Yesterday I was back in Kibera after a year and one month.  I had forgotten that pull of that place. 

Yesterday it was dry and didn’t smell so much.  I think in the past year I have spent so much time in so many different places in and around Nairobi that Kibera doesn’t shock me anymore.  It’s just another place. 

Yet there is something so intriguing about Kibera, something that grabs a hold of my heart, thoughts, and imagination and won’t let go.  It’s indescribable and impossible to fully understand what that something is.

Kibera is a place of contrasts.  People come to Nairobi with high hopes, believing that they will find a better life and with all those hopes still beating in their hearts they end up in Kibera, a place of pure poverty and hopelessness.  Yet in the midst of all the dirt, grime, waste and depression, the people don’t give up hope.  They still dream of a better life.  The women set up their small vegetable stands next to the ditch full of wastewater and refuse.  The children laugh and play and study hard in school.  The older youths look for ways to find money here and there. 

Yet in direct contrast to those who refuse to give up hope are the hopeless, those who have nothing to live for but just living through one more day.   The street boy, who leaves Kibera in the morning, begs and sniffs glue on Ngong road and returns to an alleyway at night.  The father who works all day, wastes all his money on local brew, and assaults his two daughters at night.  The young girl who excelled in school, but can’t continue her education because there is no money, so she finds a man she thinks will care for her and ends up with a tiny burden instead. 

The problems and possibilities in Kibera are endless…larger than I can ever comprehend.  Yet something compels me to find one problem and explore the possibilities for solving it.  To do my tiny part to make that land of contrasts a little bit better. 

Tiffany posts the first few days in Africa and pictures of their apartment which is more or less like ours: pictures of our new home, and more pictures.

Here's are a few examples from the Merte's first few exciting days in Nairobi.

Shoes and Stones: . . . “So there I was, driving down the street, and they were firing tear gas…they even pulled down the power lines! Sparks were everywhere and I thought to myself, ‘I have to get out of here.’ They were throwing stones and there were shoes and clothes and fruit all in the streets. Me, I was even prepared to leave my car. There were people running everywhere. I came this close to hitting a man,” [Welcome to Nairobi ;-)] -

OR: The matatus of Nairobi reflect the panache and flair of individual drivers. The exteriors are often splashed in bright colors, bearing slogans like “Heaven-bound”, which is ironic considering that I daily read stories from the Standard about individuals killed as a result of matatu crashes. Yesterday, Luke and I walked by a matatu that had “To God be the Glory” written in letters that were dripping with blood.

Yesterday, we saw a most improbable sight as we prepared to cross Ngong road on our way back to the Kitololos. As we stood in the median, awaiting an opportune time to cross, a matatu cruised by blaring ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”. We looked after the passing vehicle and saw a man in rollerblades bent at the waist, holding onto the bumper. . . . [Read the rest of Matatus and Microfinance.]

"Messiah Complex: For decades, well-intentioned men and women from around the world have come here thinking that they will save the Kenyans. Save them from spiritual darkness…save them from poverty…save them from HIV and AIDS. NGOs, mission agencies and aid organizations seem to especially flourish here in Nairobi. Truly, there is no shortage of saviors here. . .[BUT not all of them actually "look" like Jesus (Read more of the "Messiah Complex"). It's not got a nice twist;-)]

Both are bringing back a lot of memories.

My request is that I would like to keep this list as up to date as possible so we are not receiving more than we can carry.  If you do purchase an item off of the list, please send me an email so I can update the list appropriately.

Thanks so much for your willingness to invest in these lives a half a world away.  We will do our best to document everything that happens on our trip right here - most of the posts will be written by individual members of the team.

Hopefully, with a good internet connection, we'll be able to start our updates on September 28 when we get to Cheppema.

The unique ergonomically designed street bench will be seen across 250 locations of Nairobi City including the Central Business District (CBD) and the Uruhu Highway.

John Gakuo, Town Clerk Nairobi says of the intiative:

“The City Council of Nairobi strives to continually improve its services to the residents of Nairobi. The City Council of Nairobi is going through a momentous period, where it is faced with the challenge of providing quality services and amenities to the fast growing population. The new benches installed with the help of ENG Kenya Limited will provide comfort to our citizens and it also fits perfectly well within the city’s beautification programme”.

“Our initial placing of a few benches as a pilot project some six months ago received such overwhelming support sending a strong signal that the city residents were appreciative and indeed yearning for more of the same.”

Sandeep Nehra, Chief Operating Officer, ENG Kenya says:

“ENG’s entry strategy in developing countries has always been to grow the economy and the industry such that it’s not just ENG who benefits but also the people and the region.

This partnership between ENG Kenya and the City Council of Nairobi re establishes our commitment to Kenya, by aligning our corporate strategy with our regional focus we hope to win a place in the heart of Kenya and become an integral part of Kenyan society.”

-ENDS-

About ENG Kenya

ENG Kenya also recently acquired a significant number of outdoor billboard sites across the country of which the media is now available in both small and large format structures, giving brands the maximum reach, impact & flexibility. The company has already attracted a list of high-profile clients.

With ENG’S international experience and extensive locations, ENG Kenya is set to make a significant impact on the outdoor market by offering premium media including introduction concept of circuits for tactical campaigns. ENG will now be able to dominate this area by offering a best level of service and wider choice brand clients.

Questo ragazzo si chiama Alex e si gode l'inattesa "nevicata" di grandine in Kenya

...

Jubilee Holdings provides insurance protection to more than 125,000 clients across the East African region and is pushing to improve its reach for its existing and potential customers in the region.

...

The company is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, the economic arm of the Aga Khan Development Network.

DAILY NATION - Jubilee Holdings profits rises 35 p.c.

Whilst on holiday in Kenya, I spoke to lots of people about the stuff I do, particularly this: www.justicefortom.com.

Many of them considered themselves novices in all things web, and certainly thought that Web 2.0, or social media, was beyond them (except for Facebook, of course!). So, over many suppers with a variety of people I explained that it was not a thing, rather a more effective use of online communities - and your interaction with them. (I am a fascinating guest).

The theory behind your web presence is no different:

1. What are you wanting to do?

2. Who are you doing it for?

Now you need to find out where the communities are that exist online already. At this point I recommend you use a listening service such as Addictomatic. (In a previous post I have explained how to use this - although it is really simple so you don't need to read the post unless you love my prose so much you can't get enough - understandable of course :))

Once you have spent some time listening, finding the places where your target market are already conversing and collaborating, you can then begin to join in the discussion. This will enable you to really understand how you can effectively meet the needs of your audience and refine your own offering online accordingly.

At the same time as doing this, you are establishing a solid piece of online real estate - proving that you are not just shoving stuff out there. People will begin to recognise you if you join in the conversations online, (the simplest way of doing this is by commenting on blogs - yes it is that simple).

Finally, you need to start your own conversation.

An example

Let me run through the Soy Sambu conservancy online offering:

Kat Combes, the Director of the conservancy, had set up a website and was looking to start a blog to:

• raise awareness of what the conservancy was doing
• attract funds
• share experience and learn from others

Kat is web savvy, however considered setting up and running a blog way beyond her abilities. In fact the more she googled, the more scared she became. I sat with her for about an hour and ran through Addictomatic and Wordpress; showed her how I manage my own blogs and how simple it actually was - even for the technically impaired like myself. We then created the conservancy blog and I walked away. Kat has since then played extensively and here is the fruit of her labour: http://soysambuconservancy.wordpress.com/

Now, the blog will stay pretty much as it is, whilst Kat 'listens' using Addictomatic and a variety of key words. However, please do comment and send links to any other websites that you think would be good to look at, and keep an eye on how it grows from here (on the conservancy blog of course not here!).

Whilst talking about the conservancy site, Graham Vetch - the manager - spoke about how the conservation was not just about the land and animals, but also about the people living there. How part of the challenge was to take the indigenous people from poverty to self-sufficiency. He is frustrated as he has many plans and is not sure where to start. Now this is where I believe blogging really can come into its own. We discussed how Graham could just throw his hat on the ground, sit down and start blogging about his plans  taking us with him on his journey.

Now this will achieve two things:

1. Share a journey that could help numerous communities and community managers
2. Give Graham access to feedback on his plans - enabling him to find out where to start and learn from others' experience

I am very excited about this and as soon as we have set it up - I will show you.

