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Five More Los Angeles WikiLeaks Revelations

We previously brought you the top 5 LA related Wiki Leaks, but with more and more leaks being added to the online database every day, it's time to wade back into the muck known as international relations and find more info pertinent to our city. This time around we didn't find as much scandal and outrage, but there are some interesting nuggets worth knowing about.

Los Angeles vs. Hamburg as Scientology Battles Germany

Caberta stated that Scientology has declared “war on Europe.” She cited evidence from Hamburg’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution (OPC) annual reports of how Scientology attempts to influence politicians and political institutions as well as the press. According to the Hamburg OPC’s 2006 report, Scientology continues to use methods that are “against the free, democratic constitutional structure,” as was established in the 1997 State Interior Ministers meeting. Caberta asserted that Scientology in Germany has received orders from the Los Angeles headquarters to “conquer” Europe. She contends that the new Berlin headquarters have been set up for this “campaign.” She continually stressed that she views Scientology not as a religious organization, but as a “political extremist” one. According to Caberta, the Hamburg Scientologists as well as most of the Scientology members in Germany are only “small fish” and the organization’s strategic planning is conducted in the United States.

Ozomatli Rocks the Kingdom of Jordan

The three-time Grammy award-winning Los Angeles-based Latino funk and hip-hop band "Ozomatli" performed a series of concerts to highly-receptive audiences during a visit to Jordan last week, captivating more than 3000 young Jordanians during their tour of the Kingdom. Ozomatli thrilled audiences everywhere, drawing people out of their seats to "shake it up" on the dance floor.

At every performance, Ozomatli broke down barriers, interacting personally with their audiences, and showing by example what can be achieved when you bring diverse groups of people together. The band's incredible musical talent is influenced by their own varied ethnic and cultural background. At a time when Jordanians maintain a largely hostile attitude toward U.S. foreign policy, through this program they saw the best of America - that diversity and mutual respect makes us stronger and feeds our ideals. Not just with their music, but also with their words and actions, Ozomatli promoted American culture and values and suggested to the audience that peace and tolerance can bring people closer together. An example of Ozomatli's willingness to learn about its audiences: bassist Will Abers performed an improvised song he composed on-the-spot in Arabic at the Souf Palestinian refugee camp to delighted children.

Mexican Meth Made From Chinese Chemicals Via Long Beach

The AG also focused in on the threat of Chinese exports of methamphetamine precursors, asking for USG help in urging the Chinese to better control their exports and in improving coordination of inspection of trade and interdiction of illicit goods transiting Long Beach destined for Mexico.

Controversial Narco-Saint Marketing Coming to Los Angeles?

Cerveceria Minerva, a microbrewery in Guadalajara, used a notorious narco-saint as a successful marketing tool, garnering some high profile press. The strategy increased sales, and the new-found success placed the business at odds with an entrenched Mexican beer business. Narco-culture and oligopolies are woven tightly into Mexican society and they often benefit from loose legal controls and intrinsic corruption. When the Malverde brand is in cans, Minerva will expand into the most profitable, low-cost, high-volume portion of the beer market. In addition, the company plans to begin exporting to a distributor in Los Angeles.

Burmese Flouting US Import Ban

BURMESE GARMENT FACTORY OWNERS ADMITTED TO AN EMBASSY OFFICER THAT THEIR COMPANY IS CIRCUMVENTING THE U.S. IMPORT BAN ON BURMESE PRODUCTS BY EXPORTING THEIR "U2" AND "ADIDAS" BRAND GARMENTS OVERLAND TO BANGKOK, AND THEN RE-EXPORTING THROUGH A THAI COMPANY DIRECTLY TO THE UNITED STATES. DURING VISA INTERVIEWS AT THE EMBASSY JUNE 10, TWO CO-OWNERS OF THE RANGOON-BASED D. FREDERICK INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, LIMITED TOLD THE INTERVIEWING CONSULAR OFFICER (WHO IS ALSO THE EMBASSY POLOFF) THAT THEY WERE GOING TO THE UNITED STATES IN LATE JUNE OR EARLY JULY TO VISIT A NAMED U.S. CITIZEN WHO WORKS AT A CULVER CITY, CA IMPORT/EXPORT BANK TO SCOUT OUT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEIR COMPANY.

Previously: Top 5 LA related Wiki Leaks

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