Tuesday, December 31, 2024

What is 'America First': People or profits? -- Is this the question of the new year 2025 ??

Central to the 'America First' question is the debate raging over the expansion of the H–1B visa program  


In the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, the MAGA movement has been struggling with this question: What is ‘America First’? Is it people or profits? 

Many insist America is defined by its economic and military might. However, America is more than GDP growth, the stock market or even the "idea" of self-government. It’s a physical place, with people who share common history, traditions, and culture.  

(this piece is partially adapted from Rachel Campos-Duffy’s monologue on "Jesse Watters Primetime" on December 30, 2024./Fox News) 






Central to the "America First" question is the online debate raging over the expansion of the H–1B visa program, which allows American employers to hire foreign workers, and is vehemently defended by tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, says the article.  


Ramaswamy and Musk are competitive men, and their desire for America to win in the global game against our adversaries appears sincere.  

But the question is, what is your definition of winning? And at whose expense should the game be played? 


The H-1B policy was created to bring the "best and brightest" to America and address labor shortages in specialized fields. On paper, it sounds noble. In practice, however, it has been wildly abused and undercuts American workers in tech jobs no one can credibly argue Americans don’t want to do. 



A 2021 U.S. Census Bureau study found that as many as 72% of STEM graduates in America aren’t even working in STEM-related fields. So, is this really about labor shortages or is it about corporate profits at the expense of citizens who can’t compete with cheap foreign labor? 






Who can forget what happened at Disney in 2014 when IT workers were laid off and forced to retrain their foreign-born replacements if they wanted to receive their severance check? Americans aren’t opposed to bringing in more geniuses like Musk. But let’s not pretend Disney’s foreign replacements were all budding Einsteins. 

These workers come on restrictive terms, are paid less, work longer hours, and are unable to leave their jobs without risking deportation. They also come with the hope of becoming citizens and bringing their families over through chain migration. It’s a rigged game, designed to create cheap labor and make it impossible for American citizens to compete, says the article. 











Ramaswamy argues that the problem isn’t mass immigration, but American culture itself. We need these foreign workers, he says, because our culture has "venerated mediocrity" for decades. We celebrate the prom queen over the math champ. The jock over the valedictorian. 


It’s a convenient theory, but one that misses the mark entirely. 

American culture isn’t the issue; it’s the destruction of it that’s at the core of the problem. 

American culture gave the world electricity, airplanes, cars, Elvis, the internet, Rocky Balboa, and "Star Wars." 


What we’re witnessing now isn’t the failure of American culture but the deliberate erosion of it — a demoralization campaign fueled by decades of mass immigration and an education system poisoned by cultural Marxism — a foreign and utterly un-American ideology. 


Dissing prom queens and promoting "America Last" visa policies won’t restore our greatness. It’s a distraction from the real issue: the dismantling of our national identity, the takeover of our schools by communist activists, and the devaluation of American labor. 


The Constitution tells us that the paramount duty of our government is to "promote the general welfare" and "secure the blessings of liberty" for the American people. There was a time when America lived up to that promise. During his travels through America in the early 19th century, French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville observed that America is great because America is good. 


Sadly, we’re replacing goodness with Godlessness. 





Defense Secy Lloyd Austin cannot rescind the plea deals of detainees including alleged 9/11 architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammad


 A military appeals court ruled that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cannot rescind the plea deals of detainees at Guantanamo Bay including alleged 9/11 architect Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, Fox News has learned.


The court opinion, which has not been formally published yet, said the plea deals reached by military prosecutors and defense attorneys were valid and enforceable, and that Austin exceeded his authority when he later tried to nullify them.


The Pentagon has the option of going next to the D.C. Circuit federal appeals court for emergency review, but the court docket did not show any filings as of Tuesday afternoon.


Pakistan pays its price of 'terror-support' policy !! Kashmir is comparatively a better place and India's grip 'stronger' post 2019 ... but Islamabad recorded 1,612 fatalities

With at least 685 members of security forces losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks, 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for civil and military security forces of Pakistan in a decade.


Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel: 1,612 fatalities, accounting for over 63 per cent of the total recorded this year and marking 73 per cent more losses compared to 934 outlaws eliminated, reports 'Dawn' newspaper.  


