Friday, July 23, 2010

Camp Jammu and Kashmir - by Moses

Traditonally, Kashmir is sacred to India, Pakistan, and the Peoples' Republic of China. The Buddhist Mauryan, Emperor Ahoka, is often credited with founding the old capital of Kashmir, Shrinagari. Since the late 4rth Century of the first millenium. There have been land claims made dependant on the ruling powers within since this time. Originally Kashmir was a Buddhist region, a new religion at that time. In the time of the Mahabharata, the Kambojas ruled this region of the World (6th Century), at the time strictly the land of the Great Himalayas and the Pir Punjal mountain range. It is a Holy Land to Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist faiths and today sees the armies of India and Pakistan on its' borders on previously mentioned land claims. It was Abhinavagupta (950AD-1020AD) one of India's great philosophers, mystics, aestheticians, who was a tremendous influence in Indian Culture to date.
There were Rulers of Kashmiri that were tolerant of all faiths. Sultan Zain ul Abidin (1423-1424), known as Baadshah (the King), is one such leader. Another such leader was Akbar, who in 1588 overthrew Kashmir and translated the 'Rajatarangini' to Persian. This Book is known as the metrical chronical of the Kings of Kashmir.
The 'Rajataranjini' is the first of a series of four histories of Kashmir. It was written by Kalhana in the middle of the 12th Century. Kalhana's work, in six books, makes use of earlier works that are now lost.
Many of the Muslim rulers were intolerant of the other faiths however, Sultan Sikander Butshikan (1389-1413) for example emigrated all of the Hindu faith during his rule. Many of the Brahmin at that time poisened themselves as they refused to give up their religion or leave their land. At the point of destroying all the temples in Kashmir, Sikander was known as 'Destroyer of Idols'.

Today we see the armies of India and Pakistan lined up on their borders on land claims still being made on this land. It is paramount that a Treaty be signed as all three Nations; India, Pakistan, and the Peoples' Republic of China have sophisticated technology that could theoretically be used in terror attacks towards each-other. In 1977 Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Manachim Begin, and U.S President Jimmy Carter signed the Camp David Agreement (essentially making the Sinai a neutral land to both Egypt and Israel). What is needed today is very similar to this prior agreement. A peace agreement between Pakistan, India, and the Peoples' Republic of China must be in place, and tolerance of each faith within this region is absolutly necessary. Otherwise Western media cannot insure that Terror outside this region will not occur.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Annointments of African Americans for Professional Sport Ownership Positions - by Moses

National Football League

1. Tony Dungy – Indianapolis Colts

Qualifications - First African-American Coach to win the Superbowl, when he took the Colts to the big dance and won it all in ‘07. Took his Tampa Bay Bucs' to the Playoffs three years in a row. His son, at Eighteen years of age, committed suicide on December 23rd, 2005.

2. Joe Greene, Lynn Swann, and Franco Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers

Qualifications - Three greats of the Seventies and Eighties. 'Mean' Joe Greene is considered by many to be the greatest Defensive End of All-Time. Was part of the Steel Curtain that went on to win 4 Super-Bowls (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980) and was one of few players whose career spanned into three decades (1969-1981). Won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969, and won AP Defensive Player of the Year in both 1972 and 1974. In 1979 Joe Greene won the Walter Payton Man of the Year. Greene was first team All-Star on five occasions and was named to 10 Pro-Bowls (every year neigh 1977, 1969-1979).
Lynn Swann - Won four Super-Bowls alongside 'Mean' Joe Greene. Was named to 3 Pro-Bowls, and was widely considered to be the one of the best Wide Receivers of his time alongside; teammate John Stallworth, Drew Pearson, Harold Carmichael, and Art Monk.
Franco Harris - Won 4 Super Bowls during the same years as the others, and was named to nine consecutive Pro-Bowls from 1972-1980. In 1975 during the Steelers' first Superbowl run, Harris made the reception known forever as the 'immaculate reception'. With his Steelers down late in the fourth quarter (against the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Championship Game), Harris made a fourth down catch with no time on the clock, and took it to the house to take his Steelers to the Superbowl.

3. Art Shell – Oakland Raiders

Qualifications - First African-American to become a Head Coach in the NFL when he was named Coach of the Los Angeles Raiders in 1989. Took the Raiders to the Playoffs in 3 of his first Six years there. His playing career was truly standout as he won eight Pro-Bowls as Offensive Tackle for the Oakland Raiders (later L.A) under Head Coach greats John Madden and Tom Flores. Won two Super-Bowls with the Raiders, Superbowl XI and XV.

4. Tony Dorsett – Dallas Cowboys

Qualifications - Was Rookie of the year in 1977 with the Dallas Cowboys. Took the boys’ to the Super Bowl in both ’78 and ’79, winning the Super-Bowl in 1978 against the Denver Broncos. Played alongside famed great Roger Staubach, and played under the wing of legendary Head Coach Tom Landry. Their rivalry against the Pittsburgh Steelers was paramount during Dorsett's playing career.

