This Blog is created to stress the importance of Peace as an environmental directive. “I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” – Harry Truman
(I receive no compensation from any entry on this blog.)
Bush/Cheney buoyed their economy with any exploitation available of the people of the USA. Three were no limits to the danger they were placing the American people in the path of, they didn't care. They wanted money, nothing else. An economy at any cost isn't necessary and certainly isn't the highest priority of the Obama Administration.
What isn't being counted in the media are the lives being changed and saved by the current Democratic Administration and Congress.
This remote and unspoiled, 294,000-acre monument is a geologic treasure, containing Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes and Paria Canyon. Elevations range from 3,100 to 6,500 feet. Located on the Colorado Plateau in northern Arizona, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument includes the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The monument borders Kaibab National Forest to the west and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area to the east.
Aspen in the Kaibab National Forest
Order Temporarily Bans New Uranium Claims and Exploration Across 1 Million Acres of Public Land Surrounding Grand Canyon National Park (click title to entry - thank you) GRAND CANYON, Ariz.— Conservationists are applauding a notice issued today by the Obama administration to temporarily place 1 million acres of public lands surrounding Grand Canyon off limits to new mining claims and exploration or development of existing, unpatented claims. The order complies with a June 2008 resolution by the House Committee on Natural Resources enacting the same protections across the same area. The protections do not affect three existing mines in the area slated for reopening or the exploration of existing patented claims. Uranium prices have caused sharp increases in new uranium mining claims, exploration, and permitting to reopen old mines on public lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park. Uranium development threatens to damage wildlife habitat, industrialize iconic wildlands, and contaminate surface water and groundwater feeding regional water wells, seeps, springs and the Colorado River — prompting concerns from former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai, Hualapai, and Kaibab Paiute tribes, Coconino County officials, and independent geologists. “Secretary Salazar’s decision secures a much-needed, but temporary respite from thousands of new uranium claims around the Grand Canyon,” said Grand Canyon Trust spokesman Roger Clark. “For permanent protection, Congress now needs to pass the Grand Canyon Watersheds Protection Act.” Today’s order aligns the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management direction with the 25 June 2008 resolution by the House Committee on Natural Resources, which directed the secretary of the interior to enact an “emergency withdrawal,” banning new claims and exploration across the 1 million acres for three years. The Center for Biological Diversity, Grand Canyon Trust, and Sierra Club filed suit against the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management in September 2008 for authorizing uranium exploration in violation of the withdrawal. The groups are evaluating how today’s action affects that pending litigation. “We are pleased to see Secretary Salazar take this action to protect the lands around Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, which provides the drinking water for millions of people downstream,” said Sandy Bahr, chapter director for the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter. “Our waters and special places such as Grand Canyon deserve strong protections.”...
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad (right) and former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in friendlier times (click title to entry - thank you)
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (R) and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah walk to attend the Third Expanded Ministerial Conference of the Neighbouring Countries of Iraq in Kuwait City, Kuwait, April 22, 2008. Egypt, Gulf Cooperation Council members, the G8 countries, five UN Security Council permanent members, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference attended the meeting on Tuesday.(Xinhua Photo)
The 'new' economy to Iraq's central government could very well 'set it free' from the Autonomous Kurdish northern province. There is one aspect to any government in the region, the 'Holy Places' will always remain a source of security and economy.
...French Prime Minister Francois Fillon is the first foreign leader to visit Iraq since US-led forces officially withdrew combat troops from Iraqi cities on June 30.
He told a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that in the wake of the U.S. pullout, Iraq had "now entered a new phase."
Mr. Fillon arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, with a large delegation of French officials and top French business leaders for a short visit. The French prime minister's office said several business agreements would be signed during the visit....
Al-Maliki, boosted by U.S. pullback, to call on Obama (click here) By MIKE THARP McClatchy Newspapers BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will meet President Barack Obama in Washington on Wednesday wearing several robes: the popular leader of an American ally, the prime minister of an increasingly independent-minded country, a follower of the same branch of Islam that's practiced in Iran and a political candidate. The man who'd been the default compromise for Iraq's top post in 2006 has emerged as the strongest officeholder since Saddam Hussein. He's tamed sectarian and other violence to its lowest level since the U.S.-led invasion six years ago. He's politely but firmly refused U.S. offers to help resolve a stalemate in his parliament. In handling security issues, he's told the American military, in effect: Don't call us; we'll call you....
We do not belong in the middle of a civil war. We don't belong in the middle of rising political ethnic rhetoric. It is wrong for any political leader to victimize any ethnic group to gain popularity within another. The USA cannot possibly villanize any ethnic group against any other.
...The president of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region says ethnic tension is driving Iraq's Kurds and the central government in Baghdad dangerously close to confrontation. Massoud Barzani, the Kurdish region's president, also tells NPR that whoever wants to get ahead in Iraqi politics does it by criticizing the Kurds....
...The deadliest fighting took place in the northern Swat Valley (click title to entry - thank you), where the army is wrapping up an offensive against Taliban militants. The military said in a statement it killed 12 suspected insurgents in a gunbattle near the town of Dardial, while one officer died. Two more militants were killed in the village of Ghul Shah....
Clinton says 9/11 ringleaders are in Pakistan (click here) (AP) – 4 hours ago NEW DELHI — U.S. officials "firmly believe" that al-Qaida leaders who planned and carried out the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, are hiding in Pakistan near its border with Afghanistan, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday. At a news conference concluding three days of meetings, Clinton said Washington has told the Pakistani government what it believes about the location of al-Qaida leaders on its soil. "With respect to the location of those who were part of the planning and execution of the attack of 9/11 against our country, we firmly believe that a significant number of them are in the border area of Pakistan," she said when asked about the U.S. view. "We are actively looking for additional information that would lead us to them," she added. The Pakistani government denies that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and his senior lieutenants are hiding on its territory. Bin Laden is believed to have fled into Pakistan from Afghanistan weeks after the U.S. military invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.
