BANGKOK, Thailand -- U.S. President Barack Obama's paternal grandfather arrived in Burma during World War Two as a Kenyan cook in Britain's colonial army, fighting Japanese invaders in horrific jungle conditions.

Today, people in Myanmar -- the country formerly known as Burma -- anxiously await the president's arrival during his Asia tour from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20 which also includes visits to Thailand and Cambodia.

Earlier U.S. involvement in the Buddhist-majority nation included visits by three Americans whose careers included the presidency.

But Mr. Obama will be the first to arrive as president in mainland Southeast Asia's biggest country.

He is proud of his ancestor's footsteps.

"Mr. Obama's grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama, served in Burma during World War Two with the 11th East Africa Division of the King's African Rifles," said Thant Myint-U on his Facebook page.

(Facebook)

Here’s one take on U.S. militarism and the culture of domination:

“Americans love to fight, traditionally. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle. You are here today for three reasons. First, because you are here to defend your homes and your loved ones. Second, you are here for your own self respect, because you would not want to be anywhere else. Third, you are here because you are real men and all real men like to fight.

“. . . Americans love a winner. Americans will not tolerate a loser. Americans despise cowards. Americans play to win all of the time. . . . That’s why Americans have never lost nor will ever lose a war; for the very idea of losing is hateful to an American.”

Here’s another:

“I can’t sleep without drugs. But even then, I often wake up in the middle of the night, crying, my mind racing. And I lie there awake in the dark, reliving the rape, looking for a second chance for it to end with a different outcome, but he always wins.”

Matt Bors was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize this year! Most of the Free Press cartoons on the website are the work of Matt Bors, originally from Ohio. The Free Press began using his biting political cartoons that addressed current social justice issues in our printed issue many years ago. Since then, Matt moved to the west coast and became syndicated with United Features (now Universal U-Click).

Earlier this year, Matt was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in the cartoon category: "For a distinguished cartoon or portfolio of cartoons, characterized by originality, editorial effectiveness, quality of drawing and pictorial effect, published as a still drawing, animation or both." Another cartoonist got the Prize, but the committee cited Matt as a finalist:

"Matt Bors, syndicated by Universal U-Click, for his pungent work outside the traditional style of American cartooning."

Now Matt has a book coming out and is raising money through Kickstarter to fund his effort. It is his first collection of political cartoons titled "Life Begins At Incorporation." It's for a 225 page collection of his comics with humor essays.

Before anyone considers carving into a Butterball turkey on Thanksgiving, they should watch this video.

A new Mercy For Animals hidden-camera investigation gives a shocking look behind the closed doors of Butterball factory farms—revealing the heartbreaking cruelty and neglect animals face at the hands of the world’s largest turkey producer

The startling investigation comes less than a year after MFA exposed horrific cruelty at another Butterball factory farm—a groundbreaking case that led to the first-ever felony cruelty to animals conviction related to birds used for food production in US history.

In never-before-seen footage that is being released today, MFA’s latest investigation exposes an ongoing culture of cruelty at Butterball, including:

workers kicking and stomping on birds, dragging them by their fragile wings and necks, and maliciously throwing turkeys onto the ground or on top of other birds;
birds suffering from serious untreated illnesses and injuries, including open sores, infections, and broken bones; and

This afternoon, members of the House Health Committee voted 11-9 along party lines to pass House Bill 298, the clear purpose of which is to defund Planned Parenthood in Ohio.

Despite testimony from doctors, clergy, rape survivors and advocates, social workers, and me—all in opposition to the bill—it now heads to the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Enough is enough! Let's call on Governor Kasich to show real leadership as the head of his party to shut this down. Take two actions now to send a clear message.

Call and email Governor Kasich to tell him what you think Donate today to support our efforts to defend against these attacks.

We must hold our decision-makers accountable and demand that they focus their efforts on building a healthier Ohio and respect women and their health care choices. Stand with Planned Parenthood today.