Booze and SEX, all UMNO need in life. Here is the Hypocrite Home Minister when he is not getting wasted

It would seem hypocrisy is an official state policy in Malaysia. Here is Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein enjoying a few cold Anchor beer with a few ladies in his younger playboy days. These pictures have been around for some time now but it is an appropriate time to share them again in light of his recent decision to have a woman suffer from six stroke from a cane. Hishammuddin Hussein was never caned for drinking beer because certain people in Malaysia can getaway with murder while people like Kartika are treated like dogs for the most minor infractions. Yup, she is going to be punished for the same crime the Home Minister himself is no stranger to. The woman officer should have demonstrated the caning on him for his past infractions of the laws he is enforcing now. Hopefully the western media with pick up on this bit of hypocrisy.

This is supposedly one of his mistresses, the air stewardess that was caught having an affair with him in Johor Bahru. And she is said to be the same lady that he took to Mongolia on a trip with the then PM.

Booze and ladies, all UMNO need in life.

Here is his wife not to be confuse with his mistress enjoying a cold one too. She look totally wasted but she seem to be hotter than his mistress.

Here is the hypocrite minister when he is not getting wasted:

After making the rounds on the film festival circuit, the short comedy "Successful Alcoholics," starring T.J. Miller ("Cloverfield," "Yogi Bear") and Lizzy Caplan ("Party Down," "True Blood") is available to watch in full on Funny or Die.

The short, which was directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts ("Funny Or Die Presents") and written by Miller, follows a couple whose "casual drinking" extends to all hours of the day. But unlike most problem drinkers, their professional and personal lives appear to not be harmed by boozing 24/7. On the contrary, drinking often makes them more successful.

Be on the lookout for cameos from ringers such as Whitney Cummings, Nick Kroll, Tony Hale, Matt Braunger, and Nick Thune in this very funny -- and surprisingly touching -- 25-minute short.

WATCH:

Successful Alcoholics from TJ Miller from Lizzy Caplan

UMNO-BARISAN's Bitterest Brews Nothing Immoral About Devastating Dysfunctional election institutions

You ask for it, and your wish will come true.

Needless to say, these expenses, which range from a few million to hundreds of million ringgit for each constituency, come from the pockets of taxpayers.

And, of course, during the handing out of these goodies, residents never cease to be reminded who they must vote for. In fact, some of these promises are conditioned upon their electoral support and a Barisan Nasional (BN) (ruling coalition) win.

You may ask: aren’t these bribery?

Of course they are. In fact, they are serious breaches of our election laws.

Dysfunctional election institutions

So what does our Election Commission do about this?

They do nothing. They will say these are government projects for the benefit of the people. Or if the bribery is too obvious, they will say this is none of their business. Their job is to conduct elections. For bribery and corruption, you will have to report to the MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) or the police. However, reports to MACC and police are never acted upon.

There is a proviso to this EC approach to election corruption though. That is, if the corruption is committed by BN. For BN’s opponent, the slightest indication of a mis-step will incur the wrath of EC, as in the case of the recent Galas by-election in Kelantan.

During that election campaign, the PAS spiritual leader handed out a few hundred ringgit wang zakat (alms) to three newly-converted Orang Asli. The deputy chairman of the EC immediately pounced on this and declared: “Alms or not, in the eyes of the law, any money given by anyone to voters that can sway their votes is considered a bribe under Article 10 of the Election Offences Act 1954.” He said he had tipped off the MACC to take action.

Then, what about the millions of public funds poured out for “instant noodle” projects by BN to buy votes?

Aren’t these bribery a thousand times more serious?

It is such double standards that incensed our common decency.

One may ask further: what about our courts? Can’t they administer justice and defend our constitution?

To answer this question, let us take a look at the recent case of the Hulu Selangor by-election, reputed as the dirtiest, where the prime minister openly offered to pay RM3 million to a locally-run school on condition that BN won. BN won and the PM promptly arranged for the government to pay the RM3 million two days later.

The PM was so proud of what he did that he even bragged about it during the election campaign in the Sibu by-election that followed soon after. He made a “deal” with the Sibu electorate that BN would allocate RM5 million to overcome the local flood problems provided BN won the election. To convince the electorate, he proudly cited his RM3 million Hulu Selangor payment as proof of his “trustworthiness”.

(Incidentally, the PM’s deal-making with the electorate was captured in video and uploaded in Youtube, where it was widely viewed around the world.)

The losing candidate (Zaid Ibrahim) in the Hulu Selangor by-election applied to the court to annul the election results on ground of corruption. This petition was promptly thrown out by the judge (Azahar Mohamed) on grounds of “lack of evidence” without even asking BN to submit its defence. Zaid decided not to appeal against this decision despite having iron-clad evidence of BN corruption, saying that our judiciary was such that it would be a waste of time and money to pursue further legal recourse.

People power reforms?

With the last defender of the constitution, the judiciary, also crumbled under the hegemony of BN, and all other institutions equally dysfunctional, BN is virtually given a blank cheque to do what it wants with no regards to law, as exhibited in the ongoing by-elections in Kerdau and Merlimau, where the public is introduced to a relatively new election culture, unique to Malaysia of course. Thousands of local residents are fed nightly with lavish dinners, stage shows, karaoke, complete with lucky draws that include motorcycles, TV, domestic appliances and numerous gifts, compliments from BN of course.

In the midst of this merry-making, I wonder how many of the electorate realise how heavy their responsibility is when they cast their votes in a few days’ time. Only they can restore some integrity to our electoral system which has now become a total farce.

And only through the votes of our people can we revive the democratic dreams of our founding fathers.

Without any avenue to institute reforms and make corrections through the democratic means, there is only one way left — the people power reform that is currently raging in the Middle East.

 The bargaining rights of public workers in Ohio would be dramatically reduced and strikes would be banned under a bill narrowly passed by the Ohio Senate on Wednesday.

The GOP-backed measure that would restrict the collective bargaining rights of roughly 350,000 teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees squeaked through the state Senate on a 17-16 vote. Six Republicans sided with Democrats against the measure. Firefighters and teachers shouted "Shame!" in the chamber as the legislation was approved and moved on to the GOP-controlled House, where it is likely to receive strong support.

