BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Thousands of Hungarians protested in central Budapest on Saturday against imminent changes to the country's constitution that they fear would curb democratic rights, echoing worries this week from the European Union and the United States.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling center-right Fidesz party has used its unprecedented two-thirds parliamentary majority to make laws that critics say limit citizens' freedoms.

Parliament is scheduled to hold a final vote on the constitutional changes on Monday.

Decisions of the country's top Constitutional Court made before the new constitution entered into force in 2012 will no longer be valid, discarding an important body of law often used as reference before. Restrictive new regulation may now appear in higher education, homelessness, electoral law and family law.

"We really have had enough of this," said 17-year-old student Luca Cseh, adding the changes limited her prospects of going to university as state subsidies would only be available to students who pledge to work in Hungary after graduation.

"They oppress students, but also the homeless or homosexuals," she said.

In a phone call on Friday, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told Prime Minister Viktor Orban that his government and the parliament should address concerns "in accordance with EU democratic principles".

Orban sent a letter to Barroso after the phone call in which he pledged Hungary would conform to the norms and rules of the European Union, without offering specifics, according to a copy of the letter posted on the state news agency MTI's web site.

Earlier this week the European institution responsible for defending human rights, the Council of Europe, urged Budapest to postpone the vote, fearing for Hungary's democratic checks and balances.

The government rejected that request, and Justice Minister Tibor Navracsics sent a detailed explanation of the laws to the Council defending the changes and offering further discussions.

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Hungarians rally as constitution seen curbing freedom

Freedom Drug Rehab, an alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility in Southern Michigan, is enhancing their comprehensive drug rehabilitation services to give clients the tools they need to transform their lives post-addiction. The centers new life skills courses focus on empowering recovering addicts to integrate back into society in a successful, meaningful way.

Albion, MI (PRWEB) March 09, 2013

Addiction treatment takes addicts out of their everyday lives, but, post-treatment, they return to the same homes, family lives, and employment status. Without new information and a better mindset, an addicts behavior is unlikely to change once they are back in their reality. The life skills courses at Freedom Treatment Center work to overcome the poor behaviors addicts have adopted throughout their cycles of addiction.

"Our programs focus on giving the student the tools they need to build the foundation of a sober life, said Freedom Center representative Brian Kuehne.

The impact of preparing recovering addicts for life after rehabilitation has been repeatedly underscored by the academic community.

A 2007 research project by Johns Hopkins PhD candidates determined that linking drug treatment and employment services would have a positive effect on relapse rates in the city of Baltimore.

Curbing physical addiction is vital to addiction recovery, but guidance that goes beyond rehab, such as the guidance offered through Freedom Drug Rehabs new life skills courses, is imperative to long-term recovery.

The life skills that addicts need to successfully reintegrate into society go beyond addressing bad behaviors adopted during addiction, though. An even more essential part of The Freedom Centers life skills courses aims at addiction triggers.

"Some programs focus only on getting the person to stop using drugs," said Kuehne, "but our programs are focused on rebuilding their life - and treating the root causes of their addiction."

Experts in addiction treatment recognize that addiction goes beyond physical dependence, and that the psychological needs of addicts must be addressed in order for addicts to continue in their recovery once they leave rehab.

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New Freedom Treatment Center Rehabilitation Courses Focus on Life Skills

PUEBLA, MexicoAttacks on press freedom have intensified in Mexico, Central America, Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador, the Inter-America Press Association said Saturday.

Assassinations and assaults on journalists continue in Mexico, Honduras and Brazil, while the governments of Ecuador and Argentina have put legal and economic constraints on media, especially those that don't report the government line, according to the group's country-by-country security reports.

The nonprofit press group, which is meeting through Monday in Puebla, said the worst situation is in Mexico, where 127 journalists have been attacked the last 12 years.

IAPA said such incidents have continued under new President Enrique Pena Nieto, who canceled an appearance at the group's conference.

Vice President Armando Castilla detailed attacks over the last six months, including the disappearance of a journalist in San Luis Potosi and two killings, one just last week in the Mexican border town of Ojinaga. The newspapers Diario de Juarez and Siglo de Torreon have also come under attack in recent days.

