Republicans move to delay climate bill progress

The Republican strategy seems to be oppose every peace of legislation the Democrats offer. In the process, they do the bidding of big business. The Democrats for their part are dumb enough not to call the Republican bluff. They should propose legislation that would make the GOP look foolish. They seem content with not trying to win over any Republicans.

in reference to:

"All seven Republicans on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee plan to boycott next week's work session on a climate-change bill, an aide said on Saturday, in a move aimed at thwarting Democratic efforts to advance the controversial legislation quickly.

"Republicans will be forced not to show up" at Tuesday's work session, said Matt Dempsey, a spokesman for Republican senators on the environment panel.

Under committee rules, at least two Republicans are needed for Chairwoman Barbara Boxer to hold the work sessions that would give senators an opportunity to amend the controversial legislation and then vote to approve it in the panel, which is controlled by President Barack Obama's fellow Democrats.

But Republicans are demanding more detailed economic analysis of the bill by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- a task that could take more than a month -- before agreeing to participate in the work sessions that are called "mark ups."

The seven Republicans have not indicated they ultimately would vote for the bill, which Boxer wants to move through her committee before December's international climate-change summit in Copenhagen."
- Republicans move to delay climate bill progress - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Philly Transit Talks Continue Before World Series

This could be disaster for the World Series. I'm sympathetic to transit workers. But you can't hold the city hostage this way. Unfortunately, politicians won't listen unless you get their attention in this manner.

in reference to:

"Philly Transit Talks Continue Before World Series"
- Philly Transit Talks Continue Before World Series - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

One of Italy's Most Wanted Mafia Bosses Arrested Near Naples

He had alluded authorities for 15 years.

in reference to:

"Salvatore Russo, regarded as one of the 30 most wanted and dangerous Mafia fugitives, had been hiding from police since 1995.




Police said Russo had several weapons, including an Uzi and a pistol, when they found him in a hiding space behind a wall on the farm during a raid Saturday.




Russo, 51, is believed to be the leading boss of Naple's Camorra organized crime family, Reuters reports. He had been convicted to life in prison for the murder and criminal association with the Mafia.




"This is a very heavy blow for the Camorra, we are closing the net on the superfugitives," Interior Minister Roberto Maroni told Reuters."
- One of Italy's Most Wanted Mafia Bosses Arrested Near Naples - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cheney told FBI he did not know who leaked Plame's identity

He lied.

in reference to:

"Former vice president Dick Cheney told a special prosecutor in 2004 that he had no idea who leaked the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame, according to newly released FBI documents.
Cheney was questioned as part of an investigation on how journalists came to know the identity of Plame, the wife of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who was a critic of the Iraq war.
In the interview, Cheney responded to many questions with "I do not recall."
However, he took a few stabs at the CIA in its handling of White House allegations that Iraq was attempting to purchase uranium from Niger to manufacture nuclear weapons."
- CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Cheney told FBI he did not know who leaked Plame’s identity « - Blogs from CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Afghans Had Advance Intel on U.N. Attack

They knew and still couldn't stop the attack?! That's bad. We can't count on the Afghan. We must act alone in fighting the Taliban. Otherwise, we need to get out.

in reference to:

"Afghans Had Advance Intel on U.N. Attack"
- Afghans Had Advance Intel on U.N. Attack - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Confidential House ethics probe gets out

They would love to sweep this under the rug. That is why the report accidentally got out. This was not the press exposing corruption. Capitol Hill is a cesspool.

in reference to:

"A confidential weekly report of the House ethics committee found its way to an Internet site in a case of "cyber-hacking," the committee's chairwoman said Thursday.

The report from last July contains a summary of the committee's work at the time, but Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., the panel's chairwoman, said no inferences should be made about anyone whose name is mentioned.

The committee makes a public announcement when it begins an investigation of potential rule-breaking, which is conducted by an investigative subcommittee whose members also are made public."
- Confidential House ethics probe gets out - Washington Times (view on Google Sidewiki)

Texas law on children seeing porn being challenged

And I thought Texas was a pro-family conservative state. This sounds like the type of issue that comes in liberal places like NY and San Francisco. Showing porn to kids is child abuse.

in reference to:

"Texas law on children seeing porn being challenged"
- Texas law on children seeing porn being challenged - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Reports: Cyberattacks traced to NKorea

Guess where they learned their hacking skills? China.

in reference to:

"The North Korean government was the source of high-profile cyberattacks in July that caused Web outages in South Korea and the United States, news reports said Friday. The IP address—the Web equivalent of a street address or phone number—that triggered the Web attacks was traced back to North Korea's Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the chief of South Korean's main spy agency reportedly told lawmakers."
- Reports: Cyberattacks traced to NKorea (view on Google Sidewiki)

US admiral concerned about China military buildup

He's probably the only one concerned. Because there is little concern shown by the government. China is a ever growing threat to America. And just like with Japan just prior to Pearl Harbor, we will wake up too late.

in reference to:

"A U.S. Navy admiral expressed new concern Friday over China's military buildup and urged Beijing to be clearer about its intentions.With China's military growing at an "unprecedented rate" — spending was up almost 15 percent in the 2009 budget — the U.S. wants to ensure that expansion doesn't destabilize the region, Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan told reporters on a visit to the Chinese territory of Hong Kong."When we see a military growing at that rate, we're interested in transparency and the understanding of the uses of that military," said Donegan, commander of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier strike group, a key part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.Donegan's comments come as a top Chinese general visits the United States on a mission to strengthen trust between the two militaries and dispel U.S. concerns about the growth of the People's Liberation Army."
- Newsvine - US admiral concerned about China military buildup (view on Google Sidewiki)

Larry David Urinates on Pic of Jesus in "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

Typical Hollywood vulgarity. What if the picture was of a Menorah? Where would've been outrage and denunciations; screams of anti-semitism.

in reference to:

"Here's a story that makes you realize what "multi-cultural" really means! Hey, no peeing on a picture of Moses or Rabbi Hillel, but there is this other Jewish fella that you're allowed to mock to what end? 
I don't know the end, or, perhaps, I don't understand the end. This stuff forever baffles me, man of explanations. Not that this cannot be explained. I mean the explanation is obvious. The problem is the disappointment I feel about human nature and its capacity to make exceptions for its own glaring weakness and vices, viewed narcissisticly as "virtues" of "outspokenness"!
Here, Larry David expresses his real feelings of contempt for Christianity, even if the US, founded by Christians, has proven itself to be the safest country in the world for Jews to live in for the last two centuries, and while the US continues to be the country to safeguard, many would even say "indulge", Israel."
- Larry David Urinates on Pic of Jesus in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" | NowPublic News Coverage (view on Google Sidewiki)

NY Judge Mulls Bid To Drop LIRR Scandal Charges

This smells bad. Sounds like a corrupt system all the way around.

in reference to:

"A New York judge is considering a request to drop criminal charges against a longtime Long Island Rail Road employee linked to a disability pension scandal.

Nassau County Judge John Kase heard arguments Wednesday from defense attorneys seeking to dismiss a 49-count indictment against Fred Kreuder.

He was charged last year with official misconduct. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office says that while on duty, Kreuder was advising co-workers on the proper way to file disability forms after they retire.

His arrest followed revelations that virtually every LIRR employee who applies is granted disability pension benefits from a federal railroad agency."
- NY Judge Mulls Bid To Drop LIRR Scandal Charges - wcbstv.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Calif. Lobbyists Targeted In Sex-Tape Scandal

Another "pro-family" rightist caught in a sex scandal. It seems to be a growth industry, That's probably why Republicans spend all their time attacking Barack Obama - when their not busy being corrupt.

in reference to:

"A good-government group filed a complaint Wednesday with California's campaign watchdog agency asking it to investigate two lobbyists caught up in an apparent sex scandal involving a former state assemblyman.

