http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/07/us-team-wins-vo.html
A team composed of researchers from two U.S. universities and a Canadian university won the $10,000-prize for best voting system at the VoComp contest held in Oregon this week. The winning team was composed of Aleks Essex and Jeremy Clark from the University of Ottawa, Stefan Popoveniuc from George Washington University, and Richard T. Carback III from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Although only four teams submitted systems to the first-time competition, more are expected to submit next year when the competition, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, returns. (Clarification: this year's competition was sponsored by NSF. The foundation hasn't yet committed to sponsoring another one next year, although Election Systems & Software -- the company awarding the $10,000 prize this year -- has committed to fronting the same prize at next year's competition.)
I very plausable option for future elections, though proabably not immediatly. It is also very interesting to think about the possible problems with a computer voting system. I highly reconment this one.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Vitter Effect
By now, Washington has grown accustomed to its sex scandals. In the capital, obsessed with Iraq and the coming presidential election, the news that Louisiana Republican Sen. David Vitter’s phone number had turned up in possession of a D.C. escort service created a relatively modest stir. The press dutifully pointed out Vitter’s hypocrisy; a devout Catholic who has been an outspoken moralist, he was a vocal crusader for President Clinton’s impeachment during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, accusing Clinton of draining “any sense of values left in our political culture.” Vitter swiftly copped to the transgression via an e-mail to the AP. After rumors of other dalliances began cropping up in the New Orleans papers (he denied them), Vitter grimly took to the microphone, his embattled wife by his side, and, in an all-too-familiar D.C. ritual, apologies for letting his wife, friends and supporters down, then told the world he was pressing on with the people’s business.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19852389/site/newsweek/
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Scandals in the White House has become so prominent. Vitter apologized for his sins, but should he really be released from guilt that easily? With a simple, alledgedly sincere apology, he can continue with his political career as if nothing was wrong and he holds no responsibility to the public as a political public figure. The belief of Classical Christianity is that people are frail and sinful, and make mistakes, but there is a saving grace as long as you admit your sins and repent. That seems a bit too easy to get away with their crimes.
Regardless of how Americans feel about sex scandals in the White House, as long as the politician has done a good job as a politician, then he should continue with his career.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19852389/site/newsweek/
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Scandals in the White House has become so prominent. Vitter apologized for his sins, but should he really be released from guilt that easily? With a simple, alledgedly sincere apology, he can continue with his political career as if nothing was wrong and he holds no responsibility to the public as a political public figure. The belief of Classical Christianity is that people are frail and sinful, and make mistakes, but there is a saving grace as long as you admit your sins and repent. That seems a bit too easy to get away with their crimes.
Regardless of how Americans feel about sex scandals in the White House, as long as the politician has done a good job as a politician, then he should continue with his career.
A Flawed US Election Reform Bill
sounds great: It's stated purpose is "to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot." Unfortunately, it sounds like the details have some devils, as usual. From the Bev Harris article Is a flawed bill better than no bill?: "[T]he Holt Bill provides for a paper trail (toilet paper roll-style records affixed to DRE voting machines) in 2008, requires more durable ballots in 2010, and requires a complex set of audits. It also cements and further empowers a concentration of power over elections under the White House, gives explicit federal sanction to trade secrets in vote counting, mandates an expensive 'text conversion' device that does not yet exist which is not fully funded, and removes 'safe harbor' for states in a way that opens them up to unlimited, expensive, and destabilizing litigation."
A little hard to read but great informaton on the bill. It points out many of its flaws and talks about the purpose.I found this one to be very interesting.
A little hard to read but great informaton on the bill. It points out many of its flaws and talks about the purpose.I found this one to be very interesting.
The New York Times vs. reality
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=7/17/2007&Cat=14&Num=001
The New York Times vs. reality
By Gwynne Dyer
The New York Times has been wrong on Iraq for so long that it has become a tradition, and they respect tradition at the Times. Its July 9 editorial calling for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq caused a great stir in the United States: “It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit.” But an “orderly exit” is not a real option any more, and in any case that is not where the logic of American politics leads in the short run.
It would still be possible to get the 160,000 American troops out of Iraq without scenes reminiscent of the U.S. retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea (1950), let alone the British retreat from Kabul (1842). There would be embarrassing TV clips as jubilant Iraqi mobs looted the Green Zone, but the token British force in Basra and the U.S. troops holding the supply lines up to Baghdad can still get out southwards via Kuwait, while the bulk of the American force could withdraw north to the friendly territory of Kurdistan and evacuate by air from there.
THis is a very interesting article on whether the US will just pull out of iraq after the next election or if that is even possible anymore. it also talks about the new york time calling for immediate us withdrawl from iraq.
The New York Times vs. reality
By Gwynne Dyer
The New York Times has been wrong on Iraq for so long that it has become a tradition, and they respect tradition at the Times. Its July 9 editorial calling for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq caused a great stir in the United States: “It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit.” But an “orderly exit” is not a real option any more, and in any case that is not where the logic of American politics leads in the short run.
It would still be possible to get the 160,000 American troops out of Iraq without scenes reminiscent of the U.S. retreat from the Chosin Reservoir in Korea (1950), let alone the British retreat from Kabul (1842). There would be embarrassing TV clips as jubilant Iraqi mobs looted the Green Zone, but the token British force in Basra and the U.S. troops holding the supply lines up to Baghdad can still get out southwards via Kuwait, while the bulk of the American force could withdraw north to the friendly territory of Kurdistan and evacuate by air from there.
THis is a very interesting article on whether the US will just pull out of iraq after the next election or if that is even possible anymore. it also talks about the new york time calling for immediate us withdrawl from iraq.
Utah Will Be Important In US Presidential Election
http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?storyid=19077&ret=news.aspx&cat=Politics
The Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson considers Utah as one of the important states that could create a major impact on the presidential election outcome. Richardson was in Salt Lake City last week to garner funds and endorsements from Rocky Anderson and Peter Corroon, who are the Mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County respectively
While addressing a gathering of Democrats at This Is the Place State Park in Utah last week, Richardson expressed hope that Utah along with certain other states would prove to be vital in his scheme of things during his presidential campaign.
THis is like what mr. austin was telling us in class about how they are already trying to get support in other states. :( i hope they come to california this year its me first year voting and ill be sad if im ignored
The Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson considers Utah as one of the important states that could create a major impact on the presidential election outcome. Richardson was in Salt Lake City last week to garner funds and endorsements from Rocky Anderson and Peter Corroon, who are the Mayors of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County respectively
While addressing a gathering of Democrats at This Is the Place State Park in Utah last week, Richardson expressed hope that Utah along with certain other states would prove to be vital in his scheme of things during his presidential campaign.
THis is like what mr. austin was telling us in class about how they are already trying to get support in other states. :( i hope they come to california this year its me first year voting and ill be sad if im ignored
Refusing to Lose
As public pressure to withdraw from Iraq increases, the president is losing GOP supporters in Congress. The senator introduced a bipartisan amendment to immediately wind down combat operations and instead have troops focus on counterterrorism, border security and training Iraqi troops. Collins believes her plan—broadly similar to others floating around Congress—will result in a "significant drawdown of our troops." Maybe. But military experts whom NEWSWEEK interviewed (among them senior officers serving in Iraq) suggest that for such a combination of missions to be done effectively, there would be little allowance for any reduction in troops. Given political realities, of course, adding troops is a nonstarter.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762057/site/newsweek/
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War in Iraq now seems like a lost cause. Obviously, Bush is losing the support of not only Americans, but Congress as well. The focus now should be to train Iraqis so we Americans can withdraw from the war. If a civil-war breaks in Iraq, the number of American troop casualties will continue to rise. There is no absolute right answer, but risking more of our troops is definately not one of them.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762057/site/newsweek/
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War in Iraq now seems like a lost cause. Obviously, Bush is losing the support of not only Americans, but Congress as well. The focus now should be to train Iraqis so we Americans can withdraw from the war. If a civil-war breaks in Iraq, the number of American troop casualties will continue to rise. There is no absolute right answer, but risking more of our troops is definately not one of them.
Americans appear prepared to elect either a black or a female president. But experience trumps both factors—and in a two-way race, Hillary Clinton lea
Could 2008 be the year that Americans put an end to an unbroken 218-year streak of electing white male presidents? Large majorities report a willingness to vote for either a woman or an African-American candidate for the office, according to the latest NEWSWEEK Poll. But those numbers drop significantly when respondents are asked whether the country is ready to accept a black or a woman in the White House.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623085/site/newsweek/
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Ideally, a President should be elected based on his qualifications, not by gender or the color of their skin. But in reality, that may not be the case. People are wired to be biased and to various extents, discriminative. I believe both Hillary Clinton as well as Barack Obama are sufficient in their experiences and abilities to run the country. Both are excellent candidates.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19623085/site/newsweek/
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Ideally, a President should be elected based on his qualifications, not by gender or the color of their skin. But in reality, that may not be the case. People are wired to be biased and to various extents, discriminative. I believe both Hillary Clinton as well as Barack Obama are sufficient in their experiences and abilities to run the country. Both are excellent candidates.
Changes in the EAC
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_ellen_th_070719_u_s__senate_bill_s__.htm
The name “Diebold,” when associated with elections, has come to mean “untrustworthy.” But terms that indicate “election dysfunction” aren’t wholly owned by Diebold. The name of another voting machine company, “Sequoia,” has come to mean foreign ownership of vote-counting software. “ES&S” has come to mean broken contracts, lies to election officials, and questionable federal election results in Sarasota. For those paying close attention, the little-known U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has come to mean incompetent, secretive, derelict in duties, partisan, and unduly influenced by Diebold, Sequoia, and ES&S.
An interesting look into U.S. Senate Bill S. 1487:
Escalating the Federal Control and Privatization of Elections. It explains what it is and what the current views are of the EAC from american people.
The name “Diebold,” when associated with elections, has come to mean “untrustworthy.” But terms that indicate “election dysfunction” aren’t wholly owned by Diebold. The name of another voting machine company, “Sequoia,” has come to mean foreign ownership of vote-counting software. “ES&S” has come to mean broken contracts, lies to election officials, and questionable federal election results in Sarasota. For those paying close attention, the little-known U. S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has come to mean incompetent, secretive, derelict in duties, partisan, and unduly influenced by Diebold, Sequoia, and ES&S.
An interesting look into U.S. Senate Bill S. 1487:
Escalating the Federal Control and Privatization of Elections. It explains what it is and what the current views are of the EAC from american people.
Top PLO body approves Babas' call for early Palestinian elections
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070719-1321-israel-palestinians.html
RAMALLAH, West Bank – A top PLO body gave its approval Thursday for President Mahmoud Abbas to hold new presidential and legislative elections, a high-stakes gamble meant to sideline Hamas militants but also bound to set off more confrontations between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas.
THis is a very interesting analysis of isreal elections, written from the us perspective. It is really informative and looking at the situation there very frightening also. I highly recomend this one.
RAMALLAH, West Bank – A top PLO body gave its approval Thursday for President Mahmoud Abbas to hold new presidential and legislative elections, a high-stakes gamble meant to sideline Hamas militants but also bound to set off more confrontations between Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas.
THis is a very interesting analysis of isreal elections, written from the us perspective. It is really informative and looking at the situation there very frightening also. I highly recomend this one.
World Leaders and Elections
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6906346.stm
He has only been prime minister for three weeks, but Gordon Brown is facing a key test of his popularity with the brace of by-elections that could either take the shine of his honeymoon or add to his "bounce".
It is an analysis of the new prime minister, but from the US perspective. It is really interesting and explains alittle how all the election stuff in the UK works. Also talks about the possible outcomes of losing two seats and Tony Blairs stance.
He has only been prime minister for three weeks, but Gordon Brown is facing a key test of his popularity with the brace of by-elections that could either take the shine of his honeymoon or add to his "bounce".
It is an analysis of the new prime minister, but from the US perspective. It is really interesting and explains alittle how all the election stuff in the UK works. Also talks about the possible outcomes of losing two seats and Tony Blairs stance.
Appetite for Third party Grows in the Us
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/16554
Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States believe their federal political spectrum needs a new alternative, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents think a third major party is needed, while 33 per cent say the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people.
THis is a very interesting article about third parties in the US. It made me think about whether someone could win a US election without the support or endorsement of a major party.
Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States believe their federal political spectrum needs a new alternative, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents think a third major party is needed, while 33 per cent say the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people.
THis is a very interesting article about third parties in the US. It made me think about whether someone could win a US election without the support or endorsement of a major party.
Senate panel votes big tax hike on smokers
WASHINGTON - Steady your hands as you light that cigarette and get ready for a 156 percent tax increase.
The Senate Finance Committee voted Thursday to impose a 61-cent increase in the 39-cent per pack federal cigarette tax. Four Republicans on the panel voted no; 17 senators including six Republicans voted for the tax increase.
If the full Senate and the House concur, it will result in more than a doubling of the tax on 47 million smokers.
The purpose of the tax hike is to help pay for expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which insures 6.6 million children and teenagers whose parents have low incomes, but who aren’t poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19827784/
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Increasing taxes on cigarettes by 156% to help pay for expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program might be a bit unfair. Some people might assume the tax hike is a way to try to discourage smokers from smoking, but regardless many smokers, or at least the most "dedicated" will likely continue to smoke. Cigarettes are obviously harmful to our health, but so are sweets and fast foods. Heart disease currently tops as the leading health challenge amongst Americans. What will congress do next? Increase taxes on all sweets by 200% to for the expansion of SCHIP, which indirectly discourage diabetics from heavenly donuts from Krispy Kreme and mouth-watering cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory? Where will the lines be drawn where we, the public, know when to save ourselves from our addictions without government intervention? What else will the government continue increase tax on?
The Senate Finance Committee voted Thursday to impose a 61-cent increase in the 39-cent per pack federal cigarette tax. Four Republicans on the panel voted no; 17 senators including six Republicans voted for the tax increase.
If the full Senate and the House concur, it will result in more than a doubling of the tax on 47 million smokers.
