The president of the United States has applauded the courage and dignity of the Tunisian people and condemned and deplored the use of violence against citizens peacefully voicing their opinion .
These were contained in a statement from the White House on the situation in Tunisia.
In the statement ,Mr Obama said"The United States stands with the entire international community in bearing witness to this brave and determined struggle for the universal rights. We must all uphold and we will long remember the images of the Tunisian people seeking to make their voices heard."
The statement released on Friday, urged all parties to maintain calm and avoid violence ,with a call on the Tunisian government to respect human rights and to hold free and fair elections in the future that reflects the will and aspirations of the Tunisian people and give life to the principle of democracy in it's own way,grounded in the traditions of it's own people.
The almost 24 year regime of authoritarian president,El Abidine Ben Ali came crushing through a wide range of protest nicknamed the Jasmine Revolution after the national flower.He has since fled the North African country.
Mr Ben Ali who came to power in 1987 through a bloodless coup that toppled the 31 year regime of Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba ,who established a strict one-party state, Has been accused of wide spread corruption,insensitivity and increased unemployment in the mainly Muslim country.The Jasmine Revolution saw government forces firing tear-gas to disperse gathering and also using force to send crowd away.Meanwhile the prime minister has taken over the affairs of the country.
Source:Ekow Shalders (I.D.P.F ,USA)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
OBAMA URGES LAURENT GBAGBO TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT ELECTION RESULTS
WASHINGTON DC,December-3--------------United States President, Barrack Obama has urged parties involved in the Ivorian electoral crisis including incumbent president,Laurent Gbagbo to acknowledge and respect the results and allow Cote d' Ivoire to move forward towards a peaceful and democratic future,leaving long years of conflict and missed opportunities in the past.
In a statement ,Mr Obama said "I congratulate Alassane Outtara on his victory in Cote d' Ivoire 's November 28 elections.The Independent Electoral Commission ,credible and accredited observers,and the United Nations have all confirmed this result and attested to its credibility"
He indicated that the International Community will hold those who act to thwart the democratic process and the will of the electorate accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile despite all the international outcry,over the run-off which many thought would unify the once peaceful haven of Africa,Mr Gbagbo has been sworn in for a new term.
Source:EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS-I.D.P.F-USA
In a statement ,Mr Obama said "I congratulate Alassane Outtara on his victory in Cote d' Ivoire 's November 28 elections.The Independent Electoral Commission ,credible and accredited observers,and the United Nations have all confirmed this result and attested to its credibility"
He indicated that the International Community will hold those who act to thwart the democratic process and the will of the electorate accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile despite all the international outcry,over the run-off which many thought would unify the once peaceful haven of Africa,Mr Gbagbo has been sworn in for a new term.
Source:EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS-I.D.P.F-USA
Sunday, October 17, 2010
FLORIDA GAY ADOPTION BATTLE RAGES ON
BROWARD-FLA-Pressure is being mounted on Florida's Attorney General, Bill McCollum to appeal a court decision that ruled as unconstitutional a ban on gay adoption. The pressure came from a group led by Rev.Dr.O'Neal Dozier of the Worldwide Christian Center on Thursday (October 14, 2010) in Ft Lauderdale Florida.
Their reaction was in response to a Florida court of appeal Striking down the last State Statue expressly banning all homosexual parents from adopting children. The group is strongly pushing for the Department of Children and families (DCF) and the State's Attorney General to appeal before the October, 22nd deadline. Speaking to reporters during the protest Rev.Dr. O'Neal Dozier said "Children deserve to grow in desiring mates of the opposite sex not the same sex, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." At the time of filling this report it was not clear if the DCF or the Attorney General will appeal the court's decision.
Others told this reporter after the protest that the issue could play a role in the mid-term elections and politicians are being careful with their comments on the issue. Some also hailed the court's decision, calling it a victory for the Obama administration in its effort to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", policy in the military, and the passing of the Employment Non-discrimination Act.
In the United States of America, only Six (6) States have laws that expressly prohibit discrimination against gay and lesbian adoption. (Massachusetts, Nevada, California, New Jersey, New York and Maryland). The Florida court of appeals' decision now decreases the number of States that restricts the adoption by Same-Sex couples to three (3)-Nebraska, Michigan and Mississippi.
This 33-year-old law in Florida's statues will be expunged if nobody appeals the September ruling or if the State loses the appeal
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SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS
Their reaction was in response to a Florida court of appeal Striking down the last State Statue expressly banning all homosexual parents from adopting children. The group is strongly pushing for the Department of Children and families (DCF) and the State's Attorney General to appeal before the October, 22nd deadline. Speaking to reporters during the protest Rev.Dr. O'Neal Dozier said "Children deserve to grow in desiring mates of the opposite sex not the same sex, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." At the time of filling this report it was not clear if the DCF or the Attorney General will appeal the court's decision.
