Obama’s Appointment to Head the National Intelligence Council Must Be Removed

by Paul Smith

The Obama administration has named Charles “Chas” Freeman as chairman of the National Intelligence Council, the organization responsible for compiling intelligence from 16 different government agencies to produce National Intelligence Estimates.

The right-wing is up in arms about Freeman’s appointment due to his previous statements expressing some tepid solidarity with Palestinian issues. He was also the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1989-1992, and since that time, some claim he has lobbied to Washington on behalf of the Saudi royal family.

However, some news has recently surfaced which should render Freeman completely unfit to hold any position in American government.

It has come out that in 2006, Freeman sent a message as a part of a group email discussion expressing his feelings on the Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989, and his remarks are nothing short of shocking and despicable.

For those unfamiliar, the Tiananmen Square Massacre was the violent culmination and crackdown of student protests in China during the summer of 1989 by the Chinese military.

The protests, led mainly by students and intellectual dissidents, were non-violent demonstrations which called for more democratic measures to be taken by the Chinese government along with a better adherence to issues of human rights.

The largest of the protests took place in Tiananmen Square, the large plaza in China’s capital city of Beijing. After the demonstrations lasted for seven weeks and attracted hundreds of thousands of protesters, the Chinese government sent in the military to put an end to it.

The result, according to the Chinese Red Cross, was 2,600 dead civilians and thousands more injured.

Many may remember the iconic image of the man fearlessly standing before the row of tanks on the day after the massacre.

So, what did Freeman have to say about this horrific incident? Here are a couple of gems from Freeman’s message:

“… the truly unforgivable mistake of the Chinese authorities was the failure to intervene on a timely basis to nip the demonstrations in the bud …”

“… [the] response to the mob scene at Tiananmen stands as a monument to overly cautious behavior on the part of the leadership, not as an example of rash action.”

“I do not believe it is acceptable for any country to allow the heart of its national capital to be occupied by dissidents intent on disrupting the normal functions of government, however appealing to foreigners their propaganda may be. Such folk, whether they represent a veterans’ ‘Bonus Army’ or a ‘student uprising’ on behalf of ‘the goddess of democracy’ should expect to be displaced with dispatch from the ground they occupy. I cannot conceive of any American government behaving with the ill-conceived restraint that the Zhao Ziyang administration did in China, allowing students to occupy zones that are the equivalent of the Washington National Mall and Times Square …”

Wow… just wow. Apparently in Freeman’s mind, having the military kill thousands of its own citizens staging a nonviolent protest is an example of “overly cautious behavior” and showing “ill-conceived restraint.”

The only logical inference one can gather from Freeman’s half-cocked ramblings is that he seems to think the real mistake the Chinese government made in 1989 was not killing more people more quickly.

Freeman also seems to express his disdain for the US Constitution, and that pesky First Amendment which guarantees “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

I suppose Freeman thinks the proper response to the Million Man March in 1995 or the Vietnam protests of the 60’s and 70’s would have been to send the National Guard in guns blazing.

And this was not some drunken off-the-cuff remark Freeman made 20 years ago, this was something he wrote (presumably sober) less than three years ago.

Get this man out of my government immediately.

I don’t need to know anything more about him. I don’t care if he proves to be the most brilliant statesman of his generation. His remarks on this issue are absolutely reprehensible.

I am not typically fond of the “gotcha” game in American politics which culls some obscure old quote someone said out of context to try and ruin his career.

This is not “gotcha.” This is gravely serious.

Get this man out of my government.

June 4th of this year will mark the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

The Power of the People

by Ben Johnson

With millions of people walking the streets every day, strangers that you have never met doing what they like and with no concern for you, it’s an easy thing to feel like your small actions don’t make a difference. Well, let me tell you something: what you do as an individual (low/middle class citizen) doesn’t mean squat to this country. Sorry to break it to you like that, but there is little you can do to be heard or be noticed and taken seriously at the same time. But what if you had a bunch a people on your side?

Recent news shed some light on Facebook and how they tried to “quietly” change their “terms of agreement policy.” For those of you who are in the dark on this one, Facebook tried to change their policy hoping no one would really notice or care. The “terms of agreement policy” is the one you see when you first sign up (it’s a link to a long page with small print of their rules and regulations, and by signing up you must agree it). Once you agree, you’re hooked as long as you stay on Facebook.

This may not seem like a big deal, except for the new line they added that stated something along the lines of “Facebook has the right to keep and do anything with your photos, comments, notes, and everything else you have posted on our network FOREVER” (emphasize mine). If you do not think that this statement merits some action or discussion, then don’t waste your time with the rest of this article.

That is a serious change in policy which allows Facebook to do anything with our profile content without having to consent us. Sure we put ourselves out there in the world where we are at risk, but do we really want our privacy invaded?

The fact also remains that Facebook tried to do this with little or no publicity to avoid criticism and retaliation. I myself did not hear the news for several days, and when I did I wanted to do something about it. But before I could give it a second thought, thousands of people had already protested against this new change. The news spread like wildfire and it wasn’t long before Facebook removed the new terms and went back to their original policy.