The purpose of the tax hike is to help pay for expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which insures 6.6 million children and teenagers whose parents have low incomes, but who aren’t poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19827784/
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Increasing taxes on cigarettes by 156% to help pay for expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program might be a bit unfair. Some people might assume the tax hike is a way to try to discourage smokers from smoking, but regardless many smokers, or at least the most "dedicated" will likely continue to smoke. Cigarettes are obviously harmful to our health, but so are sweets and fast foods. Heart disease currently tops as the leading health challenge amongst Americans. What will congress do next? Increase taxes on all sweets by 200% to for the expansion of SCHIP, which indirectly discourage diabetics from heavenly donuts from Krispy Kreme and mouth-watering cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory? Where will the lines be drawn where we, the public, know when to save ourselves from our addictions without government intervention? What else will the government continue increase tax on?
How Women view Hilary Clinton
The article in the New York Times spoke of the views that women have of Hilary Clinton. According the polls, many older and married women had negative opinions of Clinton. Also, although more widely known, Hilary Clinton has the strongest negative feelings directed that the other two democratic candidates combined. While gender does come into role, the polls showed that it would not affect the decisions made by voters greatly. Also suprisingly was the views of older women, who felt that they were not ready for a woman president. Another stated that Hilary had strayed too far from her party's ideals in order to be more embraced by the public. However, most do not doubt that Hilary would be a powerful President and make a difference in the oval office if elected.
I was astonished at some of the opinions stated in the article. Although I could easily understand the views that she is too conservative and might be changing in order for more votes, I could not relate to the women who did not want a woman president. If elected as the first woman president, this could revolutionize the fight for gender equality. Although, that should not be the main reason for voting for Clinton if voting, I believe that it is a great accomplishment that a woman candidate is being seriously considered for the job of Presidency.
I was astonished at some of the opinions stated in the article. Although I could easily understand the views that she is too conservative and might be changing in order for more votes, I could not relate to the women who did not want a woman president. If elected as the first woman president, this could revolutionize the fight for gender equality. Although, that should not be the main reason for voting for Clinton if voting, I believe that it is a great accomplishment that a woman candidate is being seriously considered for the job of Presidency.
Politics Kills the Video Star
It was safe to assume that by now there would be numerous reinterpretations of the abrupt, clipped-off final scene of “The Sopranos.” It begs to be manipulated, mashed-up and parodied by the video-savvy merrymakers of the YouTube generation. But who could have predicted that presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton would be among those with her own Web riff?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19337191/site/newsweek/
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Although campaigning via the internet to entice the younger generations by forms of social networking websites, can easily backfire. With a formidable candidate like Hillary Clinton, a youtube parady of a "Sopranos" episode might be little out of her political gaming arena. Hillary Clinton has already established a reputation for being conservative. A video showing how hip, personable and "with the people" via youtube might harm her political image. She should continue with the strong and formidable persona she has already established and continue to run with that strategy.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19337191/site/newsweek/
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Although campaigning via the internet to entice the younger generations by forms of social networking websites, can easily backfire. With a formidable candidate like Hillary Clinton, a youtube parady of a "Sopranos" episode might be little out of her political gaming arena. Hillary Clinton has already established a reputation for being conservative. A video showing how hip, personable and "with the people" via youtube might harm her political image. She should continue with the strong and formidable persona she has already established and continue to run with that strategy.
Obama's Voice Problem
Obama started his career as a community organizer, and he thrives when he's doing grass-roots work. It's his appeal, but it also exposes a potential flaw: he's running for commander in chief now, not city council, and Obama's aides are acutely aware that his approach doesn't always translate in a modern presidential campaign. His set-piece speeches are often received in respectful silence, not rapturous applause; his political rallies can turn into policy workshops. In his first TV debate, Obama seemed hesitant, uncomfortable with the time limits. ("These formats don't suit the style of a man who speaks in paragraphs," says a senior aide who, like other advisers and confidants NEWSWEEK interviewed, declined to be named talking about campaign strategy.) Though the ailment is easy to diagnose, the usual remedy—more stage-managing—can kill the candidate. John Kerry and Al Gore, the last two Democratic presidential nominees, bounced from one persona to the next as consultants tried to "correct" their personalities. Publicly, Obama hasn't shown signs of suffering from such whiplash, but the pressure to adapt will only mount.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999830/site/newsweek/
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Candidates should always reveal their true personalities to the public and not the personalities their consultants want them to portray. At the end of a long day, a candidate might not even realize who he is since he's been trying so hard to be someone else. A candidate can never truly be as honest and passionate as the image he tries to be. Acting as another person 24 hours a day can be as hard as trying to fit into a glove 2 sized too small; tiring and painful.
Hopefully, Obama remains solid in his political viewpoints and his own personality and avoid the artificial "winning" image his consultants wants him to adapt.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18999830/site/newsweek/
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Candidates should always reveal their true personalities to the public and not the personalities their consultants want them to portray. At the end of a long day, a candidate might not even realize who he is since he's been trying so hard to be someone else. A candidate can never truly be as honest and passionate as the image he tries to be. Acting as another person 24 hours a day can be as hard as trying to fit into a glove 2 sized too small; tiring and painful.
Hopefully, Obama remains solid in his political viewpoints and his own personality and avoid the artificial "winning" image his consultants wants him to adapt.
Mrs. Clinton comes back
This article in the New York Times talks of how Hilary Clinton is carrying her campaign. Despite what many thought, it is suprising that Hilary is being more of a centrist and conservative than what others thought. The article also talks about Clinton's ability to make peace with some former hostilities, while trying hard to beat Obama. However, with a steady campaign and a slogan "in it, to beat it" it seems as though Clinton will not have trouble beating the republican candidates so much as beating her fellow democrats. She has repetedly talked of her vast experience in politics and also hints that she will not make the mistakes of her husband.
I chose this article because as a mostly Republican student with dissapointments in the Bush administration, I was glad that a candidate, such as Hilary Clinton was running. Her conservative policies such as pro-life and strong education policies are what drew me to her. I always wanted a balance between the Republican and Democratic ideals and felt that Hilary is the closest person to achieve that in this presidential campaign.
I chose this article because as a mostly Republican student with dissapointments in the Bush administration, I was glad that a candidate, such as Hilary Clinton was running. Her conservative policies such as pro-life and strong education policies are what drew me to her. I always wanted a balance between the Republican and Democratic ideals and felt that Hilary is the closest person to achieve that in this presidential campaign.
Campaign silence belies importance of China
The reasons for silence on the political trail range from the pressing fact that U.S. soldiers are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan to the elusive nature of a competitive China that threads through issues such as the environment, energy, economics and security, analysts say.
"If you think ahead to the challenges the U.S. is going to face over the next 10 to 20 years, almost everyone would say that China is going to be one of those challenges," said Derek Chollet of the Center for a New American Security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19804035/
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Although China being a strong future competitor hasn't been voiced by many political candidates, hopefully, the issue is on their minds. China will undeniably be in the running for holding the title of No.1 superpower in the world in the next 10 to 20 years. We must consider China as a challenge, as an ally and/or foe. We must continue to build our relations with China partially in order to enhance our internation trade system.
"If you think ahead to the challenges the U.S. is going to face over the next 10 to 20 years, almost everyone would say that China is going to be one of those challenges," said Derek Chollet of the Center for a New American Security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19804035/
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Although China being a strong future competitor hasn't been voiced by many political candidates, hopefully, the issue is on their minds. China will undeniably be in the running for holding the title of No.1 superpower in the world in the next 10 to 20 years. We must consider China as a challenge, as an ally and/or foe. We must continue to build our relations with China partially in order to enhance our internation trade system.
support for next president
That would be President Bush, whose approval rating scraped new lows last week. Bush won't be on the ballot in 2008, of course, but throughout American history, outgoing presidents have cast a long shadow over the campaign to succeed them. And when a departing president has been as unpopular as Bush is now, his party has usually lost the White House in the next election. There's no guarantee that history will repeat itself. But the weight of experience suggests that Republicans in Congress and in the presidential race are vastly underestimating the challenge of escaping the undertow Bush is creating. If he cannot recover at least somewhat, or if the party does not separate itself from him more effectively — or both — the GOP may be dragged under.
i believe this to be very true. although i believe that bush has done some good things, i agree with the state ment that his campaign may some one limit the ability of success of the next republican president. just like we talked about in class if he was to sponsor a candidate he would probably oe hurt that candidate more than he would help them
i believe this to be very true. although i believe that bush has done some good things, i agree with the state ment that his campaign may some one limit the ability of success of the next republican president. just like we talked about in class if he was to sponsor a candidate he would probably oe hurt that candidate more than he would help them
Jerry Brown Has a Head of Steam
Since the Supreme Court ruled last month that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are pollutants subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency, individual states—led by California—have been pushing the federal government to restrict greenhouse gases emitted by cars, known as “tailpipe emissions.” On Tuesday, Brown will ask the EPA to allow California and 12 other states to impose their own stricter standards on tailpipe emissions—or else, he says, California will sue the federal government. Although Brown took office only four months ago, this is not his first environmental battle with the Bush administration: last week, California sued the administration in federal court, arguing that Washington’s fuel-economy standards for SUVs are too lax [the Bush administration believes the fleet average is sufficient—and points out that the president has ordered tougher standards for the future].
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18783412/site/newsweek/
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Jerry Brown is tough on the Federal Government, but he may be too tough. Brown should allow some time for the fuel-economy standards to gradually become more stringent. The government and public needs time to adjust to becoming more environmentally friendly. The environment being a concern to politicians is a recent phenomenon. Why didn't politicians care enough 10 years ago, or 20 years ago? Could an image of caring for the environment be for personal political gain because it allows them to be in the limelight? Possible. Sueing the federal government doesnt appear to be much of an incentive to propelling the government to speed up tougher green-house laws, but it sure does help Jerry Brown gain public attention.
ironmental concerns have recently been
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18783412/site/newsweek/
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Jerry Brown is tough on the Federal Government, but he may be too tough. Brown should allow some time for the fuel-economy standards to gradually become more stringent. The government and public needs time to adjust to becoming more environmentally friendly. The environment being a concern to politicians is a recent phenomenon. Why didn't politicians care enough 10 years ago, or 20 years ago? Could an image of caring for the environment be for personal political gain because it allows them to be in the limelight? Possible. Sueing the federal government doesnt appear to be much of an incentive to propelling the government to speed up tougher green-house laws, but it sure does help Jerry Brown gain public attention.
ironmental concerns have recently been
Small donors give big to Obama
Sen. Barack Obama relied on donors large and small to seize the lead in the presidential money race, and far outpaced his rivals by tapping people who give less than $200, his campaign finance report filed Sunday shows. The La time said that the Illinois democrat disclosed that Obama got $9.7 million of the $33 million he raised in the second quarter of 2007 came in increments of less then $200 a very large number that surprises campaign finance experts. Obama raised $58.5 million in the first of the year. I feel that this is unfair to the other candidates that do not have enough money to compete in the race.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/
Take That!
May 16, 2007 - There were moments during Tuesday night’s GOP presidential debate in South Carolina when you had to wonder: Are these guys running for president or merely aiming to be king of the one-liner?
After the somewhat mediocre face-off between the candidates two weeks ago at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, it appears some White House hopefuls have decided that comedy is perhaps the best route to gaining the momentum necessary to win the party’s nomination in 2008.
After the debate, Huckabee insisted his line, which prompted hysterical laughter and applause from the live audience in South Carolina, had been totally impromptu. "I just blurted it out," he told NEWSWEEK. "I just do that sometimes. I could just feel my wife cringing." Rehearsed or not, the line clearly helped Huckabee gain some priceless earned media in the postdebate coverage—no easy task in a crowd of 10 GOP presidential hopefuls in what has been the largely circuslike atmosphere of the debates. But Huckabee wasn’t the only one hoping to be king of the zing on Tuesday night.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18693434/site/newsweek/
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Impromptu cheesy one-liners and crude punchlines may be entertaining, but it sure doesn't bode well when political candidates are in a serious and professional debate. Or at least it shouldn't. When candidates are too busy trying to score popularity points amongst potential voters by trashing other candidates with unprofessional cheesy one-liners, when will they finally have the opportunity to deliver their political standpoints? Have we become a nation so engrossed in entertainment and quick laughs that something as important as selecting candidates to run our country come second to cheap laughs? I'd vote for candidates giving us the relevant information we need to make informed decisions over cheesy one-liners anyday.
After the somewhat mediocre face-off between the candidates two weeks ago at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, it appears some White House hopefuls have decided that comedy is perhaps the best route to gaining the momentum necessary to win the party’s nomination in 2008.
After the debate, Huckabee insisted his line, which prompted hysterical laughter and applause from the live audience in South Carolina, had been totally impromptu. "I just blurted it out," he told NEWSWEEK. "I just do that sometimes. I could just feel my wife cringing." Rehearsed or not, the line clearly helped Huckabee gain some priceless earned media in the postdebate coverage—no easy task in a crowd of 10 GOP presidential hopefuls in what has been the largely circuslike atmosphere of the debates. But Huckabee wasn’t the only one hoping to be king of the zing on Tuesday night.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18693434/site/newsweek/
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Impromptu cheesy one-liners and crude punchlines may be entertaining, but it sure doesn't bode well when political candidates are in a serious and professional debate. Or at least it shouldn't. When candidates are too busy trying to score popularity points amongst potential voters by trashing other candidates with unprofessional cheesy one-liners, when will they finally have the opportunity to deliver their political standpoints? Have we become a nation so engrossed in entertainment and quick laughs that something as important as selecting candidates to run our country come second to cheap laughs? I'd vote for candidates giving us the relevant information we need to make informed decisions over cheesy one-liners anyday.
Bush defends immigration proposals.
President Bush sharply challenged critics of his stalled immigration-overhaul efforts on Thursday, suggesting that failure to pass a guest-worker program could trigger a labor shortage in the United States. This portion of the presidents argument i agree with and i believe that him defending this idea is very assuring. The American people should not have a problem with him doing this and he shouldn't have to defend him self. At a town-hall style meeting, Bush also rebuffed a question about whether he would consider pardoning two Border Patrol agents in prison for the cover-up of the shooting of a drug trafficker in Texas. "No, I won't make you that promise," Bush told a woman who asked about a possible pardon. Many Republicans in Congress have said the men should not have been convicted and have criticized the federal U.S. attorney for even prosecuting the agents. Finally it looks like President bush is coming to the light, but it shouold have been sooner. It don't like the sound of his republican party though they sound bias and unfair. Everyone deserves fair punishment and Bush it Stessing that!
