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April 2014

Posted by Mandy Nagy on April 09, 2014 9 Comments
Ukraine warned on Wednesday that pro-Russia protesters have two days to vacate buildings they’ve occupied or they will face forced eviction. From The Independent:
Ukraine’s Interior Minister has warned separatists occupying state buildings in its eastern regions to leave within two days or face forced eviction, risking the anger of Moscow which has warned against any violence towards pro-Russian protesters. Security forces have so far refrained from using force in the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv, wary of warnings from Russia that military action remains on the table if ethnic Russians come under attack. But the Interior Minister, Arsen Avakov, was clear that the occupations which began on Sunday would not be tolerated for much longer. “I want to repeat that there are two options: political settlement through negotiations and the use of force,” Mr Avakov told reporters. “We are ready for both options.”
The NY Times also reports that protesters were being pressured to stand down by other local political influences as well.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 09, 2014 35 Comments
I've been thinking about what to say regarding the decision of Brandeis University to withdraw an invitation to Ayaan Hirsi Ali for an Honorary Degree. It comes on the heels of attempts to keep The Honor Diaries off campus, The silence of Western feminists is deafening. I think I'll just quote part of her statement, via The Weekly Standard:
“Yesterday Brandeis University decided to withdraw an honorary degree they were to confer upon me next month during their Commencement exercises. I wish to dissociate myself from the university’s statement, which implies that I was in any way consulted about this decision. On the contrary, I was completely shocked when President Frederick Lawrence called me—just a few hours before issuing a public statement—to say that such a decision had been made.... “What did surprise me was the behavior of Brandeis. Having spent many months planning for me to speak to its students at Commencement, the university yesterday announced that it could not “overlook certain of my past statements,” which it had not previously been aware of. Yet my critics have long specialized in selective quotation – lines from interviews taken out of context – designed to misrepresent me and my work. It is scarcely credible that Brandeis did not know this when they initially offered me the degree. “What was initially intended as an honor has now devolved into a moment of shaming. Yet the slur on my reputation is not the worst aspect of this episode. More deplorable is that an institution set up on the basis of religious freedom should today so deeply betray its own founding principles. The 'spirit of free expression' referred to in the Brandeis statement has been stifled here, as my critics have achieved their objective of preventing me from addressing the graduating Class of 2014. Neither Brandeis nor my critics knew or even inquired as to what I might say. They simply wanted me to be silenced. I regret that very much.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 09, 2014 8 Comments
We previously covered the Wisconsin "John Doe" investigation of conservative activists, and the lawsuit brought by Eric O'Keefe: O'Keefe did file suit, and the defendants -- state and county investigators -- moved to dismiss. Right Wisconsin reports that the motions to dismiss were denied, so the lawsuit moves foward:
Eric O’Keefe’s civil rights lawsuit against prosecutors in a Democrat-driven John Doe probe into conservative targets will go on after a federal judge on Tuesday thoroughly denied a motion to dismiss the litigation. Judge Rudolph Randa of the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, pushed aside the argument by the prosecutors-turned-defendants that federal courts generally must abstain from taking up federal constitutional claims that involve or call into question ongoing state proceedings.
The John Doe investigation, a multi-county secret probe into dozens of conservative groups, including conservative political activist O’Keefe and his Wisconsin Club for Growth, "does not fit into any of the categories" for abstention, the judge wrote in his decision. "It is an investigatory process, not an ongoing criminal prosecution case," Randa said.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 09, 2014 66 Comments
Andrew Branca was invited by Campbell University Law School to speak on the issue for which he is best known, The Law of Self Defense. Here's part of the press release announcing the visit:
Nationally renowned self-defense expert Andrew Branca will speak at Campbell Law School next Tuesday, April 8 at noon in room 105. Branca, author of “The Law of Self Defense” will speak on how self-defense has become one of the latest hot button issues in gun law politics. He will also address North Carolina’s Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws.... One of the foremost experts in the United States in self-defense law across all 50 states, Branca’s expertise has been used by the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, NPR, and numerous other media organizations, as well as many private, state, and federal agencies. A Massachusetts-based attorney, he is an adjunct instructor of the law of self-defense at the Sig Sauer Academy in Epping, New Hampshire. He regularly lectures throughout the country on self-defense and the legal consequences thereafter. “Mr. Branca is one of the leading experts nationally on self-defense and the Second Amendment,” said Campbell Law Associate Professor of Law Greg Wallace. “We are fortunate to have him joining us, and I have no doubt that it will be an engaging experience for all in attendance.”
One self-described "Online tech fixer for progressive causes" tweeted:

