From the Times:
U.N. Admits Role in Cholera Epidemic in Haiti
By Jonathan M. Katz Aug 17, 2016
For the first time since a cholera epidemic believed to be imported by United Nations peacekeepers began killing thousands of Haitians nearly six years ago, the office of Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has acknowledged that the United Nations played a role in the initial outbreak and that a “significant new set of U.N. actions” will be needed to respond to the crisis.
The deputy spokesman for the secretary general, Farhan Haq, said in an email this week that “over the past year, the U.N. has become convinced that it needs to do much more regarding its own involvement in the initial outbreak and the suffering of those affected by cholera.” He added that a “new response will be presented publicly within the next two months, once it has been fully elaborated, agreed with the Haitian authorities and discussed with member states.”
The weaseling is not necesarily over:
The secretary general’s acknowledgment, by contrast, stopped short of saying that the United Nations specifically caused the epidemic. Nor does it indicate a change in the organization’s legal position that it is absolutely immune from legal actions, including a federal lawsuit brought in the United States on behalf of cholera victims seeking billions in damages stemming from the Haiti crisis.
But it represents a significant shift after more than five years of high-level denial of any involvement or responsibility of the United Nations in the outbreak, which has killed at least 10,000 people and sickened hundreds of thousands. Cholera victims suffer from dehydration caused by severe diarrhea or vomiting.
10,000 dead and cholera continues in Haiti today. As to the outbreak:
The first victims lived near a base housing 454 United Nations peacekeepers freshly arrived from Nepal, where a cholera outbreak was underway, and waste from the base often leaked into the river. Numerous scientists have since argued that the base was the only plausible source of the outbreak — whose real death toll, one study found, could be much higher than the official numbers state — but United Nations officials have consistently insisted that its origins remain up for debate.
Mr. Alston [a New York University law professor who serves as one of a few dozen experts, known as special rapporteurs, who advise the organization on human rights issues] wrote that the United Nations’ Haiti cholera policy “is morally unconscionable, legally indefensible and politically self-defeating.” He added, “It is also entirely unnecessary.” The organization’s continuing denial and refusal to make reparations to the victims, he argued, “upholds a double standard according to which the U.N. insists that member states respect human rights, while rejecting any such responsibility for itself.”
So we can pencil Mr. Alston in as "Undecided".
First?
Posted by: MaryD | August 18, 2016 at 03:46 PM
second!
Posted by: anonamom | August 18, 2016 at 04:10 PM
Ryan Lochte learns that Caipirinhas will kick your butt.
Posted by: Buckeye | August 18, 2016 at 04:10 PM
Is this the homo eyeglasses thread? ;)
Posted by: lyle | August 18, 2016 at 04:15 PM
When I was a freshman in high school,I went on a class trip to the U.N. I'm sure other JOMers did also. Remember when the U.N. was going to bring peace and harmony and love to the world?
Posted by: Marlene | August 18, 2016 at 04:16 PM
If Trump would just promise to get the US out of the UN and the UN out of the US I would be one happy camper.
Posted by: Old Lurker | August 18, 2016 at 04:24 PM
I remember coughing up spare change in grade school for UNICEF.
Wonder if any kids really got fed?
Posted by: Buckeye | August 18, 2016 at 04:25 PM
The Associated Press Verified account
@AP
BREAKING: State Dept. says $400 million cash payment to Iran was contingent on American prisoners' release.
----------------------------------
ran·som
/ˈransəm/
noun
1. a sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner. synonyms: payoff, payment, sum, price
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 04:36 PM
Obama doesn't negotiate with terrorists, people.
He just gives them what they ask for without negotiating.
Posted by: Porchlight | August 18, 2016 at 04:38 PM
Porchlight,
So true.
He wants to do something for the terrorists so he looks around for an excuse to do it. (This is why Bowie Bergdahl was EANSOMED by sending those terrorists home.)
He wanted to release the terrorists. Bergdahl was the excuse.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 04:40 PM
http://www.infowars.com/seth-rich-disappeared-for-almost-two-hours-before-he-was-murdered/
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 04:43 PM
I guess he was just giving us a bunch of okie-doke. Don't fall for a bunch of okie-doke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-66xJLd6Z0
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 04:47 PM
Does anyone doubt that, had this cholera outbreak happened while Bush was President, he would have somehow been blamed for it, and there would be calls to prosecute John Bolton for genocide?