Common Cause's complaint with the state Fair Political Practices Commission alleges the two women broke state lobbying laws by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with Republican Assemblyman Mike Duvall, who resigned last month.

Duvall was caught on videotape during a break in a committee hearing this summer boasting -- in explicit detail -- about sexual escapades with two lobbyists.

The 54-year-old married father of two had been hailed as a champion of family values by a conservative group that tracks lawmakers' votes on social issues."
- California Lobbyists Targeted In Sex-Tape Scandal - cbs2.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Video: Sam Tsui Performs Michael Jackson - A Tribute

This guy is very talented and creative. This is art that we need more of on youtube.

Video: 'Traitor Joe' Lieberman Exposed by Rachel Maddow

See the video and judge for yourself whether Lieberman is a weasel. Bought and paid for by the health care industry:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Economy Zooms to 3.5% Rate in 3rd Quarter

This is good news. But is it enough? Economic growth, as measured by GDP, is the most important economic statistic for a nation. But it doesn't measure everything. And it doesn't tell you how it was achieved. Growth achieved by creating massive debt is no way to make an economy grow. Nor is done by allowing Wall St. to create a bubble that eventually bursts.

in reference to:

"The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes.

The Commerce Department's report Thursday delivered the strongest signal yet that the economy entered a new, though fragile, phase of recovery and that the worst recession since the 1930s has ended.

Many analysts expect the pace of the budding recovery to be plodding due to rising unemployment and continuing difficulties by both consumers and businesses to secure loans.

"We're beginning to crawl out a very deep hole," said economist Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. "It will take time to get back to normal again and there are questions about how consumers will hold up in the months ahead. But I think the recovery will be sustained."

The much-awaited turnaround ended the streak of four straight quarters of contracting economic activity, the first time that's happened on records dating to 1947."
- Economy Zooms to 3.5% Rate in 3rd Quarter - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Many girls 'damaged' by their mum's dieting

Another argument for healthy eating and plenty of exercise.

in reference to:

"Girls whose mothers are on a diet are almost twice as likely to have an eating
disorder, a poll of more than 500 teenagers found today.

Many girls say their mother has the biggest influence on their own self-image
and they feel damaged by the effects of their mum's dieting and views on
food."
- Many girls 'damaged' by their mum's dieting - Health News, Health & Families - The Independent (view on Google Sidewiki)

Iowa Republicans wince at Sarah Palin's $100K speaking fee

Sarah is cashing in on her celebrity. It's why she left Alaska.

in reference to:

"A conservative Iowa group’s effort to lure Sarah Palin to its banquet next month has had an unintended effect: Rather than exciting conservatives about the prospect of a visit from the former Alaska governor, the group’s plan to raise a six-figure sum to bring her to the state has GOP activists recoiling at the thought of paying to land a politician's speaking appearance.

The Iowa Family Policy Center’s effort to cobble together $100,000 for Palin would represent a striking departure from customary practice in the first-in-the-nation state, these Republicans say, noting that a generation of White House hopefuls has paid their own way to boost their party and presidential ambitions.
Were Palin to appear in Iowa on November 21st, it would mark her first trip back to the state since she spoke to a handful of rallies there last fall as the GOP’s vice-presidential nominee. She would offer powerful counter-programming to another major political event that night: The Iowa Democratic Party’s Jefferson-Jackson Dinner with Vice-President Joe Biden as the headliner.

But representatives from other Iowa-based political advocacy groups said they would never consider shelling out money for what many politicians see as a privilege: the opportunity to speak to a room full of sure-fire caucus-goers who often serve as precinct captains and can be instrumental to a presidential candidate’s success."
- Iowa Republicans wince at Sarah Palin's $100K speaking fee - Jonathan Martin - POLITICO.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

iPhone rival Droid set for US launch

I'll stick to my Blackberry.

in reference to:

"Verizon Wireless will start selling its answer to the iPhone - the Droid - for
$200 (£121) in the US next week as the company taps into the growing
appetite for smart phones that go far beyond making calls.

The Droid could help Verizon retain its status as the nation's largest
wireless carrier and contribute to a turnaround of its manufacturer,
Motorola, which hasn't produced a hit since the wildly popular Razr phone in
2005.

The new device also could give a boost to Google, which used the Droid to
unveil new mapping software that could challenge standalone navigational
devices, sending GPS gadget maker Garmin's stock plunging.

Verizon revealed details Wednesday after intensely advertising the device in
recent weeks. Verizon has been pointing out the features Apple's iPhone
lacks, such as a physical keyboard and the ability to run several
applications at once.

With its largest marketing campaign ever, Verizon is targeting 15- to
35-year-olds who are highly engaged with their gadgets for social
networking, blogging and other online tasks."
- iPhone rival Droid set for US launch - News, Gadgets & Tech - The Independent (view on Google Sidewiki)

4 Charged in Alleged Gang Rape of California Girl

We are seeing more and more horrible crimes committed by an ever younger population. I am happy that those who viewed the attack and didn't report it are being prosecuted. It should be done in all cases. As a society, we have a obligation to report a crime. Especially one as heinous as this one.

in reference to:

"Four teens could appear in court as early as Thursday after being charged in the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl outside her high school homecoming dance in Northern California.

The four — ages 15, 16, 17 and 19 — were charged Wednesday with rape and enhancements that they acted in concert, which could make them eligible for life in prison.

"These are people who played a significant role in the incident," Richmond Police Lt. Mark Gagan said. "I'm confident that more arrests will be made."

Besides rape, the 19-year-old, Manuel Ortega of Richmond, was charged with robbery and assault causing great bodily injury. It was unknown if he had an attorney.

The other three face one count each of felony rape with a foreign object. They were charged as adults because of the severity of the crime, Gagan said. The 16-year-old also faces robbery charges."
- 4 Charged in Alleged Gang Rape of California Girl - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Obama nomination of donor as envoy put on hold

Sounds like business as usual. Although probably have to consider the source of this scandal. This article is found in the Washington Times. But can we trust the rest of the mainstream press to expose the corrupt practices of this White House?

in reference to:

"President Obama's nomination of a major campaign fundraiser as ambassador to Spain has been delayed in the Senate over questions about whether the White House is withholding information from lawmakers about the abrupt firing of a government watchdog official.

The nominee, Alan Solomont, served from April until recently as chairman of the Corporation for National and Community Service, whose former inspector general, Gerald Walpin, was fired by the White House on June 10. Mr. Solomont, a Massachusetts health industry entrepreneur, helped raise at least $500,000 for Mr. Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and was among a group of top fundraisers, elected officials and others invited to a St. Patrick's Day party at the White House.

Mr. Walpin has said that his firing came because of his investigation into Obama supporter and Sacramento, Calif., Mayor Kevin Johnson involving the misuse of hundreds of thousands of federal grant dollars by a nonprofit group, of which Mr. Johnson was executive director."
- Obama nomination of donor as envoy put on hold - Washington Times (view on Google Sidewiki)

Stimulus jobs in U.S. overstated by thousands

Let's hope this White House isn't cooking the books. At the very least they are so ineffective in creating jobs that they feel a need to exaggerate the job creation record. It should have been the priority of this President upon taking office. It doesn't seem to be the case, right now.

in reference to:

"An early progress report on President Obama's economic recovery plan overstates by thousands the number of jobs created or saved through the stimulus program, a mistake that White House officials promise will be corrected in future reports.
The government's first accounting of jobs tied to the $787 billion stimulus program claimed more than 30,000 positions paid for with recovery money. But that figure is overstated by least 5,000 jobs, according to an Associated Press review of a sample of stimulus contracts.
The AP review found some counts were more than 10 times as high as the actual number of jobs; some jobs credited to the stimulus program were counted two and sometimes more than four times; and other jobs were credited to stimulus spending when none was produced."
- Stimulus jobs in U.S. overstated by thousands - USATODAY.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

DC sniper Muhammad set to die by lethal injection

It's obscene that it took 7 years to destroy this scum.

in reference to:

"The mastermind of the 2002 Washington, DC-area sniper attacks will die by lethal injection next month, Virginia officials said Tuesday. John Allen Muhammad declined to choose between lethal injection and electrocution, so under state law the method defaults to lethal injection, Virginia Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor said. Muhammad is scheduled to be executed Nov. 10 for the October 2002 slaying of Dean Harold Meyers at a Manassas gas station during a string of shootings."
- DC sniper Muhammad set to die by lethal injection (view on Google Sidewiki)

Joe Lieberman Threatens Filibuster, Neuters Senate Democrats. Again.