Us Diplomat Sees progress in Iraq
The top U.S. diplomat in Iraq said Thursday that Baghdad is making some political progress but faces considerable difficulty in the months to come to try to heal a nation long gripped by violence. "If there is one word, I would use to sum up the atmosphere in Iraq — on the streets, in the countryside, in the neighborhoods and at the national level — that word would be fear," Ryan Crocker told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Well that is good to hear that some progress is actually taking place in iraq, and it is our duty that Iraq fininshes healing. Then we will have sucessfully completed our duty of removing terrorism and despotism form the middle east.
campaigning over internet
MySpace galvanizes protestors to attend mass demonstrations; 1.8 million Britons sign an online petition, leading to widespread press coverage and government embarrassment; and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are fighting it out for the Democratic nomination on Facebook.
The Internet is now the focus for campaigners, marketers and activists, each claiming a slice of the virtual pie. We look at the impact of social networking sites on contemporary politics and ask, is the Web the new battleground?
myspace and internet sites like facebbok are more commonly being used by candidates to reach millions of idividuals for campaigning. i think that this is an efective source of campaigning but i believe that these sites should not be focused on campaigning because they will not function as a place for friends but a place for information on candidates.
The Internet is now the focus for campaigners, marketers and activists, each claiming a slice of the virtual pie. We look at the impact of social networking sites on contemporary politics and ask, is the Web the new battleground?
myspace and internet sites like facebbok are more commonly being used by candidates to reach millions of idividuals for campaigning. i think that this is an efective source of campaigning but i believe that these sites should not be focused on campaigning because they will not function as a place for friends but a place for information on candidates.
The Stumper Stickers
July 23, 2007 issue - Election season is taking over the front page, the evening news, and—sticker by sticker—the nation's bumpers. Like any ad, the logos of the '08 contenders are designed to sell a brand and subliminally play up a candidate's winning image. PERISCOPE sat with Michael Bierut, a partner at design firm Pentagram, to parse the good, the bad and the sans serifs:
Barack Obama"Obama is blessed with a name that looks good in type," Bierut says. "Obama's font is quite elegant and almost literary." While Clinton's flag is just a literal flag, this symbolic one "encompasses both the 'O' and a rising sun, signifying the hope of a new day—though a setting sun looks the same. Perhaps we're not supposed to consider that."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762070/site/newsweek/
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Are political bumper stickers and their subliminal messages really effective? In todays world accumstomed to fast-paced, immediate gratification, will people quickly dismiss the stickers after giving it their attention after a simple second? Or are there Americans who actually give the stickers another glance, another thought, and spend a few more seconds contemplating the meaning, whether or not subliminal, of the "O" in Obama's bumper stick and immediately signify the "O" to a rising sun?
Unless one already stands firm with a candidate of their choice, catching glimpse of a bumper sticker of their candidate might elicit a certain level of pride, but to the rest of us Americans, a bumper sticker might be just that, a bumper sticker.
Barack Obama"Obama is blessed with a name that looks good in type," Bierut says. "Obama's font is quite elegant and almost literary." While Clinton's flag is just a literal flag, this symbolic one "encompasses both the 'O' and a rising sun, signifying the hope of a new day—though a setting sun looks the same. Perhaps we're not supposed to consider that."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19762070/site/newsweek/
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Are political bumper stickers and their subliminal messages really effective? In todays world accumstomed to fast-paced, immediate gratification, will people quickly dismiss the stickers after giving it their attention after a simple second? Or are there Americans who actually give the stickers another glance, another thought, and spend a few more seconds contemplating the meaning, whether or not subliminal, of the "O" in Obama's bumper stick and immediately signify the "O" to a rising sun?
Unless one already stands firm with a candidate of their choice, catching glimpse of a bumper sticker of their candidate might elicit a certain level of pride, but to the rest of us Americans, a bumper sticker might be just that, a bumper sticker.
The Hardball campaign ad challenge
Between JibJab, girls gone political , and even the candidates themselves, the Internet is buzzing with Decision 2008 viral video.
If you've got an idea for the next great viral video ad, pick up your camera! Hardball's campaign ad challenge is looking the most creative entries about your favorite presidential candidate or the candidate you like the least.
Our panel of all-stars will name the winner in August.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19794173/
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Campaiging has gone viral! Running for a political position has never been so "hip." Campaigns have reached new platform via internet directly targeting the younger generation for their votes. With social networking websites such as myspace, friendster and youtube, something posted via internet at dawn can phenomenally receive thousands to even millions of hits by dusk. What an inexpensive, cost-effective way to campaign! The idea is brilliant in theory and mind-blowing in practice.
If you've got an idea for the next great viral video ad, pick up your camera! Hardball's campaign ad challenge is looking the most creative entries about your favorite presidential candidate or the candidate you like the least.
Our panel of all-stars will name the winner in August.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19794173/
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Campaiging has gone viral! Running for a political position has never been so "hip." Campaigns have reached new platform via internet directly targeting the younger generation for their votes. With social networking websites such as myspace, friendster and youtube, something posted via internet at dawn can phenomenally receive thousands to even millions of hits by dusk. What an inexpensive, cost-effective way to campaign! The idea is brilliant in theory and mind-blowing in practice.
Are you there God?
Christian bloggers think the savior will sooner return to earth than a religious Democrat will win the White House. Also, killer badgers terrorize Basra.
Are you there, God? It's me, Hillary: Time magazine this week ran a story explaining how the three leading Democratic presidential candidates—Clinton, Obama, and Edwards—are all rather outspoken about their religion. Metaphysics have been of greater service to some than to others, but all this liberal God talk has got Christians in cyberspace either doubtful of the candidates' sincerity or pissed at their cynical manipulation of faith-based politics.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170418/
I dont' think candidates should speak out and associate their religion to the public because it may oppose one's religious beliefs. Although it is embodied in the first amendment that people should have the freedom of speech, I think candidates would lose more votes when they associate religion into their speech and media.
Are you there, God? It's me, Hillary: Time magazine this week ran a story explaining how the three leading Democratic presidential candidates—Clinton, Obama, and Edwards—are all rather outspoken about their religion. Metaphysics have been of greater service to some than to others, but all this liberal God talk has got Christians in cyberspace either doubtful of the candidates' sincerity or pissed at their cynical manipulation of faith-based politics.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170418/
I dont' think candidates should speak out and associate their religion to the public because it may oppose one's religious beliefs. Although it is embodied in the first amendment that people should have the freedom of speech, I think candidates would lose more votes when they associate religion into their speech and media.
How to Go After Hillary
July 16, 2007 - Some politicians are inadvertently generous to their opposition, graciously sinking themselves so others don’t have to. John Kerry donned spandex waterwear and kiteboarded. Dan Quayle misspelled “potato.” Howard Dean emitted what may have been a roar. But Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton is not that kind of candidate. There’s a reason she hasn’t lost an election since she ran for president of the student council in high school. She does her homework; she doesn’t do gaffes. Anyone running against her would be wise not to count on an implosion. So if she won’t do herself in, how can she be beaten? We asked those who’ve run against her for lessons they learned trying to compete against such a formidable and careful candidate.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19791852/site/newsweek/
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Image is everything. Hillary Clinton clearly understands this maxim as she is always cautious to avoid political blunders whether as miniscule as Dan Quayle spelling "potato" incorrectly or as paramount as John McCain openly supporting President Bush's surge strategy when more than 60% of the nation is no longer in favor of war in Iraq, nor the President.
Hillary Clinton, a professional political chameleon, has changed her image countless times to fit profiles according to when it is suitable and advantageous to win votes. She voted in favor of the war and in favor of the now infamous President Bush when the majority of Americans were as well. Now she is against President Bush and againt the war? No problem! With a figure as famous and favorable as her husband, former President Bill Clinton, firmly by her side, who is to call her out on her on her unreliable, wishy-washy political stands?
The public needs to be enlightened of the agenda of Senator Hillary Clinton as well as her opponents. Only then will we be able to make informed decisions for the most suitable and most qualified candidate to run our country as President.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19791852/site/newsweek/
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Image is everything. Hillary Clinton clearly understands this maxim as she is always cautious to avoid political blunders whether as miniscule as Dan Quayle spelling "potato" incorrectly or as paramount as John McCain openly supporting President Bush's surge strategy when more than 60% of the nation is no longer in favor of war in Iraq, nor the President.
Hillary Clinton, a professional political chameleon, has changed her image countless times to fit profiles according to when it is suitable and advantageous to win votes. She voted in favor of the war and in favor of the now infamous President Bush when the majority of Americans were as well. Now she is against President Bush and againt the war? No problem! With a figure as famous and favorable as her husband, former President Bill Clinton, firmly by her side, who is to call her out on her on her unreliable, wishy-washy political stands?
The public needs to be enlightened of the agenda of Senator Hillary Clinton as well as her opponents. Only then will we be able to make informed decisions for the most suitable and most qualified candidate to run our country as President.
Bush threatens to veto insurance measure
President Bush on Wednesday reiterated his threat to veto Senate legislation that would substantially increase funds for children's health insurance by levying a 61-cent-a-pack increase in the federal excise tax on cigarettes. if;
The tax increase would be used to subsidize health insurance for children and some adults with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but not high enough to afford insurance on their own.
The renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, is considered by many to be the most important health legislation that Congress will take up this year.
"Members of Congress have decided, however, to expand the program to include, in some cases, up to families earning $80,000 a year — which would cause people to drop their private insurance in order to be involved with a government insurance plan," Bush said in a speech in suburban Maryland.
"If Congress continues to insist upon expanding health care through the SCHIP program — which, by the way, would entail a huge tax increase for the American people — I'll veto the bill," he said.
Democratic leaders called for adding $50 billion to the program over the next five years. Bush had recommended a $5 billion increase.
The tax increase would be used to subsidize health insurance for children and some adults with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but not high enough to afford insurance on their own.
The renewal of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, is considered by many to be the most important health legislation that Congress will take up this year.
"Members of Congress have decided, however, to expand the program to include, in some cases, up to families earning $80,000 a year — which would cause people to drop their private insurance in order to be involved with a government insurance plan," Bush said in a speech in suburban Maryland.
"If Congress continues to insist upon expanding health care through the SCHIP program — which, by the way, would entail a huge tax increase for the American people — I'll veto the bill," he said.
Democratic leaders called for adding $50 billion to the program over the next five years. Bush had recommended a $5 billion increase.
bush breaks law
This is not an easy letter to write, and I'm afraid it may be a hard one to believe.
By now you have probably heard the news that George Bush is using the National Security Agency to conduct surveillance on American citizens without the consent of any court. After initially refusing to confirm the story, the President has admitted to personally overseeing this domestic spying program for years and he says he intends to continue the program.
These actions explicitly violate a law designed to protect US citizens. But the administration says that other laws somehow allow for this unprecedented use of a foreign intelligence agency to spy on Americans right here in the United States. According to reports, political appointees in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel wrote still-classified legal opinions laying out the supposed justification for this program.
I have asked our General Counsel to draft a Freedom of Information Act request for the relevant legal opinions and memos written by that office. Since the program's existence is no longer a secret, these memos should be released -- Americans deserve to know exactly what authority this administration believes it has.
This is terrible that the president is using the protection of the U.S to invade our privacy. He should be put into jail immidiatly
By now you have probably heard the news that George Bush is using the National Security Agency to conduct surveillance on American citizens without the consent of any court. After initially refusing to confirm the story, the President has admitted to personally overseeing this domestic spying program for years and he says he intends to continue the program.
These actions explicitly violate a law designed to protect US citizens. But the administration says that other laws somehow allow for this unprecedented use of a foreign intelligence agency to spy on Americans right here in the United States. According to reports, political appointees in the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel wrote still-classified legal opinions laying out the supposed justification for this program.
I have asked our General Counsel to draft a Freedom of Information Act request for the relevant legal opinions and memos written by that office. Since the program's existence is no longer a secret, these memos should be released -- Americans deserve to know exactly what authority this administration believes it has.
This is terrible that the president is using the protection of the U.S to invade our privacy. He should be put into jail immidiatly
the president and fbi
WASHINGTON -- When President Bush signed the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act this month, he included an addendum saying that he did not feel obliged to obey requirements that he inform Congress about how the FBI was using the act's expanded police powers.
Boston.com
Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts The bill contained several oversight provisions intended to make sure the FBI did not abuse the special terrorism-related powers to search homes and secretly seize papers. The provisions require Justice Department officials to keep closer track of how often the FBI uses the new powers and in what type of situations. Under the law, the administration would have to provide the information to Congress by certain dates.
Bush signed the bill with fanfare at a White House ceremony March 9, calling it ''a piece of legislation that's vital to win the war on terror and to protect the American people." But after the reporters and guests had left, the White House quietly issued a ''signing statement," an official document in which a president lays out his interpretation of a new law.
In the statement, Bush said that he did not consider himself bound to tell Congress how the Patriot Act powers were being used and that, despite the law's requirements, he could withhold the information if he decided that disclosure would ''impair foreign relations, national security, the deliberative process of the executive, or the performance of the executive's constitutional duties."
Bush wrote: ''The executive branch shall construe the provisions . . . that call for furnishing information to entities outside the executive branch . . . in a manner consistent with the president's constitutional authority to supervise the unitary executive branch and to withhold information . . . "
The statement represented the latest in a string of high-profile instances in which Bush has cited his constitutional authority to bypass a law.
After The New York Times disclosed in December that Bush had authorized the military to conduct electronic surveillance of Americans' international phone calls and e-mails without obtaining warrants, as required by law, Bush said his wartime powers gave him the right to ignore the warrant law.
And when Congress passed a law forbidding the torture of any detainee in US custody, Bush signed the bill but issued a signing statement declaring that he could bypass the law if he believed using harsh interrogation techniques was necessary to protect national security.
Past presidents occasionally used such signing statements to describe their interpretations of laws, but Bush has expanded the practice. He has also been more assertive in claiming the authority to override provisions he thinks intrude on his power, legal scholars said.
Bush's expansive claims of the power to bypass laws have provoked increased grumbling in Congress. Members of both parties have pointed out that the Constitution gives the legislative branch the power to write the laws and the executive branch the duty to ''faithfully
the president decides not to talk about the fbi was using police power. This is terrible who knows what could be going on in the white house.
