Rice Calls on Pakistan to Cooperate With Mumbai Terror Probe
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During US Embassy press conference in India, secretary of state notes assault on commercial capital resembles type of attacks staged by al-Qaida
With tensions heightened between India and Pakistan, the top American envoy is calling for Islamabad to show its resolve and to join the international effort to find those responsible for the Mumbai terror attack. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is in the Indian capital to meet with top government officials. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman reports from New Delhi. Condoleezza Rice talks to reporters during press conference in New Delhi, 03 Dec 2008Speaking to reporters at the American Embassy before her meetings with the Indian prime minister, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice directed much of her message towards Islamabad. "We have to act with urgency. We have to act with resolve," said Rice. "And, I have said that Pakistan needs to act with resolve and urgency and cooperate fully and transparently." Rice says that message will be delivered again to Pakistan. She is expected to fly to Islamabad Thursday, as part of her altered itinerary that saw her detour from Europe to South Asia, after last week's attack by terrorists on Mumbai. Although some U.S. officials suspect involvement of the Pakistan-based Lashkar e-Taiba, Secretary Rice says it is premature to draw any conclusions on who is responsible. But she notes the assault on India's commercial capital resembles the type of attacks staged by al Qaida."Where there is a direct al Qaida hand or not, this is clearly a kind of terrorism in which al Qaida participates," she said. India blames the attack on 10 gunmen who came by sea from Pakistan, heavily armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades. They killed about 175 people during a 60-hour siege. The United States and other countries are concerned that the attack could wreck the Indo-Pakistani peace process that has been underway in recent years. The nuclear-armed countries have gone to war against each other three times. A number of other prominent Americans have come to the region to hold talks with Indian and Pakistani officials. They include three senior American senators and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. Speaking at an election campaign rally Thursday, the chairperson of India's governing United Progressive Alliance, Sonia Gandhi, issued a new warning to Islamabad about limits to India's patience, as it awaits a favorable from Pakistan. The widow of slain Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi says India's neighbors should not make the wrong assumption that its desire for friendly relations is a sign of weakness. Speaking in India-controlled Kashmir, the powerful Congress Party leader added India will not bow down to terrorists, but rather will demonstrate what she calls a "fitting reply." The rhetoric comes amid opposition party criticism that the government is soft on terrorism and failed to improve intelligence and security that could have prevented a wave of bombings this year, mostly blamed on Muslim militants.
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Many Indians Angry About Failure to Stop Terror Strikes
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Indians express disappointment at government inaction to stop, reduce threat of attacks
A week after coordinated terrorist strikes killed and injured hundreds of people in India's financial hub, Mumbai, public anger is mounting at what people see as the government's failure to reduce the threat of terror strikes. As Anjana Pasricha from New Delhi, terror attacks have devastated several Indian cities, in the last decade. Members of anti-terrorist squad take positions outside Chhatrapati Shivaji railroad station following rumor of terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, 28 Nov 2008The assault by about 10-15 gunmen who wrecked havoc in Mumbai, last week, is over. But the booming sound of gunshots and images of fires billowing at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai have been imprinted on the minds of people across the country.It was not the first time that an Indian city was devastated by a terror strike. This year, bomb attacks have ripped through busy markets in New Delhi, in the information-technology hub, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad, killing hundreds of people.But the attacks in Mumbai were the bloodiest and most brazen in the last decade. And, across the country, it has unleashed a wave of anger at the political establishment for not formulating an effective strategy to tackle terror, despite repeated attacks in Indian cities. Fingers are being pointed at not just the government, but all politicians. "Very angry, very, very angry at the government, the politicians, the bureaucrats, everybody," one person said. "They have been saying they will be doing things, but they have really not done anything.""The policy makers were not bothered," noted another. "Instead of working together, they are now opposite each other - rather than joining hands and finding a solution for the problem we are facing," another person said."Very disgusted, and a lot of anger inside. We must do something at least to protect ourselves," a fourth person said.The anger has been fueled by media reports that security agencies failed to share information and act on intelligence reports about a possible attack on luxury hotels in Mumbai.In recent days, two politicians who went to pay condolences to families of officers killed battling the gunmen in Mumbai were turned away. In Mumbai, crowds have been gathering near the Gateway of India, adjacent to the devastated Taj Hotel, after text messages called on people to come and "tell the politicians and leaders that we want our safety." In letters to newspapers, people are attacking what they say is "a weak political system."The call for