An Unsustainable Development [THE FRED THOMPSON REPORT]

ABC Radio Networks ^ | June 11, 2007 | Sen. Fred Dalton Thompson

[Squidpup]

June 11, 2007

An Unsustainable Development

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If there's a hell on earth, it's probably Zimbabwe. Life expectancies in the landlocked nation in the South of Africa are the world's lowest. Reports say women live an average of 35 years; men a bit longer. Four in five people are unemployed. Government printing presses run day and night to produce enough money to keep the military from rebelling, so inflation is at an annual rate of 3,700 percent and rising. Cash loses over ten percent of its value everyday.

It wasn't always that way. Before Robert Mugabe's government took power a quarter of a century ago, this land was one of the most prosperous in Africa. Known as the breadbasket of south Africa, it exported food to the rest of the continent. Then Mugabe was elected. He used his office to destroy his own market economy, silence the press, murder his opposition and persecute minority ethnic groups, black and white alike. Zimbabwe was, by any account, the most disastrously managed economy on the planet.

Two United Nations agencies have just released a report saying that 4 million people in Zimbabwe are in danger of starving. That's a third of the entire country's population. Take note that I said "two United Nations agencies" are predicting the mass starvation.

The reason I want you to take note of that is that, last month, the same United Nations elected Mugabe's Zimbabwe to lead the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. That's the organization charged with promoting sound long-term economies.

Now you might ask why a country in economic freefall would be chosen by the UN to advise the rest of the world about economic growth. But you might also ask why Iran was made vice-chair of the UN Disarmament Commission last year -- even as it ramped up its nuclear weapons program and threatened to destroy Israel. Or, for that matter, you might wonder why Libya was made chair of the Commission on Human Rights -- as Libyans don't even have basic democratic rights.

The UN never seems to have good answers, but I'll offer one. Robert Mugabe was given chairmanship of the commission because his view on sustainable development fits right in with much of the UN's.

He claims that third-world poverty is caused by free market economies like Americans’ -- and like the one that once made his country the envy of his region. He blames free and prosperous countries for the suffering that comes with tyranny and corruption. The sad thing is; Mugabe gets away with it, in part, because he has the glamour and prestige of the UN behind him.

Now we have to keep in mind that while the UN is hopeless in some respects, a Security Council vote provides political cover for some timid nations to do the right thing -- like help us in Iraq. Also, UN humanitarian assistance, like the World Food Program’s, run by Americans, do much good. But it’s a constant challenge at the UN, and the reason we must always have a strong ambassador there willing to blow the whistle when they do outrageous things.

[Squidpup]

Fresh Fred

[lexington minuteman 1775]

I have a better idea Fred, let’s just send the UN to Geneva or some like place and pull the heck out...put highrise apartments on the current property.

[rottndog]

RUN FRED RUN!

[HardStarboard]

Fred talks net net!! It's impossible to misunderstand the guy! The Democrats better not "misunderestimate" him.

I like him.

[dblshot]

John Birch was right, really right.

[Squidpup]

Fred Ping (FRing?)

[tcrlaf]

This one is going to upset the International Socialist crowd....

If the left hasn’t run out of hate-filled euphamism’s to insult president Bush with, I can’t WAIT to see what they will come up with for President Thompson!

[the anti-liberal]

FreeRepublic Fred i.e. FRed.

[Always Right]

Now you might ask why a country in economic freefall would be chosen by the UN to advise the rest of the world about economic growth. But you might also ask why Iran was made vice-chair of the UN Disarmament Commission last year -- even as it ramped up its nuclear weapons program and threatened to destroy Israel. Or, for that matter, you might wonder why Libya was made chair of the Commission on Human Rights -- as Libyans don't even have basic democratic rights.

Brilliant on the UN. Of course I have seen some on this forum call Fred a globalist.

[the anti-liberal]

My understanding is that Fred isn't terribly enamored with the UN. Sovereignty is very important to him, not just Nationally, but for the individual States within the Nation as well.

If any President could pull off what you (and many others) are suggesting, it'd be him.

Though I think it would be a tough sell even for him - just imagine the uproar in our Socialist Congress.

