Latest news with #illusions
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
America Is Having a Showboater Moment
Over the dozen years I spent covering the police as a beat reporter in Los Angeles, I came to realize there are two kinds of officers: showboaters and real cops. The showboaters strut around and talk tough. They think they know a lot but they don't. They get in your face when you turn up to cover a story and wax poetic about bad guys, knuckleheads, and gangsters. They praise blanket measures, crackdowns, sweeps. I had to learn how to get past them and find my way to the real cops, who tend to be quieter but know more. America is having a showboater moment, summed up by federal agents imprisoning alleged immigrant gang members and shipping them abroad. To make itself look strong, the government plays up the danger they pose. Meanwhile, it shrugs off the unglamorous work of following due process and avoiding mistakes. [Read: The terrible optics of ICE enforcement are fueling a Trump immigration backlash] I've studied murder in America, so I have no illusions about gangs and what confronting them takes. In an online database of deadly violence, I chronicled more than 900 murders in Los Angeles County in a single year, and in my 2015 book, Ghettoside, I followed the patient investigative work that ultimately brought to justice the killers of an LAPD detective's son. I've seen the death and suffering that gangs inflict on thousands of Americans every year. And I find it infuriating that so many people, particularly on the left, seem to diminish America's homicide crisis. I understand the desire for a magic wand to make it go away. But any idiot can pull off a police state. That isn't innovation. Governments that imprison indiscriminately and ignore due process have been known to post extraordinarily low murder rates: In the late 2000s, Syria's dictatorship reported a criminal-homicide rate half that of the United States. Eliminating crime isn't difficult if you eliminate freedom. But that ain't the business, to borrow a phrase I often heard in South L.A. True policing means fighting crime within a constitutional system—safeguarding freedom and security at the same time. This is more sophisticated than mere goonery, and it takes a legal sensibility. Real cops aren't just security guards, scarecrows, or social workers. They are legal professionals on par with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges. In the homicide units I observed for more than a decade, I never heard a detective complain about shepherding a case through the courts. They knew it was an integral part of the job. Real cops don't skirt the rule of law; they wield it in defense of the weak. This ethic prevails even when the victims themselves are criminals, which they very often are. Most gang violence is the result of members attacking one another, and many victims have rap sheets as long as those of their assailants. Showboaters divide the world into bad guys and good guys, but that distinction falls apart when applied to gangs. And the flashy roundups they favor are in sharp contrast to the way real cops work. The latter are subtle and focused; they don't squander limited resources on nonviolent or low-priority targets. The Trump administration claims to be focused on gang members, but even that can be too wide a net. When I was reporting in California, the gang members listed in the old state database outnumbered annual gang-related homicides by more than 100 to one. That's because only a small fraction of gang members were actually shooting people. The rest were lesser criminals, opportunists, hangers-on, partiers, teenagers seeking protection or just trying to fit in. I know of some boys who joined gangs under threat—and a few who were murdered because they refused. [Read: Airport detentions have travelers 'freaked out'] Real cops go after the killers and shooters, of course, but they try to win over everyone else. They work the weak links—gangs are full of defectors—and they give victims and witnesses the backing they need to stand up, stripping gangs of the power they derive from intimidation and coercion. The most successful cops assemble a quiet army of 'friendlies,' many of whom have lost family members to gang violence or been victims of it themselves. These officers receive more tips and have more success getting witnesses to cooperate. Their police work allows people to rely on the protection of the law rather than protection rackets run by gangs. Neither the political left nor the political right lends much support to these kinds of efforts. Conservatives have long been too giddy about showboating. They reach for hammers when they should reach for scalpels. The current right-wing preference for federal intervention, indiscriminate sweeps, and emergency declarations will undermine the efforts of real cops who already face skepticism in many of their communities. The last thing they need is to be perceived as invaders. Many on the left, meanwhile, disparage any solution that relies on enforcement—a position that can't adequately respond to the suffering of victims. A popular leftist line of thinking even holds that the only actual problem is moral panic or fear. Americans are right to be outraged by criminal homicides, though, including the fraction that illegal immigrants commit. The country has a real murder problem that has been neglected for too long, and certain groups, particularly Black men, have paid a disproportionate price. But showboating isn't the answer. Any goon can impose repression. Real cops impose the law. That's the kind of toughness we need now. Article originally published at The Atlantic