Are you a Democrat? Are you proud of your party now? They promised results if they had a "filibuster-proof' majority. Now the Dems spend more time fighting with each other on how or whether to reform health care. Why do Democrats coddle a man who is a well documented traitor to his party? Maybe because they don't care about party loyalty. They are interested only in keeping power. That leaves you out.

in reference to:

"If Harry Reid were Jerry Seinfeld, he'd probably be snarling the name
"Lieberman" through gritted teeth right now,  in true Newman-esque fashion.
The Connecticut senator announced this
afternoon that he'll join a Republican filibuster of the health-care bill
unless the public option provision is changed. In doing so he's effectively
cleared the way for other fence sitters, like Evan Bayh, Ben Nelson, and Blanche
Lincoln to do so as well, and avoid taking as much heat.

When Lieberman, who is technically an Independent, came back to the
Democratic caucus after deserting it in the 2008 election, he could have been
stripped of his committee assignments as punishment for his infidelity.
That's what any party who understands a thing or two about political discipline
might be expected to do. But we're talking about Senate Democrats here, so of
course Lieberman got a light rap on his knuckles. He lost his spot on the
Environment and Public Works Committee, but he retained his coveted position as
Chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. President
Obama was a key Lieberman supporter, encouraging Democrats to let bygones
be bygones. That was the heady aura of D.C. just 11 short months ago. A new
kind of politics. Post-partisanship. Change we can believe in and all that. But
Lieberman's actions today demonstrate that no good deed goes unpunished. I'm
sure many Democratic senators are wishing right now they could take that vote
over. They're probably reminiscing fondly about Ned Lamont.

Democrats shouldn't be surprised though. This is what happens when there's
no price to pay for disloyalty. What's Lieberman got to lose? He can spend the
better part of a presidential campaign trashing the Democratic nominee and yet
be welcomed back into their caucus. What's his motivation to start acting like
a dutiful caucus member? That would only diminish his now-considerable power as
both a committee chair and vote-hedger. To be fair, Democratic motivations
weren't entirely altruistic either. Forgiveness was probably less a
consideration than having an opportunity to exert pressure on Lieberman in the
caucus room, and count him among their 60 precious votes. Leadership knew
health care was on the agenda this year, and they would need his vote. Better
not make him cranky. Besides, Lieberman's most prominent splits with Democrats
have been over foreign policy and national security, where he's long been
closer to McCain's positions. On health-care reform, he'd probably be right at
home in Democratic caucus, right? Um, wrong."
- Joe Lieberman Threatens Filibuster, Neuters Senate Democrats. Again. - The Gaggle Blog - Newsweek.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

McCain exhorts Obama to make Afghan decision now

You lost the campaign, McCain. You should also try waiting till after the runoff before mouthing off. Then the President will have to make a decision. And it better be a good one.

in reference to:

"Sen. John McCain is exhorting President Barack Obama to make a decision quickly on sending additional troops to Afghanistan, saying U.S allies are nervous and military commanders are frustrated. McCain said in a nationally broadcast interview Wednesday that the war policy in Afghanistan "as been reviewed time and again" and that it's now time to act. Interviewed on CBS's "The Early Show," the Arizona Republican said the drawn-out decision-making process on Afghanistan "is not helpful to our effort" in the wartorn nation. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday that Obama will announce his next step "in the coming weeks," a phrase he has used before."
- McCain exhorts Obama to make Afghan decision now (view on Google Sidewiki)

Powerful car bomb kills at least 90 in Peshawar market

It's getting chaotic in Pakistan. Which is exactly what al Qaeda wants. Unless the situation in that country doesn't stabilize, Afghanistan is lost. Obama has a real mess on his hands.

in reference to:

"A car packed with 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives detonated at Peshawar's Meena Bazaar Wednesday, killing at least 90 people and injuring more than 200 others, according to a government official. Most of the dead were women who were shopping in the labyrinth of stores in the Peepal Mandi section of the city, according to North West Frontier Province's information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain. The flames from the explosion sparked fires at stores selling highly flammable fabric, causing some of the casualties, Hussain said."
- Powerful car bomb kills at least 90 in Peshawar market - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

US to pay Taliban to switch sides

How is this any different than the CIA paying Afghan officials to help our side? The NY Times might want to answer this question.

in reference to:

"The US military in Afghanistan is to be allowed to pay Taliban fighters who renounce violence against the government in Kabul.The move is included in a defence bill which President Obama is set to sign. Such payments have already been widely used by US commanders in Iraq, but it is the first time the system is being formally adopted in Afghanistan."
- BBC NEWS | South Asia | US to pay Taliban to switch sides (view on Google Sidewiki)

"A Drop in the Wrong Bucket"

More government buying votes with our money. And then sticking us with the bill.

in reference to:

"If you wanted to help the economy and you had $14 billion to bestow on any group of people, which group would you choose:

a) Teenagers and young adults, who have an 18 percent unemployment rate.b) All the middle-age long-term jobless who, for various reasons, are not eligible for unemployment benefits.c) The taxpayers of the future (by using the $14 billion to pay down the deficit).d) The group that has survived the Great Recession probably better than any other, with stronger income growth, fewer job cuts and little loss of health insurance. The Obama administration has chosen option d — people in their 60s and beyond. The president has proposed sending a $250 check to every Social Security recipient, which sounds pretty good at first. The checks would be part of his admirable efforts to stimulate the economy, and older Americans are clearly a sympathetic group. Next year, they are scheduled to receive no cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits.Yet that is largely because they received an artificially high 5.8 percent increase this year. For this reason and others, economists are generally recoiling at the proposal.President Obama’s own economic advisers raised objections, as my colleague Jackie Calmes has reported. Isabel Sawhill of the Brookings Institution told me she thought the idea was crazy — and then noted she was in her 70s. Rosanne Altshuler, co-director of the Tax Policy Center in Washington, says that the checks “seem to be pure pandering to seniors.” Indeed, the politics are attractive. People over 65 vote in large numbers. Saying no to them is never easy."
- Economic Scene - $250 Checks for Social Security Recipients Overlook Reality - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Report: Afghan President's Brother Is on CIA Payroll

This is an unpatriotic act by the NY Times. The only people who will benefit from this information coming out, is the Taliban. Why is it necessary for the world to know that CIA has some Afghan officials on the payroll? Doesn't this endanger the lives of Afghans cooperating with the CIA. What's wrong with the CIA having foreign government officials working for them. Isn't that part of the intelligence gathering process? Didn't we have Soviet citizens working for the CIA during the cold war? We are at war in Afghanistan. This report by the Times is a betrayal our country.

in reference to:

"The brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who faces a runoff election next week, is on the payroll of the CIA, the
New York Times reports, citing unnamed current and former American officials.The Times reports that Ahmed Wali Karzai
has provided a variety of services for the CIA for the past eight years, including finding recruits for Afghan paramilitary
forces that operate under the direction of the CIA.A CIA spokesman wouldn't confirm the allegations for the Times'
story.Such a relationship between Karzai's brother and the CIA could be a problem for the already complicated relationship
between the United States and Afghanistan's sitting president -- particularly as Karzai fights off the perception among some
in his country that he is a puppet of the Americans, as well as allegations that he is benefiting from the country's opium
trade."If we are going to conduct a population-centric strategy in Afghanistan, and we are perceived as backing thugs,
then we are just undermining ourselves," Maj. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, the senior American military intelligence official in
Afghanistan told the Times."
- Report: Afghan President's Brother Is on CIA Payroll - Political News - FOXNews.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Long Lines, Low Supplies Plague Swine Flu Vaccine

Are we seeing the government butcher another crisis...or create one? At the very least they are making it worse. We'll have to wait and see how bad it's going to get, if at all.

in reference to:

"A crowd of anxious and patient people began lining up at 9 a.m. today in Chicago outside a school gymnasium. It started small, but soon grew into a group of hundreds all waiting for one thing -- the H1N1 vaccine.