The bill is similar to the Republican-supported collective bargaining bill in the Wisconsin legislature that has sparked national debate in its weakening of public employees' ability to negotiate contracts – although there are differences between the two. Wisconsin's bill exempts police and firefighters from the collective bargaining restrictions, while Ohio's does not.

The Ohio bill would ban strikes by public workers and establish penalties for those who do participate in walkouts. Unionized workers could negotiate wages, hours and certain work conditions – but not health care, sick time or pension benefits.

The legislation would also set up a new process to settle worker disputes, giving elected officials the final say in contract disagreements. Binding arbitration, which police officers and firefighters use to resolve contract disputes as an alternative to strikes, would be eliminated.

"It's a fair bill," said Ohio Senate President tom Niehaus, a southwest Ohio Republican. "It's more balanced and fair for the taxpayer whose money these elected officials will ultimately spend."

But Sen. Edna Brown, a Toledo Democrat, said the bill muzzles public employees.

"This bill tilts the balance of power toward management and does not give one new right to employees," she said.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican like his counterpart, Scott Walker, in Wisconsin, praised the development. Both have pushed the collective bargaining bills as part of budget-balancing measures.

"This is a major step forward in correcting the imbalance between taxpayers and the government unions that work for them," Kasich said.

Republican Sens. Tim Grendell of Chesterland and Bill Seitz of Cincinnati spoke out against that provision. Grendell said the process would turn workers into beggars before city councils and other officials who oversee them.

"No one can be a judge and advocate in their own cause," Seitz said. "That's called heads I win, tails you lose."

The bill had passed a Senate committee after leadership replaced Seitz on the panel after he expressed disappointment in the bill, a move that secured the votes needed to get the legislation before the full Senate.

Extra chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the public attending the hearing. Prohibited from clapping, many wagged or waved their hands in response to pro-labor comments.

The bill now goes to the state House, where the GOP holds a 59-40 majority. If passed there, it would go to Kasich, a strong supporter.

During the debate, the chamber defeated Democrats' request to have the entire bill read aloud. GOP Sen. Scott Oelslager of North Canton sided with Democrats on that issue, as he did on the bill.

The bill sponsor, Republican Sen. Shannon Jones, had said the bill, which would change a 27-year-old Ohio law, is long overdue and would help state and local governments control costs.

Jones said the bill is not an attack on the middle class, prompting snickering and coughs from members of the public in the crowded room. Democratic lawmakers pointed out teachers, pipefitters and public safety workers from their districts as the hearing began.

 Tennessee is considering making it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah, the most severe measure yet put forth by a national movement whose members believe extremist Muslims want Shariah to supersede the Constitution.

The bill – drawn up by conservatives with ties to opponents of a planned Islamic center two blocks from New York City's ground zero and efforts to expand a mosque 30 miles southeast of Nashville – would face steep constitutional hurdles if enacted. Nevertheless, it represents the boldest legislative attempt yet to limit how Muslims worship.

Muslim groups fear the measure would outlaw central tenets of Islam, such as praying five times a day toward Mecca, abstaining from alcohol or fasting for Ramadan.

"This is an anti-Muslim bill that makes it illegal to be a Muslim in the state of Tennessee," said Remziya Suleyman, policy coordinator for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, which was among several civil rights and interfaith groups that held a news conference Tuesday to oppose the proposal.

Nadeem Siddiqi, a 35-year-old American Muslim entrepreneur who drove about 160 miles from Knoxville to attend the event, said Shariah governs his life.

As written, he said the proposal is "overly broad" and "basically includes all Muslims and all their practices as being illegal."

"Shariah is how I know how to fast in the month of Ramadan; how I wash before my prayers," he said. "It also directs me in how much charity I need to give to the poor. It orders me to be honest and fair in my business dealings."

The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro, said the proposal exempts the peaceful practice of Islam but seeks to condemn those "who take Shariah law to the other extreme." He said it would give state and local law enforcement officials "a powerful counterterrorism tool."

Ketron, who has successfully pushed through bills tightening restrictions on illegal immigrants, said he expects the Shariah measure will become law. He said he doesn't have a problem with Muslims and is open to talking with them about their concerns.

"My daughter went to the prom with a Muslim," Ketron said. "I want to hear from them."

For now, supporters of the measure are working to bolster it against any constitutional challenges, which may be an impossible task, said First Amendment Center scholar Charles Haynes, who called it a "really distorted understanding of Shariah law."

"The legislation would clearly be unconstitutional," he said. "Trying to separate out different parts of Islamic law for condemnation is nonsensical. Shariah law, like all religious law, is interpreted in a great many different ways."

Shariah is a set of core principles that most Muslims recognize as well as a series of rulings from religious scholars. It covers many areas of life and different sects have different versions of the code they follow.

At least 13 states have bills pending that would bar judges from considering Shariah in legal decisions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but none of those proposals is as strict as what Tennessee is weighing.

If the law is passed in Tennessee, it could face a legal challenge. The law passed in November by Oklahoma voters banning the use of Shariah law in state courtrooms was blocked by a federal judge pending the resolution of a lawsuit calling it unconstitutional.

Ketron said he and House Speaker Pro Tempore Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma, were given the bill by the Tennessee Eagle Forum.

Eagle Forum state President Bobbie Patray said it was drafted by David Yerushalmi, an Arizona-based attorney who runs the Society of Americans for National Existence, a nonprofit that claims following Shariah is treasonous.

Yerushalmi has written for years in conservative media about what he calls the danger of Shariah and its central role in Islam. He has represented Pamela Geller, who leads the group Stop Islamization of America and is one of the most vocal critics of a planned Islamic center two blocks from New York City's ground zero.

Yerushalmi also represented Stop The Madrassa, a group that opposed a public school in Brooklyn established to teach Arabic language, culture and history. He is one of the contributors to the report "Shariah: The Threat To America" by the Center for Security Policy, a think tank led by Frank Gaffney, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan administration.

Last year Gaffney testified at a court hearing on the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. The hearing was intended only to determine if local officials violated the state's open meetings law in approving the site plan, but the mosque's foes used the opportunity to argue it was part of a plot to expand Shariah law in the U.S.

Yerushalmi said the legislation in Tennessee is clear about who's being targeted.