The most anticipated country report came from Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez, the first time that the island's report was given by a Cuban journalist.

Cuban journalists and activists walk "a red line between liberty and jail," said Sanchez, a dissident who writes the blog Generation Y.

"Activists and journalist are too often picked up by plain-clothes men. After a few hours they're released in shock, still under threat" she said, adding there is no record of the arrests, giving those detained no basis for complaints.

But Sanchez said that despite constraints by the government, Cubans have found new ways to protest and register their opinions, and more independent journalists are using Internet social media despite little access to such portals in country.

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IAPA: Latin America press freedom is under attack

Academic freedom is essential to intellectual progress, free thought and freedom itself. If society doesnt aggressively defend academic freedom, people are not free to discover truths about cultures, religions and scientific findings. They are not free to study theories of evolution, creation, or to discover that our planet is round.

The concept of tolerance has become a cleverly disguised, anti-intellectual threat to academic freedom. To advocate tolerance as a high moral principle in academe, one indulges intolerance and prohibition of free learning. Thats because genuine tolerance requires that we tolerate intolerance, or at least access to knowledge of intolerance.

One cannot genuinely advocate tolerance if he refuses to learn about or acknowledge radical Muslim communities on a basis of their common beliefs that women should be hidden away and forced to wear burqas. True tolerance requires that we tolerate people with beliefs we consider odd, politically incorrect, or even cruel. One cannot honestly advocate tolerance by renouncing a college professor for professing the merits of abortion, or for advocating prohibition of abortion.

Those who advocate tolerance, while denouncing others on a basis of their perceived intolerance, are not tolerant. They tolerate only themselves. These enemies of truth take their intolerance to an absurd level by suggesting others should not even learn about that which offends them.

In academe, we must value only tolerance of the freedom to exchange ideas, beliefs and accepted truths.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation claims to advocate tolerance, yet appears intolerant of Jewish teachings when the organizations leadership finds them objectionable. It is fine to object to cultural and religious practices and values. The Gazette objects to the cultural practices of extreme fundamentalist Muslims who justify sexist mistreatment of women with interpretations of the Quran. Though we object, we would never advocate preventing radical fundamentalists from professing their views, much less suggest shielding students websites that teach about them.

We object to the Ku Klux Klan but defend their right to profess radical hatred. Furthermore, we encourage students at universities to learn all they can about people from all cultures and religions of the world. College must prepare them for the real world, not a pretend version concocted by the radically sensitive.

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation wants to publicly shame the Air Force Academy because it did not act quickly enough after the organization demanded removal of a link in an online memo that led students to multiple websites that teach about religions. One link directed students to the website Judaism 101 at http://www.jewfaq.org.

To demonize the academy, the organization rented a billboard on Garden of the Gods Road this week that says Shame on the USAFA and Homosexuality is not kleptomania. The website does not compare homosexuality to kleptomania. It argues that homosexual activity is not excused, in the authors understanding of Judaism, even if it is rooted in genetics. It uses an obviously undesirable activity stealing to show that society cannot accept all behaviors on a basis of proving genetic cause. Thats quite different from saying that homosexual activity is the same as shoplifting, but dont expect foes of academic freedom to appreciate the nuance of an analogy that is obviously and intentionally disproportionate for the sake of explaining a point.

Foundation leader Mikey Weinstein characterized the websites contents as perniciously hateful... bigoted and virulently homophobic.

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OUR VIEW: A new attack on academic freedom (poll)

Sir Michael Caine has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his film career.

The veteran actor, famous for his trademark Cockney accent, turns 80 on March 14 and has been acting in films since the 1950s.

In a break with tradition, the special service did not take place at the Guildhall but at the Museum of London , which has just unveiled an exhibition onCaine's life and times.

Beverley Cook, the museum curator, said: "Sir Michael Caine is one of London's most loved and recognisable characters.

"He was the first actor to bring an authentic London accent to the big screen, and although Hollywood success made him an international star, he remains inextricably linked to his London roots.