For six long hours they packed the hallways, spilling over into the gym. The vaccinations weren't scheduled to begin until 3 p.m.

Jennifer Viverito has been hunting for the H1N1 vaccine for herself and her 2-year-old son."
- Swine Flu Vaccine Lines Last for Hours - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Afghanistan haunted by ghost of Vietnam

The lessons have not been learned. And Obama is repeating the same mistake.

in reference to:

"While President Obama's war council deliberates its strategy toward Afghanistan, the ghost of Vietnam is often invoked as a warning. Afghanistan, U.S. and coalition forces have been fighting in Afghanistan for eight years and until recently the war had been overshadowed by the one in Iraq. In March, Afghanistan will become America's longest war, surpassing the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War, which cost 58,000 American lives, is the one most often invoked when U.S. troops are committed overseas."
- Afghanistan haunted by ghost of Vietnam - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Amnesty: Israel withholds water from Palestinians

How does this solve the problem? How do bring about peace, which is what we need in that region. All this does is create more hatred. Thus more violence. And you won't hear much criticism from the politicians and press in the States. It should be our business because the U.S. is blamed every time the Israelis engage in this type of behavior.

in reference to:

"Amnesty International is accusing Israel of pumping disproportionate amounts of drinking water from an aquifer it controls in the West Bank, depriving local Palestinians of their fair share. The London-based human rights group also said in a report released Tuesday, that Israel has blocked infrastructure projects that would improve existing water supplies to Palestinians—both in the West Bank and those living in the Gaza Strip."
- Amnesty: Israel withholds water from Palestinians (view on Google Sidewiki)

GOP turns to self-funding candidates

That's what we need, more wealthy people in Congress.

in reference to:

"House Republicans are increasingly turning to wealthy candidates able to finance their own campaigns — a plan that has both risks and rewards. It could pay dividends: The less time a candidate has to spend on the phone asking for money, the more time he or she can spend asking for votes, attending events and bolstering visibility."
- GOP turns to self-funding candidates - TheHill.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Recession's End Won't Stop Job Loss Pain

Maybe more of that bailout money should have been used to stimulate job creation.

in reference to:

"It's about to become official: The recession is over - but not the pain.

The government will release figures this week expected to show that the economy has awakened from its deepest slump since the 1930s and is in the early stages of a recovery. But the following week, the government will issue another set of figures expected to show unemployment continuing to rise toward and possibly above a clearly recessionary 10 percent."
- Recession's End Won't Stop Job Loss Pain - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Report: FBI not reviewing all of its evidence

Not very reassuring.

in reference to:

"An inspector general has found the FBI is still not reviewing reams of evidence collected in counterterrorism cases, and still needs more translators. Glenn Fine, the Justice Department's inspector general, issued a report Monday finding flaws in the FBI's translation and evidence review efforts. The bureau says the inspector general overstates the problem by double-counting recordings. The inspector general says since 2003, the FBI has not reviewed about 47,000 hours of audio files in counterterrorism cases—the equivalent of a single recording running for five and a half years straight. The bureau says the real backlog is only about a tenth of that, or 4,770 hours. The report says there are more than a million hours of audio still needing review in counterintelligence cases."
- Report: FBI not reviewing all of its evidence (view on Google Sidewiki)

Massacre, rapes at rally in Guinea premeditated

And whose to stop it? Where is the outrage? Who will be punished? What will be done? No answer coming.

in reference to:

"A U.S.-based human rights group says the Sept. 28 massacre by Guinean troops of at least 150 people and the rapes of dozens of women at a pro-democracy rally in Guinea were premeditated — and that rapes of kidnapped women continued for days."
- Newsvine - Massacre, rapes at rally in Guinea premeditated (view on Google Sidewiki)

Experts: Tigers fast dying out despite campaigns

Are we headed the same way? There is no indication that Humans are doing a good job in protecting the environment. This can only spell doom for this planet.

in reference to:

"The world's tiger population is declining fast despite efforts to save them, and new strategies are urgently needed to keep the species from dying out, international wildlife experts said Tuesday.
"We are assembled here to save tigers that are at the verge of extinction," Nepal's secretary of forest and soil conservation, Yuvaraj Bhusal, told a conference of tiger experts from 20 countries, including the 13 where wild tigers are still found.
An estimated 3,500 to 4,000 tigers now roam the world's forests, down from the more than 100,000 estimated at the beginning of the 20th century. All the remaining tigers are in Asia."
- Experts: Tigers fast dying out despite campaigns - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Statisticians Reject Global Cooling Idea

The naysayers keep trying to disprove global warming. It's like saying the Earth doesn't circle the Sun. They have to play with the numbers to prove their point.

in reference to:

"In a blind test, the AP gave temperature data to four independent statisticians and asked them to look for trends, without telling them what the numbers represented. The experts found no true temperature declines over time.
"If you look at the data and sort of cherry-pick a micro-trend within a bigger trend, that technique is particularly suspect," said John Grego, a professor of statistics at the University of South Carolina.
Yet the idea that things are cooling has been repeated in opinion columns, a BBC news story posted on the Drudge Report and in a new book by the authors of the best-seller "Freakonomics." Last week, a poll by the Pew Research Center found that only 57 percent of Americans now believe there is strong scientific evidence for global warming, down from 77 percent in 2006.
Global warming skeptics base their claims on an unusually hot year in 1998. Since then, they say, temperatures have dropped — thus, a cooling trend. But it's not that simple.
Since 1998, temperatures have dipped, soared, fallen again and are now rising once more. Records kept by the British meteorological office and satellite data used by climate skeptics still show 1998 as the hottest year. However, data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA show 2005 has topped 1998. Published peer-reviewed scientific research generally cites temperatures measured by ground sensors, which are from NOAA, NASA and the British, more than the satellite data.
The recent Internet chatter about cooling led NOAA's climate data center to re-examine its temperature data. It found no cooling trend."
- Statisticians Reject Global Cooling Idea (view on Google Sidewiki)

Missing Children and The Technology That May Find Them

Some solutions for protecting your kids. [This post is not an endorsement of any particular company or technology.]

in reference to:

"The VeriChip Company makes VeriKid, used in Mexico where they put scanners in public places kidnapped children may be. VeriChip was primarily developed to hold a patient’s medical information and it does not contain a transmitter and is not satellite-enabled.
Wherify GPS Personal Locator combines GPS and digital wireless technologies to pinpoint a wearers position within a few feet. Parents can view satellite or street map or call an 800 number. Cost is $800 and $30 a month to monitor. Parents lock the bracelet onto the child’s wrist, which could be removed by a perpetrator."
- Missing Children and The Technology That May Find Them | InjuryBoard Jacksonville (view on Google Sidewiki)

UN Food Agency Says 200 Million More People Hungry

With not much hope in site. The collapse of the global economic system has, and will, leave many casualties. It did very little to solve world hunger when international capitalism was "thriving" over the last 2 decades. So you can imagine what will happen now.

in reference to:

"Most of the developing world is paying more for food despite drops in commodity market prices during the global economic slowdown, with 200 million people joining the ranks of the hungry in the past two years, the U.N. World Food Program said Monday.

The agency's executive director Josette Sheeran blamed climate change, escalating fuel costs and falling incomes. She said the number of "urgently hungry" had now reached its highest ever — 1.02 billion.