I thank ABC News for putting our country first and considering the POW status of one soldier their mission. Thank you.
The U.S. soldier kidnapped by Taliban forces in Afghanistan may have been taken across the border to Pakistan, complicating efforts to obtain his release, according to two people involved in U.S. and Afghan military efforts to locate him, and three Afghan soldiers captured with him....
U.N. officials said Zil-e-Usman was working at the Kacha Garhi camp near the city of Peshawar when gunmen tried to kidnap him and then shot him in the chest. The U.N. worker was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. A guard working for another aid agency also was killed in the crossfire....
NATO: British fighter jet crashes at Afghan base (click title to entry - thank you) By JASON STRAZIUSO Associated Press Writer KABUL -- A British fighter jet crashed inside NATO's largest base in southern Afghanistan on Monday in the second major crash there in two days. Fourteen Afghan civilians died in two incidents, including three killed when German troops opened fire on their vehicle, Afghan officials said. The Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado crashed inside Kandahar Airfield during takeoff at 7:20 a.m. Afghanistan time (0250 GMT; 22:50 Sunday EDT), said Capt. Ruben Hoornveld, a spokesman for the NATO-led force. The two-member crew ejected and were being treated for unspecified injuries at the base hospital. The Tornado is the fourth aircraft to go down in Afghanistan in three days and the sixth this month. Military officials say there doesn't appear to be a common reason for the spate of crashes beyond coincidence....
US: 4 US troops die in Afghanistan (click here) (AP) – 4 hours ago KABUL — NATO says four more Americans have been killed in Afghanistan, making July the deadliest month ever for U.S. troops in this war. A NATO statement says the four died Monday when a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Afghanistan. The statement does not give nationalities, but U.S. spokesman Lt. Robert Carr confirms all four were Americans. At least 30 U.S. troops have now died this month — two more than the toll for June 2008, which had been the deadliest month for the American force in Afghanistan. At least 55 international troops have been killed in Afghanistan in July, the deadliest month of the war for the NATO mission.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
KABUL (AP) — NATO says four more American troops have been killed in Afghanistan. A NATO statement says the four died Monday when a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Afghanistan. The statement does not give nationalities, but U.S. spokesman Lt. Robert Carr confirms all four were Americans. No further details were released. A British soldier was killed Sunday in southern Afghanistan. Those deaths bring to at least 55 the number of international troops killed in Afghanistan in July, the deadliest month of the war for the NATO mission. At least 30 U.S. troops have died this month — three more than the death toll for September 2008 which had been the deadliest month for the American force in Afghanistan. (This version CORRECTS that the previous deadliest month for US troops in Afghanistan was June 2008, not September 2008.)
The economy is better. Jobs are preserved and there are new ones being generated. The Right Wing is on the attack and there is every indication they intend and have intended to do harm to the country. Americans are not safe under their guidance.
The FCC needs to examine the licenses of Talk Radio and pull some priviledges, because, what I heard today is simply unbelievably dangerous.
Let's start with some good news. It doesn't matter what indicator one looks at the USA GDP is up this quarter as compared to last quarter.
USA GDP
The Last Quarter of 2008 it fell (negative) at an astounding rate by 6.3% based on value of a 2000 USA Dollar.
At the close of the First Quarter of 2009(ONLY 70 days after President Obama's inauguration) a definitive slowing of the recession was noted with a loss (negative) of 5.5% against a 2000 USA dollar.
The Obama Stimulus was more than necessary, it was vital and is having a significant impact. Not only that but we are also witnessing 'up spring' economies in Green Industries. The landscape of the American Economy is changing and it is taking place quickly. The Obama Stimulus was passed in February. In less than five months we are already seeing the NEW and vital focus to our economy and it is more than promising. The incredible aspect to this is there is far more to come. We are getting our country back on our terms. And what do we know about the USA economy, the wider the tax base the greater the income to the Treasury and the higher the capacity of the country to absorb debt. We are doing great.
Now, on to the Right Wing propaganda.
I regularly listen to the garbage that is put out by the Right Wing Talk Radio. However. When I listen it is through somewhat innocent ears. Those ears always figure these people actually have facts to back them up and they know somewhat of what they speak.
I gave them validity in their point of view, but, that changed today. They have convinced me they are harmful to Americans and incite anger without regard to the dangers such advocacy brings. I am dead serious when I state, the FCC needs to roll back the lies that harm Americans through these programs and they should do it now.
Getting away from the hate they have of Americans by advocating the lack of affordable health care for a nation of beseiged by a system that doesn't work; I would like to mention a 'talk session' today that advocated complete and absolute danger to Americans without an apology for the hatred it brought of OUR government.
It was a conversation about 'The Stimulus.' It went like this. "I went to a website that lists all the SPENDING of the Obama Stimulus. In there was a half a million dollars for a traffic light near a military base. Can you imagine that? A traffic light near a military base and it cost nearly half a million to install it. The Obama people actually call this a stimulus. Tell me how that is a stimulus." (The commentator was dead serious.) He went on. "That is not a stimulus, that doesn't stimulate anything. If you want to stimulate an economy you remove traffic lights, not erect them. When a traffic light is removed it causes stimulus to insurance claims, body shops and all sorts of cash flow."
I thought it was a joke. So I listened for the punch line. There was no punch line. Basically, this commentator was stating the best stimulus for the USA economy was to remove taxes from government and place the money back in the pockets of Americans to gamble with their lives.
It was like a veil of 'imagineering' was lifted. The commentator simply continued with his anger and rhetoric and invited those listening to join in and they did. I could not believe my ears and all the pieces started to fall into place.
Reflecting on the years of Bush/Cheney there were issues of higher arsenic levels in drinking water, more and more loosening of controls of pharmaceuticals and safety margins for Americans, the issues surrounding Vioxx and all those so called miracle drugs, the ever escalating dangers in our food supply and the increasingly disasterous industry called health care.
