Memo to Former Governor Sarah Palin regarding her upcoming visit to India…
To: Former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin
From: Govind Acharya, South Asia Co-Group, Amnesty International USA
Subject: Your upcoming trip to India
Dear Governor Palin,
I understand that you will be travelling to India to deliver a speech to the India Today Conclave. This conclave is a a group of extremely wealthy and self-declared important people in India, talking about how awesome India is while pretending not to see all of the poverty and hardship faced by hundreds of millions every day. OK, there are some good people speaking at the event and I shouldn’t be so cynical. But, I digress…
Keep in mind that there are lots of vegetarians in India, Gov. Palin.
I realize that we need not worry too much about your expertise on India. India is pretty darn close to Russia and as you told us when asked about your foreign policy experience, “They’re our next door neighbors and you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.” But despite that, I thought it might be helpful for me to give you a suggested itinerary to give you a more well-rounded picture of the country:
1. Gujarat: I’m sure that Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who will also be at the India Today Conclave, will tell you all about how much economic growth and development has occurred in his state during his rule. He’ll tell you about the factories, the roads and the GDP growth. But, I’m sure he’ll omit the fact that nine years ago, he presided over the worst communal pogroms since Indian independence, which left over 1,000 dead. His former Home Minister (sort of like a state Attorney-General) is currently facing charges for his involvement in a “fake encounter”. He will also fail to inform you that malnutrition indicators have deteriorated since Modi took office. But, when you visit, I’m sure you will get a sense of the problems in the state.
2. Kashmir: It’s great you’ll be there right around the time that Amnesty International is planning to release its report on indefinite detentions in Kashmir. The report entitled A Lawless Law: Detentions under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, documents how authorities are using the Public Safety Act to secure the long-term detention of political activists, suspected members or supporters of armed groups and a range of other individuals against whom there is insufficient evidence for a trial or conviction to ‘keep them out of circulation’. I can send you a link over twitter if you’d like, Governor Palin (by the way, my twitter feed is at twitter.com/acharya_dude in case you’d like to follow it).
3. Chhattisgarh: This rural eastern Indian state has been the center of Maoist violence. And while I doubt that the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh will be at the India Today Conclave, I’d recommend heading over just the same to get a look at the violence wrought by the Maoists and by the government-backed Salwa Judum. It’s a horrible situation for the tribal peoples in the area because they are caught between the two militias. The result has been widespread human rights violations. This state is also the place where Dr. Binayak Sen has been imprisoned (take action here) for speaking out for the rights of the indigenous people in the area. Kartam Joga, a political activist, has also been arrested in the same state. While there, Gov. Palin, I hope you will get a chance to ask the Chief Minister to arrest all those involved in human rights violations and to see that there are no more prosecutions of human rights defenders such as Dr. Binayak Sen and Kartam Joga (take action here).
Well, Governor Palin, I could list other human rights concerns in other parts of India, but I’ll stop there since I know that your time is limited. But, I’d urge you (and others of course!) to check out AIUSA’s webpage on India. And, again, I encourage you and others to follow me on my twitter feed, twitter.com/acharya_dude as I’ll be posting lots and lots of stuff on the upcoming Kashmir report in the coming days.
Hey Govind !
Common… we all saw and realized during the past election that Sarah Palin is kinda like another George Bush – No one takes her serious and in addition to that, she does make some statements without putting much tought. Getting someone like her to talk on sensitive issues might end up with stained relationships between the two countries. Not a wise thing to do.. !! India is not a country to be pushed around… they are pretty powerful and has a lot of say in matters effecting the world !
Hey Govind !
Common… we all saw and realized during the past election that Sarah Palin is kinda like another George Bush – No one takes her serious and in addition to that, she does make some statements without putting much tought. Getting someone like her to talk on sensitive issues might end up with stained relationships between the two countries. Not a wise thing to do.. !! India is not a country to be pushed around… they are pretty powerful and has a lot of say in matters effecting the world !
Thanks for this nice article! I think that Sarah Palin is not a person who should visit "India Today Conclave". Someone who protects human rights should visit them and tell them about real problems in India, if they don´t see it (or don´t want to see it).