So, the tool-kit?

Addictomatic and Wordpress are the tools I recommend for the moment. However, it is less about the tools and more about changing the way you think about your online presence - use the community, share your knowledge, take people on your journey with you rather than simply talking about it after it is done.

I took these photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulquem/sets/72157607109542754/

I stayed at the following places:

http://www.soysambuconservancy.org/

http://www.eihr.com/baringo/index_en.htm

http://www.blixencoffeegarden.co.ke/

Visited here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Naivasha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Baringo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Elmenteita

http://www.kws.org/nakuru.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamiti_Maximum_Security_Prison

Talked a lot about this:

www.justicefortom.com

Helped set this blog up (Please do take the time to have a look at what is happening here):

http://soysambuconservancy.wordpress.com/

All in all it was a magical time. Thanks to my many hosts.

And now, I am back.

Seated in my office. Its lunch time. Everyone's going out for a break. This is my break ! I'm tired of work. I wish I could go on holiday. I think I've said this before. I must sound like a broken record. Mood is down today, probably because I don't feel up to par. Wish I was fine. Nothing feels right. Appetite is down, which is I guess is no bad thing, sleep is uneasy, work is still too much, I'm not ok. I hate this.

I've been reading hadiths. Here is one that made my throat catch:

Volume 1, Book 2, Number 28:

The district areas described outside of Nairobi--Western, Eastern, and the like, are outlaw areas for all people, not just foreigners.    Crimes in Nairobi are crimes targeted against obvious targets, targets of opportunity--atleast that's my impression--and I still maintain that walking around and knowing your neighbours is the best security you can have in the city.

An "s/m" is shorthand for 'staff member.'

Enjoy, and don't believe the hype: this is fact, but the distillate of all the bad that happens in a country.  The country report on the United States, for instance, would not read very well in comparison, especially if you included Guantanamo Bay incidents.

1.General:

The security situation in Nairobi remains calm and stable, however, over the past week we have had three non injury road traffic accident , two robberies incident and one shooting incident reported.  you are advised to remain alert and vigilant.

The Security and Safety Service wish to note that due to the congestion that has been witnessed at the Parking within the Bank, Commissary and Post office area, its advised that Staff members should not Park there for a whole day. Staff should utilize other parking areas in the complex, this is to allow the parking to be open to Bank, commissary users and Commercial vehicles ONLY. The new commissary is being awaited to be opened, probably before December 2008. Any Vehicle found parked for a whole day will be clamped by Security, kindly comply.

Security Tips of the week

Please see comments below from the DPU Liaison Officer Mr. Jack Klassen for your information.

"We have many inquiries about Kenya Traffic Laws.  Please see below the Laws of Kenya as they apply to Safety Triangles, Mobile Telephones and Seat Belts.

The on-line web site for all Kenya Law is:  http://www.kenyalaw.org/kenyalaw/klr_app/frames.php.  All Kenya Traffic Laws are published on this site.

In fact, the aspect of safety is paramount here:

22A. (1) With effect from the 1st July, 1987, every motor vehicle in any of the classes specified in this paragraph first registered after the 31st June, 1987 shall be equipped and fitted with seat belts in the manner specified—
(3) No vehicle shall be used or driven on a road after the 1st December, 1987, unless it is fitted and equipped with seat belts in accordance with this rule and the owner of any vehicle driven in contravention of this rule shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of five hundred shillings in respect of each seat belt that is not fitted or which is fitted but is not of the proper standard or specification.
(4) No person shall, after the 1st December, 1987, be in a motor vehicle which is in motion on a public road and occupy a seat in that vehicle in respect of which a seat belt is fitted in accordance with this rule without wearing the seat belt, and any person who does not so wear a seat belt shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a fine of one hundred shillings.
(8) For the purposes of section 53 (2) (aa) of the Act, the reflecting triangles shall be of the dimensions specified in Part IV of the Tenth Schedule and shall be constructed in accordance with the Kenya Standard Specification for portable reflective warning triangles for motor vehicles being standard No. KS 03-815: 1987.

2. Nairobi Incidents :

On 28 August at about 2200 hrs, a staff member was shot by gangsters while alighting from a taxi at the gate of his residence in Thika. He was injured as a result of the gun shot and rushed Thika Hospital for treatment. Police officers from Thika Police station attended the scene.

On 29 August 2008 at 0540hrs thugs confronted a s/m while driving along Kikuyu Road and robbed him of his car, cash and a cell phone. The incident occurred as he was dropping a friend at Muthama Township. The incident was reported to Nairobi Area Police and DPU.

On 29 August 2008 at 0620hrs a gang of four armed men posing as police officers robbed a s/m and taxi driver of their cash and drove away with the car after abandoning them near Bible College. The incident happened in Kitengela area while the s/m was being taken home by Jim Cab Taxi. The taxi was later found abandoned in Athi River Township.  Nairobi Area Police and DPU were informed.

On 1 September 2008 at 0800hrs a unknown person tricked a s/m that, something was under her car and when the s/m opened the door to check, the man snatched a bag containing cash and personal effects. The incident was reported to central Police station and DPU.

On 02 September 2008 at about 0830 hrs a s/m was driving along Parklands Road when suddenly a cyclist crossed the road as a result of which he was hit by the car. After the incident the cyclist hurriedly took off with his bicycle. No injuries reported. The s/m was advised to report to DPU

On 02 September 2008 at 1705hrs a s/m was driving along the Cathedral Road when an overlapping Matatu hit her car from behind and caused damages to the rear bumper. Traffic police officers from DPU attended the scene.

On 02 September 2008 at about 1700 hrs a Matatu rammed into a s/m’s car at the GSU roundabout and damaged fuel jerry cans. Traffic police officers from Kasarani police station attended the scene. No injuries reported.

3. Up-Country Incidents :

RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE

Turkana District

Overview
Misfortunes befell Turkana districts once more after Toposa bandits from Southern Sudan mounted massive deadly attacks that left over 20 Turkanas dead and over 600 head of cattle stolen in Lokichoggio division, and driven into Southern Sudan. The Toposa’s offensive sent a warning that the previous peace and reconciliatory resolutions between them and the Turkanas were no longer valid despite fruitless attempts by the Lokichoggio District officer request to the warring communities to observe peace and tolerance. The Toposa bandits weren’t mincing words as they yet again launched another deadly attack in Solia in Lokichoggio Killing 8 Turkanas and raided over 500 head of cattle. According to Intelligent report, the deadly Toposas were on a revenge mission to recover their animals that were raided by the Turkanas a month ago.

However the Kenya Government has sought interference from their Sudanese counterparts in a bid to recover all the raided animals and at the same time seek a long lasting solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, the Southern sector remained calm although speculations were rife that the Pokots could be planning on how to execute simultaneous raids in Kainuk, Katilu, Lomelo and Lokori divisions. However Turkanas on the other hand are armed to the teeth ready to counter any future attacks by Pokots after suffering heavy casualties 2 months ago. The security machinery is on standby to counter the standoff. The Ethiopian and Ugandan borders remained calm. The Kitale –Lodwar –Lokichoggio highway was also calm.

Elsewhere a Lodwar councilor who escaped from Lodwar police station one month ago was re-arrested. He is being suspected to be being the murder of the late Lodwar Kenya commercial bank manager. Separately in Lorugum, a 16yr old girl was raped repeatedly by 2 thugs that were later nabbed by the police. And the weather remained extremely hot, dusty and dry. Below are incidents reported as follows:

On 27.8.08, along Lodwar Kalokol road, 8 people perished in a grisly road accident, when the car they were traveling in rolled several times after a tyre burst. The bodies were taken to Lodwar district morgue.

On 27.8.08, a councilor who escaped from Lodwar police station 2 months ago was re-arrested. He reported to the police station after a warrant of arrest to re-arrest him was issued by the magistrate. He is being suspected to be behind the murder of Lodwar Kenya Commercial Bank Manager four months ago. A mobile phone belonging to the deceased was found in his possession. He was charged with robbery with violence and escaping from Police cell.

On 28.8.08, in Lorugum location Turkana Central district, a 16 yr old girl was raped repeatedly by 2 gangs. The victim was heading home from school at Kalemnyang, when she was confronted by the two thugs who assaulted her and later dragged her to the bush where they raped her. They culprits were later arrested by the police and charged.