Boston.com
Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts The bill contained several oversight provisions intended to make sure the FBI did not abuse the special terrorism-related powers to search homes and secretly seize papers. The provisions require Justice Department officials to keep closer track of how often the FBI uses the new powers and in what type of situations. Under the law, the administration would have to provide the information to Congress by certain dates.
Bush signed the bill with fanfare at a White House ceremony March 9, calling it ''a piece of legislation that's vital to win the war on terror and to protect the American people." But after the reporters and guests had left, the White House quietly issued a ''signing statement," an official document in which a president lays out his interpretation of a new law.
In the statement, Bush said that he did not consider himself bound to tell Congress how the Patriot Act powers were being used and that, despite the law's requirements, he could withhold the information if he decided that disclosure would ''impair foreign relations, national security, the deliberative process of the executive, or the performance of the executive's constitutional duties."
Bush wrote: ''The executive branch shall construe the provisions . . . that call for furnishing information to entities outside the executive branch . . . in a manner consistent with the president's constitutional authority to supervise the unitary executive branch and to withhold information . . . "
The statement represented the latest in a string of high-profile instances in which Bush has cited his constitutional authority to bypass a law.
After The New York Times disclosed in December that Bush had authorized the military to conduct electronic surveillance of Americans' international phone calls and e-mails without obtaining warrants, as required by law, Bush said his wartime powers gave him the right to ignore the warrant law.
And when Congress passed a law forbidding the torture of any detainee in US custody, Bush signed the bill but issued a signing statement declaring that he could bypass the law if he believed using harsh interrogation techniques was necessary to protect national security.
Past presidents occasionally used such signing statements to describe their interpretations of laws, but Bush has expanded the practice. He has also been more assertive in claiming the authority to override provisions he thinks intrude on his power, legal scholars said.
Bush's expansive claims of the power to bypass laws have provoked increased grumbling in Congress. Members of both parties have pointed out that the Constitution gives the legislative branch the power to write the laws and the executive branch the duty to ''faithfully
the president decides not to talk about the fbi was using police power. This is terrible who knows what could be going on in the white house.
The president talks about laws
WASHINGTON -- President Bush has quietly claimed the authority to disobey more than 750 laws enacted since he took office, asserting that he has the power to set aside any statute passed by Congress when it conflicts with his interpretation of the Constitution.
Breaking News Alerts Among the laws Bush said he can ignore are military rules and regulations, affirmative-action provisions, requirements that Congress be told about immigration services problems, ''whistle-blower" protections for nuclear regulatory officials, and safeguards against political interference in federally funded research.
Legal scholars say the scope and aggression of Bush's assertions that he can bypass laws represent a concerted effort to expand his power at the expense of Congress, upsetting the balance between the branches of government. The Constitution is clear in assigning to Congress the power to write the laws and to the president a duty ''to take care that the laws be faithfully executed." Bush, however, has repeatedly declared that he does not need to ''execute" a law he believes is unconstitutional.
Former administration officials contend that just because Bush reserves the right to disobey a law does not mean he is not enforcing it: In many cases, he is simply asserting his belief that a certain requirement encroaches on presidential power.
But with the disclosure of Bush's domestic spying program, in which he ignored a law requiring warrants to tap the phones of Americans, many legal specialists say Bush is hardly reluctant to
The president should listen to the people more other that just his party. There are phone being tapped. Their are many bad things that he is just letting go by he needs to fix them.
Breaking News Alerts Among the laws Bush said he can ignore are military rules and regulations, affirmative-action provisions, requirements that Congress be told about immigration services problems, ''whistle-blower" protections for nuclear regulatory officials, and safeguards against political interference in federally funded research.
Legal scholars say the scope and aggression of Bush's assertions that he can bypass laws represent a concerted effort to expand his power at the expense of Congress, upsetting the balance between the branches of government. The Constitution is clear in assigning to Congress the power to write the laws and to the president a duty ''to take care that the laws be faithfully executed." Bush, however, has repeatedly declared that he does not need to ''execute" a law he believes is unconstitutional.
Former administration officials contend that just because Bush reserves the right to disobey a law does not mean he is not enforcing it: In many cases, he is simply asserting his belief that a certain requirement encroaches on presidential power.
But with the disclosure of Bush's domestic spying program, in which he ignored a law requiring warrants to tap the phones of Americans, many legal specialists say Bush is hardly reluctant to
The president should listen to the people more other that just his party. There are phone being tapped. Their are many bad things that he is just letting go by he needs to fix them.
Romney spending outpaces fundraising
Mitt Romney's campaign found 9,732 ways to spend its money last quarter. From a $15 service fee for its travel agent to $300 for makeup work to $31,500 to rent the Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park for a celebratory barbecue, the Republican presidential contender was anything but fiscally conservative in spending money as fast as he raised it between April and June. Based on the report Romney filed with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend, his spending was so prolific he had to lend his committee $6.5 million during the quarter, allowing him to cover the difference between $20.5 million he spent and the $14 million he raised. That loan also means that, for all intents and purposes, Romney has personally paid for every second of the $4.9 million in television ads his campaign has aired since he formally declared his candidacy in February. After reading all of this information i find it hard to believe he is spending so much money, and why beacause i haven't even heard of him running for president. It just shows how some candidates spend money loosely and irresponsibly, and i don't believe someone like that shoul be the next presindent.
Romney spending outpaces fundraising
Mitt Romney's campaign found 9,732 ways to spend its money last quarter. From a $15 service fee for its travel agent to $300 for makeup work to $31,500 to rent the Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park for a celebratory barbecue, the Republican presidential contender was anything but fiscally conservative in spending money as fast as he raised it between April and June. Based on the report Romney filed with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend, his spending was so prolific he had to lend his committee $6.5 million during the quarter, allowing him to cover the difference between $20.5 million he spent and the $14 million he raised. That loan also means that, for all intents and purposes, Romney has personally paid for every second of the $4.9 million in television ads his campaign has aired since he formally declared his candidacy in February. After reading all of this information i find it hard to believe he is spending so much money, and why beacause i haven't even heard of him running for president. It just shows how some candidates spend money loosely and irresponsibly, and i don't believe someone like that shoul be the next presindent.
immigrant lAWs
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming, thanks for the warm welcome, thanks for joining me as I make this important announcement -- an announcement that I believe will make America a more compassionate and more humane and stronger country.
I appreciate members of my Cabinet who have joined me today, starting with our Secretary of State, Colin Powell. (Applause.) I'm honored that our Attorney General, John Ashcroft, has joined us. (Applause.) Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans. (Applause.) Secretary Tom Ridge, of the Department of Homeland Security. (Applause.) El Embajador of Mexico, Tony Garza. (Applause.) I thank all the other members of my administration who have joined us today.
I appreciate the members of Congress who have taken time to come: Senator Larry Craig, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Jeff Flake. I'm honored you all have joined us, thank you for coming.
I appreciate the members of citizen groups who have joined us today. Chairman of the Hispanic Alliance for Progress, Manny Lujan. Gil Moreno, the President and CEO of the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans. Roberto De Posada, the President of the Latino Coalition. And Hector Flores, the President of LULAC.
Thank you all for joining us. (Applause.)
Many of you here today are Americans by choice, and you have followed in the path of millions. And over the generations we have received energetic, ambitious, optimistic people from every part of the world. By tradition and conviction, our country is a welcoming society. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and the faith and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants.
Every generation of immigrants has reaffirmed the wisdom of remaining open to the talents and dreams of the world. And every generation of immigrants has reaffirmed our ability to assimilate newcomers -- which is one of the defining strengths of our country.
During one great period of immigration -- between 1891 and 1920 -- our nation received some 18 million men, women and children from other nations. The hard work of these immigrants helped make our economy the largest in the world. The children of immigrants put on the uniform and helped to liberate the lands of their ancestors. One of the primary reasons America became a great power in the 20th century is because we welcomed the talent and the character and the patriotism of immigrant families.
The contributions of immigrants to America continue. About 14 percent of our nation's civilian workforce is foreign-born. Most begin their working lives in America by taking hard jobs and clocking long hours in important industries. Many immigrants also start businesses, taking the familiar path from hired labor to ownership.
As a Texan, I have known many immigrant families, mainly from Mexico, and I have seen what they add to our country. They bring to America the values of faith in God, love of family, hard work and self reliance -- the values that made us a great nation to begin with. We've all seen those values in action, through the service and sacrifice of more than 35,000 foreign-born men and women currently on active duty in the United States military. One of them is Master Gunnery Sergeant Guadalupe Denogean, an immigrant from Mexico who has served in the Marine Corps for 25 years and counting. Last year, I was honored and proud to witness Sergeant Denogean take the oath of citizenship in a hospital where he was recovering from wounds he received in Iraq. I'm honored to be his Commander-in-Chief, I'm proud to call him a fellow American. (Applause.)
Finally someone admits we need immigration. The president presents the immigration as a good and bad thing. The part that the u.s is gooing to be over populated is bad.
I appreciate members of my Cabinet who have joined me today, starting with our Secretary of State, Colin Powell. (Applause.) I'm honored that our Attorney General, John Ashcroft, has joined us. (Applause.) Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans. (Applause.) Secretary Tom Ridge, of the Department of Homeland Security. (Applause.) El Embajador of Mexico, Tony Garza. (Applause.) I thank all the other members of my administration who have joined us today.
I appreciate the members of Congress who have taken time to come: Senator Larry Craig, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Jeff Flake. I'm honored you all have joined us, thank you for coming.
I appreciate the members of citizen groups who have joined us today. Chairman of the Hispanic Alliance for Progress, Manny Lujan. Gil Moreno, the President and CEO of the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans. Roberto De Posada, the President of the Latino Coalition. And Hector Flores, the President of LULAC.
Thank you all for joining us. (Applause.)
Many of you here today are Americans by choice, and you have followed in the path of millions. And over the generations we have received energetic, ambitious, optimistic people from every part of the world. By tradition and conviction, our country is a welcoming society. America is a stronger and better nation because of the hard work and the faith and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants.
Every generation of immigrants has reaffirmed the wisdom of remaining open to the talents and dreams of the world. And every generation of immigrants has reaffirmed our ability to assimilate newcomers -- which is one of the defining strengths of our country.
During one great period of immigration -- between 1891 and 1920 -- our nation received some 18 million men, women and children from other nations. The hard work of these immigrants helped make our economy the largest in the world. The children of immigrants put on the uniform and helped to liberate the lands of their ancestors. One of the primary reasons America became a great power in the 20th century is because we welcomed the talent and the character and the patriotism of immigrant families.
The contributions of immigrants to America continue. About 14 percent of our nation's civilian workforce is foreign-born. Most begin their working lives in America by taking hard jobs and clocking long hours in important industries. Many immigrants also start businesses, taking the familiar path from hired labor to ownership.
As a Texan, I have known many immigrant families, mainly from Mexico, and I have seen what they add to our country. They bring to America the values of faith in God, love of family, hard work and self reliance -- the values that made us a great nation to begin with. We've all seen those values in action, through the service and sacrifice of more than 35,000 foreign-born men and women currently on active duty in the United States military. One of them is Master Gunnery Sergeant Guadalupe Denogean, an immigrant from Mexico who has served in the Marine Corps for 25 years and counting. Last year, I was honored and proud to witness Sergeant Denogean take the oath of citizenship in a hospital where he was recovering from wounds he received in Iraq. I'm honored to be his Commander-in-Chief, I'm proud to call him a fellow American. (Applause.)
Finally someone admits we need immigration. The president presents the immigration as a good and bad thing. The part that the u.s is gooing to be over populated is bad.
impact on latinos
Latinos are a large and growing portion of the US population but are less numerous among participants in politics than their numbers would suggest. Predictions of the future rates of participation among Latinos depend heavily upon understanding the causes of current rates. A substantial proportion of the disparity in participation rates between Latinos and non-Latinos can be accounted for by the numbers of noncitizens and by other factors related to a large pool of immigrants, differences in socioeconomic resources, and the young age distribution of Latinos. However, these summary statements obscure differences across types of participation. They also obscure differences across Latinos of different national origins. Much of the analysis done to date of the Latino National Political Survey (LNPS) has made clear that Puerto Ricans, Mexican-Americans, and Cuban-Americans can differ as much from each other as members of each group differ from non-Latinos. This paper uses the LNPS data to examine the factors related to different types of political participation among US Latinos of different national origins. Borrowing from the standard participation literature, we consider the impact of resources, engagement, and recruitment.
The Latino population provides an especially useful case for testing hypotheses about the impact of mobilization upon activity. Political leaders have actively appealed to Latino ethnicity both in structuring political competition and in seeking support. I have proposed elsewhere that the success of such appeals in increasing participation will hinge in large part upon whether or not the targeted public believes itself well-represented by the leaders. The LNPS contains several items relevant to perceived representation. This paper will use the LNPS data to test the effect of perceived representation upon political participation, while taking account of the other factors that affect levels of activity.
The u.s. government needs to face the truth w need latinos without them the states would be unbalnced.
The Latino population provides an especially useful case for testing hypotheses about the impact of mobilization upon activity. Political leaders have actively appealed to Latino ethnicity both in structuring political competition and in seeking support. I have proposed elsewhere that the success of such appeals in increasing participation will hinge in large part upon whether or not the targeted public believes itself well-represented by the leaders. The LNPS contains several items relevant to perceived representation. This paper will use the LNPS data to test the effect of perceived representation upon political participation, while taking account of the other factors that affect levels of activity.
The u.s. government needs to face the truth w need latinos without them the states would be unbalnced.
Hes returned from baghdad
PRESIDENT: Good morning. Thank you. I've just returned from Baghdad, and I was inspired to be able to visit the capital of a free and democratic Iraq.
It was a pleasure to meet face-to-face with the Prime Minister. I talked to him on the phone a couple of times, but I thought it was important to sit down with him and talk to him in person. I saw firsthand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself, and defend itself.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with people who work for the U.S. government, our embassy staff, the intelligence community, and I had a chance to thank them. Theirs is a tough job, and they're far away from home and, obviously, they miss their families. And it was an honor to say to them, I appreciate their hard work and so do the American people.
And I met with our troops. I had a chance to congratulate those that were responsible for bringing Zarqawi to justice. You know, when you're in a theater like that, it's important to hear words of congratulations sometimes, to hear that their efforts are appreciated and doing hard work. And I got to do that.