"The legislation simply states that Shariah that follows the law of jihad, which calls for the violent overthrow of the Tennessee and U.S. government, is the Shariah that is at issue," he said.

Sarah Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Islamic Society of North America, disagreed.

"The way that it's worded makes the assumption that any practice of Islam is a practice of terrorism," she said. "And that's a dangerous line to walk. It excludes the millions of Muslims that are practicing peaceably from the ability to do so."

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said he plans to meet with the bill's sponsors to find out more about the proposal, but said he wants to ensure "that we're doing things that are welcoming people to Tennessee that are legally here."

___

Online:

Read SB1028/HB1353 at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/

Tennessee Eagle Forum: http://www.tneagleforum.org/

Society of Americans for National Existence: http://www.saneworks.us/indexnew.php

Center for Security Policy: http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/index.xml

The White Rajah Brookes were an English dynasty which ruled over Sarawak from 1841 to 1946. The current Chief Minister of Sarawak, Taib Mahmud, is in his 30^th year in power and like the Brookes, aims to start his own dynasty – the Muslim Melanau dynasty of the Rahman-Taib Family.

Kuala Lumpur helped Taib and his maternal uncle, Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, scupper Dayak plans to lead Sarawak. Now that allegations of fraud and corruption have surfaced, on the national and international arena, pressure is bearing down on Taib step down.

Before he leaves, a successor is needed to look after the interests of the dynasty and to make sure the state can be milked further. Until recently, Taib has been unwilling or unable to find someone capable enough, to step into his shoes.

READMORE Muhyiddin’s mission final sarawak Colonisation by UMNO and Vision of “Ghosts and Demons” from Peninsula Idris Jala the new Sarawak chief minister and new White Raja His Richness Abdul Taib Mahmud

The Penan call alcohol “Ba’ Setan”, or “Satan’s water”. The Penan have been heavily influenced by the Sidang Injil Borneo or Borneo Evangelical Mission, a Christian denomination that discourages followers from smoking or boozing.

But despite the prevalence of SIB in Sarawak, alcoholism is a growing nightmare, among all our diverse ethnic groups. It is a routine sight in any town, big or small, to see coffee-shop tables covered with empty cans of beer or stout – at breakfast.

It is also a common occurrence to come across see young people, mostly boys, but girls too, drunk and disorderly. For instance, in the quiet, charming town of Saratok, with its hospitable Iban and Chinese citizens, I was shocked to find several teenagers lurching around the town square, shouting slurred words at each other and trying to carry on a fistfight while struggling to remain upright.

Alcohol misuse is most common among the Iban, the largest ethnic group, but all Sarawakians including Muslim Malays and Melanaus, struggle with the demon in a bottle. Any visitor to villages from Padawan to Merapok would come across men drinking langkau, or local moonshine, during an evening, or gulping down smuggled beer – three tins for ten ringgit.

A crime-ridden industry

Smuggling and tax evasion are the cornerstones of the alcohol industry in Sarawak. The brewing companies, dominated by Anchor and Carlsberg, win. Both of the two top Malaysian breweries win, to the tune of over a billion ringgit of revenue a year apiece in Malaysia, a significant proportion of which comes from Sarawak. And the coffee-shop owners win.

But not everyone is a winner.

Alcohol is damaging the social fabric of various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Absenteeism from school or work, unemployment, domestic violence, as well as liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure, brain damage and a myriad other illnesses leading to premature death, are well-established consequences of alcohol misuse.

Many farming families lose the small amounts of cash they have, simply to support the drinking habit of one of the adults – usually a man.

Traditional alcohol use

Providing huge quantities of tuak, or rice wine, to guests has traditionally been considered a staple of hospitality in most Iban and Bidayuh villages. The Lun Bawang of northern Sarawak were described as being “drunk 180 days a year”, after every harvest, in the book “Drunk Before Dawn” by SIB missionary Shirley Lees. The SIB now takes pride in the fact that most Lun Bawang have found the faith, and have, by and large, embraced tee-totalism.

It is undeniable that the sobering influence of Christianity has certainly improved alcoholism rates among the Lun Bawang and other Orang Ulu groups. The resulting benefits in productivity increased rice harvests from once a year to twice, or even three times, annually (sober farmers plough straighter furrows).

But missionaries have also played some role in erasing some of the shared cultural memories of the Lun Bawang, and other Orang Ulu. I remember asking a Lun Bawang friend in his 40s, Sigar, whether he remembered Lun Bawang living in longhouses. He replied, dismissively, that they used to live in longhouses “during the pagan times”.

The rise of alcoholism

The rise of alcohol dependency has mirrored the growing availability of cheap spirits, costing a few ringgit a bottle, going under the nameslangkau or chap ah pek or pelayar emas.

Recent violent clashes between poor Malay villagers in Bintawa Hilir and the police were fueled by heavy drinking by the boys and young men. The entirely predictable knee-jerk response of dull politicians like Daud Abdul Rahman was to attempt to reduce alcohol sales in Muslim-majority areas by imposing new fines on shops – a pointless and stupid exercise.

Little effort has been made to understand the social currents that have supported the growth of alcoholism. Unemployment and poverty are major causes among the disenfranchised Malays and Dayaks of Sarawak.

Our lack of meaningful jobs throughout Sarawak is caused by the weak economy. Our wealthy state has bled dry by the rich, powerful and shamelessly corrupt politicians and their parasitic families.

The lack of parental guidance in huge families (thanks in part to lacklustre efforts in family planning by the authorities) has also alienated the urban and suburban young. Low education standards and the near absence of cheap communal sports and recreation activities for the young have also played their part.

Alcohol misuse is common among all other native peoples confronted with a rapidly shifting culture, and subjugation by a colonial power. Native Americans, the Inuit, Aboriginal and Maori peoples have some of the worst alcohol abuse problems in their new colonised ‘nations’ of the United States, Canada, Australia and new Zealand.

The high rates of alcoholism and diabetes among the Aborigines has been mirrored by an abrupt exposure to alcohol, fast food and sugar, previously not a part of their daily lives. The spread of these diseases has been mirrored among our own indigenous people.

