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My Resolution: No More Mr Nice Guy

It was a sad day for Turkish-American relations. But it's even a sadder day for Armenians! They will lose more than they will ever gain!

Do the Armenians really think that some soiling-their-pants Congressmen care about the Armenians' plight? Was this part of a ploy, a plan of pushing Turkey off-track and into radicalism, alienating the 'model' integration of secularism and Muslim-ness, and thereby prove to the 'world' that a moderate Islam doesn't exist?

By a narrow margin of 23-22, The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the measure recommending the U.S. recognize the 'events' of 1915 as 'Genocide.'

A similar 'Genocide' measure in 2007 was passed by a wider margin, but it was not brought to the House floor for a vote following intensive pressure by then-President George W. Bush. (How They Voted Yesterday)

At the expense of falling victim to the trap I've been blogging against for the past few years here on TalkTurkey, I reverse course and join the chorus that Armenians really do not want reconciliation. Although it is non-binding and simply meaningless, as well as farcical, enough is enough! I am now definitely not in a reconciliatory mood any longer. In fact, I say 'let the games begin!'

Here's my open letter to Prime Minister Erdogan and President Gul of Turkey:

Non-Binding 'Genocide' Resolution

Turks, and apparently BBC with their premature 'US to recognize Armenian genocide' reporting, are jumping to conclusions. This committee vote today (which will most likely pass the 'Genocide' terminology's application against modern-day Turkey, despite Obama Administration's last minute 'hold-off' until later cries today - how sincere!) is ONLY a recommendation to bring the resolution to a full vote on the floor of The House.

Then, and only then, would the entire House would get to vote (if it ever comes to that - highly unlikely). But even if it did 'pass' the vote, it is ONLY a NON-BINDING resolution to 'enforce' Obama and future Presidents to refer to the atrocities/massacres (committed by both sides for a variety of reasons I am not going to bore you with here) as 'Genocide' when commemorating the Armenian anniversary of the said acts on April 24 each year.

This non-binding resolution in no way would 'force' Turkey into admission or submission. But it will 'forever' change the US-Turkish relations for sure. Politicians will once again get in the way of history and truths. What else is new? Get over it Turks (and Armenians)!

By the way, wouldn't Turkey be better off redistributing the more than $2M it spends annually on lobbying efforts elsewhere, like investing into 'nuclear' energy (like Iran so boldly has)?

Resolution is a Farce All Around

It's that time of the year (again). The U.S. House gets to vote (in what seems to be an annual hell-bent exercise of least meant intentions) on the 'Genocide' claims of Armenian (Turks) against their then country of citizenship, Turkey, without any regard to any atrocities and injustices committed by the opposing party in self-defense or preservation of its sovereignty against its own citizens conspiring with the enemy during times of war. Who perpetrated and provoked first? Does it matter? Why so one-sided and one-dimensional at best and delusional at worst?

As Henri J. Barkey writes in The Washington Post, "The Turks, Armenians and the United States all dilute the meaning of the word genocide by playing politics with it." So true!!! Hypocrisy at its best!

Mr. Barkey also adds, "while some U.S. lawmakers feel strongly about the Armenian genocide resolution, most realize that no moral good can come from a label applied almost a century later. They support the resolution only to score points with the highly organized Armenian-American lobby."

Although some people will even stoop to pointing out the conflict then and now is a Muslim vs Christian or Islam vs Christianity issue, it's rather not.

State of Turkish Olympics (& Tugba)

Why would you trek all the way to Canada and not perform? Turkey's entry of Men's Alpine Skiing Erdinc Turksever 'Did Not Finish' either of his two events. I know I sound harsh but, staying home was not an option? His female counterpart Tugba Tasdemir was 56th (out of 86) in one of her events; she did not finish her second event either. In Cross-Country Skiing, Turkey's male entry Sebahattin Oglago finished 77th out of 86. In Ladies Cross-Country, Kelime Cetinkaya was involved in three separate events. She finished 69th, 53rd, and 63rd respectively. (see attached)

Figure Skating and Tugba Karademir

Update: Tugba Karademir placed 21st and qualified for the Free Skate, but she came in 24th out of 24. However, more importantly, she won the hearts of many with her (immigrant) story. And what a free advertisement for Turkey on NBC... Turkey should give her a medal, instead of taking the flag away from her!!!