Posted by Laurel Conrad on April 09, 2014 1 Comment
Venezuela Update: Is the end of violence finally in sight after two months of deadly anti-government  protests? In February, I highlighted the Venezuela protests with depiction of protesters taking to the streets to fight against corruption in the government, high inflation, and a high murder rate. At least three people were confirmed to have been killed during anti-government protests by “armed vigilantes on motorcycles.” After nearly two months of protests, 39 deaths, and and hundreds of people detained after confrontations with Venezuela security forces, talks between the government and opposition are in the works. BBC News reports that an umbrella opposition group says it is willing to enter into talks with the government as long as certain conditions are met. According to BBC News:
In a letter addressed to the Unasur delegation, the umbrella opposition group Table for Democratic Unity (MUD) said it was "willing to hold a true dialogue, with a clear agenda, equal conditions [for both sides] and the first meeting of which will be transmitted live on national radio and television channels".
Additionally, the opposition wishes to have a third, independent involved in the talks in order to facilitate the process. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier agreed to meet with members of the opposition, reports the Latin Times. Unasur and the Vatican have made offers to act as observers, and President Maduro said he "accepted" the Unasur proposal, according to BBC News. On Sunday, a graphic video depicting the Venezuelan people confronting the government for control of the streets was posted to Youtube. Watch it below:

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 09, 2014 4 Comments

"the long suffering Commonwealth of Virginia under Gov. Terry McAuliffe"? Is it too soon? From Carolyn: Another fine submission from Alexandria, VA ...

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 08, 2014 27 Comments
In a move reminiscent of the exploitation of the Yom Kippur Jewish holiday in 1973 to launch an attack on Israel, Cornell Students for Justice in Palestine has launched a last minute, sneak Divestment Resolution which is to come up for initial discussion on less than 48 hours notice this Thursday afternoon, April 10, at 4:30 p.m. The notice was just posted on the Cornell Assembly website, although I heard rumors earlier today it might be coming. Cornell Assembly Divestment Proposed April 8 The full Resolution linked on the Assembly website is embedded at the bottom of this post. Here's the operative part:
(22) Be it resolved, that Cornell University will further examine its assets for investments in companies that a) provide military support for, or weaponry to, the occupation of Palestinian territory or b) facilitate the building or maintenance of the illegal separation wall or the demolition of Palestinian homes, or c) facilitate the building, maintenance or economic development of illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, (23) Be it further resolved, that Cornell University will make information about all of its assets public, pertaining especially to its investments, (24) And be it finally resolved, that Cornell University will end its complicity with the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and divest its holdings from the aforementioned companies and any other companies that profit directly from Israeli military occupation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Cornell University will not make further investments in companies that materially support or profit from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.
Passover starts Monday night, April 14, and many Jewish students at Cornell leave on Thursday to head home for the holidays. If the Resolution is not tabled on Thursday, the Resolution will come to a formal vote on the following Thursday, April 17, in the middle of Passover, just a day after Jewish students return to campus after Passover Seders. By so scheduling the Resolution, SJP and its supporters in the Student Assembly have sought to put Jewish students and campus groups at a disadvantage, literally forcing them to choose between celebrating the Jewish People's Exodus from slavery in Egypt or organizing to fight the Divestment Resolution.

Posted by Mandy Nagy on April 08, 2014 11 Comments
As Ukrainian authorities cracked down on pro-Russia protesters Tuesday after recent unrest that escalated over the weekend, Russia issued a warning against the use of force and also alleged that a private U.S. military contractor is assisting Ukraine. From the LA Times:
Ukrainian riot police on Tuesday cleared a regional administration building and public square in the eastern city of Kharkiv of hundreds of pro-Russia protesters, detaining scores in the process, officials said. “Seventy criminals were taken into custody during the operation,” Ukraine's acting president, Oleksandr Turchynov, told the parliament in televised remarks Tuesday morning. In response, Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning against the use of force on pro-Russia protesters in eastern Ukraine and alleged the direct involvement of private U.S. military experts. “According to our information, Ukraine Interior Ministry and National Guard troops including militants of the illegal armed group the Right Sector are being brought to the southeast regions of Ukraine,” read a statement posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's official website Tuesday. "A special concern is connected with the fact that about 150 U.S. experts from the private military organization Greystone dressed in the uniforms of [Ukraine] special unit Sokol are involved in the operation.” “The organizers and participants in the operation are assuming huge responsibility for the creation of threats to rights, freedoms and lives of peaceful residents of Ukraine,” the statement said.
Further, Russia warned that use of force in the attempts to quell the unrest “could lead to civil war,” according to CNN. In response to Russia's accusations of the involvement of Greystone, a representative from the company told the Wall Street Journal, "We do not have anyone working in Ukraine nor do we have any plans to deploy anyone to the region." Meanwhile, just as on Monday, Washington DC again warned of potential additional sanctions against Russia should its forces move into eastern Ukraine.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 08, 2014 23 Comments
When I saw this segment on The O'Reilly Factor about student grievances at Dartmouth, I thought is was just more of the same. Then I read the List (h/t The Other McCain). Wow. Read it for yourself at the bottom of this post. The students behind the list took over the President's office to demand specific responses to each item on the list. The takeover, and the list, have generated articles in The Wall Street Journal, The Dartmouth Review, and elsewhere. (As an aside, one of the grievances is to force The Review to stop using the name Dartmouth unless it stops using the term "Indian" in the publication.) The list contains 72 (by the WSJ's count) bulleted demands most which seek race-, sexuality- and ethnicity-based treatment of students, staff and faculty. There actualy were a handful of grievances with which I agree, including this one:
Eradicate internal judicial processes for students that break laws, those crimes will be reported directly to police.
There was a lot missing from the list, like a focus on raising academic standards. But college increasingly is not about academics, anyway, it's about "social justice" retribution and entitlement entrenchment. But the one glaring demand missing from the list was this:
That "[students] live [on a campus] where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
In fact, almost everything on the grievance list is designed to insure that that dream never comes true.