5. Jim Brown – Cleveland Browns

Qualifications - Was known as the greatest Running Back of his day. Many have said Jim Brown was the best back of All-Time. He ranks in the top of 6 of all-time alongside; Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, O.J Simpson, and Tony Dorsett. Won the Rushing title with regularity in the Sixties. His surname is Brown and he played for the ‘Browns.

6. Jerry Rice - San Francisco 49ers

Qualifications - Won 3 Super-Bowls with the 49ers in the late eighties - early nineties alongside fellow Hall of Famer Joe Montana (although Montana had left for the Chiefs a couple of years before the 49ers last win in 1995 - replaced by Steve Young). Had 100 or more receptions in a season 4 times, and led the league in Yardage 6 times over his storied career. Had 80 or more receptions 12 times in his career. Had 1549 career receptions and 197 touchdowns (both records for Wide Receivers). Won 10 first-string selections and was named to 13 Pro-Bowls. Rice excelled the most during the Super-Bowls in which he played, taking home the Player of the Game Award once, in Super-Bowl XXIII. In his first Superbowl with the Oakland Raiders in 2002/03, he caught a TD pass, making four games in which he received at least one TD/game. Rice amassed an NFL leading 22895 yards from scrimmage, the most of any player of All-Time.

7. Mike Singletary - Chicago Bears

Qualifications - Mike Singletary was the pinnacle of the stingiest defense in Pro-Football as an inside linebacker, and in 1985 he won NFC Defensive Player of the year. The Bears won the Super-Bowl, and the Fridge was a household name. Alongside the ever classy Walter Payton, Singletary was known in Football circles to be the most knowledgeable and studious of all American Footballers.

In memory of; Gene Upshaw – Oakaland Raiders - August 15, 1945 - August 20, 2008

Was the first African-American to work in a Management role of a Professional Sports League. As the head of the NFLPA (a paradigm to the players’ choice of Commissioner) for over twenty years (through three Owner Tenancies), Upshaw was also a tremendous player with the Oakland Raiders winning 5 Pro Bowls X1 throughout his storied career.  He is the only NFL'er to appear in a Super-Bowl in 4 Decades {Beginning in the late 60's).  Was apart of 2 Super-Bowl wins; XI and XV. Gene Upshaw’s younger brother Willie Upshaw, played Professional Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Annointments of African Americans for Professional Sport Ownership Positions - by Moses

MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association /NLBPA Negro League Baseball Players Association - New Owners under Affirmative Action)

1. Henry Aaron - Atlanta Braves

Qualifications; Played in both the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues for a total just over 20 years. President of Baseball Operations of the Atlanta Braves for 20 years. His lifetime playing statistics in the Majors include a .305 Avg, 755 Home-Runs and one MVP Award. Has one World Series Ring to his name. Was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Other notable statistics; greatest one year Home-Run total - 47
Hammered 44 Home-Runs in a season 4 times.

2. Frank Robinson/Joe Morgan - Homestead Grays (Greatest Negro League Team of all-time)

Qualifications; Frank Robinson - Played in the Major Leagues for over 20 years. Became the first African American Manager with the Cleveland Indians in 1976. Has Managed in the Major Leagues for roughly 30 years. His lifetime playing statistics in the Majors include 586 Home-Runs and he's the only Major Leaguer to ever win an MVP in both the National and American Leagues. Has two World Series rings to his name. Was inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics; Won the World Series with both an American League and National League team.

Qualifications; Joe Morgan - Played in the Major Leagues for over 20 years. Has been a Baseball Commentator for 25 years. Played with the expansion Houston Colt 45's, later the Houston Astros before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds (a team Robinson played on likewise). Won the MVP trophy twice (in 1975 and 1976), where he likewise won two World Series rings. Was inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics; 1976 Stats - .320 avg 27 Homeruns 111 RBI 60 SB 11 CS

3. Willie Mays/Willie McCovey/Barry Bonds - San Francisco Giants

Qualifications; Willie Mays - Played in both the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues for over 20 years. Is known as the Greatest Centerfielder of all-time. Won 12 Gold Glove Awards and three MVP Awards. His lifetime playing statistics also include 660 Homeruns, a .302 Avg and one World Seried ring. Has a Grandstand at the Giants Park in San Francisco named after him. Was inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics; Hit 50+ Homeruns in a year twice. Had 2 30HR/30SB Campaigns.

Qualifications; Willie McCovey - Played in the Major Leagues for over 20 years. Was known to hit the ball further than any man in the Majors when he played. At San Francisco's home park, they named beyond the Right-Field Grandstand McCovey Cove (the water in which the balls end up, if hit far enough). His lifetime statistics include 1 MVP Award and 521 lifetime Homeruns. Was inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics; MVP Campaign of 1969 - .320 avg 45 HR 126 RBI.