General Casey briefed me on the operations that followed the death of Zarqawi. He told me that Iraqi and coalition forces are still on the offense, that they launched a series of raids on terrorist targets across Iraq. We've got new intelligence from those raids, which will enable us to continue to keep the pressure on the foreigners and local Iraqis that are killing innocent lives to stop the advance of a country that can sustain itself and govern itself and defend itself.
Obviously, the raids aren't going to end terrorism. I understand that, and the American people understand that. And the Iraqi people understand that. But the terrorists are vulnerable, and we will strike their network and disrupt their operations and continue to bring their leaders to justice.
Prime Minister Maliki and I held a joint meeting of our two cabinets -- members of my Cabinet participating by video, some of whom were slightly surprised to see me from afar. I told the Prime Minister how impressed I was to meet the team he'd assembled. These are good people from different walks of life. I appreciated very much the agenda he's laid out. In other words, he's got a plan to succeed. And I appreciated their determination -- it's not just his determination, but their cabinet's determination to succeed. In other words, part of the success in Iraq depends upon the Iraqis and their will and their desire. The Iraqi people have expressed their desires, and now it's up to the government to follow through.
The Prime Minister briefed us on immediate steps he's taken in three key areas
The president has returned from baghda he is telling everone how nice of a placeit is. He should spend more time in the u.s and make it a better place.
It was a pleasure to meet face-to-face with the Prime Minister. I talked to him on the phone a couple of times, but I thought it was important to sit down with him and talk to him in person. I saw firsthand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself, and defend itself.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with people who work for the U.S. government, our embassy staff, the intelligence community, and I had a chance to thank them. Theirs is a tough job, and they're far away from home and, obviously, they miss their families. And it was an honor to say to them, I appreciate their hard work and so do the American people.
And I met with our troops. I had a chance to congratulate those that were responsible for bringing Zarqawi to justice. You know, when you're in a theater like that, it's important to hear words of congratulations sometimes, to hear that their efforts are appreciated and doing hard work. And I got to do that.
General Casey briefed me on the operations that followed the death of Zarqawi. He told me that Iraqi and coalition forces are still on the offense, that they launched a series of raids on terrorist targets across Iraq. We've got new intelligence from those raids, which will enable us to continue to keep the pressure on the foreigners and local Iraqis that are killing innocent lives to stop the advance of a country that can sustain itself and govern itself and defend itself.
Obviously, the raids aren't going to end terrorism. I understand that, and the American people understand that. And the Iraqi people understand that. But the terrorists are vulnerable, and we will strike their network and disrupt their operations and continue to bring their leaders to justice.
Prime Minister Maliki and I held a joint meeting of our two cabinets -- members of my Cabinet participating by video, some of whom were slightly surprised to see me from afar. I told the Prime Minister how impressed I was to meet the team he'd assembled. These are good people from different walks of life. I appreciated very much the agenda he's laid out. In other words, he's got a plan to succeed. And I appreciated their determination -- it's not just his determination, but their cabinet's determination to succeed. In other words, part of the success in Iraq depends upon the Iraqis and their will and their desire. The Iraqi people have expressed their desires, and now it's up to the government to follow through.
The Prime Minister briefed us on immediate steps he's taken in three key areas
The president has returned from baghda he is telling everone how nice of a placeit is. He should spend more time in the u.s and make it a better place.
Hes returned from baghdad
PRESIDENT: Good morning. Thank you. I've just returned from Baghdad, and I was inspired to be able to visit the capital of a free and democratic Iraq.
It was a pleasure to meet face-to-face with the Prime Minister. I talked to him on the phone a couple of times, but I thought it was important to sit down with him and talk to him in person. I saw firsthand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself, and defend itself.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with people who work for the U.S. government, our embassy staff, the intelligence community, and I had a chance to thank them. Theirs is a tough job, and they're far away from home and, obviously, they miss their families. And it was an honor to say to them, I appreciate their hard work and so do the American people.
And I met with our troops. I had a chance to congratulate those that were responsible for bringing Zarqawi to justice. You know, when you're in a theater like that, it's important to hear words of congratulations sometimes, to hear that their efforts are appreciated and doing hard work. And I got to do that.
General Casey briefed me on the operations that followed the death of Zarqawi. He told me that Iraqi and coalition forces are still on the offense, that they launched a series of raids on terrorist targets across Iraq. We've got new intelligence from those raids, which will enable us to continue to keep the pressure on the foreigners and local Iraqis that are killing innocent lives to stop the advance of a country that can sustain itself and govern itself and defend itself.
Obviously, the raids aren't going to end terrorism. I understand that, and the American people understand that. And the Iraqi people understand that. But the terrorists are vulnerable, and we will strike their network and disrupt their operations and continue to bring their leaders to justice.
Prime Minister Maliki and I held a joint meeting of our two cabinets -- members of my Cabinet participating by video, some of whom were slightly surprised to see me from afar. I told the Prime Minister how impressed I was to meet the team he'd assembled. These are good people from different walks of life. I appreciated very much the agenda he's laid out. In other words, he's got a plan to succeed. And I appreciated their determination -- it's not just his determination, but their cabinet's determination to succeed. In other words, part of the success in Iraq depends upon the Iraqis and their will and their desire. The Iraqi people have expressed their desires, and now it's up to the government to follow through.
The Prime Minister briefed us on immediate steps he's taken in three key areas
George bush did a good job in Baghdad he has come home and he is telling the press how nice of a place baghdad is he should spendmore tome in the u.s because our country still needs work.
It was a pleasure to meet face-to-face with the Prime Minister. I talked to him on the phone a couple of times, but I thought it was important to sit down with him and talk to him in person. I saw firsthand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself, and defend itself.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with people who work for the U.S. government, our embassy staff, the intelligence community, and I had a chance to thank them. Theirs is a tough job, and they're far away from home and, obviously, they miss their families. And it was an honor to say to them, I appreciate their hard work and so do the American people.
And I met with our troops. I had a chance to congratulate those that were responsible for bringing Zarqawi to justice. You know, when you're in a theater like that, it's important to hear words of congratulations sometimes, to hear that their efforts are appreciated and doing hard work. And I got to do that.
General Casey briefed me on the operations that followed the death of Zarqawi. He told me that Iraqi and coalition forces are still on the offense, that they launched a series of raids on terrorist targets across Iraq. We've got new intelligence from those raids, which will enable us to continue to keep the pressure on the foreigners and local Iraqis that are killing innocent lives to stop the advance of a country that can sustain itself and govern itself and defend itself.
Obviously, the raids aren't going to end terrorism. I understand that, and the American people understand that. And the Iraqi people understand that. But the terrorists are vulnerable, and we will strike their network and disrupt their operations and continue to bring their leaders to justice.
Prime Minister Maliki and I held a joint meeting of our two cabinets -- members of my Cabinet participating by video, some of whom were slightly surprised to see me from afar. I told the Prime Minister how impressed I was to meet the team he'd assembled. These are good people from different walks of life. I appreciated very much the agenda he's laid out. In other words, he's got a plan to succeed. And I appreciated their determination -- it's not just his determination, but their cabinet's determination to succeed. In other words, part of the success in Iraq depends upon the Iraqis and their will and their desire. The Iraqi people have expressed their desires, and now it's up to the government to follow through.
The Prime Minister briefed us on immediate steps he's taken in three key areas
George bush did a good job in Baghdad he has come home and he is telling the press how nice of a place baghdad is he should spendmore tome in the u.s because our country still needs work.
China picks bishop, tests Vatican tie
About three weeks after Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter to Chinese Roman Catholics, Beijing has selected a small less known priest to become the next bishop. This will be a test of willingness as to whether or not the Vatican will intervene with the government in appointments. Father Joseph Li Shan was elected bishop Monday by a group of priests, nuns and lay members of the official Chinese church. If approved by the Bishops Conference of the Catholic Church of China, He will become the next bishop replacing Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan who passed away in April. Fu never had the respect of the Vatican however Li does so it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.
I think it's a bad idea for other countries to get involved with the appointments of other countries' officials. When they do this they are putting their point of views into choosing a leader for ANOTHER country and not letting that country choose their leader instead. It would be a bad idea for some place like the Vatican to choose our presidential candidates so I feel as though they have no right making appointments for the next Chinese bishop either.
Bishop Joseph Li Shan
I think it's a bad idea for other countries to get involved with the appointments of other countries' officials. When they do this they are putting their point of views into choosing a leader for ANOTHER country and not letting that country choose their leader instead. It would be a bad idea for some place like the Vatican to choose our presidential candidates so I feel as though they have no right making appointments for the next Chinese bishop either.
Bishop Joseph Li Shan
Osama is back
Nearly six years after President Bush pledged to capture him "dead or alive," Osama bin Laden is not only still at large, but he and his al-Qaeda organization have apparently benefited greatly from Bush's decision to invade Iraq.
That's not just me saying so.
It turns out that bin Laden and his al-Qaeda leadership are safely ensconced in Pakistan. They're still trying to attack us. And the U.S. occupation of Iraq has provided them with a potent rallying cry, recruiting tool and training ground they would not have had otherwise.
The White House has time and again used the specter of al-Qaeda to cow Capitol Hill into doing its bidding. Similarly, Bush and his aides have lately gone to great lengths to conflate the multifaceted insurgency in Iraq with al-Qaeda. After all, when it's Bush vs. al-Qaeda, how many Americans will side with al-Qaeda?
The report's release shot al-Qaeda back into the headlines. But this time, the al-Qaeda stories have a potentially devastating twist for the administration: As it turns out, Bush's policies may have helped bin Laden more than they've hurt him.
George bush needs to wake up and go after the people that are trying to harm the U.S not people who mean nothing. Osama is still out there and he needs to be dealt with.
That's not just me saying so.
It turns out that bin Laden and his al-Qaeda leadership are safely ensconced in Pakistan. They're still trying to attack us. And the U.S. occupation of Iraq has provided them with a potent rallying cry, recruiting tool and training ground they would not have had otherwise.
The White House has time and again used the specter of al-Qaeda to cow Capitol Hill into doing its bidding. Similarly, Bush and his aides have lately gone to great lengths to conflate the multifaceted insurgency in Iraq with al-Qaeda. After all, when it's Bush vs. al-Qaeda, how many Americans will side with al-Qaeda?
The report's release shot al-Qaeda back into the headlines. But this time, the al-Qaeda stories have a potentially devastating twist for the administration: As it turns out, Bush's policies may have helped bin Laden more than they've hurt him.
George bush needs to wake up and go after the people that are trying to harm the U.S not people who mean nothing. Osama is still out there and he needs to be dealt with.
George bush funding new law
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. (Applause.) Thank you very much. Bruce, thanks for your introduction. Bruce is a polite guy -- I thought what he was going to say, it's about time you showed up. (Laughter and applause.) And I'm glad I did. (Applause.) See, I see this as a moment of opportunity. I have come to celebrate the heroism of the civil rights movement, and the accomplishments of the NAACP. (Applause.)
I want to talk about ways to build what the NAACP has always sought -- a nation united, committed to destroying discrimination and extending to every American the full blessings -- the full blessings -- of liberty and opportunity. (Applause.) It's important to me. It's important to our nation. I come from a family committed to civil rights. My faith tells me that we're all children of God, equally loved, equally cherished, equally entitled to the rights He grants us all.
For nearly 200 years, our nation failed the test of extending the blessings of liberty to African Americans. (Applause.) Slavery was legal for nearly a hundred years, and discrimination legal in many places for nearly a hundred years more. Taken together, the record placed a stain on America's founding, a stain that we have not yet wiped clean. (Applause.)
When people talk about America's founders they mention the likes of Washington and Jefferson and Franklin and Adams. Too often they ignore another group of founders -- men and women and children who did not come to America of their free will, but in chains. (Applause.) These founders literally helped build our country. They chopped the wood, they built the homes, they tilled the fields, and they reaped the harvest. They raised children of others, even though their own children had been ripped away and sold to strangers. (Applause.) These founders were denied the most basic birthright, and that's freedom.
Yet, through captivity and oppression, they kept the faith. They carved a great nation out of the wilderness, and later, their descendants led a people out of the wilderness of bigotry. Nearly 200 years into our history as a nation, America experienced a second founding: the Civil Rights movement. Some of those leaders are here. (Applause.) These second founders, led by the likes of Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in the constitutional guarantees of liberty and equality. They trusted fellow Americans to join them in doing the right thing. They were leaders. They toppled Jim Crow through simple deeds: boarding a bus, walking along the road, showing up peacefully at courthouses or joining in prayer and song. Despite the sheriff's dogs, and the jailer's scorn, and the hangman's noose, and the assassin's bullets, they prevailed. (Applause.)
I don't know if you remember, three weeks ago, I went to Memphis, Tennessee. (Applause and laughter.) A lot of people focused on the fact that my friend, the Prime Minister of Japan, was an Elvis fan, because we went to Graceland. But we also went to another stop, a stop Reverend Jesse Jackson knows all too well, a painful moment in his life and in the life of our nation, reflected in the Lorraine Motel.
The Prime Minister and I went there, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum. By the way, if you haven't been there, you ought to go. (Applause.) Among the people greeting me there was Dr. Benjamin Hooks. (Applause.) It's good to see you again, sir. He led me out onto the balcony of Room 306. I remember Dr. Hooks pointed to the window that was still half-cracked. You know what I'm talking about, Jesse. It's not very far away. It was a powerful reminder of the hardships this nation has been through, the struggle for decency.
I was honored that Dr. Hooks took time to visit with me. He talked about the hardships of the movement. With the gentle wisdom that comes from experience, he made it clear we must work as one. And that's why I've come today. (Applause.) We want a united America that is one nation under God -- (applause) -- where every man and child and woman is valued and treated with dignity. We want a hopeful America where the prosperity and opportunities of our great land reach into every block of every neighborhood. We want an America that is constantly renewing itself, where citizens rise above political differences to heal old wounds, to build the bonds of brotherhood and to move us ever closer to the founding promise of liberty and justice for all.
Nearly a hundred years after the NAACP's birth, America remains an unfolding story of freedom. And all of us have an obligation to play our part. (Applause.)
I want to thank your chairman, Julian Bond, for his introduction. And thanks for greeting me today, Mr. Chairman. (Applause.) I asked him for a few pointers on how to give a speech. (Laughter.) It doesn't look like they're taking. (Laughter.)
I want to thank Roslyn Brock, the Vice Chairman of the board, as well. (Applause.) I thank all the board members, all the participants, all the members of the United States Congress for joining us today, as well. (Applause.)