It’s hard to imagine 20 years have passed since we sat together with our friend Fred, who died of AIDS about fifteen years ago, discussing the television news coverage of ILGO’s (Irish Gay and Lesbian Organization) attempt to join New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. “What’s with those people talking to press on camera?” he asked. “Aren’t they afraid? Aren’t they afraid people will find out? That they’re –

Irish?”

Fred, an Irish-American gay guy, could say that.

Twenty years later, the Ancient Order of Hibernians perseveres in this bigotry, but I find I wish to keep on fighting (like the Irish) to make or keep St. Patrick’s Day somehow holy.

My memories of St. Patrick’s Day in New York do not revolve whoozily around Guinness and Jameson, although both have been on hand. The day conjures the stinking cruciferous vegetable, boiled meat, damp Aran wool, bagpipes keening on Channel 11, sharp-looking firemen in dress uniforms with black hair and pink cheeks congregating, flirtatious, post-parade, in 2nd Avenue gin-mill doorways. One never knows, on St. Patrick’s Day, what the season will seem to be when the day falls. Whether snow or sunburn.

My grandmother, Mary Madigan, born in 1900 in County Mayo, lived the second half of her life in a 4th floor railroad flat on East 73rd in Manhattan not far from the parade route. For more than four decades, her New York kith and kin would drop by on St. Patrick’s Day after checking out the over-long parade. My Irish twin, Scott, and I used to go together. Each wore green but he was more stylish in this; he wore a Donegal cap and fisherman’s sweater, whereas I, favoring sawed-off T-shirt with epithets relating to the pontiff or British queen thereupon emblazoned, adopted a more pogue ma thóin approach. One year our brother Gregg appeared with shamrock shaved out of his buzz-cut hair. Our grandmother greeted him not with the usual “Erin Go Bragh” but with “Did ye lose yer bloody job?” but he was boss enough, by then, to keep his job, even with the saint’s symbol for the trinity carved into his coif.

Mary Madigan worked as a lace-maker before coming to New York, at the age of 25 in 1925. Once here, she worked as a maid, fell in love with a Limerick lad from the dance halls, and raised a brood in St. Rose of Lima (which the Irish pronounced like the bean) parish uptown. Every year, on March 17th, I wear the Kelly green beret she crocheted for me 35 years ago.

I’ll wear it to morning mass on St. Patrick’s Day, and maybe to the tea party at the rectory after, where, if “the luck of the Irish” is mine, I’ll enjoy cracking wise (in keeping with decade-old custom) for a spell with the 80-something McCann girls, who descend, as do I, from Mayo. Our former pastor, a foodie, used to bake soda bread for this gathering — Begorrah! How the church ladies would go on about the bread (“himself”) “Fhahther” had made. You’d think the Lord and Savior had slid down a rainbow to toss in the caraway seeds.

In recent years, we’ve thrown a few good house parties, with Irish poetry, music, Guinness, stir-fried cabbage, soda bread, lamb stew, boiled meat, salmon on black bread and — last time around — a green cake in the shape of a shamrock. With the help of green confections (and, one year, shamrock-shaped macaroni) I’ve passed a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day on to my children. I’m not sure when my Ashkenazi Jewish husband informed me early in our relationship that he’d been dubbed an “honorary Irishman” by lads with the surnames “Gallagher” and “Clifford” whether he was warning me or pitching me — but marriage did make it official. However, a thousand Irish wives more persuasive than I could never shake his belief that boiling a perfectly good brisket is not a sin.

Even in the wake (so to speak) of Order of Ancient Hibernian homophobia, I’ve taken my children to the parade thinking it (in all its splendor and hideousness) part of their heritage as New York Irish Jews. Nine years ago the pastor of a Brooklyn church I had just begun to attend invited a local Gay and Lesbian Catholic group (which had been shunned by the parade’s marshal) to march with our parish. I never imagined my husband might consent to walk in any parade, much less behind a Catholic banner in St. Patrick’s honor. But there I saw him, crossing Union with our trinity of toddlers in tow, just ahead of the lavender and rainbow banner.

Last night I made soda bread using Mary Madigan’s recipe. As I worked alone in the kitchen, I found myself singing the grim and exquisite lyrics to The Minstrel Boy as Joe Strummer’s epic instrumental version played: ambient strains suitable for luxuriating in Irish sorrow.

It may be resolutely Irish to point out that with my grandmother, mother, and brother Scott all “gone home” as the Irish sometimes call it, St. Patrick’s Day is bittersweet.

To the Irish, “home” means two things: the beloved place we leave, and the Heaven for which we wait.

This St. Patrick’s day, all my Irish dead will line up behind my friend Maureen the artist.

Last year, smack in the middle of a cruelly vernal St. Patrick’s Day, Maureen, a brilliant painter and master teacher, died at the age of 48 after fighting, like the Irish, the cancer that fuelled her valor and claimed her body. We were friends for 25 years. She was my sister in culture, faith and art. She’s gone (“home”) but she’s here too, “homing” in those she loves. The two of us spent much of her last year together enjoying what the Irish call great craick (great times) in hospital waiting rooms and chemo suites.

Though not ethnic Irish, Maureen was as Irish as anyone I’ve ever known. She was adopted as an infant and raised by powerfully honorable and loving Irish-American parents just outside of Boston. She was a stubborn Catholic believer. In her last year, she claimed to have found healing (this, as a cure eluded her) while sitting at her dying mother’s kitchen table with her sister and the others she described as “the Irish ladies.” (They weren’t all “technically” Irish, but they shared a dark, light way of looking at suffering that lent Maureen a sustaining boost.) A progressive and intellectual, Maureen had her grievances with “the Church” and the American Irish politic, but she loved us, and was on board with some true version of heading “home.”

As I helped with her “arrangements” last St. Patrick’s Day, working side by side with the heroic sister whose name day it was, I was dogged by a sense that the timing of Maureen’s death was some kind of Irish joke on her part, perhaps designed to take the edge off. I had the feeling Maureen was snickering devilishly, defiantly — I had to smile in the face of this. I rushed from her wake to host an annual spoken word, Irish-themed event called“Blarneypalooza” the next day. Never had lyricism so comforted me.

