A little background. The UN Human Rights Commission, in it's entire history, has never condemned any nation other than Israel. Darfur, Chechnya, Bosnia, etc, have all gone uncommented on.
In fact, the Commission met last fall in special session, while thousand were dying all over the world specifically to condemn Israel.
As is pointed out in the speech below, more Palestinians have been killed in the internecine "war" going on between Hamas and Fatah, than by Israel during the period when bombs continue to fall on Israeli cities.
So, what is quoted below is a speech given by Hillel Neuer, the Executive Director of United Nations Watch to that same body late last week.
Adult FriendFinder will zap the link, but if you go to UNWATCH dot org you can see the video of the speech. It is also available at Youtube if you use the name above to search.
Mr. President,
Six decades ago, in the aftermath of the Nazi horrors, Eleanor Roosevelt, Réné Cassin and other eminent figures gathered here, on the banks of Lake Geneva, to reaffirm the principle of human dignity. They created the Commission on Human Rights. Today, we ask: What has become of their noble dream?
In this session we see the answer. Faced with compelling reports from around the world of torture, persecution, and violence against women, what has the Council pronounced, and what has it decided?
Nothing. Its response has been silence. Its response has been indifference. Its response has been criminal.
One might say, in Harry Truman’s words, that this has become a Do-Nothing, Good-for-Nothing Council.
But that would be inaccurate. This Council has, after all, done something.
It has enacted one resolution after another condemning one single state: Israel. In eight pronouncements—and there will be three more this session—Hamas and Hezbollah have been granted impunity. The entire rest of the world—millions upon millions of victims, in 191 countries—continue to go ignored.
So yes, this Council is doing something. And the Middle East dictators who orchestrate this campaign will tell you it is a very good thing. That they seek to protect human rights, Palestinian rights.
So too, the racist murderers and rapists of Darfur women tell us they care about the rights of Palestinian women; the occupiers of Tibet care about the occupied; and the butchers of Muslims in Chechnya care about Muslims.
But do these self-proclaimed defenders truly care about Palestinian rights?
Let us consider the past few months. More than 130 Palestinians were killed by Palestinian forces. This is three times the combined total that were the pretext for calling special sessions in July and November. Yet the champions of Palestinian rights—Ahmadinejad, Assad, Khaddafi, John Dugard—they say nothing. Little 3-year-old boy Salam Balousha and his two brothers were murdered in their car by Prime Minister Haniyeh’s troops. Why has this Council chosen silence?
Because Israel could not be blamed. Because, in truth, the dictators who run this Council couldn’t care less about Palestinians, or about any human rights.
They seek to demonize Israeli democracy, to delegitimize the Jewish state, to scapegoat the Jewish people. They also seek something else: to distort and pervert the very language and idea of human rights.
You ask: What has become of the founders’ dream? With terrible lies and moral inversion, it is being turned into a nightmare.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Lost in the shuffle: Anna Nicole and HgH
I think most of you have by now heard about the autopsy of Anna Nicole Smith (Vicky Lynn Marshall) and her death being ascribed to an accidental overdose, principally from two central nervous system depressants, her anti anxiety medication and her sleeping medication.
What is getting glossed over, b/c for whatever reason no one wants to bring charges, is the fact that the medical examiner described her fever as resulting probably from her injecting herself in her buttocks.
Interestingly one of the 8 drugs found in her system was growth hormone, in this case I believe somatatrope.
As I mentioned in my earlier post about Sly Stallone, HgH is the new "wonder drug" being used all over Hollywood and of course with thousands of people seeking the fountain of youth.
While it's benefits are many, it can also be quite dangerous if abused. Principally as a cancer agent, and in unusual growth of various body tissues.
It is not easily, legally prescribed, but the FDA is simply too swamped to pursue the "life extension" physicians who are prescribing this all over the country.
What is getting glossed over, b/c for whatever reason no one wants to bring charges, is the fact that the medical examiner described her fever as resulting probably from her injecting herself in her buttocks.
Interestingly one of the 8 drugs found in her system was growth hormone, in this case I believe somatatrope.
As I mentioned in my earlier post about Sly Stallone, HgH is the new "wonder drug" being used all over Hollywood and of course with thousands of people seeking the fountain of youth.
While it's benefits are many, it can also be quite dangerous if abused. Principally as a cancer agent, and in unusual growth of various body tissues.
It is not easily, legally prescribed, but the FDA is simply too swamped to pursue the "life extension" physicians who are prescribing this all over the country.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Shatt el Arab Waterway
This weekend approximately 15 British Marines and naval seamen were kidnapped by Iranian Revolutionary guard forces while engaged in drug smuggling interdiction in the Shatt el Arab waterway, the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
This is far from the first time that British (and American) troops have been abducted by the Iranians.
Most of the past incidents have occurred in the desert regions of the borders between Iran and Iraq in areas that could possibly be confused.
The significance of this recent episode though, is that the Iran Iraq war of the 80's was fought largely over the Shatt el Arab waterway, the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Control of this passage dictates control of the oil into and out of the region.
It may well be that the Iranians are testing the waters, so to speak, to see if they will be able to control this vital link to the region once the British and Americans are gone.
Keep your eyes open for more on this.
This is far from the first time that British (and American) troops have been abducted by the Iranians.
Most of the past incidents have occurred in the desert regions of the borders between Iran and Iraq in areas that could possibly be confused.
The significance of this recent episode though, is that the Iran Iraq war of the 80's was fought largely over the Shatt el Arab waterway, the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Control of this passage dictates control of the oil into and out of the region.
It may well be that the Iranians are testing the waters, so to speak, to see if they will be able to control this vital link to the region once the British and Americans are gone.
Keep your eyes open for more on this.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
GOOD NEWS!!! $300 for every man, woman and child!!!
Wait, you didn't think it was for YOU did you? Or anybody else in the United States, Europe or even the sites of horrible tragedies such as Somalia, Chad, Ethiopia?
No, it is to every man, woman and child that the UN considers to be in the "Palestinian Territories."
Yes, those cries that you hear coming from Gaza and the West Bank must be getting you confused.
The US and the European Union are boycotting Hamas, correct?
Well, that is easy to get around, just reclassify the aid as humanitarian, rather than military, or governmental.
So, the net effect is that the Palestinians received more than $1.2 BILLION in foreign aid last year. UP $200 Million dollars from the previous year.
That includes increases from the US, the European Union and the IMF.
What about other Arab nations? Well, not so fast. That would make too much sense.
I will simply let the New York Times, that bastion of Israel bashing tell the story.
Interesting to note that the Palestinins own finance minister, Salam Fayyad, estimates the aid as much more than that, perhaps by $100 to $200 Million. Even more, he guestimates that direct aid to the Authority was in the neighborhood of $850 million, more than DOUBLE what it had received in the two previous years.
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: March 21, 2007
[I][COLOR red]JERUSALEM, March 20 — Despite the international embargo on aid to the Palestinian Authority since Hamas came to power a year ago, significantly more aid was delivered to the Palestinians in 2006 than in 2005, according to official figures from the United Nations, United States, European Union and International Monetary Fund.
Finance Minister Salam Fayyad estimates that the Palestinian Authority received more than twice the amount of budget support in 2006 than in 2005.
Instead of going to the Palestinian Authority, much of the money was given directly to individuals or through independent agencies like the World Food Program.
The International Monetary Fund and the United Nations say the Palestinians received $1.2 billion in aid and budgetary support in 2006, about $300 per capita, compared with $1 billion in 2005.
While the United States and the European Union have led the boycott, they, too, provided more aid to the Palestinians in 2006 than 2005. Washington increased its aid to $468 million in 2006, from $400 million in 2005.
The European Union and its member states alone are subsidizing one million people in the West Bank and Gaza, a quarter of the population, as part of their effort to avoid creating a catastrophe from the embargo.
Asked if the European Union could spend any more money on the Palestinians if it recognized the new Palestinian government than it does now, a senior European diplomat laughed and said, “We’d probably spend less.”
One side effect of the redirected aid, some officials said, is that while starvation has been avoided, institutions are withering and a culture of dependence is expanding.
In 2007, the United Nations began a humanitarian appeal for the Palestinians of more than $450 million, twice the 2006 appeal, the third largest United Nations request, after Sudan and Congo, ahead of 18 other disasters.
“These numbers are quite stunning,” said Alexander Costy, head of coordination for Álvaro de Soto, the United Nations special Middle East envoy, “given the relatively small size of the population of the Palestinian territory.”
He added: “What we do know for sure is that Palestinians, and their economy and society, are becoming increasingly dependent on humanitarian handouts, and this dependency is growing fast. For a state in the making, I think this was a step backwards in 2006 and a cause for alarm.”
The International Monetary Fund and the United Nations estimate that direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority in 2006 was about $740 million, more than double the $350 million in 2004 and 2005.
But Salam Fayyad, the finance minister in the new Palestinian unity government, thinks the Palestinians received at least 250 percent more than that in direct support when cash from Iran and Arab nations is counted, as well as the amount smuggled in by Hamas officials after trips abroad.
“I say the minimum for direct budgetary support was $880 million in 2006 compared to about $350 million the year before,” Mr. Fayyad said. He estimates total aid in 2006 was closer to $1.35 billion.
The United States, Europe and Israel imposed their boycott because Hamas supports terrorism and refuses to recognize Israel, renounce violence or honor existing Palestinian-Israeli agreements. The unstated aim has been to build enough disaffection among Palestinians that they would drive Hamas from power and replace it with Fatah.
Mr. Fayyad, who is from Fatah, says the international embargo should be lifted for the new unity government that includes non-Hamas ministers like him, because much of the money coming in cannot be traced and some is surely being stolen or misappropriated.
Mr. Fayyad, a former official with the International Monetary Fund, is considered to be credible by the United States and the European Union. He met Tuesday with the American consul here, Jacob Walles.
The larger amounts of aid Western countries poured into the Palestinian territories in recent months were aimed at making up for the inability of the Palestinian Authority to pay salaries. To a large degree, beginning in the summer of 2006, the European Union and Arab countries paid the salaries instead.
By the last quarter of 2006, full salaries were again being paid to Palestinian Authority employees, who, over the year, received about 55 percent of their salaries.
Those salaries were paid despite Israel’s decision — beginning in March 2006, when Hamas took office — to withhold from the Palestinian Authority some $50 million a month it collects for the Palestinians in duties and taxes, after it deducts the cost of electricity and water that it supplies to the West Bank and Gaza.
While Israel recently handed over $100 million of the sum as a humanitarian gesture to the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, Israeli officials say that as of today, they are holding back $475 million in money belonging to the Palestinians, a big hole in the normal Palestinian budget.
European and American officials also cited the difficulties in Gaza caused by Israeli security restrictions on Palestinian imports and exports as another reason for the increased aid. Their contributions were to United Nations agencies that deal with the Palestinians, like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the World Food Program and various health agencies, to nongovernmental agencies and, in the case of the European Union, large cash payments directly to employees of the Palestinian Authority.
The United States provides more money to the United Nations refugee agency than any other country. Congress authorized $400 million in aid to the Palestinians in fiscal year 2005, including its aid to United Nations agencies, said Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, a spokeswoman for the American Consulate in Jerusalem which deals with the Palestinians. In fiscal year 2006, she said, $468 million was authorized.
The European Union, moved by the plight of Palestinians, set up a mechanism to pay partial salaries directly to nonsecurity employees of the Palestinian Authority and to help pay fuel bills, either to Israeli fuel companies or through the office of Mr. Abbas of Fatah.
In 2005, according to Emma Udwin, spokeswoman for the European Commission, the European Union and its individual states contributed about $711 million to the Palestinians, not including contributions through United Nations agencies.
In 2006, Ms. Udwin said, the European Union and its states spent $916 million on the Palestinians, not including United Nations contributions.
The amount of aid has increased, but the structure of the aid has changed: aid that had gone to economic development has been diverted to simply keeping people fed and sheltered. In 2005, 16 percent of European aid was classified as humanitarian; in 2006, 56 percent was.
The point, Ms. Udwin said, was to isolate the Hamas-run authority, “but not to punish individual Palestinians.”
But rather than pressuring Hamas, the European aid is now paying 77,000 Palestinian households, or 88 percent of the salaried nonsecurity personnel of the Palestinian Authority, a subsidy to nearly 470,000 people, plus another 73,000 low-income households who are considered to have special needs.
Arab countries provided an estimated $400 million in 2006, the International Monetary Fund says.
Despite all the aid, the economy, hampered by security restrictions put on Palestinian travel and exports and fierce Palestinian infighting between Hamas and Fatah, continued to show signs of collapse. The Palestinian gross domestic product dropped by 6.6 percent in 2006, poverty rose by 30 percent and unemployment was over 30 percent. The proportion of those who would be unable to feed themselves without aid reached 49 percent of Gaza’s population, and internal violence among Palestinians caused ten times the number of deaths and injuries as in 2005.
Since 1999, before the second intifada caused Israel, in the name of protecting its citizens, to reinvade the West Bank and set up various security restrictions, the Palestinian gross domestic product per capita has dropped 40 percent in real terms, according to the International Monetary Fund — a severe depression. So even external aid of $1.2 billion or more doesn’t offset the loss of what would have been another $2 billion in Palestinian Authority income.
In general, the Palestinians take in about $15 million to $20 million in taxes a month, Mr. Fayyad said, plus the $50 million or so from Israel. But the budget now is at least $170 million to $175 million a month, with a bill for wages and pensions alone of $115 million a month.
The Palestinian Authority’s self-generated income, including the amount Israel collects but is not now delivering, is only about 60 percent of the monthly wage bill alone, and only about 40 percent of the monthly budget. So the Authority needs between $1.2 and $1.3 billion in foreign aid every year now just to break even — about what Palestinians, if not the Authority itself, got in 2006.
Numerous aid officials think that the current aid structure for the Palestinians is highly inefficient and undesirable since it is not going to development or training but is simply being consumed by one of the most aid-dependent populations in the world.
A United Nations official who asked for anonymity in order to speak frankly, said “aid is going down the sink hole,” keeping people alive rather than creating jobs or helping them to create economic opportunities.
Álvaro de Soto, the United Nations special envoy, says that because so much aid has been redirected to humanitarian purposes, development aid has dried up. “And by not engaging with government bodies that actually run Palestinian affairs, the international community has undercut its ability to promote the reform goals it advocates, to ensure that the Palestinian administration runs efficiently,” he said in an interview.
“There is a real fear that Palestinian institutions that the international donor community has toiled to build and beef up over the years are being gradually undone,” he said. “This has grave political consequences, since these institutions are meant to be the foundation on which, one day, a Palestinian state will be built.”[/COLOR][/I]
No, it is to every man, woman and child that the UN considers to be in the "Palestinian Territories."
