How Do Turkish Politics Affect the West ?

I admiit this is not exactly “local news” but I believe that if you don’t pay attention to international news….it can often become local news when you don’t want it to.

Last week a Turkish friend sent me an article by Daniel Pipes.  Mr. Pipes according to his website and bio is  an outstanding author on the Middle East and power politics.

His website, http://www.danielpipes.org is one of the most accessed internet sources of specialized information on the Middle East and Islam. It offers an archive of his work and an opportunity to sign up to receive e-mails of his writings as they appear.

What follows are his comments on last week’s “almost” coup.

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“The arrest and indictment of top military figures in Turkey last week precipitated potentially the most severe crisis since Atatürk founded the republic in 1923. The weeks ahead will probably indicate whether the country continues its slide toward Islamism or reverts to its traditional secularism. The denouement has major implications for Muslims everywhere.

Turkey’s military has long been both the state’s most trusted institution and the guarantor of Atatürk’s legacy, especially his laicism. Devotion to the founder is not some dry abstraction but a very real and central part of a Turkish officer’s life; as journalist Mehmet Ali Birand has documented, cadet-officers hardly go an hour without hearing Atatürk’s name invoked.

On four occasions between 1960 and 1997, the military intervened to repair a political process gone awry. On the last of these occasions, it forced the Islamist government of Necmettin Erbakan out of power. Chastened by this experience, some of Erbakan’s staff re-organized themselves as the more cautious Justice and Development Party (AKP). In Turkey’s decisive election of 2002, they surged ahead of discredited and fragmented centrist parties with a plurality of 34 percent of the popular vote.

Parliamentary rules then transformed that plurality into a 66 percent supermajority of assembly seats and a rare case of single-party rule. Not only did the AKP skillfully take advantage of its opportunity to lay the foundations of an Islamic order but no other party or leader emerged to challenge it. As a result, the AKP increased its portion of the vote in the 2007 elections to a resounding 47 percent, with control over 62 percent of parliamentary seats.

Repeated AKP electoral successes encouraged it to drop its earlier caution and to hasten moving the country toward its dream of an Islamic Republic of Turkey. The party placed partisans in the presidency and the judiciary while seizing increased control of the educational, business, media, and other leading institutions. It even challenged the secularists’ hold over what Turks call the “deep state” – the non-elected institutions of the intelligence agencies, security services, and the judiciary. Only the military, ultimate arbiter of the country’s direction, remained beyond AKP control.

Several factors then prompted the AKP to confront the military: European Union accession demands for civilian control over the military; a 2008 court case that came close to shutting down the AKP; and the growing assertiveness of its Islamist ally, the Fethullah Gülen Movement. An erosion in AKP popularity (from 47 percent in 2007 to 29 percent now) added a sense of urgency to this confrontation, for it points to the end of one-party AKP rule in the next elections.

The AKP devised an elaborate conspiracy theory in 2007, dubbed Ergenekon, to arrest about two hundred AKP critics, including military officers, under accusation of plotting to overthrow the elected government. The military responded passively, so the AKP raised the stakes on Jan. 22 by concocting a second conspiracy theory, this one termed Balyoz (“Sledgehammer”) and exclusively directed against the military.

The military denied any illegal activities and the chief of general staff, ?lker Ba?bu?, warned that “Our patience has a limit.” Nonetheless, the government proceeded, starting on Feb. 22, to arrest 67 active and retired military officers, including former heads of the air force and navy. So far, 35 officers have been indicted.

Thus has the AKP thrown down the gauntlet, leaving the military leadership basically with two unattractive options: (1) continue selectively to acquiesce to the AKP and hope that fair elections by 2011 will terminate and reverse this process; or (2) stage a coup d’état, risking voter backlash and increased Islamist electoral strength.

At stake is whether the Ergenekon/Balyoz offensives will succeed in transforming the military from an Atatürkist to a Gülenist institution; or whether the AKP’s blatant deceit and over-reaching will spur secularists to find their voice and their confidence. Ultimately the issue concerns whether Shari’a (Islamic law) rules Turkey or the country returns to secularism.

Turkey’s Islamic importance suggests that the outcome of this crisis has consequences for Muslims everywhere. AKP domination of the military means Islamists control the umma‘s most powerful secular institution, proving that, for the moment, they are unstoppable. But if the military retains its independence, Atatürk’s vision will remain alive in Turkey and offer Muslims worldwide an alternative to the Islamist juggernaut.”

DO IT NOW…RIGHT NOW…OR YOU’LL WISH YOU DID!

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month.

REMINDER…. all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

….. YOU WILL  BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
Even if the message is saved on your phone, you will be charged for the minutes to listen to it.