[brothers4thID]

They also claim he’s lazy and hasn’t accomplished anything in his life. If his resume is what passes for “slacker” then I’m in SERIOUS trouble.

[the anti-liberal]

You posted before I posted #10, but you might take a gander at it.

[samtheman]

He’s got my vote. All he has to do is ask.

[headsonpikes]

Not to quibble, but Fred’s assertion re the terrible inflation in Zimbabwe, “...inflation is at an annual rate of 3,700 percent and rising. Cash loses over ten percent of its value everyday.”, misstates the daily rate of inflation.

I’m no mathematician, but a rate of just less than 1% per day, not 10%, ought to result in something like that 3700% annual rate.

That’s part of the insidiousness of inflation.

[Always Right]

They also claim he’s lazy and hasn’t accomplished anything in his life.

They claimed Reagan was lazy too. Funny how lazy old Fred makes more TV appearances, does more radio shows and writes more articles than all the other candidates combined.

[Dick Bachert]

Roger that!!

And I have a BETTER idea:

Get us out of the UN and the UN out of the US!

Some essential history if you are to fully grasp the rot – and the plot — at the core of this thoroughly corrupt gaggle of over-educated morons:

ORIGINS OF THE UN, PART 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAzl21AfnZU

ORIGINS OF THE UN, PART 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0qV2OM8ajQ

ORIGINS OF THE UN, PART 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrkshIXYiPs

[AmericaUnited]

He used his office to destroy his own market economy, silence the press, murder his opposition and persecute minority ethnic groups, black and white alike. Zimbabwe was, by any account, the most disastrously managed economy on the planet.

Mugabe has a future as a card carrying democrat...

[Always Right]

Last Updated: Thursday, 17 May 2007, 13:45 GMT 14:45 UK

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Printable version

Huge rise in Zimbabwe inflation

Four out of five Zimbabweans live below the bread line, analysts claim

Zimbabwe's rate of inflation surged to 3,731.9%, driven by higher energy and food costs, and amplified by a drop in its currency, official figures show.

April's inflation rate jumped up from the 2,200% recorded last month, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) said.

The announcement came after Zimbabwe's government created a commission charged with finding a way to curb the country's spiralling cost of living.

There is high unemployment, and fuel and food shortages across the nation.

Price increases to 'worsen'

The surging cost of domestic electricity, food, fuel and commuter transport fares were at the heart of last month's price surges, the CSO said.

Economists believe that these price increases will continue because Zimbabwe will be forced to import maize, a basic food staple, to make up for a lack of home-grown produce.

The government has also recently warned of shortages of bread and flour, which may cause even more hardship.

The BBC's Peter Biles said that only 10% of the country's winter wheat crop had been planted due to shortages of fuel and fertilizer.

Last week, households in Zimbabwe were told they would be limited to four hours electricity supply a day in a move designed to support the country's wheat farmers, who need power to irrigate their crops.

[headsonpikes]

Re my #14 - I was right!

http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm

1% 365 times results in a gain of 3778.343%

Upon reflection, I suspect the figure 3700% probably was arrived at by forward calculating 1% per day. ;^)

[Squidpup]

“moneychimp” - is that like a trunk monkey?

[TomasUSMC]

Don’t spend one cent on Zimbabwe

[headsonpikes]

“April’s inflation rate jumped up from the 2,200% recorded last month, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) said.”

Yes, from about 30% monthly to about 40% monthly.

[TZolf]

Note to George Will: this is why we like Fred. He “gets it”, and he isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade.

[Tennessee Nana]

New book on FRed on sale today...

“The FRed Factor” by Steve Gill...

Great read...has everything you want to know...

[jedward]

The UN is a worthless pile of dog poo, and I’m always happy to inform people that it was founded in none other than San Franciso! Stupid idea then... dumb and deadly results ever since.

[rhinohunter]

The Democrats better not "misunderestimate" him.

It'll be interesting to see how long it takes the left to refocus their vitriol from George Bush, a lame duck anti-borders free-spending compassionate conservative, to Fred Thompson, a man who actually opposes their entire agenda of evil.