Posted by New Neo on April 08, 2014 9 Comments
Stop the presses: the percentage of people without health insurance has dropped in the first quarter of 2014. But if a decline in the uninsured rate hadn't occurred when Obamacare began, now that would have been a shock. After all, if you give Medicaid to a whole new group of people, offer subsidies to a huge number of other lower-income people, and stick everyone else with penalties for not getting insurance, it could be expected that the rate of those without health insurance would go down. And I don't recall (although I could be missing something) that anyone on the right was suggesting that the total rate of the medically uninsured would fail to go down as a result of Obamacare. The real questions were and are (a) how much of a dent it would actually make in the uninsured (a figure that was probably somewhat elusive to begin with); (b) at what cost, both in money and disruption; (c) what quality of insurance would be the result; (d) what the effect on our health care system would be over time; and (e) the effect on our liberty. But anyway, here are the stats are from Gallup. Unfortunately, I can't find a link to the actual study, and I always prefer to look at the more complete picture, but let's look at the chart from the summary version:

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 08, 2014 9 Comments

Might apply to more than one of these bumper stickers. From Deb: I took this pic in a parking lot in Walpole MA. The irony in the inclusion of the Ben Franklin quote leaves me speechless.  This is someone completely unclear on the concept of freedom and security! The...

Posted by Mandy Nagy on April 07, 2014 10 Comments
Tensions continued to escalate in eastern Ukraine Monday on the heels of protests over the weekend in which pro-Russia protesters seized government buildings in several cities. From CNN:
Ukraine's acting president accused Russia on Monday of trying to "dismember" his country, warning that uprisings in three cities echoed the events leading to the Russian annexation of Crimea three weeks ago. Pro-Moscow protesters seized government buildings, raised Russian flags and declared new governments in the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkov on Sunday. In a televised message, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov said the revolts were led by "separatist groups coordinated by Russian special services." "Enemies of Ukraine are trying to play out the Crimean scenario, but we will not let this happen," Turchynov said. And Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said the goal of the protesters is "to destabilize" the country, allowing "foreign troops to cross the border and seize the territory of the country." "We will not allow it," Yatsenyuk said.
In some of these incidents, protesters demanded a referendum like the one recently seen in Crimea, according to the Washington Post.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 07, 2014 22 Comments
Santa Monica High School wrestling coach and science teacher Mark Black is seeing an outpouring of community support after a (alleged) drug dealing student picked a fight with Black, and lost. Coach Black pinned the student to the ground while help arrived. The incident was caught on cell phone video: The We Support Coach Black of Samohi Facebook Page has over 10,500 "Likes" so far -- come on, we can do better than that -- go "Like" the page and spread the link. Coach Mark Black Santa Monica Support Page A change.org petition for Coach Black's reinstatement has over 4000 signatures.

Posted by William A. Jacobson on April 07, 2014 16 Comments
Opposing the anti-Israel Boycott Divest and Sanction movement is serious business, so it's natural that we tend to be serious about it. But I also think we need to be happy in the fight as well. Contrary to boycott mythology, Israel is thriving economically, with investment and new trade deals being announced almost daily. Israel is a sea of happiness in a region filled with horrors inflicted by Arabs upon Arabs. The anger of the BDS movement doesn't need to be replicated by us -- at least not to the exclusion of humor and happiness.  (Happy Tel Aviv - Yafo here) It's one of the reasons I start my lectures opposing the academic boycott at colleges with statistics showing how Israel has a higher favorability rating in the U.S. than kittens. It always gets a laugh, but a laugh which keeps things in perspective. There is a template for being happy warriors against BDS, the Sussex (England) Friends of Israel (SFI).  We previously featured SFI's video of the Brighton Israeli Apartheid Week March that attracted only a few people, #BDSfail – 8 people show up for Sussex “Israeli Apartheid Week” march. The SFI brings mockery and good humor to the humorless Israel haters, with miraculous results:
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