Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 169, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 4, 2009 Page: 3 of 10
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Sweetwater Reporter
Thursday, June 4, 2009 ■ Page 3
Obituary
SHIRLEY JEAN CHRISTMAN
Funeral services for Shirley Jean Christman, 64, of
Midland, are pending with McCoy Funeral Home.
Christman died Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Midland
Memorial Hospital.
Obama calls for new
beginning between
US, Muslims
MARK S. SMITH
Associated Press Writer
CAIRO (AP) — Quoting from the Quran for emphasis,
President Barack Obama called for a "new beginning
between the United States and Muslims" Thursday and
said together, they could confront violent extremism across
the globe and advance the timeless search for peace in the
Middle East.
"This cycle of suspicion and discord must end," Obama
said in a widely anticipated speech in one of the world's
largest Muslim countries, an address designed to reframe
relations after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,2001, and the
U.S.-led war in Iraq.
The White House said Obama's speech contained no new
policy proposals on the Middle East. I k* said American tics
with Israel are unbreakable, yet issued a firm, evenhanded
call to the Jewish state and Palestinians alike to live up to
their international obligations.
In a gesture to the Islamic world, Obama conceded at
the beginning of his remarks that tension "lias been fed by
colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many
Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority coun-
tries were often treated as proxies without regard to their
own aspirations."
"And I consider it part of my responsibility as president
of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes
of Islam wherever they appear," said the president, who
recalled hearing prayer calls of "azaan" at dawn and dusk
while living in Indonesia as a boy.
At the same time, be said the same principle must apply
in reverse. "Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype,
America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested
empire."
Obama's remarks were televised on all radio and televi-
sion stations in Israel, and with Arabic voice-over transla-
tions by Arab satellite stations Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera,
Egyptian TV and Al-Manar, an outlet for the militant group
Hezbollah. The speech was not broadcast in Iran, where the
government jammed signals to block satellite owners from
watching.
The president drew a somewhat positive response from
corners of the world not given to complimenting the United
States.
"There is a change between the speech of President
Obama and pre\ ions speeches made by George Bush," said
Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza. But he com-
plained that Obama did not specifically note the suffering
in Gaza following the three-week Israeli incursion earlier
this year and did not apologize for U.S. military attacks in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
In Iran, Mohammad Ali Abtahi, a cleric who was vice
president under reformist President Mohammad Khatami,
called the speech "compensation to hostile environment
which was created during President Bush."
"This can be an initial step for removing misconceptions
between world of Islam and the West," he said.
Obama spoke at Cairo University after meeting with
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the second stop of a
four-nation trip to the Middle East and Europe.
The speech was the centerpiece of his journey, and while
its tone was striking, the president also covered the Middle
East peace process, Iran, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
and the violent struggle waged by al-Qaida.
Obama arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, greet-
ed by a new and threatening message from al-Qaida's
leader, Osama bin Laden. In an audio recording, the ter-
rorist leader said the president inflamed the Muslim world
by ordering Pakistan to crack down on militants in the Swat
Valley and block Islamic law there.
But Obama said the actions of violent extremist Muslims
are "irreconcilable with the rights of human beings," and
quoted the Quran to make his point: "be conscious of God
and always speak the truth ..."
"Islam is not part of the problem in combatting violent
extremism — it is an important part of promoting peace,"
he said.
"Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past
agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist," he said of
the organization the United States deems as terrorist.
"The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to
govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people."
Obama said.
"At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just
as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can
Palestine. The United States does not accept the legitimacy
of continued Israeli settlements" on the West Bank and
outskirts of Jerusalem, he said. "It is time tor these settle-
ments to stop."
As for Jerusalem itself, he said it should be a "secure and
lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims ..."
Obama also said the Arab nations should no longer use
the conflict with Israel to distract their own people from
other problems.
He treaded lightly on one issue that President George
W. Bush had made a centerpiece of his second term -- the
spread of democracy.
Obama said he has a commitment to governments "that
reflect the will of the people." And yet. he said, "No system
of government can or should be imposed upon one nation
by any other."
At times, there was an echo of Obama's campaign mantra
of change in bis remarks, and he said many are afraid it
cannot occur.
"There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we
choose to be bound by the past, we will never move for-
ward," he said. .
The president's brief stay in Cairo included a visit to the
Sultan Hassan mosque, a 600-year-old center of Islamic
worship and study. He also toured the Great Pyramids of
Giza, and joked with reporters that if they were not present,
"I'd get on .1 camel." Some of his aides did just that.
The build-up to the speech was enormous, stoked by the
White House although Obama seemed at pains to minimize
hopes for immediate consequences.
"One speech is not going to solve all the problems in the
Middle East." he told a French interviewer. "Expectations
should be somewhat modest."