According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted a total of 59,775 operations this year during which “925 terrorists” were killed and 383 “brave officers and soldiers embraced martyrdom”. These figures were stated by ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during a press conference on December 27.  


The overall fatalities recorded in Pakistan this year were a record 9-year high, and over 66 per cent more than 2023. 




On average, nearly seven lives were lost daily, with November emerging as the deadliest month, compared to all other months of the year.


The violence took the heaviest toll on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) which topped in human losses with 1616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan with 782 fatalities.


These are key findings of the Annual Security Report 2024 issued by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) think-tank.


Pakistan suffered 2546 violence-linked fatalities and 2267 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws. 

This tally of casualties stemmed from 1166 terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a grim year for the country’s security landscape. 



 Speaking to Geo.tv, Lahore University of Management Science (LUMS) Assistant Professor of Political Science Asma Faiz said that it was difficult to predict the future of the PTI or its jailed founder Imran Khan.


When asked will PTI’s difficulties ease and Khan walk free in 2025? She said: “If the status quo continues then obviously there will not be much relief for Imran Khan.”


The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars after he was sentenced in Toshakhana case-I — one of the dozens of cases registered against the former premier since his ouster from power in April 2022.


ends 







Important Priority news : Six Nagas abducted by militants and taken to Myanmar "rescued"

Six Konyak Nagas abducted from Nagaland's Mon district have been rescued from Myanmar, reports reaching security establishments in Delhi said. Three 'representatives' from village Longwa bordering Myanmar had gone into that country to ensure release of at least 16 abducted people.


As reported in this blog on December 27th night some villagers were kidnapped by an active militant group from Longwa and a nearby hamlet Wamsa. 

The village elders in Longwa had sent a delegation of villagers to cross over to Myanmar and ensure the release of those taken into militant group's custody.

Three Village representatives have returned at around 2000 hours on Dec 31 late evening and they could rescue six abducted individuals. 






All the released  are aged between 40-45 yrs


Further details of the abductees and released individuals are not being disclosed by the villagers for obvious reasons. 

Sources are hopeful that more abductees would be rescued in a day or two. 

An armed Group of Naga militant/cardres of a particular group led by a 'self-styled' Brigadier allegedly abducted 15-16 youths from Longwa and Wamsa villages in Mon district on December 27th night.


About 10 young men have been taken away from Wamsa village and six/five from Longwa.  


An unconfirmed report said in total at least 20 Naga youths from Indian side have been abducted.  

However, sources say the abductors and the kidnapped youths reportedly now camping at Chen Chingren village in Myanmar.


ends 

Happy New Year 2025 !! Beginning of a New Year - Looking inwards one should always ask -- 'Who am I" ?

 

Beginning of a New Year - Looking inwards one should always ask 'Who am I" ?


Hinduism has generally described the entire universe as 'maya (an illusion)'.


At this juncture as we take a leap from 2024 to circa 2025; we should know or rather all of us may ask -- "Who am I ?"


The answer will be simple from most of us. But the fact of the matter is when anyone of us answer this question -- we may end up stating our name, profession and even the country.


But does it answer all the query ?






The real answer is hidden elsewhere. Detachment from body is the 'first lesson' of self-realisation. So the 'person' is in fact the SOUL.


A human being is never the body. Yes. that's the basic premise of spiriuality.


Time and History is said to be the most accommodating affair. The pages of 'past' or history are full of mortal men and women. Of course - some are anointed with immortality. Perhaps this emphasis on Value system is crucial.


I can share something read a few years back -- the great Indian spirituality (or literature) spanning from Rig Veda to 'Satyarth Prakash' by Maharshi Dayanand appears to have the main goal of telling humanity about "self-realisation".





But knowing oneself or this so-called 'self-realisation' is also about a man/a woman's ability to take a decision -- by applying is his and soul.

Thus what  Paulo Coelho writes in 'Like the Flowing River' -- may be relevant to talk about.


“Lord, protect our decisions, because making Decision is a way of praying. Give us the courage after our doubts, to be able to choose between one road and another. May our YES always be a YES and our NO always be a NO."