Blarneypalooza takes place each March in the historic Old Stone House, in Brooklyn. For the first time, Blarneypalooza will take place on St. Patrick’s Day. Non-Irish, non-poet futurist and situationist Larry Honig will unleash God only knows what gifts of genius gab. Playwright and poet Pat Smith will recite his elegant, sophisticated verse on his saint’s day. Poet, writer, editor Barbara O’Dair — a Molly with a pinch of Bridget thrown in — will read salty verse. Poet Lynn McGee will read about an Irish love, an Irish bar, and an Irish death. Poet and professor Mike Sweeney, author of In Memory of the Fast Break will come out fighting (Irish) to land syllabic crosses via a gorgeous epic poem about fighting clean in a dirty arena, Octagon:

Once you fall in the octagon they strike up a serenade of Come On Up to the House 

Once you fall in the octagon they dangle your bleeding scalp over the padded rail… Once you fall in the octagon they hose off your DNA Once you fall in the octagon you’re done with cartilage grafts & tracheotomies Once you fall in the octagon they throw a green funeral & air out your gunny sack

A major celebrity appears to be destroying himself with alcohol before the eyes of a nation, and his antics become comic fodder, fueling an endless thirst for celebrity voyeurism.

What is obscured among the ridicule being heaped upon Charlie Sheen is our own discomfort in confronting alcohol addiction.

The star of the hit TV show Two and a Half Men elicits laughter for attacking those who seek professional treatment as “trolls” lacking the “tiger blood” to beat the disease themselves. But he also points up powerful contradictory attitudes about alcoholism that scholars say can prevent alcoholics and their loved ones from seeking help.

Shame lies at the heart of addiction, said Robert H. Albers, a professor of pastoral care at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and the author of Shame: A Faith Perspective.

“The pervasive resistance to help on the part of those affected and afflicted is due in part to the ingrained belief that if we were strong enough, we could overcome this malady. … Deep down inside, many of us do not believe that addiction is an illness,” Albers wrote in an article in the Journal of Ministry in Addiction & Recovery. “Denial and the conspiracy of silence are no mystery when it comes to addiction. The power of shame shackles all of the people who are adversely affected by addiction.”

Religion can be both help and hindrance in the battle against alcoholism, research suggests.

Fewer problem drinkers

Religious institutions have differing perspectives on alcohol use, from general prohibitions among some evangelical denominations and groups such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the use of wine in the Eucharist by groups such as the Catholic Church.

There is, however, almost a universal teaching against alcohol abuse, and research tends to consistently show people who are active in their faith are much less likely to be problem drinkers.

Some 100 studies have suggested religion has a positive effect on preventing alcohol-related problems, researchers Christopher Ellison, Jennifer Barrett and Benjamin Moulton noted in an article in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion on “Gender, Marital Status, and Alcohol Behavior: The Neglected Role of Religion.”

In perhaps the most consistent finding, the researchers said, individuals from conservative Protestant and sectarian religious communities, along with people from all groups who worship regularly, are less likely to use or abuse alcohol. In their analysis of 15,424 respondents to the General Social Survey from 1977 to 1994, Ellison, Barrett and Moulton found a particularly strong relationship among religious conservatives married to one another.

Compared to unmarried nonconservatives, men in conservative unions were nearly 80 percent less likely to be problem drinkers than abstainers, the study found. Women in conservative marriages were 86 percent less likely than single, nonconservative women to be potential problem drinkers.

For all individuals, people who attended services regularly were much less likely to abuse alcohol, the study found.

A study involving a telephone survey in 1995, 1997 and 1999 of more than 5,000 Hispanics also indicated positive effects from frequent attendance and being a member of a denomination that objects to alcohol use.

Among Catholic respondents, for example, 16 percent who attended services weekly or more — compared to 42 percent of those who did not attend services — were likely to have reported binge drinking in the past month. Sociologist Julie Ford of the State University of New York-Brockport, reported the findings in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.

When it comes to dealing with the disease, however, many religious communities are less successful.

Overcoming shame

The role of religion in addressing alcohol abuse “may be sort of a double-edged sword,” said Ellison, a sociologist at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

The strong norms against alcohol abuse, particularly in conservative congregations, might deter a lot of people from admitting they have a problem and seeking help.

“It’s very difficult to talk about. If you do have a problem, who are you going to?” Ellison said.

It is especially difficult to seek help from groups that emphasize alcoholism as a problem of human sinfulness that can be overcome by free will, he said. Religious groups that are more understanding of genetic and social factors that contribute to the disease may be more open in confronting alcoholism.

In his journal article, Albers noted that the belief that addiction is a weakness is a powerful contributor to the conspiracy of silence on alcoholism: “In a society that idolizes the strong, the tough, the independent, and the self-made and self-saved person, succumbing to the power of addiction is an obvious manifestation of weakness.”

Even family members of alcoholics often isolate themselves out of fear of what people will think. “So the family gradually disappears from the social arena of community and church,” Albers wrote.

Yet research indicates being part of caring communities can help both alcoholics come to terms with their addiction and provide family members and friends with critical support.

So what are we to make of all the snickering attention devoted to Charlie Sheen, the piling on of shame and ridicule that only reinforces the fears and silence of millions of Americans dealing with alcoholism?

ANCHOR BEER Hisham Ethos Omar Mustapha.is the zionist APCO link

They’re sneaky. They lie. They’re evil. They think everyone else is an animal and therefore without souls. They’re the most despicable people on the planet to say the least. These evil doers are behind Hollywood, the porn industry, race mixing,the homosexual agenda …. you name it … and they’re the ones orchestrating it.?READMORE Najib gadai maruah melayu a gripping tale of how Lee Kuan Yew systematically and ruthlessly roots out and destroys any form of dissent in Singapore A leaked US diplomatic cable is not only rocking Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political future but also his Sodomy II trial, prompting his lawyers to say it is subjudice and warn against its publication on Lee Kuan Yew evil intent Why Lee Kuan Yew asked to meet Rosmah! Defence counsel Sankara Nair revealed that he and another Anwar lawyer, Karpal Singh, have had preliminary discussions over the whistleblower WikiLeaks expose about intelligence agents who believe the opposition leader was “set up” but that he “walked” into a trap. readmore Anwar’s lawyers to summon Lee Kuan Yew to court for saying ‘ Anwar did indeed commit the acts for which he is currently indicted’.”