Eager to spread the president's message as widely as
possible, the tech-savvy White House orchestrated a live
Webcast of the speech on the White House site; remarks
translated into 13 languages; a special State Department
site where users could sign up for speech highlights;
and distribution of excerpts to social networking giants
MvSpace, Twitter and Facebook.
Though the speech was co-sponsored by al-Azhar
University, which has taught science and Quranic scripture
here for nearly a millennium, the actual venue was the
more modern and seculai (airo l niversity.
Red draperies formed a backdrop for the speech, block
ing view of a portrait of Mubarak, an aging autocrat who's
ruled Egvpt since 1981.
TST
Continued from page 1
to cut some workers. "I have never had to lay anybody
off before," he said.
In addition to providing well-paying jobs to area resi-
dents, Stein, who divides his time between California
and Texas, has also given back to the community.
Ronnie Cox, owner of Cox jewelers praises Stein for the
numerous contributions he has made since his arrival.
"He has been a great supporter of community activities,"
he said. "He completely remodeled the ballroom at the
country club. He gave a substantial donation to help
get the artificial turf at Mustang Bowl, and helped with
renovations to the auditorium."
Rod Wetsel, a local attorney, was charged with the
legal negotiations between SEED and TST during the
expansion to Sweetwater. He feels that the dealings
with TST have set somewhat of a precedent for how
SEED designs its employee based incentives. "TST is
a real success story," Wetsel said. "Its been great for
Sweetwater. The incentive agreement sort of became the
model for what SEED offers."
And despite the tough economic times, Stein is happy
with the outcome, too. "It has worked out pretty well
for 11s. I give the economic development at the state and
local levels a lot of credit."
Stanford
Continued from page 1
Stanford also received the 2009 DEKALB Agricultural
Accomplishment Award. Clayton is from Blackwell,
Texas, who attends Blackwell High School was recently
presented the school's highest agricultural honor, the
DEKIAB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, spon-
sored by Monsanto Company.
Stanford, who is the son of Rick and Lisa Stanford,
received the award for excellence in academics, leader-
ship and agricultural work experience. Stanford's signif-
icant experiences and accomplishments have included
serving as chapter, district and area officer, showing
market goats and participating in FFA creed, speaking
and livestock evaluation. Dale Archer is Stanford's agri-
cultural education instructor at Blackwell High School.
This year the DEKIAB Agricultural Accomplishment
Award celebrates its 62nd anniversary. Over these 62
years more than 162,000 high school seniors from
across the country' have received the award, which has
become a symbol for excellence and the school's highest
agricultural honor. In 2008, over 2,050 students from
high schools in 48 of the 50 states were recognized with
the Award.
As the winner of the 2009 Award, Clay Stanford's
name will be recorded on a permanent plaque displayed
at Blackwell High School.
Monsanto, a long time supporter of agricultural edu-
cation, FFA, 4-II and other farm youth organizations
and initiatives, has sponsored the DEKLAB Agricultural
Accomplishment Award, named for its brand of seed,
since 1998. Monsanto is a leading global provider of
technology-based solutions and agricultural products
that improve farm productivity and food quality.
lunge: Chrysler has
case tor franchise cuts
BREE FOWLER
AP Auto Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - The judge overseeing Chrysler's
bankruptcy case said Thursday that the automaker has a
good case for the termination of 789 of its dealer franchises
as part of its ongoing restructuring.
U.S. Judge Arthur Gonzalez said that under Chrysler
LLC's plan, those dealers, which represent about 25 per-
cent of the company’s dealer base, will remain with "Old
Chrysler," a collection of assets that aren't slated to be sold
to a group led by Italy's Fiat Group SpA.
Since those leftover assets won't be making vehicles,
there would be little use for the dealers that would go with
them, Gonzalez said.
"If the sale would be consolidated, there's a strong
argument that no dealer network would be needed,"
Gonzalez said at the beginning of Thursday's court hear-
ing. "Nevertheless. I think it’s still important to have this
hearing."
Late Sunday, Gonzalez issued a ruling approving the
government-backed sale ot most of Chrysler's assets to a
group led by Fiat. But the sale has been stayed pending an
appeal filed bv three Indiana state pension and construc-
tion funds. Arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit are slated for Friday afternoon.
Gonzalez was to hear testimony from Chrysler dealers
and executives during Thursday 's hearing, with legal argu-
ments to follow on Tuesday. It's not clear when he will rule
on Chry sler's motion, or if the hearing will delay Chrysler's
plans to terminate the franchises effective Tuesday.
Just under 20 Chrysler dealers were sworn in at the
beginning of Thursday 's hearing. In the first hour of tes-
timony, three dealers took the stand. One broke down in
tears when describing to the court how he found out that
he was going to lose his franchise.
Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler claims that it needs
to reduce its dealer base to a leaner network of about 2,400
dealers in order to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection as a stronger company.