The fuel to the fire of the housing industry, the loss of natural areas for the sake of building and I mean building anything. It was done with the idea that people were expendible in any aspect of life. That citizens weren't important, the money that freely flowed through an economy of NEGLECT was important. Guns. The militarization of citizens, the idea that bullet barrages by our police would ultimately be necessary in an 'armed' society all came into clear view.
The degradation of our public schools, the ever increasing gap between the wealthy and the middle class which was creating a ever greater of impoverishment; including the inability to attend colleges. The placement of jobs overseas to increase the bottom line of corporations while the USA Middle Class slid from sight. All the neglect that was legislated by Republicans during the Bush/Cheney years all made sense. It wasn't 'a plan' for a better more economically viable America, it was impoverishing the people so they would have to struggle and survive.
No more government for the wealthy to SUBSIDIZE, but, only a Middle Class sinking lower and lower in their ability to survive the day and turning to the only 'government' driven economy that was left; the military. I don't want to demonize the military. Every country needs one, but, only in 'balance' with a healthy economy, not as the 'only' economy. Why not a forever war if that is all that was going to be subsidized by the government? Why not be the country that was attempting to destroy borders of other countries for their natural resources? I mean why not?
The point is that when the Right Wing 'rants' about how "W"rong the Obama Administrative is, they are simply ranting because they have lost control over their ability to 'decentralize' government to return money to their coffers. Their ranting has no basis in truth, it has no viability and it harms the American people.
The darnest thing is that they really do hate us. They really do hate the Americans that believe taxes are necessary, a healthy economy is one that is regulated to support the Middle Class and uplift those in poverty. They simply hate us.
The FCC needs to begin to eliminate the media of hate that propagates fear in order to maintain control. When a public is fearful of anything INCLUDING 'change' it brings them to the side of those that see the same 'fear' as legitimate and foster it for their own gain. There should be no media service that allows the degradation of government and endangers the public.
It was the sorriest broadcast I think I ever heard. Wow. Are my blinders off and I see no merit to their programming, at all, anymore. It is a darn shame the only way an opposing political party can exist is by 'imagineering' a Golden Ring on a Merry-Go-Round of fear, progagated by hate.
AP Top News at 2:39 p.m. EDT (click title to entry - thank you) (AP) – 24 minutes ago HAILEY, Idaho — A soldier from Idaho who disappeared from his base in Afghanistan has been captured, the Pentagon confirmed Sunday, a day after he was seen in a Taliban video posted online. The Defense Department released the name of Pfc. Bowe (pronounced BOH) R. Bergdahl, 23, who was serving with an Alaska-based infantry regiment. The private was last seen walking away from his base near the border with Pakistan in an area known to be a Taliban stronghold.
Walter Cronkite in Vietnam interviewing Professor Mai of the University of Hue for CBS
For television journalists, newsman was dedicated to craft with touch of humor (click title to entry - thank you) By Joanna Weiss Globe Staff
July 18, 2009
...“In 1976, I was a young reporter [for WBZ] standing in line in Manchester, N.H., waiting for my Secret Service credentials,’’ said Dan Rea, a veteran Boston journalist and WBZ News radio host. “It was a long line, and all the young reporters were moaning about standing there. We turned a corner and saw the head of the line, and I remember seeing that about five or six people in front of us was Walter Cronkite. “We were just the juniors and we were all complaining, and there was Walter standing there, patient, waiting for his credentials like the rest of us,’’ he said. “It was when he was at the height of his game. I’ll never forget that.’’...
The most notable issue of these maps is the lack of sincere frigid air over Antarctica. This is the 199th day of the year 2009. Antarctica is mostly shroded in darkness.
I think Mawson, an Australian Research Station, reports about 3 hours of light this time of year. I have a 'daylight graph,' to present an 'idea' of the degree 'solar radiation' is exposing the ice continent to warmth.
The 'sunlight graph' above is from the year 2002. It is safe to say the sun ("Sol") hasn't changed its patterns much since then.
There are so many issues I can write about here. The most outstanding is the lack of the reporting station Vostok. It has not been 'online' for some time now. It was the highest of the reporting stations on an ice continent with increased 'ice quake' activity over recent years. It had drilled through 3 miles (above sea level) of ice to Lake Vostok and now we don't hear a word about that research station. It is a worry, as the next highest research station is Clean Air at 9285 feet above sea level, which is at least 2000 feet lower than Vostok. We miss the Russians and their research station and are worried to their outcome.
That concern for scientists very dedicated to their science should really sum up a reality that exists on that continent.
July 18, 2009 1928 gmt Antarctica/South Pole Infrared Satellite Image
The map is especially illustrates the lack of profound frigid air over Antarctica compared to other similar maps on this blog at the same time of year or approximate time of year. It is time to get real. We have a friend in The Oval Office for once. A sincere friend that believes in the science and the emergency.
One can note from this map there is significant turbulence/wind in the upper troposphere with velocities of 110 mph or 50 miles per second with occassional velocities at 140 mph. August 18, 2009 0600 PM Temperature Map (click title to entry for 24 hour loop - thank you)
The Coldest Reporting Station
Antarctica, Clean Air
Local Time: 10:19 PM GMT (GMT +00)
Lat/Lon: 89.9° S 0.0° W
Elevation :: 9285 ft
Temperature :: - 89 Fahrenheit
Conditions :: Blowing Ice Crystals and Snow
Wind :: 14 mph from the east
Pressure :: 28.08 in (Falling)
Visibility :: 1.0 mile
UV :: 0 of 16 ( there is no sunlight, okay?)