Hello everyone
Please don't forget about Punjab also
There are thousands of Sikh youth are in prisons
And they are trapped in false chargesheets. Biggest name I think is bhai daljeet Singh Bittu, chairman of alkali dal.
Thanks
Jessie Parmar
Lethbridge Alberta, canada
I appreciate you giving Sarah Palin some constructive advice. Here is some for you: leave out the reference to seeing Russia from Alaska. How do you expect Palin to listen to you when you belittle her? It makes me wonder if you really want Palin to listen, or whether you want to score some points with Palin bashers. We who care about human rights need to respect those whose political viewpoints we do not support.
AI has put out several pieces recently with this sarcastic tone. Are you trying to be hip? Being straight-forward and factual gets you much more respect and that would lead to people taking your points seriously. Is your image more important than the human rights situation?
I do hope that someone in our State Department has an opportunity to review her speech, but probably not. My other concern is whether she'll be given an opportunity for a question and answer session following her prepared comments. Hoping not, because that is where she most likely would put her foot in her mouth!
Jessie s. Parmar: yes, it is one of many human rights tragedies.
jen: No one ever accused me of being hip.
The blog post is inaccurate.
Haren Pandya was the Gujarat home minister who was in office during the riots. He was subsequently assasinated, and the few Muslims involved have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the courts.
Amit Shah, the former Gujarat home minister now out on bail is accused of staging a fake encounter to kill Sohrabuddin Sheikh – either a criminal or a hero depending on who is doing the talking.
And since India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be among the invitees, I suggest Ms. Palin ask him about the allegations made by his party that the CIA, RSS and Mossad were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 11/26. It seems very strange that his government would pillory the LeT and Pakistan if this is true.
didn't we all agree that if we just ignore her, she will go away?
Amit: thanks, I've corrected that.
Tina Fey said she could see Russia from her house in a comedy skit on Saturday Night Live. Do you get all your political information regarding politicians you don't like from the entertainment section? Mrs. Palin has strongly supported the rights of people whom AI should be looking after – those born with genetic challenges, the unborn, women in repressive cultures, etc. You obviously have an ax to grind with someone like Mrs. Palin – a person you cannot hold a candle to with regards to political courage and honest dialogue. Have fun giggling and snorting at your Cornell cocktail parties and leave off with the snide remarks.
Yes, catdaddio42, Tina Fey did say that on SNL. But in fact, the article quotes Sarah Palin accurately. People keep getting caught up in what her exact words were and side-stepping the important thing: context. She used Alaska's proximity to Russia to answer a serious question on foreign policy experience.
Other tips for India stay:
> Please don't touch the cows.
> Don't say anything about how you like cows best "next to the mashed potatoes."
> Don't mention Mother Theresa. And please observe that you will not be in Calcutta.
> Please do not quote Gandhi.
> Do not mention Bridget McCain.
> Do not compare Alaska and India villages or Natives.
> The "Outsourced" film stage/set is not in India. The cast is American.
> Todd should not touch the women.
Thanks for this nice article! I think that Sarah Palin is not a person who should visit “India Today Conclave”. Someone who protects human rights should visit them and tell them about real problems in India, if they don´t see it (or don´t want to see it).
Hello everyone
Please don’t forget about Punjab also
There are thousands of Sikh youth are in prisons
And they are trapped in false chargesheets. Biggest name I think is bhai daljeet Singh Bittu, chairman of alkali dal.
Thanks
Jessie Parmar
Lethbridge Alberta, canada
I appreciate you giving Sarah Palin some constructive advice. Here is some for you: leave out the reference to seeing Russia from Alaska. How do you expect Palin to listen to you when you belittle her? It makes me wonder if you really want Palin to listen, or whether you want to score some points with Palin bashers. We who care about human rights need to respect those whose political viewpoints we do not support.
AI has put out several pieces recently with this sarcastic tone. Are you trying to be hip? Being straight-forward and factual gets you much more respect and that would lead to people taking your points seriously. Is your image more important than the human rights situation?
I do hope that someone in our State Department has an opportunity to review her speech, but probably not. My other concern is whether she’ll be given an opportunity for a question and answer session following her prepared comments. Hoping not, because that is where she most likely would put her foot in her mouth!