When 1Isreal+APCO+Ethos+Khairy+Najib = 1Malaysia

Khairy Jamaluddin said that Anwar Ibrahim should not be too hasty to accuse the government for its links to Apco when the opposition leader too has connections with several personalities on the global consultancy firm's advisory council.

"If Anwar's allegations are true, then he also has direct links with what he has alleged today. This is not only one individual, but six individuals with connections to Anwar in the International Advisory Council of Apco,” said Khairy.

And here is Anwar's reaction.......

 

“It seems like Rembau (Khairy Jamaludin) has become a spokesperson for APCO,” said the opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his response towards Khairy’s statement in the Parliament today.

“I know he (Khairy) was trying to run from his involvement with Omar Mustafa and APCO that could affect the national security as it involves intelligence,” said the Permatang Pauh MP.

“And until now, there is no clarification or denial made by the government. The Prime Minister has to come to explain this matter as it is a very serious matter,” he added.

“I repeat what I’ve said in my speech. A Royal Commission should be formed to investigate this matter. It is important because it could threaten national security,” he added.

Questioned on Khairy’s statement that he brought up this issue to distract people’s attention on the problems that exist in PKR, Anwar said that he was not the one who was asked to be given a chance to speak but he was ordered by the Speaker to do so.

“I’m not asking for a chance to give a speech but I was directed by the Speaker. If I do not do so, I will be prosecuted. So there is no issue of me trying to distract people’s attention,” said Anwar.

Thats why Khairy is defending APCO......read here.

RELATEDARTICLELEE KUAN YEW'S The Straits Times A sad doggy tale the illusionist blogger Raja Petra his illusion a 'Third Force'

Why do we send monkeys to Washington to convince them that we are not monkeys? Come on, the law of the jungle does not work in Washington. Obviously to save the Malaysian reputation after some obvious dumb answers given by Nazri, the sponsor have to turn it into off the record to save face for Malaysia. The other 2 were so scare to face Washingtonians that they hide away from the seminar to let dumb Nazri be the fall guy.

h← Netanyahu stands firm on Jerusalem while Barisan Nasional (BN) backbenchers are with ‘One Israel’

As for 1Malaysia, a slogan popularised by Najib, the Permantang Pauh MP alluded to links between Apco executives and the Malaysian government even before the consultancy company was hired. He said that members of Apco staff were already working with the Najib government even before the contract was signed through the recommendation of Ethos Consultancy, a company founded by former Najib special officer Omar Mustapha.

“At the time, an Apco staff member was already stationed in the premier's office after he took power. This was way before 1Malaysia was announced,” contended Anwar.

“Therefore, in providing 'communications support' to the Malaysian government, Apco may have worked with Najib on 1Malaysia.”

According to Anwar, top Apco executives were operating in a company called MindTeam Sdn Bhd. MindTeam's officials included Paul Stedlan, who now heads Apco Malaysia, and Margery Krause, Apco's founder and CEO.

"It is their strategy to work using associates companies to operate in different countries."

Anwar said that the documents will be given to the House speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Anwar rubbish Apco's denial

The Permatang Pauh MP also rubbished Apco's denial over its involvement in coining the 1Malaysia slogan.

"It is a part of Apco's duty to protect those who employ them, which include denying their involvement."

Referring to the contract signed between Apco and its clients, Anwar stated that there is a particular emphasis on confidentiality and deniability when it comes to information of the actual scope of Apco's involvement.

"It is easy for them (the Najib administration) to ask Apco to draft a statement denying its involvement."

The former deputy prime minister also demanded Najib to explain in Parliament the Apco contract, including the cost of engaging its consultancy services. Anwar also urged the government to immediately terminate the Apco contract and set up a royal commission to investigate the matter.

After Anwar's lengthy explanation in Parliament, deputy House speaker Ronald Kiandee said he cannot decide whether the opposition leader should be referred to the powerful privileges committee for further action to be taken.

He said that BN parliamentarians will need to table a motion if they want to refer Anwar to the committee.

Baca di sini.

source:malaysiakini

Anwar proved that 1Malaysia is a copycat concept and its link to Isreal with full documented evidences. Lets see whether the UMNO 'kepala lembu' gonna twist and shout.

What in the hell was Najib thinking when he employed this Isreal link APCO Worldwide org. for consultancy services? Or maybe it was Bik Mama's 'punya' idea,got side income ma.......

UMNO/BN ingat depa boleh mainkan isu yahudi ini setelah mengecap Anwar sebagai agen,tapi sekarang siapa sebenarnya agen yahudi, pikiaq2lah mai.........

cheers.

RELATED ARTICLE Khairy boy you will die a slow political death the curse of pandara box

Abdar Rahman Koya, Harakah Daily

The name Apco Worldwide has suddenly gained fame (or notoriety) in Malaysia after Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim drew comparison of the firm’s image-building campaign for its Malaysian client to a similar campaign by the Israeli government.

Anwar in his speech in the Dewan Rakyat on March 17 said that prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept was actually an imitation of the ‘One Israel’ concept of the Zionist regime, who is also a client of Apco.

Anwar’s revelation came in the wake of persistent attacks by a few BN MPs, whose attacks on the Opposition Leader since his return to Parliament have become almost an obsession. Chief among them are Khairy Jamaluddin and Mukhriz Mahathir, who have in the past indulged in name-calling and disruption of speeches whenever the former deputy prime minister took the stand. While Mukhriz has openly accused Anwar of sodomy, Khairy’s trademark attack is to link Anwar to hawkish characters in the US administration as well as accuse him of being a Zionist agent.

Thus, Anwar’s revelation about Apco has briefly put on the defensive those accusing him of being a Zionist agent. But not for long, as only a day later, Apco denied its involvement in the ‘One Israel’ concept. Khairy wasted no time brandishing Apco’s official statement in parliament, with Minister in the Prime Minister Department, Nazri Aziz, threatening to refer Anwar to the privileges committee.

What is not denied is that Apco is the corporation chosen by Najib to push the 1Malaysia concept. This fact alone is bound to backfire, especially on a Muslim government who takes pains to portray itself as a friend of the displaced Palestinians.

Apco’s business

Anwar’s remarks and Apco’s denial have triggered intense interest as to who Apco is. On its website, Apco, which is headquartered in Washington, describes itself as “one of the largest independently-owned communication consultancies” with offices throughout the world.