Clouds :: Few - 6000 feet (Above Ground Level)
Warmest Reporting Station
Base Marambio
Lat/Lon: 64.2° S 56.7° W
Local Time: 10:31 PM GMT (GMT +00)
Elevation :: 650 ft
Temperature :: 40 Fahrenheit
Conditions :: Clear
Humidity :: 43%
Dew Point :: 25 Fahrenheit
Wind :: 22 mph from the Southwest
Pressure :: 29.46 inches (Rising)
Visibility :: 6.0 miles
Clouds :: Scattered Clouds at 19,6985 feet (Above Ground Level)
The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in ocean water (y axis) depends on the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere (shaded curves) and the temperature of the water (x axis) (click title to entry - thank you). This simplified graph shows that as atmospheric CO2 increases from pre-industrial levels (blue) to double (2X) the pre-industrial amounts (light green), the ocean CO2 concentration increases as well. However, as water temperature increases, its ability dissolve CO2 decreases. Global warming is expected to reduce the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2, leaving more in the atmosphere…which will lead to even higher temperatures. (Graph by Robert Simmon.)
Earth's carbon sinks are filling. The Southern Ocean is actually discharging CO2 due increased turbulence of the ocean waters caused by warming and an unexpected correlation to the depletion of ozone.
By the way...with surface ocean turbulence picking up, and the lower currents begining to increase their mixing as 'transmitted' by the upper ocean movement, that eliminates carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. I never, ever believed it was a viable solution.
Ozone hole has unforeseen effect on ocean carbon sink (click here) 12:54 26 June 2009 by Kate Ravilious The Southern Ocean has lost its appetite for carbon dioxide, and now it appears that the ozone hole could be to blame. In theory, oceans should absorb more CO2 as levels of the gas in the atmosphere rise. Measurements show that this is happening in most ocean regions, but strangely not in the Southern Ocean, where carbon absorption has flattened off. Climate models fail to reproduce this puzzling pattern. The Southern Ocean is a major carbon sink, guzzling around 15 per cent of CO2 emissions. However, between 1987 and 2004, carbon uptake in the region was reduced by nearly 2.5 billion tonnes – equivalent to the amount of carbon that all the world's oceans absorb in one year.... ...By running their model with and without the ozone depletion since 1975, Lenton and his colleagues were able to show that the ozone hole is responsible for the Southern Ocean's carbon saturation. The effect could be down to the way decreasing stratospheric ozone and rising greenhouse gases are altering the radiation balance of the Earth's atmosphere. This has been predicted to alter and strengthen the westerly winds that blow over the Southern Ocean. "We expected this transition to a windier regime, but it has occurred much earlier than we thought, seemingly because of the ozone hole," says Lenton....
It never ceases to amaze me the narcisstic priorities of the Right Wing Republican pundits. I heard a radio program where the 'commentator' did nothing but complain about the provisions in the "Cap and Trade" program passed by the House, in which when a home sells there needs to be roof replacements with solar reflective shingles. All he could do was complain about the price of roofs. Never once did he accept ownership of the problem of Human Induced Global Warming or the abuses of the air we breath that also comprises our troposphere. That is amazing to me. All they can think about is, "Me, me, me."
When my sons were very young they had the original Mario Brothers Game. The little man that would bounce up and down made this noise. It sounded like the word, "Mine, mine, mine, mine" everytime he would make another jump. I think these Right Wing Commentators were influenced by subliminal suggest as children as they were abandoned to the technology by parents releaved to have them occupied.
Coburn is 'running at the mouth' to instill fear throughout his constituency. He is playing the "Culture of Fear" card. Again. And again. And again.
According to Coburn the only jobs needed are jobs that create wealth. Well, I'll be. He complains there are bridges falling apart in the country, YET, the Republicans under Bush never did ANYTHING about infrastructure. There was one instance where that was addressed AFTER people were actually killed by the USA deteriorating infrastructure. There is one thing true about Republicans, they see no reason to see beyond 'the moment.'
Hello? I found the loop below absolutely astounding in its short-sightedness. Coburn, as many other Republicans, live in the 'here and now' in hopes of stimulating 'fear.'
First-Time and Continuing Unemployment Claims Drop (click title to entry - thank you)
July 16, 2009 11:31 a.m. EST
Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor Washington, D.C. (AHN) - New claims for jobless benefits dropped to the lowest level this year for a second week, and continuing claims made the biggest decrease on record and now stands at 6.3 million, according to the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday. Initial claims for the week ending July 11 was 522,000, down 47,000 from the preceding week's revised number. It is the smallest number of first-time claims since January. The four-week moving average was 584,000, or 22,500 less than the prior week's revised figure. The number of Americans staying on unemployment rolls for the week ending July 4, the latest data available, fell by 642,000 from the previous week's revised number of nearly 7 million to to 6.27 million. The drop is the biggest on record, and the number of total claims is the lowest since April 11. The insured unemployment rate was 4.7 percent, down 0.5 percent from the preceding week's revised figure of 5.2 percent....
Jeff Sessions is typically attempting to 'load' the record with rhetorical political prejudice INCLUDING a letter from whom? From whom? The NRA !
UPDATED STORY A series of violent outbreaks across the city overnight left two people dead and at least six others wounded. A 17-year-old boy was shot to death on the Northwest Side's Logan Square neighborhood late Wednesday, authorities said. After the shooting about 10 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Palmer Street, he was taken to Norwegian American Hospital, where he died in the emergency room a short time later from a shot to the head, police said. The teen was identified as Miguel Loreto of the 5900 block of South Kolin Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Grand Central Area detectives are investigating. Police are also investigating at least six other shootings from around the city....
There is less discussed in recent years regarding the influence of NRA money. As an example, this is an article from 1999. It demonstrates clearly a history of 'corruption' of the Senate with NRA influence. Yes, corruption. Jeff Sessions assumed office as Senator of Alabama (The most impoverished state in the country) in 1997.
