Thursday, October 30, 2008

Potter's Staff Meets Mugabe's Opponents in Zimbabwe

Just back from an official visit to Zimbabwe, Mayor Tom Potter's staff reports that Portland's sister city Mutare is now run by opponents of President Robert Mugabe.

Members of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change swept Mutare's municipal elections in March, says Austin Raglione, Potter's chief of staff. Now Mutare, Zimbabwe's fourth-largest city with 200,000 people, is run entirely by the MDC.

Raglione says the three-member Portland delegation, which made the trip despite political upheaval in the African nation, got a warm welcome.

"It was really appreciated that we had come despite what was happening in the news," Raglione says. "It was sending a signal that we support their efforts and the opposition party."

The delegation spent eight days in Zimbabwe and needed special permission to travel in the country, because the Portlanders were perceived as supporters of the opposition, Raglione says. Military checkpoints were frequent, and the team was questioned often on the road to Mutare from the capital, Harare.

They arrived in Mutare (pictured above) with 38 suitcases of supplies for the local government, schools and hospitals. They met the 19-member city council, all newly elected members of the opposition, and Mayor Brian James, a white Zimbabwean elected by the otherwise all-black council to lead the city.

A former farmer who had his land confiscated by the state, James had been accused of trying to assassinate Mugabe, but was freed from jail after a week for lack of evidence, Raglione says. At one point he was beaten and doused with diesel. But he escaped being killed.

"He was probably the most remarkable person I've ever met in my life," Raglione says. "It was just so clear that the opposition is clearly in control of the city of Mutare, and that there is so much support for what they are trying to do."

The Portland delegation found a city unable to provide basic services because of a lack of money and fuel. But the newly elected government was already using 22 used computers that had been donated from the city of Portland.

James told the delegation what his government needs most is training in how to manage the city. Raglione would like to see Portland send a team to teach them, or invite them here for training. But she rejected giving money, along the lines of the Moscow mayor's foreign policy.

"I just don't think it's an appropriate use of Portland taxpayer money to be funneling it to another government or another continent," Raglione says.

Still, she says, "The city of Portland and the community of Portland are loved in Mutare."

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Comparing Portland's and Moscow's Mayors on Foreign Policy

Following up on my post last week about unrest in Zimbabwe while Mayor Tom Potter's three-person delegation was visiting the troubled country, I'm pleased to report that the team returned safely to Portland on Tuesday night after 13 days abroad.

In sending the team, which included his wife, Karin Hansen, Potter concluded that providing humanitarian aid and shaking hands in Zimbabwe did not amount to tacit support for Robert Mugabe's regime. Potter himself pulled out of the trip at the last minute, citing concerns about the financial crisis at home.

Mayor-elect Sam Adams says he plans on being even more engaged than Potter in foreign affairs, with the goal of boosting international trade. But in case you missed this excellent New York Times story Sunday, the mayor of Moscow practices an aggressive foreign policy (including millions in financial assistance to breakaway Russian factions abroad) that tops anything Portland is likely to undertake.

And that's probably a good thing, right?

—James Pitkin

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

YP ELECTION NIGHT PARTY!

2008 National & Local Election Party at the Cheerful Tortoise!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, FROM APPROXIMATELY 5:00PM UNTIL IT'S CALLED!

Have you made plans to watch the election results? If not, the World Affairs Council's Young Professionals invite you to finish work on Tuesday and join us for a casual Election Night party!

Enjoy the company of your internationalist peers, playing election bingo, and immersing in the Cheerful Tortoise's complete election coverage - all screens tuned to election results! Again, this is a casual event, so come to enjoy yourself and the Cheerful Tortoise's great menu and full bar!

LOCATION:
The Cheerful Tortoise, SW 6th Ave & SW College St (MAP). Located on the PSU campus.

We hope to see you there!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Bankrupt Iceland?

I was reading the wikipedia entry on the recent Iceland Financial Crisis and was amazed at how the sub-prime mortgage crisis has affected that country. 
 
The link is worth a read if you are interested in learning more:
 
 
Marsh

Free networking event 11/12 6-830 pm at the MAC Club

Partners in Diversity & Multnomah Athletic Club invite you to attend Say Hey, NW
 
Wednesday, November 12th from 6:00 – 8:30 PM
The Multnomah Athletic Club:  1849 S.W. Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97207

Say Hey will be a very special and fun event on November 12th. It will be another party to welcome new professionals of color relocating to Oregon or Southwest Washington but there will also be a couple of special "twists" to make Say Hey a kick-off event for the holidays!

