Monthly Archives: May 2012

Thai Webmaster Sentenced in Free Speech Case

Posted: May 30, 2012 at 8:18 am

A Thai court sentenced a local webmaster Wednesday to an eight-month suspended sentence for failing to act quickly enough to remove Internet posts deemed insulting to the country's royalty in a case widely seen as a test of freedom of expression in this Southeast Asian nation.

The ruling showed leniency toward Chiranuch Premchaiporn, who faced up to 20 years in prison for 10 comments posted on her Prachatai news website, but it still sends the message that Internet content in Thailand must be self-censored.

Chiranuch was the first to be prosecuted under Thailand's computer-crime laws, which were enacted in 2007 under an interim, unelected government that came to power after a coup a year earlier. The laws address hacking and other online offenses, but also bar the circulation of material deemed detrimental to national security, which includes defaming the monarchy.

Her case, which drew international attention, was inextricably linked to Thailand's fractious politics of recent years, as the country's traditional ruling class allying big business, the military and royalists has been desperately fighting to retain reverence for the monarchy and their influence over politics.

Most people still respect 84-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, but the evident involvement of palace circles in supporting the 2006 military coup against elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra opened the royal institution to unprecedented criticism, much of which was circulated on the Internet.

Judge Kampol Rungrat said Wednesday that his guilty verdict was based on one particular post that was left on the Prachatai site for 20 days, which was deemed too long.

Chiranuch "did not perform her duty in a timely manner" and "allowed the inappropriate posting to be on the website for too long," the judge said.

Chiranuch was initially given a one-year suspended sentence that was immediately reduced to eight months. She also was fined 20,000 baht ($625), which she quickly paid with help from supporters and colleagues who handed her cash.

"I expected to be acquitted, but I found the judge's verdict logical and reasonable," a smiling Chiranuch told reporters. "However, I still think the verdict will have an impact on self-censorship."

Prachatai was founded by several respected journalists, senators and press freedom activists to serve as an independent, nonprofit, daily Internet newspaper. It has attracted an audience of critics of the status quo, especially on the now-defunct web board where the comments at issue in the court case were posted between April and November 2008.

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Leveson Inquiry risks undermining precious liberty of free speech, Michael Gove warns

Posted: at 8:18 am

Mr Gove, who has been tipped as a future leader of the Conservatives, went further by making the case unashamedly for cautious regulation.

In a tense exchange, he set out his fear that any cure proposed by Lord Leveson may be worse than the disease. I am concerned about any prior restraint and on their exercising of freedom of speech, Mr Gove told the judge.

Lord Leveson replied: Mr Gove, I do not need to be told about the importance of freedom of speech, I really dont.

The judge said he was concerned that the Education Secretary was prepared to put up with unacceptable, albeit not necessarily criminal behaviour from journalists because of the right to freedom of speech.

Mr Gove said some cases of press misbehaviour were deplorable but argued that these could be punished under existing laws, such as defamation.

Freedom of speech doesnt mean anything unless some people are going to be offended some of the time, the minister said. Defending the rough-edged trade of journalism, the minister said it twas ever thus that reporters are unpopular. Politicians and journalists have always tended to be held in relatively low regard, he said.

Mr Gove was also upfront about his admiration for Rupert Murdoch, the owner of News International, which publishes the The Sun and The Times.

He described the media tycoon as one of the most impressive and significant figures of the last 50 years.

Mr Gove, a former leader writer at The Times, said Mr Murdoch had never tried to interfere in his editorials.

He said the newspaper owner was a great man, who had created jobs and attracted controversy because he is so successful.

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Freedom Wall breaks ground in Belding

Posted: May 29, 2012 at 6:12 pm

Large numbers of community members in the city of Belding watch history take place Monday at a ground breaking ceremony for the new Freedom Wall and park.

The project has been a passion for citizen and veteran Denny Craycraft since last year, with numerous fundraisers helping it come together.

The Belding City Council approved the site just west of the Pere Marquette Depot earlier this year, and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Offices gave the final approval Friday.

Im on cloud nine right now, said Craycraft after the ceremony. Im so elated, words cant describe it.

