Obama Goes Politically Incorrect

In one dramatic speech, Barack Obama turned politically incorrect, in a sense, heralding what could be a new era of frank, open discussion, replacing the cliches and vapid rhetoric that have characterized the politically correct era. This inability to honestly and seriously debate sensitive issues has stalled progress on so many issues of national and international import.

Pressed to the wall to either reject or defend his pastor, who had been harshly criticized for a series of remarks considered to be blatantly racist and anti- patriotic, Obama diplomatically achieved both goals.

While denouncing the pastor’s comments, without renouncing his spiritual leadership, Obama openly discussed the bitterness that he said permeates the black community, while simultaneously validating white resentment. “

The [black] anger is real; it is powerful; and to simply wish it away, to condemn it without understanding its roots, only serves to widen the chasm of misunderstanding that exists between the races,” said Obama. “ In fact, a similar anger exists within segments of the white community.” Obama urged African- Americans to embrace “ the burdens of our past without becoming victims of our past,” and to take “ full responsibility for our own lives.” — Benyamin Rose

Jammed Airwaves

Two minutes before a recent landing at Ben-Gurion airport, the pilot lost contact with the control tower because a pirate radio station in Palestinian Authority territory was jamming the control tower’s frequencies. For safety reasons, airport officials canceled more than a dozen flights until security forces located and shut down the offending Ramallah radio station.

With takeoffs and landings the most critical point of flights, authorities do everything they can to avoid communications snafus between pilots and the control tower. According to the National Air Traffic Controller’s Association, some 87,000 planes fly over US skies per day, and incidents have been rare.

In Israel, whose air safety and security track record is second to none, the recent incident has sparked new concerns, especially as the busy summer travel season approaches. While terrorists could try to deliberately jam communications and wreak havoc, authorities say they are used to dealing with the threat.

“Pirate radio stations have been a problem in Israel for over fourteen years,” says Liza Dvir, Israel Airport Authorities spokesperson, to Mishpacha. She added that control tower workers might not even realize that there is an interference problem until pilots complain. Dr. Yechiel Shavi of Israel’s Ministry of Communications admits there are more instances of radio interference in Israel when compared to many other countries. “Israel has few available frequencies and a limited bandwidth, all of which are shared by military, security, and regional radio stations.”

How does the Israeli government deal with interference broadcast from the Palestinian Authority?

“In the past, the PA cooperated fully. However, with Hamas in power, it’s become a bit more problematic,” said Dr. Shavi. How were you able to shut down the Ramallah station?

“IDF troops were deployed at great risk to life.” Since the recent radio interference, the Ministry of Communications shut down nine more pirate stations, but at least 200 unauthorized radio stations that can interfere with air travel and security communications are still on the air. — Avraham Zuroff more »