On 28.8.08, in Kapenguria court, in West Pokot district, 2 people were charged with impersonating and obtaining money by pretending they could recruit youths into the military. The accused denied the charges and were remanded in custody after the prosecution opposed their application to be released on bond.

On 29.8.08, at about 0400hrs, in Solia village in Lokichoggio Division, about 30 heavily armed Toposa bandits raided the area and killed 8 Turkanas before stealing over 500 head of cattle that were driven towards Southern Sudan. By the time the contingent of Kenya Army and regular police arrived at the scene 4 hours after, the bandits had caused a lot of mayhem and left for Sudan..

Comments

Tension remained high in Lokichoggio division near the Sudanese border following deadly attacks by the Toposa bandits. The Southern sector remained calm although there are speculations that Pokot could be planning for a revenge mission soon .The threat has led Turkanas to be on a high alert and on standby ready to counter future attacks by Pokot.. Hence staffs are still advised to be extra careful while operating in those areas by strictly adhering to SOPs and related travel advisories.

Uasin Gishu (Eldoret) and Other Areas

Uasin Gishu district and the neighboring localities were generally calm over the period under review. And the Military Operation aimed at rooting out the remaining Saboat Land Defence force militiamen from Mt Elgon District continues.  Below is a tabulation of incidents as they occurred:

On 26.8.08, residents of Mt Elgon district requested the Government to exhume about 46 bodies of their relatives who were hacked to death by members of the Saboat Land Defence Force so that they could accord them decent burials. The residents also speculated that more people could have been killed by the militias and thrown into water wells and latrines in the controversial Cheybuk settlement scheme. They hailed the military saying it had done a commendable job in the area and scoffed at those questing for their withdrawal.

On 26.8.06, at about 0300hrs, in Ekerenyo division Nyamira district, 5 armed robbers armed with swords hijacked a Nyamira bound bus, ransacked the passengers and raped two women before fleeing on foot. The robbers were traveling in the bus belonging to Nyamira Express and ordered the driver to drive off the route where they conducted their mission.

On 26.8.08, at Eldoret court, an IPD was fined Ksh 5,000 for threatening to cut a woman with a panga in her tent. The victim screamed and attracted a crowd that rescued her.

On 27.8.08, in Kericho, at about 1800hrs, nine suspects escaped from a local court. They included robbery with violence and rape suspect. The nine initially appeared in Kericho court and were waiting to be taken to the Kericho GK prison, when they run away. Police have launched investigations into the incident.

Comments

Uasin Gishu and the neighboring districts were generally calm. However, both the Amnesty and Mau forest debates are still a threat to resettlement operation in Rift Valley and elsewhere.

EASTERN PROVINCE

Marsabit/Moyale/Samburu/Isiolo/Laikipia
The districts were generally calm with few incidences reported as follows:

Moyale
Kenyan and Ethiopian authorities have asked local communities living along the border regions to stop crossing the border with weapons. The request comes after a group of Ethiopian pastoralists were fired upon by Kenyan police reservists in Mansile. GSU are reported to be patrolling along the Moyale/Isiolo road to reduce potential banditry which has increased due to drought and increased cattle raiding.

Marsabit
Tension is reported high in both Marsabit and Chalbi district. This is due to a miasma of raiding between the Boranas and Rendilles and the Turkana and Gabras.  Apparently the road between Laisamis and Logo Logo about 30 kms north of Laisamis is now being targeted by Rendille bandits due to the loss of cattle from these raids.

Chalbi
Nine GABRA tribes’ people were killed on Monday the 25 th by Turkana raiders. The incident happened when Turkana raiders raided a Gabra community in the Chalbi Distirct and stole herds of livestock. The Gabra gave chase but were attacked by the Turkana who killed nine and wounded 33 others, 8 of whom were airlifted to Nairobi for treatment. Two raiders and one police reservist were also killed in the attack.

Comments
Staffs visiting the districts are advised to make sure they call on local police stations for security updates in the regions they intend to visit.

North Eastern Province
Mandera Districts

Overview
There has been a lot of tension within Mandera town following reports that Al shabab fighters were in town spying on Bare shille militias who were routed from their base in Kisimayu whether they were escaping into Mandera town as intelligence has that they are planning a major onslaught on the militia base currently at Dolow. Crime against the person has also increased with attacks and theft from people going about their business in town. There is a still banditry attack along the Elwak-Mandera highway and tension at Wargadud between the Garre and Murulle which fortunately has not broken into. The government on its part has carried out a sting operation within Mandera town to net suspected muggers and foreigners and at the war front, they carried out an operation which yielded two rifles and an assortment of ammunition but no arrest.

Mandera East District

The following incidents of interest were reported in the district:

On the 26/08/08, tension was high in Mandera town where it was reported that a militia leader of Marehan clan had moved into Bula hawa in Somalia and that the Al-shabah brigade were hot on his heels. Women and children started running away from Bula Hawa expecting fighting but instead the militia opted to settle at Dolow next to the Ethiopians who are his allies. The government intensified security patrols along the border to check the influx of undesired elements.

On the 31/08/08, the police carried out an operation to flush out  foreigners where they arrested 6 of them on suspicion for spying on behalf of the Al-shabah brigade. They are still being held and are assisting with investigations.

Mandera West District

The District was relatively calm the period under review. The Ethiopia border also remained incident free.

Mandera Central District

The district was relatively calm during the period under review probably due to high presence of security personnel in the frontal area .The following incidents were reported:

On the 29/08/08, the security personnel recovered two rifles with an assortment of ammunition which indicates that the owners were surprised by the security team at Guramathow  in Lafey. This happens to be the war zone for the two communities but no one was arrested in connection because both clans deny ownership.

On 30/08/08, at about 0700hrs armed people shot at miraa vehicles transporting the khats. No injuries were reported. This happened at Guramathow-Lafey junction. It is believed they are part of the fighters escaping the joint operation in the interior of Wargadud.

Wajir

Overview

Peace and tranquility continued to be enjoyed in the entire four districts of the wider Wajir. The international and territorial boundaries continued to be calm with no incidents reported. Drought continue to ravage the district but so far community confrontations have not been experienced  though the invasion of Wajir east by livestock from Mandera central in search of pasture and water might cause imbalance in the tranquility  but the provincial administrators and other actors are closely watching the unfolding scenario.

Wajir East/West/North/South Districts

The district remained calm and peaceful.

Garissa/Ijara Districts

Overview
Security in most areas remained generally calm with no serious insecurity incidences. However, fighting between the TFG, warlords and ICU in the neighboring Somalia intensified during the period whereby the latter wrestled most of the neighboring Somali towns and port of Kismayu from warlords and the government. Consequently, Somalia nationals fleeing their country into Kenya for refuge has increased tremendously, making effective security manning of the porous international boundary more difficult. As a result, unscreened Somali aliens including defeated militia members are getting into the region undetected through unclassified routes. Several aliens were arrested and arraigned in court for being in the country illegally. Others with bullet wounds were grunted entry for treatment at Hagadera and Liboi hospitals. So far, the situation has not had serious impact on UN operations in the region.

Garissa district and Ijara districts

Most parts of the district remained generally calm in spite of increased turmoil in the neighboring Somalia.

Comments
Possession of illicit firearms by locals in Tana River, Garissa and Ijara districts continues to make security in the areas uncertain.

Coast Province

Tana River Districts
Low level tension between Wardei and Orma continued at Bura division but no related insecurity incidences were reported. One murder case occurred at Kipini town as below;

On 1.9.2008 at around 2300hrs, at Kipini town, unknown gunmen shot dead a male shopkeeper. Police are investigating the case but so far no arrests have been made.

On behalf of the Designated Official and the Security Management Team, Your Security Service wish you a peaceful and incident-free weekend.

]]> http://dissfunktional.wordpress.com/?p=764 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:20:33 +0000 dissfunktional http://dissfunktional.wordpress.com/?p=764 Boulder County sheriffs in Denver, Colorado arrested an ABC News producer/reporter, Asa Eslocker, on Thursday August 28, 2008. Asa Eslocker and a camera crew had been on the public sidewalk along side of Tremont Street attempting to take pictures of Democratic senators and VIP donors leaving a private meeting via the grand entrance/exit from the Brown Palace Hotel.