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 12th May 2025
It's not a peace treaty but a mere pause The ceasefire, which was officially announced by India and came into effect at 5 pm on Saturday, is a welcome development after four days of hostilities. However, this is not a peace treaty but a technical pause after DGMOs of India and Pakistan agreed to stop all firings and military actions. By and large, the ceasefire coming through on India's terms that every future act of terror emanating from Pakistan across LoC will be treated as war and would be responded accordingly, sends a loud and clear warning to Islamabad against violating the ceasefire. Since Pakistan has been stripped of its illusions after four days of open hostility, the writing on the wall is clear that India is not looking for a drawn-out war but if provoked it has demonstrated its military prowess. It is now up to Pakistan to prove its sincerity because terror has no future. K R Srinivasan, New Bhoiguda Will Trump own responsibility if Pak violates truce terms? It has been widely reported that US President Donald Trump had brokered the ceasefire deal between India and Pakistan. The fact is that Trump had no propriety to 'declare' ceasefire even before the warring countries had made any such official announcements. If the ceasefire is presided over by Trump, will US own the responsibility if Islamabad violates the ceasefire agreement? Things seem unwell as regards the US interventions and its claim of unilateral fixing of a 'neutral' venue for a dialogue has been denied by New Delhi. P R Ravinder, New Mirjalguda, Hyderabad. Pak notoriety back in focus Barely three hours into arriving at a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on Saturday afternoon, Pakistan lived up to her notorious reputation for having scarce respect for peace with India through a barrage of drone attacks on Indian territory. Quite apparently, Pakistan doesn't know the meaning of the concepts of 'peace' and ceasefire'. India cannot afford to lower her guard against her ill-meaning neighbour, which is a failed democracy being run by its army and the ISI. Dr. George Jacob, Kochi Islamabad has no understanding of morality The ceasefire between India and Pakistan mediated by the USA is good news. However, a fragile calm should not be mistaken for a permanent resolution. The threat of future aggression by Pakistan continues to loom. In fact, barely hours later, Pakistan breached the ceasefire. India should take appropriate steps to address such violations and deal with the situation with all seriousness. Pakistan has repeatedly targeted military and civilian sites in India with a swarm of drones. The country has no moralities and ethics. Dr. Ch Anand Kumar , Movva, AP Significance of Buddha Purnima Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant festival in Buddhism that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (Parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaishakha (May-June). Buddhists believe that Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and passed away on the same day, making it a highly sacred day. The day is marked by spiritual reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness, as followers seek to emulate Buddha's teachings. Devotees visit monasteries, offer prayers, and participate in various cultural events, highlighting the importance of Buddha's teachings in their lives. Buddha Purnima is observed with great reverence in countries with significant Buddhist populations, such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Southeast Asia. Devotees often visit monasteries to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Many engage in meditation and reflection to connect with Buddha's teachings. A great innovative leader with a quest for renunciation. CK Ramani Jayanthi, Bhandup, Mumbai Save migratory birds World Migratory Birds Day, which is commemorated on May 11, is a campaign that raises awareness about migratory birds, their ecological importance and the need to conserve them and their habitats. During their long journey they need places to rest feed and breed. Sadly, these places are destroyed by humans for profit. Birds inspired Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to study aeronautical engineering, coming with design of B-2 bomber, Japan's bullet train and wind turbine. Swami Sivananda kept water for birds, while eulogising that by serving them one is closer to God. TS Karthik,Kilpauk
Morocco World
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
AS FAR vs Pyramids: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