Others told this reporter after the protest that the issue could play a role in the mid-term elections and politicians are being careful with their comments on the issue. Some also hailed the court's decision, calling it a victory for the Obama administration in its effort to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", policy in the military, and the passing of the Employment Non-discrimination Act.
In the United States of America, only Six (6) States have laws that expressly prohibit discrimination against gay and lesbian adoption. (Massachusetts, Nevada, California, New Jersey, New York and Maryland). The Florida court of appeals' decision now decreases the number of States that restricts the adoption by Same-Sex couples to three (3)-Nebraska, Michigan and Mississippi.
This 33-year-old law in Florida's statues will be expunged if nobody appeals the September ruling or if the State loses the appeal
.jpg)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
GYAN CAUSED US A LOT OF TROUBLE,USA COACH.
RUSTENBURG,SOUTH AFRICA. Are the bookmakers always right?During the start of the 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa,bookmakers did not see hope in TEAM GHANA(BLACK STARS)The shining stars of Africa have proved a lot of people wrong including the connoisseurs who termed the match between Ghana and the United States of America(USA)as the payback time match in favor of the "Yankee Boys".Ghana ,the only surviving African team in the tournament which is being held for the first time on the continent's soil however ended otherwise.
in the 2006 edition of the World Cup competition held in Germany ,and which Ghana qualified for the first time ,saw Ghana sending the Yankees packing home early in the group stages by beating them 2-1.
The story is the same in this 2010 competition .The only difference is that the 2-1 win over the Uncle Sam boys did not occur at the group stages.
Many Americans felt that this time there was noway a country like Ghana which is the size of Oregon should be given the opportunity be it tactically or otherwise to humiliate almighty USA.Never again they said.
Back in 2006 it was coach Bruce Arena and the "Obama 11" had fought hard to put that humiliation behind them.
With Bob Bradley now as the head coach of the USA national team,all arsenals are being amassed both technically and individual strengths to show the Black stars of Ghana that Uncle SAM it is!
Before Saturday's big match here in Rustenburg ,White House press secretary,Robbert Gibbs issued a statement saying "President Obama and President Mills are eagerly anticipating the world cup between the United States and Ghana this afternoon,they reaffirmed the strong ties between the people of our two countries,including our shared passion on the soccer field,and have agreed that when they next meet they will exchange team jerseys in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that they look forward to seeing on the playing field today".
All indications were that the Americans were really burnt on finishing their unfinished business with the Ghanaians and the Ghanaians were also burnt on holding the flag of Africa high and keep the flame of Africa burning.
From the blast of the whistle of Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium,the Black stars piled the needed pressure on the USA making nonsense of the American midfield and forcing them to giveaway most of the balls.Ghana eventually took the lead through Kevin Prince Boateng which the Yankees equalized after halftime.Both teams battled it out till the game went into extra time .
The Stars of Ghana made it 2-1 courtesy Asamoah Gyan's goal to end proceedings .Ghana again sending USA packing.
In a post match interview here with ESPN,Bob Bradley US coach said"Ghana was a good team and we did not get the job done.Certainly Gyan(Asamoah Gyan)caused us a lot of trouble,physically he is a real handfull and at the end of the day that took care of things".
Will Team Ghana continue to hold high the flag of Ghana?Will Ghana again make history by going to the finals in the name of Africa?
Ghana should play the theme song of the world cup in their camp to let it motivate and spur them on.
YOU ARE A GOOD SOLDIER
CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES
PICK YOURSELF UP
AND DUST YOURSELF OFF
AND BACK-ON THE SADDLE
YOU 'RE ON THE FRONTLINE
EVERYONE IS WATCHING
YOU KNOW IT'S SERIOUS
WE'RE GETTING CLOSER
THE PRESSURE IS ON
YOU FEEL IT
BUT YOU'VE GOT IT ALL
BELIEVE IT
WHEN YOU FALL GET UP
TODAY'S YOUR DAY
I FEEL IT,YOU PAVE THE WAY BELIEVE IT
IF YOU GET DOWN
GET UP
THIS TIME IS FOR AFRICA
TSAMINA MINA
WAKA WAKA
TSAMINA MINA ZANGALEWA
LONG LIVE GHANA!LONG LIVE AFRICA
The OMUNTU SPIRIT IS ON!
Story by:Ekow Shalders
in the 2006 edition of the World Cup competition held in Germany ,and which Ghana qualified for the first time ,saw Ghana sending the Yankees packing home early in the group stages by beating them 2-1.
The story is the same in this 2010 competition .The only difference is that the 2-1 win over the Uncle Sam boys did not occur at the group stages.
Many Americans felt that this time there was noway a country like Ghana which is the size of Oregon should be given the opportunity be it tactically or otherwise to humiliate almighty USA.Never again they said.