She's Turkish, but lives in Canada. She'll be on home ice as she'll skate representing Turkey (instead of Canada) in figure skating at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. Another sport so popular in Turkey to watch, but with no infrastructure; however, Tugba Karademir pledges to change all that.

"I would love to go back and help out... There is a lot of talent out there at a young age but unfortunately it's wasted as they don't know how to develop it."

Hopefully Turks in Turkey are listening... and watching. February 23 and 25.

Tugba is not only Turkey's first figure skater, she's also the first Muslim woman to compete internationally in women's figure skating. And she is just one of six athletes competing for Turkey at this year's Winter Olympics.

Ali Choosing Career over Love

Would you choose career over love? Ali did, or at least that's what played out on TV last night on The Bachelor. Of course, Ali's decision was made easier as she realized she is just one of four girls the bachelor has to pick from. No guarantees. I am sure if it would've been a sure thing, she would've said the heck with the career. Or would she?

In my opinion, she used her 'career' as an excuse. If she really 'loved' this man, she would've stuck around and seen this thing through to the end. Don't we all make choices based on gut and how we feel now rather than how we think things might possibly end up... or not? We all know we're going to die, yet we live. I think Ali got scared. And this Jake guy is not giving any hints on who he's 'really' fallen for. In the end, I think she did the 'right' thing to do!

But no use crying over spilled milk. Or is there? Considering who he's got left to deal with, maybe he should start crying right about now.

Watch Rick Steves' Europe: Istanbul

SOTU: The Arrogant Trio

But for most of the Democrats cramming the House chamber, there is no issue more pressing than getting re-elected in November. And it's not clear that pursuing Obama's priorities will help them achieve theirs. via washingtonpost.com

I couldn't help but notice the smirks on the faces of Pelosi and Biden as they sat (or stood) behind President Obama during his State of the Union (SOTU) speech. Yes, another speech of what he'll do for us or what Congress should do for us, but now he even had a few choice words for The Supreme Court.

I know he comes from the Legislative Branch, and is an inexperienced executive. But as he now represents the Executive Branch, he needs to remember Checks and Balances between the three branches of government. He is not entitled to super privilege, regardless whether his party has the majority in both houses of Congress and Biden and Pelosi have the right to sit (or stand) behind him.

The arrogance of looking at the Republicans while mouthing the words, 'If anyone has a plan, let me know,' when he and his cronies shut the Republicans out, up until 'heading for the hills' Democrats were taught a great lesson by Independents who elected Scott Brown to Ted Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts.

We're ALL for health care. But if you intend on using 'poor people' as an excuse to promote health care, then do just that. Give health care to those who can't afford it! Don't change the ENTIRE health care system to be run by the Government. I've seen the DMV, and I've been to the Post Office. Government is NOT the solution to our problem; government IS the problem!

The Democrats, including Biden and Pelosi wore shades of purple. As a sign that they are no longer pitting red states against blue states. That we're a mix of red and blue. But I feel that the economy is black and blue. We need more than signals, and speeches, and arrogance. We can use a little action! We want results, not rhetoric! Where's Steve Jobs when you need him?

No Reservations: Istanbul

The new season of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations premiered on the Travel Channel and this year Tony visited Istanbul, Turkey and its culinary offerings for the first time. Needless to say he was pleasantly surprised.

You can watch the entire episode in five parts. Part-1, Part-2, Part-3, Part-4, and Part-5. You can also download it on iTunes for $1.99 if you wish to have it on your iPhone or iPod. Bon Appetit!