"This exhibition will celebrate how the city influenced both Caine's life and his career."

Commenting on the new exhibition, Sir Michael said: "I think the Museum is great for London, and I am so proud to be included."

Caine's popularity has endured over the years and in recent years he has appeared in box office hits like The Dark Knight Rises and Inception.

However the star, born in Rotherhithe, south London, the son of a Billingsgate Fish Market porter, is perhaps best known for his memorable roles in films such as The Italian Job, Alfie and Zulu.

He also has twice won the Oscar for best supporting actor, for The Cider House Rules and Hannah And Her Sisters.

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Sir Michael Caine Given City Of London Freedom

Veteran actor receives city honour, presented at the Museum of London

Sir Michael Caine has been given the Freedom of the City of London, to mark his lengthy acting career, Sky News have reported. Caine turns 80 on March 14, 2013 and has received the honour in a ceremony that took place at the Museum of London, where an exhibition on Caines life and work is taking place.

The museums curator, Beverley Cook, said Sir Michael Caine is one of London's most loved and recognisable characters. He was the first actor to bring an authentic London accent to the big screen, and although Hollywood success made him an international star, he remains inextricably linked to his London roots. This exhibition will celebrate how the city influenced both Caine's life and his career. The star, best known for his roles in iconic movies such as The Italian Job and Alfie, commented I think the museum is great for London and I am so proud to be included.

Michael Caine: awarded The Freedom Of The City Of London

Born in Rotherhithe, South London, Michael Caine has twice won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, for his roles in The Cider House Rules and Hannah And Her Sisters. In 2000, he was knighted, under his birth name, Maurice Micklewhite. The Freedom of the City title dates back to 1237 and originally gave business people the right to trade in Londons Square Mile. Now, it is largely a symbolic gesture.

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Freedom Of The City Of London Awarded To 'Alfie' Actor Michael Caine

Fast growing industry company strengthens resources.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) March 08, 2013

Sam joins Freedom National as the Director of Claims to continue Freedom Nationals recent success providing cutting edge insurance offerings and a superior customer service experience. Sam comments, I am excited to start a new challenge within Freedom National and look forward to working with everyone at Freedom National to enhance the claims experience for customers and producers. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on top quality service and leading edge technology.

Bijan Abdi, CEO, said Sams wealth of experience and industry knowledge, particularly around claims, has already made him a key addition to the Freedom National family. We view his addition to the company as a sign of our commitment to our producers and customers to have the best claims experience possible. Our continued success and growth throughout our states with our projected future growth led us to look for an addition to our team who will fit in with our ethos of innovation, integrity and exceptional service, and it is very fortunate that we were able to find someone of Sams caliber to fulfill this role. Im confident that Sam will play a key role in providing an exceptional claims experience and helping us innovate and continually improve the customer service experience.

About Freedom National Insurance Services, Inc.

Freedom National Insurance Services, Inc., founded in 1999 and headquartered in Southern California, is a technology driven, service oriented company focused on the non-standard auto insurance market. Freedom National Insurance offers customers, producers and agencies a range of quality products and services to suit their auto insurance needs. They currently offer and serve auto insurance products and clients in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah with additional states being added in 2013. For more information or to learn more please visit http://www.freedomnational.com.

Contact

Contact: Jason Wootton

Freedom National Insurance Services, Inc.

Phone: 949.514.8690

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Freedom National Insurance Services, Inc. Appoints New Director of Claims

The U.S. Pacific Fleet announced Thursday that the Navy's first littoral combat ship USS Freedom will visit Hawaii on Mar. 11 after departing her homeport of San Diego on March 1 for her maiden deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Making good on a pledge made initially by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the 2011 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Freedom will deploy to Southeast Asia and Singapore for approximately eight months. Marking the first of many planned rotational deployments to the Western Pacific for the new LCS platform, Freedom will conduct maritime security operations with regional partners and allies.

"Freedom's maiden deployment is another clear signal of the Navy's enduring commitment to maintain security and stability in the vital Asia-Pacific region," said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on March 1. "Rotationally deploying our new littoral combat ships improves our warfighting capability and directly supports the Navy's rebalance strategy to the Asia-Pacific.

