Dalai Lama Relinquishes Political Power
On Thursday, the Dalia Lama announced that he would give up his political role in the Tibetan exile government. For years, the spiritual leader has spoken about stepping down from a political leadership role.
The move is being made to strengthen the democratic structure of the Tibetan movement. Later this month, elections are being held by Tibetan exiles to name a new prime minister. The Dalai Lama is giving up his political standing so that whoever is elected will gain more credibility, and by extension, garner more respect for the Tibetan government.
The Dalai Lama will still remain the spiritual leader for Tibetans. Most people still believe he is the overall leader of the Tibetan movement, and his decision will greatly benefit the cause in the long run. Other Tibetans have been reluctant to embrace democracy and follow anyone else but the Dalai Lama as both the political and spiritual leader.
Stalemate Ended in Wisconsin Standoff
After weeks of heated debate over a measure that would limit collective bargaining for public workers in Wisconsin, Republicans were able to push a bill through the Senate enacting these changes.
Republicans used a tactic on Wednesday night that allowed the measure to be passed in less than half an hour. After Senate Democrats left the state last month, Republicans adopted a maneuver that cut parts of Governor Scott Walker's bill related to appropriating state funds. With this aspect of the bill removed, there was no longer a requirement for 20 senators needed for a vote to be taken. The Republicans then approved the collective bargaining measure 18 votes to one.
This issue has gained national attention since Governor Walker started his efforts to diminish collective bargaining rights. Republicans say this will create more than 250,000 new private sector jobs. Democrats contend that this move is an attack on working families and civil rights.
Hassan Receives Life Term
Muzzammil Hassan was given the maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison after being convicted of second-degree murder for the stabbing and beheading of his wife.
The announcement was made in an Erie County court on Wednesday in which Hassan was much more subdued and less vocal than during his 14-day trial. In his trial, he attempted to make the case that he was a battered spouse who was acting in self-defense. Judge Thomas Franczyk has expressed his disgust at Hassan's indifference and lack of remorse in his wife's murder.
The life sentence means that Hassan must serve 23 years in prison, on top of the two that he has already been incarcerated for, before being eligible for parole.
Hassan stabbed and beheaded his wife, Aasiya, in Feb. 2009 after she had filed for divorce a week earlier. Hassan's children, Sonia, 20, and Michael, 19, have been granted no-contact orders of protection and want nothing to do with their father whatsoever.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