But the dealers argue that they don't cost the automaker
anything. They say that if Gonzalez approves Chrysler's
motion it will result in the shuttering of hundreds of dealer-
ships and thousands of workers will lose their jobs.
A group representing about 300 of the dealers slated to
lose their franchises have filed an objection. They also ear-
lier objected to Chrysler's sale to Fiat, saying it was tied to
the plan to eliminate the dealerships.
Actor David
found dead in Bangkok
BANGKOK (A I’) — David Carradine, star of the 1970s 'IV
series "Kung Fu" whose career roared back to life when he
played the assassin-turned-victim in Quentin Tarentino's
'Kill Bill," was found dead Thursday in Thailand. A published
report said he committed suicide.
A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy, Michael Turner, con-
firmed the death of the 72-year-old actor. He said the embassy
was informed by Thai authorities that Carradine died either
late Wednesday or early Thursday, but he could not provide
further details out of consideration for his family.
The Web site of the Thai newspaper The Nation cited
unidentified police sources as saying Carradine was found
Thursday hanged in his luxury hotel room.
It said Carradine was in Bangkok to shoot a movie and had
been staying at the hotel since Tuesday.
The newspaper said Carradine could not be contacted after
he failed to appear for a meal with the rest of the film crew
on Wednesday, and that his body was found by a hotel maid
at 10 a.m. Thursday morning. The name of the movie was not
immediately available.
It said a preliminary police investigation found that he had
hanged himself with a cord used with the room's curtains. It
cited police as saying he had been dead at least 12 hours and
there was no sign that he had been assaulted.
A police officer at Bangkok's Lumpini precinct station
would not confirm the identity of the dead man, but said the
luxury Swissotel Nai Lert Park hotel had reported that a male
guest killed himself there.
Carradine was a leading member of a venerable Hollywood
acting family that included his father, character actor John
Carradine, and brother Keith
In all, he appeared in more than too feature films with
such directors as Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman and Hal
Ashby. One of his prominent early film roles was as singer
Woody Guthrie in Ashby's 1976 biopit "Bound for Glory."
But he was best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine, a
Shaolin priest traveling the 1800s American frontier West in
the TV series "Kung Fu," which aired in 1972-75.
He reprised the role in a mid-1980s 'IV movie and played
Caine's grandson in the 1990s syndicated series "Kung Fu:
The Legend Continues."
I le returned to the top in recent years as the title character
in Quentin Tarantino's two-part saga "Kill Bill."
The character, the worldly father figure of a pack of crack
assassins, was a shadowy presence in 2003's "Kill Bill — Vol.
1." In that film, one of Bill's former assassins (Uma Thurman)
begins a vengeful rampage against her old associates.
In "Kill Bill — Vol. 2,” released in 2004, Thurman's char-
acter comes face to face again with Bill himself. The role
brought Carradine a Golden Globe nomination as best sup-
porting actor.
Bill was a complete contrast to his IV character Kwai
Chang Caine, the soft-spoken refugee from a Shaolin monas-
tery, serenely spreading wisdom and battling bad guys in the
Old West. He left after three seasons, saying the show had
started to repeat itself.
After "Kung Fu," Carradine starred in the 1975 cult
flick "Death Race 2000." He starred with Liv Ullmann in
Bergman's "The Serpent's Egg" in 1977 and with bis brothers
in the 1980 Western "The Long Riders."
But after the early 1980s, he spent two decades doing
mostly low-budget films. Tarantino's films changed that.
"All I’ve ever needed since 1 more or less retired from
studio films a couple of decades ago ... is just to be in one,"
Carradine told The Associated Press in 2004.
"There isn't anything that Anthony Hopkins or Clint
Eastwood or Sean Connery or any of those old guys are doing
that 1 couldn't do," he said. "All that was ever required was
somebody with Quentin's courage to take and put me in the
spotlight."
()ne thing remained a constant after "Kung F11": Carradine's
interest in Oriental herbs, exercise and philosophy . He wrote
a personal memoir called "Spirit of Shaolin" and continued to
make instructional videos on tai chi and other martial arts.
In the 2004 interview, Carradine talked candidly about his
past boozing and narcotics use, but said he had put all that
behind him and stuck to coffee and cigarettes.
"I didn't like the way I looked, for one thing. You're kind of
out of control emotionally when von drink that much. I was
quicker to anger."
"You're probably witnessing the last time I will ever answer
those questions," Carradine said. "Because this is a regenera-
tion. It is a renaissance. It is the start of a new career for me.
"It's time to do nothing but look forward.”
Associated Press writer Polly Anderson in Mew York con-
tributed to this report.
MIDDAY ON WALL STREET
loda>\ 1 railing
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ATX 1
24.40
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IVpsiio. lilt .
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Microsoft
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Rodriguez, Tatiana. Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 169, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 4, 2009, newspaper, June 4, 2009; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth562036/m1/3/?rotate=90: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.