Category Archives: human rights

Oklahoma Governor’s Daughter Wears Fake Headdress for Publicity Photo – Causes Outrage | Native News Online

Two fails for Fallin – wearing the “headdress” and a non-apology to justify the first fail.  Christina Fallin, the daughter of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, is creating outrage on the social media sites after a photograph of her wearing a fake American Indian headdress was posted on the Pink Pony Music’s Facebook page and Instagram on Thursday evening.

Apparently, the photograph was taken for publicity for Pink Pony music. The photograph has since been removed.

via Oklahoma Governor’s Daughter Wears Fake Headdress for Publicity Photo – Causes Outrage | Native News Online.

Night patrols

That’s led to the hasty organization of night patrols and watch posts of unarmed men looking to prevent escalation or inter-ethnic conflict. After sunset, groups of men stand at crossroads and community halls, peering uneasily into the darkness.

At one such post, a dozen men are smoking furtively and chewing sunflower seeds. They aren’t stopping cars, rather noting the comings and goings of unfamiliar vehicles and keeping in touch with each other by phone and text message.

“We have no authority to check documents, we can only call each other from the posts or call the head office to follow unknown vehicles or we can call the police,” said Zamir Khaybulaev, 60, head of the local Mejlis.

The Tartars only returned to Crimea from the 1970’s onwards

At a second post, volunteer Ernest Bekirov is philosophical. He says Crimea’s Tatars have weathered many hardships and said he hoped this crisis would pass soon.

A wish for peace

“We just want peace, happiness and to provide for our children and have a comfortable life in our native land,” the soft-spoken 48 year old said. “We don’t want a war – all this is coming from higher authorities.”

via .

The best Indian government Big Ag can buy! Monsanto India & BASF India surge as government approves field trials of GM crops

Shares of Monsanto India and BASF India have rallied by up to 10% on reports that the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has approved field trials of genetically modified (GM) food crops on a conditional basis. Monsanto India is locked in upper circuit of 10% at Rs 1,467, also its record high on BSE. A combined 224,000 shares already changed hands over the counter and there are pending orders for around 27,000 shares on the BSE and NSE at 1320 hours.

In the past month, shares of agrochemicals manufacturer has rallied 77% from Rs 828, against 2.2% rise in S&P BSE 500 index. Monsanto India, a subsidiary of the Monsanto Company, USA is a seed company focusing on maize and agricultural productivity.

BASF India too, surged 7% to Rs 698 on the BSE. The stock opened at Rs 670 and touched a 52-week high of Rs 704 so far.

via Monsanto India & BASF India surge as government approves field trials of GM crops.

Hello Mr. Caliph Wannabe, reality calling – joke is you! Erdogan says Turkey may ban Facebook, YouTube over wiretaps | Reuters

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to ban Facebook and YouTube in Turkey in an attempt to stop political foes anonymously posting audio recordings purportedly exposing corruption and other malpractices in his inner circle.

In the latest recording, released on YouTube late Thursday, Erdogan is purportedly heard berating a newspaper owner over the telephone about an article and suggesting the journalists be sacked, in comments that will further stoke concerns over media freedom and Erdogan’s authoritarian style of leadership.

via Erdogan says Turkey may ban Facebook, YouTube over wiretaps | Reuters.

CENSORED NEWS: Rage in the Desert: Tantoo Cardinal on Finding Voice

“Rage” is not a word that most filmmakers and film festivals are comfortable with. Tantoo Cardinal was not afraid to use the word “rage” tonight. The Agua Caliente Native American Film Festival was not afraid to present a feature film tonight that centered on rage.

via CENSORED NEWS: Rage in the Desert: Tantoo Cardinal on Finding Voice.

Lawrence, Kansas Works to Develop Urban Farming and Local Food Infrastructure

Home to the University of Kansas and the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas is in the midst of developing a thriving local food and urban agriculture movement.

In 2010, the county formed a Food Policy Council to identify opportunities, challenges and benefits for a sustainable local food system.

Eileen Horn, sustainability coordinator for Douglas County and the City of Lawrence, serves on the Council with 24 others, including farmers, representatives from food retail establishments, Kansas State University Extension, Lawrence Public Schools, the Downtown Lawrence Farmers’ Market and the Douglas County Health Department.

Horn is especially proud of one of the Council’s initiatives, the Common Ground Program in Lawrence, which began in 2012. Its objective is to transform “food deserts” and other underutilized land, often located in low-income areas, into food production plots.

via Lawrence, Kansas Works to Develop Urban Farming and Local Food Infrastructure.

Oscar winner to speak at Miami University | www.journal-news.com

Academy Award winning actress Geena Davis will present the keynote address at Miami University’s inaugural Women in Leadership Symposium at 5 p.m. April 3 in the Pavilion of the new Armstrong Student Center.

The symposium has a theme of “Making our Mark” and is intended to inspire and empower women to leave their mark on the world through leadership and giving back, according to a news release from the university.

Davis’ lecture is free and open to the general public, but advance ticket reservations are required. Tickets will be available through Miami’s box office in early March.

via Oscar winner to speak at Miami University | www.journal-news.com.

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Responds to the Shooting of Kriston Charles Belinte Chee | Native News Online

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission office issued a news released after learning of Kriston Chee’s death and Quadlin’s claim of self defense.

Leonard Gorman, NNHRC Executive Director states:

“Claim of self defense are very subjective. Based on the recent Florida cases (Zimmerman and Dunn), it is clear that no duty to retreat is confusing and require substantial investigation.”

“It’s disappointing to learn that Mr. Chee’s family is left with the notion that his death is okay, no crime committed,” Gorman further stated.

The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission is at dismayed by the quick ruling and acceptance of self defense. When a person’s life is taken the remaining family members deserve a full investigation.

Maricopa County is currently investigating this case to determine if charges should be filed against Quadlin. The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission will be following the outcome and results of the investigation.

via The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Responds to the Shooting of Kriston Charles Belinte Chee | Native News Online.

Want power – so jump on anti-gay bandwagon, then run people’s lives! allAfrica.com: Kenya: Anti-Gay Groups in Campaign to ‘Prevent Sodom’

Several lobby groups have launched a campaign against homosexuality. They want the government to declare it a crime. The groups yesterday kicked off the ‘Zuia Sodom Kabisa’ (Prevent Sodom Completely) petition to collect a million signatures against homosexuality in Kenya.

The groups include the Save Our Men Initiative, Maendeleo ya Wanaume, the Kikuyu Council of Elders, religious groups and professionals. “The support the homosexual community is getting from Western governments like the Netherlands, USA and Germany has given homosexuals boldness that borders on intimidation for the few voices of reason that are standing against their onslaught,” said Peter Munga, the chairman of Mandate Initiative.

Munga said the “vocal and incessant support” homosexuals are getting from US President Barack Obama is worrying. Save Our Men’s Jasiel Njau said Uganda has been threatened with Western aid cuts for outlawing homosexuality “based on scientific-cultural facts and sound moral considerations”.

via allAfrica.com: Kenya: Anti-Gay Groups in Campaign to ‘Prevent Sodom’.

America Is Ready to Elect Its Fourth-Most-Popular Recent First Lady as President – The Wire

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Two new polls tossed onto the already putrefying pile of 2016 surveys offer good news for Hillary Clinton. A majority of Americans want her to run in 2016 and most people don’t see her gender or husband as disqualifying. Hell, nearly a fifth of people under the age of 30 think Clinton’s not even 50 years old. Good news all around.

via America Is Ready to Elect Its Fourth-Most-Popular Recent First Lady as President – The Wire.