[pondering]

The website below (an interview with Kenyan economics expert James Shikwati) says the U.N.’s World Food Program does lots of harm.

The example he uses is corn. Part of what gets shipped goes to the corrupt politicians to help keep them in power, and part gets dumped on the local market at such low prices that farmers cannot compete. Thus no local corn is grown, the agricultural infrastructure isn’t established, and they need more of the same handout next year.

I’m interested in Fred, but I hope he recognizes what the long term effects are of that World Food Program.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,363663,00.html

[HardStarboard]

>>>It'll be interesting to see how long it takes the left to refocus their vitriol...to Fred Thompson,...<<<

Interesting and tough question to get a grip on! Normally you would expect the focus to have shifted to the candidates by now...but the Demorats hate for GWB is so deep and ingrained (and pathological) that it hasn't happened.

I suspect Thompson won't become a focus for the Democrats until, when and if, he becomes the Publican front runner..which should be about 5 ms after he announces. It will happen because Thompson would thrash O'bama easily and is, and they know it, more than a match for Clinton. I don't think they feel, rightly or wrongly, that any of our present candidates represent an existential threat to either of their frontrunners.

[gogeo]

...Fred Thompson, a man who actually opposes their entire agenda of evil...

He gets it.

[calcowgirl]

...the same United Nations elected Mugabe's Zimbabwe to lead the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. That's the organization charged with promoting sound long-term economies.

That's the most naive and/or and/or uniformed and/or inaccurate and/or misleading description of this organization I have seen. Whichever the reason, it is disturbing.

[D_Idaho]

dblshot-

Do you even know who John Birch was? I’m just asking.

[Czar]

"That's the most naive and/or and/or uniformed and/or inaccurate and/or misleading description of this organization I have seen."

I'm sure if we're patient the UN will be able to give us something even more naive, uninformed, inaccurate and misleading. They can't help themselves.

[Squidpup]

Explain - are you saying Fred is naive/uninformed/inaccurate/misleading or that the UN is?

[WWTD]

Fred is indeed a globalist. However, the UN, which they do not control, is less useful to them than alliances like NATO, which they do control and are always trying to expand. (Don’t get me wrong, I want us out of the UN and all permanent alliances - those of you who think I am a nut for saying this, please read George Washington’s Farewell Address)

And why does Fred, proud member of the globalist Council on Foreign Relations, want to talk about Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia? Rhodesia was the first grand experiments by the globalists. It was founded by the CFR’s forbears. Here is the story:

Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) went to Oxford University where to the amazement of no one, he learned that, “ the British upper classes possessed a glorious tradition of beauty, decency, education, law, and self discipline.” After a solid education at Oxford, he was now prepared to steal as much as he could from the native peoples of Africa. With the financial backing of the Rothschild banking interests he founded the Consolidated Gold Fields, and DeBeers diamond empire in southern Africa. He also founded a country wittily named Rhodesia.

“The idea gleaming and dancing before ones eyes like a will-of-the- wisp at last frames itself into a plan. Why should we not form a secret society with but one object, the furtherance of the British Empire and the bringing of the whole uncivilised world under British rule, for the recovery of the United States, for the making the Anglo-Saxon race one Empire. What a dream, but yet it is probable, it is possible.” —Cecil Rhodes, June 2, 1877

He desired “to federate the English - speaking peoples and to bring all the habitable portions of the world under their control. For this purpose Rhodes left part of his great fortune to found the Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford in order to spread the English ruling class tradition.” (Quigley)

“For fear that death might cut me off before the time for attempting its development, I leave all my worldly goods in trust ... to try to form such a Society with such an object.” — Cecil Rhodes, June 2, 1877

To these purposes Rhodes formed a private secret society with some very heavy hitters. Lord Balfour, Lord Gray, Lord Esher, Lord Rothschild, and Lord Milner (who organized a group called the British Round Table).