Asa Eslocker and his ABC News colleagues had been spending the week investigating the role of corporate lobbyists and wealthy donors at the Democratic convention for a series of Money Trail reports on ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson." Here are sixteen photos compliments of ABC; behind the scenes of the Democrat convention. There's a slew of corporate jets... flying in politicians to the Democratic convention. Whoa.

Denver, Colorado hosted the Democratic National Convention this week. A popular Democrat hotspot, The Brown Palace opened by H.C. Brown in 1892, was the recommendation by the DNC back in June for where to stay for the Convention.

According to Lynn Kimbrough, communications director for the Denver District Attorney and the Joint Information Center (Joint Information Center?) set up by Denver authorities for the Democratic Party convention, Asa Eslocker with ABC News Investigative team was charged with three violations of Denver municipal ordinances: interfering with police, trespassing, and failure to obey a lawful order. The arrest followed a signed complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel.

There is a considerable amount of controversy regarding the arrest of Asa Eslocker; it was all caught on tape.

Video footage shows a Boulder County sheriff pushing Asa Eslocker off the sidewalk into oncoming traffic. Once the sheriff has Asa positioned within the busy street, he accuses Asa of impeding traffic, and then continues to push Asa all the way to the other side of the street.

Once on the other side of the street, Asa is met with several additional characters dressed like police officers, one who decides it is appropriate to wrap a palm around Asa's throat, despite Asa not resisting his evidently being arrested for he-was-not-told-what-for.

Winds of Change contacted the Brown Palace Hotel and asked them for feedback on the incident. Winds received a reply, quoted below.

"Dear Mr. Danziger,
If I may provide an explanation about today's events:

The ABC news cameras were intruding on the entrance of the hotel, creating an unsafe entrance/exit for our guests, which are our priority at all times. The police department asked them to move to the side several times so that our guests could enter/exit, and ABC refused. ABC was clearly told that they could stand on the sidewalk but it is illegal to block an entrance to any business, which is what they were doing. After not complying with the police requests, they were then asked to move to the other side of the street. It is our understanding that ABC continued to speak belligerently to the police and were arrested for not complying with police orders. The arrest resulted from issues between the police and ABC, not The Brown Palace Hotel."

On the other side of the street is the Comfort Inn Downtown; both the Comfort Inn Downtown and the Brown Palace Hotel are owned by Brown Palace Hotel Associates LP of Connecticut. Quorum Hotels & Resorts of Dallas is the Brown Palace's management company.

This opens up a whole can of worms.

1. Asa Eslocker is being charged with:
Trespass
Interference
Failure to follow a lawful order

2. "The ABC news cameras were intruding on the entrance of the hotel, creating an unsafe entrance/exit for our guests"

3. "The police department asked them to move to the side several times so that our guests could enter/exit"

4. "ABC was clearly told that they could stand on the sidewalk but it is illegal to block an entrance to any business, which is what they were doing."

5. "After not complying with the police requests, they were then asked to move to the other side of the street."

6. "The arrest resulted from issues between the police and ABC, not The Brown Palace Hotel."

We have video from the incident, we also tracked down the Policy and Procedures Manual for the Boulder County Sheriff's Office.

Let's thumb through some of these worms.

1.

Asa Eslocker is being charged with:
Trespass
Interference
Failure to follow a lawful order

Lawful Order -   A Lawful Order is an order given to you by someone appointed over you by higher authority which you are legally bound to obey and that does not require you to break the law to obey. Any order which would require you to break the law is an unlawful order and you are duty bound not only to disobey the order, but to report it to competent authority as soon as possible.

Not only did the Boulder County Police officer shove Asa Eslocker into oncoming traffic, backwards, he did so in an area of Tremont Street not within a crosswalk, aka jaywalking, also illegal. This endangered the life of not only Asa but that of the commuters on Tremont Street that were forced to avoid hitting the man the sheriff forced into their path, as well as the lives of the bystanders and others on the public sidewalk that could have been hit by any vehicle that was forced to utilize evasive maneuvers dictated by the actions of the Boulder County Police officer.

2.

"The ABC news cameras were intruding on the entrance of the hotel, creating an unsafe entrance/exit for our guests"

Asa Eslocker wasn't carrying a camera. He wasn't filming. Asa was on a cellphone. Those with news cameras were left to film while Asa was physically forced by the Boulder County police into oncoming traffic with no thought to his safety.

Asa was not intruding the entrance of the hotel. He was far to the side of the entrance. This can be observed in the video footage.  More on this with #3.

3.

"The police department asked them to move to the side several times so that our guests could enter/exit"

Asa Eslocker was most definitely not blocking the entrance/exit to the hotel. We've looked at this from every angle available. He was in no way impeding on the guests ability to either enter or exit the Brown Hotel. When he was forced into the busy street by the police, Asa had been standing on a public sidewalk not blocking the entrance/exit.

Click on either image to make it larger. This is the entrance to the Brown Palace Hotel, and an aerial view of the overhang; notice the location of the overhang in correlation with the entrance/exit to the hotel. The triangle building in the aerial view is the Brown Palace Hotel; the entrance to the hotel is just below that overhang.

Note the overhang above the entrance; this shadows anything directly below it, including the entrance to the Brown Palace Hotel. When facing the entrance, Asa was standing in the area to the left of the entrance.

This is where Asa was standing just prior to his being pushed to (his) left (pushed to the right if you are facing the hotel) first towards the direction of the entrance of the hotel, then into the street. The Brown Palace building itself is on the side of the police officer's right shoulder in this photo. >>>

4.

"ABC was clearly told that they could stand on the sidewalk but it is illegal to block an entrance to any business, which is what they were doing."

The press was told they were "allowed" to stand on the public sidewalk as long as they weren't blocking the entrance according to the Brown Palace Hotel. Asa wasn't blocking the entrance. Yet he was physically removed. If you watch the video you will witness that the police actually pushed Asa several feet before he ever reached the area below the overhang, the point where the entrance to the hotel is.

5.

"After not complying with the police requests, they were then asked to move to the other side of the street."

Yet clearly Asa Eslocker did comply with officer requests, he was most definitely not blocking the entrance to the Brown Hotel.

Asa Eslocker was physically moved to the other side of the street, at which time he was placed under arrest. Asa was first forced into oncoming traffic via a Boulder County sheriff, on to where the Comfort Inn Downtown stood, which is also owned by Brown Palace Hotel Associates LP of Connecticut.

6.

"The arrest resulted from issues between the police and ABC, not The Brown Palace Hotel."

Actually, Asa Eslocker's arrest resulted from the Brown Palace Hotel initially lodging a complaint. The arrest followed that signed complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel.

Lets go back to the Policy and Procedures Manual for the Boulder County Sheriff's Office we mentioned earlier.

From Page 176 (of 358):
I. Grounds for Discipline or Dismissal
A. An employee may be disciplined or dismissed for:

1. Neglect of duty.
2. Disobedience of a lawful order.
3. Intentional, reckless, negligent or careless endangerment of the safety or well being of any person or property.
4. Unsatisfactory performance of duties.
5. Intentional, reckless, negligent or careless damage or waste of public property.
6. Disrespectful treatment of any person.
7. Being under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs when on duty.
8. Absent from duty without authorization or failure to return from leave of absence or habitual tardiness or absenteeism.
9. Accepting bribes or deliberate misuse of public funds.
10. Violations of Sheriff’s Office manuals, general orders, memoranda or other authorized written instruction, rules, regulation or policies.
11. Violations of federal, state or local law, resolution or ordinance.
12. Any act or omission, which contributes to a lack of order and discipline or effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office.

Several of these above listed items were exposed by one or more of the Boulder County Sheriffs. At a minimum:

3. Intentional, reckless, negligent or careless endangerment of the safety or well being of any person or property.
4. Unsatisfactory performance of duties.
6. Disrespectful treatment of any person.
10. Violations of Sheriff’s Office manuals, general orders, memoranda or other authorized written instruction, rules, regulation or policies.
11. Violations of federal, state or local law, resolution or ordinance.
12. Any act or omission, which contributes to a lack of order and discipline or effectiveness of the Sheriff’s Office.

From Page 167 (of 358):
POLICY:

It is the policy of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office to maintain a process for investigating allegations of employee misconduct that ensures an appropriate resolution to any complaint.