I congratulate Bruce Gordon on his strong leadership. (Applause.) I've gotten to know him. See, shortly after he was elected, he came by the Oval Office. He doesn't mince words. (Laughter.) It's clear what's on his mind. He's also a results-oriented person. I'm pleased -- I'm pleased to say that I have -- I'm an admirer of Bruce Gordon, and we've got a good working relationship. (Applause.) I don't know if that helps you or hurts you. (Laughter.) But it's the truth. I admire the man.
We've had frank discussions, starting with Katrina. We talked about the challenges facing the African American community after that storm. We talked about the response of the federal government. And most importantly, we talked about the way forward. We talked about what we can do working together -- (applause) -- to move forward. As a result of that first meeting, we found areas where we share common purpose, and we have resolved to work together in practical ways. I don't expect Bruce to become a Republican -- (laughter) -- and neither do you. (Laughter.) But I do want to work with him, and that's what I'm here to talk to you about. (Applause.)
So we've been working together in helping the citizens along the Gulf Coast recover from one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history. You know, when we met, I told Bruce that I would work with the Congress to make sure we dedicated enough money to help the folks. He kind of looked at me like, sure, he's heard these political promises before. It's not the first time that he had heard somebody say, well, we'll work together to see if we can't get enough money, and I suspect he might have thought, well, he's just trying to get me out of the Oval Office. (Laughter.)
But I meant what I said, and I want to thank the United States Congress for joining with the administration. We committed over $110 billion to help the people in the Gulf Coast. (Applause.) That's money to go to build new homes, good schools. Bruce and I talked a lot about how do we make sure the contracting that goes on down there in the Gulf Coast goes to minority-owned businesses. (Applause.)
The road to recovery is long and difficult, but we will continue to work together to implement the strategy that Bruce and I worked on along with people -- other people like Donna Brazile and other leaders. We've got a plan, and we've got a commitment. And the commitment is not only to work together, but it's a commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast of the United States, to see to it that their lives are better and brighter than before the storm. (Applause.)
We also worked together to ensure that African Americans can take advantage of the new Medicare drug benefit. Look, I understand that we had a political disagreement on the bill. I know that. But I worked with the Congress to make sure that the days of seniors having to choose between food and medicine is over. And that's the case of this new Medicare benefit. (Applause.) The federal government pays over 95 percent of the cost for our nation's poorest seniors to get this new drug benefit.
Thank you george bush he is finally doing something to help todays society. This will change a lot of things i the U.S. and people will not think they have to much power over people and minorities.
I want to talk about ways to build what the NAACP has always sought -- a nation united, committed to destroying discrimination and extending to every American the full blessings -- the full blessings -- of liberty and opportunity. (Applause.) It's important to me. It's important to our nation. I come from a family committed to civil rights. My faith tells me that we're all children of God, equally loved, equally cherished, equally entitled to the rights He grants us all.
For nearly 200 years, our nation failed the test of extending the blessings of liberty to African Americans. (Applause.) Slavery was legal for nearly a hundred years, and discrimination legal in many places for nearly a hundred years more. Taken together, the record placed a stain on America's founding, a stain that we have not yet wiped clean. (Applause.)
When people talk about America's founders they mention the likes of Washington and Jefferson and Franklin and Adams. Too often they ignore another group of founders -- men and women and children who did not come to America of their free will, but in chains. (Applause.) These founders literally helped build our country. They chopped the wood, they built the homes, they tilled the fields, and they reaped the harvest. They raised children of others, even though their own children had been ripped away and sold to strangers. (Applause.) These founders were denied the most basic birthright, and that's freedom.
Yet, through captivity and oppression, they kept the faith. They carved a great nation out of the wilderness, and later, their descendants led a people out of the wilderness of bigotry. Nearly 200 years into our history as a nation, America experienced a second founding: the Civil Rights movement. Some of those leaders are here. (Applause.) These second founders, led by the likes of Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in the constitutional guarantees of liberty and equality. They trusted fellow Americans to join them in doing the right thing. They were leaders. They toppled Jim Crow through simple deeds: boarding a bus, walking along the road, showing up peacefully at courthouses or joining in prayer and song. Despite the sheriff's dogs, and the jailer's scorn, and the hangman's noose, and the assassin's bullets, they prevailed. (Applause.)
I don't know if you remember, three weeks ago, I went to Memphis, Tennessee. (Applause and laughter.) A lot of people focused on the fact that my friend, the Prime Minister of Japan, was an Elvis fan, because we went to Graceland. But we also went to another stop, a stop Reverend Jesse Jackson knows all too well, a painful moment in his life and in the life of our nation, reflected in the Lorraine Motel.
The Prime Minister and I went there, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum. By the way, if you haven't been there, you ought to go. (Applause.) Among the people greeting me there was Dr. Benjamin Hooks. (Applause.) It's good to see you again, sir. He led me out onto the balcony of Room 306. I remember Dr. Hooks pointed to the window that was still half-cracked. You know what I'm talking about, Jesse. It's not very far away. It was a powerful reminder of the hardships this nation has been through, the struggle for decency.
I was honored that Dr. Hooks took time to visit with me. He talked about the hardships of the movement. With the gentle wisdom that comes from experience, he made it clear we must work as one. And that's why I've come today. (Applause.) We want a united America that is one nation under God -- (applause) -- where every man and child and woman is valued and treated with dignity. We want a hopeful America where the prosperity and opportunities of our great land reach into every block of every neighborhood. We want an America that is constantly renewing itself, where citizens rise above political differences to heal old wounds, to build the bonds of brotherhood and to move us ever closer to the founding promise of liberty and justice for all.
Nearly a hundred years after the NAACP's birth, America remains an unfolding story of freedom. And all of us have an obligation to play our part. (Applause.)
I want to thank your chairman, Julian Bond, for his introduction. And thanks for greeting me today, Mr. Chairman. (Applause.) I asked him for a few pointers on how to give a speech. (Laughter.) It doesn't look like they're taking. (Laughter.)
I want to thank Roslyn Brock, the Vice Chairman of the board, as well. (Applause.) I thank all the board members, all the participants, all the members of the United States Congress for joining us today, as well. (Applause.)
I congratulate Bruce Gordon on his strong leadership. (Applause.) I've gotten to know him. See, shortly after he was elected, he came by the Oval Office. He doesn't mince words. (Laughter.) It's clear what's on his mind. He's also a results-oriented person. I'm pleased -- I'm pleased to say that I have -- I'm an admirer of Bruce Gordon, and we've got a good working relationship. (Applause.) I don't know if that helps you or hurts you. (Laughter.) But it's the truth. I admire the man.
We've had frank discussions, starting with Katrina. We talked about the challenges facing the African American community after that storm. We talked about the response of the federal government. And most importantly, we talked about the way forward. We talked about what we can do working together -- (applause) -- to move forward. As a result of that first meeting, we found areas where we share common purpose, and we have resolved to work together in practical ways. I don't expect Bruce to become a Republican -- (laughter) -- and neither do you. (Laughter.) But I do want to work with him, and that's what I'm here to talk to you about. (Applause.)
So we've been working together in helping the citizens along the Gulf Coast recover from one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history. You know, when we met, I told Bruce that I would work with the Congress to make sure we dedicated enough money to help the folks. He kind of looked at me like, sure, he's heard these political promises before. It's not the first time that he had heard somebody say, well, we'll work together to see if we can't get enough money, and I suspect he might have thought, well, he's just trying to get me out of the Oval Office. (Laughter.)
But I meant what I said, and I want to thank the United States Congress for joining with the administration. We committed over $110 billion to help the people in the Gulf Coast. (Applause.) That's money to go to build new homes, good schools. Bruce and I talked a lot about how do we make sure the contracting that goes on down there in the Gulf Coast goes to minority-owned businesses. (Applause.)
The road to recovery is long and difficult, but we will continue to work together to implement the strategy that Bruce and I worked on along with people -- other people like Donna Brazile and other leaders. We've got a plan, and we've got a commitment. And the commitment is not only to work together, but it's a commitment to the people of the Gulf Coast of the United States, to see to it that their lives are better and brighter than before the storm. (Applause.)
We also worked together to ensure that African Americans can take advantage of the new Medicare drug benefit. Look, I understand that we had a political disagreement on the bill. I know that. But I worked with the Congress to make sure that the days of seniors having to choose between food and medicine is over. And that's the case of this new Medicare benefit. (Applause.) The federal government pays over 95 percent of the cost for our nation's poorest seniors to get this new drug benefit.
Thank you george bush he is finally doing something to help todays society. This will change a lot of things i the U.S. and people will not think they have to much power over people and minorities.
"would be witnesses in Spector's trail seem to be anything but camera shy"
In the court case of alleged murder, and former producer, Phil Spector, media was allowed to record preceedings and show such actions to the public, as long as the cameras did not get in the way of giving justice. An agreement was reahced, and promises were made, but now it seems that people on the outside are desperate to testify as witnesses in the case if they could just get in front of the camera. This could pose a big threat to Mr. Spector in his persuit of a fair trial, but in the mean time, The judge is kept busy witk not only the deciding of the case, but sifting through the nonsencical "evidencec" and testimonies brought up by fonies.
War is being criticized
They may not be able to end the war in Iraq, but Senate Democratic freshmen are going after the war profiteers. Here are portions from a press release Senator Jim Webb, one of those newcomers, put out today:
Senate Democratic freshmen today introduced a bill to establish an independent, bipartisan Commission on Wartime Contracting to investigate U.S. wartime contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Commission would significantly increase transparency and accountability and generate important solutions for systematic contracting problems, potentially saving taxpayers billions of dollars.
The Commission will study and investigate the impact of the government's growing reliance on civilian contractors to perform wartime functions. It will assess the extent of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of wartime contracts, and the extent to which those responsible have been held accountable....
"We are outsourcing this war in ways we've never seen," [said] Webb. "Defrauding the government of millions of taxpayer dollars should not be considered 'the cost of doing business." It's time for Congress to stand up on behalf of the American people and say: 'We want our money back.'"
"During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt said, 'I don't want to see a single war millionaire created in the United States as a result of this world disaster.' And so Missouri's own Senator Harry Truman created a committee that investigated and uncovered millions of dollars in wasteful, wartime spending," Senator McCaskill said.
"We know that the cost plus contracts used in Iraq and Afghanistan are nearly blank checks to private defense contractors, primed for waste, fraud and abuse. We need a new investigatory body, inspired by the Truman Committee, to protect our tax dollars and bring better accountability to the way we do business while at war," continued McCaskill....
In Tuesday's USA Today story entitled "Largest Iraq Contract Rife with Errors," government auditors reviewing contractor KBR Inc.'s annual cost estimate for services in Iraq discovered that the company proposed $110 million in charges for housing, food, water, laundry and other services on bases that had been shut down. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-07-16-iraq-auditors_N.htm)
An audit conducted by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction found that the Parsons Company received $186 million over the past three years to construct 142 health-care centers in Iraq. As of May 10, only 15 centers had been completed--and only eight were open to the public...
Finally something is being done to stop the war in iraq. This should have happened a long time ago we have been just wasting money on the war.
Senate Democratic freshmen today introduced a bill to establish an independent, bipartisan Commission on Wartime Contracting to investigate U.S. wartime contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Commission would significantly increase transparency and accountability and generate important solutions for systematic contracting problems, potentially saving taxpayers billions of dollars.
The Commission will study and investigate the impact of the government's growing reliance on civilian contractors to perform wartime functions. It will assess the extent of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement of wartime contracts, and the extent to which those responsible have been held accountable....
"We are outsourcing this war in ways we've never seen," [said] Webb. "Defrauding the government of millions of taxpayer dollars should not be considered 'the cost of doing business." It's time for Congress to stand up on behalf of the American people and say: 'We want our money back.'"
"During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt said, 'I don't want to see a single war millionaire created in the United States as a result of this world disaster.' And so Missouri's own Senator Harry Truman created a committee that investigated and uncovered millions of dollars in wasteful, wartime spending," Senator McCaskill said.
"We know that the cost plus contracts used in Iraq and Afghanistan are nearly blank checks to private defense contractors, primed for waste, fraud and abuse. We need a new investigatory body, inspired by the Truman Committee, to protect our tax dollars and bring better accountability to the way we do business while at war," continued McCaskill....
In Tuesday's USA Today story entitled "Largest Iraq Contract Rife with Errors," government auditors reviewing contractor KBR Inc.'s annual cost estimate for services in Iraq discovered that the company proposed $110 million in charges for housing, food, water, laundry and other services on bases that had been shut down. (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-07-16-iraq-auditors_N.htm)
An audit conducted by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction found that the Parsons Company received $186 million over the past three years to construct 142 health-care centers in Iraq. As of May 10, only 15 centers had been completed--and only eight were open to the public...
Finally something is being done to stop the war in iraq. This should have happened a long time ago we have been just wasting money on the war.
YouTube users will quiz candidates
In their next debate, Democrats will face video questions from voters
Not long ago Kim, a mother of two, walked into her bedroom, turned on her webcam and made a 30-second video. When the Democratic presidential candidates gather in Charleston, S.C., on Monday for their next debate, co-sponsored by CNN and YouTube, this may be one of the questions:
"Hi, my name is Kim. I'm 36 years old and hope to be a future breast cancer survivor from Long Island. . . . Like millions of Americans, I've gone for years without health insurance. . . . What would you, as president, do to make low-cost or free preventative medicine available for everybody in this country?"
So far more than 1,300 video questions have been uploaded onto YouTube, the popular video-sharing site, many of them as intimate as the one from Kim, who at one point removes a wig to reveal her bald head. CNN will sort through the submissions to select the two dozen or so that Democrats in Charleston will answer after watching them on a 25-by-18-foot screen.
I think it's great that youtube users are asking questions. It shows how involved the citizens of this nation are.
Not long ago Kim, a mother of two, walked into her bedroom, turned on her webcam and made a 30-second video. When the Democratic presidential candidates gather in Charleston, S.C., on Monday for their next debate, co-sponsored by CNN and YouTube, this may be one of the questions:
"Hi, my name is Kim. I'm 36 years old and hope to be a future breast cancer survivor from Long Island. . . . Like millions of Americans, I've gone for years without health insurance. . . . What would you, as president, do to make low-cost or free preventative medicine available for everybody in this country?"