Back in 2006 it was coach Bruce Arena and the "Obama 11" had fought hard to put that humiliation behind them.
With Bob Bradley now as the head coach of the USA national team,all arsenals are being amassed both technically and individual strengths to show the Black stars of Ghana that Uncle SAM it is!
Before Saturday's big match here in Rustenburg ,White House press secretary,Robbert Gibbs issued a statement saying "President Obama and President Mills are eagerly anticipating the world cup between the United States and Ghana this afternoon,they reaffirmed the strong ties between the people of our two countries,including our shared passion on the soccer field,and have agreed that when they next meet they will exchange team jerseys in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that they look forward to seeing on the playing field today".
All indications were that the Americans were really burnt on finishing their unfinished business with the Ghanaians and the Ghanaians were also burnt on holding the flag of Africa high and keep the flame of Africa burning.
From the blast of the whistle of Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium,the Black stars piled the needed pressure on the USA making nonsense of the American midfield and forcing them to giveaway most of the balls.Ghana eventually took the lead through Kevin Prince Boateng which the Yankees equalized after halftime.Both teams battled it out till the game went into extra time .
The Stars of Ghana made it 2-1 courtesy Asamoah Gyan's goal to end proceedings .Ghana again sending USA packing.
In a post match interview here with ESPN,Bob Bradley US coach said"Ghana was a good team and we did not get the job done.Certainly Gyan(Asamoah Gyan)caused us a lot of trouble,physically he is a real handfull and at the end of the day that took care of things".
Will Team Ghana continue to hold high the flag of Ghana?Will Ghana again make history by going to the finals in the name of Africa?
Ghana should play the theme song of the world cup in their camp to let it motivate and spur them on.
YOU ARE A GOOD SOLDIER
CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES
PICK YOURSELF UP
AND DUST YOURSELF OFF
AND BACK-ON THE SADDLE
YOU 'RE ON THE FRONTLINE
EVERYONE IS WATCHING
YOU KNOW IT'S SERIOUS
WE'RE GETTING CLOSER
THE PRESSURE IS ON
YOU FEEL IT
BUT YOU'VE GOT IT ALL
BELIEVE IT
WHEN YOU FALL GET UP
TODAY'S YOUR DAY
I FEEL IT,YOU PAVE THE WAY BELIEVE IT
IF YOU GET DOWN
GET UP
THIS TIME IS FOR AFRICA
TSAMINA MINA
WAKA WAKA
TSAMINA MINA ZANGALEWA
LONG LIVE GHANA!LONG LIVE AFRICA
The OMUNTU SPIRIT IS ON!
Story by:Ekow Shalders
Friday, March 12, 2010
FEDRAL BEAURAU OF INVESTIGATIONS (FBI) RELEASES IC3 2009 Annual Report on Internet Crime
IC3 2009 Annual Report on Internet Crime Released
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), today released the 2009 annual report about fraudulent activity on the Internet.
Online crime complaints increased substantially once again last year, according to the report. The IC3 received a total of 336,655 complaints, a 22.3 percent increase from 2008. The total loss linked to online fraud was $559.7 million; this is up from $265 million in 2008.
| Year | Complaints Received | Dollar Loss |
| 2009 | 336,655 | $559.7 million |
| 2008 | 275,284 | $265 million |
| 2007 | 206,884 | $239.09 million |
| 2006 | 207,492 | $198.44 million |
| 2005 | 231,493 | $183.12 million |
Although the complaints consisted of a variety of fraud types, advanced fee scams that fraudulently used the FBI’s name ranked number one (16.6 percent). Non-delivery of merchandise and/or payment was the second most reported offense (11.9 percent).
The 2009 Internet Crime Report details information related to the volume and scope of complaints, complainant and perpetrator characteristics, geographical data, most frequently reported scams and results of IC3 referrals.
“Law enforcement relies on the corporate sector and citizens to report when they encounter on-line suspicious activity so these schemes can be investigated and criminals can be arrested,” stated Peter Trahon, section chief of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Computer users are encouraged to have up-to-date security protection on their devices and evaluate e-mail solicitations they receive with a healthy skepticism—if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.”
NW3C Director Donald Brackman said the report’s findings underscore the threat posed by cyber criminals. “The figures contained in this report indicate that criminals are continuing to take full advantage of the anonymity afforded them by the Internet. They are also developing increasingly sophisticated means of defrauding unsuspecting consumers. Internet crime is evolving in ways we couldn’t have imagined just five years ago.” But Brackman sounded an optimistic tone about the future. “With the public’s continued support, law enforcement will be better able to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
About IC3
The Internet Crime Complaint Center is a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. The IC3 receives, develops, and refers criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism utilized to alert authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local, and international level, the IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet-related crimes.