Yes, those cries that you hear coming from Gaza and the West Bank must be getting you confused.
The US and the European Union are boycotting Hamas, correct?
Well, that is easy to get around, just reclassify the aid as humanitarian, rather than military, or governmental.
So, the net effect is that the Palestinians received more than $1.2 BILLION in foreign aid last year. UP $200 Million dollars from the previous year.
That includes increases from the US, the European Union and the IMF.
What about other Arab nations? Well, not so fast. That would make too much sense.
I will simply let the New York Times, that bastion of Israel bashing tell the story.
Interesting to note that the Palestinins own finance minister, Salam Fayyad, estimates the aid as much more than that, perhaps by $100 to $200 Million. Even more, he guestimates that direct aid to the Authority was in the neighborhood of $850 million, more than DOUBLE what it had received in the two previous years.
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Published: March 21, 2007
[I][COLOR red]JERUSALEM, March 20 — Despite the international embargo on aid to the Palestinian Authority since Hamas came to power a year ago, significantly more aid was delivered to the Palestinians in 2006 than in 2005, according to official figures from the United Nations, United States, European Union and International Monetary Fund.
Finance Minister Salam Fayyad estimates that the Palestinian Authority received more than twice the amount of budget support in 2006 than in 2005.
Instead of going to the Palestinian Authority, much of the money was given directly to individuals or through independent agencies like the World Food Program.
The International Monetary Fund and the United Nations say the Palestinians received $1.2 billion in aid and budgetary support in 2006, about $300 per capita, compared with $1 billion in 2005.
While the United States and the European Union have led the boycott, they, too, provided more aid to the Palestinians in 2006 than 2005. Washington increased its aid to $468 million in 2006, from $400 million in 2005.
The European Union and its member states alone are subsidizing one million people in the West Bank and Gaza, a quarter of the population, as part of their effort to avoid creating a catastrophe from the embargo.
Asked if the European Union could spend any more money on the Palestinians if it recognized the new Palestinian government than it does now, a senior European diplomat laughed and said, “We’d probably spend less.”
One side effect of the redirected aid, some officials said, is that while starvation has been avoided, institutions are withering and a culture of dependence is expanding.
In 2007, the United Nations began a humanitarian appeal for the Palestinians of more than $450 million, twice the 2006 appeal, the third largest United Nations request, after Sudan and Congo, ahead of 18 other disasters.
“These numbers are quite stunning,” said Alexander Costy, head of coordination for Álvaro de Soto, the United Nations special Middle East envoy, “given the relatively small size of the population of the Palestinian territory.”
He added: “What we do know for sure is that Palestinians, and their economy and society, are becoming increasingly dependent on humanitarian handouts, and this dependency is growing fast. For a state in the making, I think this was a step backwards in 2006 and a cause for alarm.”
The International Monetary Fund and the United Nations estimate that direct budgetary support to the Palestinian Authority in 2006 was about $740 million, more than double the $350 million in 2004 and 2005.
But Salam Fayyad, the finance minister in the new Palestinian unity government, thinks the Palestinians received at least 250 percent more than that in direct support when cash from Iran and Arab nations is counted, as well as the amount smuggled in by Hamas officials after trips abroad.
“I say the minimum for direct budgetary support was $880 million in 2006 compared to about $350 million the year before,” Mr. Fayyad said. He estimates total aid in 2006 was closer to $1.35 billion.
The United States, Europe and Israel imposed their boycott because Hamas supports terrorism and refuses to recognize Israel, renounce violence or honor existing Palestinian-Israeli agreements. The unstated aim has been to build enough disaffection among Palestinians that they would drive Hamas from power and replace it with Fatah.
Mr. Fayyad, who is from Fatah, says the international embargo should be lifted for the new unity government that includes non-Hamas ministers like him, because much of the money coming in cannot be traced and some is surely being stolen or misappropriated.
Mr. Fayyad, a former official with the International Monetary Fund, is considered to be credible by the United States and the European Union. He met Tuesday with the American consul here, Jacob Walles.
The larger amounts of aid Western countries poured into the Palestinian territories in recent months were aimed at making up for the inability of the Palestinian Authority to pay salaries. To a large degree, beginning in the summer of 2006, the European Union and Arab countries paid the salaries instead.
By the last quarter of 2006, full salaries were again being paid to Palestinian Authority employees, who, over the year, received about 55 percent of their salaries.
Those salaries were paid despite Israel’s decision — beginning in March 2006, when Hamas took office — to withhold from the Palestinian Authority some $50 million a month it collects for the Palestinians in duties and taxes, after it deducts the cost of electricity and water that it supplies to the West Bank and Gaza.
While Israel recently handed over $100 million of the sum as a humanitarian gesture to the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas of Fatah, Israeli officials say that as of today, they are holding back $475 million in money belonging to the Palestinians, a big hole in the normal Palestinian budget.
European and American officials also cited the difficulties in Gaza caused by Israeli security restrictions on Palestinian imports and exports as another reason for the increased aid. Their contributions were to United Nations agencies that deal with the Palestinians, like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the World Food Program and various health agencies, to nongovernmental agencies and, in the case of the European Union, large cash payments directly to employees of the Palestinian Authority.
The United States provides more money to the United Nations refugee agency than any other country. Congress authorized $400 million in aid to the Palestinians in fiscal year 2005, including its aid to United Nations agencies, said Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, a spokeswoman for the American Consulate in Jerusalem which deals with the Palestinians. In fiscal year 2006, she said, $468 million was authorized.
The European Union, moved by the plight of Palestinians, set up a mechanism to pay partial salaries directly to nonsecurity employees of the Palestinian Authority and to help pay fuel bills, either to Israeli fuel companies or through the office of Mr. Abbas of Fatah.
In 2005, according to Emma Udwin, spokeswoman for the European Commission, the European Union and its individual states contributed about $711 million to the Palestinians, not including contributions through United Nations agencies.
In 2006, Ms. Udwin said, the European Union and its states spent $916 million on the Palestinians, not including United Nations contributions.
The amount of aid has increased, but the structure of the aid has changed: aid that had gone to economic development has been diverted to simply keeping people fed and sheltered. In 2005, 16 percent of European aid was classified as humanitarian; in 2006, 56 percent was.
The point, Ms. Udwin said, was to isolate the Hamas-run authority, “but not to punish individual Palestinians.”
But rather than pressuring Hamas, the European aid is now paying 77,000 Palestinian households, or 88 percent of the salaried nonsecurity personnel of the Palestinian Authority, a subsidy to nearly 470,000 people, plus another 73,000 low-income households who are considered to have special needs.
Arab countries provided an estimated $400 million in 2006, the International Monetary Fund says.
Despite all the aid, the economy, hampered by security restrictions put on Palestinian travel and exports and fierce Palestinian infighting between Hamas and Fatah, continued to show signs of collapse. The Palestinian gross domestic product dropped by 6.6 percent in 2006, poverty rose by 30 percent and unemployment was over 30 percent. The proportion of those who would be unable to feed themselves without aid reached 49 percent of Gaza’s population, and internal violence among Palestinians caused ten times the number of deaths and injuries as in 2005.
Since 1999, before the second intifada caused Israel, in the name of protecting its citizens, to reinvade the West Bank and set up various security restrictions, the Palestinian gross domestic product per capita has dropped 40 percent in real terms, according to the International Monetary Fund — a severe depression. So even external aid of $1.2 billion or more doesn’t offset the loss of what would have been another $2 billion in Palestinian Authority income.
In general, the Palestinians take in about $15 million to $20 million in taxes a month, Mr. Fayyad said, plus the $50 million or so from Israel. But the budget now is at least $170 million to $175 million a month, with a bill for wages and pensions alone of $115 million a month.
The Palestinian Authority’s self-generated income, including the amount Israel collects but is not now delivering, is only about 60 percent of the monthly wage bill alone, and only about 40 percent of the monthly budget. So the Authority needs between $1.2 and $1.3 billion in foreign aid every year now just to break even — about what Palestinians, if not the Authority itself, got in 2006.
Numerous aid officials think that the current aid structure for the Palestinians is highly inefficient and undesirable since it is not going to development or training but is simply being consumed by one of the most aid-dependent populations in the world.
A United Nations official who asked for anonymity in order to speak frankly, said “aid is going down the sink hole,” keeping people alive rather than creating jobs or helping them to create economic opportunities.
Álvaro de Soto, the United Nations special envoy, says that because so much aid has been redirected to humanitarian purposes, development aid has dried up. “And by not engaging with government bodies that actually run Palestinian affairs, the international community has undercut its ability to promote the reform goals it advocates, to ensure that the Palestinian administration runs efficiently,” he said in an interview.
“There is a real fear that Palestinian institutions that the international donor community has toiled to build and beef up over the years are being gradually undone,” he said. “This has grave political consequences, since these institutions are meant to be the foundation on which, one day, a Palestinian state will be built.”[/COLOR][/I]
Thursday, March 15, 2007
HgH, Sly Stallone and me: An update to "A Brief History of Steroids...", Part 5
For those who have not heard, Sly Stallone last week was caught in customs carrying 68!!!, yes 68, vials of human growth hormone (I believe somatotropin but that is a brand name and does not matter).
I have known people from my days in the fitness industry who worked with him and knew of his cosmetic surgeries and steroid use over the years and had always assumed he used Growth Hormone as well, but this was a rather egregious amount.
This post is not to condemn Sly, however. As you may have picked up in the earlier posts on this subject, I really don't take issue with Performing Enhancing Drugs. They are largely just hormonal manipulation, no different than birth control or fertility drugs, or other efforts at changing our hormonal makeup for some perceived or actual benefit.
I am doing this update because of the INCREDIBLE explosion in the use of HgH. Living here in NY, second only to LA as a land of Plastic Surgery, Botox, etc. virtually every middle aged woman I know has either tried Hgh or inquired about it.
What the problem is, is quite simple. It was not designed as cosmetic drug, but rather it's initial applications were in treatments of dwarfism and other pituitary malfunctions.
To give you an example of what can happen when you have unchecked amounts of Hgh in your body, think of Andre the Giant, the wrestler, or Georgie Mhuresan the former 7'7" NBA center.
They both suffered from a somewhat common condition (relative to other "bizarre" abnormalities). They each had tumors on their pituitary gland which caused a continual release of Growth Hormone. It eventually killed ANdre which is what happens when the condition is untreated.
What Hgh does, is cause the increase of cells, ALL cells. That is why abusers of it in the athletic sphere will develop cro magnon like protuberances on their facial features, or one foot larger than the other.
Most obvious is when you look at a national level bodybuilder, 100% OF whom use Hgh. They all posses what is impossible levels of body fat. Ripped abs that you and I could never achieve (unless of course we also Partook of the various performing enhancing cocktails) and yet when the turn sideways, it looks as if they have POTBELLIES. Why, because their organs have grown and are pushing out!!!!
Worse, if you see them in the winter, they are all wearing shorts and tank tops, and no, it is not to show off their physiques. It is because Hgh raises your metabolism to such levels that they are always hot.
That is why, we regularly hear of football players dying from heat exhaustion, supposedly unexplained, in summer training camp. Remember Corey Stringer of the Vikings 3 years ago? They tested for ephedrine, but never mentioned his obvious growth hormone usage.
So, if you are tempted to try it, and it is something of a wonder drug, beautiful skin, low bodyfat, extreme muscularity, BE CAREFUL and keep in touch with your physician!!!
I have known people from my days in the fitness industry who worked with him and knew of his cosmetic surgeries and steroid use over the years and had always assumed he used Growth Hormone as well, but this was a rather egregious amount.
This post is not to condemn Sly, however. As you may have picked up in the earlier posts on this subject, I really don't take issue with Performing Enhancing Drugs. They are largely just hormonal manipulation, no different than birth control or fertility drugs, or other efforts at changing our hormonal makeup for some perceived or actual benefit.
I am doing this update because of the INCREDIBLE explosion in the use of HgH. Living here in NY, second only to LA as a land of Plastic Surgery, Botox, etc. virtually every middle aged woman I know has either tried Hgh or inquired about it.
What the problem is, is quite simple. It was not designed as cosmetic drug, but rather it's initial applications were in treatments of dwarfism and other pituitary malfunctions.
To give you an example of what can happen when you have unchecked amounts of Hgh in your body, think of Andre the Giant, the wrestler, or Georgie Mhuresan the former 7'7" NBA center.
They both suffered from a somewhat common condition (relative to other "bizarre" abnormalities). They each had tumors on their pituitary gland which caused a continual release of Growth Hormone. It eventually killed ANdre which is what happens when the condition is untreated.
What Hgh does, is cause the increase of cells, ALL cells. That is why abusers of it in the athletic sphere will develop cro magnon like protuberances on their facial features, or one foot larger than the other.
Most obvious is when you look at a national level bodybuilder, 100% OF whom use Hgh. They all posses what is impossible levels of body fat. Ripped abs that you and I could never achieve (unless of course we also Partook of the various performing enhancing cocktails) and yet when the turn sideways, it looks as if they have POTBELLIES. Why, because their organs have grown and are pushing out!!!!
Worse, if you see them in the winter, they are all wearing shorts and tank tops, and no, it is not to show off their physiques. It is because Hgh raises your metabolism to such levels that they are always hot.
That is why, we regularly hear of football players dying from heat exhaustion, supposedly unexplained, in summer training camp. Remember Corey Stringer of the Vikings 3 years ago? They tested for ephedrine, but never mentioned his obvious growth hormone usage.
So, if you are tempted to try it, and it is something of a wonder drug, beautiful skin, low bodyfat, extreme muscularity, BE CAREFUL and keep in touch with your physician!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
"An Inconvenient Truth"
Like many Americans I watched with interest former Vice President Gore’s Academy Awards night. Also, like many Americans I am sure, I took the opportunity to watch the cable premier of “An Inconvenient Truth”. The documentary about the “climate crisis” that won the Academy Award for he and Lawrence Bender, better known as Quentin Tarentino’s producer (check his film credits on IMDB).
This post may seem a little fractured so bear with me. As with many things Gore, I am left with a mass of contradictory feelings.
First, let me start by saying unequivocally that I believe that we are in the middle of a significant climate shift here on earth. I am also convinced that much of it is caused by various forms of thermal reactions to our global pollutants and from greenhouse gases and emissions.
So, consequently, you can deduce that I am in favor of doing whatever we can to change this situation. In fact, as I have written before, I think it is necessary not just from a global human perspective, but from a US security perspective. Breaking our addiction to imported fossil based fuels is the easiest thing we can do to change the international terrorist dynamic.
