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Politics : Sioux Nation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (240567)	8/8/2013 1:05:42 AM
From: SiouxPal	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 363540

Russia Silencing Journalists, Activists Before Olympic Games, Human Rights Watch Claims Aug 08, 2013 Local authorities in Russia have allegedly harassed activists and journalists critical of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims. The human rights organization stated in a report that, beginning in 2008, it has documented efforts by the government to intimidate those speaking out on, among other things, the effects of Olympic venue construction on the environment and locals' health. The group also claims to have documented the harassment and pursuance of criminal charges against journalists. “Activists across Russia who expose abuses are under unprecedented pressure, and Sochi is no exception,” HRW's associate Europe and Central Asia director Jane Buchanan said. Despite the claims, Russian media group RIA Novosti says officials "have insisted that the Sochi Olympics are being prepared with scrupulous adherence to all international norms and have rejected criticism from HRW in the past." In April, Putin spoke out after a different HRW reportwas published, defending his government's position on freedom of speech. He argued then, " No one puts anyone in prison for political reasons, for their political views. They get punished for violating the law. Everybody should observe the law." HRW reports that while some peaceful protests have been permitted by police in Sochi, two non-governmental organizations documenting Olympic preparation abuses "were subject to intrusive government inspections, including at least one organization that had its email accounts examined." The organization claims that journalists "have faced threats and harassment after publicizing violations or concerns about the Olympics or other issues of concern in Sochi. Criminal charges are being brought against at least two journalists and the general director of a newspaper, apparently in retaliation for their work." “If the [International Olympic Committee] is committed to these issues, it should ask the Russian authorities to immediately stop harassing activists, organizations and journalists, and investigate allegations of abuse,” Buchanan demanded. The IOC came under scrutiny recently in a New York Times article for Olympic officials putting "themselves and athletes in an awkward position by only tepidly opposing the Russian law that bans 'homosexual propaganda.'" Russia's anti-gay legislation is one of multiple criticisms facing the nation ahead of the Sochi Games. As The Guardian points out, some U.S. politicians have called for a boycott over Russia granting asylum to NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. On Wednesday, President Barack Obama canceled a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in part due to differences over human rights issues. Read the full report from the HRC here.

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (240567)	8/8/2013 1:38:24 AM
From: koan	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 363540

As Chris Mathews says: "I make my living doing this stuff." There was never any problem with Fanny and Freddie. It was the no doc loans and fraud conducted by banks (CDO's) and rating agencies stamping junk triple A. The bundles could nto be quantified and therefore collateralized. Plus people pay big for mortgage insurance and most with decent credit scores pay their loans. 5% down and 30 year fixed rate loans is critical to a healthy housing market for the middle class. Ironically, since Obama has gotten in it has been much more expensive and harder to get a house, because the banks are using "safety" as an excuse to gouge people. Fannie and Freddy are essential. Banks will never make 30 year fixed rate loans. Too risky, but it is exactly what people need. And even 5% is hard for most who really need FHA 3.5 %. But th ePMI is so expensive now people cannot use it without getting gouged. Every where I look it seems I see insanity. It overwhelms me. Without affordable financing for the middle class the plutocrats will drain our blood. It is going on in our town right now because our city is so fucked up by the plutocrats controlling the assembly. Rents are so high it is unbelievable and are going to keep rising as we cannot solve our housing problem. if people had to put 20% down with a variable rate of 8% half the city would be living under the bridges.