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Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sorry, Billionaires—There's No Escape
For many years I flew airplanes out of the Santa Monica Airport, 2 miles from my home. I told a fellow pilot that one benefit of the license and the plane was the ability to extract my family from a societal breakdown. He agreed but noted that the difficulty would be the last hundred yards before the airport. Now comes news that American billionaires have prepared compounds in New Zealand in case of apocalypse. Thoughtfully stocked with all that the group would require—air, water, food, entertainment—they stand ready to receive the ultraprivileged. Well and good, but their fantasy, like mine, is flawed. For what is the size of the group for which they foresee transportation, protection and perpetual care? The Ottoman Turks raised enslaved Mamelukes to the status first of guards and then of administrators, and all was well until the 'Lukes did the math and realized they didn't need the Turks. Some of the pilots of the billionaires' getaway planes would surely have families. Happily married pilots would logically insist the families come along for the ride rather than stay and die. The billionaires' wealth would avail them nothing, for they couldn't escape without the pilots or pay a man enough to forfeit his family's life. Yes, the wealthy would have armed guards to ensure their own family got safely on board. Wouldn't the guards insist they and their loved ones go along too? Of course they would. The ground crews servicing the planes would, by this logic, act similarly. If staying behind meant death, what would they risk by demanding their inclusion? What's the rich guy going to do, stop their paycheck? His plane offers the sole escape. There would be a limitation: The plane can only carry so much weight. If overloaded, it won't fly. At some point those on the plane would have to use arms to keep the latecomer hordes off. The guards, then, would realize themselves to be the enlightened Mamelukes. If they are the only ones capable of keeping order, and if money is now useless, they have no need of their employer. On the plane he would be dead weight—and in the New Zealand bunker, just a useless mouth to feed. The caretakers, builders, security guards, and so on, of the compound, would insist on being accommodated—if they hadn't already barricaded themselves in and locked the plutocrats out. The World After Society for which the billionaires are preparing is a world without money. I recall a West Side Manhattan woman, working as a maid. On the way to work her husband called to report they'd just won $100 million in the lottery. She said she'd see him that night after going to work for one last day. In the elevator, however, I'm sure she realized: 'Uh . . .' Is cryptocurrency a scam? Probably, but one wouldn't know unless and until the chain letter runs out. Which is, of course, true of all fiat currency. Of gold, at least, one can say, 'It's right there, you can see it. It's in Fort Knox.' You can't say of crypto: 'It's right there—the 'nothing' is right there.' When the escape plane has reached its weight limit, and at the Dawn of Reason like that of the ex-maid, the first ones thrown out the door would be the billionaire, its former owner, now revealed as ballast. We see a similar devolution of power in an unhealthy family. If the parents are weak—that is, if they don't use parental authority or influence to ensure the happy growth, prosperity, and integrity of the group—their leadership may be usurped by the anxious dependents: the demanding or belligerent child, the hypochondriac aunt, the radical adolescent and so on. The Bible cautions about the oppression of 'a servant when he reigneth.' We see the same capacity for coercion, often, in the family member whose name, in conversation, is prefaced by 'poor.' We all know the stories of adults who went on vacation, leaving the adolescent kids to 'watch the house.' The old British lords of the manor, like today's rich, were exploited not only by their lackeys and suppliers, but by those empowered to guard against such deprivations. The butler got a kickback from the butcher's overcharges, the billionaire's personal shoppers from the merchants of luxury rubbish. Absentee ownership engenders defalcation. James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841-1918) was wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice, alcoholic and eccentric. Although he was seldom on the premises, his Paris home was staffed and run as if he were. The servants were ordered to place a cup of hot milk and a biscuit by his bed, each evening at 11. They did so through years of his absence, in which the milk cooled and no one came for his cookie. We might think they eventually skipped a night or two of pointless waste; but they must have thought otherwise. For to neglect the milk and cookie opened them to betrayal by their fellow servants—as, in fact, did even a poor-willed performance or a facetious expression. That the charade be performed without rolled eyes required suppression even of disloyal thoughts. For the thoughts themselves might be intuited by one's co-workers, and so lead to denunciation. If, however, word came from New York that Bennett was in a coma from which he wouldn't recover, or were sufficiently injured to insure against his return, the Paris staff would instantly devolve into conspiracy. If the master wasn't returning but the money still flowed, the resources devoted to the bedtime snack could be put to the staff's personal use. Two related questions would arise, at their first kitchen conclave—how much they could steal without discovery, and how the thefts would be regulated and apportioned. The kitchen, thus, becomes the Revolutionaries' Jeu de Paume, the loyal Staff forms a Committee of Public Safety, and their Constitution is a thieves' compact. See also the four years of the Biden administration. Mr. Mamet is a playwright, film director and screenwriter.