accountability has been heard. Political heads have rolled. The federal interior minister has been replaced with former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. He is promising tough action to tackle terror. "We will respond with determination and resolve to the grave threat posed to the Indian nation," he said. "This is a threat to the very idea of India, to the very soul of India." Civic groups are debating what citizens can do to contribute to the fight against terror. Not all people are just blaming the politicians. Many young people, like college student Vaibhav, say ordinary people need to do more to ensure that governance is clean and honest. "Ultimately it is us who make them corrupt, it is we who pay them bribes," he said. "So it is necessary we take self initiatives and work towards it together, without forming any bias on the basis of caste, religion or whatever."Others, like Deepali Dalmia, say the repeated terror strikes in cities have made them fearful of being hit by another attack. "We are hardly stepping out - especially no five-star hotels - and being a little conservative about sending children to birthdays in public places, only to people's houses. It is just not a good feeling," Dalmia said. Observers say that, in a country that is no stranger to terror attacks, the level of concern and debate triggered by the Mumbai attacks is unprecedented . They say it could partly be because the attacks targeted the elite of India, who have not directly faced the threat so far.
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Obama to Announce Nominee for Commerce Secretary
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US President-elect Barack Obama expected to tap New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for key trade position
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is set to name another governor to his Cabinet Wednesday.New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (file photo)Mr. Obama has scheduled a news conference in the central city of Chicago to announce the nomination of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for commerce secretary.Richardson is a former Democratic presidential candidate who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary in the Clinton administration.As commerce secretary, Richardson would play a key role in promoting international trade and helping to strengthen the U.S. economy. Another governor, Janet Napolitano of Arizona, was nominated Monday to head the Department of Homeland Security. Also Wednesday, members of Mr. Obama's transition team are meeting with about a dozen retired generals and admirals. The former high-ranking military officials are urging the future Obama administration to ban the use of harsh interrogation techniques by the Central Intelligence Agency. President George Bush authorized the use of such techniques as part of U.S. efforts to get information from terrorism suspects. Harsh interrogation techniques have included waterboarding, which simulates drowning and that, in the past, had been classified as torture by the United States.Also, Vice President-elect Joe Biden is being briefed in Washington by a congressional commission on the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Biden will be joined by Obama's pick for homeland security chief, Governor Napolitano.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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Britain Prioritizes Economy in Legislative Plan
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Queen Elizabeth II delivers annual address to House of Lords and Commons
The British government presented its legislative agenda to parliament Wednesday, and dealing with the financial crisis and stabilizing the economy are the top priorities. It's the government's program, but, as every year, it is Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered the message in a very formal and elaborate ceremony. VOA's Sonja Pace reports from London.It's an age-old tradition, full of pomp and ceremony, as the Queen arrives in Parliament to address the House of Lords and Commons.Britain's Queen Elizabeth II speaks from the throne in the House of Lords, during the State Opening of Parliament in London, 03 Dec 2008The speech is drawn up by the government - the Queen delivers it, and thus marks the beginning of a new parliamentary session.There were no surprises - the financial crisis and what to do about the slumping economy tops the legislative agenda."My Lords and Members of the House of Commons. My government's overriding priority is to ensure the stability of the British economy during the global economic downturn," said the Queen. "My government is committed to helping families and businesses through difficult times."The government has already outlined proposals to try to re-energize the economy - including a cut in the national sales tax and tax breaks and incentives for low income families and small businesses.And, Britain will host a summit of the G-20 group of industrialized and emerging economies in April, as the UK and governments around the world attempt to stem the economic downturn and stimulate their economies back into growth.Announcing the government's legislative agenda, the Queen stated a number of proposals - from reforming the social welfare system and making the justice system more transparent, to forging ahead with plans to eradicate child poverty by the year 2020.On foreign policy, it was very much a continuation of stated goals."My government will press for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East, continued progress in Iraq and for effective measures to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program," said the Queen. "My government will work with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan for security, stability and prosperity."After the annual address, the Queen, accompanied by her husband Prince Phillip, left the chamber for the carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace.