Jessie s. Parmar: yes, it is one of many human rights tragedies.
jen: No one ever accused me of being hip.
The blog post is inaccurate.
Haren Pandya was the Gujarat home minister who was in office during the riots. He was subsequently assasinated, and the few Muslims involved have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the courts.
Amit Shah, the former Gujarat home minister now out on bail is accused of staging a fake encounter to kill Sohrabuddin Sheikh – either a criminal or a hero depending on who is doing the talking.
And since India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be among the invitees, I suggest Ms. Palin ask him about the allegations made by his party that the CIA, RSS and Mossad were involved in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on 11/26. It seems very strange that his government would pillory the LeT and Pakistan if this is true.
didn’t we all agree that if we just ignore her, she will go away?
Amit: thanks, I’ve corrected that.
Dear Mr Acharya,
I am concerned about the disrespectful and sarcastic tone you have used in this article. I have been a supporter of Amnesty International since 1976 and as letter writer, campaign supporter, the idea has always been to act and write respectfully, whether it is addressing General Pinochet, Yuri Andropov or P.W. Botha. The reason is to be able to stay focussed on the objectives you are trying to achieve – in this case, the first objective being to get Governor Palin to read the letter. I cannot see you how you can possibly achieve this with the tone adopted in the letter. I also don't understand the relevance of the reference to Russia – I believe you are trying to raise awareness of human rights issues in India – you seem to have lost the thread by indulging and exposing your personal views about Governor Palin. Is this new approach a personal initiative or does it reflect the policy of Amnesty International?
regards,
David Theriault
This is the woman who gave a recent speech in New Hampshire where she stated that the 1st shots of the American revolution were fired there, in Lexington and Concord (both located in Massachusetts).
With a little luck she won't ask the Indian foreign secretary if she can meet Tonto.
Tina Fey said she could see Russia from her house in a comedy skit on Saturday Night Live. Do you get all your political information regarding politicians you don’t like from the entertainment section? Mrs. Palin has strongly supported the rights of people whom AI should be looking after – those born with genetic challenges, the unborn, women in repressive cultures, etc. You obviously have an ax to grind with someone like Mrs. Palin – a person you cannot hold a candle to with regards to political courage and honest dialogue. Have fun giggling and snorting at your Cornell cocktail parties and leave off with the snide remarks.
It's all about ratings for the India Today folks. I have full faith she is meant to be the comic relief of the conference. Thank you for exactly the right tone for the right person, Mr. Acharya.
Yes, catdaddio42, Tina Fey did say that on SNL. But in fact, the article quotes Sarah Palin accurately. People keep getting caught up in what her exact words were and side-stepping the important thing: context. She used Alaska’s proximity to Russia to answer a serious question on foreign policy experience.
Other tips for India stay:
> Please don’t touch the cows.
> Don’t say anything about how you like cows best “next to the mashed potatoes.”
> Don’t mention Mother Theresa. And please observe that you will not be in Calcutta.
> Please do not quote Gandhi.
> Do not mention Bridget McCain.
> Do not compare Alaska and India villages or Natives.
> The “Outsourced” film stage/set is not in India. The cast is American.
> Todd should not touch the women.
"r joesten Says: March 14th, 2011 at 7:47 pm This is the woman who gave a recent speech in New Hampshire where she stated that the 1st shots of the American revolution were fired there, in Lexington and Concord (both located in Massachusetts)."
You see here how the haters lie about Sarah? It was Michelle Bachman that said what Joesten claims, not Sarah but they will try to spin anything, any lie in their hate-feast mode.
What you will get from Sarah is a staunch honest woman with a steel-spine that will support great democracies like India above nonsense states like Pakistan any time. She not just empty talk like Obummer, she walks the walk.
To have her as your friend of India is the same as having more than 50% of the USA as your friend, that is how powerful she is here. Remember how ridiculed Gandhi was by the powers of that time, and look how you get comments on this post like you have never got on other topics. The hateful and vicious left fear her just like the British feared Gandhi.
Sarah is to be the 45th President of the US of A and it will be a golden age for democracies that believe in justice and freedoms for mankind.