Posted by: Free James D | August 18, 2016 at 04:47 PM
Deb wrote that Obama is "the Grand Poobah of the Okie Doke." -
It wasn't a ransom.
If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. Period.
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 04:54 PM
Here are the Gold Medal Winners for synchronized non-swimming.
Screwtops pilots receive Armed Forces’ Air Medal
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 04:55 PM
UN causing cholera? The Clinton Foundation had to be in on that action.
Posted by: henry | August 18, 2016 at 05:02 PM
lyle,
Posted by: Dave (in MA) | August 18, 2016 at 05:05 PM
marlene, I remember when MLK thought his children would be judged on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
Now college kids can post roommate requests for kids w the same skin color.
Whoda thunk it??
Posted by: anonamom | August 18, 2016 at 05:06 PM
I remember when MLK thought his children would be judged on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
Anonamom,
Don't know if you watched my link at 04:55, but it's nice to see the CO in that video who saved the airplane being a man of color. I judge him on his flying skills and he did great!
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 05:33 PM
"I am searching for a high yaller roommate" Progress!
I used to see this in the Caribbean regularly. Color mattered in those countries much more so that in this one.
"We're from the U.N.. We're here to help you." Run like hell as fast as you can in the opposite direction.
Rape & pillage in Africa. Spreading cholera in Haiti. Sheesh.....
Posted by: Matt | August 18, 2016 at 05:34 PM
Marlene:
I remember my dad took us on a train to New York City.
We stayed at the Biltmore Hotel by Grand Central Station.
We visited the United Natipns and had a tour.
I still can recall being impressed by all the different flags.
Posted by: maryrose | August 18, 2016 at 05:38 PM
How high is the flight deck typically above the waterline, daddy?
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 05:39 PM
🎶Five feet high and rising🎵
is not an allowed answer.
;-)
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 05:41 PM
Does the Ministry of Funny Names pick the UN Secretary? Who was the first guy - Däg Hammertoe?
Posted by: Beasts of England | August 18, 2016 at 06:00 PM
What's so bad about a cholera epidemic. At least the blue hatted "Peacekeepers" aren't raping all the young girls they can get their hands on. So there's that.
Posted by: Skeptical Voter | August 18, 2016 at 06:01 PM
TK, I ought to know that number precisely, but I don't and I am ashamed of myself for not knowing. (Probably 60 feet or thereabouts depending on the boat) For my last Active Duty assignment the detailer said I was going to be the Catapult Officer on the carrier Midway out of Japan. If I had accepted those orders I could tell you down to the nanno-particle, but since I refused those orders and went Reserves (DC-9's) I can't say. I do know that in some awful weather conditions up in the North Pacific in the 80's when I was working 3 carriers in a maneuver to prove to the Soviets we could do stuff in awful conditions, that the boats were pitching up and down at times so much that water was sloshing over the deck, and it was a bear trying to time the arrival at the time the deck would be pitching up properly so you could get it safely on board. Lot of go arounds:)
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 06:04 PM
I liked John Bolton's comment a few years back about the UN:
JOHN BOLTON: If you think that there is any possibility in this country that a 51,000 person bureaucracy is going to be supported by most Americans, you better think again. The Secretariat Building in New York has 38 stories. If you lost 10 stories today it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. The United Nations is one of the most inefficient inter-governmental organizations going. UNESCO is even worse. And others go down hill from there. The fact of the matter is that the international system that has grown up, and again, I leave out the World Bank and the IMF because I do think that they’re in a separate category, has been put into a position of hiring ineffective people who do ineffective things that have no real world impact, and we pay 25% of the budget.
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 06:09 PM
Isn't the question, how did the flat-top avoid hitting and sinking the Hawkeye after it felll into the water?
On the other thread, I noted that Warby Paker has some JOM related sunglasses:
There is the Ketchum model for lyle
and The Lowry model for all our #NeverTrumpers.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 06:10 PM
OT,
I just noticed that I have 22,000 emails in my gmail inbox.
That includes ALL the spam, promotional stuff I didn't delete, FB notifications, ebay search notifications, etc. I delete a decent amount, but not a ton.
I have had this gmail account for 10 years.
How could Shillary POSSIBLY have accumulated 30K personal emails in four years as SoS? She wouldn't have had the time. I email A LOT.
