Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License in La.

This is a major story that isn't even on the front page of the NY Times. That this sort of thing goes on in America would explain why Republicans are using racism as a political strategy. We need to find out how this clown got to where here is. And how soon do we get rid of him. And we need to ask every Republican what they think of this judge. Let's smoke these racists out.

in reference to:

"A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.
"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way," Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday. "I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else.""
- Interracial couple denied marriage license in La. - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

6-Year-old "Balloon Boy" Story: Media Hits a New Low

I've never seen a more trivial story become a major news event. The Press/media has hit a new low. It including the interruption of regular scheduled programming in NYC about an event that occurred in Colorado. The early reports were about a runaway balloon that might've involved a 6-year-old. It turns out there was no boy in a balloon. Therefore, the press, including the NY Times spent a major amount of time covering a story about an empty balloon. So it might make ironic sense that the family involved in this possible hoax, are kooks.

"When the Heene family aren't chasing storms, they devote their time to scientific experiments that include looking for extraterrestrials and building a research-gathering flying saucer to send into the eye of the storm. In this ultimate swap, the Heenes swap lives with a psychic mom who speaks to the dead and can control the weather, her husband and her children -- who believe they are destined to be star," the promotional copy read.

Father Richard Heene is an amateur scientist and storm chaser, according to a 2007 Denver Post profile. He is a co-author of the Web site The Science Detective.

Here's a video CBS news. Katie Couric called the event "incredible." I call it pure sensationalism.

Watch CBS News Videos Online
The NY Times has this "story" featured prominently on its homepage.

For hours on Thursday, people around the country were gripped by television images of a homemade, silver balloon careening through the skies near here, whooshing over fields and trees and yards with a 6-year-old boy believed inside.

[...]Sheriff Alderden flashed two thumbs up and said simply: “He’s alive. He’s in the house.”

Asked about the possibility that the event was a hoax, he said: “From our investigators on the scene, by all accounts, the angst and anguish this family was experiencing was genuine and the relief they experienced when he reappeared was genuine. I can’t imagine he would have been instructed to hide by his parents.”

There was nothing on the front page on the what should have been the top story: a justice of the peace refusing to marry an interracial couple.

Burned Teen Michael Brewer Holding on to life; Prognosis Grim

We need to ask how our society continues to breed such savages. Until we answer that question our nation is in danger.

in reference to:

"Four days ago, Michael Brewer Jr. was celebrating his 15th birthday with his family, a happy teenager doing back flips in the swimming pool. On Wednesday, the slight, blonde-haired teenager was heavily bandaged in intensive care at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Burn Center, suffering from burns on 65 percent of his body. Gone were his eyebrows and eyelashes, along with most of the hair on the right side of his head. If he survives, his recovery will take months, say doctors.The Deerfield Beach seventh-grader was burned by five schoolmates who attacked him during a squabble over a video game and a bicycle, according to authorities"
- Burned teen Michael Brewer holding on to life; prognosis grim - Today's Top Stories - MiamiHerald.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Earmarks Sap Energy Chief's Priorities

Another promise not kept by Obama. Not that he could keep it. But those promises certainly helped get him elected President. Mr. Obama never had the power, nor will he ever have the power, to change this corrupt system.

in reference to:

"When President Barack Obama signed a spending bill for the 2009 fiscal year in March, he said he wanted earmark-laden legislation to be an "end to the old way of doing business, and the beginning of a new era of responsibility and accountability."
Congress, however, hasn't given up earmarks -- the term for seemingly parochial projects funded at the behest of lawmakers.
The Obama administration didn't request these energy projects; it has proposed eliminating many of them.
Critics of the proposals -- which total more than $400 million in the legislation nearing Senate approval -- say they threaten to distract the Energy Department at a time when it is trying to disburse roughly $37 billion that Congress approved earlier this year for fuel-efficient vehicles, a modernized electric grid and other projects."
- Earmarks Sap Energy Chief's Priorities - WSJ.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

More than 85,000 Iraqis killed in war violence, ministry says

And nothing to show for it.

in reference to:

"The Iraqi Human Rights Ministry said 85,694 people were killed from 2004 to October 31, 2008, in the violence across the country. There were 147,195 people wounded during the same period. The figures include civilians and Iraqi security forces but not insurgents and militias."
- More than 85,000 Iraqis killed in war violence, ministry says - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Keith Olbermann, Countdown Transcript (10-14-09)

Complete transcript. Excerpt below.

Insurance industry is a "cartel":

OLBERMANN: Good evening from New York.

It is a concept so elemental to American capitalism that any child whose played monopoly can understand it, the competition necessary for free trade prohibits by necessity, abusive behavior by any one firm or a group or firms, namely fixing prices, rigging bids or otherwise colluding to dominate and control the market. That`s why this country has anti-trust laws.