“From 1884 to about 1915 the members of the group worked valiantly to extend the British empire and to organize it into a federal system... Stead (one of the group) was able to get Rhodes to accept, in principle, a solution which might have made Washington the capital of the whole organization or allow parts of the empire to become states of the American Union.” ( Quigley )

The chief backbone of this organization grew up along the already existing financial cooperation running from the Morgan Bank in New York to a group of international financiers in London led by Lazard Brothers. Lord Milner became a director of the precursor to the giant Midland Bank. He became one of the greatest political and financial powers in England with his disciples placed throughout England in significant places, such as the editorship of the Times, the editorship of the Observer, the managing directorship of Lazard Brothers, various administrative posts, and even Cabinet positions. Ramifications were established in politics, high finance, Oxford and London Universities, periodicals, the civil service, and tax - exempt foundations.” ( Quigley )

“The methods [used by the Milner Group] can be summed up under three headings: (a) a triple-front penetration in politics, education, and journalism; (b) the recruitment of men of ability (chiefly from [certain universities]) and the linking of these men to the [Group] by matrimonial alliances and by gratitude for titles and positions of power; and (c) the influencing of public policy by placing members of the [Group] in positions of power shielded as much as possible from public attention. (The Anglo American Establishment - by Quigley)

After the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, Lord Milner became one of the executors of Rhodes’ trust. He organized “ discreet “ discussion / study / work groups known as the Round Table Groups throughout the Empire, including America. On May 30, 1919 members of different national delegations to the Paris Peace Conference met at the Hotel Majestic to discuss setting up an international group which would advise their respective governments on international affairs.

The planning delegations decided upon creating separate organizations cooperating with each other. They organized the Council on Foreign Relations ( Harrold Pratt House on East 68th Street in New York City). In 1922, it began publishing it’s official mouthpiece, Foreign Affairs Magazine – http://www.foreignaffairs.org.

[calcowgirl]

Explain - are you saying Fred is naive/uninformed/inaccurate/misleading or that the UN is?

Fred.  "sound economies"?  NOT!

http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/aboutCsd.htm

The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. 

The Commission is responsible for reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; as well as providing policy guidance to follow up the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI) at the local, national, regional and international levels.  The JPOI reaffirmed that the CSD is the high-level forum for sustainable development within the United Nations system.  

 

[MamaLucci]

bookmark

[thinkthenpost]

I don’t disagree with anything Fred has written here, but I will add this observation: My understanding is that Mugabe is basically revered in Zimbabwe as the Father of the Country, much like George Washington and these United States, so apparently the people of Zimbabwe are willing to,...... put up with alot.
I have read, or at least heard it speculated that perhaps Mugabe has quite possibly gone loco, but because he is so highly thought of no one is willing to remove him from power. I do not know enough of how things went in Zimbabwe after it became an independent country and how long it took for the situation to become this dire, or if Mugabe ever ruled in what could be considered a wise and prudent manner, but perhaps those of you with knowledge on the situation in Africa could shine a ray of light for the rest of us. I’d appreciate it.

[Squidpup]

I would vote that the UN is the one being misleading. They advertise that they are here to help - Fred sees their hypocrisy. I don’t see your point.

Here is the mandate of said committee:
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd_mandate.htm

Mandate of the Commission on Sustainable Development
The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established as a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council by Council decision 1993/207. Its functions are set out in General Assembly resolution 47/191 of 22 December 1992. The Commission is composed of 53 members elected for terms of office of three years, meets annually for a period of two to three weeks and receives substantive and technical services from the Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Division for Sustainable Development. The Commission reports to the Economic and Social Council and, through it, to the Second Committee of the General Assembly.

The Commission on Sustainable Development is an inter-governmental body whose members are elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from amongst the Member States of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Thirteen members are elected from Africa; eleven from Asia; ten from Latin America and the Caribbean; six from Eastern Europe; and thirteen from Western Europe and other. One-third of the members are elected annually and outgoing members are eligible for re-election. Other States, United Nations organizations, accredited inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations can attend sessions of the CSD as observers.

The role of the Commission as a high level forum on sustainable development, includes:

to review progress at the international, regional and national levels in the implementation of recommendations and commitments contained in the final documents of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), namely: Agenda 21; and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.

to elaborate policy guidance and options for future activities to follow up the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and achieve sustainable development

to promote dialogue and build partnerships for sustainable development with governments, the international community and the major groups identified in Agenda 21 as key actors outside the central government who have a major role to play in the transition towards sustainable development. These Major Groups include women, youth, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, the scientific community, and farmers
...

