Daily Archives: April 3, 2017

Nearly 30 prominent New Zealanders have signed an open letter saying New Zealand's freedom of speech is under attack at universities.

Don Brash and Dame Tariana Turia are among those who have signed the letter, penned by history professor Dr Paul Moon.

It follows the ban of Auckland University's European Students' Association, the cancellation of a visiting speaker after threats against her, and the Human Rights Commissioner's calls for a review of the hate speech law.

The letter warns of "the forceful silencing of unpopular views" on university campuses.

"It's rather like looking at an avalanche," Dr Moon told Newshub.

"We can see in Australia, the United States, the UK, there are some very severe restrictions on freedom of speech at universities and we are very concerned that that might happen here too. Really it's trying to prevent those sorts of trends emerging here.

"These threats being made by Dame Susan Devoy to introduce some sort of hate speech legislation is exactly that. It's a means to intimidate people, a means to shut them down because they are scared to be involved in hate speech."

Prominent anti-Islam speaker Ayaan Hirsi Ali was due to speak in Auckland on Sunday but has been forced to cancel due to fears for her safety. The appearances in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney were also shut down.

Ms Ali has spoken out on what she calls the "lethal ideology" of Islamism, after having left the religion herself.

It's now prompted violent threats - but Kiwis say she shouldn't be afraid to speak here.

"[She] is simply saying things that other people find uncomfortable," ACT Party leader David Seymour told Newshub.

"We have to have controversial debate. Without it, the democracy will die."

Muslim community worker Anne Degia-Pala told Newshub while Ms Ali's talk may be interesting, it won't be representative of everyone's experience.

"Her experiences are her own and based on a culture, not the religion of Islam," she said.

But while she may disagree with Ms Ali's views, she agrees the threats go too far.

"At the end of the day New Zealand is an open country and we have rights with freedom of speech, and we would have expected her to speak with some responsibility," Ms Degia-Pala said.

"Why would we, as women of New Zealand, deny her the opportunity to say what she has to say?"

Fellow Muslim woman Dr Amira Hassouna said the problem may stem from Ms Ali coming to speak only her side of the argument, rather than bringing a fellow Muslim scholar in and turning it into a debate.

"Her personal experiences are not enough to validate her argument against Islam and more than a billion Muslims," Dr Hassouna told Newshub.

"There is another perspective to the issue, showing many Muslims who lead peaceful lives simply following the teachings of Islam."

Dr Moon says New Zealand has got to the stage where people in some cases cannot give speeches because they are fearful of the pressure that is put on them.

"What we want is a society where everyone is free to express their ideas no matter how absurd some of them may be simply because that is the best way to deal with absurd ideas. Have them expressed, debated and debunked."

Mr Seymour said he had a ticket to see Ms Ali's show and says the fact she's afraid to come to our country is embarrassing on an international scale.

"I want to live in a country where the power and right of free speech is greater than the power of violence," he said.

"She has a view - I'm not sure it's necessarily the right view, but I think we should be allowed to hear it."

Newshub.

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Freedom of speech 'under attack' at NZ universities - Newshub

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LUBBOCK, TX (NEWS RELEASE) -

WHAT: Participating in the Collings Foundations WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR, B-17 Flying Fortress Nine O Nine," B-24 Liberator Witchcraft, B-25 Mitchell "Tondelayo" bombers and P-51 Mustang "Toulouse Nuts" fighter, will fly into Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport for a visit from April 3rd to 5th. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore, and learn more about these unique and rare treasures of WWII aviation history. The B-17 is one of only 8 in flying condition in the United States. The B-24J Liberator is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the World. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid and the P-51 "Toulouse Nuts" fighter recently received the 2016 Oshkosh Grand Champion Award for restoration. Visitors are invited to explore the aircraft inside and out - $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 is requested for access to up-close viewing and tours through the inside of the aircraft. Discounted rates for school groups. Visitors may also experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to actually take a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $450 per person. Get some stick time in the worlds greatest fighter! P-51 flight training is $2,200 for a half hour and $3,200 for a full hour. B-25 flights are $400 per person. For reservations and information on flight experiences call 800-568-8924.