So here is where my contradictory feelings come into play. Al Gore was (before Dick Cheney took that mantle) THE most powerful vice president this country had ever known. By all accounts, until he began running himself early in Bill Clinton’s second term, he had tremendous access and input. Yet, the Clinton administration did little or nothing to improve this country with regard to either energy independence or cleaner fuels. Sure they tighten up the regulations on burning coal, but they also allowed the explosion of SUV’s without reclassifying them as passenger vehicles so that they would have to be part of the overall fuel economy standards of the auto makers for passenger cars (Oh, you didn’t know SUV’s were considered light trucks so they don’t have to meet either safety or fuel standards!!??).
OK, that’s water under the bridge. He brings an important message. But here is the problem with the movie. I have been seeing EXACTLY the same thing on all of my favorite stations for ten years (TLC, the Discovery Channel, A&E, Science Channel, National Geographic, etc.). In fact, Tom Brokaw did a special just last year, right before the movie came out on the same subject.
The science, is as far as I know, little disputed (although more on that later). However, the film like everything with the Democrats these days is minus one conspicuous thing. ANSWERS.
I think, among most Americans, there is a general acceptance of the idea of “global warming” (the movie does not use that term but rather “climate crisis”). Yet nowhere in the film are there REAL discussions of the technologies that will help us. Is it ethanol from saw grass? Fuel Cells? Solar? Nuclear? Electric hybrid? This is where the discussion is and to be a LEADER that is what is needed.
But then, that is Al Gore’s problem now, and always. He never presented answers. Not when he ran for President and not now.
Let me state unequivocally that I DETEST Al Gore. For those who don’t know, and he did it again in t movie - He leapt into real national consciousness making a speech about his sister dying from lung cancer from smoking at the Democratic National Convention. At that time, he failed to mention that, besides his family being tobacco farmers, HE WAS THE SINGLE LARGEST RECIPIENT OF TOBACCO MONEY IN THE SENATE. I was so disgusted by this that I simply could not bear to listen to him.
Worse, rather than confront the failings of the Clinton administration, but recognize it’s successes and build on them, he SACRFICED the democratic party for 8 years by running away from Clinton during his campaign. He left the Democrats leaderless and defeated.
For anybody who has read me in the past, you probably have guessed that I am a Republican. Well, you would be wrong. I am an independent whose heart lies with the democrats. I became an Independent because the Democratic Party is so unbelievably clueless with regard to foreign policy and global politics. The current debate in Congress is a perfect example. They are simply saying, “We don’t know what to do, we just know we want to screw Bush”. That’s great. They get a unique opportunity form the American people and that is the best they can come up with.
Meanwhile, Bush is the only president to even raise the issue of energy independence and has spent the last week in South America talking to Brazil. Oh, by the way, did anyone take note of the fact that Brazil in energy independent largely through the use of saw grass based ethanol?
No, instead of focusing on this, the Democrats continue to play their blame game.
I think the reason I come down so hard on the democrats is that it is a little like arguing with family versus people you don’t know. When family or friends disagree with you, or you sense a failure to understand from them, you feel particularly disappointed and become emotional. With strangers there is simply disagreement without the emotional component. Because on most rights issues, I fundamentally feel a greater kinship to the Democratic Party, I find there dysfunction to be maddening.
So, to sum up. Watch the film, or simply watch the next documentary on one of those channels mentioned above. But also watch the documentaries, or read about the possible solutions. And let’s get started!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
The World Bank, the P.A. and finances.
During the later phases of "Oslo" and after the Taba meeting between the US, Israel and the Palestinians, what amounted to an edict was given to Arafat. Either straighten up your finances or the game that we play diplomatically will now finally be backed up by the cut off of funding.
Now, you have all heard about how the US and the European Union has stopped sending aid to the "Palestinian Authority". This is, as in most things financial, not really true. The "front door" aid has been stopped but the Palestinians have continued to receive millions in aid.
During the period mentioned above, Fayyad was selected to try and put into order the accounting of the PA. It took him almost ten years but slowly he was able to start the process of reigning in some of the financial corruption. Largely this resulted form Arafat's death, as most of the corruption had involved personal accounts Arafat had set up to channel money to himself and his family and friends.
This is why the article below from the London Telegraph is so disheartening.
Palestinian minister admits aid millions lost
By Josh Mitnick in Ramallah, Sunday Telegraph
11/03/2007
A former World Bank official who is about to become the Palestinian finance minister has warned foreign donors that he has no idea where much of their money has been spent.In the 14 months since Hamas won elections, Palestinian finances have descended into such chaos that there is now no way to confirm whether aid is going to its stated purpose, according to Salam Fayyad, 54, who is poised to start his second stint as treasury chief once the rival Hamas and Fatah factions finalise a "unity" government.An estimated £362.5 million has flowed into Palestinian government coffers from abroad since the election that brought Hamas to power and ushered in a period of internal conflict that came close to all-out civil war.The European Union alone provided £59.5 million last year and sent a far greater sum directly to hospitals, power generation projects and to families in need.Now, Palestinian Authority spending is out of control, salaries are being paid to workers who never turn up, and nobody can track where the money is going, according to Mr Fayyad.There was no way to be certain that aid was being used as intended, he admitted. "Please write this: no one can give donors that assurance. Why? Because the system is in a state of total disrepair."Five years ago, Mr Fayyad - who had worked at the US Federal Reserve Bank - was asked to create order out of Palestinian finances by the president at the time, Yasser Arafat. Now, he is confronting the fact that his accounting reforms have all unravelled, there is a ballooning wage bill, a yawning budget shortfall and an international financial boycott of Hamas.Mr Fayyad conceded that until he assumed office he could not be sure of the depth of the crisis or how to fix it. He expected it to take weeks to regain enough control over Palestinian funds to restore oversight over new donations. It would take several months to begin reining in the inflated salary bill.Hours earlier, the World Bank had published a 197-page report warning the Palestinians to control a wage bill that totals two thirds of all spending, and of a "dire'' budget deficit, estimated at £57 million per month.Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist and is widely viewed as a little more than a terrorist faction. Last year, a ban on funding it was enforced by the EU, the US, many Arab states and international banks.Ironically foreign aid to Palestinians increased, either carried across the border into Gaza in cash-stuffed briefcases by Hamas officials, or through a special financial channel to the office of President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the rival Fatah faction with whom the West is prepared to work.As a result, Mr Fayyad said, incoming funds have been widely dispersed with no central authority to monitor them. Some have gone to people who do not appear on the Palestinian budget ledger. "Where is the control?" asked Mr Fayyad. "It's gone. Where is all the transparency? It's gone."He said his first objective would be to make the finance ministry the sole conduit for incoming aid, and to reinstate proper audits. That meant no more financial back channels or border smuggling, he said. "It's not my intention to manage the Palestinian budget system through the brown bag." The Palestinian Authority's unchecked proliferation of government jobs - growing by 11 per cent a year - is another threat to its existence, the World Bank said. Mr Fayyad acknowledged that the problem of thousands of absentee employees was "serious", but said it would take up to five years to bring wages into line with income.He was reluctant to say how he would do that, perhaps understandably, given that unpaid security forces have a habit of barging into government offices with guns blazing, and that gunmen recently shot up the outside of his office.Now some of Mr Abbas's presidential guard is assigned to his premises - a stark reminder of the connection between restoring security and bringing finances under control. "This will be extremely difficult," he said. "It's virtually impossible."
Now, you have all heard about how the US and the European Union has stopped sending aid to the "Palestinian Authority". This is, as in most things financial, not really true. The "front door" aid has been stopped but the Palestinians have continued to receive millions in aid.
During the period mentioned above, Fayyad was selected to try and put into order the accounting of the PA. It took him almost ten years but slowly he was able to start the process of reigning in some of the financial corruption. Largely this resulted form Arafat's death, as most of the corruption had involved personal accounts Arafat had set up to channel money to himself and his family and friends.
This is why the article below from the London Telegraph is so disheartening.
Palestinian minister admits aid millions lost
By Josh Mitnick in Ramallah, Sunday Telegraph
11/03/2007
A former World Bank official who is about to become the Palestinian finance minister has warned foreign donors that he has no idea where much of their money has been spent.In the 14 months since Hamas won elections, Palestinian finances have descended into such chaos that there is now no way to confirm whether aid is going to its stated purpose, according to Salam Fayyad, 54, who is poised to start his second stint as treasury chief once the rival Hamas and Fatah factions finalise a "unity" government.An estimated £362.5 million has flowed into Palestinian government coffers from abroad since the election that brought Hamas to power and ushered in a period of internal conflict that came close to all-out civil war.The European Union alone provided £59.5 million last year and sent a far greater sum directly to hospitals, power generation projects and to families in need.Now, Palestinian Authority spending is out of control, salaries are being paid to workers who never turn up, and nobody can track where the money is going, according to Mr Fayyad.There was no way to be certain that aid was being used as intended, he admitted. "Please write this: no one can give donors that assurance. Why? Because the system is in a state of total disrepair."Five years ago, Mr Fayyad - who had worked at the US Federal Reserve Bank - was asked to create order out of Palestinian finances by the president at the time, Yasser Arafat. Now, he is confronting the fact that his accounting reforms have all unravelled, there is a ballooning wage bill, a yawning budget shortfall and an international financial boycott of Hamas.Mr Fayyad conceded that until he assumed office he could not be sure of the depth of the crisis or how to fix it. He expected it to take weeks to regain enough control over Palestinian funds to restore oversight over new donations. It would take several months to begin reining in the inflated salary bill.Hours earlier, the World Bank had published a 197-page report warning the Palestinians to control a wage bill that totals two thirds of all spending, and of a "dire'' budget deficit, estimated at £57 million per month.Hamas refuses to recognise Israel's right to exist and is widely viewed as a little more than a terrorist faction. Last year, a ban on funding it was enforced by the EU, the US, many Arab states and international banks.Ironically foreign aid to Palestinians increased, either carried across the border into Gaza in cash-stuffed briefcases by Hamas officials, or through a special financial channel to the office of President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the rival Fatah faction with whom the West is prepared to work.As a result, Mr Fayyad said, incoming funds have been widely dispersed with no central authority to monitor them. Some have gone to people who do not appear on the Palestinian budget ledger. "Where is the control?" asked Mr Fayyad. "It's gone. Where is all the transparency? It's gone."He said his first objective would be to make the finance ministry the sole conduit for incoming aid, and to reinstate proper audits. That meant no more financial back channels or border smuggling, he said. "It's not my intention to manage the Palestinian budget system through the brown bag." The Palestinian Authority's unchecked proliferation of government jobs - growing by 11 per cent a year - is another threat to its existence, the World Bank said. Mr Fayyad acknowledged that the problem of thousands of absentee employees was "serious", but said it would take up to five years to bring wages into line with income.He was reluctant to say how he would do that, perhaps understandably, given that unpaid security forces have a habit of barging into government offices with guns blazing, and that gunmen recently shot up the outside of his office.Now some of Mr Abbas's presidential guard is assigned to his premises - a stark reminder of the connection between restoring security and bringing finances under control. "This will be extremely difficult," he said. "It's virtually impossible."
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Saudi Justice
A story came across the wire services today that is a true indication of the difference between the West and Civil Law, and life under "Sharia".
A woman in Saudi Arabia was blackmailed into meeting a man alone. She was told that if she refused to meet him, her family would be told that they had been having a sexual relationship out of wedlock.
When she went to meet him and they got in his car, they were carjacked by a gang of six men.
The woman was repeatedly raped (reportedly 14 times) and beaten. Photographs of the grizzly scene were taken by her assailants.
Initially her attackers were charged with rape and the prosecutor had asked for death for the men, but the Saudi Justice Minister said without witnesses rape could not be proved.
Here is the incredible part. The woman has now been "convicted" of being alone with a man and sentenced to 90 lashes!!
Justice - Saudi style.
A woman in Saudi Arabia was blackmailed into meeting a man alone. She was told that if she refused to meet him, her family would be told that they had been having a sexual relationship out of wedlock.
When she went to meet him and they got in his car, they were carjacked by a gang of six men.
The woman was repeatedly raped (reportedly 14 times) and beaten. Photographs of the grizzly scene were taken by her assailants.
Initially her attackers were charged with rape and the prosecutor had asked for death for the men, but the Saudi Justice Minister said without witnesses rape could not be proved.
Here is the incredible part. The woman has now been "convicted" of being alone with a man and sentenced to 90 lashes!!
Justice - Saudi style.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Kudos to Michael Kinsley
For those who may not have seen it as a common thread throughout my writing, one of the things that is so disturbing to me about our political discourse in the last few decades has been the total loss of civility. It seems impossible to disagree with someone about a position without expressing absolute disdain for that person.
Republicans were guilty of this with Bill Clinton and the Democrats have now returned the favor with George Bush.
In the most recent issue of Time Magazine, Michael Kinsley has written a "viewpoint" article entitled "Support the Troops: Bring them home"
Kinsley is a left wing Democrat, founder of Slate Magazine and a longtime critic of Bush and the war, so his credentials to the "left" are well established.
What I find so refreshing in his piece is this quote taken from the middle:
"The cause actually was worthy in theory: to liberate a country from a dictator, perhaps to find and destroy some dangerous weapons and more recently to stop the chaos and slaughter that we have unbottled in Iraq. Some war critics don't want to give Bush this much credit. But none of the ulterior motives sometimes attributed to the President make any sense. His intentions were noble, however naive and pigheaded.(my emphasis) But the war was a horrible mistake. And as everyone comes to realize it was a mistake, continuing it becomes something much worse than a mistake".
This is how you disagree civilly and express your opinion while maintaining dialogue.
I don't understand people who would call the President a murderer, or worse. Do they actually think that he personally wanted to have American kids die there? It is so silly as to not be worth a legitimate conversation. Much as most of what was said about Bill Clinton were absurdities.
It happens to be my contention that there are three separate conflicts in Iraq (more on that in the next post). That we (the public at large) doesn't recognize this, and that the fight against Islamic Jihadism is THE battle of the 21st century and must start somewhere, but Kinsley has left the ability to have that conversation open. Rather than simply sticking his tongue out and saying "a**hole", he is engaged in constructive dialogue.
A lesson for us all.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
The Hall of Fame, McGwire, dick Pound and WADA: an update to: A brief history of Steroids...
The recent elections to the Baseball Hall of Fame holds a particular interest to me. As some know, I both played baseball and worked in both the major and minor leagues.
In addition, this past Sunday's New York TImes Magazine had a rather negative article about dick Pound, head of WADA (World AntiDoping Agency).
McGwire, as most know, not only did not get elected to the hall of fame, but did not come close. In fact he was closer to not qualifying to be back on the ballot next year than to being elected.