So why do I bring this up? Yes, we as individuals have little power against the “machines” of this modern day. But in masses, “we the people” still have the power; a voice to be heard, a strength to be reckoned with. If we can remember this, then “we the people” should never feel like we cannot make a difference. If we can turn around a global social network, and cause them to think twice before trying to pull a stunt like that again, think of the other possibilities.

An old Chinese proverb states, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” My point is small changes have to occur in order for big ones to happen, and people are a big part of change. I’m not telling you to go out and take on the world. Instead, keep an open heart, an open mind, and be willing to except a higher calling to do good things when you hear the call.

Eating on the Go: Starting Your Day

by Ben Johnson

In my previous article, we talked about some basic ideas on what to eat at certain times of the day. In this article, we’ll discuss the reasons why – starting with breakfast.

Starting with breakfast, when you wake up in the morning, your body is a little dehydrated. Think about it; if you just slept for 8 hours or so, then you haven’t really had any water in that time. Your body is designed to sleep without having to wake up and get a drink to stay on top of hydration, but one of the first things you should do in the morning is go to your kitchen, and get a drink of water. Not a whole lot, but more than a sip. This is a good start to your morning and is a good way to slowly wake up your “insides” with a little fluid action. You need to drink water throughout the day simply because you cannot live without it.

Water is around 70-80 percent of your body’s structure, not to mention it acts as a flushing agent that helps clean out your body’s systems. And the best time to drink water is on an empty stomach; don’t drink it with meals because it gets mixed up with the food in your stomach and it’s a lot easier to digest food when it’s not diluted. This goes for all drinks with meals with the exception of alcohol. Bready foods help absorb the alcohol in the stomach and make the “blood absorption process” slower. But we’re talking about breakfast today.

Once you’ve had your drink of water, and given it a few minutes to run its course, now it’s time to look for breakfast. If you plan on going for a jog, walk, run, bike, etc., then you may want to consume something that won’t stick to you all morning. Like a smoothie! All you need is a blender from Target, some of your favorite fruits or vegetables, and something like yogurt for your fruits or some flaxseed oil for your vegetables, and you’re set for breakfast. This kind of meal will go through you pretty quick, so be on stand-by, and it should hold you over until lunch.

Now, if you don’t plan on running or walking, then go with a bowl of cereal, an egg sandwich, some oatmeal, or something hardy. Remember you just woke up and your body has some “sludge” left over inside from yesterday and it might be good idea to flush it out with something like fiber or bran-flakes. Remember what I said too, that everyone is different; we each have different bodies, lifestyles, and eating choices. My point is to emphasize on eating and not skip meals while you’re in college, but at the same time, make some healthy choices. Next time, we’ll talk about lunch.

Humble your Heartbeat

By: Samantha Meyers

As the sun beats hot on their backs, the soft, calm wind gives a breath of cool refreshment to the men playing on the diamond.  They enjoy either playing under the vivid sun or the brilliant, park lights.  They are the guys that bring home their men.  The PJC men’s baseball team is causing whispers around campus; yes a new season of baseball has arrived. 

 

 The rush of the new 2009 season has already passed for the PJC baseball team.  They have 13 games under their belt, with a record of 11-2. 

Head Coach Bill Hamilton says one of his main goals for the season is to get higher than last year.  The team was ranked third in state and first in the national polls.  “We just want to get better every day, and we are stubborn at that sometimes,” said Coach Hamilton.

Hamilton believes this team possesses a high maturity level and knows what it takes to be winners.  There are eight returning players with experience, along with great support and knowledge from the coaching staff. 

With one of the best records in the state, Hamilton still sees much room for improvement.  He states, “We have made a few elementary mistakes that we’ve got to quit. We physically have some very talented players, it’s just a matter of playing the game right.”

Several players are already committed to playing at the university level.  Robert Beary is going to play for South Carolina next year; while Nicholls State, Troy University, and the University of Central Florida have a hold on some PJC players.

The baseball team has many rivals, but their main target is to improve each game and eliminate mistakes.  They are focusing on not making the same mistake twice.  “The conference is full of rivals, but our rival is always the next team.  We handle the schedule in small bites, so we don’t let a team slip up on us,” said Hamilton.

Besides being Head Coach, Hamilton is the Athletic Director at PJC and has been for the past nine years, which is about half the time he has been a part of the staff for PJC.  His favorite thing about being a coach is the relationships he has made with people over the years.  HE is passionate for the sport, “Baseball is one of those games that can humble your heartbeat,” said Hamilton.

This 2009 baseball team deserves some smiling students in the stands to cheer them on.  There are 20 more home games to go; so grab a baseball cap and a hotdog from the concession stand to enjoy an ultimate baseball experience.

Lady Pirates vs. Commodores

By: Sam Meyers

The Lady Pirates seem to let another win slip their grasp on Valentine’s Day, the 14th.  The Gulf Coast Commodores powered the Pirates, 83-61.  This was the third time the two teams played in a Panhandle Conference game.  