To prevent this, call the following  number from your cell phone:      888-382-1222
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years.   You  must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.   You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.. It takes about 20  seconds.

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Seal Beach, eats in Long Beach

Admiral Mike Mullen, the highest ranking American military man was in Seal Beach over the weekend for the commissioning of the newest Destroyer in the fleet, the USS Dewey. 

The USS Dewey is more than just another ship.  This newest of the Arleigh Burke- class is a guided missile destroyer ( DDG 105)  in the United States Navy. Dewey is the third Navy ship named after Admiral of the Navy  George Dewey,  hero of theBattle of Manila Bay  during the Spanish-American War.

What’s Up in Seal Beach is happy to say that after the festivities of the day, Admiral Mike Mullen went to dinner with some of his associates at one of our favorite restaurants, Phil Trani’s in Long Beach and a good time was had by all….including the other patrons.  The Admiral was referred to by the chef  as “A heck of a guy.”   I guess that means he liked the food ?

HOW ‘BOUT SANDRA BULLOCK’S SPEECH?

There’s a lot to be said for Seal Beach’s Sandra Bullock that’s makes one smile about her winning ways on the Academy Award’s show and the lead up to it.

We couldn’t agree more with Forest Whittaker who directed her in the romantic comedy “Hope Floats” a few years ago. He expressed his feelings, as did so many, for the depth of Bullock’s art and the ease with which she connects with the camera

“I just fell in love with her as person. I think she’s a great artist. It was just a magical moment for me, because her work was beautiful and I think she is beautiful. I was happy to be there on the night she received it.”

On Saturday night at the Golden Raspberry Awards, given annually to the worst performances of the year, Bullock surprised everyone by showing up to accept her Worst Actress award for “All About Steve.” She accepted the award with grace and humor and brought a wagon load of DVD’s so the audience would also get a chance it. go to:https://www.whatsupinsealbeach.com/local_news/oscar-night-full-of-humor-grace-and-karmic-lessons/

Next night, of course, she took home Best Actress for “The BlindSide.” and gave on the the best acceptance speeches ever.

That’s our adopted gal here in Seal Beach.  Talented, humble, GREAT natural humor and an easy person to hope for the best for. There was not doubt in our mind that the emotion she was trying so hard to control would overtake her once you saw her turn from the cameras when her name was announced. What was surprising to see that her husband Jesse James was crying before she was!  Way to go Jesse.

Jude law turned to Whittaker and was heard to say … ” Has that ever happened before…winning a Razzie and the Oscar in the same year:”  No Jude … at least not in not in an acting category.

After the Oscar and an Oprah date on Monday, Sandra…still on cloud nine … took her equally attractive step-daughters out shopping on Main Street on Tuesday. For more info go to: http://www.gossipcenter.com/sandra-bullock/sandra-bullock-seal-beach-shopping-sunny-452405

Here’s a fly-over of “What’s Up’s” Favorite new Destroyer

Much has been said..EVERYWHERE… of the U.S.S. Dewey.  Here she is in all her beauty…and with that beauty comes power that will make the bad guys think about being good guys. This is the newest ship of its class and we will hear from her soon.

photo by J Rootlieb

Let’s protect the sharks before its too late ?

So you don’t believe that sharks are endangered and you don’t think there are more giant squid than usual?

Well I’ve talked to several local fisherman lately who’ve told me that they believe the local squid population is destroying other local fish population.

Also we know that the giant Great White Sharks are traveling great distances. Sometimes from the South Pacific, close to 2,000 miles, to get to an area where the giant squid seem to gather .  A spot in the middle of the North Pacific between San Francisco and Hawaii … to dine on the squid that also gather there.. That’s a long trip for Sunday dinner.

For the whole story go:  tohttp://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-shark7-2010mar07,0,5015116.story

Huntington Beach Events

CITY ADMINISTRATOR- Charter Review Commission- The Charter Review Commission will review and finalize all of their recommendations at the March 16 meeting.  Unless substantive changes are necessary, a final vote on recommended amendments to the Charter as a whole will take place at the April 6 meeting.  The final recommendations of the commission will be forwarded to the City Council for their review.

CITY TREASURER –  Tip of the Week – Feeling Sleepy?Get up and take a brisk walk around the block, or even just down the hall.  Being upright and active will speed oxygen to your brain and give your energy levels a much-needed boost.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT- Beach Maintenance – The beach, pier, and parking lots were closed for several hours on Saturday due to a Tsunami warning. On Sunday, waves reaching 16 feet and high tide of 6.3 flooded the beach service road in the morning causing temporary closure for several hours.  Beach Maintenance Crews were able to get sand berms up in front of the beach condos and Lifeguard Headquarters before flooding occurred.  Clean up from the recent storms continued with the beach crew removing over 3,400 cubic yards of debris from the beach over the last two weeks.