He said the goal is to have the Freedom Wall built in time to be revealed at 11 a.m. this Veterans Day. Craycraft added he was very thankful for the buisnesses and builders stepping up to get the project moving as quickly as it has.

Ive never seen so much of an outpour from the community, he said. Now were looking for corporate sponsors.

Belding Mayor Ron Gunderson said he was very pleased with the ceremony and looking forward to seeing it come together month after month.

Im glad to see it moving forward now, said Gunderson.

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Medals of Freedom for Dylan, Albright

Posted: at 6:12 pm

May 29, 2012 12:19pm

Image Credits: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo | Chris Pizzello/AP Photo

What do music legend Bob Dylan, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and novelist Toni Morrison have in common? Today they will join the small but elite club of political and cultural icons to receive the nations highest civilian honor: the Medal of Freedom.

This years Medal of Freedom recipients, 13 in all, will come together at the White House this afternoon, where President Obama will honor their accomplishments and present the awards.

The Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace , or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors, according to the White House.

Dylans Like a Rolling Stone and Mr. Tambourine Man, Morrisons Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Beloved, and Albrights efforts to champion democracy, human rights and good governance across the globe are allconsidered accomplishments worthy of this honor.

Previousrecipients include U.S. Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth; retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens; former Israeli President Shimon Peres and Pat Summitt, the winningest NCAA basketball coach who led the University of Tennessees womens basketball team to more Final Four appearances than any other team.

These extraordinary honorees come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, but each of them has made a lasting contribution to the life of our nation, the president said in a written statement. Theyve challenged us, theyve inspired us, and theyve made the world a better place. I look forward to recognizing them with this award.

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Freedom is not free

Posted: at 6:12 pm

The City of Russellville honored those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom Monday in a downtown Memorial Day ceremony across from The Depot.

Chaplain Jeff Cheatham with the River Valley Chapter of Military Officers Association of America asked the crowd to observe a time of reflection this Memorial Day and to remember and pray for those who have fallen, and those who are still serving.

Mayor Bill Eaton recognized and honored all veterans in attendance before introducing guest speaker, Gordon Thornsberry, a veteran and member of Pope County Quorum Court.

Thornsberry recalled his experience on board the notorious flight No. 923 on the Flying Tiger, a Super-Constellation plane, which experienced engine trouble and was forced to ditch in the water.

He said the flight left an Air Force base in New Jersey and experienced a breaking storm in the North Atlantic.

The plane climbed steeply up to avoid the storm and in the process one of the engines on the right side caught on fire and a soldier, in his haste, drowned the left engine with a fire extinguisher and the plane was left with two operating engines.

The plane dropped down into the storm and the pilot had the passengers prepare to ditch by emptying pockets and removing shoes and even the females were asked to remove their hosiery.

Thornsberry was sitting close to the front of the plane, but was asked to move toward the back because at 186 pounds he was considered one of the heavier soldiers.

He sat between a young man from Newport, AR and a stewardess, and prepared as best he could for the crash landing into the sea.

Of the passengers in the planes last six rows, Thornsberry said he was the only survivor.

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Freedom is not free

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Freedom High scholars take different paths

Posted: at 6:12 pm

By KENNETH KNIGHT | The Tampa Tribune Published: May 29, 2012 Updated: May 29, 2012 - 8:44 AM

They are smart and share an appreciation for the Florida Gators, but that is where the similarities end for Freedom High School seniors Crystal Fleming and Chris Tolson.

Fleming, the class valedictorian, is reserved, spiritual and musically talented. The tenacious 17-year-old recently recovered from a serious car accident to begin planning for college and to wed her high school sweetheart.

Tolson, the salutatorian, is a fun-loving prankster who is eager to launch his college experience with some of his "main bros" in tow.

Although they have vastly different personalities and hobnobbed in separate social circles at Freedom, Fleming and Tolson have traveled similar paths to academic success.

Their journeys were etched by self-determination, concentration and a zest for knowledge. They both plan to attend the University of Florida on scholarships this fall.

"I think God blessed me with the ability to excel," Fleming said.

