they did so. What is it they were demanding of China? Freedom. Funny thing, ya know. Some people say others can't handle it while sit in the majority of our country and try to take it away from us! It will be a cold day in hell...

(Go to www.rfa.org/english/news/special/june4/ for news, essays, and never before released videos and photos of the 1989 protests.)

Paint-Throwing at Mao’s Portrait Born of Frustration, 1989 Protester Says.

WASHINGTON—China has developed tremendously over the last two decades, but “in terms of political and democratic reforms” the system is unchanged, one of three men jailed for splattering paint on Chairman Mao Zedong’s portrait during the 1989 Tiananmen protests has told Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Yu Zhijian, who along with fellow paint-thrower Yu Dongyue was just granted U.S. asylum, described their high-profile May 23, 1989 act of vandalism as a product of frustration directed at the Chinese authorities and prompted by the failure of protest leaders to devise a response when Beijing declared martial law.

“Before we resorted to the violent behavior, we tried to communicate to the student leaders our assessment of the situation,” Yu Zhijian told RFA’s Mandarin service in his first interview since arriving in the United States in mid-May.

“We felt, as participants in the movement, that there should have been a plan in response to the martial law.”

“The day after we arrived in Beijing, we joined the crowd that tried to block the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] vehicles from entering the city. We talked to the students and ordinary citizens. I felt that they didn’t know where the movement was headed,” he said.

“As there wasn’t to be a ‘triumphant withdrawal,’ the leaders of the movement should have come up with relatively decisive responses. So we proposed three suggestions,” he said, including a nationwide strike and a takeover of several key buildings.

But on May 21, “when we brought our three suggestions to the Square we didn’t see any student leaders. So we gave our proposal to someone whose job was to maintain order at the Square…After that, the movement wasn’t headed in the direction that we had hoped,” he said.

Turned over to police.

And two days later, “We decided to smear Mao’s portrait with eggs containing paint. In our view, the rule by the Chinese Communists from 1949-89 was a Maoist dictatorship,” Yu said.

“The portrait of Mao Zedong symbolized the dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party. We had hoped that our action would lead the participants of the movement to change course and bring the movement back from the brink of failure.”

The two childhood friends—along with a bus driver named Lu Decheng—hurled 30 eggs filled with paint at the portrait and were quickly seized by student protesters eager to distance themselves from the act and handed over to police.

Less than two weeks later, Chinese troops moved in on the protests with tanks and live ammunition, killing hundreds of people and prompting an international outcry. An official blackout on discussion of the crackdown remains in force, 20 years later.

“China has witnessed huge changes in the past 20 years. But in terms of political and democratic reforms, it is where it was 20 years ago. There has been no change whatsoever,” he said.

Mental health damaged.

Yu Dongyue¸ a former journalist and art critic, was convicted of sabotage and counter-revolutionary propaganda and handed a 20-year jail term. Lu received a 16-year jail term, and Yu Zhijian, a former teacher, drew a life sentence.

Lu and Yu Zhijian were paroled in 1998 but Yu Dongyue remained in custody because, officials said, he had never confessed to any wrongdoing. His sentence was cut by two years in 2000 and another 15 months in 2003.

Yu Dongyue is the longest-serving known political prisoner sentenced in connection with the 1989 crackdown. He spent several years in solitary confinement and was subjected to beatings and electric shocks, and friends and relatives say his mental health has suffered severely.

During an interview here, Yu Dongyue appeared vacant. He spoke haltingly and was unable to answer direct questions.

“As you can see, his mental condition is awful, just awful,” Yu Zhijian said. “Yu Dongyue spent 17 years in prison. When he was released he was a shadow of his former self. My heart ached when I saw him.”

Lu was granted asylum in Canada in 2006. Yu Dongyue and Yu Zhijian fled China through Thailand and were granted U.S. asylum last month.

Neither man would discuss the route they took to escape China, but Yu Zhijian notably cited Chinese-born human rights activist Harry Wu and his Laogai Foundation, for their assistance.

Asked how he regarded the 20th anniversary on Thursday of the June 4, 1989 crackdown, he replied:

“My heart is heavy with memories of June 4th. These memories will never be erased from my mind. It is a topic that pains me to bring up, especially when the June 4th anniversary is upon us. I am unable to sleep or eat. My mind is in turmoil. The movement 20 years ago was a noble one and it changed our lives.”

“The participants were not limited to university students. The general public—in the millions—also took part in it. In our hometown in Hunan, even the peasants stopped working in the fields. They were glued to the television. They were inspired by the patriotism and democratic spirit of the students.”

Original reporting by He Ping for RFA’s Mandarin service. Translated by RFA Mandarin service director Jennifer Chou. Written and produced in English by Sarah Jackson-Han.

Radio Free Asia is a private, nonprofit corporation broadcasting and publishing online news, information, and commentary in nine East Asian languages to listeners who do not have access to full and free news media. RFA’s broadcasts seek to promote the rights of freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to “seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” RFA is funded by an annual grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ Rosemary's News and Ideas. Digg!