Margery Kraus, its CEO, founded the company in 1984. Among Apco’s speciality is to help its clients to “navigate the complex and often converging worlds of business, industry and finance, media, public opinion and society, and government and public policy.”

Besides Apco, Kraus also helped found and develop the Close Up Foundation, an educational foundation sponsored in part by the US Congress. But Kraus is also active in other organisations which are less educational in nature, such as chairing the advisory board of Group Menatep, a Russian holding company, and being involved in Teuza Fund, a venture capital fund publicly traded in Israel’s Tel Aviv stock exchange.

The Zionist connection

Kraus’s Israeli connection does not stop there. Within Apco, 50 individuals sit in its powerful International Advisory Council. They comprise of former politicians, business leaders and diplomats.

At least three among them, Itamar Rabinovich, Shimon Stein and Doron Bergerbest-Eilon, are individuals who are direcly linked to Israel and its notorious political and military institutions.

Rabinovich was the Israeli ambassador to the US, and acted as the Zionist regime’s chief negotiator with Syria during the era of Yitzhak Rabin. A former president of the Tel Aviv University, Rabinovich is also the chairman of the Israeli-based Dan David Foundation, named after a Romanian-born Jewish philanthropist who was active in the Zionist youth movement of the 1940s.

Shimon Stein served as the Israeli ambassador to Germany, and according to Apco’s website, follows “a long and distinguished career in the Israeli government and Foreign Service”. Later, he served as minister-counselor for political affairs for the Israeli embassy in Washington.

Doron Bergerbest-Eilon is the former head of the protection and security division and a senior security official of the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), a position equivalent to the rank of major general. In May 2005, Bergerbest-Eilon was awarded with The Director’s Recognition Award, the US Secret Service director’s highest commendation. Among his expertise listed are security and defence, with Singapore as one of his “regions of expertise”.

Building reputation

Describing further the International Advisory Council, Apco’s website states: “Members of this distinguished and dynamic group work hand-in-hand with APCO professionals to strengthen and deepen our existing expertise across a variety of sectors and services. Clients benefit from their high-level insights and rely on their informed, experienced opinions.”

Najib’s choice of Apco is understandable, especially after the BN had been at its wit’s end in trying to rebuild its image after the losses in the March 2008 general elections.

Najib was probably convinced with Kraus’s ability to help her clients turn things around. After all, in a 2008 interview with Public Affairs Asia, Kraus confidently declared:

“Some of the questions we help solve include: What steps need to be taken to build reputation? How does one develop the right allies to support the actions needed for success? What are the ‘hidden’ problems or opportunities that can distinguish one company from another? Getting this right is often the difference between success and failure.”

Ironically, far from solving any of the questions, Najib may find himself in a greater credibility crisis, thanks to Apco’s links to individuals who have been at the Zionist power centre. Nazri himself has admitted to this fact when calling for Anwar to be referred to the privileges committee, “It is a serious matter when a Muslim leader is associated with the Zionist,” he was quoted as saying.

But in all fairness, keeping true to its self-professed ability to “build reputation”, Najib cannot complain that Apco Worldwide has failed to deliver. The latest saga shows it has indeed delivered its promise of building a reputation for its client – this time for both Najib and the BN government.

Yes, it is better to go ahead and probe Anwar further then he can provide more proofs of APCO’s involvemient in M’sian politics and how to regain credibility they waste funds of rm 20m.

If you get a man of Anwar’s intelligence and experience he will be able to manage the country’s direction properly without having to resort to expensive consultations irregardless whether of Isreal or non-Israel origin.

Apco or not it just show the leaders today ” mou-liu-toh” ie. got no substance.

When you said “it is serious to associate a Muslim leader with a Zionist, you have just shot your UMNO regime’s and your boss foot! As I have said before, your actions are always equivalent to “seppuku” or, driving nails into your own BN regime’s coffin.

Please walk the talk, suspend Anwar if you dare. . ., and he will be more popular domestically and internationally. The more you lynch him the more you made him a martyr.

And Nazri, Malaysians from all walk of life are enjoying yours, Khairy’s and Zaharin’s stupid antics, we are rejoicing each day as people like the whole lot of you in UMNO keep digging deeper and deeper in your own graves. In the next GE, we will bury the holes you have dug yourselves with all your UMNO regime thieves in it! By than, even the APCO Zionist can’t do anything to bail your regime’s out!

Keep it up Nazri. . ., keep on the “Seppuku” tradition continuously while we the people are rejoicing with your stupidity!A dog’s sexual intercourse is reputed to take the longest using a Rolex timer. Ibrahim Alibaba is on that copulative sojourn. Im waiting for him to bark at the gates of the PM’s office!! He sure is not attached with such balls!! He is a she-man when it comes to the truth!!Always remember 2 prominent things in Malaysia. We have the biggest political and religious hypocrites in this country. These are established facts and proven by the words, conduct and deeds among the biggest politicians and pious believers of their faith.”The latest saga shows it has indeed delivered its promise of building a reputation for its client – this time for both Najib and the BN government. ‘- interesting, what reputation is the writer talking about??

!Malaysia is only a slogan the UMNOputras are making shadow play with, no concrete action of substance has manifested!Nazri,the Parliament does not belong to your father. You have no absolute right over it. Today you are there, the next day you may be out. helping the UMNOputras live up to its reputation