"One out of six people in humanity will wake up not sure that they can even fill a cup of food," Sheeran told reporters. "We have to make no mistake that hunger is on the march.""
- UN Food Agency Says 200 Million More People Hungry - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Report: Meteorite-like object falls in Latvia

It isn't just in the movies. Meteors are a reality. And there exists a potential for a massive one to hit the earth and kill many people. Meteors are believed to have killed off the dinosaurs.

in reference to:

"A meteorite-like object has created a crater after landing near a farm in northern Latvia, the nation's official news agency reported. The object fell Sunday in Mazsalaca, leaving a hole of about 65 feet (20 meters) wide and 32 feet (10 meters) deep, Latvian emergency officials told the LETA news agency."
- Report: Meteorite-like object falls in Latvia - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Saudi king scraps flogging for woman journalist

It gives you hope and teaches a lesson. If pressure is put on dictatorships positive things can happen. And it looks like it was not governments that led to the decision to stop the beatings. World public opinion does matter, and should.

in reference to:

"The Saudi king has waived a 60 lashes punishment for a female journalist charged with involvement in a TV show in which a Saudi man publicly talked about sex, a government official said Monday.
King Abdullah's decision followed intense media attention sparked by Saturday's sentencing of journalist Rozanna al-Yami, who was ordered flogged by a judge in the western city of Jiddah.
Al-Yami had been charged with involvement in the preparation of a sex talk show and advertising the segment on the Internet."
- Saudi king scraps flogging for woman journalist - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

'60 Minutes' Transcript: Medicare Fraud: A $60 Billion Crime

Medicare is no model for health care reform as some Democrats are arguing. That's why real reform would mean replacing it with something that does work. Neither party will do that. The Medicare program is too popular, even if we can't pay for it.

President Obama says rising costs are driving huge federal budget deficits that imperil our future, and that there is enough waste and fraud in the system to pay for health care reform if it was eliminated.

At the center of both issues is Medicare, the government insurance program that provides health care to 46 million elderly and disabled Americans. But it also provides a rich and steady income stream for criminals who are constantly finding new ways to steal a sizable chunk of the half trillion dollars that are paid out each year in Medicare benefits.

In fact, Medicare fraud - estimated now to total about $60 billion a year - has become one of, if not the most profitable, crimes in America.

This story may raise your blood pressure, along with some troubling questions about our government's ability to manage a medical bureaucracy.

'FOX News Sunday' Transcript (10-25-09): Abdullah Abdullah

Read the complete transcript. Excerpt below:

Earlier we spoke with one of the two candidates in the Afghan presidential runoff, challenger and former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: Dr. Abdullah, there have been reports that in order to avoid a runoff with the possibility of more violence and more fraud that you and President Karzai might agree to share power, to a coalition government.

Is that a possibility? Or have you ruled that out?

ABDULLAH: No, I think I should rule it out, because I am ready to go for a runoff. I -- and what I am focusing at this stage -- to -- to provide the relevant institutions which sets off recommendations and sometimes conditions to ensure the transparency of the Afghani elections.

WALLACE: Let's turn to the runoff, which is scheduled for November 7th. There was rampant fraud in Afghanistan. Your supporters now say that unless there are changes in the election commission, which is run by Karzai supporters, that you may, in fact, boycott the runoff.

Is that a real possibility, sir?

ABDULLAH: So I'm not talking about boycott at this stage, though my supporters are pressing on that point, that if the state machinery a fraud, as well as election commission, which was unfortunately involved in fraud -- both are in place, and then both are working in collaboration with one another, perhaps we might have to go through the same sort of saga.

And that -- I am under a lot of pressure. But at the same time, I'm working with the international community on sets of conditions which have to be met. These are not conditions in favor of one candidate against another.

WALLACE: And if those conditions are not met, will you go ahead with the runoff?

ABDULLAH: No, I think some of -- some of the things which we will be putting forward are very serious issues. Without it, without considering it, we will not have a transparent, credible process, and it will be very difficult to convince the people to turn out and to show up, because the people are taking risk. And they are taking risk in the first round elections.

So it will -- it will make the situation very difficult if those conditions and recommendations are not met.

WALLACE: So does that mean that a boycott by you of the runoff, if there are no reforms, if there are no changes, is a possibility?

ABDULLAH: I don't want to give a message to our people so that momentum for campaign will be lost. So by that, that shows my commitment to the process.

But at the same time, I would say that it will be a very serious situation if we are up against the same sorts of conditions that we went through in the first round elections.

WALLACE: Dr. Abdullah, even with so many of President Karzai's votes thrown out, he still led you 49 percent to 32 percent. With him so close to a majority, do you really have any chance to win?

ABDULLAH: I'm sure that with the -- with the fate of the people (inaudible) on the process, there will be higher turnout and the people do want change in this country.

The reason that there was lesser turnout, apart from -- from the security situations -- it was also because of lack of faith on the process.

WALLACE: If Karzai wins, can he be a credible partner for the U.S. going forward?

ABDULLAH: I think there is a -- there is a record -- there is a record in the past few years. I think so far one of the problems for the United States and the international community has been the fact that the Afghan side has not been able to deliver, and the Afghan side has been led by Mr. Karzai in the past few years.

WALLACE: There is a big controversy here in the U.S., Dr. Abdullah, about when President Obama should announce the result of his policy review on strategy and troop levels.

Would you like to see him announce his decision as soon as possible? Or would you like to see him perhaps delay till after the election because whatever the U.S. decides could be disruptive to the campaign?

ABDULLAH: There is a need for more troops. There is no doubt about it. There are need in Afghanistan. And that's based on military analysis and especially by General McChrystal.

At the same time, when is the best time? Of course, even if the decision is made today doesn't mean tomorrow we will have troops -- boots on the ground. It will take time.

WALLACE: If President Obama decides to scale back on U.S. strategy and the number of troops that he sends, what is the danger that the Taliban will overrun the country?

ABDULLAH: The need for more troops is there in order to reverse the situation. If the situation is not reversed from deteriorating further the security situation, so the future of this country will be at risk, and the future of the engagement of the international community will be at risk.

So this situation requires a sort of dramatic increase in the number of troops in order to stop -- stop it from further deteriorating and reversing it. The permanent solution is in a road map that Afghanistan stands on its own feet in a few years down the road, troops -- number of troops could be decreased in Afghanistan, finally, and eventually will stand on its own feet. WALLACE: You talk about a few years down the road, which brings me to my final question, Dr. Abdullah. If the president commits to a full-scale counterinsurgency, how many more years will U.S. troops have to stay in Afghanistan?

ABDULLAH: I think this is -- this is very difficult to give a sort of time table for anybody, I think. But as long as you can see through a clear strategy that the situation in Afghanistan will be stabilized, as long as you can see that in that strategy, you know, with a sort of realistic analysis, so the issue of one or two more years, more or less, will not be the main matter.

Pediatricians Fault Media Violence and Sex

I've been making this argument for years. The have many studies that show the correlation between media and societal violence. This is only the latest. Unfortunately, this report will be ignored like all the rest. The usual platitudes about parents being responsible for keeping kids away from the TV. We are all responsible, including the amoral entertainment industry.

in reference to:

"Violence and sex in music, movies, television and video games pose such a serious threat to children and teenagers that the nation's chief organization of pediatricians wants doctors to do something about it.

A new study shows link between infants watching TV and language development.
"The evidence is now clear and convincing: media violence is one of the causal factors of real-life violence and aggression," the American Academy of Pediatrics' council on communications and the media concluded in one of two statements published in the November issue of Pediatrics."
- Media Violence, Sex Threaten Kids, Pediatricians Say - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

15-Year-Old Charged With Murder of Mo. Girl

Killers are getting younger all the time. That is a product of a violent culture and easy availability of guns.

in reference to:

"Juvenile authorities said Saturday that a 15-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder for the death of a 9-year-old central Missouri girl found in the woods two days after she went missing.