American Military News
28-07-2025
- General
- American Military News
Armenia Is About To Put Its Ancient Manuscripts Online For Free
This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission. Among columns of exhausted ethnic Armenians fleeing the mass killings carried out by Ottoman Turks beginning in 1915, some hid books or ancient documents inside their clothing. For many survivors, the easily hidden manuscripts were the only remnant of their nation that they were able to smuggle to safety. Thousands of those books and documents eventually arrived in modern Armenia where today they are held in the purpose-built Matenadaran, a storehouse for the country's historic manuscripts. Many, however, remain in museums and private collections scattered throughout the world. Now experts at the Matenadaran are involved in a groundbreaking project to place all accessible Armenian manuscripts –- from ancient bibles to medieval cake recipes –- onto a searchable database. Emma Horopian, the head of public relations for the Matenadaran, told RFE/RL that the project — formally named the Armenian Manuscript Catalogue Access Platform — will 'store and present manuscript descriptions in a structured and searchable format.' Convincing all holders of Armenian manuscripts throughout the world to physically relinquish them to Armenia would be virtually impossible, so compiling a searchable database of the manuscripts in one place online is seen as the next best thing. Gurgen Gasparian, a staff member of the Matenadaran, told local media that the platform will allow 'any Armenologist, researcher, or scientist to find the information they are looking for within seconds,' once the database goes online. Thousands of manuscripts will become findable on the online platform with keywords that include physical descriptions and will be downloadable free of charge. The first stage of the project is planned to go live in early 2026. The online platform is being funded by a charitable institution set up by the late British-Armenian oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. As the first nation to officially adopt Christianity, Horopian says, Armenia's manuscripts provide 'unique sources for the study of Christianity,' as well as 'medieval art, linguistics, and intercultural exchange in the Middle East and Caucasus regions.'
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Ancient Christian town discovered in Jordan
Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans' daily lives. 'One Nation Under God' is committed to reflecting America's voices, values and communities covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here. (NewsNation) — Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Christian settlement in Jordan that dates back to the mid-sixth century. A professor and his team from Mutah University unearthed the archaeological site of Tharais in southern Jordan. Their findings were recently published in Gephyra, an academic journal that covers the ancient history and cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean. The archaeological remains show evidence of human settlement during the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods from the first century B.C. through the 13th century A.D., according to the scholars. Illinois town buys Pope Leo XIV's childhood home Among the findings were the remains of a Byzantine church built in the basilica style. They also found an olive oil press, pottery shards, stone tools and glass remnants as well as fragments of mosaic art. The archaeologists say that Tharais could have been a Byzantine site for Christian pilgrimage, given its location overlooking the Dead Sea and the Holy Land, as well as an agricultural hub. The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, lasted for 1100 years from 330 to 1453 A.D. Its capital was Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul. It fell when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople in 1453. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Egypt Independent
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Police clash with anti-government protesters calling for early elections in Serbia
Belgrade Associated Press — Riot police fired tear gas at thousands of anti-government protesters in Serbia's capital on Saturday. The major rally in Belgrade against Serbia's populist president, Aleksandar Vucic, was called to back a demand for an early parliamentary election. The protest by tens of thousands was held after nearly eight months of persistent demonstrations led by Serbia's university students that have rattled Vucic's firm grip on power in the Balkan country. The huge crowd chanted 'We want elections!' as they filled the capital's central Slavija Square and several blocks around it, with many unable to reach the venue. Tensions were high before and during the gathering. Riot police deployed around government buildings and close to a camp of Vucic's loyalists in central Belgrade. Skirmishes erupted between riot officers and groups of protesters near the camp. 'Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government, which is undoubtedly against the interests of their own people,' said one of the students, who didn't give her name while giving a speech on a stage to the crowd. 'Today, on June 28, 2025, we declare the current authorities illegitimate.' At the end of the official part of the rally, students told the crowd to 'take freedom into your own hands.' University students have been a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people on Nov. 1. A drone view shows Serbian students and other demonstrators lighting mobile phones flash lights during an anti-government protest demanding snap elections at the Slavija square, in Belgrade, Serbia, June 28, 2025. Djordje Kojadinovic/Reuters Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. 'We are here today because we cannot take it any more,' Darko Kovacevic said. 'This has been going on for too long. We are mired in corruption.' Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have repeatedly refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence on orders from abroad, which they didn't specify. Vucic's authorities have launched a crackdown on Serbia's striking universities and other opponents, while increasing pressure on independent media as they tried to curb the demonstrations. While numbers have shrunk in recent weeks, the massive showing for Saturday's anti-Vucic rally suggested that the resolve persists, despite relentless pressure and after nearly eight months of almost daily protests. Serbian police, which is firmly controlled by Vucic's government, said that 36,000 people were present at the start of the protest on Saturday. Saturday marks St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. In their speeches, some of the speakers at the student rally on Saturday evoked the theme, which was also used to fuel Serbian nationalism in the 1990s that later led to the incitement of ethnic wars following the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Hours before the student-led rally, Vucic's party bused in scores of its own supporters to Belgrade from other parts of the country, many wearing T-shirts reading: 'We won't give up Serbia.' They were joining a camp of Vucic's loyalists in central Belgrade where they have been staying in tents since mid-March. People walk under a large Serbian flag during a major anti-government rally in Belgrade on Saturday. Darko Vojinovic/AP In a show of business as usual, Vucic handed out presidential awards in the capital to people he deemed worthy, including artists and journalists. 'People need not worry – the state will be defended and thugs brought to justice,' Vucic told reporters on Saturday. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027. Earlier this week, police arrested several people accused of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country, without explanation, to several people from Croatia and a theater director from Montenegro. Serbia's railway company halted train service over an alleged bomb threat in what critics said was an apparent bid to prevent people from traveling to Belgrade for the rally. Authorities made similar moves back in March, before what was the biggest ever anti-government protest in the Balkan country, which drew hundreds of thousands of people. Vucic's loyalists then set up a camp in a park outside his office, which still stands. The otherwise peaceful gathering on March 15 came to an abrupt end when part of the crowd suddenly scattered in panic, triggering allegations that authorities used a sonic weapon against peaceful protesters – an accusation officials have denied. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power more than a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China.
ITV News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Police clash with anti-government protesters in Serbia as thousands rally against president
Dozens of protesters were detained during clashes with riot police in Serbia on Saturday, as thousands demanded early parliamentary elections in a rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic. The protest was held after nearly eight months of dissent led by Serbia's university students and has been fuelled by allegations of corruption and negligence. As they filled the capital's central Slavija Square, the crowd chanted "we want elections!". Tensions were high before and during the gathering, with riot police deployed around government buildings and close to a camp of Vucic's loyalists in central Belgrade. Police said dozens of 'hooligans' were detained but did not provide the exact number. 'Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government, which is undoubtedly against the interests of their own people,' one of the students, who didn't give her name, said to the crowd. 'Today, on June 28, 2025, we declare the current authorities illegitimate.' At the end of the official part of the rally, students told the crowd to 'take freedom into your own hands.' University students have been a key force behind nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people in November. Many blamed the concrete roof crash on rampant government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring mass protests. 'We are here today because we cannot take it anymore,' student Darko Kovacevic said. 'This has been going on for too long. We are mired in corruption." Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have repeatedly refused the demand for an early vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence on orders from abroad, which they didn't specify or provide evidence of. Vucic's authorities have launched a crackdown on Serbia's striking universities and other opponents, while increasing pressure on independent media as they tried to curb the demonstrations. While numbers have shrunk in recent weeks, the massive showing for Saturday's anti-Vucic rally suggested that the resolve persists, despite relentless pressure and after nearly eight months of almost daily protests. Serbian police, which is firmly controlled by Vucic's government, said that 36,000 people were present at the start of the protest on Saturday. Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said participants in the protest attacked the police, and that police used their powers to restore public order. Saturday marked St. Vitus Day, a religious holiday and the date when Serbs mark a 14th-century battle against Ottoman Turks in Kosovo that was the start of hundreds of years of Turkish rule, holding symbolic importance. Vucic, a former extreme nationalist, has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power more than a decade ago. Though he formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, critics say Vucic has stifled democratic freedoms as he strengthened ties with Russia and China. Serbian presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027.