But if it seems to you that the health insurance industry has been allowed to behave outside of those anti-trust laws, that`s because it has for the past 64 years.

Our fifth story on the COUNTDOWN: The insurance cartel -- it`s not a nickname, it`s a real cartel -- it has finally occurred to the Senate that it might be the right time to do something about it.

The judiciary committee today is turning its attention to McCarran- Ferguson Act which has, since 1945, allowed insurance companies to dominate the market and reap enormous profits, that`s according to today`s witnesses to the judiciary industry.

Last month, Chairman Leahy, along with several co-sponsors having introduced the Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009. It would repeal the antitrust exemption for the health insurance industry.

The cartel itself, today, is claiming that the antitrust exemption allows it to keep costs down -- which might be a better argument if the industry did keep costs down.

Olbermann interviews Congressman Grayson on the non-health care reform:

OLBERMANN: Good evening from New York.

It is a concept so elemental to American capitalism that any child whose played monopoly can understand it, the competition necessary for free trade prohibits by necessity, abusive behavior by any one firm or a group or firms, namely fixing prices, rigging bids or otherwise colluding to dominate and control the market. That`s why this country has anti-trust laws.

But if it seems to you that the health insurance industry has been allowed to behave outside of those anti-trust laws, that`s because it has for the past 64 years.

Our fifth story on the COUNTDOWN: The insurance cartel -- it`s not a nickname, it`s a real cartel -- it has finally occurred to the Senate that it might be the right time to do something about it.

The judiciary committee today is turning its attention to McCarran- Ferguson Act which has, since 1945, allowed insurance companies to dominate the market and reap enormous profits, that`s according to today`s witnesses to the judiciary industry.

Last month, Chairman Leahy, along with several co-sponsors having introduced the Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2009. It would repeal the antitrust exemption for the health insurance industry.

The cartel itself, today, is claiming that the antitrust exemption allows it to keep costs down -- which might be a better argument if the industry did keep costs down.

Wall Street On Track To Award Record Pay

This is an utter outrage. And it is definitive proof that the U.S. government is in the back pocket of Wall St. If this isn't a call for rebellion on the part of American people against the two-party system, then I don't know what is.

in reference to:

"Major U.S. banks and securities firms are on pace to pay their employees about $140 billion this year -- a record high that shows compensation is rebounding despite regulatory scrutiny of Wall Street's pay culture."
- Wall Street On Track To Award Record Pay - WSJ.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Senate Takes Aim at Insurance 'Monopoly'

This should have been done sooner, and first. It could be the single greatest cause of what is wrong with health care in America. Let's see whether the Congress has the you-know-what to do anything about it.

in reference to:

"Democrats declared war on the health insurance industry this morning, opening hearings on a bill that would strip its anti-trust exemption.

“It’s something that should have been done a long time ago,” said Majority Leader Harry Reid, who argued that insurance companies have gotten so large, “they dominate entire regions of the country.”

“They make more money than any business in America today,” he said. “What a sweet deal they have.”

The entire insurance industry got the exemption in 1945’s McCarran-Ferguson Act on the grounds that it was not engaged in interstate commerce, and, federal anti-trust probes would interfere with state rules.

Unlike other industries, insurance companies are allowed to discuss pricing, territories and other practices that would be considered collusion if not for the exemption."
- Mouth Of The Potomac - NY Daily News (view on Google Sidewiki)

(Video) Report: Troop Increase may not be Enough to Stabilize Afghanistan

Explorers: North Pole summers ice free in 10 years

How much more evidence do you need to convince the global warming naysayers.

in reference to:

"The North Pole will turn into an open sea during summer within a decade, according to data released Wednesday by a team of explorers who trekked through the Arctic for three months"
- Explorers: North Pole summers ice free in 10 years - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

U.N Meets on Israel War Crimes Report

No need for an investigation. We all know that only Muslims commit atrocities. The Israelis are only victims of terrorism. That is why we must bomb Iran. Because only Israel can have the bomb. They are a democracy, after all. Therefore, the rights of Palestinians must be ignored.

in reference to:

"The Palestinians called Wednesday for global action to punish Israel for alleged war crimes during its military assault on Gaza last winter, warning that the credibility of the United Nations and international human rights law was at stake."
- U.N Meets on Israel War Crimes Report - CBS News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Video: Afghan Women's Freedom In Jeopardy

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Obama says he's looking at any way to create Jobs

I don't think the President has a clue on how to create jobs. Cash for clunkers is no way to rebuild an economy. Neither is trickle-down economics, which has been the norm for so long. Most jobs for example are created by small businesses. Why not give incentives to create jobs rather than allowing corporations to outsource them? Education is essential, but so is creating industries in the U.S. that employ workers. That would help stimulate the economy. People who work spend it on goods, which is what makes businesses thrive.