Ayla Brown, Senator's Daughter

Remember Ayla Brown? She was one of the Top 16 from American Idol Season 5. I met her at the Kodak Theatre a few years back during the showdown between Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee. She caught my attention not only for her voice but also for her name. 'Ayla' is a feminine Turkish name meaning the radiance or aura of the moon. Ayla was also a successful Boston College basketball player. And she happens to be the daughter of the now famous Senator-elect from Massachusetts Scott Brown ('The People's Senator').

Scott Brown WINS!

In the campaign with national implications, Social Media Strategy was used properly by Scott Brown. And so was his use of defining himself and what he and his win would mean not only to Massachusetts but also to the nation in general.

NO to Big Government! Too much spending in Washington! Stimulus plan was wrong! And Health Care for ALL does NOT mean ALL of Healthcare to be overhauled!

I am so ecstatic that Scott Brown upset Martha Coakley in Massachusetts, a liberal state to the left of Soviet Union. I was in New England over the holidays, and I got so tired of watching one negative ad after another by Martha trying to paint Scott Brown as another Bush/Cheney policy follower. When will the Democrats realize we need positive ads telling us what your policy is, instead of attacking your opponent's?

But the real issue (in fact, possibly the only one for this election) was 'health care.' Of course I am for healthcare for all, but not for all of healthcare to be revised. If a ton of people can't afford healthcare, why not only give them healthcare? Why do we have to change ALL of healthcare, especially given the financial state of the economy? Maybe some people in 'government' need to fill their pockets...

Healthcare for ALL does NOT mean change ALL of healthcare!!! I think Scott Brown's WIN tonight should get the message loud and clear to Obamaniacs that WE THE PEOPLE do NOT want 'healthcare' shoved down our throat, even in Massachusetts!!!

I guess 'CHANGE' is not a word synonymous with Obama ... anymore!

European Discrimination

I have my own reasons for Turkey not to join the European Union. And the EU has theirs. Lucky for me, not being invited to the party at the once popular club has its advantages for Turkey. For one thing, there are trendier times and hipper clubs ahead for the cool crowd Turkey needs to align itself with, not the croaking country club crowd of the antiquated Europe.

But I still can't get over the blatant racism and discrimination the EU displays even today (take the recent case of the French court finding a Turkish woman guilty for exercising her own freedom of expression) as it demands Turkey improve its own human rights and free speech.

As David Cronin of guardian.co.uk writes:

Christmas Holiday or Holy Day?

The feature story on peacefmonline asks, 'Is Christmas a Pagan Holiday or a Christian Holy Day? The article goes on to say, "Christmas is ironically as foreign to the Bible as democracy is to Communist China."

I've always thought the overrated popularity of Xmas was largely in part due to the organized efforts of and thanks to the retail sales industry. I also knew that some of the traditions of Christmas, in fact the greatest symbol of it all - the Christmas tree, was a pagan tradition. So go ahead non-Christians, putting up a Christmas tree will not make you any more Christian than a Muslim who believes in Jesus.

Dexter, Trinity, and Rita Finale

picture courtesy of nydailynews.com

No one would argue that twisted and dark humor series 'Dexter' has great writing and probably is the best show on TV. Last night was the finale, and what a finale it was. Who got the last laugh?

The vigilante serial killer whose real profession is blood analyst for the Miami police department killed his final victim Arthur Miller ('Trinity Killer') played brilliantly by John Lithgow. But the shocker was Dexter upon returning home finding his own wife Rita in the bathtub as the last murdered victim of Trinity, and his baby son sitting in a pool of blood. Life imitates art of Dexter's own childhood memory leading to his present day transgressions.

As finales go, this one introduced a whole new set of questions for the next season. Unlike 'The Sopranos' Dexter is coming back for more to help us understand what happens next, but not until next fall. Too long of a wait IMO.

In the meantime, along with 'Dexter' the show, Michael C. Hall, John Lithgow, Julie Benz, and Jennifer Carpenter deserve Emmys, don't you think?

What do kids want to be nowadays?