So far more than 1,300 video questions have been uploaded onto YouTube, the popular video-sharing site, many of them as intimate as the one from Kim, who at one point removes a wig to reveal her bald head. CNN will sort through the submissions to select the two dozen or so that Democrats in Charleston will answer after watching them on a 25-by-18-foot screen.
I think it's great that youtube users are asking questions. It shows how involved the citizens of this nation are.
Bush Government To Poor Voters: We Don't Want You To Vote
In this article, low-income americans are being denied their right to vote in the upcomming 2008 presidential elections. State welfare offices across the country are not helping the low-wage Americans by not giving public assistance, even though it is required by federal law. "It's huge. It's another area where the administration is failing us," said Donna Brazile, chair of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute.
This is a blantant act of violating the rights of the people. The government should do everything in its power to help its citizens vote. Even if people are uneducated or aren't informed well enough about politics, they are still entitled to their vote. This sort of censorship or will greatly affect the popular vote in the upcomming elections by denying those who want to vote for Clinton because shes a woman or those who want to vote for Obama because he is African-American.
This is a blantant act of violating the rights of the people. The government should do everything in its power to help its citizens vote. Even if people are uneducated or aren't informed well enough about politics, they are still entitled to their vote. This sort of censorship or will greatly affect the popular vote in the upcomming elections by denying those who want to vote for Clinton because shes a woman or those who want to vote for Obama because he is African-American.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
no withdrawal?
As cots were rolled out and pizza was delivered for their all-nighter, the NYT notes on Page One that several of the Republican senators who publicly defected with the White House on Iraq have refused to support the Levin-Reed amendment, which would mandate a withdrawal of combat troops. Meanwhile, the LAT asked around and fronts a look at how the lawmakers who are pushing for withdrawal really have no plan to deal with the violence that many say will inevitably follow. Some insist that any violence would be short-term and the consequences won't be as dire as the White House says. Regardless, most recognize that post-withdrawal discussions are likely to heat up in the coming weeks.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170631/fr/flyout
I guess this may be one of the issue of maintaing US's world's power. If we retrieve the troops would we be showing weakness that we can't win and fight the war? Or would we look dumbfounded like during the vietnam war?
http://www.slate.com/id/2170631/fr/flyout
I guess this may be one of the issue of maintaing US's world's power. If we retrieve the troops would we be showing weakness that we can't win and fight the war? Or would we look dumbfounded like during the vietnam war?
Bush- voted as one of the unpopular presidents
In a remarkable historical coincidence, those same two records that were under assault in 1974 are on the ropes again in 2007. The sports world is already dreading the day Barry Bonds will pass Aaron. But the political world has scarcely noticed another milestone in the making: With 66% disapproval in this week's Gallup Poll, George W. Bush just tied Richard Nixon as the second-most unpopular president ever.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170269/nav/navoa/
For most of this year, Bush has been mired in the low 60s, unable to sustain any negative momentum. His team tried everything – mounting a hopeless surge in Iraq, botching the immigration bill, standing behind an Attorney General any other administration would have left for dead. So much for the electoral college's sane judgment on Bush. Popular vote shoudl directly vote for the president and not allow electoral colleges to choose OUR president.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170269/nav/navoa/
For most of this year, Bush has been mired in the low 60s, unable to sustain any negative momentum. His team tried everything – mounting a hopeless surge in Iraq, botching the immigration bill, standing behind an Attorney General any other administration would have left for dead. So much for the electoral college's sane judgment on Bush. Popular vote shoudl directly vote for the president and not allow electoral colleges to choose OUR president.
Executive's Privileges
Something is rotten in the state of congressional challenges to executive privilege. The time it takes to move a challenge through the federal courts makes any potential congressional victory either stale or irrelevant. By forcing a lawsuit, the president wins politically whether or not he wins legally. If they become available only after President Bush leaves office, testimony or documents from the likes of Karl Rove, Harriet Miers, and Sara Taylor would be politically worthless. That explains why Congress has pursued only one reported suit in its history: the 1974 case Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities v. Nixon, (which in the end proved superfluous because another congressional committee had already obtained the sought-after tape).
http://www.slate.com/id/2170479/fr/flyout
I think the executive branch should have more power or at least maintain the power they have right now. The executive branch can not possibly dictate the country because of check and balances. The system checks and balances each branches' powers.
http://www.slate.com/id/2170479/fr/flyout
I think the executive branch should have more power or at least maintain the power they have right now. The executive branch can not possibly dictate the country because of check and balances. The system checks and balances each branches' powers.
McCain Criticizes Romney's Abortion Record
John McCain criticizes rival Romney's Abortion Record by releasing a video of Romney as a defendant of abortion-right laws. Now, the video shows that Romney flip-flops and not only emphasizes his personal opposition to abortion rights, but he also calls for the repeal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationally. This causes trouble for Romney because he is now seen as a flip-flopper and will have to re-establish himself on a definite side before he does anything else.
This shows how media can affect a publics opinion quite drastically. After McCain released the video, millions of people viewed it and probably have a worse view of Romney than before. McCain used the media as a weapon to bash his opponent to gain the upper hand. This isn't a race about who is the better candidate, but rather picking the lesser evil.
This shows how media can affect a publics opinion quite drastically. After McCain released the video, millions of people viewed it and probably have a worse view of Romney than before. McCain used the media as a weapon to bash his opponent to gain the upper hand. This isn't a race about who is the better candidate, but rather picking the lesser evil.
Edwards Pitches Health Care Plan
John Edwards proposes a plan to cut health costs by requiring companies to spend 85% of their premium to patient care. He wants to stop long-term patents of certain drugs for other to develop the drug and drive prices down using generic brands of medicine. He is a strong advocate of health care reform.
I think this is an excellent idea, because health costs right now are unbelievable. The health industry spends almost no money on patient care and monopolizes products with patents that could easily be made by other companies. They want the patent because it gives them the ability to hike up prices and rake in the dough. We should reform our system.
I think this is an excellent idea, because health costs right now are unbelievable. The health industry spends almost no money on patient care and monopolizes products with patents that could easily be made by other companies. They want the patent because it gives them the ability to hike up prices and rake in the dough. We should reform our system.
Sen. Joe Biden Expresses Regret Over Barack Obama Comments
Senator Joe Biden regrets the comments that he directed to Obama. He said before that Obama is "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean." This is very offensive, because they were African- Americans that ran before Obama and obviously people will infer that he doesn't think those candidates were as qualified as Obama. Senator Joe Biden also critizes canidates who refuse to cut the money that is paying for troops in Iraq.
I think Senator Joe Biden only apologized for his remark to Obama, because he needs the approval of the people if he is to get elected. People will not vote for an individual who seems to be racist in any way. He is also bashing his opponents saying that they should cut the money given to troops, because the boys should come home.
I think Senator Joe Biden only apologized for his remark to Obama, because he needs the approval of the people if he is to get elected. People will not vote for an individual who seems to be racist in any way. He is also bashing his opponents saying that they should cut the money given to troops, because the boys should come home.
Obama Gets Strong Backing From NAACP Delegates
On July 13, 2007 Sen. Barkack Obama got a loudest cheers out of the his Democratic rivels from the NAACP. All 8 Democrats attended the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's 98th annual convention. Each Democrat came up to the stage and talk about their point-of-veiw on civil rights and what should be done about them. Hoping to be the first black president, Mr. Obama, received the strongest and most cheers from the 3,000 prople that had attends. He state, "I know what you know, which is that despite all the progress that has been made we still have more work to do," meaning that he is willing to help the blacks all through the United States with their needs and rights. Speeches were not the only thing that the Democrats presented. They were so asked questions about their point-of-veiw on issues like health care, gun violence, and voting rights. Each Demcorat has their own thought on who will vote for them. Mrs. Clinton is hoping that her husband's former supportes will support her as well. Mr. Edwards has support behind him with his thoughts on anti-poverty. The black voters are the core source of votes for the Democrats, so getting their votes in this election is huge.
I my opinion I believe that this election will be quite interesting for the Democratic side. Almost all 8 Democrats are qualified for the position of the president of the United States.
I my opinion I believe that this election will be quite interesting for the Democratic side. Almost all 8 Democrats are qualified for the position of the president of the United States.
F.Y.I. — Harry Reid’s Vote
Summary- Many people are wondering why the senate majority leader Harry Reid cast his vote over the withdrawal of troops from Iraq with the minority Republicans. under the Senate Rules though it is sad that he had to vote this way in order to debate the topic at another time. Reid voted with the demarcates but then later decided switch his vote at the end
Opinion-I believe that this is crap. there should be no rule that makes a member of the senate vote a certain way it is just bogus to me.
Opinion-I believe that this is crap. there should be no rule that makes a member of the senate vote a certain way it is just bogus to me.
McCain Meets Allies on the Hill
Summary- John McCain one of the Senators from Arizona Seems to be running out of money and out of campaign staff but one group of supporters still are there for him, his fellow senators. He had a meeting with his fellow colleges to assure then that he was still going to stay in the race for the presidency.
Feedback- To me i am not a republican but it is always nice to see people come together for a cause as much as i don't want McCain to win this years election I wish him the best of luck in his future as a Senator
Clintons Still Loyal To Eachother
Hilary Rodham Clinton and Bill Clinton have been seen together appearing as a happy couple. Through out all of Bill Clinton's scandals including his impeachment and affair with Monica Lewinski, Hilary has decided not split up with him. Don Peterson said, "It's phony. They're both good actors."
I agree with Don Peterson. Hilary Clinton's only reason for not divorcing her husband was for her political career. She knew that Bill's popularity would play into her favor when she decided to run for president and that is why she has stayed together with him.
I agree with Don Peterson. Hilary Clinton's only reason for not divorcing her husband was for her political career. She knew that Bill's popularity would play into her favor when she decided to run for president and that is why she has stayed together with him.
Teens Hold Meeting about Gangs
A gathering of about 80 teens took place at La Pintoresca Library on Thursday to learn about gang violence and collaborate on peace making plans. The participants believed that the meeting was successful in discouraging everyone in attendance from becoming involved with gangs. According to police reports there were 24 attempted murders and 8 deaths attributed to gangs since August 2006.
This is a good plan with all of the gang violence taking place. If this can decrease the participation in gangs than it is a success.
This is a good plan with all of the gang violence taking place. If this can decrease the participation in gangs than it is a success.
2 Schools Forced to Share Campus
Nia Charter School and Rhythms of of the Village charter school are going to be sharing the campus of Edison Elementary School. Both schools opposed the proposition but the Pasadena Unified School District has decided against them. The plan is controversial because they are combining a Pasadena school and an Altadena School on a single campus. Rhythms officials requested space at Linda Vista Elementary School but the neighborhood refused do to problems with the structures as well as Blair where the Blair community also protested.
I think that the school district's decision is a bad one because both Altadena and Pasadena have their own gangs and that means that there is likely to be violence between the two. The students are also likely to be unhappy with moving to a new campus after all of this and share it with another school.
I think that the school district's decision is a bad one because both Altadena and Pasadena have their own gangs and that means that there is likely to be violence between the two. The students are also likely to be unhappy with moving to a new campus after all of this and share it with another school.
Pasadena asks: Is Racial Profiling Fair?
Racial Profiling is the inclusion of racial or ethnic characteristics in determining whether a person is considered likely to commit a particular type of crime. In Pasadena racial profiling was the topic at debate Tuesday night at the community forum. Police feel that racial profiling is appropriate to prevent gang crimes. However, memebers of the community testify about instances where they have been stopped even though they don’t belong to a gang. This is because of the way they appear. Polce and officals made it clear that the color of clothing one wears is a flash point in street gang life. Red represents the bloods and blue crips.
I feel horrible for the man who has been stopped by the police more than 30 times because he is African American and wears a birght red t shirt. In Pasaden, police have the right to racial profile to protect the community, but only under any suspicion. A person should not be stopped on the street for wearing a red t shirt unless they commit a crime. I understand that the police want to prevent crimes ahead of time, but this is unfair to many individuals. The discussion of racial profiling is very controversial and goes even bigger than Pasadena. Poloce should learn alternative ways to spot gang individuals; like recognizing specific tattoos.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6345553
I feel horrible for the man who has been stopped by the police more than 30 times because he is African American and wears a birght red t shirt. In Pasaden, police have the right to racial profile to protect the community, but only under any suspicion. A person should not be stopped on the street for wearing a red t shirt unless they commit a crime. I understand that the police want to prevent crimes ahead of time, but this is unfair to many individuals. The discussion of racial profiling is very controversial and goes even bigger than Pasadena. Poloce should learn alternative ways to spot gang individuals; like recognizing specific tattoos.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6345553
Sierra Madre Police Ask for a Raise
In Sierra Madre, California the police officers’ union is asking voters to give officers a increase in pay. The Sierra Madre Police Officers Association has compiled 1,7167 signatures qualifying them for the ballot in November. The initiative is called “Prioritizing Public Safety” and it would increase the police pay by 20 percent. In the surrounding departments, Sierra Madre is paid the least coming after South Pasadena police.
I feel that the police should be paid more. They work long hours to protect the residents of their city. It’s very smart of them to have a petition signed. I think South Pasadena police should do the same because out city would support the raise.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6398625
I feel that the police should be paid more. They work long hours to protect the residents of their city. It’s very smart of them to have a petition signed. I think South Pasadena police should do the same because out city would support the raise.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6398625
Which Way L.A?
Warren Olney, a former local television newsman, with high interests in politics, and a man with a mind full of specific opinions and views, and a desire to spill what's been kept in his head for so long, "bolted across the threshold of public radio" and established himself as a talk host on KCRW-FM (89.9). There he created a show called "Which way, L.A?" where it responded to the historic civil unrest of the aftermath of the Los Angeles riots. Olney began to interrogate people who were rarely heard of on the radio and began discussions on the air between the warring tribes in our midst. By the time the urgency sparked by the riots had ebbed, "Which Way, L.A.?" had become an institution, looking beyond the crisis in South Central to "the issues Southern Californians care about," as its on-air signature proclaimed. Olney states, "The way I see my role is I don't take sides because I want everyone to be comfortable and be able to express their views. There are times when someone comes in and says the Earth is flat, and I have to say, no, it's not. But if the subject is controversial, then by definition what we need to know is the richness of the argument, and let people decide for themselves." With many guests speaking to the host by phone about national topics, the show is broadcast live to the East Coast at 11 a.m. and replayed an hour later in Los Angeles.