When a complaint is made that alleges serious misconduct, which may result in major discipline, the investigation is conducted as an administrative “internal affairs” (IA) investigation.

When a complaint is made that alleges misconduct not subject to major discipline the allegation is handled by supervisory review.

In either case, it is the policy of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office to be thorough and impartial when investigating an allegation. In most cases, IA investigations are conducted independent of criminal investigations arising out of the same conduct.

DEFINITIONS:

Allegation of Misconduct: An alleged violation of law, policy or procedure by an employee or volunteer of the Sheriff's Office.
Internal Affairs (IA): A function within the Sheriff’s Office responsible for conducting administrative investigations.
Garrity Administrative Advisement: A statement made to an employee requiring an employee to answer questions, write reports, etc. concerning allegations of misconduct.
Major discipline: A suspension of any length, demotion, punitive transfer or termination of employment.
Major misconduct: Includes, but is not limited to: conduct that violates misdemeanor or felony criminal statutes; conduct that involves untruthfulness, is a violation of use of force standards, abuse of authority or that recklessly endangers another person.
Minor Misconduct: Includes, but is not limited to: conduct that involves traffic infractions, petty offenses, i.e. littering, or other technical, non-serious violations of state laws; conduct that involves discourteous interaction, unprofessional actions or minor policy violations.

From Page 169 (of 358):
III. IA Investigations
A. Procedure

1. A complaint is assigned as an IA administrative investigation when
available information supports a reasonable belief that substantiation
of the allegation may result in major disciplinary action.

From Page 170 (of 358):
5. The investigator immediately notifies the Sheriff or Undersheriff when the investigator has reason to believe the employee committed a crime.
a. A criminal investigation follows normal investigative procedures, separate from the administrative investigation.
1) Criminal investigators are not permitted to observe or participate in any interview conducted under the auspices of a Garrity administrative advisement.
b. The criminal investigator may conduct a full investigation up to, and including, presenting the case to the District Attorney's Office for filing of criminal charges.

Earlier we shared with you "According to Lynn Kimbrough, communications director for the Denver District Attorney and the *Joint Information Center set up by Denver authorities for the Democratic Party convention, Asa Eslocker with ABC News Investigative team was charged with ..."

The *Joint Information Center.

When you get arrested for standing on a public sidewalk, does your family hear from the "Joint Information Center"?

The Joint Information Center ... "a command set up by city, state and federal authorities to field media inquiries during the Democratic convention" ...the Joint Information Center.

While a central location to handle media inquiries is necessary and expected, the same person, Lynn Kimbrough, who normally handles communications with the District Attorney's office, is handling media inquiries for the Joint Information Center for the Democratic convention.

The District Attorney's office is the same spot where a criminal investigation into the behavior of these Denver police is (should be) headed. Conflict of interest?

How are these Information Centers connected, who are they... what else has been created for the purpose of the Democratic Convention ?

In Denver, the Democratic National Convention executive steering committee includes representatives from the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, FBI, FEMA, Colorado Department of Public Safety, Denver Office of Emergency Preparedness, Colorado State Patrol, Denver Health Medical Center, United States Attorney’s Office, Pepsi Center Management, and the Secret Service.

The Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC) serves as a central 24-hour communications hub throughout the event and is staffed by representatives from all participating law enforcement and public safety agencies, as well as personnel from public utilities, public works departments, district attorney’s offices, and other organizations that have unique roles in the overall security plan. The primary purpose of the MACC is to provide the timely dissemination of information to all entities participating in security operations, and to serve as the centralized coordination center for security-related activities. In addition to being an information collection and dissemination center located in close proximity to the event site, the MACC also shares connectivity with command posts and with emergency operations centers of agencies throughout the area and nationwide.

The Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC) shares information and situational awareness with the following coordinated components: the *Joint Information Center (JIC), Intelligence Operations Center (IOC), Airspace Security Operations Center (ASOC), Principal Federal Official’s Cell (PFO) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Typically, the MACC is also virtually connected to the following national operations centers: the Secret Service Joint Operations Center (JOC), FBI Strategic Information Operations Center (SIOC), DHS National Operations Center (NOC) – which includes the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), and the DOD Northern Command (NorthCom), among others.

Translation: Asa Eslocker is now a popular guy.

Democrats Caught With A Secret Prison

A secret prison was also set up on behalf of the Democrats. "Guantanamo Bay on the Platte", also referred to as "Gitmo on the Platte", was once a warehouse, that has since been made into a jail complete with razor wire and chain link, sitting just feet from the South Platte River.

It's a secret though so don't tell anybody.

"The public was never going to view this place, it was just found out," Spagnuolo said. "They got caught with this place. They told our lawyers in negotiations that this place didn't even exist."

9NEWS in Denver caught wind of the secret prison.

It can process up to 60 detainees an hour. That's one per minute being expected. ONE PER MINUTE. Sounds more like a round-up of rights protestors.

"Gitmo on the Platte" is located on city-owned property near Steele Street and 38th Avenue in Denver, Colorado. Newly-installed security cameras guard the exterior, chain-link fences and barbed wire form cells inside.

Seriously. You just can't make this stuff up. The truth is far more fascinating; and appalling.

Look at the sign on the wall inside this prison that doesn't exist. Whoa.

This secret prison has indeed been utilized during the Democratic convention. If you have a weak stomach and are a United States citizen, you may want to consider stopping your reading here.

For the rest of you,

There was a mass arrest on Monday. Despite no order to disperse, protesters were rounded up and arrested... for protesting. Hear much about that on your television?

Protesters taken to the prison-that-doesn't-exist now known as "Gitmo on the Platte" were subjected to conditions that not only violated their constitutional rights, it induced some of them to plead guilty.

Persons had a number of mistaken beliefs about their rights and legal ramifications which could have been cleared up if they had not been denied access to attorneys. A number of them reported believing they were separated from other arrested protesters because the city had identified them as 'organizers' or 'ringleaders'. Everyone was given pre-printed forms that indicated they were charged with numerous crimes and believed they faced "years" in jail, inducing many to jump at the opportunity to plead guilty to a single charge. Plead guilty to a charge simply to escape confinement.

Persons were denied phone calls.
They were denied access to attorneys.
They were kept hand-cuffed in pairs, even after they were put in cells.

Deputies refused to release persons from cuffs even for the purpose of using the bathroom. Therefore arrestees that had to use the restroom were forced to do so while still cuffed to another person.

Denver just opened itself to lawsuits in the millions.

Martial Law

In Chino, California, we have yet more evidence of martial law. Here a sitting, unarmed man is repeatedly shot by police. He is told to stand by the police, and as he does so, he is obliterated. Not shot with a stun gun, he was shot with bullets. Graphic.

Maria Isabel, originally from Illinois, is a Precinct Captain in the 6th Ward Houston for Barack Obama.
Her post of August 18th sends a clear message that the Obama campaign was well aware of the secret prison:

"The word is.... from insiders, Denver is ready to argue flawed process of primaries, secondary, and Pumamaries. The National Guard is on site, and it has reserved a special lugar for such political activists. The location is capable of housing thousands of energetic, outspoken volunteers. The building is secure. The interior space on five sides are solid concrete. The exterior is enveloped in barbwire and protected by police dogs."

While researching for all of the above, the Constitution and Bill of Rights frequents in the back of my mind. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are the very core of the American people. Yet they seem to have been forgotten by those enforcing the law of the land. I wonder, do either even apply anymore. When did we lose them. When did America stop being America.

I was in a court room not long ago, and inside that court room stood an American flag. It wasn't the peoples flag however, it was the military "version" of the American flag. They look very similar, except one detail.

The military version carries with it gold fringe. The "real", the peoples, the true United States flag has no gold fringe. It carries the red, white and blue.

We've noticed too that the Democratic candidate for President of the United States takes issue with various flags, as has been frequently reported.

Yet it hasn't been reported quite like this.

On August 21, 1959 Dwight David Eisenhower issued executive order 10834. The order was subsequently published in the Federal Register and was not challenged by the legislative branch. Fed. Regist. 24 F.R. 6865. It stated

"A military flag is a flag that resembles the regular flag of the United States, except that it has a yellow fringe bordering three sides".

While this may not appear to be a serious matter, in fact it is. Understand that there is a vast difference between military and civil law. Under military law there is no right to jury by peers, there are no constitutional rights and there is no bill of rights.