AP Online Article date: May 22, 1999 Author: D. SALANT, Associated Press Writer JONATHAN D. SALANT
Senate Votes Reflect NRA Donations WASHINGTON (AP) -- Thirty-two of the 34 senators who supported the NRA this week on each of four key gun control votes received money for their last election from the gun industry lobbying group. And only two of the 38 senators who opposed the National Rifle Association on the same four votes received contributions from the group. Campaign contributions from the NRA are proving to be an accurate barometer of how individual senators would vote on gun control. It was a 51-50 vote to require background checks for firearms buyers at gun shows and pawn shops that clearly reflected the momentum ...
More Corruption in Georgia at the State level. When legislators lean in favor of an industry that pedals crime and violence there is something very "W"rong with the way government is conducting business.
About those NRA contributions … (click here) Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 11:02 AM The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Someone in the state Capitol took the trouble to send us a spreadsheet of all the money the National Rifle Association has handed out to state lawmakers and others this cycle. The total came to $22,750, given to 20 senators, 13 House members, one lieutenant governor and a state attorney general. Here’s the thing: The Senate conferees on H.B. 89, the NRA-backed gun bill to end all gun bills, are Senate Rules Chairman Don Balfour of Snellville, Ronnie Chance of Tyrone, and Joseph Carter of Tifton. None of them are listed as having received a dime from the NRA.
Everyone of these legislators should be impeached for abandoning the business of THE PEOPLE !
I would strongly suggest those so inclined write their federal Senators and House members to defeat this legislation.
NRA Updates on Pending Federal Legislation (click here) Saturday, 06 June 2009 18:44 administrator Friday, June 05, 2009 There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your attention and action. Please review these legislative initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at http://www.nraila.org/. S. 941/H.R. 2296-- the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act." This bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations. Of highest importance, S. 941 and H.R. 2296 totally rewrite the system of administrative penalties for licensed dealers, manufacturers and importers of firearms. S. 941 and H.R. 2296 would allow fines or license suspensions for less serious violations, while still allowing license revocation for the kind of serious violations that would block an investigation or put guns in the hands of criminals. This will help prevent the all-too-common situations where BATFE has revoked licenses for insignificant technical violations -- such as, improper use of abbreviations, or filing records in the wrong order.
This is the bill. Where Leahy gets the nerve to make our streets more uncertain is anyone's guess. Basically what this bill does and why it is advocated by the NRA is 'EXPANDS' the client base (consumer base) to guns. I mean, why not return gun purchase rights to those previously prohibited from purchasing because of law violations. Why not put guns back in the hands of every criminal in the country? I mean it's all about 'creating wealth' and who cares about the lives of Americans.
This version: Introduced in Senate. This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the Senate for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available on this website.
TITLE I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES MODERNIZATION AND REFORM (click here) SEC. 101. GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR CIVIL VIOLATIONS BY FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES. (a) In General- Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the following: ‘(e)(1)(A) If the Attorney General determines that a licensee under this section has willfully violated any provision of this chapter or any regulation prescribed under this chapter, the Attorney General may-- ‘(i) if the violation is of a minor nature-- ‘(I) for a first such violation, issue a written warning to the licensee; and ‘(II) for a second or subsequent such violation-- ‘(aa) impose on the licensee a civil money penalty of not more than $500 for each such violation, with no interest to accrue on the amount of such a penalty, except that the total amount of penalties imposed on a licensee under this subclause-- ‘(AA) for violations arising from a single inspection or examination shall not exceed $2,500; and ‘(BB) for a single calendar year shall not exceed $5,000; or ‘(bb) suspend the license for not more than 30 days, and specify the circumstances under which the suspension is to be terminated, if, in the period for which the license is in effect, there have been at least 2 prior occasions on which the licensee has been determined to have violated this chapter; or...
John Cornyn is engaging 'again' in Republican Rhetoric in denying 'individual' rights guaranteed under the USA Constitution. His statement that a judge should not set 'policy' but follow it, is another 'limiting' of any judicial decision making. He defers to the power of the Legislature as being 'the authority' of the American people. While that is important, it is not the 'end' of a 'test' of the law, that is why there is a judiciary. The American Judiciary isn't about 'testing' constitutionality, it is about 'applying' the law to 'practice.'
What the Republicans, like Cornyn can't get their minds around is the 'application' of law to the lives of Americans.
Bizaar Example:
The year 2151. The human race survived Human Induced Global Warming due to the landing of aliens with insight to Earth's plight. A rule is legislated that no one with Blue Hair will vote in any election. The reason being that 'aliens' are known to have blue hair.
The issue is: A legitimate voter shows up at the polling booth, three days after Halloween. The voter is declined the right to vote because aliens (characterized with blue hair) are not allowed to vote. Obviously, the 'issue' is clear. It is a test of The Burger Court, in that, when it comes to applying the legislated power of the country, there are those that obviously will run into problems. It is THAT reality the Republicans have never accepted. Cornyn is still stuck in 'the rut' as are some of the Supremes in the Right Wing of the court. It is this continued 'political rhetoric' that has definitively impacted and is impacting the dynamics of 'freedom' in the USA.
During the Bush Republican years, the rights of individuals have been rolled back decades. There is every reason to believe that will continue into the future so long as Republicans continue in their 'rhetorical politics' in order to win elections.
One might ask why this insane rhetoric year after year after year. Because, in fact, they don't believe in 'the law,' they believe in domination of the USA Constitution and bending it even if it means breaking it, to 'serve' their purpose. And we all know their purpose is a divine purpose and one that is higher than any law of the land.
When rendering judgement on 'temperment,' perhaps the people of this country should FIRST render judgement on 'the temperment' of the Senators.
The Ricci Case won in The Supreme Court because of the 'verbiage' of Title VII; not because of the 'spirit' of the law. The case at The Supreme Court level was "W"rongly decided because it 'voided' the 'intent' of the law (which was to protect people from discrimination based on racial bias when the law failed to UPHOLD 'all' the members of any 'class' where the law applied) and replaced it with 'dictionary meaning of the verbiage.'