Police did not release the teen's gender or name and provided few other details about the person suspected of killing Elizabeth Olten. Cole County Sheriff Greg White has said the teenage suspect is not related to Elizabeth but was acquainted with her and is from the same area just west of Jefferson City."
- 15-Year-Old Charged With Murder of Mo. Girl - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Gunmen Kill Prominent Russian Activist

We are seeing the final days of democracy in Russia.

in reference to:

"A prominent opposition activist in the Russian southern province of Ingushetia was shot and killed Sunday by unidentified gunmen, officials said.

Regional Police spokeswoman Madina Khadziyeva says Maksharip Aushev died when several assailants sprayed his vehicle with automatic gunfire from a passing car. Khadziyeva said the attack occurred on a road in the neighboring province of Kabardino-Balkariya.

Aushev had worked with Magomed Yevloyev, a journalist, lawyer and opposition activist who was detained and killed by police in August 2008. Police said at the time that Yevloyev was shot and killed after he tried to grab a weapon from one of the officers.

Following Yevloyev's killing, Aushev took over his Web site which was critical of regional authorities and reported on abuses, abductions and killings plaguing the southern province."
- Gunmen Kill Prominent Russian Activist - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Byrd's Wise Warning: Afghanistan is the Grave of Foreigners

Byrd might close to senility. But he is right on this issue. He opposed the Iraq War from the start. The President should take the Senators words very seriously.

in reference to:

"Mr. President, what is really at stake for the United States in Afghanistan? We all know that Afghanistan is not a threat to us militarily. The Taliban is not a threat to us militarily. Al Qaeda, however, is a demonstrated threat to us with ambitions and a philosophy that must keep us vigilant. But the link between al Qaeda and Afghanistan is a tenuous one, based only on the temporary expediency of location, an expediency that has already been replaced as the al Qaeda leadership has moved, and may move again.

Building a Western-style democratic state in an Afghanistan equipped with a large military and police force and a functioning economy based on something other than opium poppies may or may not deny al Qaeda a safe haven there again. It will guarantee that the United States must invest large numbers of troops and many billions of dollars in Afghanistan for many years to come, energy and funds that might otherwise go toward fueling our own economic recovery, better educating our children or expanding access to health care for more of our own people. And yet there are many here in this body -- the Senate -- who believe we should proceed with such a folly in Afghanistan. During a time of record deficits, some actually continue to suggest that the United States should sink hundreds of billions of borrowed dollars into Afghanistan effectively turning our backs on our own substantial domestic needs -- all the while deferring the costs and the problems for future generations to address.

Our national security interests lie in defeating -- no, in destroying -- al Qaeda. Until we take that, and only that, mission seriously, we risk adding the United States to the long, long, long list of nations whose best laid plans have died on the cold, barren rocky slopes of that far off country of Afghanistan."
- Byrd's Wise Warning: Afghanistan is the Grave of Foreigners - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Baghdad car bombs near government offices kill 106

Sounds like the good ole days. So now we have a mess in 3 places in where we were involved heavily. This has serious implications in the future. And we have a government without a clue.

in reference to:

"Two powerful car bombs exploded in downtown Baghdad Sunday, killing at least 92 people in a powerful blow to the heart of the fragile city's government, Iraqi medical officials and authorities said."
- Baghdad car bombs near government offices kill 106 (view on Google Sidewiki)

Church janitor charged in slaying of NJ priest

What have we come too when priests start getting murdered.

in reference to:

"A janitor was charged with murder Saturday in the slaying of priest whose body was found in the rectory of his northern New Jersey church. Morris County Prosecutor Robert Bianchi said that 64-year-old Jose Feliciano stabbed the Rev. Ed Hinds 32 times on Thursday after the pair argued."
- Church janitor charged in slaying of NJ priest (view on Google Sidewiki)

Obama Declares National Emergency for H1N1

This is getting more serious all of a sudden. Obviously the authorities don't want to create panic. But we have to be vigilant. I personally don't trust the government to protect the American people. Do you?

in reference to:

"President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency and empowered his health secretary to suspend federal requirements and speed treatment for thousands of infected people.

The declaration that Obama signed late Friday authorized Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to bypass federal rules so health officials can respond more quickly to the outbreak, which has killed more than 1,000 people in the United States."
- Obama Declares National Emergency for H1N1 - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Who Murdered 7-year-old Somer Thompson

Another little girl abducted and then murdered. When will we get outraged that this continues to happen.
in reference to:

""Detectives searching for a 7-year-old's killer have interviewed more than 100 sex offenders living nearby, sifted through tons of garbage and combed the well-kept neighborhood where Somer Thompson disappeared.Missing child posters featuring the slain girl's face, framed by her thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her suburban Jacksonville home."

World's Most Expensive Embassy in Baghdad Needs $130M of Repairs

This one of Bush's most obscene non-achievements. It was intended for the permanent occupation of Iraq. But like everything done by the previous administration, it was a fiasco.

in reference to:

"It is the world’s most expensive embassy, costing more than $700 million and designed to withstand earthquakes and insurgents. Yet only nine months after being opened, the U.S. Embassy in Iraq is riddled with problems expected to cost more than $130 million to fix.

Nobody praised its architecture when it was inaugurated in January — think Milton Keynes on the Moon. The cube-like structure, topped with razor wire, is the size of Vatican City and features a supermarket and swimming pool. But the 2,000 or so Americans moving in believed, at least, that it would keep them safe and comfortable.

Not so. A report by a U.S. Government inspector-general yesterday pointed to staggering State Department incompetence. The structure, measuring more than 100 acres, and supposedly self- sufficient, is facing an enormous repair bill. Plumbing mistakes, for example, mean that the deputy ambassador has sewage-scented air blown into his residence."
- World's Most Expensive Embassy in Baghdad Needs $130M of Repairs - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Saudi female journalist gets 60 lashes for TV show

Is it any wonder this country is the home of 9-11?

in reference to:

"A Saudi lawyer says a female journalist has been sentenced to 60 lashes for her involvement in a TV show in which a Saudi man publicly talked about sex.
Rozanna al-Yami is believed to be the first Saudi woman journalist to be given such a punishment. The charges against her include involvement in the preparation of the program and advertising the segment on the Internet."
- Saudi female journalist gets 60 lashes for TV show - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

- Related Link:
Saudi Man Jailed for Sex Talk on TV

FOXNews, O'Reilly Transcript (10-22-09): Rove Accuses Obama of "Winging it All the Time"

Read the complete transcript of Bill O'Reilly's interview of Karl Rove. Rove responds to Gibbs criticism of Cheney criticism of the White House:

O'REILLY: The other -- you may be right. It's impossible to know that, but the other alternative would be that President Obama is just not up to making these kinds of decisions. He just can't make them for some reason. Is that possible?

ROVE: Well, it could be, but he made a very good decision on March 27th. I went back and reread that speech. It's available at the White House website. It's a pretty good speech. He makes a very specific case as to why we cannot allow a failed state to re-emerge in Afghanistan. Why support of the effort to defeat the Taliban in al Qaeda is absolutely essential. And America's security interests are bound up in it.

So you would think that he would then follow logically on with making the tactical decision to deploy the additional troops his commander says are necessary to achieve those...

O'REILLY: Well, he will. He will. It's a matter of when.

ROVE: But these guys are winging on. You know, I wrote a column earlier this year saying this White House wings it all the time.