Here is Agenda 21 TOC
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/agenda21/english/agenda21toc.htm

Agenda 21 - Table of Contents
Chapter Paragraphs
1. Preamble 1.1 - 1.6

SECTION I. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS

2. International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies 2.1 - 2.43
3. Combating poverty 3.1 - 3.12
4. Changing consumption patterns 4.1 - 4.27
5. Demographic dynamics and sustainability 5.1 - 5.66
6. Protecting and promoting human health conditions 6.1 - 6.46
7. Promoting sustainable human settlement development 7.1 - 7.80
8. Integrating environment and development in decision-making 8.1 - 8.54

[gcruse]

The more I read of what Fred believes, the better I like him. What puzzles me is that I seem to be at odds with ninety percent of what others believe, yet Fred gets heavy support and I’m in that support. Some of us are going to be bitterly disappointed... but I can’t figure who.

[Politicalmom]

Apparently you don’t know the meaning of the phrase “charged with”. He said that’s what they’re SUPPOSED to do, not that they were doing it.

[calcowgirl]

I definitely agree that the UN presentation is misleading. But that is not what I was saying.

I took exception to his statement regarding Sustainable Development/Agenda21 "promoting sound long-term economies".

[calcowgirl]

Apparently you don’t know the meaning of the phrase “charged with”.

Whew! Insults right off the bat?

Read the links I posted. That is not what they are charged with, unless you think that the communistic Agenda21 is a "sound long-term economic" model.

[Always Right]

I can’t believe someone could read that article and think Fred was somehow endorsing what the UN is doing.

[Always Right]

You do realize that this article was a hit piece on the UN and all its policies?

[brydic1]

I can’t wait for the reaction from Fred when he replies to their outrageous insults. If he is anything like Reagan, (and I think he is), his responses will be something from which we can take great cheer. Reagan could not only defend himself but conservative values as well. I can hardly wait for someone on the scene who can actually engage the leftist enemies and win over the American people in the process.

[calcowgirl]

You do realize that this article was a hit piece on the UN and all its policies?

He was critical of some and laudatory of some.
And naive, at best, on the item I commented on.

[SierraWasp]

I'm sincerely happy and pleased to see someone with your dogged determination digging into all this GANG-GREEN GARBAGE that was part of my inspiration to run for local office in late 1993.

It was this crappola and Hitlery trying to nationalize my life and health insurance industry that caused me to waste 5 of the best years of my life. (1 year running and 1 four year term as a citizen politician)

The thread about Tom McClintock bichin out the CA State Senator Steinberg for usurping the land-use authority that's supposed to remain with the local governments closest to the people REALLY UPSETS ME!!!

Local control in local hands is precisely what the founders of this nation relied upon to keep land-use and schools in proper order, with states having 10th Amendment rights in perpetuity!!!

This UN-American, One Whirled government, New Whirled Odor is enough to gag a maggot!!! It's all very Bush I and Bush II and Schwartzeneggeresque and sickening!!! I hate that Republicans are in ANY WAY involved in ANY of these post scum ideology and is yet another reason I've left the GOP in disgust!

If we could ever get a religion, or a political party that didn't develop power mad people in positions of leadership that constantly keep trying to compell fellow members into this asinine, bogus, unconstitutional crappola... I might finally be induced to join up and giddy up and work out with 'em. But as it is... fergedaboutit!!!

[Always Right]

He was critical of some and laudatory of some. And naive, at best, on the item I commented on.

It was one of the scathing and spot on hit pieces I have seen on the UN. He wasn't praising the UN at any point, he was poking fun at it. You seem to have completely misunderstood his points.

[Always Right]

What article did you folks read? It certainly wasn’t the one on the top of this page.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

I guess they’ve got their undies in a bunch because he gave them some faint praise for some things they do in the last sentence. That’s kind of funny, because Mitt or Rudy would be deathly afraid of saying anything like this. Any of the other candidates except maybe Tom Tancredo would come out as strongly against the UN as Fred did here.