The 'correct' class of people were fire fighters, NOT, white guys vs minorities. When the entire class of fire fighters were culturally divided into pass and fail, there was something grossly "W"rong with the test ! (As a side note, who designed this lousy test anyway?)
The Ricci Case and Mr. Ricci himself discriminated against 'the class' of fire fighters engaged in testing for Supervisory positions. When the demographics of the test revealed a 'cultural' delineation of the success of the test, it automatically needed to be discarded and explored as to why the 'cultural barrier' to success existed. I have discussed this before.
The Ricci Case was decided by 'the simpletons' of the Supreme Court when they took Title VII and eliminated 'the entire class' of test takers while 'substituting' the 'verbiage' that would elevate the plaintiff over 'the reality' before the City of New Haven and ultimately The State of Connecticut.
The complaint by Mr. Ricci is inappropriate ESPECIALLY for anyone entering a supervisory position, when he cannot look objectively at 'the test' but only 'narcissistically' to elevate 'himself' to an advantage over others.
Title VII, in the 'spirit' of the law, was supposed to prevent that.
The law was misconstrued by the five members of The Supreme Court and treated 'the white guys' as victims. They were not. They were culturally advantaged, which obviously showed up in the demographics of the test, and they should have all either been decided for advancement differently or tested again with a more culturally comprehensive test after further evaluation of the first bank of tests.
Ricci is biased and should never supervise anyone, yet, due to the biased methodology of five members of the Supreme Court, he will.
We STILL, in the year 2009, have a long way to go on Civil Rights on all venues of women and minorities due to the past eight years of Republicans acting AGAINST the USA Constitution in 'majority.'
We know they are "W"rong. It is amazing to realize they know it too, but, don't care they know it.
Charmaine Yoest, is an extremist. She is supposed to be upholding a concept called Pro-Life. You'll excuse me, but, the USA Constitution never stated it was Anti-Life. The right for a woman to decide the 'activity' of her body is a fundamental right guaranteed any citizen. The 'idea' that a woman has to be forced into conducting an unwanted pregnancy is hideous. The arguments for the right to abortion never goes away. It will force women into back street clinics or baseball bats wheeled by boyfriends to stop a pregnancy that is simply unwanted. There is nothing 'extreme' about the 'idea' that a woman has control over her body. This entire mess gets more and more hideous as the DECADES go by.
Today there is reported the death of two people by gun violence in Chicago (One was seventeen years old), yet, these Second Amendment extremists would have the City of Chicago eliminate their gun laws. There is no sense to their position, except, they state guns belong in the hands of citizens. They are "W"rong. They favor the extreme of placing 'self defense' over 'eliminating' dangerous use of personal weapons.
There is a huge population of guns on the USA streets and as seen in Brazil, the more guns within a populous the more the need for self defense. The more need for self defense means the more guns in the populous, which then demands more need for self defense and we have a 'negative feedback loop' that insures the USA will ultimately become 'The O. K. Corral."
The complaints against Judge Sotomayor regarding eminent domain goes along the line of 'deciding' rather than 'yielding.' The idea of being a judge falls into the rhelm of 'responsibility' not 'submissiveness.' From listening to her answer question after question she has stated, "...the law and how it applies...." Judge Sotomayor is a 'decider.' Remember that word? I think it was "W" that stated, "I am the decider." Yes? Well, the Executive Branch of the USA is NOT the decider. It has 'responsibility' to carry out the laws of the land.
The Legislative Branch is actually 'the decider' as it writes the laws that the other two branches carry out. Do I really have to say all this?
The Judicial Branch operates to 'protect' the people of the USA as the law is applied by its government. Every time Judge Sotomayor answered a question she specifically stated, she would have to apply the law depending on the circumstances. She is correct and could not be more correct. The 'spirit' of the law is not expressed in verbiage so much as its impact on the populous of the country. She is a rightfully a 'decider' in that she has to render a decision regarding those dynamics.
There is nothing more correct in applying eminent domaine than the decision of balancing the rights of government over the individual. There is no 'blanket' decision based on previous precedent either. As she stated, precedent is important, but, the decisions in passing judgement is based on dynamics as it is presented. There is no basis for criticizing her based on precedent in regard to Eminent Domaine.
The Rational Basis Test for is appropriate for gun control laws because it removes 'arbitrary' dynamics from upholding any legislation. In other words, when criticizing Judge Sotomayor on gun control by demeaning her methodology in 'the rational basis test' is actually hurting the very premise the NRA wants to invoke. Therefore, the statement criticizing Judge Sotomayor on her methodology is biased if not bigoted due to some 'idea' she will consciously violate ownership of guns.
The Rational Basis Test for judicial decision making removes arbitrary law. I refer to The Blue Hair Law. That is an arbitrary concept that when applied violates the rights of 'some' individuals. It is arbitrary because it is not based in sound reasoning, so much as political ideation. The Blue Hair Law against aliens assumes there is no other way of protecting natural citizen rights except to stop all people with Blue Hair from voting. It is short sighted law and is not sound in its verbiage.
People that oppose gun control for the sake of the 'theory' that every American is safer if they are 'carrying' is insulting the 'integrity' of reality for political ideation that places human life in the USA at risk for gun violence.
The Rational Basis Test removes arbitrary 'ideas' expressed in legislation. In other words, when the NRA lobbys for laws that will increase the populous of gun carriers and purchasers, the law itself may be unsound and can be dismissed based upon The Rational Basis Test. If law controlling guns do the same thing and don't prove to be effective or realistic, they can be dismissed as inappropriate under the same test.
The Rational Basis Test is a good method of identifying dynamics as they apply to 'real life' as opposed to 'ideation' which we find so much application in the Right Wing of the Supreme Court. The Rational Basis Test will also allow 'empathy.' WOW, how about that?