Let's examine the issue a little more closely.
McGwire really made his name in St. Louis. A very knowledgeable baseball town with a storied history (the gashouse gang, Stan the Man, etc). Second only to the Yankees in terms of championships won. At the same time however, they are know to be very forgiving of their heroes. Rather than boo under performers they will cheer in order to promote better performance.
McGwire became a media darling because of a confluence of circumstances. He came from Oakland, but when he had a chance to leave St. Louis he took less money to stay. A single dad, he wanted to be closer to his son. In fact, he made child abuse, his charity of choice and was vocal in his support of it.
In addition, in his chase of Roger Maris' record (a truly under appreciated player) he showed real class. He invited Maris' wife and kids to his games and he even broke down crying the night he broke the record as he touched Maris' bat. Who could help love the guy.
The press happily ignored the almost mythological changes in McGwire's body. He had always been a prolific homerun hitter, hitting 49 as a rookie but his output doubled in the second half of his career. What no one noticed was just how almost comically big he had become. This can really be seen the night he hit the 62nd homerun as he was swarmed by his team, he dwarfed even them.
Those of us that had even a basic knowledge of the "real" world of sports knew what was going on. It was so known that it was not eve discussed. As I have written before, everyone was on, so what was the big deal?
Of course, it was only later revealed, largely through the Bond's case, and McGwire's former teammate Jose Canseco - who wrote a tell all book - which is pretty good other than Jose taking credit himself for introducing steroids to baseball- They were widely used LONG before Canseco and McGwire--that McGwire, and Sammy Sosa who was chasing Maris' record with him, were "users".
Surprise, surprise. So, the hall of fame vote came to be seen as a ballot on steroid users.
What is fascinating to me, is that until AFTER McGwire failed to be elected his actual qualifications as an alltime great began to be discussed. He is quite simply, a nice, Dave Kingman. For those that don't know, Kingman was a well traveled homerun hitter of the '70's who many thought might break the season record.
For those that don't know, Kingman's career conveniently ended just before he hit his 500th homerun. He was blackballed because "baseball" simply did not want to deal with the issue of whether to elect someone who was a totally one dimensional player making the hall. 500 HR's is considered one of the "locks" to get in. 3000 hits, 300 wins, etc.
McGwire was not viewed this way because until his testimony, or lack thereof in baseball's Senate hearings, the press liked him, as did those in baseball, unlike Kingman who was considered a malcontent.
If you don't believe me about the HR totals of Kingman, simply look at McGwire's teammate Canseco. He mysteriously disappeared from baseball with a HR total amazingly similar to Kingman's. He was hated inside baseball, but he was truly an all around player and no one wanted to deal with the issue of electing him to the hall of fame.
In fact, Canseco was on this years ballot as well. But he received so few votes that he will not reappear on the ballot. (under 5% and you don't get on the ballot ever again). Canseco was unquestionably a more dangerous hitter than McGwire and early in his career could even play a little defense.
So, what I am saying is that this whole thing, like the steroid issue, is a SHAM. McGwire simply was not a good enough player to be elected.
What is hypocritical though, is the reason most gave, his failure to "come clean" in front of Congress. This was seen as a betrayal of his campaign for kids and destroyed his image. He was no longer a "good" guy, but a pariah.
Two points here. The first is that OVER 50% of the players that have tested positive for steroid use are PITCHERS. HMMM, I guess the writers, sportscasters and voters don't want to address that sticky issue.
The second is that next few years, Rafael Palmeiro will be eligible for the Hall. Palmeiro is one of only three players in the history of the game, I repeat, one of only 3 players in baseball history with 3000 hits, 500 home runs and 500 stolen bases. Now, granted, he was never the dominant hitter of his day, nor did he even win an MVP award, but these #'s alone would indicate a first ballot election.
The sticky part is that Palmeiro had the balls to wave his finger at Congress and swear he was clean. Of course, he was caught the next year failing a drug test. He then tried to blame it on a vitamin B12 shot from a teammate, Miguel Tejada (also a user, by look). Interestingly, Canseco had named Palmeiro in his book. Palmeiro made excuses etc and finally tried to say he had JUST started using them but that when he testified before Congress he was telling the truth. Of course, the threat of perjury had something to do with that "admission".
So, the question becomes, what are the voters going to do when Roger Clemons becomes eligible. Clemons -what do you mean? you ask. Well, look at Clemons in films from the 1986 World Series and look at him now. Amazing that a 43 year old continues to get bigger, throw harder, and be stronger than as a 25 year old.
So, quite simply, I am happy McGwire didn't make it, but saddened by the hypocritical reason.
Which leads to dick Pound.
dick Pound is one of the truly accomplished men of our time. An Olympic 100 meter swimmer, he is the last Canadian to make the finals. He is an accomplished Tax attorney, a partner in one of the most prestigious firms in Canada. He also is chancellor of McGill University, the Harvard of Canada. Just for good measure he has also published 6 books and been on the IOC for over 20 years.
So, the article in the Times basically accuses him of making things up. About Carl Lewis, Lance Armstrong etc. What they simply fail to see is that Pound, as head of WADA, knows better than any, how absurd the excuses given by caught athletes are, how rampant the drug use REALLY is, and and how ignorant the press remains. SO, to me, he demonstrates incredible restraint.
I actually wish he would come out and say, "come on Lance, you took EPO in order to recover from Chemo, we know you were on it, you know you were on it, just admit it." Or to Marion Jones "Marion, EVERY man you have relationship with has been banned for life, and not only didn't know, you weren't doing it - PLEASE!!!"
But to his credit, he goes about it in the best way he can.
I will leave you with another quote of his about Floyd Landis, and I invite you to go back and read about testing in the last installment.
In talking about Landis' epitestosterone to testosterone levels (remember "normal" is 1:1) Pound said "I mean, it was 11 to 1! You'd think he'd be violating every virgin within 100 miles. How does he even get on his bicycle?!"
You can see the frustration on Pound's that the press is even entertaining the idea that Landis may be innocent. In fact, these test results are SO absurd that I even entertained the idea that someone had poured pure testosterone into his urine sample. I have NEVER heard of a level that high!!
So, in summation, look at these athletes honestly. The press malarkey about an "even playing field" is crap. There is an even playing field. Every one is "on". And it will never stop.
A brief history of Steroids and performing ehnhancing drugs - Part 4: How the testing works .
So, now the question becomes, OK, if you believe that every athlete is using something - how come no one gets caught?
Well, here is how the testing works.
First, as you may have heard, testing is incredibly expensive. If expense were not an issue, many more would indeed be caught.
In addition, blood testing is obviously more effective than urinalysis. This has to do with the metabolizing of the various substances and the specificity with which the testers can seek the different products.
Specifically, there is no real urine test for Growth Hormone. Worse, since GH has begun to be used again by legitimate physicians their are more companies making it the new recombinant DNA technology is more difficult to discern from natural. However, since their is very rarely blood tests performed, Gh will never be "caught".
The tests that you hear about are urinalysis.
As discussed previously all anabolic steroids are artificial testosterone derivatives. We (humans) have another metabolite of testosterone in our systems known as epitestosterone.
Since it is impossible for the testers to look for the chemical makeup of every know steroid, what they look for is the ratio of epitestosterone to testosterone.
This is the critical part. The "average" human male has a ratio of 1:1 epitestosterone to testosterone. I repeat 1:1. So if your ratio is 2:1 it effectively means you have DOUBLE the amount of muscle building hormone.
So, the "rules" say you can't have a level over 1:1 right? 2:1 right? Oh come on 3:1!!!!
Wrong, current Olympic standards allow for a ratio of 4:1 testosterone to epitestosterone.
Even more ridiculous was that the NFL, until the pressure of the baseball Senate hearings, allowed a ratio of 6 to 1!!!
What this means is that effectively you can have 400% of the testosterone of a normal male before they then, and only then, began to look for what steroid might be responsible.
Now, are there the rare exceptions, "normal" men who might fall into that number. Yes, but statistical it would be somewhere in the ratio of one in a billion. I repeat, one in a billion.
So, you do the math. What this means is that if you get caught using steroids, you, are, quite simply, an idiot.
In addition, since the testing is very infrequent there is a fairly good chance you won't be tested at any particular moment in time, so you can take a chance and be "on" only to cycle down in time for the competition (in the NFL during training camp and randomly during the season).
10 years ago, that is why steroids were still rampant. But as Gh has become more commonly available, it has replaced steroids as the "baseline" product.
What of the other substances being used? Well, as we know, there is no effective test for EPO, the product that distance athletes use. You can't determine if the additional red blood cells are the result of medication or natural. There is a way to determine if the blood cells are yours or not, however. This is how Tyler Hamilton, the US cyclist was caught, blood doping.
Cycling has THE most effective testing protocols and discovered that there were red blood cells in Hamilton's body that were not his.
As to women. Do the math, the ratios they use in the testing protocols are the same. So a woman failing a steroid test has effectively become a high testosterone man.
Now you know why you never saw Flo-Jo without pancake makeup. And why she had a mustache.
Detecting it with women is truly simple. They develop what are known as the secondary \bsexo?\b characteristics of men. Deeper voices, facial hair, and enlarged clitoris' (yes, it's effectively becoming a penis).
So what of all the other crazy things athletes are using now? Insulin, insulin growth factor, pituitary hormones, etc. Well, none of them can be tested for, so it simply becomes more and more dangerous.
These are the reasons why, when you here an athlete claim, "I don't know how it got in my system", "It's from supplement/medicine/birth control pill, etc" you can see how ridiculous this is. Nothing would put you at these levels.
A brief history of Steroids and performing enhancing drugs - Part 3: Naming names!
So, in the paper this week it was reported that the Russian Champion in the 300 meter steeple chase was suspended for testing positive for steroids.
For those who don't know, the steeple chase is a long distance run with various obstacles in the runners way. That's right, along distance runner was suspended for using drugs that most of you associate with size and strength.
So who else is using drugs? Well, as I have discussed in the previous posts, everyone. OK, not 100% but as near as you can get with considerations for economic limitations, medical uncertainty and statistical anomalies.
Lance Armstrong - of course!! This is one of the classic. Armstrong, as part of the standard recovery from chemotherapy was given EPO. This is a drug that was created in order to help chemo patients replace the red blood cells that were destroyed by chemo. It is also what is most commonly associated with bike riders and other distance athletes.
In fact a very telling story is told by Greg LeMond. He has often discussed how, in what would be his last year in the Tour, when he was one of the favorites again, the other riders just seemed to be able to do things that they hadn't in the past.
In regards to baseball, one of the fascinating aspects of the whole Jose Canseco/Mark McGwire story was how the media forget a very important fact. When Pete Rose was banned from baseball, he was associated with a ring of felons, through and including his bookies. What were these individual sent to prison for... that's right steroid distribution. One look at Rose during his playing days, and after speaks volumes.
Additionally, the hitting coach during the McGwire/Canseco heyday with Oakland was none other than Reggie Jackson. Seen Reggie lately, he has gotten bigger and bigger since his playing days.
The greatest laugh is when we here the excuses for people that get caught that it was in a supplement they took. Imagine a supplement company substituting what is essentially a cost free substance for an illegal and expensive prescription medication - huh? I don't think so.
Or when women, such as the swimmer Michelle DeBruin claims that it is in their birth control pills. Strange how an estrogen pill can make your testosterone go up.
So the easiest tact for this is, if you would like to know if your favorite star is using, assume yes, or if you would like to ask, I'd be happy to discuss it.
NEXT PART: How the testing works.
A brief history of steroids and performing enhancing drugs - Part two
NOTE: SEE PART ONE OF THIS SERIES POSTED ON BELOW
So, we left off last time with what I assume was a provocative statement. That steroids, in and of themselves, are not dangerous.
That's right. Carefully monitored as to liver and kidney function with regular lipid profiles and they are not dangerous.
In fact, many of the "life extension" facilities popping up out West use testosterone treatment as the key to this life extension.
There is research being done as to the effects of this treatment on reversing the aging process by reputable scientists all over the world.
In addition, as mentioned in the previous entry, testosterone will be the principal component of the male "pill" if and when it is approved.
Actually, I will go farther and say that they are beneficial.
Remember, these were drugs that were used medicinally for the first three decades of their existence.
One of the issues with athletes and the medical community is that for literally decades, the official stance of the AMA was that steroids had no real performing enhancing benefits, i.e. no real anabolic effect.
They were saying this at the same time that the entire purpose of the drugs was for "wasting" diseases. In fact, in the early phases of the AIDS epidemic there was serious discussion to reintroduce them because they were so effective at stopping, and reversing the wasting effects of this horrible disease. In addition to the quality of life issues, they also, by enabling the victims to regain strength. allowed them to be able to physically resist the opportunistic aspects of some of the results of the disease.
The drugs were also initially used in misguided attempts to aid people with various growth issues, i.e. little people.
This was quickly eliminated as a usage but also helped lead to the development of artificial or man made human growth hormone (more about this in part three).
As discussed during the previous post, the usage of steroids began in the 50's and accelerated through the 60's and 70's. Believe it or not, by the 1980's their usage was now considered simply a baseline, an entree into the world of performance enhancing drugs.
Now, a primer. If you work out at a gym probably at least 25% of the men in that gym have used or are currently using them.
How do I know this. Well besides my experience of actually having to clean up syringes from locker rooms, or cancel memberships of people found selling, it is actually fairly easy to tell.
This will also clue you in as to your favorite professional athlete who is using them as well.
Remember, in the last post, I discussed the fact that steroids allow you to overcome genetic limitations.
The way they are used properly is, to be brief, stacked, and cycled.
An effective program involves, slowly building up the dosages, using more than one and generally a combination of oral and injectable. (I won't go into it here, but because of the need to metabolize through your digestive system, i.e. liver and kidneys, oral are much more harmful, but they are also metabolized faster and leave your system faster).
By combining the two types you ensure quick effects and a longer lasting effect.
The cycle will peak in 4-6-8 weeks depending on you and the cycle you have chosen and then you begin to cycle down. As also previously discussed, this is the best way to allow your body to re regulate it's own natural production.
SO what happens? Well, as any kinesioligist or physiologist can tell you, certain parts of the body have the natural ability to develop more easily than most. Legs, upper arms, etc. Why? Because the muscles corresponding to these body parts are designed to help overcome the effects of gravity. In addition, these muscles are either acting on weight bearing joints, or joints that are acting as a fulcrum (the knee and the elbow).
The opposite is true though of certain joints. Prime example is the shoulder. The shoulder, as most orthopedists will tell you, is the knee of the 90's, 2000's etc. In other words, years ago, as the baby boom kept active into middle age, knee problems were most common. However, the shoulder is not a weight bearing joint. So time in the weight room inevitably leads to shoulder problems. The most common injury to those who lift weights? Shoulder impingement. More properly known as an osteophyte of the acromium-clavicular joint.