'What do you want to be when you grow up?' was a question often asked by adults when we were kids. Our responses were somewhat prophetic in that we trusted our answers to be what we wanted and what those adults expected. 'Doctor,' 'lawyer,' 'pilot' (later graduated to 'astronaut') were the usual suspects. A few kids with better self-esteem even responded with 'husband' or 'wife', or 'a good father' and 'mother.' No one dared say 'stand-up comic' or 'America's Idol' or 'a blogger.'

Now that we are caught in the web of social media (pun intended), what do kids nowadays say when they are asked the same question? I have 10 probable responses that wouldn't be that far off. What do you think?

10. Head of a Successful Dot Com

9. An Infomercial King/Queen

8. Vulture Capitalist in Cuba

7. Professional Reality Show Brat

6. Wealthy Real Estate Tycoon in SecondLife

5. Nobel Prize Winner for 'War' on Texting

4. Chairman of the Facebook Redesign Committee

3. Twitter Prophet with 1 Billion Followers

2. Creator of the iPhone App 'Transgression Tracking and Alibi System'

and the number 1 answer: A 'Socialist'

Do you have any that would make such a list?

White House: Obama and Erdogan

Obama and Turkey and TARP

President Obama and Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan met at the White House today. After the meeting, Obama said "I am incredibly optimistic about the prospect of stronger and stronger ties between the United States and Turkey that will be based not only on our NATO relationship, our military-to-military relationship, our strategic relationship, but also increasing economic ties."

It's amazing whenever the press is called in afterwards to ask questions of the leaders, time and time again the press corp is more interested in 'domestic' affairs, with no regard for the foreign dignitary present or the relevance to the statements just made by either of the two leaders. Often we see the U.S. president responding to a 'bigger news' question of the day as the media seizes the opportunity to get a reaction while the foreign leader just shakes his head and tries to look interested.

Today was no exception; the first question was about TARP and Obama's economic speech scheduled for tomorrow, and his response was the sound byte of the day as CNN, FOX and other outlets kept replaying it over and over. I guess if you were Erdogan, you were quite happy that you got to be photographed next to Obama as Obama dealt with the more pressing issues facing the U.S.

Shouldn't the White House announce beforehand only questions pertaining to the reason for the press gathering will be responded to, at least at first, out of respect for present company?

Swiss Minarets

Swiss watches are known for their precision. But this latest news from 'neutral' Switzerland is more like swiss cheese, full of holes.

Switzerland put to a referendum whether the country's 300,000 or so Muslims can build minarets for their mosques. And with a population of 7.5 million, as well as inflammatory posters such as the one above, the 'majority' of the Swiss voted for the ban to 'avoid' what some consider "creeping Islamicisation and sharia law." It is not the expected results that trouble me, it is the fact that this 'referendum' was actually put to a vote.

Thanks Giving and Gobble Gobble

It's that time of the year again. A long, long time ago, before Turkey was as prominent as it is today (OK I admit, a little bit of sarcasm wouldn't hurt), I remember being teased with the 'gobble gobble' chants of other kids no doubt overwhelmed with the joys of Thanksgiving.

Nowadays, the subject matter centers around those who have yet to read 'Thanksgiving for Dummies' who ask, 'Do Turks celebrate Thanksgiving?'

Offering a Job to Lou Dobbs

via mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com

Lou Dobbs is quitting CNN... again! The longtime CNN anchor who is best known as the voice of opposition to 'illegal' immigration is leaving the second fair and balanced 'News' network to pursue other interests.

Perhaps to join another 'Opinion' laden network like FOX, or possibly enter the political arena. Best wishes to him no matter what. I will miss seeing him on TV. In the meantime, you can follow him on Twitter @LouDobbsNews.

I'd like to take this opportunity to offer Mr. Lou Dobbs a guest author position here at TalkTurkey if he would accept the challenge.

Regardless of your opinion of Lou Dobbs or his politics, you'd have to agree we all need to get away from further polarization within the media.

What is/was wrong with CNN having to show some sensitivity to inclusivity of a token populist or independent or right-wing nut, depending on your interpretation, and/or conversely, FOX giving air time to some Liberal airhead?