"Even in the face of potential budget cuts, there should be no doubt that the U.S. Pacific Fleet remains on watch and that we will continue to deploy our most capable units forward to operate with our allies and partners."

After making initial port visits in Hawaii and Guam, Freedom is expected to participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) in Singapore and in select phases of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series in Southeast Asia.

During the first-ever LCS deployment, Freedom will demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. Fast, agile, and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, mine countermeasures, or anti-submarine warfare. Freedom will be initially manned by her "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors to include mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter.

"We are genuinely excited about our deployment," said Cmdr. Timothy Wilke, Freedom's Gold Crew commanding officer on March 1. "The men and women of Freedom have worked extremely hard to get us to where we are today, and I couldn't be prouder. We're ready to get out there, work with regional navies and show the world what this ship can do."

Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom's deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew, commanded by Cmdr. Patrick C. Thien.

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USS Freedom to visit Hawaii next week

Freedom goalkeeper Chris Contreras stops a shot during the Falcons recent 2-0 victory over Pittsburg. Photo by Angelo Garcia Jr.

Freedom goalkeeper Chris Contreras defends a shot during Freedoms 4-0 loss to De La Salle Wednesday night. Photo by Angelo Garcia Jr.

BOYS

No. 12 Freedom 3, No. 5 Berkeley 0

Freedom 2, No. 4 Pittsburg 0

No. 1 De La Salle 4, Freedom 0

The Freedom boys soccer team entered Tuesdays North Coast Section semifinal against De La Salle on a cloud.

But the Spartans brought them back to earth.

Freedoms first-ever appearance in the NCS ended last night in a 4-0 loss to top-seeded De La Salle in Concord.

No matter how this game went, and we are all hurt and suffering inside, nothing can take away the fantastic season that we had, said Freedom head coach Sal Acevedo. We made history, and the boys fought as hard as they could. I couldnt ask for anything more from these guys. They finished with dignity.

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Freedom 's NCS run ends against De La Salle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Cyrus Cylinder of ancient Persia, a landmark in religious freedom and a potent symbol of Iranian national identity, will begin its first U.S. tour with an exhibit that opens Saturday in Washington.

The barrel-shaped clay artifact, 2,500 years old and only 9 inches long, has been described as the first declaration of human rights and an influence on leaders from Alexander the Great to Thomas Jefferson.

It has been celebrated by the shah of Iran and that country's post-revolutionary leaders, as well as by the ancient Hebrews and the founders of modern Israel.

"The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia" exhibit, opening at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, "is about understanding the way Iranians see themselves in the world, and that's obviously important at the moment," said Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, which loaned the piece.

The artifact bears inscriptions proclaiming the victory of Persian ruler Cyrus over Babylon in the sixth century B.C. It records the Persian emperor's restoration of shrines dedicated to different gods and his intention to allow freedom of worship to people displaced by defeated ruler Nabonidus.

Such declarations of religious tolerance were not uncommon at the time, but Cyrus' was unique in its nature and scope.

"The cylinder has acquired a special resonance, and is valued by people all around the world as a symbol of tolerance and respect for different peoples and different faiths," the British Museum says on its website.

More than a million people flocked to see the cylinder when the museum lent it to Iran in 2010, in one of the most-viewed exhibits in the country's history.

Cyrus' proclamation was written in spiky Babylonian cuneiform on the soft clay cylinder, which was buried in Babylon, now in modern-day Iraq. It was dug up in 1879 and has since been in the British Museum.

The exhibit runs through April 28 at the Sackler, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution, then travels to Houston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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Cyrus Cylinder, ancient decree of religious freedom , starts U.S. tour

The small, brown box that sits on the reception desk at Freedom Plaza has the power to change lives. It doesn't contain a new medical marvel, nor does it proselytize any religious creed.

It's the receptacle for Freedom Plaza Scholarship applications.

During the past two decades, hundreds of hourly employees have had their lives changed for the better because of that brown box and the more than $500,000 in educational grants it has provided them.