Abdar Rahman Koya, Harakah Daily
The name Apco Worldwide has suddenly gained fame (or notoriety) in Malaysia after Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim drew comparison of the firm’s image-building campaign for its Malaysian client to a similar campaign by the Israeli government.
Anwar in his speech in the Dewan Rakyat on March 17 said that prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s 1Malaysia concept was actually an imitation of the ‘One Israel’ concept of the Zionist regime, who is also a client of Apco.
Anwar’s revelation came in the wake of persistent attacks by a few BN MPs, whose attacks on the Opposition Leader since his return to Parliament have become almost an obsession. Chief among them are Khairy Jamaluddin and Mukhriz Mahathir, who have in the past indulged in name-calling and disruption of speeches whenever the former deputy prime minister took the stand. While Mukhriz has openly accused Anwar of sodomy, Khairy’s trademark attack is to link Anwar to hawkish characters in the US administration as well as accuse him of being a Zionist agent.
Thus, Anwar’s revelation about Apco has briefly put on the defensive those accusing him of being a Zionist agent. But not for long, as only a day later, Apco denied its involvement in the ‘One Israel’ concept. Khairy wasted no time brandishing Apco’s official statement in parliament, with Minister in the Prime Minister Department, Nazri Aziz, threatening to refer Anwar to the privileges committee.
What is not denied is that Apco is the corporation chosen by Najib to push the 1Malaysia concept. This fact alone is bound to backfire, especially on a Muslim government who takes pains to portray itself as a friend of the displaced Palestinians.
Apco’s business
Anwar’s remarks and Apco’s denial have triggered intense interest as to who Apco is. On its website, Apco, which is headquartered in Washington, describes itself as “one of the largest independently-owned communication consultancies” with offices throughout the world.
Margery Kraus, its CEO, founded the company in 1984. Among Apco’s speciality is to help its clients to “navigate the complex and often converging worlds of business, industry and finance, media, public opinion and society, and government and public policy.”
Besides Apco, Kraus also helped found and develop the Close Up Foundation, an educational foundation sponsored in part by the US Congress. But Kraus is also active in other organisations which are less educational in nature, such as chairing the advisory board of Group Menatep, a Russian holding company, and being involved in Teuza Fund, a venture capital fund publicly traded in Israel’s Tel Aviv stock exchange.
The Zionist connection
Kraus’s Israeli connection does not stop there. Within Apco, 50 individuals sit in its powerful International Advisory Council. They comprise of former politicians, business leaders and diplomats.
At least three among them, Itamar Rabinovich, Shimon Stein and Doron Bergerbest-Eilon, are individuals who are direcly linked to Israel and its notorious political and military institutions.
Rabinovich was the Israeli ambassador to the US, and acted as the Zionist regime’s chief negotiator with Syria during the era of Yitzhak Rabin. A former president of the Tel Aviv University, Rabinovich is also the chairman of the Israeli-based Dan David Foundation, named after a Romanian-born Jewish philanthropist who was active in the Zionist youth movement of the 1940s.
Shimon Stein served as the Israeli ambassador to Germany, and according to Apco’s website, follows “a long and distinguished career in the Israeli government and Foreign Service”. Later, he served as minister-counselor for political affairs for the Israeli embassy in Washington.
Doron Bergerbest-Eilon is the former head of the protection and security division and a senior security official of the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), a position equivalent to the rank of major general. In May 2005, Bergerbest-Eilon was awarded with The Director’s Recognition Award, the US Secret Service director’s highest commendation. Among his expertise listed are security and defence, with Singapore as one of his “regions of expertise”.
Building reputation
Describing further the International Advisory Council, Apco’s website states: “Members of this distinguished and dynamic group work hand-in-hand with APCO professionals to strengthen and deepen our existing expertise across a variety of sectors and services. Clients benefit from their high-level insights and rely on their informed, experienced opinions.”
Najib’s choice of Apco is understandable, especially after the BN had been at its wit’s end in trying to rebuild its image after the losses in the March 2008 general elections.
Najib was probably convinced with Kraus’s ability to help her clients turn things around. After all, in a 2008 interview with Public Affairs Asia, Kraus confidently declared:
“Some of the questions we help solve include: What steps need to be taken to build reputation? How does one develop the right allies to support the actions needed for success? What are the ‘hidden’ problems or opportunities that can distinguish one company from another? Getting this right is often the difference between success and failure.”
Ironically, far from solving any of the questions, Najib may find himself in a greater credibility crisis, thanks to Apco’s links to individuals who have been at the Zionist power centre. Nazri himself has admitted to this fact when calling for Anwar to be referred to the privileges committee, “It is a serious matter when a Muslim leader is associated with the Zionist,” he was quoted as saying.
But in all fairness, keeping true to its self-professed ability to “build reputation”, Najib cannot complain that Apco Worldwide has failed to deliver. The latest saga shows it has indeed delivered its promise of building a reputation for its client – this time for both Najib and the BN government.

Yes, it is better to go ahead and probe Anwar further then he can provide more proofs of APCO’s involvemient in M’sian politics and how to regain credibility they waste funds of rm 20m.
If you get a man of Anwar’s intelligence and experience he will be able to manage the country’s direction properly without having to resort to expensive consultations irregardless whether of Isreal or non-Israel origin.
Apco or not it just show the leaders today ” mou-liu-toh” ie. got no substance.
When you said “it is serious to associate a Muslim leader with a Zionist, you have just shot your UMNO regime’s and your boss foot! As I have said before, your actions are always equivalent to “seppuku” or, driving nails into your own BN regime’s coffin.
Please walk the talk, suspend Anwar if you dare. . ., and he will be more popular domestically and internationally. The more you lynch him the more you made him a martyr.
And Nazri, Malaysians from all walk of life are enjoying yours, Khairy’s and Zaharin’s stupid antics, we are rejoicing each day as people like the whole lot of you in UMNO keep digging deeper and deeper in your own graves. In the next GE, we will bury the holes you have dug yourselves with all your UMNO regime thieves in it! By than, even the APCO Zionist can’t do anything to bail your regime’s out!
Keep it up Nazri. . ., keep on the “Seppuku” tradition continuously while we the people are rejoicing with your stupidity!A dog’s sexual intercourse is reputed to take the longest using a Rolex timer. Ibrahim Alibaba is on that copulative sojourn. Im waiting for him to bark at the gates of the PM’s office!! He sure is not attached with such balls!! He is a she-man when it comes to the truth!!Always remember 2 prominent things in Malaysia. We have the biggest political and religious hypocrites in this country. These are established facts and proven by the words, conduct and deeds among the biggest politicians and pious believers of their faith.”The latest saga shows it has indeed delivered its promise of building a reputation for its client – this time for both Najib and the BN government. ‘- interesting, what reputation is the writer talking about?? !Malaysia is only a slogan the UMNOputras are making shadow play with, no concrete action of substance has manifested!Nazri,the Parliament does not belong to your father. You have no absolute right over it. Today you are there, the next day you may be out. helping the UMNOputras live up to its reputation