Maybe... it's NOT by accident!

States with Most Expensive Cars

source: forbes.com

The big three luxury car brands in the U.S. are Lexus (153,809 units sold annually nationwide), followed by BMW (144,472), and Mercedes-Benz (131,146).

Preaching Peace and Violence

Why is it that converts to Islam seem to be more 'Muslim' than Muslims by birth? In this case, an American Jew who lived in Israel before converting to Islam, Al-Khattab "would like to see a mushroom cloud" over the Jewish state.

As CNN reports, Al-Khattab and his brothers of the 'Revolution Muslim' are part of the group spreading violent messages outside a New York City mosque, while the Imam preaches against terrorism inside.

What I mean by 'Muslim' when referring to the degree of one's 'Muslim-ness' is the America's and the West's recent obsession of the 'perceived' Islam. Such as today's Fort Hood shooting incident. The gunman's religion took precedence over his dastardly intentions, as is usually the case with 'Muslim' terrorists. Justifiably so sometimes, since his motive(s) most likely had to do with his 'Muslim-ness.' But nevertheless, why should the entire Muslim demographic have to be embarrassed by the actions of the (loudmouthed) few, who don't represent Islam, at least according to the majority of the people who practice Islam, no matter what side of the argument you are on about Islam's 'peacefulness'?

I even watched a reporter on one of the networks mentioning the Fort Hood gunman's neighbor's revelation that a 'Muslim' inscription was hanging above the man's door at his house. And what do you think the 'reporter' was insinuating as he delivered this 'shocking' discovery? I know of many Muslims and Turks who have Islamic verses such as 'Bismillahirrahmanirrahim' ('Besmele') hanging on their walls, or in their cars, Just like Jews with the Mezuzah, or Christians with a Latin inscription of 'Jesus is Great!' What does this 'revelation' really prove?

Now that the gunman has not been killed (the US Army at first gave the wrong account to news media all day - maybe they thought he was dead, only to discover he somehow survived, and now they can't 'just kill him'), I wonder what other 'revelations' will be discovered or debated in the public eye in the coming days/weeks? Any conspiracy theorists out there?

Republican Strategy

via news.bbc.co.uk

Sometimes one step back, two steps forward can be a great strategy. In the game of give-and-take, one side always ends up with the better of the two deals, even if it's a win-win for both. The Republicans knew that they were not going to end up in the White House last year; after eight-years of perceived, if not real, failures. So they sacrificed the one they thought would be the least damaging to the party, and himself. It was John McCain in 2008, as was Bob Dole in 1996. And yesterday, the game plan set into motion a couple of years ago showed its first signs of success. The Republicans, once thought to be left for dead, by the victory drunk liberals, are baacckk!

Now, if they can get rid of the neo-cons and allow the 'real' and true conservatism, laden with Libertarianism and individual liberties, and less control by the government of not only the people but the world, take over the Republican party, I can already see a Republican in the White House in 2016, if not in 2012. The national mood swing is in motion. And that was part of the game plan. Come back better than ever. Hopefully, in this game of political chess, the people are not the ones getting screwed, as we watch these moves from the sidelines, instead of on the front lines. Get involved! Your lives and your future is at stake!

Windows 7 and Halloween

I make no qualms about my affinity of Apple, makers of both software and hardware, who thereby can't point the finger at each other.

But is it any wonder Microsoft is releasing Windows 7, the prerequisite to Windows 8, on Halloween? Is Windows 7 cursed from the start?

Here's what esarcasm.com is saying about some of Microsoft's wackier marketing gimmicks:

Microsoft seems willing to do anything — and we mean anything — to get you to buy Windows 7. Microsoft is hoping 7 is its lucky number. Desperate to make up for earlier mistakes with Vista — namely the decision to release the thing in the first place — Microsoft is pulling out all the stops in a Windows 7 marketing blitzkrieg featuring dorky launch parties...

The Home-Wrecking Channel