If an American flag is displayed in any place that have a yellow fringe on three sides the place of display is under martial law, due to a military flag being present. Pay attention to that flag. It is quietly screaming.

If such a flag is displayed that room is under military martial law, not constitutional or civil law, or statute. This matter is made abundantly clear by U.S. Army reg. # AR 840-10 Oct 1, 1979

"The flag is trimmed on three sides with a Fringe of gold 2 _ inch wide, such flags are only flown indoors, only in military courtrooms."

Below is an example of the United States flag presented under Martial Law:

When presented with the opportunity to respect and honor the American peoples flag, the flag with no gold fringe... not a martial law flag, the response from the current Democratic candidate for presidancy of the United States is apparent:

When we think of martial law, we think communism, and rightfully so. While many countries have structured their world around communist rule, the American people strongly object.

The video above of the gentleman sitting and being shot by police; the reporter Asa Eslocker being physically forced into a busy street for merely standing on a public sidewalk... then having a police officer wrap their hand around his neck and arrest him; a secret prison created in Denver to hold Americans, a secret prison that refuses an American's right to an attorney, their right to a phone call, keeping them handcuffed to another while using the bathroom... this is communism.

Communism

Cuba is a communist state.
The U.S. embargo on Cuba was created in order to deny resources to the Castro regime by prohibiting most trade, travel, and financial transactions with Cuba; the embargo is intended to weaken the Castro regime by denying it hard currency.

In 2004, Barack Obama shared with an audience at Southern Illinois University, "It's time for us to end the embargo with Cuba." Note by this time, embargo restrictions on some trade with Cuba had already been modified from it's original; the intention being to help the Cuban people, and try not to help Castro's communist regime. A delicate line. U.S. exports to Cuba—mostly agricultural products—rose from about $6 million in 2000 to about $350 million.

In 2004, it had tightened rules for sending cash transfers and gift parcels. Hard currency. It is this 2004 year when Barack Obama, the current Democrat running for President of the United States, spoke out to have the entire Cuban embargo lifted:

The Cuban flag with Che Guevara superimposed has been noticed hanging in a Barack Obama campaign office in Texas. More than one of these flags are hanging.

Maria Isabel is the one with dark long hair. We mentioned her earlier, when she spoke of the Democrats secret prison on her blog:

Maria Isabel, originally from Illinois, is a Precinct Captain in the 6th Ward Houston for Barack Obama.

Her post of August 18th sends a clear message that the Obama campaign was well aware of the secret prison:
"The word is.... from insiders, Denver is ready to argue flawed process of primaries, secondary, and Pumamaries. The National Guard is on site, and it has reserved a special lugar for such political activists. The location is capable of housing thousands of energetic, outspoken volunteers. The building is secure. The interior space on five sides are solid concrete. The exterior is enveloped in barbwire and protected by police dogs."

Che Guevara was Castro's right-hand man; Che Guevara ordered the execution of hundreds of people while in charge of the notorious La Caba, a prison in Havana. He was unapologetic about the mass killings of innocent people, explaining, "To send men to the firing squad, judicial proof is unnecessary. These procedures are an archaic bourgeois detail. This is a revolution! And a revolutionary must become a cold killing machine motivated by pure hate."

During the Cuban missile crisis, Che Guevara was in favor of a nuclear war with the U.S. because he believed that a better world could be built from the ashes, regardless of the cost in millions of lives.

This same man is being honored in Barack Obama's campaign offices.

Here Maria Isabel is again with Barack Obama:

Another with Barack Obama's wife, Michelle Obama:

In 1997 Obama had been hanging around American political office for like... a minute, and he came up with a new Islam Holiday. Barack Obama declared November 1, 1997 to be Islamic  Community Center Day.

ISLAM

Then there is also Barack Obama's troubling support for the Kenyan opposition leader, his cousin Raila Odinga, the leader of the violent uprising against the newly elected Kenyan government.

Raila Odinga secretly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (<<< that link is not to a definition of one, that's IT.) recently with Kenyan Muslims to turn all of Kenya into an Islamic state governed by Sharia Law, in total disregard of the Constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom of worship and equal protection of the law for all Kenyans.

Barack Obama is not only related to Raila Odinga (Barack Obama's late father, also of Kenya's Luo tribe, is Raila Odinga's uncle on his mother's side/ Barack and Raila are cousins) which would be something he could not help, but CAMPAIGNED for him.

Barack Obama campaigned for Raila Odinga.

Raila Odinga had been a presidential contender back in the 1997 Kenya elections; he lost then as well, coming third after President Daniel arap Moi of KANU and Mwai Kibaki.

When Raila Odinga lost the presidential election to Mwai Kibaki a second time, in 2007 (note-Mwai Kibaki fired Barack Obama Sr when he was a senior economist in Mwai Kibaki’s ministry), Raila Odinga claimed the vote was rigged, whereupon his tribal followers went on murderous rampages. Graphic.

Throughout Kenya, more than 1,000 Kenyans have been brutally murdered in the post-election violence, hundreds of thousands displaced, and the supply chain has been severely disrupted in Kenya and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Barack Obama actually went to Kenya in 2006 and spoke at rallies in support of Raila Odinga, and made a speech that was televised live, causing the Kenyan government to denounce Barack Obama as "Raila's stooge", and "Raila's puppet".

Why is Barack Obama supporting such a person? Why did Obama himself get physically involved in the pre-election process of Kenya, voicing 'his' choice for Kenya's president, going so far as to travel to Kenya to campaign for Raila Odinga? To dismiss such concerns and the related questions they provoke as a smear campaign is to attempt to browbeat into silence those who legitimately raise them and require urgent answers as a matter of the most acute public interest.

Kenya is a critical ally to the United States of America. The United States relies on Kenya as a pivotal ally in U.S. counterterrorist efforts in East Africa. An anchor in U.S. counterterrorism efforts, Kenya is located in a strategic location — it is next to Somalia, where an undefeated Islamist insurgency continues to battle Ethiopian forces underpinning a weak Somalian government. Kenya also possesses East Africa’s leading ports of Mombasa and Lamu, which are critical for maritime security operations in East Africa to say nothing of their pivotal role in East African trade.

The violence that ensued; the murders, the displacements... following the election was no accident. It was planned from the top down, prior to the election.

Before Barack Obama stepped on stage at the New Hampshire primaries, he first called his cousin Raila Odinga in Kenya. He called Raila twice to voice his support, concern and encouragement. Odinga was first. Then New Hampshire and the American people.

“Sarah is fine. God blessed us that no one in the village was caught up in this violence. Now we are just praying for Barack’s success . . . even if we never get a Luo in Kenya’s State House, we may have one soon in the White House." stated Said Obama, the brother of Barack Hussein Obama Sr; the uncle of Barack Hussein Obama Jr.

"Sarah" is also known as Sarah Ogwel, Sarah Onyango Obama, or Sarah Anyango Obama, as well as Sarah Hussein Obama. Sarah is the step-grandmother (not blood relation) of Barack Obama, the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate for the United States. She lives in Nyang’oma Kogelo village, 40 miles north of western Kenya's main town, Kisumu, on the edge of Lake Victoria.

"Sarah" Hussein Obama was Hussein Onyango Obama's third wife. Hussein Onyango Obama (1895–1979) is Barack Obama's SENIOR's father; Hussein Onyango Obama is Barack Obama Jr's grandfather. Sarah is the one often referred to by Barack Obama as his "grandmother" despite no relation. Sarah was just 16 when she married Barack Obama's grandfather, an older man who was a friend of her fathers.

Kenya's 37 million people are divided up into over three dozen tribes and sub-tribes; the two dominant tribes are Kikuyu and Luo.

The father of Kenyan independence and president until 1978 was Jomo Kenyatta, a member of the Kikuyu tribe. Jomo Kenyatta's main political opponent was none other than Raila Odinga's father (Barack Obama's uncle) Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, known as "OO," a member of the Luo tribe.

Jomo Kenyatta was pro-West and an ally with America in the Cold War. However Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila Odinga's father, was a Communist who was aided and supported by the Soviet Union.