Some grant recipients have used those funds to pursue a college education; others have used them to study electronics, computers, forestry, culinary arts, massage therapy or to attain nursing credentials.

As magic as that brown box may seem, its power is generated by the residents of Freedom Plaza on several levels.

First, it's by the concern they exhibit for the welfare of those who serve them on a daily basis. Making life better for the people who make our lives better is why they support the Scholarship Fund.

Next, it's the willingness of Freedom Plaza residents to become directly involved, giving their time and energy by serving on the Scholarship Board of Directors or participating in fundraising events.

For some residents who can't participate on a physical level, it's their generosity in donations that helps to empower the brown box.

The contents of that box are currently being scrutinized by the selection committee of the Scholarship Fund. They not only read and discuss applications but also interview each candidate personally. Their decision in awarding grants will be based on financial need, the recommendation of the applicants' job supervisor and a written statement of educational goals as supplied by the applicant.

On the evening of May 9, the 2013 Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be held at the Freedom Plaza Auditorium. It's anticipated that last year's record number of 26 grants, each for $2,000, will be met again this year.

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There's a magic box here at Freedom Plaza

ARLINGTON, Va., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Santa Gracia Ramirez, a PAE employee who was killed in 2007 while deployed to Afghanistan, was honored with the Defense of Freedom medal in a ceremony heldlast weekend in Gilbert, Ariz. Ramirez was killed by a suicide bomber while supporting the U.S. Department of State Corrections System Support Program, through which she mentored, trained and advised prison officials within the Afghan corrections system and advocated for the humane treatment of incarcerated Afghans, with a special focus on the rights of female prisoners. PAE hosted the medal presentation ceremony in Ramirez's home state, where she had previously served as a corrections officer and where her family currently resides.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130306/PH72152)

Representing the State Department was Deputy Assistant Secretary Carol Z. Perez, who stated that the mission Ramirez supported was critically important to both the security of the United States and to the people of Afghanistan.

"Her work developing the Afghan correction system directly contributed to the broader U.S.-Afghan partnership that sought stability after decades of upheaval," said Perez. "She made a lasting contribution, and the great progress the United States has made in the corrections sector in Afghanistan is a reflection of her tremendous efforts on behalf of the Afghan people."

Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Arizona National Guard Major General Hugo E. Salazar acknowledged the importance of Ramirez's work within the U.S. mission in Afghanistan as he presented the Department of Defense medal.

"As a military officer, I think one of the things that the public tends to not realize is the extent of the sacrifices of civilian contractors overseas. The reverse of this medal is inscribed with the words 'On Behalf of a Grateful Nation.' These words cannot fully express the gratitude that we have for Santa's service and the sacrifice she made in support of the principles of freedom on which our country is founded."

"Today, we remember Santa as a patriot, called to serve her country and defend the rights and freedoms that we enjoy and that others deserve," said PAE CEO Michael Dignam. "The trainers and advisors who step forward for this cause do so knowing the inherent risks and challenges, as do all the contractors who have served in theater supporting key and vital missions in service to our country."

Ramirez's daughter, Soriah Prokopich, accepted the medal, which is the civilian equivalent of the military's Purple Heart.

"I'm honored to accept this medal on behalf of my mother," said Prokopich. "After she passed, I found a letter addressed to me amongst her things. In it she described her job as the opportunity of a lifetime, and that she hoped it would make our family proud of her. Thank you to everyone here who made it possible for my mom to receive this medal."

PAE is a leading provider of global mission support services to the U.S. Government and its allied partners. For over fifty years, PAE has provided training, logistics, and operations and maintenance services to support stabilization, peacekeeping, national security and reconstruction missions around the world. PAE employs approximately 10,000 people in over 60 countries and is headquartered in Arlington, Va.

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PAE Employee Posthumously Honored with Defense of Freedom Medal

Freedom Credit Union, a Montgomery County Credit Union, is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Voices of Inspiration Awards.