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Gates: New Afghanistan Strategy a High Priority
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US defense secretary says one of his first priorities in new Obama administration will be to re-evaluate US strategy in Afghanistan
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says a new strategy for fighting Islamic extremists in Afghanistan will be a high priority for the administration of President-elect Barack Obama. Gates, who has served as Defense secretary under President George Bush, has been chosen by Mr. Obama to remain in the post. VOA's Kent Klein reports from Washington.Defense Secretary Robert Gates holds a press briefing at the Pentagon, 2 Dec. 2008Secretary Gates told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday that one of his first priorities in the new administration, which begins on January 20, will be to re-evaluate U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. "It is very important for us to do everything we can to make sure that the Afghans understand this is their fight, and they have to be out front in this fight," he said. "That is why I am such a strong supporter of accelerating the expansion of the Afghan army."The Bush administration is reviewing the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, and the Obama administration is expected to do the same.Gates said U.S. officials are greatly concerned about terrorist safe havens on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, which Mr. Obama has called the number one threat to the security of Americans. Gates said the United States and Afghanistan will increase their efforts to close safe havens on the Afghan side of the border, and he said Washington will emphasize a similar partnership with Pakistan's government to shut down the enclaves on its side. "We are prepared to move as quickly as the Pakistanis are," he said. "I know they are uneasy about the American footprint in Pakistan, and I think we have to be sensitive to their political concerns. At the same time, we cannot do this on our own."Soldiers in a Humvee patrol the perimeter of the Camp Delta detention compound, at Guantanamo Bay's US Naval Base, in Cuba, 06 Jun 2008Secretary Gates also said another high priority will be to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba, where more than 250 detainees suspected of terrorism are being held. Gates said closing the controversial facility will require help from Capitol Hill. "I think it is possible to close it," he said. "I think it does require a joint effort with the Congress. I think some legislation probably is needed as a part of it. I think trying to move forward on that, at least from my standpoint, should be a high priority."The defense secretary commended India for its restraint in responding to last week's deadly attacks in Mumbai. He said the killings were clearly the act of an extremist group trying to target Americans and Britons. But he acknowledged that most of those who died were Indians.Gates is the only Bush administration cabinet member who has been asked to stay on in the Obama administration.
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Zimbabwe Police Turn Back Protesters
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Riot police break up two separate protests in Harare over dismal state of public health, economy
Police officer falls from pickup truck while trying to disperse doctors and nurses demonstrating in Harare, 03 Nov 2008Riot police in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, have broken up two separate protests over the dismal state of public health and the economy.Witnesses say police drove off a group of doctors and nurses protesting in front of Zimbabwe's Health Ministry Wednesday.In the other incident, police using batons beat union members as they demonstrated against tight restrictions on cash withdrawals. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions says at least 50 union members were arrested, including the group's leader, Wellington Chibebe.Zimbabwe is mired in a deep economic crisis, marked by extreme inflation and chronic shortages of everything from food to fuel to cash. The country is also dealing with an outbreak of cholera. The United Nations said Wednesday that the epidemic has killed 565 people. Zimbabwe's state-run Herald newspaper said that individuals will now be allowed to withdraw up to $100 million (Zimbabwe dollars) per week from their bank accounts. In another indication of drastic inflation, the Herald reports the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will begin circulating three new banknotes - worth $10, $50 and $100 million (Zimbabwe dollars) - on Thursday.Meanwhile, the government says it will punish