Dear Mr Acharya,
I am concerned about the disrespectful and sarcastic tone you have used in this article. I have been a supporter of Amnesty International since 1976 and as letter writer, campaign supporter, the idea has always been to act and write respectfully, whether it is addressing General Pinochet, Yuri Andropov or P.W. Botha. The reason is to be able to stay focussed on the objectives you are trying to achieve – in this case, the first objective being to get Governor Palin to read the letter. I cannot see you how you can possibly achieve this with the tone adopted in the letter. I also don’t understand the relevance of the reference to Russia – I believe you are trying to raise awareness of human rights issues in India – you seem to have lost the thread by indulging and exposing your personal views about Governor Palin. Is this new approach a personal initiative or does it reflect the policy of Amnesty International?
regards,
David Theriault
This is the woman who gave a recent speech in New Hampshire where she stated that the 1st shots of the American revolution were fired there, in Lexington and Concord (both located in Massachusetts).
With a little luck she won’t ask the Indian foreign secretary if she can meet Tonto.
It’s all about ratings for the India Today folks. I have full faith she is meant to be the comic relief of the conference. Thank you for exactly the right tone for the right person, Mr. Acharya.
“r joesten Says: March 14th, 2011 at 7:47 pm This is the woman who gave a recent speech in New Hampshire where she stated that the 1st shots of the American revolution were fired there, in Lexington and Concord (both located in Massachusetts).”
You see here how the haters lie about Sarah? It was Michelle Bachman that said what Joesten claims, not Sarah but they will try to spin anything, any lie in their hate-feast mode.
What you will get from Sarah is a staunch honest woman with a steel-spine that will support great democracies like India above nonsense states like Pakistan any time. She not just empty talk like Obummer, she walks the walk.
To have her as your friend of India is the same as having more than 50% of the USA as your friend, that is how powerful she is here. Remember how ridiculed Gandhi was by the powers of that time, and look how you get comments on this post like you have never got on other topics. The hateful and vicious left fear her just like the British feared Gandhi.
Sarah is to be the 45th President of the US of A and it will be a golden age for democracies that believe in justice and freedoms for mankind.
Govind,
On the matter of Jammu & Kashmir, there are a few troubling matters you ignore. In Sep.1989, 1 million Kashmiri Hindus, the Pandits, were ethnically cleansed from the Kashmir Valley, in an orgy of violence that makes Kristallnacht look like a St.Patrick's Day frolic. Men, women, and children alike were butchered, with muezzins issuing calls to slaughter. The Pandits have not been resettled since and have languished in squalid camps in New Delhi. Worst of all they are dubbed "migrants", not refugees in their own land. Recently the Govt of India has begun to resettle them in Jammu, since it fears running foul of the Indian "secular-left-gang" supported ISlamicist reactionaries of the Kashmir Valley. SAR Geelani one of the leading lights of the reactionary terrorists of the Kashmir Valley is on record that Muslims of the Valley and the Pandits are two incompatible communities and that the objective of his group is to implement a Sharia dispensation in the Kashmir Valley. Check out his interview by Yoginder Sikand in rediff.com.
Govind,
On the matter of Jammu & Kashmir, there are a few troubling matters you ignore. In Sep.1989, 1 million Kashmiri Hindus, the Pandits, were ethnically cleansed from the Kashmir Valley, in an orgy of violence that makes Kristallnacht look like a St.Patrick’s Day frolic. Men, women, and children alike were butchered, with muezzins issuing calls to slaughter. The Pandits have not been resettled since and have languished in squalid camps in New Delhi. Worst of all they are dubbed “migrants”, not refugees in their own land. Recently the Govt of India has begun to resettle them in Jammu, since it fears running foul of the Indian “secular-left-gang” supported ISlamicist reactionaries of the Kashmir Valley. SAR Geelani one of the leading lights of the reactionary terrorists of the Kashmir Valley is on record that Muslims of the Valley and the Pandits are two incompatible communities and that the objective of his group is to implement a Sharia dispensation in the Kashmir Valley. Check out his interview by Yoginder Sikand in rediff.com.
Dear Mr. Acharya,
One major correction- – Just Sarah Palin not Governor. She is not anymore. Human right are not just for Muslims in J & K. What about Hindus?