I think this is a really good addition to the variety of radio shows that are aired. I think it is a great way for people to express their opinions and ask questions about a certain issue that they might be confused about. The show has been airing for fifteen years, and it has been proven that it has been quite successful. I hope the show continues to become a success because a radio show talking about historical and national issues such as the L.A Riots, probably appeals more to the youth than reading it in textbooks, and most probably allows them to get involved and participate with the debates more.
I think this is a really good addition to the variety of radio shows that are aired. I think it is a great way for people to express their opinions and ask questions about a certain issue that they might be confused about. The show has been airing for fifteen years, and it has been proven that it has been quite successful. I hope the show continues to become a success because a radio show talking about historical and national issues such as the L.A Riots, probably appeals more to the youth than reading it in textbooks, and most probably allows them to get involved and participate with the debates more.
Bush the albatross
That would be President Bush, whose approval rating scraped new lows last week. Bush won't be on the ballot in 2008, of course, but throughout American history, outgoing presidents have cast a long shadow over the campaign to succeed them. And when a departing president has been as unpopular as Bush is now, his party has usually lost the White House in the next election.
It's true that Republicans in 2008 should perform slightly better among voters who disapprove of the president than George H.W. Bush and Gore did, because their nominee, unlike those men, won't be the retiring president's vice president. But another pattern underscores how hard the challenge will remain: On average, 80% of voters who disapproved of a president's performance have voted against his party's candidates even in House races since 1986, according to the respected University of Michigan post-election polls. When a president takes on water, in other words, everyone in his party flounders.
One senior GOP strategist says Bush could most help the party by redirecting the American mission in Iraq away from front-line combat operations toward training and counter-terrorism. But even if Bush dropped his opposition to that idea, such a change might be too little, too late to rebuild his public standing. Whatever Bush does in Iraq, Republicans next year will probably need to paddle away from him much more energetically than they have so far. It also means that no matter how hard they swim, they could still be swamped if Bush can't stabilize his sinking ship.
Bush dug a deep hole for the Republicans, and to not hurt his party's chances during the campaign he would need to stop digging. Hence, he would need to play it smart with the situation in Iraq. If he fails so does his party.
It's true that Republicans in 2008 should perform slightly better among voters who disapprove of the president than George H.W. Bush and Gore did, because their nominee, unlike those men, won't be the retiring president's vice president. But another pattern underscores how hard the challenge will remain: On average, 80% of voters who disapproved of a president's performance have voted against his party's candidates even in House races since 1986, according to the respected University of Michigan post-election polls. When a president takes on water, in other words, everyone in his party flounders.
One senior GOP strategist says Bush could most help the party by redirecting the American mission in Iraq away from front-line combat operations toward training and counter-terrorism. But even if Bush dropped his opposition to that idea, such a change might be too little, too late to rebuild his public standing. Whatever Bush does in Iraq, Republicans next year will probably need to paddle away from him much more energetically than they have so far. It also means that no matter how hard they swim, they could still be swamped if Bush can't stabilize his sinking ship.
Bush dug a deep hole for the Republicans, and to not hurt his party's chances during the campaign he would need to stop digging. Hence, he would need to play it smart with the situation in Iraq. If he fails so does his party.
Toy Guns Banned in Azusa
In Azusa, California on Monday the City Council introduced a new law that banned the sale of imitation guns to children. The ordinance was unanimously approved by council members. However, it will not be in effect until revisions are approved at the next meeting. City officials are scared that an incident at Powell Elementary School could happen again. At Powell three kids carried toy guns that looked very similar to authentic firearms. A concerned janitor warned police leading to the boys a gun point. This misunderstanding and possible danger made the minds up for the council members.
I feel that the law is going over board. The incident that occurred at the elementary school was unfortunate, but the janitor could have taken it up with the principal first. Having play guns is a part of being a kid. The school should be the one to enforce that they are not brought to school. Even when the law is in full force, business owners will probably continue to sell toy guns.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6398639
I feel that the law is going over board. The incident that occurred at the elementary school was unfortunate, but the janitor could have taken it up with the principal first. Having play guns is a part of being a kid. The school should be the one to enforce that they are not brought to school. Even when the law is in full force, business owners will probably continue to sell toy guns.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_6398639
Senator Rodney Tom Enters Congressional Race
During the campaign kick off, held on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, Democratic State Senator Rodney Tom has become the 8th District's next congressman to enter the Congressional race. Tom, a former Republican from Bellevue who switched parties in 2006, tried to make clear contrasts between himself and Democrat Darcy Burner, who declared her candidacy in March. Tom states that the difference between himself and Burner is that he "forces Representatives to run on issues." Tom also states that he "takes experience off the table, has local roots, unlike Burner who grew up in Nebraska and moved to the district a few years ago." But the most important difference between the two, that Tom makes clear of, is that "Burner has lack of experience."
From this article, it just sounds to me that Tom is just bashing out Burner, which doesn't seem highly professional or sound like someone I would trust to elect during the Congressional Race. Another source also states, at the end of the article that "Tom is not a guy who's that serious. He has not had major accomplishments." If this is true, then I don't know why Tom is focusing on making Burner look bad, when he hasn't really accomplished anything either.
From this article, it just sounds to me that Tom is just bashing out Burner, which doesn't seem highly professional or sound like someone I would trust to elect during the Congressional Race. Another source also states, at the end of the article that "Tom is not a guy who's that serious. He has not had major accomplishments." If this is true, then I don't know why Tom is focusing on making Burner look bad, when he hasn't really accomplished anything either.
Latin America is home to some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. While only three countries—Chile, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic—provide no exceptions or extenuating circumstances for the criminal sanctions on abortion, in most countries and jurisdictions, exceptions are provided only when necessary to save the pregnant woman’s life and in certain other narrowly defined circumstances. Even where abortion is not punished by law, women often have severely limited access because of lack of proper regulation and political will.
Advancing access to safe and legal abortion can save women’s lives and facilitate women’s equality. Women’s decisions about abortion are not just about their bodies in the abstract, but rather about their human rights relating to personhood, dignity, and privacy more broadly. Continuing barriers to such decisions in Latin America interfere with women’s enjoyment of their rights, and fuel clandestine and unsafe practices, a major cause of maternal mortality in much of the region.
Latin American women’s organizations have fought for the right to safe and legal abortion for decades. Increasingly, international human rights law supports their claims. In fact, international human rights legal instruments and interpretations of those instruments by authoritative U.N. expert bodies compel the conclusion that access to safe and legal abortion services is integral to the fulfillment of women’s human rights generally, including their reproductive rights and rights relating to their full and equal personhood.
This paper offers (1) a brief overview of the status of abortion legislation in Latin America and (2) an in-depth analysis of international human rights law in this area. In addition to citing international treaty texts, it draws heavily from the work of United Nations treaty monitoring bodies.1 Human Rights Watch hopes that this distillation of international law will support the efforts of women’s rights activists in Latin America
this sux women should be able to make their own decision on what to do with their child
Advancing access to safe and legal abortion can save women’s lives and facilitate women’s equality. Women’s decisions about abortion are not just about their bodies in the abstract, but rather about their human rights relating to personhood, dignity, and privacy more broadly. Continuing barriers to such decisions in Latin America interfere with women’s enjoyment of their rights, and fuel clandestine and unsafe practices, a major cause of maternal mortality in much of the region.
Latin American women’s organizations have fought for the right to safe and legal abortion for decades. Increasingly, international human rights law supports their claims. In fact, international human rights legal instruments and interpretations of those instruments by authoritative U.N. expert bodies compel the conclusion that access to safe and legal abortion services is integral to the fulfillment of women’s human rights generally, including their reproductive rights and rights relating to their full and equal personhood.
This paper offers (1) a brief overview of the status of abortion legislation in Latin America and (2) an in-depth analysis of international human rights law in this area. In addition to citing international treaty texts, it draws heavily from the work of United Nations treaty monitoring bodies.1 Human Rights Watch hopes that this distillation of international law will support the efforts of women’s rights activists in Latin America
this sux women should be able to make their own decision on what to do with their child
A GOP comeback strategy
But there is one big question that has hardly been asked at all, mostly because it threatens to upset the narrative of the best election in decades: Do Republicans have any chance whatsoever of winning the White House in 2008? Given the extraordinary unpopularity of the Bush administration, isn't the Democratic candidate, whoever he or she ultimately is, going to be a shoo-in?
The simple answer is that it doesn't look good for the Republicans. A GOP victory is not absolutely out of the question, of course, but getting there would take a forward-looking agenda, unparalleled message discipline, a strict focus on the millions of independent voters, an innovative candidate and campaign and a lot of luck.
The success of the Republican Party since 1980 was to eschew definition or brand. Whatever hopes, dreams and aspirations people saw in themselves were seen in the Republican Party. That's all gone now. The Democrats didn't win in 2006. The GOP lost. And for the party to keep the White House in 2008, it will require a Herculean effort.
That's horrible. The media has no hope for the Republican party at all. Because of the idea that history repeats itself, it will only make us want to make that come true. The Republicans just need to win Ohio to make sure they still have a chance in the campaign. Good luck to them.
The simple answer is that it doesn't look good for the Republicans. A GOP victory is not absolutely out of the question, of course, but getting there would take a forward-looking agenda, unparalleled message discipline, a strict focus on the millions of independent voters, an innovative candidate and campaign and a lot of luck.
The success of the Republican Party since 1980 was to eschew definition or brand. Whatever hopes, dreams and aspirations people saw in themselves were seen in the Republican Party. That's all gone now. The Democrats didn't win in 2006. The GOP lost. And for the party to keep the White House in 2008, it will require a Herculean effort.
That's horrible. The media has no hope for the Republican party at all. Because of the idea that history repeats itself, it will only make us want to make that come true. The Republicans just need to win Ohio to make sure they still have a chance in the campaign. Good luck to them.
convicts cant vote
felony convictions on their records.Fourteen states, including Massachusetts, do not allow felons to vote, but do reinstate voting rights immediately after their release from prison. Eight states permanently disenfranchise felons depending on the type of felony conviction. In four states — Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia and Florida — people with any felony conviction are barred for life from the polls, unless the government grants them individual rights through a petition process. Robinson had the unfortunate luck to commit his crime of conspiracy to distribute in Alabama, thus giving up his right to vote forever. These laws disproportionately affect black and Latino men, as they are incarcerated on felony charges at much higher rates that whites. Nationally, 13 percent of black men are unable to vote and 36 percent of the disenfranchised are black — as opposed to 6 percent being white. “These laws are definitely racial in nature,” says Mervyn Marcano of Right to Vote, an organization working to enfranchise people with felonies on their records. “Certain states — such as Florida and Alabama — enacted these laws after poll taxes, literacy tests and grandfather clauses were deemed unconstitutional, as a means of keeping African Americans from voting.”African Americans constitute 5 percent of the Massachusetts population, yet represent 29 percent of those who are disenfranchised. Prior to 2000, felons in Massachusetts were able to vote, though they did not vote in large numbers. According to Peter Wagner of the Prison Policy Initiative, a New England-based nonprofit working to re-enfranchise felons, it was the threat of prisoners organizing that catalyzed the issue of voting rights for felons and led policymakers to push to deny them the right to vote. “A small group of lifetime prisoners were organizing a voting bloc against then acting governor Paul Celluci. They raised $327, and all of a sudden they were punished and their rights were taken away with almost no debate,” Wagner explains. The amendment was introduced, voted on and passed during the Nov. 2000 election.Countries such as Israel, Japan, Kenya, Poland and Peru allow and often encourage prisoners to vote. Vermont and Maine are the only two states that allow prisoners to maintain their right to vote. Iowa was one of those states that permanently disenfranchised felons, until last July, when Gov. Tom Vilsack signed an executive order extending the right to vote to those who had completed their sentences. “It’s the right thing to do. Research indicates that when people are successfully reintegrated into society after they’ve paid their debt to society, they are less likely to re-offend,” a spokesman for Vilsack told the Des Moines Register after the decision. But opponents argue that the 14th Amendment allows for states to deny the vote to people “for participation in rebellion or other crime.” Many say that reinstating the vote, particularly to those still behind bars, sends the wrong message about what it means to be a responsible citizen and jeopardizes the necessity for society to protect itself from criminals. Advocates disagree. “The wrong message is that we think we can have a democracy which doesn’t include the voices of all of its citizens,” says Marcano. “A democracy should represent everyone.” In Florida alone, 7 percent of the total population is permanently disenfranchised, with almost 257,000 of those being African American. A number of voters, says Wagner, that could have easily swayed the controversial presidential election in 2000. According to a study conducted by University of Minnesota sociology professor Christopher Uggen and Jeff Manza of Northwestern University, had even a small percentage of Florida’s overwhelmingly Democrat-leaning ex-felons voted, Bush would have been defeated by up to 80,000 votes.“Many people who oppose felons regaining the right to vote say ‘we don’t want prisoners to decide our laws and affect our communities,’” Wagner explains. “But what they are really saying is ‘you made a mistake and we do not want to consider you a part of society anymore.’” Others opposed to extending the right to vote fear that felons and ex-felons will create a voting bloc that will be soft on crime.“That argument is silly for a variety of reasons, as only 5-10 percent of felons were voting, and many of them support anti-crime laws,” says Wagner. “Besides that, laws need to be proposed by legislators before they can even be voted on.”Currently organizations such as Right to Vote, Prison Policy Initiative and the Sentencing Project are working to extend the right to vote through educational forums, lobbying and litigation. In Massachusetts, the lawsuit Simmons v. Calvin is challenging the constitutionality of denying felons the right to vote, working its way through the courts. Several pending cases in Florida and Alabama are challenging the disenfranchisement of ex-felons as well. For many ex-felons, voting represents one step in the transition from inmate to a functioning member of society. “Ex-felons still have to pay taxes, therefore, they should be able to vote,” says Marcano. “For the previously incarcerated, it is about making the walk back into society. I believe people with felony convictions are as capable as anyone else; we are not ‘damaged goods,’ but rather badly needed voices in a society where few people think twice about how the criminal justice system works — or doesn’t work,” says Robinson.
i dont think convicts should be able to vote they lost that oppurtunity.
i dont think convicts should be able to vote they lost that oppurtunity.
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