(PRWEB) March 06, 2013

With regard to the selection of the teachers, 23 will be selected as finalists for the award and they will each receive $100. This will include one teacher from each public school district in Montgomery County, one teacher from the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, and one teacher from a Montgomery County non-public school. At the year-end ceremony, one elementary school teacher, one middle school teacher, and one high school teacher will be honored as grand-prize winners and they will be presented with Freedoms Voices of Inspiration Award for Teaching Excellence. These finalists will be presented with an additional $500.

Now that school is back in full swing this February, it is the best time to get nominations in for this great award from one of the top credit unions in Pennsylvania. To hear more about the nomination requirements or to hear more about Freedom Credit Union please visit https://www.freedomcu.org.

About Freedom Credit Union:

Freedom Credit Union has been a trusted financial partner in the Philadelphia area since 1934. They are a not-for-profit organization offering better rates, lower fees, helpful service accompanied with expert advice. As a respected Philadelphia based financial institution, they proudly offer a wide variety of financial programs to meet a clients needs.

Freedom Credit Union Freedom Credit Union 215-612-5900 Email Information

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Freedom Credit Union Is Now Accepting Nominations For The 2013 Voices Of Inspiration Awards

Maxx Medical's new Stabilizing Stemmed Tibial Baseplate Option for Total Knee Replacement Receives US FDA, European CE Mark and Indian DCGI Approval.

Dubai, UAE and Plymouth Meeting, PA (PRWEB) March 06, 2013

Freedom Knee is a complete primary knee replacement system developed collaboratively by leading orthopedic and biomedical design experts to provide multiple component size and proportion configurations that deliver high-flexion motion while conserving bone. The Stemmed Tibia is an additional component option to the Freedom Knee system that can be used during primary or revision knee surgery, according to patient needs. It offers surgeons a new option during surgery to provide additional stability for patients with limited bone stock or extensive bone deformities.

The Stemmed Tibia is one of the most bone conserving, low profile stemmed baseplates available on the market. It offers all of the benefits of Freedom Knees innovative tibial baseplate locking mechanism technology, plus additional features including:

-Stability - Designed to resist baseplate lift-off due to tilting that can result from poor bone stock.

-Size - Available in 24 stems, ranging from 7.5mm X 75mm to 16.5mm X 150mm.

-Flexibility - Interchangeable between all stem-able Freedom Knee tibial components, featuring straight stem extensions and offset adapters for optimal canal fill and component positioning. This includes an indexable 360-degree adaptor to facilitate exact offset stem placement, as well as neutral 4mm and 6mm offsets.

-Surgical Technique Simple and reproducible surgical technique, featuring easy, intra-operative component assembly with minimal additional instrumentation.

Our design approach has always been focused on innovative size, fit and component compatibility configurations to promote high-flex motion while minimizing bone loss. Adding a Stemmed Tibia component option for Freedom Knee opens up even more stabilizing options for both primary and revision knee replacement surgeries, Ashesh Shah, CEO, Maxx Medical said.

Launched in 2009, Freedom Knee recently received leading analyst group Frost & Sullivans Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Orthopedic Knee Joint Replacement. Freedom Knee has received US FDA, State Food & Drug Administration P.R. China (SFDA), Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and CE Mark approvals. Freedom Knee is manufactured in the United States.

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Freedom Total Knee® System Adds Stem-able and Augmentable Tibial Baseplate Option to Tackle Complex Knee Replacement ...

State Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville. Photo provided by Legislative Research Commission.

FRANKFORT A bill intended to clarify religious freedom in Kentucky advanced in the legislature Wednesday over the objections of groups who fear that the measure could be used to trample civil rights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send House Bill 279 to the full Senate for consideration. Two Democrats, Sen. Perry Clark of Louisville and Sen. Jerry Rhoads of Madisonville, voted against the measure, which would strengthen a person's ability to ignore state regulations or laws that contradict their "sincerely held" religious beliefs.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Bob Damron of Nicholasville, said the measure mirrors a federal law passed in 1993. Twelve states have approved similar laws clarifying religious freedom, Damron said.

The proposal is needed because the U.S. Supreme Court and the Kentucky Supreme Court have changed their interpretations of religious freedom in recent court cases, backers of the bill said Wednesday. For example, some Amish Kentucky residents waged a legal battle with the state over the use of orange triangles on their slow-moving buggies.