So, how to tell if someone you know is "juicing". Well, if their anterior deltoids (front shoulder) shows real development, particularly out of proportion to the other two heads of the deltoid, it is a good bet. The human body does not want to develop this muscle. As stated above, this is because the shoulder was not meant to develop this way, so, we must overcome human evolution and our natural limitations.
Another sure sign is rapid gains, or unusual "definition". The human body MUST carry a certain level of body fat. Women more than men. (avg. man approx. 15-25%; woman 20-30% ). Bodybuilders that you see on stage at a show are carrying under 2% and usually under 1%. This is why it is such an unhealthy sport - among other reasons. More about that later as well.
So, that guy that you see that is "ripped" may also be using. This is less reliable as there is a huge variation in what the average person can achieve naturally, but the prevalence of these and other drugs is so severely underestimated we have lost our ability to judge the "natural" physique.
Did you know that professional models use asthmatic inhalers to lose weight? Why because they contain albuterol which is a metabolic optimizer. i.e. an upper.
In fact, just last week, a professional football player in the NFL was suspended for a finding of clenbuterol in his system. Clenbuterol is closely related to albuterol and is what used to be in asthma inhalers. Funny, this player had weight issues! But of course he claims it was a mistake from his asthma medication. Despite clenbuterol having been banned for this use some time ago.
So, these are gross generalities, but the trained eye can pick up on this visual clues easily.
Another indicator is a certain puffiness of the features. As I described in the previous post, steroids aid in the osmotic process, forcing water into the muscle cells which increases the power of the contraction. Well, it causes cellular water retention throughout so someone on "roids" can develop a puffy look to their face.
So, you are now convinced your best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, highs school football star, etc. is "juicing". You confront them. They deny it up down and sideways. You believe them because they never lie. They volunteer to take a lie detector test. What the heck you think, OK. And they pass!! Does this mean they're clean. NO.
This will lead us into part three, but, unfortunately as I have stated here steroids are now to performing enhancing drugs as crayons are to oil paints. An entree, a base.
So what happens today is a truly bizarre development. People who are big time users of PED (Performing enhancing drugs) will claim to be clean if they are JUST doing a cycle of steroids. They genuinely believe this to be true.
They are SO ubiquitous and so accepted in athletic circles that the only reason you WOULDN'T be "on" is because you're cleaning out your system, in between cycles, etc. So when you are JUST using steroids, you are clean.
So, your boyfriend may be being honest, as far as he can be, if he says he is "clean".
In part three I will get into the "new" drugs and drug testing AND NAMING NAMES!!!
Friday, February 2, 2007
A brief history of steroids and performing enhancing drugs - Part one
OK, so today I read one more Barry Bonds story and the hypocrisy and lack of knowledge on the part of EVERY single public published, or filmed discussion of this topic is driving me crazy. More about Barry later too.
The only close to admirable statement came from Dick Pound, a man who I generally respect, head of WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) and a respected Canadian attorney when he was interviewed on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel about Floyd Landis.
For those who don't know, Landis was the American who won this years Tour De France and then was disqualified for having a positive drug test. More about that later.
Anyway, Dick Pound when presented with Landis statements basically said "Floyd , give me a break, the tests were positive, we all know it, and all the explanations you give don't change that."
First, a little about me. For those who don't know, I speak about this topic from a fairly unique perspective. I spent 15 years in the fitness industry and before that was a competitive drug free bodybuilder and powerlifter. I worked for a number of top bodybuilding shows and even on the IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders)Medical Committee. I have a Master's in Sports Management in addition to my time at Columbia Law School.
In addition, I played professional baseball and worked in both the major and minor leagues.
I have also worked in professional tennis and football in various capacities.
I have friends who have been Olympic athletes. So I am familiar with the testing protocols of both WADA and the major sports leagues.
Finally, yes, I have used steroids. Now, I repeat, I have used steroids, not other performing enhancing substances that are illegal.
So, there is the jumping off point. Are steroids illegal? NO. That is myth #1. Years ago they were put into a class with certain narcotics in the United States which meant that the illegal distribution of them was prosecutable. Possession over a certain amount was also illegal as the legal assumption, as with cocaine, heroin, pot, etc. was that possession of large amounts meant, de jure, that you intended to distribute for sale.
However, what we know as steroids, more correctly called anabolic/androgenic steroids are LEGAL in most of the rest of the world. That is one of the problems. Distributors can easily go to Mexico and purchase them legally. Athletes in Europe and the rest of the world as well. If a Dr. writes them a prescription, they can easily get them. They still have to pass their test, but again, more about that later.
So, what is a steroid. Again, the key word here is that they are correctly called anabolic/androgenic steroids. This is as opposed to cortico steroids. A VERY critical difference. Cortico steroids, products like prednisone are still legal in the US and are commonly prescribed as anti-inflammatories for various purposes. They have become so common that sometimes even asthmatics are prescribed them to reduce the inflammation in their lungs and make breathing easier.
Cortico steroids, though, have what is known as a CATABOLIC effect. The OPPOSITE of ANABOLIC. That means they destroy muscle tissue. Athletes can fail a drug test if cortico steroids are found in their system, e.g. it they get a cortisone injection in a sore joint.
So, getting back to steroids. All anabolic/androgenic steroids are man made variations of testosterone. Hence the epitestosterone to testosterone test you may have heard about in sports drug testing - this is what nailed Floyd Landis. More about that later. An androgen is something that produces secondary sex characteristics. Body and facial hair growth in men, thickening of the vocal chords causing the deeper voices, etc. This is why women who use steroids are essentially changing themselves into men. It is shy female athletes who use steroids will have deep, raspy voices almost as if they are lifelong smokers. What you can't see is that they will also have enlarged, and in some cases seriously enlarged labia and clitoris'. Many female bodybuilders will actually have plastic surgery to reduce this effect.
The anabolic part is the part of the drug that people are looking for. Anabolism is essentially, the process of building tissue, muscle tissue. Hence the extreme musculature you see on users. IF they use them correctly and eat correctly for their cycle.
What they allow you to do is overcome genetic limitations. This happens slightly differently than most people understand. What has been discovered is that their principal benefit is anti-catabolic. i.e when you train hard, the steroids prevent the normal release of cortisol that we all experience, the factor that causes the destruction of the muscle tissue and causes inflammation. They also increase the osmotic abilities of the cell. Remember, muscle fibers are electric impulses and electricity conducts more powerfully in water, so a more powerful muscular contraction.
So, less muscle breakdown, more powerful contraction, less inflammation, greater muscle development.
So you may be remembering people like Flo Jo, or her sister in law, Jackie Joiner. More recently Marion Jones. Yes, they all certainly had these effects. More importantly, they had the muscular development that is extraordinarily rare for a woman but not rare for a woman on steroids (or other drugs - see part 2).
OK,here's what very few know. The first anabolic steroid is still basically the best. By that I mean most anabolic. Called Dianabol it was isolated by Soviet scientists most probably in the 40's piggybacking on the work of Nazi geneticists who were looking to create their master race.
In the 1950's the United States produced what is to this day, the only weightlifting (Olympic vs. powerlifting)legend in our history. Paul Anderson, known as the Dixie Derrick was 5'10" about 370 pounds. Interestingly, he won his world championship in Munich in 1955. He had gained international fame earlier that year when he became the first man in history to press 400 pounds at a meet in Moscow. The Russians, the worlds leading weightlifters at the time, had taken notice of him when he started breaking every American record in the previous few years. He had been invited to the Soviet Union to train.
While never mentioned out loud. I will say it here. It is generally conceded that Anderson began training with the Russians in their use of Dianobol at this time. This training was brought back to the United States and after his world championship and subsequent Olympic gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne games these new training "methods" had the official seal of approval. Anderson eventually died of kidney failure, a not uncommon result of extensive steroid misuse.
What has now been forgotten by most is that in the subsequent decades there were literally dozens of cases of female Eastern bloc athletes whose sexuality was questioned and starting gin the mid to late sixties who actually failed the SEX tests given at the Olympics. This was before modern drug testing.
So, now a flash forward. We express surprise at the frequency at which athletes fail drug tests today. I don't understand this. If you rack your brain you will remember athletes in EVERY sport, male and female who have failed. And this has been going on for decades now, tennis, swimming, obviously track and field.
So here is the simple fact. EVERY, I repeat EVERY world class athlete is using performance enhancing drugs. You cannot compete at that level without them. Now obviously it is not 100% and there is no way of knowing exactly what the actual % is. but it is closer to100% than 50%, or 75%. Most likely those who aren't using them will be.
The true shame is that the same athletes would be winning without them if sport were "clean" More about "clean" later also. That is because drugs don't create genetic potential, they enhance it.
What the true shame is, is that steroids are not dangerous. I repeat they are not dangerous. Any woman who is taking the "pill" or estrogen therapy is doing the EXACT same thing. Hormonal manipulation, that is what it is about.
In fact, when and if it is approved, testosterone will be the male "pill". That's right, it doesn't shrink your testicles, but it does reduce your sperm count when you use artificial testosterone. Why? Because the first thing your body does is shut down your natural production. Your body knows what level your testosterone should be and if you are supplying it artificially it won't produce more. That is why the steroid dosages are high and also why you "cycle" to fool your body into NOT shutting off your own production.
So that being said, monitored by a doctor, they are not dangerous. Yes, they raise LDL's and can promote arteriosclerosis but the people who used to use them (again more about that later but what other "medications from the 50's haven't been surpassed) generally lead VERY healthy lifestyles in most other regards. There are not many world class sprinters, for example, suffering from heart disease.
LOOK FOR PART TWO SOON.
Time
Slence surrounds me
as I await the new day
deafening
Sounds of waves upon the rocks
of the shore
of which I dream
Or was it real
In your eyes
a shared sky
filled with stars
The stars that remind me
of the days I have spent
counting 80
A number that seems so small
but means more
Does your heart understand
the meaning
But it was 2
the days since that moment
Still the silence I hear
senses heightened
The sounds of a clock
The sounds of keys
writing thoughts
Feelings expressed
The sound of my mind
whispering your name
Or is it hearing
your call
What is the sound of
your silence
An oar on the water
the leaves rustling
my arms around you
or is it my heart
skipping
again
another beat
srl - 12/15/06
as I await the new day
deafening
Sounds of waves upon the rocks
of the shore
of which I dream
Or was it real
In your eyes
a shared sky
filled with stars
The stars that remind me
of the days I have spent
counting 80
A number that seems so small
but means more
Does your heart understand
the meaning
But it was 2
the days since that moment
Still the silence I hear
senses heightened
The sounds of a clock
The sounds of keys
writing thoughts
Feelings expressed
The sound of my mind
whispering your name
Or is it hearing
your call
What is the sound of
your silence
An oar on the water
the leaves rustling
my arms around you
or is it my heart
skipping
again
another beat
srl - 12/15/06
The color of the artist
Secrets and desires paint
an image of blue
on a page
penned, as ink
the instrument used to
create those desires
the tools of the poet
an artist
the camera
of my mind
pictures
not those
but the heart from which
those private thoughts derive
srl1/29/07
an image of blue
on a page
penned, as ink
the instrument used to
create those desires
the tools of the poet
an artist
the camera
of my mind
pictures
not those
but the heart from which
those private thoughts derive
srl1/29/07
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Shining light on the lies
For those who don't follow such things, there was a suicide bombing at a bakery in Eilat yesterday.
Eilat is a beach resort town, commonly known as the Atlantic City, or Las Vegas of Israel.
It is located at the extreme southern tip of the Negev desert, separated in all manner from the rest of the country, geographically, religiously, morally, etc.
It shares a border with it's sister city in Jordan, Taba. Another beautiful resort town located on the inlet of the Red Sea, the gulf of Eilat.
It is where Israeli's go for beautiful coral reef snorkeling, diving with dolphins, etc.
It is also one of the shipping capitals of the country.
I mention all this because there has been some lie expressed over the last two dozen years or so that only the "disputed" portions of Israel were subject to these types of attacks.
What is critical is who took credit for the attack in this totally innocent part of Israel. The Al Aqsa Martyr's Brigade (in conjunction w/ Islamic Jihad). Al Aqsa is the armed wing of Fatah, the founding party of PLO, the party of Arafat and the party of the supposed moderate Abu Mazen, or Mahmoud Abbas.
That Al Aqsa is fully controlled by Fatah is in no doubt. Arafat readily admitted it, as did Mohammed Qurya the previous PM of the PA.
The Brigade is on the state departments list of terrorist organizations.
So, if they are the "armed" wing of Fatah, why do we in the west continue to label Abbas as a moderate? Does moderate mean they only kill in unrelated areas of Israel, or in conjunction with non-Hamas groups?
Eilat is a beach resort town, commonly known as the Atlantic City, or Las Vegas of Israel.
It is located at the extreme southern tip of the Negev desert, separated in all manner from the rest of the country, geographically, religiously, morally, etc.
It shares a border with it's sister city in Jordan, Taba. Another beautiful resort town located on the inlet of the Red Sea, the gulf of Eilat.
It is where Israeli's go for beautiful coral reef snorkeling, diving with dolphins, etc.
It is also one of the shipping capitals of the country.
I mention all this because there has been some lie expressed over the last two dozen years or so that only the "disputed" portions of Israel were subject to these types of attacks.
What is critical is who took credit for the attack in this totally innocent part of Israel. The Al Aqsa Martyr's Brigade (in conjunction w/ Islamic Jihad). Al Aqsa is the armed wing of Fatah, the founding party of PLO, the party of Arafat and the party of the supposed moderate Abu Mazen, or Mahmoud Abbas.
That Al Aqsa is fully controlled by Fatah is in no doubt. Arafat readily admitted it, as did Mohammed Qurya the previous PM of the PA.
The Brigade is on the state departments list of terrorist organizations.
So, if they are the "armed" wing of Fatah, why do we in the west continue to label Abbas as a moderate? Does moderate mean they only kill in unrelated areas of Israel, or in conjunction with non-Hamas groups?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Hamas...... revealed in their own words.
NOTE: [I]The Hamas emblem to the left consists of the Dome of the Rock, two crossed swords, and two Palestinian flags embracing the Dome with the phrases, "There is no god but Allah", and "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." At the top is a map encompassing the boundaries of the State of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with "Palestine" written under the picture and a strip at the bottom stating "Islamic Resistance Movement-Hamas."[/I]
I mentioned some time ago, after printing the charter of Fatah, the original party of the PLO that I would follow up with the Hamas charter. It is reprinted below in it's entirety.