Posted by: Porchlight | August 18, 2016 at 06:14 PM
How come every time Louisiana has a Democrat governor the state floods?
Posted by: maryrose | August 18, 2016 at 06:15 PM
BTW,
If you guys saw what the E-2 Pilots did in my 04:55 link above, here's an old but famous video of an A-6 crew that didn't wait around to see if the bird would keep flying.
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 06:16 PM
I somehow completely missed the fact that Jindal is no longer governor of Louisiana.
Posted by: Porchlight | August 18, 2016 at 06:19 PM
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/08/18/target-spend-20-million-new-single-person-bathrooms-regain-lost-customers/
Bwahahahaha!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 06:20 PM
Obama to State of Louisiana--Drop Dead!
Posted by: maryrose | August 18, 2016 at 06:27 PM
Beasts @ 6:00...I actually have a hammertoe! Do you know what it is like trying to get a pedicure with a hammertoe? :)
First world problems!
Posted by: Marlene | August 18, 2016 at 06:32 PM
MM @ 6:20...did you notice the other Big Retail had good numbers today? Bwahahahaha!
Posted by: Marlene | August 18, 2016 at 06:35 PM
lol, Marlene!!
Posted by: Beasts of England | August 18, 2016 at 06:35 PM
Lochte and Feigen indicted in Brazil. Oh, boy.
Posted by: Beasts of England | August 18, 2016 at 06:39 PM
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/08/breaking-poll-rick-perry-leads-ted-cruz-9-points-texas-senate-race/
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 06:40 PM
daddy,
You have probably seen this classic of landing on a heaving deck in rough seas. But I post it for everyone else to demonstrate what is a risk in the emascalating of our military.
Does anyone think the ChiComs or Russian navy avialtion has the same "right stuff?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4HTXBTkcpg
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 06:41 PM
Speaking of Oakley, I think Jannard may be the best example of self made billionaire who isn't a dick. 600 patents to his name, owns his own island up here, now revolutionizing the cinema game with his RED camera... And yet, nary a hint of the usual leftard sellout crap. Amazing.
Posted by: Man Tran | August 18, 2016 at 06:41 PM
This really irritated me (Femall!) so I'm bringing it forward:
What got into Richard J. Cross III, speech writer for Patricia Smith? Much like Arianna Stassinopoulos, being absorbed by the Borg means invitations to "A" parties and gigs. Less lead poisoning in the future, too.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-lifelong-republican-20160817-story.html
Posted by: Frau Rutger Gefahrfeld | August 18, 2016 at 06:44 PM
Donald Trump rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, live stream link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAjWtnGihYA
Rally is scheduled for 7:30 Eastern. Do not know if that time is for when Trump will speak, or if that is when the early speakers will start.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 06:45 PM
Gets my heart racing just watching that, Jack! Yow!
Off to climb Diamond Head. Wish u were here Clarice!
Posted by: daddy | August 18, 2016 at 06:49 PM
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/18/shock-poll-trumps-black-support-grows-6x-after-milwaukee-appeal/
Well, well, well.
He's going to Charlotte tonight and then Mississippi tomorrow. Both have large black populations.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 06:50 PM
Speaking of leftard billionaires, billg and Milinda sat at the same table we had at the local trendy restaurant a couple nights later and our gay neighbors were at the next table and all a twitter about that. Of course, the restaurant itself is owned by yet another local billionaire who wanted a place of their own to hang out at. Bleah. I guess that's why our 1percenter threshold is $3.1M.
Posted by: Man Tran | August 18, 2016 at 06:51 PM
Forget the Feds or the UN. Louisiana can depend on the Cajun Navy to help.
Heckuva job, Jeh-Jay!
Posted by: Frau Rutger Gefahrfeld | August 18, 2016 at 06:52 PM
Diamond and Silk are now at the rally and speaking.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 06:58 PM
Ketchum model, you say, Jack? Hmmm, might have to ease my douche meter down a notch or two and check 'em out. 😬
Posted by: lyle | August 18, 2016 at 07:04 PM
Black pastor going right after Obama paying ransom and LYING!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:09 PM
Rove was hoping for African Americans on the stage "with" Trump.
Not before.
The white board will suffer...
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 07:14 PM
Another black pastor (and I think this is Medgar Evers brother but I am not sure) speaking now.