The West Meadows resident will graduate Tuesday with a 6.99 grade point average.

Tolson, 17, of Tampa Palms, who finished with a 6.84 GPA, offered a jovial rationale.

"I have keen eyesight," he quipped. "I'm very popular, so I got all the text messages with what questions were on the tests."

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Medal of Freedom for Glenn, Dylan, others

Posted: at 6:12 pm

WASHINGTON President Barack Obama will honor a diverse cross-section of political and cultural icons including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn, basketball coach Pat Summitt and rock legend Bob Dylan with the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Tuesday.

The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace or to other significant endeavors.

Other recipients this year include:

Toni Morrison, author of such novels as "Song of Solomon" and "Beloved."

John Paul Stevens, former Supreme Court Justice.

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

Shimon Peres, president of Israel.

John Doar, who handled civil rights cases as assistant attorney general in the 1960s.

William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who helped lead the effort to eradicate smallpox.

Gordon Hirabayashi, who fought the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

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Obama to honor Medal of Freedom recipients

Posted: at 6:12 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama will honor a diverse cross-section of political and cultural icons including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn, basketball coach Pat Summitt and rock legend Bob Dylan with the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Tuesday.

The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. It's presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace or to other significant endeavors.

Other recipients this year include:

Toni Morrison, author of such novels as "Song of Solomon" and "Beloved."

John Paul Stevens, former Supreme Court Justice.

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

Shimon Peres, president of Israel.

John Doar, who handled civil rights cases as assistant attorney general in the 1960s.

William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who helped lead the effort to eradicate smallpox.

Gordon Hirabayashi, who fought the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II.

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Perception, Opportunity in Volatility – Research & Analysis on Atmel Corporation and Liberty Global Inc.

Posted: at 6:12 pm

HONG KONG--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- This morning, http://www.MarketFoundations.com announced new reports highlighting Atmel Corporation (ATML) and Liberty Global Inc. (LBTYA). Free research downloads are available at http://www.MarketFoundations.com/index.php?coa=ATML&cob=LBTYA.

With markets in correction mode, investors are looking to quantify an accurate model, weighing positives and negatives of the months ahead. Upcoming negative pressures include China's slowdown, the European recession, the end of the Fed's Operation Twist stimulus program, continued geopolitical risks, election uncertainty, and potential 2013 budget bombshell of tax hikes and spending cuts. Meanwhile, positive offsets are driven by central banks (particularly China) cutting rather than hiking rates, deceleration in fuel and food prices, increase in consumer sentiment and resulting retail sales, signs of improvement in housing sales and new strength in auto production schedules.

Despite the current situation, our team continues to identify high momentum situations with growth potential -- there remains strong opportunity within careful discretion.

Market Foundations is releasing new coverage on Atmel Corporation for its current position within the technology industry. Atmel Corporation (Atmel) is engaged in designing, developing and supplying of microcontrollers. Atmel offers a portfolio of touch products, which integrate its microcontrollers with touch-focused intellectual property (IP). The full research report on Atmel Corporation (ATML) is available here: http://www.MarketFoundations.com/index.php?coa=ATML.

Market Foundations has released research on Liberty Global Inc. for its changing role within the services industry. Liberty Global Inc. (LGI) is an international provider of video, broadband Internet and telephony services, with broadband communications and/or direct-to-home satellite (DTH) operations, As of December 31, 2011, the Company was serving 19.5 million customers across 13 countries, primarily in Europe and Chile. The full research report on Liberty Global Inc. (LBTYA) is available here: http://www.MarketFoundations.com/index.php?cob=LBTYA.

About Market Foundations By providing members with financial information services, we provide the foundation investors need to build investing intelligence. The difference between consistently making good investments or bad investments is nothing more than the right information at the right time.

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Perception, Opportunity in Volatility - Research & Analysis on Atmel Corporation and Liberty Global Inc.

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Do Ron Paul supporters hate free speech? They were hoodwinked! – Video

Posted: at 6:10 pm

28-05-2012 22:52 Do Ron Paul supporters hate free speech? They were hoodwinked!

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