rogue soldiers who loot stores and attack civilians. Earlier this week, police clashed with about 100 soldiers who went on a looting spree in Harare.The Herald says the soldiers had been unable to withdraw money from the country's cash-strapped banks. The paper quotes Zimbabwe's defense minister as warning that anyone who tries to incite the armed forces to riot will be held accountable.Conditions in Zimbabwe have deteriorated as the country's political crisis drags on. Power-sharing talks between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai have been stalled for months.Mr. Mugabe blames Zimbabwe's problems on Western sanctions against his government. But critics say Mr. Mugabe has destroyed the country through reckless policies and mismanagement during his nearly 30-year rule.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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Anti-Government Protests End in Bangkok, but Uncertainty Remains
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Analysts say political outlook remains clouded, because of concerns over choice of new prime minister
Anti-government protesters have ended their occupation of the airports in Bangkok after a court ruling removed Thailand's prime minister. But as Ron Corben reports from the Thai capital, the political outlook remains clouded, because of concerns over the choice of a new prime minister.Thai officials began cleaning up Bangkok's airports.Passengers from a Thai Airways flight come out from the plane after arriving at Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok, Thailand, 03 Dec 2008Earlier in the day, the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy ended its eight-day siege of the terminals. And the first passenger flights in a week arrived at the international airport.The blockade left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded. Airport officials say it will be several days before operations are back to normal. Since May, the PAD has campaigned against the government, accusing it of acting as a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.The protests ended after a court ruling dissolved three governing coalition parties, led by the People's Power Party, for breaking election laws.Somchai Wongsawat, left, talks to reporters after court dissolves ruling party and bans him from politics, in Chiang Mai, 02 Dec 2008 The decision ended the 77-day government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.But members of the banned groups shifted to new parties, and they continue to dominate parliament.Sunai Pasuk, with Human Rights Watch here, says next the parties will select a new prime minister. But he says that will not necessarily end the political tensions. "I would say at this point this is only the end of Act One; we are having a cool-off period until the selection of prime minister, that will start next week on the seventh, eighth and ninth of December. These will be three critical days," said Sunai. If the PAD sees the new prime minister as being too close to Mr. Thaksin, the protests could resume. The PAD considers Mr. Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup two years ago, corrupt and authoritarian. He has fled the country to avoid corruption charges.Protesters at main international airport in Bangkok, 26 Nov 2008However, Sunai says Mr. Thaksin's supporters are increasingly frustrated by what they see as a lack of official impartiality in dealing with the PAD, which occupied a government office compound and the airports without punishment.Pro-government groups also accuse the judiciary of bias against Mr. Somchai's government. Sunai says the political situation remains unsettled. "The situation remains very fluid - with all these factors together - the PAD can come back anytime - Thaksin's side remains defiant and it is very likely to take control of the government again so we are back to square one," said Sunai. Kraisak Choonhavan, a member of the opposition Democrat Party, says the outlook appears bleak, with only a slight chance of the governing coalition breaking up.But Kraisak does not expect the PAD to begin new protests soon. He says it is now up to parliament to find a way through the political crisis."There is a chance in the very near future here we are able to go back to the parliament and do the job we can and maintain democracy - as crippled as it is - to make it work somehow," said Kraisak. He says the governing coalition is likely to be weaker this time around, and the government will to have to call an election in 2009.Thailand's current political crisis is the most severe in 16 years. It has pitched Mr. Thaksin's supporters in the rural and urban working class against the middle class and urban elite who make up the PAD.