 Jasmine Payne, jumping center, retrieved the ball to start the game.    Joe Pascal, broadcast host, commented on Payne as, “She’s one of the best athletes in the conference.”

The Pirates fell short in the first half with sufficient turnovers leaving the Commodores with a better chance to score an excessive amount of 3-pointers.  Gulf Coast dominated PJC with a 16 point lead going into the second half, 50- 34. 

The second half was a downfall from the start for PJC, letting Gulf Coast keep the lead.  Wykeemia Gray led the PJC offense with 17 points, while Payne followed with 14.  The Pirates lost on Saturday night, 83-61.

Sierra Highgate thought Gulf Coast was a hard team to beat.  She said, “We played well, just not good enough.”

The PJC men’s basketball team fell short by 12 points; the final score against Gulf Coast was 90-78. 

Coach Swanson, “We have not matched out well with Gulf Coast this season.  What hurt us as the season has whined down is that we haven’t been shooting well. “

The game was back and forth from the beginning.  There were 12 ties throughout the game, which kept both teams craving the win.  With 1:00 left in the game, Patsatsia made a beautiful layout scoring them two more points.  Those two points weren’t enough to reel in the win; Gulf Coast beat PJC 90-78.

“What we are playing for is pride.  It’s about character, and that’s what is important,” said Coach Swanson.

Free Concert Features Renowned Woodwind Artist

The concert is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus. The concert is free, but due to limited seating, tickets are required.

 

 

 

College Goal Sunday Coming Feb. 22

Corsair Staff Reports

The free event is 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 22 at PJC’s three campuses.

 

 

·         Pensacola campus, Baroco Center for Science & Advanced Technology Computer Lab, Building 21, 1000 College Blvd.

 

·         Warrington campus, William Simon Boyd Building, Computer Lab, Building 3100, 5555 West Highway 98

 

·         Milton campus, Student Affairs/Administration, Building 4200, 5988 Highway 90 On College Goal Sunday, new and returning students and families receive free expert help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form for 2009-2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presenting “The Night of the Iguana”

Corsair Staff Reports

 

The Pensacola Junior College Lyceum series presents “The Night of the Iguana” Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-March 1 at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.

Distinguished American playwright Tennessee Williams won his fourth New York Drama Critics Award for “The Night of the Iguana” – the last of the distinguished American playwright’s major artistic, critical and box office successes.

“The Night of the Iguana” was first performed on Dec. 28, 1961, on Broadway in the Royale Theatre. Like other plays by Williams, “The Night of the Iguana” focuses on sexual relationships and odd characters, including one crippled by his desires, the Rev. Shannon. Unlike many of Williams’ plays, “The Night of the Iguana” ends on a positive, hopeful note.

Tickets are $10, general admission; $8, seniors, children, non-PJC students; $6, Senior Club members, PJC staff/faculty/retirees; free, PJC students. VISA MasterCard, American Express, cash or check are accepted.

Purchase tickets at the Lyceum box office in the Ashmore Fine Arts Center, 1000 College Blvd.

For more information, call 850-484-1847.

 

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Roll Some Logs at the Forestry Festival

Corsair Staff Reports

Pensacola Junior College presents the 21st annual Northwest Florida Forestry Conclave & Lumberjack Festival Saturday, March 7, at the Milton campus.

The exciting free event is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features fun for the whole family including adult forestry skills competitions, all day; children’s events, 9 to 11 a.m.; bluegrass music, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; food, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a fire-fighting helicopter water drop at noon.

While the supply lasts, festival-goers also get to select free tree seedlings from a variety of species and receive information from experts on planting and proper care.

Adult and teen competitions include knife and axe throwing, bow sawing, Jack and Jill crosscut, log roll, pole felling and more. Prizes are awarded for each event.

 

 

 

 

 

PJC vs. Northwest Florida

By Sam Meyers

Published: January 28, 2009

The Lady Pirates were ranked No. 1 in the state, but after Wednesday night’s game the women’s basketball team fell in the ranks. The PJC team came up short to Northwest Florida State College 70-58.  The Pirates have made it through the season with 23 wins and 2 losses. 

The PJC women rocked the raiders through the first half leading 30-25, but that wasn’t enough to keep them on top.  Christina Rateree from Northwest Florida seemed to control the court scoring 26 points during the game.  The Raiders also had an advantage with an 80% chance in 3-pointers.  The Pirates seemed to let the ball slip from their hands by making 14 turnovers.  The two teams battled it out till the end, but Northwest Florida took the win 70-58. 

            The PJC men’s basketball team has 14 wins and 15 losses according to the 2008-2009 stats on the PJC website.  They overpowered the Northwest Florida Raiders 62-50.

 “It was a tough game and we came out to win it.  We were patient, we came together and played well defensively.  It was a team effort and it put us back in the race,” said Coach Swanson.  

By halftime, Northwest Florida was leading 33-30, but PJC pulled through a steamy second half.  PJC had a 15-0 straight run over the raiders leaving 7 minutes left to end the game.  The Pirates kept a strong hold on the raiders, and in the final minute De’Andre Washington scored a one-handed dunk bringing the score 62-50.

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