Hispanics represent 15% of the populous of the USA. They have rights and lives impacted by the laws of the USA. With them being under represented in government and the practice of law, there needs to be a Wise Hispanic (Latina) Woman on the Supreme Court.
In the new venue of 'minority' in DC as represented by President Obama and First Lady Michelle, we have witnessed changes in 'esteem' in our minority populous. That 'effect' is more than we could ever hope for in the USA. If finding a Wise Hispanic (Latina) Woman on the Supreme Court also raises the hopes and esteem of our Hispanic community than we can do them no greater justice in hopes of having them play a greater role in our country's government and legal venues.
Her personal story is part of her life in that it displays dedication to higher achievements. All the personal accountings of her peers say a great deal about her willingness to accept burdens others did not face while achieving the same if not higher achievements. She obviously has strong personal characteristics that state she is well placed at The Supreme Court. She has already stated she uses introspection to 'regulate' personal experience in balance to judgements. We can only hope every Justice would do the same.
I want to ask Tim Jefferies how he feels about The Innocence Project?
The USA Constitution recognizes 'the role' of the USA in 'international relations.' The State Department, the Commerce Department and a variety of other agencies recognize the USA has a role on a global scale. There was a time when commerce with the USA brought monies to other peoples when they adhered to child labor laws that were created in the USA. To believe there will be absolutely no overlap of dynamics in international venues is a ridiculous concept. Our diplomats alone have to be able to understand foreign laws and their impacts on American policy. To believe the USA is a 'virgin' completely untouched by other dynamics outside its borders is ideology that inhibits the advances of peace. Perhaps that is why the Republican Right believes so strongly in war.
Is Nick Rosenkranz a chemist? Argon Gas? It is an interesting gas, a noble gas, but what has that got to do with chosing a judge for The Supreme Court? An Argon Gas allergy? I don't know.
The Declaration of Independance removed foreign government 'sovereignty' over the thirteen original colonies. The Revolutionary War was fought with the assistance of foreign friends. Questions?
The statements by Kyl is typical ideology. I mean how much has to be said about this? The Republicans 'thought processes' are allowed to exist, but, they are 'constructed' around ideology. It gets the country in trouble all the time, international trouble and fiscal trouble. There isn't anything else to say. They aren't really qualified to decide areas where there is 'fluidity' in decision making.
When the law impacts on the citizens of the USA, that dynamic, under a 'representative democracy' demands a fluid dynamic between the Judiciary and the people before it.
The crime statistics of the USA speaks to the need for legislation. The Judiciary is not the venue for improving the 'performance' of our criminal laws.
The Republicans need to review their own rhetorical President in George H. W. Bush whom chronically criticized Saddam Hussein for standing outside 'The New World Order" and "Family of Nations."
Now, if the Republicans don't understand that the USA is not an isolated nation on Earth that can do anything it wants with impunity, then I don't know how to explain it to them. I don't think anyone can. It is simply more Republican rhetoric for 'wannabee' candidates.
Quoting N.O.W. seems a little hokey to me, but, it is a valued member of 'Woman's Dynamics in the USA' and they have brought some of the most distinguished women to the 'equity' movement.
NOW Cheers President Obama's Reported Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court Statement of NOW President Kim Gandy (click here) May 26, 2009 This morning we will celebrate, and this afternoon NOW will launch our "Confirm Her" campaign to ensure the swift confirmation of the next Supreme Court Justice. Nominated to serve as the third woman and first Hispanic on the Supreme Court in the history of the United States, Judge Sotomayor will serve the nation with distinction. She brings a lifelong commitment to equality, justice and opportunity, as well as the respect of her peers, unassailable integrity, and a keen intellect informed by experience. President Obama said he wanted a justice with "towering intellect" and a "common touch" and he found both in Judge Sotomayor. What more do women want? We want a swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate, and Associate Justice Sotomayor to join Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Court before the Senate's August recess.
Women still haven't achieved equity on most fronts. In the past eight years, the rights of women and their self determination regressed.Is it too much to ask to have women released from social prejudice? It shouldn't be. There is no other better authority for a woman's voice than another woman that has achieved through the ranks. Judge Sotomayor belongs on The Supreme Court. It seems completely obvious to me.
That statement by N.O.W. is completely 'Main Stream America.'
There was one question Judge Sotomayor deferred an answer that was asked, I thought, in earnest by Senator Spector with a head nod from Senator Leahy, in that, (paraphrased) 'How did the White House manage to carry on with impunity an illegal wiretap?" It would have been an interesting answer. I think I feel bad that she didn't believe she could answer that, we all would have loved to have heard an 'opinion.'
Regarding the Iraq War. So long as she doesn't see a reason to pre-empt the withdrawal of forces, I don't have a problem with her.
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,324 (click here) By The Associated Press (AP) – 1 day ago As of Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at least 4,324 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes nine military civilians killed in action. At least 3,460 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers. The AP count is three fewer than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Tuesday at 10 a.m. EDT. The British military has reported 179 deaths; Italy, 33; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 21; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Denmark, seven; El Salvador, five; Slovakia, four; Latvia and Georgia, three each; Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand and Romania, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan and South Korea, one death each.
By the way, with Pakistan squeezing the Taliban the war in Afghanistan needs reinforcements. The death rate of all the allies is picking up and we need to place priorities where they rightfully belong.
Asking Pakistan to 'back off' and 'weaken' their influence would be the wrong way to go. I believe Pakistan needs to maintain the ground they took back to secure their populous.