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US, Japan, S. Korea Agree on North Korean Nuclear Verification
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Negotiators to take samples from N. Korean facilities to confirm Pyongyang's declaration of its programs
Envoys from the U.S., Japan and South Korea say they will push North Korea to allow inspectors to take samples from its nuclear facilities to verify claims that it has ended its nuclear weapons program.US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, right, answers questions as Japan's nuclear envoy Akitaka Saiki, looks on in Tokyo, 03 Dec 2008Following talks in Tokyo Wednesday, the three envoys said they would seek a written document detailing the issue of taking samples.Akitaka Saiki, Japan's chief nuclear negotiator, says he and his counterparts - Christopher Hill of the United States and South Korea's Kim Sook - agree they must take samples from North Korean facilities to confirm Pyongyang's declaration of its programs. He says they will introduce their demands when the six-nation nuclear talks resume next week in Beijing.Wednesday's meeting took place on the eve of one-on-one talks between Hill and his North Korean counterpart Kim Kye Gwan in Singapore. Washington says North Korea agreed to sampling during a meeting with Hill in October, but Pyongyang denies it. The agreement cleared the way for Washington to remove Pyongyang from a terrorism black list. In return, North Korea halted moves to reverse disablement measures at its main nuclear reactor and allowed international inspectors to resume monitoring at the facility.The U.S., Japan and South Korea, along with China and Russia, have been negotiating with the isolated communist regime to end its nuclear activities in exchange for energy and other benefits. Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
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UN Security Council Extends Anti-Piracy Measures Off Somali Coast
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US-drafted resolution authorizes states to take all necessary means - including force - to combat piracy
The U.N. Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution allowing member states to continue fighting pirates off the coast of Somalia for another year. The resolution also offers support for a European Union anti-piracy mission that launches next week. From United Nations headquarters in New York, VOA's Margaret Besheer has more.The U.S.-drafted resolution authorized states to continue taking all necessary means to combat piracy - including the use of force.It also laid a legal foundation for a European Union naval operation, known as Atalanta, which is expected to begin next week. Under the European Union flag, France, Britain, Germany and Greece are sending one warship each, and Spain is contributing airpower. The force will patrol near Somalia's pirate-infested waters and escort ships carrying commercial and humanitarian cargo.French UN envoy Jean- Maurice Ripert, 8 Jul 2008French Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert said he considers the resolution a very important step in the fight against piracy."Piracy is killing. Every day more than three million Somali people are depending on food aid, on emergency relief - which are coming, 95 percent of them - by the sea. So by adopting resolution 1846, the international community is sending a very strong signal of its determination to deal with piracy," he said. Council members said they still need to work out a mechanism for prosecuting suspected pirates once they arrest them. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo said it is a difficult issue that must be resolved."We have noted in our resolution the SUA convention - the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Maritime Security - that we believe allows for prosecuting pirates. It provides the jurisdiction for states party to the convention -there are almost 150 countries now that have signed on - we are urging those who are states parties to use the authorities in that convention to deal with this issue," she said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, 07 Nov 2008Council members stressed that the explosion of piracy off Somalia's coast is a symptom of the political conflict and lawlessness in that country, and that these root causes must be resolved to really stop piracy.U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the council to authorize an international stabilization force for Somalia, which would take over from the small African Union force on the ground, and eventually would be replaced by U.N. peacekeepers once the situation has stabilized.
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Muslim School Plan Provokes Anger in Australia
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Hundreds of protesters waving placards gather outside council office to vent frustration over plan for Islamic school in ritzy coastal area known as 'Gold Coast'
Hundreds of demonstrators have protested against plans to build a Muslim school on Australia's Gold Coast. Residents waving placards bearing slogans like "Muslim school - Hell no!" have gathered outside council offices to vent their frustrations. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports.Muslim schools have operated in the northern Australian state of Queensland for many years. However, the prospect of another college has provoked public anger.Plans have been submitted for an Islamic school on the Gold Coast, a ritzy coastal community south of Brisbane.Some locals are worried about traffic and are concerned that the new development will only add to congestion on the region's roads. Others have barely concealed their distaste for Islam and have made their feelings known on an Australian radio show."My main concern with the whole deal is what sort of stuff are they going to be teaching these children?" a female caller said. "Are they going to be teaching them radical Islam, go out and become a suicide bomber, oppress the women and all that sort of stuff?""They've got one agenda: get in, take over," a male caller said. "Australians, wake up, for God's sake. If we like our democracy and freedom, we should stop all Muslim immigration to this nation." For the second time in a week, demonstrators have protested outside council offices on the Gold Coast.The local mayor has said he has been shocked by the sentiments expressed by some of those attending the rallies. The council has insisted that the multicultural region, which has more than 80 ethnic groups, has never had a reputation for racial or religious intolerance.Supporters of the Islamic college's Gold Coast application have stressed that concerns that it would promote religious segregation and extremism have been disproved. The college's trustees have said that it would be open to students of all faiths.The council will make a final decision, early next year.Earlier this year, officials rejected plans for an Islamic school on the outskirts of Australia's biggest city, Sydney. Many residents in Camden said the presence of hundreds of Muslim students would harm their community. The council said it had based its decision on town planning issues, such as traffic flows.Australia's Muslim community numbers about 350,000 people. Its members, have often complained about discrimination from the wider community.