This is indeed a tough call.


There is an old saying. Truth liberates and also inspires seekers to endeavour to seek SELF-REALISATION.


Adi Shankaracharya has actually highlighted the traits of a man of self-realisation in his work Vivek Chudamani (Crest Jewel of Discrimination)'.


# Now take a pause --

Three traits according to him vis-a-vis self-realisation are --

** A person is ever contented without enjoying sensual pleasures.

*** - Such a person is ever satisfied irrespective of material riches

and 

*# finally -- The person will be strong (infinitely) irrespective of the situation and also notwithstanding any support or help.


Paulo Coelho throws up another quote --

“Sometimes, we are so attached to our way of life that we turn down wonderful opportunities simply because we don't know what to do with it.”


As we mortals live .... joyfully or otherwise passing from one day to another and that way one year to another (2025 in this case) -- we may also reflect upon what people would often say --

"Nothing can last ever".






No one can actually dispute that. But let us put a rider -- Let us hope Honesty will last.


Happy New Year 2025 !!


ends 

Let us sum up .... the last decade .... one may call it 'Modi Decade' : starting 2014 ..... "Spinning Charkha can't change Taliban" on US army 'fleeing' Afghanistan

Modi's Growing Clout - Signals India's arrival in comity of nations


                 THE YEAR 2014 - INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY


Narendra Modi could have been hyped as an economic moderniser or a catalyst of development; to his detractors in Indian politics he could be still a divisive figure; to the Hindutva hardliners, he could be a man not living up to their expectations; but Prime Minister Modi at the end of the year (2014) in the global scene has emerged with his clout.

Therefore, just as the year 2014 came close, one question among diplomats and for those involved in Foreign Policy handling, is: Has India arrived at the international stage? 









Review of Indian Economy 2015 – Marred by Politics :: A jaundiced eye-view


The year 2015 was some kind of a political nightmare for Narendra Modi – the politician. Probably for the first time since 2001 – when he was made Gujarat Chief Minister – never had Modi tasted such difficult situations and sadly for him, he could not give the befitting reply to his detractors – something he had made a sort of habit post-2002.

When calendar year 2001 ended, Modi was a shy Chief Minister, almost a reluctant ruler and often clueless how to capture ‘hamaro Gujarat’ for his saffron party. 

But since February 27, 2002 train compartment inferno at Godhra, he has shot into limelight by braving through all the challenging times.

Similarly, for him and certainly for his handpicked ‘BJP chief’ Amit Shah, the year 2015 in the ultimate analysis was a year of series of setback. The legislative business was stalled in Rajya Sabha. GST and Land Bill got stuck. 

Individually top ranking BJP leaders got embroiled into corruption scandals – Sushma Swaraj, Vasundhara Raje and even Modi’s “eyes and ears” Arun Jaitley. 


(* In 2015, BJP suffered major electoral defeats in Delhi and Bihar. In Delhi, the Lotus party could win only three seats. It was the beginning of Ak-67 era) 







Politics Kaleidoscope 2016: Modi in eye of storm; opposition unity still a mirage


The BJP's coming to power in Assam, making its presence felt and entry in Kerala assembly and being part of the ruling coalition in sensitive state of Jammu and Kashmir had all the reasons to suggest that the saffron outfit - essentially known for Hindutva tilt and pro-north Indian credential has come of age.  




 



In BJP's tumultuous journey emerging as a 'pan-India party' in 2016, the Congress party has been pushed to the second fiddle. In a year with highs and lows, Congress lost another key state of Assam to the saffron outfit. It also lost Kerala to the Left Front, generally compatriots at the national level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP had their fair share of brickbats and bouquets for some major decisions in country's history which mobilised the opposition against them but a total unity of political forces against the ruling dispensation still remained a mirage.



The alleged chaotic handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, demonetisation and arbitrary dismissal of elected governments in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister was in the eye storm throughout the year. 


Meanwhile, despite repeated clarion call for opposition unity by key regional players including Nitish Kumar and Mamata Banerjee,  a strong anti-BJP front still remained a "non-starter".          