WHERE: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will be on display at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, located at Lubbock Aero, 6304 N Cedar Ave.

WHEN: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR will arrive at the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport at 12:00 PM on Monday, April 3rd and will be on display until the aircraft departs after 12:00 PM operations Wednesday, April 5th. Hours of ground tours and display are: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday, April 3rd, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 4th and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday, April 5th. The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.

WHO: The Collings Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit educational foundation devoted to organizing living history events that allows people to learn more about their heritage and history through direct participation. The Nationwide WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR is celebrating its 28th year and visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24, B-25 & P-51 display at locations everywhere. The WINGS OF FREEDOM tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind.

WHY: The WINGS OF FREEDOM TOUR travels the nation as a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained them, the workers who built them, the soldiers, sailors and airmen they helped protect; and the citizens and families that share the freedom that they helped preserve. The B-17, B-25 & B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the risks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters, and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s, B-25s and B-24s safely brought their crews home. The P-51 Mustang was affectionately known as the bombers Little Friend - saving countless crews from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore very few were spared. The rarity of the B-17, B-25, B-24 & P-51 - and their importance to telling the story of WWII is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location we encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor and not the other way around! Visitors can find out more by visiting our website at http://www.collingsfoundation.org.

(News release from Collings Foundation)

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National WWII Wings of Freedom Tour Lands in Lubbock April 3-5 - EverythingLubbock.com

Inside the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol hundreds of Iowans peacefully gathered for the Freedom to Believe Rally. After hate-filled letters and anti-semitic voicemails were left at Islamic Centers and an Iowa synagogue, Iowans made sure those with different beliefs feel welcomed in Iowa. Wochit

A portion of the crowd inside the Capitol Rotunda Sunday. Over 200 Iowans from across the state attended the Freedom to Believe Rally.(Photo: Joey Aguirre)

Hundreds of Iowansfought back peacefully Sunday afternoonagainst those leavinghate-filled lettersat Islamic centers and anti-Semitic phone messages on voicemails at an Iowa synagogue.

Inside the rotunda of the Iowa State Capitol dozens of speakers took their turn in front of the microphone inresponse to actions of hate against the Muslim community in Des Moines and other religious communities across Iowa. The rally was hosted by the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in response to actions of hate against religious communities across Iowa.

Two local high school seniorsmade their voices heard throughslam poetry performances.

"I'll keep my fist up and my heart open," Jalesha Johnson said.

Johnson, a senior at East High School, was an organizer of the student walkout in November after the election resultsand delivered the first of twopoetry readings. She is part of the group "Movement 515."

"We've gotten some really positive feedback and I feel like we've made a positive impact," Johnson, 18, said after her performance. "We just want people to find people who love them back and if you are angry, talk or write about it. Don't bottle that up because you'll end up channeling that into a negative outcome."

Fellow senior Marcos Flores attends Valley High School and is part of the group,"Hip-Hope." Hesaid it's tough being a minority for his generation.

"It's hectic," Flores, 17, said. "The thing my generation does not like to do is get active. The moment we decide that we need to be active and decide what our fate and our future is going to be like, everything will come into place. I still have hope, I always do."

Hundreds of Iowans gathered in the Capitol Rotunda Sunday afternoon for a Freedom to Believe Rally. The rally was to celebrate diversity.(Photo: Joey Aguirre)

For John Fruetel, he's concerned with how the Trump administration is singling out the Muslim religion.

"It's immoral and illegal," Fruetel, 53, said. "We want to showthat there are people who support people from other countries. Most Americans disagree with what is going on."

Fruetel said when he heard about the anti-Islam note left at the Islamic Center of Des Moines, he believed the Trump administration was partially to blame.

"They've always been around but now they feel brave enough to do it," Fruetel said. "I'm not the type of guy who is going to let that go. I'll push back."

Rev. David Sickelka and Kathy Marean hold their rainbow flag inside the Capitol Rotunda Sunday. Sickelka and Marean said they wanted to show support.(Photo: Joey Aguirre/The Register)

Rev. David Sickelka and Kathy Marean of the Urbandale United Church of Christ broughta large rainbow flag inside the Capitol Rotunda in support of all people from various religious backgrounds.