I will give a few highlites here. Remember these words whenever "peace" is discussed. As with the Fatah charter, there is simply no allowance made for discussion, peace, territorial concessions.
I know those "on the left" so to speak, like to paint all "evils" as the same. i.e. mistakes made by the US or Israeli or other democratcic governments as the same as those of terrorist regimes. But when one's very purpose is the murder of others, the difference is clear.
Note to begin with, the name of the organization.
"The Islamice RESISTANCE movement". The entire function is to resist. Even when given what it wants it is to resist.
The other thing to note is the outright description of themselves as an offshoot of the Muslim brotherhood in Egypt. As I described in my post on Egypt, this is the granddaddy of most Middle Eastern terror organizations, AL Qaeda, Hamas, etc.
So before printing the entire text, some highlights:
[COLOR red]"Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it."
"The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up. "
"There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors."
"After Palestine, the Zionists aspire to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates. When they will have digested the region they overtook, they will aspire to further expansion, and so on. Their plan is embodied in the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion", and their present conduct is the best proof of what we are saying."
"The day that enemies usurp part of Moslem land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Moslem. In face of the Jews' usurpation of Palestine, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised. To do this requires the diffusion of Islamic consciousness among the masses, both on the regional, Arab and Islamic levels. It is necessary to instill the spirit of Jihad in the heart of the nation so that they would confront the enemies and join the ranks of the fighters."
"The Zionist invasion is a vicious invasion. It does not refrain from resorting to all methods, using all evil and contemptible ways to achieve its end. It relies greatly in its infiltration and espionage operations on the secret organizations it gave rise to, such as the Freemasons, The Rotary and Lions clubs, and other sabotage groups. All these organizations, whether secret or open, work in the interest of Zionism and according to its instructions. They aim at undermining societies, destroying values, corrupting consciences, deteriorating character and annihilating Islam. It is behind the drug trade and alcoholism in all its kinds so as to facilitate its control and expansion."
"Writers, intellectuals, media people, orators, educaters and teachers, and all the various sectors in the Arab and Islamic world - all of them are called upon to perform their role, and to fulfill their duty, because of the ferocity of the Zionist offensive and the Zionist influence in many countries exercised through financial and media control, as well as the consequences that all this lead to in the greater part of the world."
"Leaving the circle of struggle with Zionism is high treason, and cursed be he who does that."
[/COLOR]
[COLOR blue]The Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas)
18 August 1988
In The Name Of The Most Merciful Allah
"Ye are the best nation that hath been raised up unto mankind: ye command that which is just, and ye forbid that which is unjust, and ye believe in Allah. And if they who have received the scriptures had believed, it had surely been the better for them: there are believers among them, but the greater part of them are transgressors. They shall not hurt you, unless with a slight hurt; and if they fight against you, they shall turn their backs to you, and they shall not be helped. They are smitten with vileness wheresoever they are found; unless they obtain security by entering into a treaty with Allah, and a treaty with men; and they draw on themselves indignation from Allah, and they are afflicted with poverty. This they suffer, because they disbelieved the signs of Allah, and slew the prophets unjustly; this, because they were rebellious, and transgressed." (Al-Imran - verses 109-111).
Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it" (The Martyr, Imam Hassan al-Banna, of blessed memory).
"The Islamic world is on fire. Each of us should pour some water, no matter how little, to extinguish whatever one can without waiting for the others." (Sheikh Amjad al-Zahawi, of blessed memory).
In The Name Of The Most Merciful Allah
Introduction
Praise be unto Allah, to whom we resort for help, and whose forgiveness, guidance and support we seek; Allah bless the Prophet and grant him salvation, his companions and supporters, and to those who carried out his message and adopted his laws - everlasting prayers and salvation as long as the earth and heaven will last. Hereafter:
O People:
Out of the midst of troubles and the sea of suffering, out of the palpitations of faithful hearts and cleansed arms; out of the sense of duty, and in response to Allah's command, the call has gone out rallying people together and making them follow the ways of Allah, leading them to have determined will in order to fulfill their role in life, to overcome all obstacles, and surmount the difficulties on the way. Constant preparation has continued and so has the readiness to sacrifice life and all that is precious for the sake of Allah.
Thus it was that the nucleus (of the movement) was formed and started to pave its way through the tempestuous sea of hopes and expectations, of wishes and yearnings, of troubles and obstacles, of pain and challenges, both inside and outside.
When the idea was ripe, the seed grew and the plant struck root in the soil of reality, away from passing emotions, and hateful haste. The Islamic Resistance Movement emerged to carry out its role through striving for the sake of its Creator, its arms intertwined with those of all the fighters for the liberation of Palestine. The spirits of its fighters meet with the spirits of all the fighters who have sacrificed their lives on the soil of Palestine, ever since it was conquered by the companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him salvation, and until this day.
This Covenant of the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS), clarifies its picture, reveals its identity, outlines its stand, explains its aims, speaks about its hopes, and calls for its support, adoption and joining its ranks. Our struggle against the Jews is very great and very serious. It needs all sincere efforts. It is a step that inevitably should be followed by other steps. The Movement is but one squadron that should be supported by more and more squadrons from this vast Arab and Islamic world, until the enemy is vanquished and Allah's victory is realised.
Thus we see them coming on the horizon "and you shall learn about it hereafter" "Allah hath written, Verily I will prevail, and my apostles: for Allah is strong and mighty." (The Dispute - verse 21).
"Say to them, This is my way: I invite you to Allah, by an evident demonstration; both I and he who followeth me; and, praise be unto Allah! I am not an idolator." (Joseph - verse 107).
Hamas (means) strength and bravery -(according to) Al-Mua'jam al-Wasit: c1.
Definition of the Movement
Ideological Starting-Points
Article One:
The Islamic Resistance Movement: The Movement's programme is Islam. From it, it draws its ideas, ways of thinking and understanding of the universe, life and man. It resorts to it for judgement in all its conduct, and it is inspired by it for guidance of its steps.
The Islamic Resistance Movement's Relation With the Moslem Brotherhood Group:
Article Two:
The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the wings of Moslem Brotherhood in Palestine. Moslem Brotherhood Movement is a universal organization which constitutes the largest Islamic movement in modern times. It is characterised by its deep understanding, accurate comprehension and its complete embrace of all Islamic concepts of all aspects of life, culture, creed, politics, economics, education, society, justice and judgement, the spreading of Islam, education, art, information, science of the occult and conversion to Islam.
Structure and Formation
Article Three:
The basic structure of the Islamic Resistance Movement consists of Moslems who have given their allegiance to Allah whom they truly worship, - "I have created the jinn and humans only for the purpose of worshipping" - who know their duty towards themselves, their families and country. In all that, they fear Allah and raise the banner of Jihad in the face of the oppressors, so that they would rid the land and the people of their uncleanliness, vileness and evils.
"But we will oppose truth to vanity, and it shall confound the same; and behold, it shall vanish away." (Prophets - verse 18 ).
Article Four:
The Islamic Resistance Movement welcomes every Moslem who embraces its faith, ideology, follows its programme, keeps its secrets, and wants to belong to its ranks and carry out the duty. Allah will certainly reward such one.
Time and Place Extent of the Islamic Resistance Movement:
Article Five:
Time extent of the Islamic Resistance Movement: By adopting Islam as its way of life, the Movement goes back to the time of the birth of the Islamic message, of the righteous ancestor, for Allah is its target, the Prophet is its example and the Koran is its constitution. Its extent in place is anywhere that there are Moslems who embrace Islam as their way of life everywhere in the globe. This being so, it extends to the depth of the earth and reaches out to the heaven.
"Dost thou not see how Allah putteth forth a parable; representing a good word, as a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed in the earth, and whose branches reach unto heaven; which bringeth forth its fruit in all seasons, by the will of its Lord? Allah propoundeth parables unto men, that they may be instructed." (Abraham - verses 24-25).
Characteristics and Independence:
Article Six:
The Islamic Resistance Movement is a distinguished Palestinian movement, whose allegiance is to Allah, and whose way of life is Islam. It strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine, for under the wing of Islam followers of all religions can coexist in security and safety where their lives, possessions and rights are concerned. In the absence of Islam, strife will be rife, oppression spreads, evil prevails and schisms and wars will break out.
How excellent was the Moslem poet, Mohamed Ikbal, when he wrote:
"If faith is lost, there is no security and there is no life for him who does not adhere to religion. He who accepts life without religion, has taken annihilation as his companion for life."
The Universality of the Islamic Resistance Movement:
Article Seven:
As a result of the fact that those Moslems who adhere to the ways of the Islamic Resistance Movement spread all over the world, rally support for it and its stands, strive towards enhancing its struggle, the Movement is a universal one. It is well-equipped for that because of the clarity of its ideology, the nobility of its aim and the loftiness of its objectives.
On this basis, the Movement should be viewed and evaluated, and its role be recognised. He who denies its right, evades supporting it and turns a blind eye to facts, whether intentionally or unintentionally, would awaken to see that events have overtaken him and with no logic to justify his attitude. One should certainly learn from past examples.
The injustice of next-of-kin is harder to bear than the smite of the Indian sword.
"We have also sent down unto thee the book of the Koran with truth, confirming that scripture which was revealed before it; and preserving the same safe from corruption. Judge therefore between them according to that which Allah hath revealed; and follow not their desires, by swerving from the truth which hath come unto thee. Unto every of you have we given a law, and an open path; and if Allah had pleased, he had surely made you one people; but he hath thought it fit to give you different laws, that he might try you in that which he hath given you respectively. Therefore strive to excel each other in good works; unto Allah shall ye all return, and then will he declare unto you that concerning which ye have disagreed." (The Table, verse 48 ).
The Islamic Resistance Movement is one of the links in the chain of the struggle against the Zionist invaders. It goes back to 1939, to the emergence of the martyr Izz al-Din al Kissam and his brethren the fighters, members of Moslem Brotherhood. It goes on to reach out and become one with another chain that includes the struggle of the Palestinians and Moslem Brotherhood in the 1948 war and the Jihad operations of the Moslem Brotherhood in 1968 and after.
Moreover, if the links have been distant from each other and if obstacles, placed by those who are the lackeys of Zionism in the way of the fighters obstructed the continuation of the struggle, the Islamic Resistance Movement aspires to the realisation of Allah's promise, no matter how long that should take. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him salvation, has said:
"The Day of Judgement will not come about until Moslems fight the Jews (killing the Jews), when the Jew will hide behind stones and trees. The stones and trees will say O Moslems, O Abdulla, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him. Only the Gharkad tree, (evidently a certain kind of tree) would not do that because it is one of the trees of the Jews." (related by al-Bukhari and Moslem).
The Slogan of the Islamic Resistance Movement:
Article Eight:
Allah is its target, the Prophet is its model, the Koran its constitution: Jihad is its path and death for the sake of Allah is the loftiest of its wishes.
Objectives
Incentives and Objectives:
Article Nine:
The Islamic Resistance Movement found itself at a time when Islam has disappeared from life. Thus rules shook, concepts were upset, values changed and evil people took control, oppression and darkness prevailed, cowards became like tigers: homelands were usurped, people were scattered and were caused to wander all over the world, the state of justice disappeared and the state of falsehood replaced it. Nothing remained in its right place. Thus, when Islam is absent from the arena, everything changes. From this state of affairs the incentives are drawn.
As for the objectives: They are the fighting against the false, defeating it and vanquishing it so that justice could prevail, homelands be retrieved and from its mosques would the voice of the mu'azen emerge declaring the establishment of the state of Islam, so that people and things would return each to their right places and Allah is our helper.
"...and if Allah had not prevented men, the one by the other, verily the earth had been corrupted: but Allah is beneficient towards his creatures." (The Cow - verse 251).
Article Ten:
As the Islamic Resistance Movement paves its way, it will back the oppressed and support the wronged with all its might. It will spare no effort to bring about justice and defeat injustice, in word and deed, in this place and everywhere it can reach and have influence therein.
Strategies and Methods
Strategies of the Islamic Resistance Movement: Palestine Is Isalmic aqf:
Article Eleven:
The Islamic Resistance Movement believes that the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgement Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up. Neither a single Arab country nor all Arab countries, neither any king or president, nor all the kings and presidents, neither any organization nor all of them, be they Palestinian or Arab, possess the right to do that. Palestine is an Islamic Waqf land consecrated for Moslem generations until Judgement Day. This being so, who could claim to have the right to represent Moslem generations till Judgement Day?
This is the law governing the land of Palestine in the Islamic Sharia (law) and the same goes for any land the Moslems have conquered by force, because during the times of (Islamic) conquests, the Moslems consecrated these lands to Moslem generations till the Day of Judgement.
It happened like this: When the leaders of the Islamic armies conquered Syria and Iraq, they sent to the Caliph of the Moslems, Umar bin-el-Khatab, asking for his advice concerning the conquered land - whether they should divide it among the soldiers, or leave it for its owners, or what? After consultations and discussions between the Caliph of the Moslems, Omar bin-el-Khatab and companions of the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him salvation, it was decided that the land should be left with its owners who could benefit by its fruit. As for the real ownership of the land and the land itself, it should be consecrated for Moslem generations till Judgement Day. Those who are on the land, are there only to benefit from its fruit. This Waqf remains as long as earth and heaven remain. Any procedure in contradiction to Islamic Sharia, where Palestine is concerned, is null and void.
"Verily, this is a certain truth. Wherefore praise the name of thy Lord, the great Allah." (The Inevitable - verse 95).
Homeland and Nationalism from the Point of View of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Palestine:
Article Twelve:
Nationalism, from the point of view of the Islamic Resistance Movement, is part of the religious creed. Nothing in nationalism is more significant or deeper than in the case when an enemy should tread Moslem land. Resisting and quelling the enemy become the individual duty of every Moslem, male or female. A woman can go out to fight the enemy without her husband's permission, and so does the slave: without his master's permission.
Nothing of the sort is to be found in any other regime. This is an undisputed fact. If other nationalist movements are connected with materialistic, human or regional causes, nationalism of the Islamic Resistance Movement has all these elements as well as the more important elements that give it soul and life. It is connected to the source of spirit and the granter of life, hoisting in the sky of the homeland the heavenly banner that joins earth and heaven with a strong bond.
If Moses comes and throws his staff, both witch and magic are annulled.
"Now is the right direction manifestly distinguished from deceit: whoever therefore shall deny Tagut, and believe in Allah, he shall surely take hold with a strong handle, which shall not be broken; Allah is he who heareth and seeth." (The Cow - Verse 256).