The Amish contended that the orange triangles violated their religious beliefs. They ultimately lost the court battle, although the legislature approved a law last year allowing the use of white reflective tape.

Opponents of the bill have raised concerns that the measure would allow the Catholic Church to cover up wrongdoings by priests, but Damron said the bill would not give protections to priests accused of wrongdoing.

"This bill does not impact anyone's civil rights," Damron said. "It has nothing to do with someone's ability to abuse children or commit criminal acts."

William Sharp, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union who represented the Amish in their legal battle, said the ACLU is committed to protecting religious freedoms, but the proposed bill does not go far enough to protect people's civil rights.

Sharp said people could use the law to discriminate against gay, lesbian and other populations not covered by federal civil rights laws. Roughly 25 percent of Kentuckians live in cities that have passed local ordinances banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

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Religious- freedom bill advances in Kentucky legislature

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) When 20 slaves petitioned New Hampshire two centuries ago seeking their freedom, lawmakers decided the time wasn't right and delayed action.

Now, 233 years later, legislators in one of the nation's whitest states have decided the time is right to consider the request. A Senate committee on Wednesday unanimously recommended the full body posthumously emancipate the 14 petitioners who never were granted freedom.

Woullard Lett, a member of the Manchester NAACP, said it's never too late to right a wrong.

"It's symbolic and 200 years late, however then and now it's the right thing to do," Lett said before testifying at the hearing.

Valerie Cunningham, a historian and preservationist from Portsmouth, said she came across the slaves' petition in state archives nearly 30 years ago. It was originally submitted to the New Hampshire General Assembly on Nov. 12, 1779, while the Revolutionary War was still being fought.

The slaves all served in the war effort and believed the freedom being sought by colonists should be extended to them as well. They wrote, "Freedom is an inherent right of the human species" and that "public tyranny and slavery are alike detestable to minds conscious of the equal dignity of human nature."

"This is part of American history that just has not been recognized, and New Hampshire is not unique in that regard," said Cunningham, speaking in the hallway outside the hearing room.

Cunningham said in a history she wrote of the black community in the state's Seacoast region that of the original petitioners, six of the slaves were later freed and 14 died in bondage with legislators never acting on their request.

Black people accounted for 1.1 percent of New Hampshire's 1.3 million people in the 2010 U.S. Census.

The state was the last to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a state holiday, but the slain civil rights leader's widow and children found New Hampshire residents welcoming when they visited following his funeral in 1968.

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Bill would posthumously grant freedom to NH slaves

Freedom Rights-Talent

By: SeattleNubianUnity

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Freedom Rights-Talent - Video

Freedom Reigns
Cover of the song Freedom Reigns. I love the words of this song. Especially where it says " where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom". I know that the spirit of the Christ dwells within us and therefore we have that freedom. We just need to realize it.

By: tyoung1122

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Freedom Reigns - Video

No sooner had a "religious freedom restoration act" sailed through the state House last week than Internet commentators started hailing it as a victory for Kentucky's Rastas and their sacrament of marijuana use.

The online sages were blowing smoke, but it's not at all clear what unanticipated consequences House Bill 279 could have if it becomes law.

Critics say the legislation, which strengthens people's ability to disobey state laws on religious grounds, would undermine vital public protections, by, for example, making it easier for parents to withhold lifesaving medical treatment from children on religious grounds.

The bill could make it harder to pursue criminal prosecutions and civil remedies in everything from child abuse to housing discrimination when a religious defense is invoked.

It also could undermine civil rights protections in Lexington, Louisville, Covington and Vicco the four Kentucky cities that have prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The Senate should slow down this train and study the effects in the 13 states that have enacted such laws.

Another concern is whether the legislation violates the Kentucky Constitution, and the cost to taxpayers of defending it.

Last year the Senate tried to enact the same provisions in the form of an amendment to the state Constitution. If enacting the new standards required a constitutional amendment last year, how can they be enacted by a mere change in the law this year?