"I just want to show support," Marean said. "They are safe with me."

Sickelka said he hopes these ralliesshowsolidarity.

"We can't claim freedoms for ourselves that we aren't willing to defend for the lives of others," Sickelka said. "We will stand with them."

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'Freedom to Believe' rally attracts hundreds to Capitol - DesMoinesRegister.com

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The late-night comics take a look at the state's controversial bathroom bill. Take a look at our favorite jokes, then vote for yours at opinion.usatoday.com.

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The late-night comics take a look at the state's controversial bathroom bill. Take a look at our favorite jokes, then vote for yours at opinion.usatoday.com. USA TODAY Opinion_Eileen Rivers

Seth Meyers(Photo: Jerod Harris, Getty Images for Hulu)

It took basketball to prompt lawmakers in North Carolina to repeal the state'scontroversial bathroom bill, and late-night comic Trevor Noah is surprised at the power of the NCAA sport. Lawmakers passed a repeal compromise that rolls back a previous law stating that people had to use the public bathroom that corresponded to the gender on their birth certificate. Noah explains why that power impressed him in Punchlines, above.

And Seth Meyers compares North Carolina's law to one in New York. Find out which is more restrictive.

After you watch our favorite jokes, vote for yours in the quick poll to the right. Watching from your smartphone or tablet? Then visit opinion.usatoday.com to cast your ballot.

Follow Eileen Rivers @msdc14.

Punchlines audio!

Want to listen to your laughs instead? Click or download to get the latest on North Carolina's bathroom bill.

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Punchlines: Basketball brings bathroom freedom - USA TODAY

Sen. Rand Paul and several members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus met Monday to try to create a new path on repealing Obamacare, but the Kentucky Republican conceded that a major sticking point that doomed the GOP's prior effort remains.

The short summit Monday in Paul's Senate office comes as the White House is trying to rev up talks with the Freedom Caucus and the moderate Tuesday Group to end a major impasse on how to repeal Obamacare.

Paul, who golfed with President Trump last weekend, told reporters after the meeting that the House Freedom Caucus is still open to discussions. But he acknowledged that a major sticking point is what to do about Obamacare's insurance regulations, including those that ended limits on how much an insurer had to pay a patient over his lifetime.

"We want to make sure that the death spiral of Obamacare is fixed," said Paul, who opposed the American Health Care Act, the House leadership's bill to partiall repeal and replace Obamcare that was pulled nearly two weeks ago because of insufficient support.

Paul said he discussed Obamacare repeal with Trump during their golf outing.

He advocated scrapping the American Health Care Act entirely.

"I think where they are is still trying to make it work with what they have and accept what they have with small tweaks to the existing bill," Paul said, referring to the White House.

During negotiations two weeks ago on the American Health Care Act, the Freedom Caucus wanted the White House to include cutting most of Obamacare's regulations on insurers. However, the White House agreed only to cut the regulation that insurers cover 10 essential health benefits, worried that adding more could cost support from moderate Republicans.

Several members of the Freedom Caucus and the moderate Tuesday Group, concerned about an estimate that 24 million people could lose insurance over the next decade, defied House leadership and the White House and opposed the bill, which was pulled on March 24.

Also from the Washington Examiner

States would decide whether to cover some or all of the essential health benefits that insurers must cover.

04/03/17 7:48 PM

Now the Freedom Caucus and the Tuesday Group are separately meeting with the White House to try to create a path forward.

Paul told reporters before meeting with the caucus that he also met with Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., the leader of the Tuesday Group.

But what that path is remains to be seen, and Congress is expected to leave for a two-week recess on Friday.

Paul also floated a compromise on tax credits, another sticking point as conservatives favor a tax deduction rather than credits. He said that a new bill could leave tax credits in place, but with less funding.

Meanwhile, Trump was scheduled to meet with members of the Tuesday Group on Monday. Talks between the Tuesday Group and the Freedom Caucus broke down last week.

Also from the Washington Examiner

The New Jersey minor had planned to shoot the pope during his U.S. visit in 2015.

04/03/17 7:25 PM

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Rand Paul meets with Freedom Caucus on Obamacare repeal - Washington Examiner