Born in 1945, Raila Odinga went to school in Germany. He received a scholarship that in 1965 sent him to the Technical University, Magdeburg (now a part of Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg) in East Germany. In 1970, he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Raila Odinga is married to Ida Odinga (born Ida Anyango Oyoo). They live in Nairobi with their four children - two sons and two daughters. Raila Odinga's oldest son, Fidel, is named after Fidel Castro and their youngest child, Winnie, is named after Winnie Mandela. Raila Odinga also has a second home in the Bondo District.

That Memorandum of Understanding, dated and signed on August 29, 2007, between Raila Odinga and Shiekh Abdullah Abdi, chairman of the National Muslim Leaders Forum of Kenya, pledges the support of Kenyan Muslims for Raila Odinga's election.

In return, Raila Odinga agrees to 14 actions. Read them all, but be sure you're sitting down. Here's a sample:

Within 6 months re-write the Constitution of Kenya to recognize Shariah as the only true law sanctioned by the Holy Quran for Muslim declared regions.

With immediate effect dismiss the Commissioner of Police who has allowed himself to be used by heathens and Zionists to oppress the Kenyan Muslim community.

Within one year facilitate the establishment of a Shariah court in every Kenyan divisional headquarters. (Note: everywhere in Kenya, not just in "Muslim declared regions.")

No Muslim residing in Kenya whether a citizen, visitor or relative of any of the above shall be subjected to any process involving the laws of a foreign country and in particular any Muslim arrested or suspected of Terrorism or any other International crime shall only be tried within the borders of Kenya and shall be granted a competent lawyer of his/her choice at the expense of the Government.

Impose a total ban on open-air gospel crusades by worshipers of the cross in the Coast and North Eastern regions.

Raila Odinga is now the Prime Minister of Kenya.

Raila Oginga now has the authority to coordinate and supervise the execution of the functions and affairs of the Government of Kenya.

Raila Odinga has, in his own words, a "close personal friendship" with his cousin, Barack Hussein Obama Jr.

It may or may not surprise you that Raila Odinga says he is not Muslim himself, but claims to be a practicing Anglican. Only a minority of Luo are Muslim, most are Christian. Kenya is mostly Christian, with 80% of Kenyans either Protestant or Roman Catholic, while only 10% are Muslim.

Barack Obama as well as his campaign seem to often have 'memory slips', 'slips of the tongue', and, well, what at times seem to be downright lies. Barack Obama may make a statement; if it is not well received by the American public, he and/or his campaign will denounce the statement, indicating Barack Obama didn't state his words as he had intended, that he was misunderstood. Aka "Flip flop".

These actions are happening so often, that it is difficult to not include them as we judge a person's character. He is, after all, running for the highest office in the United States. Character of the man is critical at this point. It is open for critique, and judgement by all. As a potential leader of one of the strongest countries in the world, the character of any person running for President cannot be investigated enough.

To that end, at a time when the United States is at war in a predominantly Muslim country whose official religion is Islam; Iraq, whose proven oil reserves are second in the world only to that of Saudi Arabia.

Bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iran, to the west by Syria and Jordan, and to the south by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Iraq’s topography can be divided into four physiographic regions: the alluvial plains of the central and southeastern parts of the country; Al-Jazīrah (Arabic: “the Island”), an upland region in the north between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; deserts in the west and south; and the highlands in the northeast. Each of these regions extends into Iraq's neighbouring countries.

Despite the lifting of sanctions, the economy of Iraq faces serious problems, including a huge foreign debt; a high rate of inflation; political violence; an oil sector hampered by a shortage of replacement parts, antiquated production methods, and outdated technology; a population that has steadily moved away from agriculture (their chief crops being dates, barley, wheat, rice, vegetables, corn (maize), millet, sugarcane, sugar beets, oil seeds, fruit, fodder, tobacco, and cotton); a high rate of unemployment; a deteriorated infrastructure; and a private sector inexperienced in modern market practices.

Why does Barack Obama want to be the leader of the United States of America, at a time like this, and with so little experience to fall back on? Who is he? What are his ties to Islam, if any? He claims to not be Muslim, to not practice Islam. Would he... could he lie about his affiliation and still be accepted by the Muslim people? Should it matter to the citizens of the United States; and if so, why?

What Is The Difference Between Muslim And Islam?

A Muslim is a practitioner of the Islamic religion. A Muslim is an adherent of the religion of Islam. The feminine form is Muslimah. Literally, the word means "one who submits (to God)". Muslim is the participle of the same verb of which Islam is the infinitive.

Islam is the predominant religion in Africa and the Middle East, as well as in major parts of Asia. The largest Muslim country by population is Indonesia.

How Does Someone Become A Muslim?

Simply by saying "there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

Some Disturbing Verses From The Koran aka Qur'an,
The Central Religious Text Of Islam.

Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the book of divine guidance and direction for mankind:

1. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO FIGHT
"Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that you hate a thing which is good for you and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you." (2.216)

2. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO CONQUER OTHER COUNTRIES
"And he bequeathed to you their lands, their homes and their possessions, together with land you have never trodden." (33.27)

3. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO LIE IN WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE STRONG ENOUGH IN NUMBERS TO CONQUER A COUNTRY
"Be patient with unbelievers until you have strength" (86.17).

(Muslims are quiet until they have the numbers to start demanding their way in the country they have invaded)

4. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO HATE JEWS AND CHRISTIANS
"Fight those among the People of the Book [i.e. Jews and Christians] who do not profess the true religion, until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued." (9.29)

5. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO LIE AND DECEIVE
"Don't have unbelieving friends unless it is to deceive them. Remember the final goal is to Allah". ( 3:28 )

6. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO KILL ALL WHO DO NOT BELIEVE/OPPOSE ISLAM
"Have no unbelieving friends. Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them." (4:89)

7. THE KORAN TELLS THEM TO CONVERT/KILL ALL UNTIL ISLAM RULES THE WORLD
AND FIGHT THEM UNTIL THERE IS NO PERSECUTION , AND RELIGION SHALL BE ONLY FOR ALLAH (2:193)

8. THE KORAN TELLS THEM ISLAM WILL RULE THE WORLD
"Islam will prevail over all religions" (9:33)

That answered a few questions, with some disturbing revelations. Barack Obama can most definitely deny being a Muslim and still be accepted. It's expected, says the Koran. "Don't have unbelieving friends unless it is to deceive them. Remember the final goal is to Allah".

"Be patient with unbelievers until you have strength"

What better terrorist attack is there, than becoming President of a dominantly Christian, extremely powerful country?

"And he bequeathed to you their lands, their homes and their possessions, together with land you have never trodden."

I'd be really concerned if Barack Obama were for a gun ban. "Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them." We have the right to bear arms in the United States, it's literally written into our very foundation. Even Washington D.C. has stepped up to the plate recently; residents of Washington D.C. can now protect themselves as well. 

If Obama were opposed to our right to bear arms, and against capital punishment, together with being a Muslim practicing the Islam religion and denying it, and running for President of the United States, it would be really smart to be really concerned. "Fight those among the People of the Book [i.e. Jews and Christians] who do not profess the true religion, until they pay tribute out of hand and are utterly subdued."

Fortunately he says this is not the case; he's not a Muslim, never has been. He's not against the right to bear arms either, so he says. Barack Obama stated these positions since he's been running for the President of the United States.

Learning that it is accepted to lie within the Muslim culture, I thought it best to do some digging beyond what Barack Obama says and do my own independent research, while on the trail of my own final decision of whom to cast my vote for this November.

When running for public office, a candidate has some paperwork to fill out. This was no exception when Barack Obama ran for the Senate in Chicago. Included in the paperwork are questionaires that must be completed. I located two of those questionaires, and noticed that some of the answers he wrote when he was not running for President of the United States and not under a microscope by the American people, are a complete 180 from what he wants us to think his beliefs are.

Candidate Report Sheet For Interviews September 9,1996
Part One of Two
Part Two of Two

Obama IVI Questionaire September 10, 1996 With Manual Edits By Obama Himself
IVI-IPO General Candidate Questionaire

34. Do you support Capital Punishment?
Answer: No

35. Do you support state legislation ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of hand guns?
Answer: Yes

In Barack Obama's primary election for State Senate in Illinois’ 13th district, Barack Obama challenged the petitions of all his opponents, effectively using election rules to eliminate his Democratic competition instead of campaigning against them; running for office in the past and actually campaigning against his opponents had proven people with a choice would not vote for Obama when given an educated choice; he lost.