Qualifications; Barry Bonds - Played in the Major Leagues for just over 20 years.
Played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Won 8 Gold Gloves. Hammered 762 lifetime Home-Runs, the all-time mark. Deserved a World Series Ring in 2002, when his Giants were winning the 6th game (that would have won them the Series), yet ended up losing games 6 and 7 to the Anaheim Angels. Won 7 MVP Awards in his storied career. Barry Bonds Godfather is Willie Mays. Was inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics; 1 40HR/40SB season. 5 30HR/30SB seasons. 73 HR in 2001.

4. Cito Gaston/Dave Winfield - Toronto Blue Jays

Qualifications; Cito Gaston - Played in the Major Leagues for almost ten years. Served as Batting Coach for the Toronto Blue Jays under Bobby Cox in 1983. Was instrumental in orchastrating perhaps the best offence in the Majors in his time there. Was promoted to Manager in 1989 and proceeded to guide the Jays to the playoffs in 4 of his first 7 years as Manager. Returned as the Blue Jays Manager for the 2009  after a 14 year hiatis. Gaston became the first African-American to win the World Series as a Manager (and has won two rings as Manager to date). He will surely be enshrined into Cooperstown once his Managerial Career ends.

Other notable statistics - Helped Dave Winfield enormously when Winfield joined the San Diego Padres in 1974. Gaston was picked as a representative of the Padres in the 1970 all-star game.

Qualifications; Dave Winfield - Played in the Majors for over 20 years. Played a storied career which encompassed tours in 5 cities including Toronto in 1992. 1992 was the year Winfield won his only World Series ring, playing under former teamate Cito Gaston. Winfields' lifetime statistics include 465 Homeruns and 5 consecutive 100+ RBI campaigns with the New York Yankees. Was inducted into Cooperstown.
Other notable statistics - Finished his playing career with his hometown Minnesota Twins.

5. Ozzie Smith - St. Louis Cardinals

Qualifications; Played in the Majors for around 20 years almost exclusively with the Cardinals. Was ironically traded after his rookie season in San Diego for a fellow shortstop, Gary Templeton (most people thought that San Diego got the better of the deal).  As he left the Padres in the trade to St. Louis, he dispelled the sentiment of being the lesser shortstop and went on to win 13 consecutive Gold Glove Awards.  He won 1 World Series ring with St. Louis, and was duly inducted into Cooperstown.

Other notable statistics - Stole 30+ bases in 11 separate campaigns.

6. Ken Griffey Jr./Ken Griffey Sr. - Seattle Mariners

Qualifications; Ken Griffey Jr.- Played in the Majors for over 20 years. Won 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards with the Mariners from 1990-1999. Griffey Jr. won the American League MVP in 1997 and finished his career with 632 Homeruns. Many would argue that Griffey Jr. was as great a Centerfielder as Willie Mays.

Other noteable statistics; Hit 40+ HRs in 7 of eight seasons between 1993-2000.

Qualifications; Ken Griffey Sr. - Played in the Majors for roughly 20 years. He started his career with the Cincinnati Reds and was known as one of the fastest men in the game. When he moved to the Mariners in 1989 he joined his son Jr. as the first father/son combination to ever play together in the Majors.
Other notable statistics - Led the N.L in Batting Average in 1976.

7. Jim Rice - Boston Red Sox

 Qualifications; Began his career in 1974 and played for 16 years. His highest one season HR was 46 a total he posted in 1978. His stat line for that year; .315 avg 46 HR 139 RBI 25 2B 15 3B 121 RUNS 213 Hits MVP.

Duly elected into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 2009.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Peace Process Initiative - by Moses

This is a plea to the Bait Kenneset (the Canadian equivalent is the House of Commons); Create 10 Kibbutziim in the Negev, Israel/Palestine.

Each Kibbutz houses 501 workers; 167 Israeli Jews, 167 Israeli Arabs, 167 Palestinians.

Calling for a two state solution on these Kibbutziim to see where problems may arise (similar to that of a Canadian Tribunal).

With an honest effort in this format, we'll see the following perspectives take shape;

1) Honouring thy neighbour
2) A peace process that will encourage multi-culturalism within the Land of Canaan
3) de-segregation

By instituting a multi-cultural format on these Kibbutziim we'll see worldwide anti-semitism decrease. How obvious is it today that the Apartheid in South Africa was pretty much the same argument that Palestinian leaders are trying to break free from today?

In actual fact, within Israel/Palestine there is so much segregation that peoples' minds are being brainwashed on two fundamental perspectives;

1) It is the Land of Israel
2) It is the Land of Palestine

With these two fundamental views comes zero tolerance, and there always seems to be a fight.

As an Ethiopian Canadian Jew, I'm appalled at people that do not live on the front-lines of battle, preaching segregation that feeds this frenzy. I do not live on the front-lines of battle, yet I would dearly love to live in a land of my ancestors, as I'm sure many Palestinian Canadians would likewise.