Antioch Baptist first black church to endorse Trump.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:14 PM
NC JOMers must be loving this!
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 07:15 PM
"Yellow lives matter!!"
NK will be pleased with this reach out to Asian professionals.
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 07:16 PM
Daddy, thanks for the info.
Posted by: Threadkiller | August 18, 2016 at 07:18 PM
Now Rudy's on!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:29 PM
Still say Trump has missed an opportunity by not going to Louisiana.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 07:30 PM
Jack,
He's going to Mississippi. I think he can speak to Louisiana from there.
Dem governor in Louisiana now, so it would be tough to go without being attacked. He can talk about it, though.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:32 PM
The white board will suffer...
Somebody needs to plant that elementary school prop in his dolphin-like forehead.
Posted by: Captain Hate | August 18, 2016 at 07:34 PM
Jack,
Trump on talking about Louisiana now!
"We are one nation, and must work together to lift each other up!"
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:35 PM
This is a major outreach to minorities.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:40 PM
Trump is the most honest man that ever lived!
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | August 18, 2016 at 07:41 PM
Rove reminds us of all the income inequality at risk inside the beltway if Trump wins.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 07:44 PM
Oh yeah, this genius would be unbeatable:
http://www.weaselzippers.us/290318-biden-embarrasses-himself-calls-serbia-croatia-on-diplomatic-visit/
Posted by: Captain Hate | August 18, 2016 at 07:45 PM
Trump sounding presidential and effective.
Criminal AG from Pennsylvania a democrat is a one day story.
Perjury conviction.
Next one is Hillary indicted for perjury.
Posted by: maryrose | August 18, 2016 at 07:45 PM
I hope you guys are watching this. It is a major outreach to democrats and minorities. He is hitting it out of the park.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 07:46 PM
"Let OUR children be dreamers too."
great line.
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 07:46 PM
Captain
You just gave me my big laugh of the day!
Matt:
Your posts have been excellent.
Trump calling Hillary a liar.
Posted by: maryrose | August 18, 2016 at 07:48 PM
My second grade teacher's brother was an airplane instructor in wwII whose plane sunk after take off. I remember her choking back tears as we celebrated Memorial day in class. It comes to mind every year on that day, Most of my classmates had dads, uncles maybe even brothers who'd been in the service and I know it hit every heart.
Posted by: clarice | August 18, 2016 at 07:48 PM
quelle surprise,
http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/societe/saint-etienne-du-rouvray-rachid-kassim-le-djihadiste-qui-a-inspire-les-assassins-du-pere-hamel_1822206.html
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | August 18, 2016 at 07:50 PM
Coming to the U.S. or here already
BREAKING: "Weapons of Allah" Safe Houses Just Found, Huge Underground Mosque Network https://conservativedailypost.com/breaking-weapons-of-allah-safe-houses-just-found-huge-underground-mosque-network/ …
Posted by: Lurker Susie | August 18, 2016 at 07:50 PM
you don't say,
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/08/17/report-shows-army-warned-about-dallas-cop-shooter-micah-johnson/88906532/?siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-hOVULCu9aRbeImHikUAp6Q
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | August 18, 2016 at 07:54 PM
Anyone who thinks what your link exposes in Europe isn't happening here is a deluded fool or worse, working in this admin, LS.
Posted by: lyle | August 18, 2016 at 07:58 PM
Sanctuary cities?
Where is the sanctuary for our citizens? Where was the sanctuary for Kate Steinle? Where was the sanctuary for Jamiel Shaw Jr?
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 08:00 PM
He is now going after the media, big time!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:01 PM
I do not see how any voter could not vote for this guy.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:02 PM
a very good speech.
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 08:02 PM
Now calling out some of the people in the GOP!!!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:03 PM
MM
How could anyone not idolize him?
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | August 18, 2016 at 08:05 PM
Just listening to Trump speak makes you a better person.
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | August 18, 2016 at 08:06 PM
Truthbetold5,
Go pound sand.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:08 PM
I, for one, am thrilled to hear and see Trump reaching out to ALL Americans! Most of us are entirely FED UP with how the Democrats have carved up the people of this country into bickering, begging factions, fed lies daily by the liberal prog machine in order to keep them in line and hating the "other".
His speeches are getting better and more natural as he grows comfortable with the teleprompter.