Dear Mr. Acharya,
One major correction- – Just Sarah Palin not Governor. She is not anymore. Human right are not just for Muslims in J & K. What about Hindus?
Mr Acharya, you are suffering from grave inferiority complex and symptoms are quite clear. You, knowingly, or unknowingly have tied up with Christian Missionaries and are trying to justify their cause, not yours. I have always held that Church is the biggest threat to humanity and now, you are a perfect example. Amnesty International is a farce that some Christian missionaries are playing. Why don't they grant Amnesty to people who killed Jesus? Why they still hate them? Church is so strong and fearful that you cannot feel its undercurrent without going deep into its affairs. Pope has admitted it. What more proof do you need? Now, get sensible and start taking pride in your country, no matter how bad or good is it. Because, if you do not take pride into your homeland and start questioning, chances are that you will also start asking uneasy questions from your mother and start doubting her love for you. Mr. Acharaya, i do not how they have corrupted you, but you are to blame. Come and serve your country. Writing letters to foreign people will not help you in any way. They will always consider you a feet licking sycophant.
Mr Acharya, you are suffering from grave inferiority complex and symptoms are quite clear. You, knowingly, or unknowingly have tied up with Christian Missionaries and are trying to justify their cause, not yours. I have always held that Church is the biggest threat to humanity and now, you are a perfect example. Amnesty International is a farce that some Christian missionaries are playing. Why don’t they grant Amnesty to people who killed Jesus? Why they still hate them? Church is so strong and fearful that you cannot feel its undercurrent without going deep into its affairs. Pope has admitted it. What more proof do you need? Now, get sensible and start taking pride in your country, no matter how bad or good is it. Because, if you do not take pride into your homeland and start questioning, chances are that you will also start asking uneasy questions from your mother and start doubting her love for you. Mr. Acharaya, i do not how they have corrupted you, but you are to blame. Come and serve your country. Writing letters to foreign people will not help you in any way. They will always consider you a feet licking sycophant.
Mr. Panday !!
I bow down to you… !!
Absolutely Brilliant and no body could have said better. I have told the same thing to Govind several times before (different posts) that he better know how we Asians think and just because he is in USA, he should not forget his roots, but, in his capacity, try to educate the White man how we think and how we solve our issues. Who are these damn white men?? They were still shitting in the Jungles and eating raw meat when we had proper sanitary facilities and ate cooked meals. We also are cultured by philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, not forgetting the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi. These fellows stole our wealth in the 1800's and now trying to preach us how to live our lives… These Spineless Swine of AI don't have the balls to stop USA bombing the innocent in Libya, but preaching us not to throw stones at each other. AI need to get out of the shit pit they are in than try to wash our back sides. Shame on Govind for trying to kill his Mother (India)
Mr. Panday !!
I bow down to you… !!
Absolutely Brilliant and no body could have said better. I have told the same thing to Govind several times before (different posts) that he better know how we Asians think and just because he is in USA, he should not forget his roots, but, in his capacity, try to educate the White man how we think and how we solve our issues. Who are these damn white men?? They were still shitting in the Jungles and eating raw meat when we had proper sanitary facilities and ate cooked meals. We also are cultured by philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, not forgetting the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi. These fellows stole our wealth in the 1800’s and now trying to preach us how to live our lives… These Spineless Swine of AI don’t have the balls to stop USA bombing the innocent in Libya, but preaching us not to throw stones at each other. AI need to get out of the shit pit they are in than try to wash our back sides. Shame on Govind for trying to kill his Mother (India)
Hi, Abnormal International,
I am happy that we share same sentiments about our country. Our endeavour should be to give a befitting reply to people who are spreading Canards about India. We have to counter them each and every time they indulge in India bashing.
Hi, Abnormal International,
I am happy that we share same sentiments about our country. Our endeavour should be to give a befitting reply to people who are spreading Canards about India. We have to counter them each and every time they indulge in India bashing.
Often you've got no notion what you really trying to find then bam, the answer is right in front of you. This has alleviated my needs for the present time and I'm off and away to a good sleep.
Often you’ve got no notion what you really trying to find then bam, the answer is right in front of you. This has alleviated my needs for the present time and I’m off and away to a good sleep.