This time four Democrats had submitted petitions, and Obama challenged the petitions of every one. After the challenge, only Barack Obama appeared on the primary ballot for the State Senate in Illinois’ 13th district election, since he elimated all of his opponents. As a "community organizer", he had helped register thousands of new voters, and then cleared the way to ensure voters had only one choice. When it came time to run for office, Barack Obama cleared the way for him to run unopposed on the Democratic ticket in a heavily Democrat district, winning the election.

Trivia

We'll end this with a bit of "Trivia".

Frank Marshall Davis, formerly of Chicago (and formerly editor of the Chicago Communist paper, the Star) was a friend of Barack Obama’s grandfather Stanley and would offer advice to a young Barack Obama.

From Obama’s 1995 book, "Dreams from My Father":

Obama’s grandmother (Toot) and Gramps have an argument over whether Gramps should give Toot a ride to work after she had been threatened at a bus stop by a black panhandler. Obama looks to Frank to sort it out in his mind. (p. 89-91)

When Toot is having difficulty convincing the drug-abusing young Obama to apply for college, it is again Frank who is able to convince Obama that college is necessary. (p. 96-98)

Frank delivers to the young Obama the one key lesson which radicals have sought to inculcate in the mind of every black person whether under slavery, segregation or civil rights: “…you may be a well-trained, well-paid nigger, but you’re a nigger just the same.” (p. 97)

Then as now, Communists see African-Americans as merely a tool with which to acquire power and are quite willing to send highly self-destructive messages in pursuit of that power.

They'll throw even fellow African-Americans under the bus to achieve their own personal goals.

Frank Marshall Davis' early columns in the Honolulu Record can be read HERE.

If you've actually made it through this entire lengthly article, first, you are to be commended for your attention span!  Second, we'll reward you with trivia that no one has reported, anywhere:

That lawfirm where both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama worked, Sidley & Austin? Do you know who they are? I would highly recommend you read this article. It will make you sick on so many levels. TYT just left a little gem there in the comments too.

HOME of the dissfunktional

Subscribe to Dissfunktional

Angola has been for some time one of the fastest growing countries in the world. It is Africa's soon to be largest oil producer (mainly because the Nigerian behemoth can't get its act together) and with the help of the Chinese has recently embarked on a mission to build infrastructure throughout the country. The wealth may not be evenly shared out, but the country as a whole is better off than it was a decade or so ago.

So it is really hopeful that they will be having elections tomorrow. Yes there will be problems. Dos Santos has all the power in Angola and will definitely not hold completely free and fair elections. But this is a start. A few times over and the Angolans will internalize voting as a human right and realize their duty and moral call to chart the way forward for themselves through the ballot.

I am almost certain that Dos Santos' MPLA will win the Friday election. But UNITA should not give up. Democracy is as cultural as it is political. Their time will come. Get to parliament, constructively oppose the government and be the watch-dog for the people. And help spread the idea that Africans are and ought to be in charge of their lives. Not governments. Certainly not NGOs. Not the church. Not the West. But Africans. Africans in Angola, Africans in Sudan, Africans in all war-ravaged regions of the continent.

Residents of Nyahururu north district were treated to a rare occurrence, when a heavy down pour of snow hit the area leaving a massive block of snow that covered a large expanse of land.

The Meteorological Department however explains that a heavy cloud blown from the Congo basin that froze once it approached the Nyandarua area caused the large snow.

Gathanji village in Nyandarua North district, and the residents here too could not believe their eyes after it begun to snow at 2.pm with the snow covering over 200 hectares of land.

"Tens of thousands of Kenyans remain displaced, living in miserable conditions in transit camps, while ethnic tensions fester, following the country's worst outbreak of violence," says the London-based organisation. The clashes, which broke out after disputed election results early this year, left Kenya with its biggest crisis ever in terms of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Over 400,000 were driven from their homes, and 1,500 were killed.

MRG found peace-building efforts were "patchy, poorly funded and lacked major government backing."

MRG's head of policy and communications, Ishbel Matheson, says that from the outset, the new government seemed more interested in breaking up the highly visible IDP camps in major towns, rather than facilitating the sustainable return of these people. Without a serious commitment to build bridges between these communities, violence could easily erupt again, she warned.

According to the report, titled "Kenya Six Months on: A New Beginning or Business as Usual?", the biggest difficulties are in the Northern Rift Valley, where the violence carried out by Kalenjin ethnic militia, against the Kikuyus, was worse.

But small communities, like the indigenous Ogiek hunter-gatherer group living close to the Rift Valley town of Nakuru, were also hard-hit.

Asked for his comments, Salim Lone, a former senior U.N. official and currently spokesman for Prime Minister Raila Odinga, told IPS: "The report correctly points to the complexity of the healing process that is underway in Kenya, since the underlying factors for the terrible violence are decades old."

But it is far too early, he said, to characterise the exercise in such negative terms. "Some other independent observers have in fact described the government's efforts as encouraging."

"A key part of our reconstruction and healing revolves around resettling displaced people," Lone pointed out. "That process must ensure that the marginalisation of some ethnic groups over the last 45 years is quickly reversed if we are to avoid further instability."

Lone, who is based in Nairobi, said the prime minister is doing everything within his powers to ensure that the government does not end up paying the most attention to the IDPs of the largest and most influential communities.

"That is why the prime minister, who draws a lot of support from the Rift Valley, where many killings occurred, boldly associated himself with the resettlement drive in that province," he said.

Lone said it is important to point out, however, that it is not only small and remote groups that have suffered marginalisation, "which is severe and a threat to our stability, (but also others). We are determined to end it."

Unfortunately, he said, the report portrays the killings as being primarily ethnic in nature. "This is false," Lone asserted.

"The killings were triggered by a very controversial outcome of the presidential election, and the political revolt to this did take on heavily ethnic overtones in some areas. But a large number of killings were actually the result of police shootings," he added.

Asked whether the United Nations has done enough to ensure the continuation of the peace process, Matheson told IPS that it was ultimately an African Union-sponsored peace process, which former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan presided over, that helped broker the agreement.

But the visit of Ban Ki-moon, the current secretary-general, at a crucial time in the process back in February 2008 was undoubtedly vital, because it brought pressure to bear on the two parties to reach a power-sharing agreement, while the violence threatened to tear the country apart, she added.

"It is vital that that diplomatic vigour does not fade, as the coalition government becomes more established," Matheson said.

She said that high-level U.N. pressure should be brought to bear, for example, to ensure that the vital reform processes -- the constitutional review, a new land policy, and a truth, justice and reconciliation commission -- be kept on track.

"If it looks like it is faltering, Ban Ki-moon should appoint a special U.N. representative to Kenya, to flag up the immense importance of the success of these reform processes," Matheson said.

In addition, the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR), conducted a fact-finding mission to the country at the height of the violence, and made a number of key recommendations in relation to the reform processes and the treatment of IDPs.

The OHCHR must return before the end of the year, to chart progress on its recommendations, and establish whether Kenya is meeting its obligations to its people under international human rights norms, she added.

The findings of that report should be made public, and again, will help to reinforce to Kenya's politicians that there can be no backsliding when it comes to reform.

"The relief at seeing Kenya return to peace, and attempt to rebuild its shattered economy, should not deflect from the fact that fundamental problems remain in the governance of the country, and that this is probably the best chance in a generation to put them right," Matheson said.

The United Nations has a massive engagement with Kenya. The country -- and Nairobi, in particular -- is the host to the headquarters of several major agencies.

"It is greatly in the interests of the U.N.'s political wing -- as well as its humanitarian agencies -- to secure true reform in Kenya, so that a truly modern inclusive society can be forged," she declared.

What more could happen?  How many "storms of the century" are we going to see creep across the Atlantic Oceans? 

How prepared are we and what steps are being taken? 

The research on this is fascinating!  Yet no one seems to be trying to execute a mass answer to this ~ especially with all the good talk of "we care about the this and that".  LOL ~ but it is not really about the people is ~ though they are a person too.  Anyway, I digress, again, sorry.

Look up some information ~ but keep digging.  Don't forget about research into the number three. 

How neat is it one pole of the Earth is heating relatively quicker than the other??  (I would take a look at the winds, ocean current data available, and over the last two years how strong the typhoons have been in the southern part of the globe.)