The beginning of the year 2016 also saw the Jat Reservation Agitation - that kept BJP-ruled Haryana paralysed and also plunged it into a cycle of violence. The 10-day stir from February 12 to February 22 is said to have caused an estimated loss of Rs 340 billion.




Modi's pioneering 'slogan' in Ahmedabad


2017 


Despite 'wake up' call in Gujarat, 'Moditva magic' works for BJP

The 'Moditva' as a brand must have survived in the year 2017 for the BJP but the outcome of just concluded Gujarat elections that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi make blistering campaigns left a few crucial political lessons for Modi-Amit Shah duo.It is probably for the first time in last three and half years since BJP came to power in 2014, it has to reconcile to the fact that the 2019 parliamentary elections will not be a cakewalk as was perhaps presumed earlier.
The agrarian distress and winning support base in rural India remains BJP's formidable challenges.


2018 


Can Sikh corridor build India-Pakistan relations? But PM Modi gave a twist saying Kartarpur should have remained in India


In the modern history of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh emerged largely because of considerations of religion. First, Muslims decided to part ways to form Pakistan by carving out areas where Muslims dominated. However, Islam as a unifying factor was found wanting when East Pakistan ceded and emerged as Bangladesh. 


But, in South Asia, religion has often been a tool and catalyst that influences diplomatic relations between countries. But, yet again, can Sikh corridor build India-Pakistan relations?



Everything that occurs now has some reference to the past, prejudice and politics. 



Despite having a negative connotation of being the opium of the people, religion has been a diplomatic tool in South Asia since the beginning of political history in the region.








Bid Adieu 2019 - 



Digital platforms make news, could come under closer scanning


New Delhi, Dec 31

The season of festivity and protest that’s carrying India through the chill of winter marking the end of circa 2019 will be also known for being critical for social media platforms.

Senior police officials in Uttar Pradesh probing the anti-CAA protest said in many places the crowd was gathered by using Whatsapp and other IT tools.

Thus, it was not surprising that protestors were less ‘very effectively’ the violence was organised and on a large scale but where protestors gathered in large numbers and police force stood in attendance, the place was comparatively peaceful.





2020 

Modi makes a digital surgical strike against Chinese Apps: Some, however, find PM's move well thought out & "populist" 


(June) 




Time to chill ?

Some, however, find Namo's move well thought out as a "populist" measure as Indian people's mood is immensely anti-China.


"I had raised concerns in Parliament about the vulnerability of Indians to data harvesting by Chinese apps. I will ask the Ministry to brief the Standing Committee on IT in detail on the rationale for today's ban, &also to suggest/promote alternative services that are more secure." - Shashi Tharoor



India's Ministry of Information Technology said it was banning the 59 Chinese apps after receiving "many complaints from various sources" about apps that were "stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users' data in an unauthorised manner".



Bid adieu 2021 : 


Refreshing memories -- now some headlines to my articles and news stories

India becomes unapologetically Hindu under PM Modi : UCA News August 5, 2021 




Covid outbreak hits Indian Christian state's 'largest family' : UCA News, July 27

(Mizoram story)

Late patriarch Ziona Zionnghaka with his family.


Modi-Yogi snaps: Symbiotic 'Hindutva' bond, (Organiser, Nov 21) 


Nothing is permanent except tears and fears | (IANS) Dec 7, 2021 


Communists and Congress - Two sinking ships - Organiser, Oct 16







Vietnam moment for Biden, Afghan Prez flees, Pak mocks: Story has it all





"Spinning Charkha can't change Taliban," Maj Gen Bakshi tells proponents
of 'recognise Taliban' ecosystem     

Organiser Sept 2 








2022 Dec 31st 



Nagaland awaits Solution - that's new Year gift: President's Rule will be celebration bonus

Anyone could be called 'Man of the Year' for 2022 in India; but for Nagas the only 'Man of the Year' in 2023 is Narendra Modi. Each Naga finds his or her life and future -- young and old -- linked to the most crucial political decision Modi will take during the year.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the rest of India in making foray into the new calendar year 2023.




No Indian state and no community will be awaiting the Prime Minister's political decision in the new year with so much expectation as the state of Nagaland and of course the Nagas in Nagaland and also in neighbouring states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.