Junior Lifeguard Preparation Class – The 2010 Junior Lifeguard Program is just around the corner.  Experienced instructors will help your child improve their swimming skills and teach them tricks to improve their time during the scheduled tryouts in May.  This preparation class begins on March 8 and will be held twice a week on either Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday for $205. Additionally, your child may attend all four days for $355.  Classes are conducted at the Marina High School Pool on Springdale and Edinger from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Please log onto hbsands.org for registration information.

Upcoming HB Reads Author Event- Huntington Beach Reads One Book brings the authors of “They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky” to Huntington Beach on Thursday, March 11, 2010. Sudanese refugees now living in Southern California, the authors’ compelling story and their gentle, positive spirit is a moving experience.  After fleeing their villages in southern Sudan, Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng and Benjamin Ajak—all under the age of seven—survived on their own for five years before reaching a northern Kenya refugee camp.  They became known to the world as the “Lost Boys of Sudan.”

A rare visit to Long Beach by “Liberty Belle

The fully restored World War II Boeing B-17 Bomber is doing her final flight check before taking flight over Long Beach and Los Angeles in March

The Liberty Foundation’s Salute to Veterans Tour, which began in Atlanta, has been making it’s way across the United States. The Liberty Belle will land at Long Beach Airport this weekend.

Public flights will be available March 6-7 at the Long Beach Airport and next weekend, March 13-14, at the Burbank Airport. The Liberty Belle usually flies from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day with ground tours after the flights.

The B-17 “Liberty Belle” takes passengers on a flight back-in-time that inspires respect for the men and women who gave so much to protect America’s freedoms. The flight begins with an historical briefing about the significance of the B-17, then takes to the air for a scenic tour over the local area.

Curious residents that prefer to keep both feet on the ground can visit the air field to watch the Liberty Belle fly and take a ground tour.

A total of 12,732 B-17’s were produced from 1935–1945. Today, fewer than 100 exist and fewer still are in airworthy condition.

The Liberty Foundation’s B-17 “Liberty Belle” is one of only 14 B-17’s that still fly today. “Liberty Belle” was built towards the end of the war and never saw any combat. It is painted in the colors and nose art of the original “Liberty Belle” B-17 that flew countless missions with the 390th bomb group of the 8th Airforce.

Flights are $430 for non Liberty Foundation members and $390 for foundation members. Call 918-340-0243 to schedule your flight.

The Liberty Foundation relies solely on donations and contributions to help defray the B-17’s high operational expense and maintenance costs.

Watch the slideshow below for photos of the Liberty Belle B-17 Bomber flights go to: http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/liberty-belle-restored-b17-bomber-to-fly-over-long-beach-and-la/

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Buffet calls out Financial Leaders

Berkshire Hathaway chairman suggests Wall Street execs have gotten off lightly

Buffett used his update on subsidiary Clayton Homes, the largest producer of modular and manufactured homes, to touch off a discussion of the U.S. housing market.

Warren Buffett sees a housing-market turnaround coming. In addressing oversupply, Buffett said the economy reduced new housing starts to a number well below the rate of household formations.

“[This] means that within a year or so residential housing problems should largely be behind us.

To read the entire article go to : http://www.marketwatch.com/story/buffett-calls-out-financial-leaders-2010-02-27?pagenumber=2Buff

Seal Beach Firm Searches for Maritime Executive for Port of Tacoma

The Port of Tacoma Commission on Tuesday selected Shey-Harding, a Seal Beach, Calif.-based executive search firm, to help the port find a new executive director.

The commissioners heard from three finalists and chose Shey-Harding oof Seal Beach because of its flexibility, industry involvement and available resources, said Tara Mattina, the port’s spokeswoman.

The board has said it is looking for a company that has experience recruiting maritime industry executives, planning and conducting outreach and communications related to the search, and helping negotiate an agreement with a final candidate.

The port received nine proposals from firms vying for the contract. Only one of the companies – Seattle-based Waldron & Co. – was from Washington state.

Port staff members plan to check the winning company’s references and negotiate a contract to bring to the commission, perhaps as early as March 4, for approval, Mattina said.

The contract amount hasn’t been decided. But Shey-Harding’s proposal stated that the company charges 25 percent of the hired director’s first-year base salary. The former director made about $220,000 a year.

Tim Farrell left the port at the end of last year. Deputy director John Wolfe is working as the port’s interim director until a new leader is found.

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