By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Friday, July 17, 2009 ARLINGTON, Va. — Halfway through this month, U.S. and coalition deaths in Afghanistan have already equaled record highs for operations there, with more than half of the casualties coming from improvised explosive devices. Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell acknowledged that fatalities are continuing “at an alarming rate” and that more must be done to protect troops from roadside bombs and other indirect attacks. “We’ve got to tackle this threat from basically 360 degrees,” he said. “We’ve got to get them from the air. We’ve got to monitor the roads. We’ve got to watch patterns of life for these IED networks. We’ve got to provide force-protection measures that will keep our troops safe if they do encounter them. And we’ve got to increase our intelligence on the ground to ultimately dismantle these groups.” The Associated Press reported that so far this month, 24 U.S. and at least 47 international coalition servicemembers have died in Afghanistan. That total matches the previous record high for U.S. deaths, set in June and August last year, and passes the previous total for NATO deaths....
Returning to the Judiciary. The Republicans are attempting to obstruct the appointees of President Obama at every turn, not just the Supreme Court. These nominees are not 'wet behind the ears' and need to be denied their rightful place in the 'next step' of their achievement.
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee delayed a confirmation vote on President Obama's nominees for federal court positions until after the Memorial Day recess, Roll Call reports. David Hamilton, a district court judge in southern Indiana, is nominated for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and Andre Davis is nominated for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Brady, Roll Call, 5/21). Committee ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said, "Our members are concerned" about Hamilton, adding that Hamilton "has had a number of troubling rulings dealing with a series of prayers at the Indiana Legislature." Hamilton in 2005 ruled that prayers used to open the Legislature must be nonsectarian. Sessions said he also is concerned about Hamilton's ruling to prohibit religious displays in public buildings....
The entire global 'economic' structure changed under Bush/Cheney. It was 'driven' into disaster during the final two years of Republican influence after Paulson took over Treasury.
When attempting to 'recover' the USA and the economy the 'before' and 'after' pictures of eight years of Bush is more than startling.
Denials (click title to entry - thank you) ...Mr Paulson, in prepared congressional testimony, said that the merger was in the best interest of the US and the two firms, adding that remarks he made during discussions of the deal were "appropriate". He added that it would be "unthinkable" for Bank of America to walk away - a step he described as "destructive action for which there was no reasonable legal basis and which would show a lack of judgment". His comments are expected to take the pressure off the chairman off the Fed's chairman, Ben Bernanke. Two weeks ago, Mr Bernanke repeatedly denied the accusation that he had told Mr Lewis that he would be fired if he backed out of the Merrill deal. Nor did he instruct Mr Paulson to threaten Mr Lewis, he said. Congressmen believe Mr Lewis's job had been threatened after he expressed second thoughts about the takeover. Stress tests Bank of America agreed to buy Merrill for $29bn (£17.5bn) last September, a deal that happened with Fed approval. In the same weekend, the US central bank declined to bail out Lehman Brothers, which subsequently collapsed....
Yesterday, the White Republicans of the Judiciary Committee failed in their honest assessment of a Supreme Court Nominee.
Seventeen years. That was seventeen years in decision making and what does Jeff Sessions and Lindsay Graham focus on? One sentence made, NOT IN A COURT ROOM, but in a classroom.
Two centuries of White Male Oppression of the American populous, including the past eight years of nothing but exploitation of the fiscal systems of the USA and what did the White Guys 'pull' yesterday? A political stunt and nothing more.
Yesterday, Sessions and Graham, among others, attempted to create a 'Wedge Issue.' A political wedge issue. They took one sentence spoken years ago to a group of legal students and handed the 'simpletons' of the Republican electorate a 'bone to gnaw on.' One that would last clean on through 2010 to create 'doubt' in the 'militant' administration in the White House. Militant per the Republicans that oppose EVERY measure of the Obama/Biden Administration.
Their focus and loathing of Judge Sonia Sotomayor was nothing but a racial slur to the justice the Judicial Committee was supposed to conduct, yesterday. When a 'political wedge' issue takes shape based on racial bias it adds nothing but bigotry to the 'conversations' of the electorate. Today, across the Republican media there are statements about 'reverse discrimination.' The White Guys are attempting a coup against Affirmative Action and Women's Rights.
If Lindsay Graham ever made a statement that indictated he was superior to a Latina woman he would make headlines and would be scrutinized. Why? Because over 200 years of oppression of women and minorities as 'chattel' requires justice.
So, what did the White Man try to do? He tried to get Judge Sotomayor to meltdown. Cry. Beg. Plead for mercy. While he 'rolled the dice' on a wedge issue. Bigot. Definately a bigot. For the 'permission' his statements gave his constituency to 'carry on' as usual, he is a definative bigot.
It is for that reason, I believe the Cap & Trade will be marginally effective to a warming Earth. It isn't a bad idea, but, it is a measure that allows permission for continued CO2 emissions. What will occur, is that industries that emit CO2, like coal fired plants, will purchase CO2 credits for their pollution, but, they will pass that cost directly to the consumer. It won't matter if it is 'domestic' coal, the cost will be ridiculous anyway.
Industries, like coal plants will not stop emitting because of "Cap & Trade." It will be up to the state public utility authorities to regulate costs tighting to consumers. That will end up in lawsuits, eventually to the level of the Supreme Court and the businesses will win. Under Cap and Trade the consumer loses and so does Earth.
We need CO2 regulation under The Clean Air Act. It has worked wtih NOX and SOX and it will work with CO2 as well.
The only 'entity' that benefits with Cap and Trade is Wall Street, possibly the American Farmer, IF the droughts stop ! Which they won't. Then the irrigation will require farmers to purchase carbon credits for the diesel fuel used to irrigate crops. Wall Street is the ONLY winner here as far as I am concerned.
It isn't even a matter of 'recharge' anymore. It is a matter of 'sustained' ability of Earth to freeze ice in the Arctic Ocean. There are 'chronic' heat transfer systems all year round. The Arctic Ocean has no 'relief' from the heat.
One has to realize, there is 'higher amounts of 'COLD' reserve in the 'aged' ice. As the aged ice melts it is ONLY replaced with annual ice less able to 'sustain' against increased tropospheric temperatures.