Indeed, the Kentucky Supreme Court in 2012 ruled that the Kentucky Constitution allowed the state to require reflective signs on all slow-moving vehicles, despite objections by some Amish buggy drivers that the bright orange triangles violated their religious beliefs.

If HB 279 had been the law then, the state could not have enforced the safety requirement on the Amish, according to the bill's sponsor, Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville.

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Bill could create chaos, not liberty; 'religious freedom' already protected

A different kind of terror attack hit India on the evening of March 3, 2013. This was an attack different from the one we witnessed in Hyderabad a few days ago but it was an attack enough to shake the collective conscience of Indians. The victims of this dastardly attack were intellectual freedom, freedom of speech as well as the sensibilities of the people of India.

Finding the perpetrators of the attack was not at all difficult. In fact, there was plenty of intelligence reports' predicting the attack. This was neither their first attack nor will it be their last. It is just one minor attack on as a part of their self-created ongoing struggle for truth and justice' for the world at large. No prizes to guess that the event I am talking about is the highly deplorable decision taken by Wharton to cancel Narendra Modi's keynote address at the Wharton India Economic Forum. The masterminds behind this are the Intellectual Taliban of self-seeking 5-star activists, pseudo intellectuals and pseudo secularists who have made lucrative careers out of berating Modi.

The news by Wharton, coming after immense freedom from this Intellectual Taliban disappointed me in many ways. First and foremost, it convinced me that the writ of this Taliban runs even in the most reputed institutions, ironically in the land that prides itself as the land of free speech and liberal democratic foundations. When a reputed institution like Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) decides to call an event off, it is clear that such an institution has no right to sit on the high table of reputed world universities. An institution that cannot safeguard another's right to freedom of speech has little right to boast of any kind of excellence, academic or otherwise.

Going back to the dark forces that muzzled free speech at Wharton, one can see the consistent pattern in their modus operandi. Take the case of Ania Loomba, the activist who spearheaded' the do not invite Modi to Wharton' bogey.

Take a look at whatever is publically visible on Loomba's Facebook profile and you will see a very predictable schedule. In the beginning of the month, she was busy galvanizing protestors to oppose Modi's SRCC speech, which has now gone down in history as one of the most inspiring speeches that left thousands of youngsters mesmerized. A few days later, a large part of her precious time went in protesting Afzal Guru's unfortunate' hanging (if this is unfortunate, I shudder to think what she defines as fortunate?). In addition to periodic outbursts against capitalism she then took the lead role in the latest Intellectual Taliban attack to prevent Modi from addressing students at Wharton.

The other major issue is that of free speech. As individuals and groups we are free to disagree with Modi, his views, his politics and his policies but does that merit such activism that denies him a chance to express himself? As Voltaire said, "I may disapprove of what you say but I will defend till death your right to say it."

Modi himself is the strongest advocate on the need to have critics. By not willing to listen to Modi, the self styled activists are simply displaying their own paranoia and lack of conviction in their arguments. It shows that they are not willing to debate ideas but only prefer to use arm-twisting tactics to make their shrill voices heard.

The arbitrary behavior of Wharton brings the rest of the participants and sponsors to the spotlight- is not high time they rise to the occasion and withdraw their participation from the event? I was very happy to read Gautam Adani and Suresh Prabhu cancel their participation. I wonder what is preventing Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dilip Cherian, Milind Deora from doing so. Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi are among the invitees at the Forum- what is preventing them from withdrawing their names?

The entire fiasco brought uncomfortable questions to my mind. If Incredible India is listed as a partner for the event, does the Government of India give its support to the actions of Wharton? How can the Union Government allow a Chief Minister of a state to be treated in this manner by a University? Would things have been the same if Delhi University, Mumbai University would have prevented an American Governor from speaking?

The founding fathers of USA dreamt of a land that is the ultimate bastion of free speech and liberal democratic practices. Our founding fathers safeguarded the right to freedom of expression and gave a voice to each and every individual irrespective of caste, creed or religion. It is a crying shame that with the actions of Wharton and the Intellectual Taliban operating in India, George Washington, Jefferson, Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar would be turning in their graves!

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Freedom of speech attacked in Wharton