FILED BY:EKOW SHALDERS
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SET STAGE FOR BIGGEST AFRICAN RENAISSANCE IN USA
NEW YORK..................All is set for the biggest African Cultural Festival in the Empire State in March 2010.Living by it's Jesuit principles.Fordham University the only Jesuit University in New York and also finding itself in an area which has the largest concentration of African immigrants in the whole of the United States(Bronx)is bringing Africa to the rest of the world in the united States of America,with an annual African week celebration---African Cultural Festival.
The maiden edition is scheduled for March 20 to the 26, 2010 at the RoseHill Campus Bronx New York.Themed Culture and Democracy---"Using Culture as a tool to enhance the growth of Democracy in Africa."The festival aims to showcase Africa's contribution to world democracy and exposing Africa's diverse culture to the world.The brain behind this enterprise is the African Cultural Exchange(ACE) a vibrant student organization of Fordham University.
"We are very much delighted that this event will assemble the best African brains to look at how best our culture as Africans could be used to accelerate democracy in our continent and expose what we have as a people to the outside folks"Mike Moghi,president of African Cultural Exchange.
He stated that so far 90% of the African Embassies and consulates in the United States have given their endorsement of the festival and it's indeed going to be a big success for Africa.
Mr Moghi was very grateful to the university authorities especially the department of African and African-American studies for collaborating with African Cultural Exchange to host the event.
He added that some people feel Africa as a continent has nothing good to offer apart from wars and stories of genocide and other un-presentable issues."Let me tell you,we are good people people and we have very good things to contribute to world development and our continent",All these issues will be address through a public lecture during the event.The festival will bring to the people first hand information from Africa ,by Africans for the whole world.
African cultural Exchange is seeking to demystify Africa.
Touching on the festival,the chairman of the Department of African and African -American studies,Professor Mark Naison explained why his department thought it wise to collaborate with A.C.E to host the biggest African Renaissance in the US.
"The department established in 1969 have always made the teaching of African History and the promotion of African culture a major priority and with the founding of a student club (African Cultural Exchange) dedicated to those goals,we have an opportunity to transform what we teach in our classes into a major effort to show the entire university community and the rest of the world what Africans have contributed to world civilization over the centuries."
He made it clear that currently African immigrants are contributing immensely towards the economic and cultural vitality of New York City.
"We feel we have a very special opportunity and a special responsibility to showcase African culture on our campus and the whole of New York State .This maiden edition ,we have invited a cultural troupe from Ghana,the Twereampong cultural troupe will be doing a live performance and Fordham University is looking forward to welcoming thousands of people from all walks of life and around the world to witness the maiden event of this annual festival.
The official media launch for the event is on February 22 2010 at the Flom Auditorium ,RoseHill campus,Fordham University New York at 2:30 pm.
SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS
The maiden edition is scheduled for March 20 to the 26, 2010 at the RoseHill Campus Bronx New York.Themed Culture and Democracy---"Using Culture as a tool to enhance the growth of Democracy in Africa."The festival aims to showcase Africa's contribution to world democracy and exposing Africa's diverse culture to the world.The brain behind this enterprise is the African Cultural Exchange(ACE) a vibrant student organization of Fordham University.
"We are very much delighted that this event will assemble the best African brains to look at how best our culture as Africans could be used to accelerate democracy in our continent and expose what we have as a people to the outside folks"Mike Moghi,president of African Cultural Exchange.
He stated that so far 90% of the African Embassies and consulates in the United States have given their endorsement of the festival and it's indeed going to be a big success for Africa.
Mr Moghi was very grateful to the university authorities especially the department of African and African-American studies for collaborating with African Cultural Exchange to host the event.
He added that some people feel Africa as a continent has nothing good to offer apart from wars and stories of genocide and other un-presentable issues."Let me tell you,we are good people people and we have very good things to contribute to world development and our continent",All these issues will be address through a public lecture during the event.The festival will bring to the people first hand information from Africa ,by Africans for the whole world.
African cultural Exchange is seeking to demystify Africa.
Touching on the festival,the chairman of the Department of African and African -American studies,Professor Mark Naison explained why his department thought it wise to collaborate with A.C.E to host the biggest African Renaissance in the US.
"The department established in 1969 have always made the teaching of African History and the promotion of African culture a major priority and with the founding of a student club (African Cultural Exchange) dedicated to those goals,we have an opportunity to transform what we teach in our classes into a major effort to show the entire university community and the rest of the world what Africans have contributed to world civilization over the centuries."
He made it clear that currently African immigrants are contributing immensely towards the economic and cultural vitality of New York City.
"We feel we have a very special opportunity and a special responsibility to showcase African culture on our campus and the whole of New York State .This maiden edition ,we have invited a cultural troupe from Ghana,the Twereampong cultural troupe will be doing a live performance and Fordham University is looking forward to welcoming thousands of people from all walks of life and around the world to witness the maiden event of this annual festival.
SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS
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