Poll: US belief in global warming is cooling

We can thank FOXNews, the recession, and a campaign of disinformation for these numbers. The evidence of global warming is growing. Only ignorance and sinister corporate interests would account for conclusions.

in reference to:

"Just 57 percent think there is solid evidence the world is getting warmer, down 20 points in just three years, a new poll says. And the share of people who believe pollution caused by humans is causing temperatures to rise has also taken a dip, even as the U.S. and world forums gear up for possible action against climate change."
- Poll: US belief in global warming is cooling  | ajc.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Man shot on New Brunswick street after asking for cigarette

This is the kind of jungle created by dysfunctional individuals walking around with guns. And to think they want to allow people to walk into bars with loaded guns - legally. The worst of all worlds.

in reference to:

"A 56-year-old man told New Brunswick police he stopped another man on a city street to ask for a cigarette, but instead the man shot him."
- Man shot on New Brunswick street after asking for cigarette | New Jersey Real-Time News - - NJ.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

'Another Pre-Existing Condition: Rape'

Christina Turner feared that she might have been sexually assaulted after two men slipped her a knockout drug. She thought she was taking proper precautions when her doctor prescribed a month's worth of anti-AIDS medicine.

Only later did she learn that she had made herself all but uninsurable.
- source: http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/E1-DO7UtkKs/-Another-Pre-Existing-Condition:-Rape

Key House Committee Votes to Create Consumer Agency

Lets hope it doesn't end up being another SEC. Which did nothing to prevent the fraud on Wall St. that gives us the likes of Bernie Madoff.

in reference to:

"A key House panel voted Thursday to create a new federal agency to police financial products offered to U.S. consumers, advancing a key part of the White House's proposed overhaul of financial rules.
The House Financial Services Committee voted 39 to 29 to create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, which would have broad reach to examine and punish companies ranging from one-room payday loan stores to huge banks like Bank of America Corp.
Lawmakers made several significant changes to the White House's original proposal during a week of debate, particularly in response to intense lobbying from business groups. For example, they voted overwhelmingly to exempt automobile dealerships from any scrutiny by the new agency, a major win for dealerships that rake in high fees from auto financing. That change may not make it into any final version of the legislation."
- Key House Committee Votes to Create Consumer Agency - WSJ.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Clinton cites nuke worry; panel fears bio attack

We've already been attacked by biological weapons. The Anthrax attacks were carried out by al Qaeda. The problem is that the clueless FBI hasn't realized it yet. Which increases the likelihood that it will happen again. But this time it might kill hundreds, if not thousands, rather than the handful that died right after September 11th.

in reference to:

"Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday warned of dire consequences from the spread of nuclear weapons, while a special U.S. panel asserted that the more worrisome and urgent threat is terrorists attacking the United States or its allies with biological weapons."
- My Way News - Clinton cites nuke worry; panel fears bio attack (view on Google Sidewiki)

Kidman: Hollywood probably contributes to violence

Finally someone in Hollywood admits that the industry is a cesspool. The film and entertainment industry are prime culprit in the amount violence we face in our society. Whatever happened to social conservatives on this topic. They used to be outspoken.

in reference to:

"Nicole Kidman conceded Wednesday that Hollywood has probably contributed to violence against women by portraying them as weak sex objects.
The Oscar-winning actress said she is not interested in those kinds of demeaning roles, adding that the movie industry also has made an effort to contribute to solutions for ending the violence.
Kidman testified before a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee that is considering legislation to address violence against women overseas through humanitarian relief efforts and grants to local organizations working on the problem.
Asked by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., if the movie industry has "played a bad role," Kidman said "probably," but quickly added that she herself doesn't."
- My Way News - Kidman: Hollywood probably contributes to violence (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cheney accuses Obama of 'libel' against CIA interrogators

I bet Cheney doesn't sue. Or anyone else, for that matter. Because then the true would come out. And the torturers, and their supporters, will look pretty bad. If I were Cheney I would keep my mouth shut. All he does bring attention to his miserable administration. And I'm sure Republicans want Cheney to disappear.

in reference to:

"Cheney accuses Obama of 'libel' against CIA interrogators"
- Cheney accuses Obama of 'libel' against CIA interrogators - The Back Story - Washington Times (view on Google Sidewiki)

New Unemployment Claims Rise More Than Expected to 531,000

This might not be happening if this government concerned itself with job creation directly. Rather than supporting the trickle down theory of economics. Which believes that stuffing the faces of the rich that what ever falls off the table will go to the rest of us. If something isn't done soon the Congress and President will have to deal with an angry American people. Whom are seeing their tax dollars going to propping up the very same people that brought near disaster to the economy, causing the losses of millions of jobs.

in reference to:

"The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week,
after falling in five of the past six weeks, as employers remain reluctant to hire even with the economy showing signs of
recovery.The Labor Department said Thursday that new jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 531,000 last week,
from an upwardly revised 520,000 the previous week. Wall Street economists had expected only a slight increase, according
to Thomson Reuters."
- New Unemployment Claims Rise More Than Expected to 531,000 - Political News - FOXNews.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Gov't will Cut Executive Pay at Bailed Out Companies

This shouldn't have gotten to this point in the first place. The emphasis should have been on getting the money back with interest. If these banks and firms want to pay themselves ridiculous salaries go ahead. As long as we get repaid. But this government, is the pawn of big business. They will do that which is best for Wall St., not Main St.

in reference to:

"The White House's executive pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg, is expected to announce executive pay cuts at seven of the largest companies receiving significant federal bailout money – cuts that would slash top salaries by 90 percent, reports CBS News"
- TARP Watchdog: Execs Can't "Party on Like It's 2007" - Econwatch - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

ABC Video: Exercise Makes you Smarter

Up to 10 percent. Right after the exericse. And doesn't require running a marathon. Moderate to vigorous.

in reference to: Raising Your IQ on the Treadmill - ABC News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Experts Worry as Population and Hunger Grow

This is the price of globalism. International capitalism had an orgy and left out the great vast population. Now that this system has nearly collapsed, the poorest in the world now suffer even more. This issue isn't overpopulation. The ultimate solution is education. The immediate solution is investment in these countries. That was supposed to be what the World Bank was for. Investment should create industries that provide jobs. Those industries should then have markets, thus leading to trade. None of that is being done other than in China, and a few others.

in reference to:

"Experts Worry as Population and Hunger Grow"
- Food Experts Worry as World Population and Hunger Grow - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Video: Dylan Ratigan: Big Banks Using Our Money to Pay Themselves Large Bonuses

Dylan Ratigan is one of the very few media personalities denouncing the looting profiteering going on with Wall St. This video shows how. You can watch Ratigan every weekday at 9am on MSNBC.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

World failing to dent heroin trade, U.N. warns

And it's only going to get worse. It price to pay for a failed war in Afghanistan because all these years were spent fighting in Iraq. Now it's too late to stem the tide. So not only do we have to worry about Jihadist terrrorism but also narcotrafficking. This means before too long drug wars will be breaking out just as in Mexico, and just as in happened in America in the 1980s. And no one in this country is addressing this. No one.

in reference to:

"World failing to dent heroin trade, U.N. warns"
- World failing to dent heroin trade, U.N. warns - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Woman recants story of West Virginia abuse

The system failed again. If true, innocent went to jail. But what about the press? Why didn't they ask questions? Are were they convicted by the press? And why did these people plead guilty? Were they coerced? This is the Duke case all over again. And again it was white people falsely accused. The press is quick to believe false allegations. The converse has been also true as well. This is example of a failed criminal justice system that does not work. It is also a product of racial division, and people willing believe that racial violence occurred even when its made up. We should be more skeptical and ask questions next time someone cries wolfe.

in reference to:

"A 22-year-old woman whose claims that she was abused in a trailer in rural West Virginia in 2007 helped send six people to prison now says she made up the story, her lawyer said Wednesday."
- Woman recants story of West Virginia abuse - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Keith Olbermann 'Countdown' Transcript (10-20-09)

Complete transcript. Excerpt below:

SEN. HARRY REID (D), MAJORITY LEADER: We are learning toward talking about a public option.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OLBERMANN: Why the endless pussyfooting around? Our guest: Congressman Anthony Weiner.

Medical bankruptcy: We`re going to let people go broke trying to save their children from things like cystic fibrosis. At least we can make it easier for them to file for bankruptcy to save families, like the Burns, who are getting 60 collection calls a day in the E.R. because they could not go bankrupt past enough.