Peaceful Solutions, Initiatives and International Conferences:
Article Thirteen:
Initiatives, and so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences, are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement. Abusing any part of Palestine is abuse directed against part of religion. Nationalism of the Islamic Resistance Movement is part of its religion. Its members have been fed on that. For the sake of hoisting the banner of Allah over their homeland they fight. "Allah will be prominent, but most people do not know."
Now and then the call goes out for the convening of an international conference to look for ways of solving the (Palestinian) question. Some accept, others reject the idea, for this or other reason, with one stipulation or more for consent to convening the conference and participating in it. Knowing the parties constituting the conference, their past and present attitudes towards Moslem problems, the Islamic Resistance Movement does not consider these conferences capable of realising the demands, restoring the rights or doing justice to the oppressed. These conferences are only ways of setting the infidels in the land of the Moslems as arbitraters. When did the infidels do justice to the believers?
"But the Jews will not be pleased with thee, neither the Christians, until thou follow their religion; say, The direction of Allah is the true direction. And verily if thou follow their desires, after the knowledge which hath been given thee, thou shalt find no patron or protector against Allah." (The Cow - verse 120).
There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors. The Palestinian people know better than to consent to having their future, rights and fate toyed with. As in said in the honourable Hadith:
"The people of Syria are Allah's lash in His land. He wreaks His vengeance through them against whomsoever He wishes among His slaves It is unthinkable that those who are double-faced among them should prosper over the faithful. They will certainly die out of grief and desperation."
The Three Circles:
Article Fourteen:
The question of the liberation of Palestine is bound to three circles: the Palestinian circle, the Arab circle and the Islamic circle. Each of these circles has its role in the struggle against Zionism. Each has its duties, and it is a horrible mistake and a sign of deep ignorance to overlook any of these circles. Palestine is an Islamic land which has the first of the two kiblahs (direction to which Moslems turn in praying), the third of the holy (Islamic) sanctuaries, and the point of departure for Mohamed's midnight journey to the seven heavens (i.e. Jerusalem).
"Praise be unto him who transported his servant by night, from the sacred temple of Mecca to the farther temple of Jerusalem, the circuit of which we have blessed, that we might show him some of our signs; for Allah is he who heareth, and seeth." (The Night-Journey - verse 1).
Since this is the case, liberation of Palestine is then an individual duty for very Moslem wherever he may be. On this basis, the problem should be viewed. This should be realised by every Moslem.
The day the problem is dealt with on this basis, when the three circles mobilize their capabilities, the present state of affairs will change and the day of liberation will come nearer.
"Verily ye are stronger than they, by reason of the terror cast into their breasts from Allah. This, because they are not people of prudence." (The Emigration - verse 13).
The Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine is an Individual Duty:
Article Fifteen:
The day that enemies usurp part of Moslem land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Moslem. In face of the Jews' usurpation of Palestine, it is compulsory that the banner of Jihad be raised. To do this requires the diffusion of Islamic consciousness among the masses, both on the regional, Arab and Islamic levels. It is necessary to instill the spirit of Jihad in the heart of the nation so that they would confront the enemies and join the ranks of the fighters.
It is necessary that scientists, educators and teachers, information and media people, as well as the educated masses, especially the youth and sheikhs of the Islamic movements, should take part in the operation of awakening (the masses). It is important that basic changes be made in the school curriculum, to cleanse it of the traces of ideological invasion that affected it as a result of the orientalists and missionaries who infiltrated the region following the defeat of the Crusaders at the hands of Salah el-Din (Saladin). The Crusaders realised that it was impossible to defeat the Moslems without first having ideological invasion pave the way by upsetting their thoughts, disfiguring their heritage and violating their ideals. Only then could they invade with soldiers. This, in its turn, paved the way for the imperialistic invasion that made Allenby declare on entering Jerusalem: "Only now have the Crusades ended." General Guru stood at Salah el-Din's grave and said: "We have returned, O Salah el-Din." Imperialism has helped towards the strengthening of ideological invasion, deepening, and still does, its roots. All this has paved the way towards the loss of Palestine.
It is necessary to instill in the minds of the Moslem generations that the Palestinian problem is a religious problem, and should be dealt with on this basis. Palestine contains Islamic holy sites. In it there is al- Aqsa Mosque which is bound to the great Mosque in Mecca in an inseparable bond as long as heaven and earth speak of Isra` (Mohammed's midnight journey to the seven heavens) and Mi'raj (Mohammed's ascension to the seven heavens from Jerusalem).
"The bond of one day for the sake of Allah is better than the world and whatever there is on it. The place of one's whip in Paradise is far better than the world and whatever there is on it. A worshipper's going and coming in the service of Allah is better than the world and whatever there is on it." (As related by al-Bukhari, Moslem, al-Tarmdhi and Ibn Maja).
"I swear by the holder of Mohammed's soul that I would like to invade and be killed for the sake of Allah, then invade and be killed, and then invade again and be killed." (As related by al-Bukhari and Moslem).
The Education of the Generations:
Article Sixteen:
It is necessary to follow Islamic orientation in educating the Islamic generations in our region by teaching the religious duties, comprehensive study of the Koran, the study of the Prophet's Sunna (his sayings and doings), and learning about Islamic history and heritage from their authentic sources. This should be done by specialised and learned people, using a curriculum that would healthily form the thoughts and faith of the Moslem student. Side by side with this, a comprehensive study of the enemy, his human and financial capabilities, learning about his points of weakness and strength, and getting to know the forces supporting and helping him, should also be included. Also, it is important to be acquainted with the current events, to follow what is new and to study the analysis and commentaries made of these events. Planning for the present and future, studying every trend appearing, is a must so that the fighting Moslem would live knowing his aim, objective and his way in the midst of what is going on around him.
"O my son, verily every matter, whether good or bad, though it be the weight of a grain of mustard-seed, and be hidden in a rock, or in the heavens, or in the earth, Allah will bring the same to light; for Allah is clear-sighted and knowing. O my son, be constant at prayer, and command that which is just, and forbid that which is evil: and be patient under the afflictions which shall befall thee; for this is a duty absolutely incumbent on all men. Distort not thy face out of contempt to men, neither walk in the earth with insolence; for Allah loveth no arrogant, vain-glorious person." (Lokman - verses 16-18 ).
The Role of the Moslem Woman:
Article Seventeen:
The Moslem woman has a role no less important than that of the moslem man in the battle of liberation. She is the maker of men. Her role in guiding and educating the new generations is great. The enemies have realised the importance of her role. They consider that if they are able to direct and bring her up they way they wish, far from Islam, they would have won the battle. That is why you find them giving these attempts constant attention through information campaigns, films, and the school curriculum, using for that purpose their lackeys who are infiltrated through Zionist organizations under various names and shapes, such as Freemasons, Rotary Clubs, espionage groups and others, which are all nothing more than cells of subversion and saboteurs. These organizations have ample resources that enable them to play their role in societies for the purpose of achieving the Zionist targets and to deepen the concepts that would serve the enemy. These organizations operate in the absence of Islam and its estrangement among its people. The Islamic peoples should perform their role in confronting the conspiracies of these saboteurs. The day Islam is in control of guiding the affairs of life, these organizations, hostile to humanity and Islam, will be obliterated.
Article Eighteen:
Woman in the home of the fighting family, whether she is a mother or a sister, plays the most important role in looking after the family, rearing the children and embuing them with moral values and thoughts derived from Islam. She has to teach them to perform the religious duties in preparation for the role of fighting awaiting them. That is why it is necessary to pay great attention to schools and the curriculum followed in educating Moslem girls, so that they would grow up to be good mothers, aware of their role in the battle of liberation.
She has to be of sufficient knowledge and understanding where the performance of housekeeping matters are concerned, because economy and avoidance of waste of the family budget, is one of the requirements for the ability to continue moving forward in the difficult conditions surrounding us. She should put before her eyes the fact that the money available to her is just like blood which should never flow except through the veins so that both children and grown-ups could continue to live.
"Verily, the Moslems of either sex, and the true believers of either sex, and the devout men, and the devout women, and the men of veracity, and the women of veracity, and the patient men, and the patient women, and the humble men, and the humble women, and the alms-givers of either sex who remember Allah frequently; for them hath Allah prepared forgiveness and a great reward." (The Confederates - verse 25).
The Role of Islamic Art in the Battle of Liberation:
Article Nineteen:
Art has regulations and measures by which it can be determined whether it is Islamic or pre-Islamic (Jahili) art. The issues of Islamic liberation are in need of Islamic art that would take the spirit high, without raising one side of human nature above the other, but rather raise all of them harmoniously an in equilibrium.
Man is a unique and wonderful creature, made out of a handful of clay and a breath from Allah. Islamic art addresses man on this basis, while pre-Islamic art addresses the body giving preference to the clay component in it.
The book, the article, the bulletin, the sermon, the thesis, the popular poem, the poetic ode, the song, the play and others, contain the characteristics of Islamic art, then these are among the requirements of ideological mobilization, renewed food for the journey and recreation for the soul. The road is long and suffering is plenty. The soul will be bored, but Islamic art renews the energies, resurrects the movement, arousing in them lofty meanings and proper conduct. "Nothing can improve the self if it is in retreat except shifting from one mood to another."
All this is utterly serious and no jest, for those who are fighters do not jest.
Social Mutual Responsibility:
Article Twenty:
Moslem society is a mutually responsible society. The Prophet, prayers and greetings be unto him, said: "Blessed are the generous, whether they were in town or on a journey, who have collected all that they had and shared it equally among themselves."
The Islamic spirit is what should prevail in every Moslem society. The society that confronts a vicious enemy which acts in a way similar to Nazism, making no differentiation between man and woman, between children and old people - such a society is entitled to this Islamic spirit. Our enemy relies on the methods of collective punishment. He has deprived people of their homeland and properties, pursued them in their places of exile and gathering, breaking bones, shooting at women, children and old people, with or without a reason. The enemy has opened detention camps where thousands and thousands of people are thrown and kept under sub-human conditions. Added to this, are the demolition of houses, rendering children orphans, meting cruel sentences against thousands of young people, and causing them to spend the best years of their lives in the dungeons of prisons.
In their Nazi treatment, the Jews made no exception for women or children. Their policy of striking fear in the heart is meant for all. They attack people where their breadwinning is concerned, extorting their money and threatening their honour. They deal with people as if they were the worst war criminals. Deportation from the homeland is a kind of murder.
To counter these deeds, it is necessary that social mutual responsibility should prevail among the people. The enemy should be faced by the people as a single body which if one member of it should complain, the rest of the body would respond by feeling the same pains.
Article Twenty-One:
Mutual social responsibility means extending assistance, financial or moral, to all those who are in need and joining in the execution of some of the work. Members of the Islamic Resistance Movement should consider the interests of the masses as their own personal interests. They must spare no effort in achieving and preserving them. They must prevent any foul play with the future of the upcoming generations and anything that could cause loss to society. The masses are part of them and they are part of the masses. Their strength is theirs, and their future is theirs. Members of the Islamic Resistance Movement should share the people's joy and grief, adopt the demands of the public and whatever means by which they could be realised. The day that such a spirit prevails, brotherliness would deepen, cooperation, sympathy and unity will be enhanced and the ranks will be solidified to confront the enemies.
Supportive Forces Behind the Enemy:
Article Twenty-Two:
For a long time, the enemies have been planning, skillfully and with precision, for the achievement of what they have attained. They took into consideration the causes affecting the current of events. They strived to amass great and substantive material wealth which they devoted to the realisation of their dream. With their money, they took control of the world media, news agencies, the press, publishing houses, broadcasting stations, and others. With their money they stirred revolutions in various parts of the world with the purpose of achieving their interests and reaping the fruit therein. They were behind the French Revolution, the Communist revolution and most of the revolutions we heard and hear about, here and there. With their money they formed secret societies, such as Freemasons, Rotary Clubs, the Lions and others in different parts of the world for the purpose of sabotaging societies and achieving Zionist interests. With their money they were able to control imperialistic countries and instigate them to colonize many countries in order to enable them to exploit their resources and spread corruption there.
You may speak as much as you want about regional and world wars. They were behind World War I, when they were able to destroy the Islamic Caliphate, making financial gains and controlling resources. They obtained the Balfour Declaration, formed the League of Nations through which they could rule the world. They were behind World War II, through which they made huge financial gains by trading in armaments, and paved the way for the establishment of their state. It was they who instigated the replacement of the League of Nations with the United Nations and the Security Council to enable them to rule the world through them. There is no war going on anywhere, without having their finger in it.
"So often as they shall kindle a fire for war, Allah shall extinguish it; and they shall set their minds to act corruptly in the earth, but Allah loveth not the corrupt doers." (The Table - verse 64).
The imperialistic forces in the Capitalist West and Communist East, support the enemy with all their might, in money and in men. These forces take turns in doing that. The day Islam appears, the forces of infidelity would unite to challenge it, for the infidels are of one nation.
"O true believers, contract not an intimate friendship with any besides yourselves: they will not fail to corrupt you. They wish for that which may cause you to perish: their hatred hath already appeared from out of their mouths; but what their breasts conceal is yet more inveterate. We have already shown you signs of their ill will towards you, if ye understand." (The Family of Imran - verse 118 ).
It is not in vain that the verse is ended with Allah's words "if ye understand."
Our Attitudes Towards:
A. Islamic Movements:
Article Twenty-Three:
The Islamic Resistance Movement views other Islamic movements with respect and appreciation. If it were at variance with them on one point or opinion, it is in agreement with them on other points and understandings. It considers these movements, if they reveal good intentions and dedication to Allah, that they fall into the category of those who are trying hard since they act within the Islamic circle. Each active person has his share.
The Islamic Resistance Movement considers all these movements as a fund for itself. It prays to Allah for guidance and directions for all and it spares no effort to keep the banner of unity raised, ever striving for its realisation in accordance with the Koran and the Prophet's directives.
"And cleave all of you unto the covenant of Allah, and depart not from it, and remember the favour of Allah towards you: since ye were enemies, and he reconciled your hearts, and ye became companions and brethren by his favour: and ye were on the brink of a pit of fire, and he delivered you thence. Allah declareth unto you his signs, that ye may be directed." (The Family of Imran - Verse 102).
Article Twenty-Four:
The Islamic Resistance Movement does not allow slandering or speaking ill of individuals or groups, for the believer does not indulge in such malpractices. It is necessary to differentiate between this behaviour and the stands taken by certain individuals and groups. Whenever those stands are erroneous, the Islamic Resistance Movement preserves the right to expound the error and to warn against it. It will strive to show the right path and to judge the case in question with objectivity. Wise conduct is indeed the target of the believer who follows it wherever he discerns it.
"Allah loveth not the speaking ill of anyone in public, unless he who is injured call for assistance; and Allah heareth and knoweth: whether ye publish a good action, or conceal it, or forgive evil, verily Allah is gracious and powerful." (Women - verses 147-148 ).