Posted by: BeenThereDoneThat | August 18, 2016 at 08:08 PM
BeenThereDoneThat,
I agree. He's a gift, an inspiring leader, and maybe can get Americans looking at what's important.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:12 PM
MM
I will do what ever it takes to get Mr. Trump elected. He can save us, I know that now.
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | August 18, 2016 at 08:14 PM
No speaking fees for 5 years!
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:14 PM
Trump:
What do you have to lose for trying something to lose? I wil do a great job and fix things.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:16 PM
No matter what happens, God bless Donald Trump for breaking through PC barriers.
God bless him.
Posted by: Janet | August 18, 2016 at 08:17 PM
Ack.
What do you have to lose for trying something NEW?
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:17 PM
Can you imagine what pap the guac bowl merchant would be burping up?
Posted by: cheerleader | August 18, 2016 at 08:20 PM
Trump is covering all bases and getting better with the teleprompter beast. (We know how BHO spent his entire time when he should have been removing the asbestos from the Altgeld Gardens.)
Donald Trump is actually being truly "inclusive"--the new replacement word for diversity--more than than the carpy Democrats. Are you listening Oprah?
Posted by: Frau Rutger Gefahrfeld | August 18, 2016 at 08:20 PM
I swear, this is amazing. It's like he has channeled everything JOM people have been pointing out.
We really need this guy to win. It could be the salvation of our country.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:25 PM
MM
The world!
Posted by: Truthbetold5 | August 18, 2016 at 08:26 PM
Unprecedented! I like that Trump talks directly to Black's about the disdain and lack of respect Hillary and her ilk have for them - it is TRUE, and every soul listening to him knows this. Sadly, many Black's in Democrat leadership positions hold the same contempt for their brothers as white liberals. God created us in many colors, and Mr. Trump appreciates that fact.
Posted by: BeenThereDoneThat | August 18, 2016 at 08:26 PM
Mr. Cross III,* the speechwriter for Mrs. Pat Smith, faults Trump for selling fear--and that rhymes with xenophobia.
...while Hillary! considers Republicans her enemies.
Hahahahahaha
*btw what a [redacted] creep to MISUSE Mrs. Smith to push his own [redacted] political carp.
Posted by: Frau Rutger Gefahrfeld | August 18, 2016 at 08:27 PM
Anyone else see the gold medal match in 58kg women's wrestling where our own gal won for the first time in Olympic history?
She beat a Japanese girl who was two time Olympic gold medalist and world champion. Unbeaten in 16 straight Olympic or World championship matches. As soon as our girl (Helen Marguillis??) was declared victor on a score of 4-1, the Japanese girl began to cry and I mean cry uncontrollably.
It took at least 15 minutes for the to change into their warmups and erect the awards podium. She was still crying all during the awards. They had the Japanese IOC member present the awards and I guess they thought she was a shoo-in so let him have the honor. Big time disappointment.
As they played the anthem, she was still crying.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 08:31 PM
premature pinette apoplexy, also herr gerson,
Posted by: buccaneer morgan | August 18, 2016 at 08:35 PM
Damn, JiB. I didn't see it but that's tough. I love the competition but I'd hate to see a woman so devastated. That said, I'd be (and am) tremendously proud of the American woman winning that gold.
Posted by: RattlerGator | August 18, 2016 at 08:40 PM
Jack,
Word on Twitter is that Trump is going to Louisiana tomorrow.
Posted by: Miss Marple 2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:41 PM
MM ,
Great news. Anyone know why he didn't go to Milwaukee but rather West Bend? I thought he was going to do a townhall with Clarke in Milwaukee but then I am not up to speed on what actually happened.
Posted by: Jack is Back! | August 18, 2016 at 08:51 PM
They are building more mosques in rural Georgia - the residents rightly suspect it is in anticipation of bringing in refugees.
The same outfit owns hundreds of acres of land and already has built a mosque and a school.
Al Maad Al Islami purchased the proposed site of the mosque in August 2015 for about $1.3 million from Neely Farms Family Limited Partnership. Covington attorney Phil Johnson, former Democrat candidate for commission chairman, is listed as the partnership’s registered agent.
http://www.newtoncitizen.com/news/local/reaction-to-mosque-plan-mostly-critical/article_1d676909-0419-54ae-965e-4798c084280b.html
Posted by: Momto2 | August 18, 2016 at 08:54 PM