We`re joined by the chairman of the Senate subcommittee on administrative oversight, Sheldon Whitehouse -- to whom Elizabeth Edwards also testified.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ELIZABETH EDWARDS, JOHN EDWARD`S WIFE: I sit in a chemotherapy chair once every few weeks and listen to people wondering how they`re going to pay for the kinds of care that they -- that they need in order to stay alive.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

OLBERMANN: The White House versus the evil empire: Now, two fronts are open. Press Secretary Gibbs on how FOX noise differs from news networks. "You and I should watch sometime around 9:00 tonight or 5:00 in the afternoon."

But the less obvious influence of FOX`s opinion shows has side doors through which to push phony news stories onto their supposed non-opinion shows and then into the real news media. Like, all the TV networks get together to do special theme weekend dramas and sitcoms on volunteering. Or, as Lonesome Roads put it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GLENN BECK, FOX NEWS HOST: It`s almost like we`re living in Mao`s China right now.

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OLBERMANN: Uh-huh?

And the reality show Richard Heene was publicity-stunting in hopes of getting, he had already written a theme song.

(MUSIC)

OLBERMANN: Michael Musto on the American family Heene.

All that and more -- now on COUNTDOWN.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is fantastic!

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OLBERMANN: Good evening from New York.

The day after a new poll confirmed not only that do most Americans want a public option, but that most Americans want a public option even if not a single Republican would vote for it.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is asked about the public option -- and in our fifth story tonight: He gets cute about it while Americans are going bankrupt, dying.

But first, the new poll as Reid, Senators Chris Dodd and Max Baucus continued to hash out with the White House whether the Senate`s final health care bill will or will not include the public option. A new "Washington Post"/ABC News poll echoes the findings of an earlier one from Daily Kos/Research 2000 that we had discussed on this news hour, namely, Americans want a public option. Fifty-seven percent, more than elected Mr. Obama, want a public option; 36 percent, more than one out of three Americans, strongly want the public option.

Support up five points since the Republicans went on a town hall rampage against the public option on August. The numbers strongly opposed is down four points.

And bad news from Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, to whom Mr. Obama and Mr. Reid have granted considerable say in this process in hopes of winning her vote, despite her opposition along with every other Republican to the public option -- most Americans would rather have a public option than Senator Snowe`s vote for a plan without a public option. Fifty-one percent preferring a totally partisan, Democratic-only bill; only 37 percent of the country is saying, no sacrifice the public option to win some kind of bipartisan support.

And to all those who treat as axiomatic, the notion that Americans consider health care reform too much government, this wake up call, only 42 percent of the country thinks it`s too much. Fifty-five percent, the clear majority, say it is just right or not enough.

Nevertheless, when Mr. Reid was asked today whether talks are leaning toward a public option, he first joked that they are leaning about a public option -- whatever that was supposed to mean -- and then that they are leaning toward talking about it.

Rachel Maddow Show Transcript (10-20-09)

Complete transcript. Excerpt below:

MADDOW: Is what we`re witnessing in this one race in Upstate New York -- is it the tea party movement flexing its electoral muscles? Is that how we should see this?

WEIGEL: It absolutely is. The Dick Armey-Newt Gingrich split, I think, it`s the most telling thing about this race. Dick Armey has been aligned with the tea party movement since the inception, since they split - - since conservatives reject the Republicans who voted for TARP.

And I -- "The Weekly Standard`s" role is the most interesting part to me, though, because this is a magazine that nine years ago was backing John McCain for president as a sort of center-left challenge to the Republican Party. Now, they are backing the third party, the conservative candidate, and it`s in alignment with the tea party movement. They`re saying that the Republican Party must not be allowed to come back to power with moderate candidate. They must -- if they come back to power, be pure candidates approved with Dick Armey`s rubber stamp and with the right statements on card check and ACORN and all the other litmus tests that have been created over this last year.

MADDOW: What are the forces that are weighing in against the Republican Party from the right here? There`s Dick Armey. There`s "The Weekly Standard." It seems to me like there aren`t a lot of local divisions that parallel the national division here. It sort of seems to me like this is a who`s who of national conservative movement figures coming in and kind of big-footing this race.

WEIGEL: Well, that`s the way -- that`s the way it looks. I mean, in D.C., I remember when Scozzafava was announced as the candidate, and the first Republicans I talked to said it`s over. The Republican activists who knew about this said it was over.

But in the district, tea party activists are just working the phones getting local Republicans to diss her. The chairman of the Oneida County Republican Party spoke to one of the original tea party organizers, this guy, Michael Patrick Leahy and said, "I`ve already written the race off. We lost this from the get-go. The conservative party can`t be allowed to run our situation."

It`s a very organic fight. I mean, as much as national conservatives are organizing around this, the tea parties have always, you know, pounded their chests about independents and not Republican Party pawns. And this is the -- this is the most extreme case you`ve seen of that. They`re willing to make a Republican go down with the ship, locally and nationally, if it proves the conservative movement is independent.

MADDOW: Well, what do you think the national waves of this would be? I mean, local Republicans in this district thought they needed a moderate Republican to win in this district. If conservatives -- whether they`d be local, as you point out, or national, as we`re also seeing -- if conservatives force that moderate Republican candidate out of the race who local Republicans chose, what`s the -- what are the ripples? What`s the impact nationally?

WEIGEL: Republicans are pretty confident that they`ve going to win the Virginia governor`s race. They`re going to sweep in Virginia, they think. So, they are ready to spin the day after the election that conservatism won.

If a Democrat picks up that seat in New York, they`re going to say, "Well, look at the conservative vote plus the Republican vote. And then look at Bob McDonald in Virginia and maybe look at this election result in Maine."

I mean, they view this as almost a free vote because if a Republican wins the race, all people who endorse the conservative party candidate tell me they are ready to go and mount a primary challenge to her. She`d be spending 10 months as an incumbent member of Congress, getting beaten up by Michelle Malkin, by Dick Armey, by all these people, having trouble getting Republicans in Congress to endorse her.

I mean, the message -- this is not so much a campaign about electing a congressman. It`s part of the cause. In the run for 2010, they`re willing to throw this Republican under the bus if it makes the point that the Republican Party cannot be allowed to send moderate liberals, supporters of abortion rights to Congress.

Abuse report: 10,440 children died 2001-07

Shameful!

in reference to:

"More than 10,000 children died from abuse or neglect in the United States from 2001 through 2007, a report released today says.
The U.S. death rate is more than double the rate in France, Canada, Japan, Germany, Great Britain and Italy, countries that have less teen pregnancy, violent crime and poverty, according to the report by the Every Child Matters Education Fund, a non-partisan advocacy group."
- Abuse report: 10,440 children died 2001-07 - USATODAY.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Quagmire in Afghanistan gets Deeper

The situation is so bad in Afghanistan that the government has to be dragged kicking and screaming into the age of democracy. And these are people we are depending up to stave the Taliban. The enemy, in the meantime, has become an Fortune 500-type operation, or a Mexican Cartel, whom have taken to turning our troops into drug addicts as a strategy. And where are our allies? They are abandoning ship, of course. Making it even worse is the situation in Pakistan. The Taliban are on the march in that country as well. And with all of these problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan, we are still in Iraq.

Rush Limbaugh's Racist Remarks

There is much more. Tell me these are not racist, or at least racially insensitive.

in reference to:

"“We are being told that we have to hope [Obama] succeeds, that we have to bend over, grab the ankles … because his father was black.”
“I do believe” Obama is an “angry black guy.”
“[I]n Obama’s America, the white kids now get beat up with the black kids cheering.”
“Obama’s entire economic program is reparations.”
Obama is “more African in his roots than he is American” and is “behaving like an African colonial despot.”
Obama is “Halfrican-American.”"
- Soup | Anthony De Rosa - My racial views? You mean, my belief in a... (view on Google Sidewiki)