B. Nationalist Movements in the Palestinian Arena:
Article Twenty-Five:
The Islamic Resistance Movement respects these movements and appreciates their circumstances and the conditions surrounding and affecting them. It encourages them as long as they do not give their allegiance to the Communist East or the Crusading West. It confirms to all those who are integrated in it, or sympathetic towards it, that the Islamic Resistance Movement is a fighting movement that has a moral and enlightened look of life and the way it should cooperate with the other (movements). It detests opportunism and desires only the good of people, individuals and groups alike. It does not seek material gains, personal fame, nor does it look for a reward from others. It works with its own resources and whatever is at its disposal "and prepare for them whatever force you can", for the fulfilment of the duty, and the earning of Allah's favour. It has no other desire than that.
The Movement assures all the nationalist trends operating in the Palestinian arena for the liberation of Palestine, that it is there for their support and assistance. It will never be more than that, both in words and deeds, now and in the future. It is there to bring together and not to divide, to preserve and not to squander, to unify and not to throw asunder. It evaluates every good word, sincere effort and good offices. It closes the door in the face of side disagreements and does not lend an ear to rumours and slanders, while at the same time fully realising the right for self-defence.
Anything contrary or contradictory to these trends, is a lie disseminated by enemies or their lackeys for the purpose of sowing confusion, disrupting the ranks and occupy them with side issues.
"O true believers, if a wicked man come unto you with a tale, inquire strictly into the truth thereof; lest ye hurt people through ignorance, and afterwards repent of what ye have done." (The Inner Apartments - verse 6).
Article Twenty-Six:
In viewing the Palestinian nationalist movements that give allegiance neither to the East nor the West, in this positive way, the Islamic Resistance Movement does not refrain from discussing new situations on the regional or international levels where the Palestinian question is concerned. It does that in such an objective manner revealing the extent of how much it is in harmony or contradiction with the national interests in the light of the Islamic point of view.
C. The Palestinian Liberation Organization:
Article Twenty-Seven:
The Palestinian Liberation Organization is the closest to the heart of the Islamic Resistance Movement. It contains the father and the brother, the next of kin and the friend. The Moslem does not estrange himself from his father, brother, next of kin or friend. Our homeland is one, our situation is one, our fate is one and the enemy is a joint enemy to all of us.
Because of the situations surrounding the formation of the Organization, of the ideological confusion prevailing in the Arab world as a result of the ideological invasion under whose influence the Arab world has fallen since the defeat of the Crusaders and which was, and still is, intensified through orientalists, missionaries and imperialists, the Organization adopted the idea of the secular state. And that it how we view it.
Secularism completely contradicts religious ideology. Attitudes, conduct and decisions stem from ideologies.
That is why, with all our appreciation for The Palestinian Liberation Organization - and what it can develop into - and without belittling its role in the Arab-Israeli conflict, we are unable to exchange the present or future Islamic Palestine with the secular idea. The Islamic nature of Palestine is part of our religion and whoever takes his religion lightly is a loser.
"Who will be adverse to the religion of Abraham, but he whose mind is infatuated? (The Cow - verse 130).
The day The Palestinian Liberation Organization adopts Islam as its way of life, we will become its soldiers, and fuel for its fire that will burn the enemies.
Until such a day, and we pray to Allah that it will be soon, the Islamic Resistance Movement's stand towards the PLO is that of the son towards his father, the brother towards his brother, and the relative to relative, suffers his pain and supports him in confronting the enemies, wishing him to be wise and well-guided.
"Stand by your brother, for he who is brotherless is like the fighter who goes to battle without arms. One's cousin is the wing one flies with - could the bird fly without wings?"
D. Arab and Islamic Countries:
Article Twenty-Eight:
The Zionist invasion is a vicious invasion. It does not refrain from resorting to all methods, using all evil and contemptible ways to achieve its end. It relies greatly in its infiltration and espionage operations on the secret organizations it gave rise to, such as the Freemasons, The Rotary and Lions clubs, and other sabotage groups. All these organizations, whether secret or open, work in the interest of Zionism and according to its instructions. They aim at undermining societies, destroying values, corrupting consciences, deteriorating character and annihilating Islam. It is behind the drug trade and alcoholism in all its kinds so as to facilitate its control and expansion.
Arab countries surrounding Israel are asked to open their borders before the fighters from among the Arab and Islamic nations so that they could consolidate their efforts with those of their Moslem brethren in Palestine.
As for the other Arab and Islamic countries, they are asked to facilitate the movement of the fighters from and to it, and this is the least thing they could do.
We should not forget to remind every Moslem that when the Jews conquered the Holy City in 1967, they stood on the threshold of the Aqsa Mosque and proclaimed that "Mohammed is dead, and his descendants are all women."
Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Moslem people. "May the cowards never sleep."
E. Nationalist and Religious Groupings, Institutions, Intellectuals, The Arab and Islamic World:
The Islamic Resistance Movement hopes that all these groupings will side with it in all spheres, would support it, adopt its stand and solidify its activities and moves, work towards rallying support for it so that the Islamic people will be a base and a stay for it, supplying it with strategic depth an all human material and informative spheres, in time and in place. This should be done through the convening of solidarity conferences, the issuing of explanatory bulletins, favourable articles and booklets, enlightening the masses regarding the Palestinian issue, clarifying what confronts it and the conspiracies woven around it. They should mobilize the Islamic nations, ideologically, educationally and culturally, so that these peoples would be equipped to perform their role in the decisive battle of liberation, just as they did when they vanquished the Crusaders and the Tatars and saved human civilization. Indeed, that is not difficult for Allah.
"Allah hath written, Verily I will prevail, and my apostles: for Allah is strong and mighty." (The Dispute - verse 21).
Article Thirty:
Writers, intellectuals, media people, orators, educaters and teachers, and all the various sectors in the Arab and Islamic world - all of them are called upon to perform their role, and to fulfill their duty, because of the ferocity of the Zionist offensive and the Zionist influence in many countries exercised through financial and media control, as well as the consequences that all this lead to in the greater part of the world.
Jihad is not confined to the carrying of arms and the confrontation of the enemy. The effective word, the good article, the useful book, support and solidarity - together with the presence of sincere purpose for the hoisting of Allah's banner higher and higher - all these are elements of the Jihad for Allah's sake.
"Whosoever mobilises a fighter for the sake of Allah is himself a fighter. Whosoever supports the relatives of a fighter, he himself is a fighter." (related by al-Bukhari, Moslem, Abu-Dawood and al-Tarmadhi).
F. Followers of Other Religions: The Islamic Resistance Movement Is A Humanistic Movement:
Article Thirty-One:
The Islamic Resistance Movement is a humanistic movement. It takes care of human rights and is guided by Islamic tolerance when dealing with the followers of other religions. It does not antagonize anyone of them except if it is antagonized by it or stands in its way to hamper its moves and waste its efforts.
Under the wing of Islam, it is possible for the followers of the three religions - Islam, Christianity and Judaism - to coexist in peace and quiet with each other. Peace and quiet would not be possible except under the wing of Islam. Past and present history are the best witness to that.
It is the duty of the followers of other religions to stop disputing the sovereignty of Islam in this region, because the day these followers should take over there will be nothing but carnage, displacement and terror. Everyone of them is at variance with his fellow-religionists, not to speak about followers of other religionists. Past and present history are full of examples to prove this fact.
"They will not fight against you in a body, except in fenced towns, or from behind walls. Their strength in war among themselves is great: thou thinkest them to be united; but their hearts are divided. This, because they are people who do not understand." (The Emigration - verse 14).
Islam confers upon everyone his legitimate rights. Islam prevents the incursion on other people's rights. The Zionist Nazi activities against our people will not last for long. "For the state of injustice lasts but one day, while the state of justice lasts till Doomsday."
"As to those who have not borne arms against you on account of religion, nor turned you out of your dwellings, Allah forbiddeth you not to deal kindly with them, and to behave justly towards them; for Allah loveth those who act justly." (The Tried - verse 8 ).
The Attempt to Isolate the Palestinian People:
Article Thirty-Two:
World Zionism, together with imperialistic powers, try through a studied plan and an intelligent strategy to remove one Arab state after another from the circle of struggle against Zionism, in order to have it finally face the Palestinian people only. Egypt was, to a great extent, removed from the circle of the struggle, through the treacherous Camp David Agreement. They are trying to draw other Arab countries into similar agreements and to bring them outside the circle of struggle.
The Islamic Resistance Movement calls on Arab and Islamic nations to take up the line of serious and persevering action to prevent the success of this horrendous plan, to warn the people of the danger eminating from leaving the circle of struggle against Zionism. Today it is Palestine, tomorrow it will be one country or another. The Zionist plan is limitless. After Palestine, the Zionists aspire to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates. When they will have digested the region they overtook, they will aspire to further expansion, and so on. Their plan is embodied in the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion", and their present conduct is the best proof of what we are saying.
Leaving the circle of struggle with Zionism is high treason, and cursed be he who does that. "for whoso shall turn his back unto them on that day, unless he turneth aside to fight, or retreateth to another party of the faithful, shall draw on himself the indignation of Allah, and his abode shall be hell; an ill journey shall it be thither." (The Spoils - verse 16). There is no way out except by concentrating all powers and energies to face this Nazi, vicious Tatar invasion. The alternative is loss of one's country, the dispersion of citizens, the spread of vice on earth and the destruction of religious values. Let every person know that he is responsible before Allah, for "the doer of the slightest good deed is rewarded in like, and the does of the slightest evil deed is also rewarded in like."
The Islamic Resistance Movement consider itself to be the spearhead of the circle of struggle with world Zionism and a step on the road. The Movement adds its efforts to the efforts of all those who are active in the Palestinian arena. Arab and Islamic Peoples should augment by further steps on their part; Islamic groupings all over the Arab world should also do the same, since all of these are the best-equipped for the future role in the fight with the warmongering Jews.
"..and we have put enmity and hatred between them, until the day of resurrection. So often as they shall kindle a fire of war, Allah shall extinguish it; and they shall set their minds to act corruptly in the earth, but Allah loveth not the corrupt doers." (The Table - verse 64).
Article Thirty-Three:
The Islamic Resistance Movement, being based on the common coordinated and interdependent conceptions of the laws of the universe, and flowing in the stream of destiny in confronting and fighting the enemies in defence of the Moslems and Islamic civilization and sacred sites, the first among which is the Aqsa Mosque, urges the Arab and Islamic peoples, their governments, popular and official groupings, to fear Allah where their view of the Islamic Resistance Movement and their dealings with it are concerned. They should back and support it, as Allah wants them to, extending to it more and more funds till Allah's purpose is achieved when ranks will close up, fighters join other fighters and masses everywhere in the Islamic world will come forward in response to the call of duty while loudly proclaiming: Hail to Jihad. Their cry will reach the heavens and will go on being resounded until liberation is achieved, the invaders vanquished and Allah's victory comes about.
"And Allah will certainly assist him who shall be on his side: for Allah is strong and mighty." (The Pilgrimage - verse 40).
The Testimony of History
Across History in Confronting the Invaders:
Article Thirty-Four:
Palestine is the navel of the globe and the crossroad of the continents. Since the dawn of history, it has been the target of expansionists. The Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him salvation, had himself pointed to this fact in the noble Hadith in which he called on his honourable companion, Ma'adh ben-Jabal, saying: O Ma'ath, Allah throw open before you, when I am gone, Syria, from Al-Arish to the Euphrates. Its men, women and slaves will stay firmly there till the Day of Judgement. Whoever of you should choose one of the Syrian shores, or the Holy Land, he will be in constant struggle till the Day of Judgement."
Expansionists have more than once put their eye on Palestine which they attacked with their armies to fulfill their designs on it. Thus it was that the Crusaders came with their armies, bringing with them their creed and carrying their Cross. They were able to defeat the Moslems for a while, but the Moslems were able to retrieve the land only when they stood under the wing of their religious banner, united their word, hallowed the name of Allah and surged out fighting under the leadership of Salah ed-Din al-Ayyubi. They fought for almost twenty years and at the end the Crusaders were defeated and Palestine was liberated.
"Say unto those who believe not, Ye shall be overcome, and thrown together into hell; an unhappy couch it shall be." (The Family of Imran - verse 12).
This is the only way to liberate Palestine. There is no doubt about the testimony of history. It is one of the laws of the universe and one of the rules of existence. Nothing can overcome iron except iron. Their false futile creed can only be defeated by the righteous Islamic creed. A creed could not be fought except by a creed, and in the last analysis, victory is for the just, for justice is certainly victorious.
"Our word hath formerly been given unto our servants the apostles; that they should certainly be assisted against the infidels, and that our armies should surely be the conquerors." (Those Who Rank Themselves - verses 171-172).
Article Thirty-Five:
The Islamic Resistance Movement views seriously the defeat of the Crusaders at the hands of Salah ed-Din al-Ayyubi and the rescuing of Palestine from their hands, as well as the defeat of the Tatars at Ein Galot, breaking their power at the hands of Qataz and Al-Dhaher Bivers and saving the Arab world from the Tatar onslaught which aimed at the destruction of every meaning of human civilization. The Movement draws lessons and examples from all this. The present Zionist onslaught has also been preceded by Crusading raids from the West and other Tatar raids from the East. Just as the Moslems faced those raids and planned fighting and defeating them, they should be able to confront the Zionist invasion and defeat it. This is indeed no problem for the Almighty Allah, provided that the intentions are pure, the determination is true and that Moslems have benefited from past experiences, rid themselves of the effects of ideological invasion and followed the customs of their ancestors.
The Islamic Resistance Movement is Composed of Soldiers:
Article Thirty-Six:
While paving its way, the Islamic Resistance Movement, emphasizes time and again to all the sons of our people, to the Arab and Islamic nations, that it does not seek personal fame, material gain, or social prominence. It does not aim to compete against any one from among our people, or take his place. Nothing of the sort at all. It will not act against any of the sons of Moslems or those who are peaceful towards it from among non-Moslems, be they here or anywhere else. It will only serve as a support for all groupings and organizations operating against the Zionist enemy and its lackeys.
The Islamic Resistance Movement adopts Islam as its way of life. Islam is its creed and religion. Whoever takes Islam as his way of life, be it an organization, a grouping, a country or any other body, the Islamic Resistance Movement considers itself as their soldiers and nothing more.
We ask Allah to show us the right course, to make us an example to others and to judge between us and our people with truth. "O Lord, do thou judge between us and our nation with truth; for thou art the best judge." (Al Araf - Verse 89).
The last of our prayers will be praise to Allah, the Master of the Universe.[/COLOR]
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