AS FAR face a daunting task this evening as they host Egypt's Pyramids in the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1), and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports Arabic. The Moroccan side trail 4-1 from the first leg in Cairo and must deliver a near-flawless performance if they are to progress to the semis. Head coach Alexandre Santos is under no illusions about the scale of the challenge: 'We've got 95 minutes,' declared AS FAR boss Alexandre Santos. 'This is our moment to show our identity, our quality, and above all, our focus.' The Rabat-based side were undone early in Cairo, conceding two quick goals and never truly recovering. Santos is expected to make changes to avoid a repeat, with 21 players available for selection. Winger El Amine Zouhzouh, who struggled with a knock in the first leg, is fit and expected to feature in the starting lineup. The match also carries emotional weight following a controversial decision in Egypt which saw hundreds of AS FAR fans denied entry until the final minutes. A large crowd is expected in Meknes, with supporters eager to fire up their side towards an unlikely semi-final berth. 'The result was painful, yes,' Santos added, 'but we've worked well. The belief is there. Every player knows what's at stake.' Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurčić is all caution: 'We're expecting a very, very difficult match. AS FAR are aggressive, technically strong, and they'll come at us like a storm from the first minute.' Still, he exuded quiet confidence. 'If we play as we did in Cairo, we'll go through. We've handled hostile atmospheres before—we've played Ahly, Zamalek, you name it.' Pyramids will go through with a draw or even a two-goal defeat. AS FAR must win by three goals to level the tie. But if there's one truth in football, it's that it's never over until the final whistle. Score Prediction: AS FAR will huff, puff, and roar. But unless Pyramids collapse under pressure, the Egyptians should edge through. We hope a miracle will turn up uninvited. Verdict: AS FAR 1-1 Pyrami Tags: AS FARCAF Champions LeaguePyramids
CBC
26-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Singh says NDP faces 'massive challenges' as voters look to Liberals, Conservatives to battle Trump
Social Sharing NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has admitted for the first time that his party is facing "massive challenges" as its polling numbers hover near single digits and voters look elsewhere for a champion to battle U.S. President Donald Trump. "Let's be clear there's massive challenges, I've got no illusions about that. There's some serious challenges that we're up against," he said in Toronto on Tuesday. Singh said in every election his party is asked about their electoral relevance in a country that has never had an NDP prime minister, but he insisted he'll continue to fight it out for the next five weeks regardless. "Will I give up on fighting for people that need me to fight for them? No, hell no. I'm never gonna give up. I don't care what's going on. I'm always gonna be there to fight for people," he said. Singh said Conservative Leader Pierre Poiliever and Liberal Leader Mark Carney are only interested in fighting for billionaires and corporations while he will focus on fighting for ordinary Canadians. "I'm always gonna fight for the people that need it most," Singh said. The NDP Leader made his remarks a day after former NDP leader Tom Mulcair penned a column for CTV in which he said the only questions Canadians have in mind is who is the best leader to do battle with Trump. "That's why this is shaping up to be a race between the ruling Liberals and the opposition Conservatives, with little room to spare for the others," he said. "If you can't seriously say you're going to form a government that can take on Trump, then get out of the way and let the only real contenders have at it," Mulcair added. 'One of its worst results in at least 30 years': Grenier According to the CBC Poll Tracker, which aggregates public opinion polling, the NDP were neck-and-neck with the Liberals in mid-December with about 20 per cent support to the Liberals' 22 per cent support. The Conservatives had about 43 per cent support. But since former prime minister Justin Trudeau stepped down, Trump began waging economic and political war on Canada, and Carney became the new Liberal leader, the polls have completely switched. The CBC Poll Tracker now has the Conservatives down to 37 per cent support with the Liberals rising to 40 per cent support and the NDP clinging to less than 10 per cent support. Éric Grenier, who runs CBC's Poll Tracker, said the rise in the Liberal numbers is part of the reason for the NDP slide over the past two months. "To see how quickly the NDP vote tanked with the change of [Liberal] leadership suggests that a lot of those voters were parking their vote with the NDP. But as soon as another alternative popped up, they were ready to abandon the party," he said. This is all taking place against a backdrop of uncertainty as Trump imposes tariffs and threatens Canada's sovereignty. That uncertainty means core NDP campaign issues such as affordability and housing are being forced to share space with concerns over the volatility that now defines the Canada/U.S. relationship. "You probably have to go back to the 1990s to find the NDP polling so poorly," Grenier said. "If the NDP continues to poll at this level for a steady, consistent amount of time, the NDP could be on track for one of its worst results in at least 30 years," he added.