For Nagas - Prime Minister Modi resembles an image of a Hope. But the cautionary line is more the 'hope'; more can be the frustration if the country's most decisive Prime Minister fails to take a final call. Thus, there is utmost relevance of the slogan (Nagamese version) - 'Modi asey hobo toh'.  Yes, its possible with Narendra Modi around. 


2023 !! 

BJP win in India’s 2024 general election ‘almost an inevitability’ --- runs an article in London-based 'The Guardian'

 BJP win in India’s 2024 general election ‘almost an inevitability’






                           A shopkeeper displays rings with BJP and Congress symbols               (Reuters/Guardian)


While regional opposition to the BJP is strong in pockets of south and east India, nationally it is seen as fragmented and weak. The main opposition Indian National Congress party won the state election in Telangana this month but is in power in only three states overall and is perceived as hierarchical and riddled with infighting, says the write up. 




Penned by Hannah Ellis-Petersen, the article, however, notes --"The prime minister’s popularity as a political strongman, alongside the BJP’s Hindu nationalist agenda, continues to appeal to the large Hindu majority of the country, particularly in the populous Hindi belt of the north, resulting in the widespread persecution of Muslims.



"At state and national level, the apparatus of the country has been skewed heavily towards the BJP since Modi was elected in 2014. 



He has been accused of overseeing an unprecedented consolidation 

of power, muzzling critical media, eroding the independence of the judiciary and all forms of parliamentary scrutiny and accountability and using government agencies to pursue and jail political opponents".  









ends 

2025 .... what all lies ahead and presumptions .... combination and permutation ...etc etc !! ::: "....widely held expectations that we’re in for a year of conflicts"

"Tujhe pyaar bhi mile path me to samajhana yahi

Ye hai raaste ki chhaanv saathi teri mazil nahi

** (Even if you think there is Love-destination; do understand its only for a temporary period....

This is not your goal) 

Dream must make you move on 

Apane hi sapano ki mazil se naa rah jaana tu 


A global survey claims - 

- 80% believe global temperatures will keep rising, reflecting ongoing climate concerns.


- 79% expect prices to outpace incomes, reinforcing fears about inflation.


- 65% predict Articificial Intelligence will replace many jobs, underlining the tech-driven shift in economies.



Life is about playing cards well !!



Globally, the future course of relations between the US and China will continue to be the most significant strategic dynamic in the year ahead. 


"Given Donald Trump’s unpredictable and mercurial personality, the Sino-US relations will either see further escalation in tensions or some kind of grand bargain driven by Trump’s transactional approach," says a former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi. 


She also writes: "The world seems more unstable and unpredictable today than at any time since the end of the Cold War."  


Meanwhile, the survey also claims - Only 33% believe people will grow more tolerant of each other.


- Just 27% see the war in Ukraine ending in 2025 and A mere 22% think conflicts in the Middle East will resolve next year.




This list is also quite close to many hearts 

2025 will be a year of new connections.

2025 will be a year of personal evolution.

2025 will be a year of finding purpose.

2025 will be a year of healing and peace.







“What we’re expecting to see in 2025 is a better economy, lower inflation, more employment opportunities, more support for businesses, and more infrastructure development.” 

- Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Nigeria actually sums up things for all, all nations !! 


One missive in social media says :  


One of the important tasks of the year 2025 should be to create a holistic vision of a world based on justice and environment protection, peace and non-violence, along with a lot of very meaningful.

If we keep progressing along this path, perhaps in a few years millions of small efforts of us ordinary people can bring the world closer to those important solutions which have been so elusive for the world’s big leaders.






One prediction says :  

Americans head into 2025 with some positive, though conflicted, economic predictions and widely held expectations that we’re in for a year of political conflicts.  


'The Economist', in its annual publication ‘The World Ahead in 2025’, notes that Chinese firms are already expanding abroad to get around trade barriers as well as to tap new markets in the Global South. 

An assessment by BlackRock sees acceleration in technology decoupling between the US and China as a high risk.




Happy New Year 2025 !

Career making in violence-hit Manipur, role models are in Neido-run hostel in coordination with Assam Rifles

The socio-political problems of Manipur have always been complex. There have been three different sects of humankind - Kukis, Meiteis and Na...