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Black-White Comedy Team Remembered for Building Bridges Through Humor
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New book looks at race relations through eyes of two stand-up comedians: Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen
The 1960s and '70s were times of changing race relations in the United States. A new book called Tim and Tom looks at the era through the eyes of two stand-up comics. Mike O'Sullivan spoke with authors Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen about their experience as the nation's first, and possibly last, black and white comedy team.The 1960s were trying times, says comic Tom Dreesen, who co-authored Tim and Tom with former partner Tim Reid."The Vietnam War was raging," said Tom Dreesen. "I just got out of the service. Tim just got out of college. College students were protesting all over America. There were riots across the land. They were protesting against the war. The world was in turmoil."Against this backdrop, Dreesen and Reid worked as community volunteers in an anti-drug program in suburban Chicago. The two friends visited schools and used humor to urge youngsters to stay away from drugs. Dreesen recalls that one student had a suggestion."She said you guys are funny," he said. "You ought to become a comedy team." They embraced the idea and worked out a routine. From 1969 through the early 1970s, they appeared in bars and night clubs, telling jokes about their childhood, their friends and neighborhoods. Dreesen is white and Reid is black, and the two would often touch on the sensitive topic of race.Tom Dreesen (r) and Tim Reid (undated photo)The United States was going through dramatic social changes. Congress had passed the sweeping Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Reid says racism was still a fact of life, and while barriers broke down, most black and white people still led separate lives."The law had been passed, but still, in the height of our career, we called an integrated audience an audience that had maybe, out of 150 or 200, 12 to 18 blacks because they just did not feel comfortable being in that surrounding at that particular time," said Tim Reid. "So whenever they were in the audience, whenever we did a joke, people would look at the black people in the audience and see if they laughed first. And then if they laughed, then everybody joined in."The two comics were sometimes the target of racial remarks from intolerant critics, both black and white, but their humor often got people of both races laughing together. The men have since built successful careers, Dreesen as a standup comic who spent 14 years as a warm-up act for singer Frank Sinatra, and Reid as an actor best known for the role of disk jockey Venus Flytrap on the popular TV series WRKP in Cincinnati. He also starred in the series "Sister, Sister" and the critically acclaimed comedy-drama Frank's Place. Dreesen says comedy is not easy, but performing in front of an audience of 20 or 20,000 can be addictive. He says most comics crave the laughter and applause.DREESEN: "Eighty-five percent of all standup comedians I have ever met in my life are insecure, neurotic, sometimes psychotic, love-starved wrecks. And the other 15 percent are gifted, confident people who say, this is what I do. I know how to write a joke and I know how to tell it." REID: "There really are gifted confident people there?"DREESEN: "Fifteen percent. I include Bill Cosby. I like to think I am in that category, but never trust anyone who tells you they are sane."The comedians say the election of the first black U.S. president has changed the cultural landscape, altering race relations in a good way. Tim Reid says comics will have to adapt, as the great ones have done in the past."Because we have a black president, all bets are off," he said. "And so I think they are interesting times for the future 21st-century Will Rogers or the future kind of person who can step out of the shackles of the old racial stereotypes and create new racial jokes, create new paradigms for comedy."Dreesen says comics all pay their dues and learn their skills from hard experience, but no others have tackled the issue of race as directly as Tim and Tom did. He says both have the scars to prove it - a drunk once put out a cigarette in his partner's face."In the history of show business, no comedy team ever had to pay the kind of dues that Tim Reid and Tom Dreesen paid," said Dreesen. "None. Everybody pays dues and everybody's got their horror stories, but we were America's first black and white comedy team and we were the last.The two men say that Tim and Tom, which they wrote with journalist Ron Rapoport, is more than a tale of two comics. It is a chronicle of a turbulent time of changing race relations, and it shows how the country got through the era with a dose of humor.
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