Say Hey will be "festive" and you are encouraged to dress-up and make it a special occasion. Newcomers often report that Oregon is "very casual" and there aren't many opportunities dress-up and feel "special". This is your chance! But most important, come to Say Hey and be a part of a special evening. Business (nice business casual is fine for men), ethnic attire, and cocktail attire will make it a beautiful evening!

There will be light Hors d'oeuvres served and a no-host bar (cash only please-no credit cards), music and lots of networking with friends and colleagues.

What else you should know about Say Hey:
Major employers in Oregon & Southwest Washington joined forces as "Partners in Diversity" in 2005 to cooperatively support diversity in the workplace and community. Say Hey was started over six years ago to honor professionals of color relocating to this area and to help them connect with a multicultural community of fellow professionals, community and professional resources.

Everyone is welcome to attend Say Hey. It is fun, multicultural, and a great opportunity for newcomers (and those of us who are "not so new") to enjoy an evening of meeting new friends and learning about what makes our community a great place to live and work.

Directions & Parking:
Parking is available on a first come basis in the MAC Parking Structure located across the street. There is a parking attendant available to direct visitors to overflow parking locations nearby if needed.
Webpage for directions (click on "Directions to Clubhouse"): www.themac.com/MACPUB/Site_Pages/About_Club/club_introductio...

For TriMet information: www.trimet.org or 503-238-RIDE

With Mayor Potter's Staff in Zimbabwe, the News Doesn't Look Good

After Mayor Tom Potter decided last week that Zimbabwe was secure enough to send his wife, Karin Hansen, and two members of his staff, the latest news from the politically deadlocked East African nation is not assuring.

As a propagandist loyal to strongman Robert Mugabe, Jabalani Sibanda is no stranger to shit-talking. But his latest announcement couldn't come at a worse time for the Portland delegation.

Citing concerns about the U.S. financial crisis, Potter himself declined to take the planned 13-day trip to Portland's sister city Mutare and elsewhere in Zimbabwe. Instead he sent his chief of staff, Austin Raglione, and his director of international affairs, Mila Greisan, to accompany Hansen.

The Harare press reports Potter's team brought much-needed medical supplies. But with instability growing, plus concerns that a trip could be perceived as support for Mugabe, was it the best time for Portland's attempts at diplomacy?


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

YP DISCUSSION: OPEN DISCUSSION NIGHT!

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, October 22, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC: OPEN DISCUSSION NIGHT!

This particular meeting puts the YPs in direct control of the discussion topic! Attendees are encouraged to lead discussions on any international topic they enjoy. Africa? The Middle East? Canada's Jamaican Expatriate Population? All are great!

Please come share your areas of interest with the group!


LOCATION: Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.

We hope to see you at the discussion!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals

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Portland Japanese Garden - Free Admission Day 11/11

Portland Japanese Garden Presents; Free Admission Day - The Portland Japanese Garden will be hosting their fall Free Admission Day on Veteran's Day, November 11, Tuesday from 10am–4pm. In addition to sharing the lovely fall Garden with the community, the event will also benefit the Oregon Food Bank through the collection of food donations at the gate. http://www.japanesegarden.com/

Sunday, October 19, 2008

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF OREGON - COMMEMORATING THE FORMATION OF THE UN CHARTER ON OCTOBER 24

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OREGON DIVISION Invites you to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the United Nations Charter on October 24, 1945.

SPEAKER:
Demetrios Argyriades, Ph.D, who has had a 35 year career with the United Nations and is currently working as a UN consultant will be our speaker for the evening. He will be discussing:
-The many challenges facing the United Nations as it enters its 63rd year. 
-MDG 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability as an Essential Tool for Poverty Alleviation is an issue that has profound implications on environmental, health, and economic conditions in countries and regions across the globe.

WHEN:

October 24th, 2008
6:00 – 8:00 pm

WHERE:
Native American Student and Community Center – NAC
710 SW Jackson Street at Broadway
Portland, Oregon  97201

Music
Refreshments
No Admission Fee

Reservations recommended-space is limited · Email to emilymaehill@hotmail.com
www.una-oregon.org

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Voting in Myanmar (!?)