in reference to:

"Standing at the site of a highway project funded by his massive economic stimulus plan, President Barack Obama said Wednesday he is committed to exploring all avenues to create jobs."
- Obama says he's looking at any way to create jobs - Yahoo! News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Dow Jones Hits 10,000 Again

Is this another bubble? It seems too fast. And what does it mean if the rest of the economy, in particular jobs, not shown similar advances. More disconnect between Wall St. and Main St. And isn't it time for the government to help small businesses and workers the way it did big business.

in reference to:

"The Dow index of 30 blue-chip stocks flirted all day with the 10,000 level thanks to blockbuster earnings this morning from JPMorgan Chase & Co., and better-than-expected profits from Intel Corp. after the market closed Tuesday."
- Dow Jones average breaks through 10,000, then edges back down -- latimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

UN: World Hunger has been Increasing for a Decade

This fact is repudiation of the so-called boom of the 1990s. The global economy, thus big business, have been thriving during period - not the rest of us. The gap between rich and poor has been widening of over several decades. As a result poverty and hunger have worsened. Such a state of affairs has led to, for example, the rise in terrorism. And ultimately caused the stock market crash, as it did in the 1920s.
- Article source: http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/10/14//ap/headlines/eu_un_world_hunger.txt

Transcript: President Obama’s Remarks on Health Care Bill (10-13-09)

Complete transcript. Excerpt below:

Today we reached a critical milestone in our effort to reform our health care system. After many months of thoughtful deliberation, the fifth and final committee responsible for health care reform has passed a proposal that has both Democratic and Republican support.

This effort was made possible by the tireless efforts of Chairman Max Baucus and the other members of the Senate Finance Committee. It’s a product of vigorous debate and difficult negotiations.

After the consideration of hundreds of amendments, it includes ideas from both Democrats and Republicans, which is why it enjoys the support of people from both parties. And I want to particularly thank Senator Olympia Snowe for both the political courage and the seriousness of purpose that she’s demonstrated throughout this process.

Now, this bill is not perfect, and we have a lot of difficult work ahead of us. There’s still significant details and disagreements to be worked out over the next several weeks as the five separate bills from the Senate and the House are merged into one proposal.

But I do believe the work of the Senate Finance Committee has brought us significantly closer to achieving the core objectives I laid out early in September.

Most importantly, this bill goes a long way towards offering security to those who have insurance and affordable options for those who don’t. It reins in some of the worst practices of the insurance industry, like the denial of coverage due to preexisting conditions.

It also sets up an insurance exchange that will make coverage affordable for those who don’t currently have it. And, as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has certified, it will slow the growth of health care costs in the long term, and it will not add a penny to our deficit.

Police set up Web site to help catch a serial killer

We can do our part to fight crime. Visit this forum to participate.

in reference to:

"Her father, Thomas Lewis, recently posted a plea on a Web site established in September by the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office to draw attention to the killing of his daughter and the deaths of seven other women in the area. Police say the slayings may be linked."
- Police set up Web site to help catch a serial killer - CNN.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Democrats Take a Pass on Civil Liberties Reform

I'll say it again - there is no fundamental difference between the 2 parties. If this President, who is a decent man, is a sellout then there is no hope of change while the Dems and Republicans rule.

in reference to:

"While we were busy fretting about Obama's Nobel, the Democrats dropped the ball on reforming Bush-era civil liberties abuses."
- Democrats Take a Pass on Civil Liberties Reform | The American Prospect (view on Google Sidewiki)

Price tag for another 'stimulus': $20B

That money should go towards creating jobs, not paying people to be out of work. One way of doing that is investing in the crumbling infrastructure. People working is the best way of stimulating the economy.

in reference to:

"The Senate appears ready to drop about $20 billion for two pieces of economic stimulus that no one wants to label “stimulus,” in the form of additional jobless benefits for unemployed workers and an extended, expanded tax credit for homebuyers."
- Price tag for another 'stimulus': $20B - Victoria McGrane - POLITICO.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Bloomberg and Thompson Spar in First NYC Mayoral Debate

Thompson has no chance of winning in November. And he doesn't deserve to win.

in reference to:

"In general, the mood inside the museum’s auditorium — where 582 tickets had been handed out — was rather rough-and-tumble. Early in the debate, a heckler jeered the mayor, interrupting the discussion. And while Bloomberg supporters in the crowd tried their best to clap loudly when the mayor made a point, supporters of Mr. Thompson repeatedly interrupted. At one point, when Mr. Bloomberg said, “I’m not out there buying votes,” one man shouted, “Yes, you are.” The disruptions got to the point that Mr. Carter warned that the police might have to be called in to remove unruly members of the audience."
- Bloomberg and Thompson Spar in First Mayoral Debate - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)