This dispatch comes from the Department of "How Ironic is This?"

The people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) are rarely allowed to vote, unless it's in a rigged election. So I've been watching with some interest throughout the campaign season as the U.S. Embassy has urged American residents there to be full participants in the U.S. presidential race.

The embassy has organized parties at the "American Club" — a posh colonial-style retreat in the Yangon suburbs — to watch the presidential (and, yes, vice-presidential) debates.  The last one is happening soon, and the latest "Warden Message" from the embassy also urges Americans to cast their ballot.

I don't recall similar measures from the American embassy when I was living in the Czech Republic during the 2000 presidential race. But it's no secret that the American government — particularly the Bush administration — are critics of the Myanmar junta.  Is all of this a way of sticking it to the ruling generals, by reminding the locals that they don't share the same democratic rights as Americans?

Why do I care?  I lived in Yangon for seven months in 2006, working under censorship at The Myanmar Times. Below I'm pasting the latest "Warden Message" from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon (which the State Department still insists on calling by its old colonial name, Rangoon).


FROM: ConsularRangoo@state.gov

Dear Registered American Citizens,

Given the interest in last Wednesday's Presidential debate, the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section is pleased to announce a taped viewing of the 3rd and final Presidential debate between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama at the American Club this Thursday, October 16th. The taped debate will begin at 6:00 p.m. 

As a reminder, we will be conducting a "voting" day at the Embassy on October 17th, complete with a traditional voting booth.  American citizens may come into the Embassy between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to complete their ballot and leave it at the Embassy for mailing on Monday, October 20th.  You can also come to the Embassy on Monday morning, no later than 11:00 a.m. to cast your vote.  All completed ballots should be mailed no later than October 20th in order for them to arrive in time to be counted for the election. 

If we have not received your absentee ballot, you may use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot form, which the Consular section can provide.  For more information on absentee voting, please see the information below.

Sincerely,

Consular Section

Warden Message: Final Reminder to VOTE!

American citizens should vote now in the November 4, 2008 presidential and general elections.  If you registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot by your state's deadline, you should have already received your state absentee ballot.  Please return your marked ballot now!

Ballot hasn't arrived?

If your ballot has not arrived, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).  The FWAB serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials.  The FWAB is available at www.fvap.gov or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If your regular state ballot arrives after you have mailed the FWAB, complete and mail the state ballot as well.

Returning your ballot

Voted ballots and FWABs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the United States through first-class international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Last-minute voters should consider using an express courier company to deliver their ballots.  A few states also accept completed ballots by fax or e-mail.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at the Embassy in Rangoon is available to answer questions about absentee voting.  To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 536-509 extension 4240 or send an e-mail to Voterangoon@state.gov


Wednesday, October 08, 2008

BRIC Economies

I was following the recent stock-market trends in the vaunted economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China.  India's SENSEX index (Similar to the DOW for US) is down 45% year-to-date.  Indices in the other three countries are also down significantly during the same period. 
 
Are we too globalized and inter-connected in the world?  Why should a short-term credit freeze in the US markets affect the stocks and fortunes of practically all the major economies of the world? 
 
Marsh.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

YP DISCUSSION: GLOBAL FINANCIAL MELTDOWN?

Dear Young Professionals,

Greetings from the World Affairs Council of Oregon!

Wednesday, October 8, 7:00pm - YP Discussion Group:
TOPIC: GLOBAL FINANCIAL MELTDOWN - Is this the end of American-style Capitalism? Is another Depression on its way?

LOCATION: Laurelwood NW Public House, NW Kearney & NW 23rd (MAP), upstairs - back room.

RECOMMENDED READING:

WIKIPEDIA: The Great Depression
WIKIPEDIA: Capitalism
WIKIPEDIA: Recession
WIKIPEDIA: Economics
GOOGLE NEWS: Financial Crisis

We hope to see you at the discussion!

All Regards,



Reno J. Tibke
Young Professionals Steering Committee
World Affairs Council of Oregon Board of Advisors

YP - PDX (OFFICIAL YP BLOG)
World Affairs Council of Oregon's Young Professionals

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