Armed Services Hearing

Through the example of House Republicans it is safely stated, they are REGRESSIVES.  We can now call the RNC the Regressive National Committee.

House Republicans WantDo Over On DADT And DC Marriage Equality (click title to entry - thank you)

04/01/11-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
It has been a hundred days since the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was signed, and the process begun to dismantle the unconstitutional, damaging and discriminatory law, but some Republicans are desperate to prove that they hate gays so much that they would rather American soldiers die in combat because they- not the soldiers- are afraid of lesbians and gays being open about their sexuality. What is more, they want desperately to vote on DC marriage equality in order to show the world just how beholden they are to the hate groups.

Let us start with military service. Republicans are trying very hard to find a way to “delay, defund, and derail” the full repeal of DADT. They are holding hearings lead by Representative Joe Wilson. Wilson is a noted homophobe and strong opponent of DADT’s repeal....

Does Bahrain have a "No Fly Zone?" No.

Newspapers (click here) with headlines reporting Bahrain has suspended opposition newspaper Al-Wasat are seen in a local coffee shop in Manama, Sunday. Bahrain suspended the Gulf Arab state's main opposition newspaper on Sunday, after accusing it of falsifying news about recent sectarian unrest and a government crackdown on protests.

Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

Oil output about 40,000 barrels per day. 

Please.

We'll leave it to Iran.

...A statement issued (click title to entry - thank you) after a meeting of foreign ministers rejected Iran's "continuing interference" in the internal affairs of the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)....

Tehran is involved in LIBERATION?  Curious.

GCC rejects Iran meddling (click here)

Foreign ministers urge Yemen government and opposition to hold talks to end crisis

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
Published: 00:00 April 4, 2011

...In a statement at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council in Riyadh, chaired by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, the GCC states rejected Iran’s “continuing interference” in their internal affairs.

Iran had criticised Saudi Arabia for sending troops to Bahrain which faces protests against the government.

Tehran’s interference in the region loomed large ahead of the meeting....


Some of the dynamics that causes problems with national security in the Middle East is the ease with which people move from nation to nation.  The Arab nations allow such fluid borders due to pilgramages through their land.  

Nearly every year Saudi Arabia complains and ponders what to do after pilgramages take place in their nation.  Requiring a citizen to register and carry ID is not a bad idea for these nations.  It would provide an easy way to identify citizens, the countries they are citizens to while providing services for pilgramages to the religious.  It would also provide embassies with information for citizens that find themselves stranded and in need of potential legal help.  Identification would provide an easy way to idenitfy extremists and people that simply don't belong.  It would have profound effect on those that come to fight 'Jihad' when they aren't members of any national military or militia.

Abu Dhabi to link visas with national IDs (click here)

UAE capital to link issuance and renewal of residence visas with ID card registration in the next three months

By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter, Gulf News

Published: 00:00 April 4, 2011

The RNC (Regressive National Committee) can't agree on convetion dates because of RIGID rules of engagement.

This was the demonstrations taking place in NYC during the RNC convention that no one was allowed to know about through any form of mass media.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS joined the United for Peace and Justice  March on Sunday. The "World Says No to the Bush Agenda" marched past the site of the Republican National Convention, and was a massive and inspiring outpouring of dissent. We estimate that at least 500,000 people join us on this march, with the crowd stretching for close to two miles through city streets for six full hours. The final destination for our march was Union Square, where we concluded our historic march.  Union Square, of course, is the place where so many New Yorkers gathered spontaneously after September 11, to express our grief at the terrible attack on our city and our conviction that this attack not be used to justify more killing and war. Of course, many thousands converged afterwards on Central Park's Great Lawn for a festive celebration of public space and the right to free assembly. Sunday's protest was the largest ever at a U.S. political convention.
The Republican National Committee needs to be renamed.  Its policies are draconian, regressive and destroys the American Dream.  It is time to 'get over them.'

...Wilson insisted (click title to entry - thank you) he doesn't want to see Florida usurp South Carolina's traditional position.
"I'm very much in favor of South Carolina retaining its first-in-the-South position," the congressman told The Ballot Box Thursday. "We need to maintain the current schedule of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina."


Wilson said some punitive measures should be considered, but not shifting the convention to a different state.


"I would actually favor us moving our date before I would do any retaliation," he said. "There should be pressure put [on Florida], but the bottom line is that the Republican Party of Florida should see that it's in the interests of the country, and for the party, that the current system be in place."
The Iowa caucuses are currently slated to be held in February 2012 and have traditionally marked the beginning of the presidential nominating campaign. Florida is supposed to wait until early March to hold its vote, but has kept it slated for January, which is the same month it held it in 2008....

"It's Sunday Night"

"Eating The Cannibals"by Heaven and Hell

I'm sure you've never had this meal before
We're still open, stay and have some more
It's been raised upon your body and your soul
Total control!
Plenty of seating
You know that you're eating the cannibals!

Taking till you've got no more to give
Building boxes where you used to live
The word out on the street is no delay
Do it today!
Come to the meeting
It's true that we're eating the cannibals!
Eating the cannibals
Don’t close your eyes
We'll come while you're sleeping
You reach for the skies
Now we are calling
It's all falling down

Come on in, we love our clientele
You're here to taste the vengeance, so you shall
It's been raised upon your body and your bones
But now you're not alone!

Enough with the greeting
'Cause soon you'll be eating the cannibals!

Eating the cannibals!

It better not take months of 'trying' before the radioactive leak into the sea stops. It is contaminating the ocean circulation.

...On Sunday, engineers attempted to plug the leak with a mixture of sawdust, shredded paper and a polymer or plastic that expanded to 500 times its normal size when exposed to water. They had then hoped to pour concrete on top of the polymer to form a permanent seal, but the polymer did not form a plug either, and as of Sunday night, water was continuing to flow into the ocean.

Radiation levels in the water are an estimated 1,000 millisieverts per hour, a high but not immediately lethal dose.

On Monday, engineers plan to begin injecting nitrogen gas into reactors Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in an attempt to prevent possible explosions from the buildup of hydrogen gas. The nonflammable nitrogen would dilute both oxygen levels and any hydrogen that accumulated from deterioration of the uranium fuel cladding. The zirconium cladding on the fuel rods becomes oxidized when it is exposed to hot water, releasing hydrogen gas....
The statement about the per hour rate may be the truth, but, it neglects to state, the ACCUMULATED amounts in the waters is far, far higher and accumulating in a fluid media that travels.

The nitrogen in a 'gaseous' state won't do much except create a mixture of gases.  Nitrogen is heavier than hydrogen, but, lighter than oxygen.  Even if the hydrogen is syphoned off through a displacement of the gas, the oxygen will remain explosive.  The gas LAWS state the gases will mix but not separate. 

In order for 'fine' particles to 'plug' the holes leaking water, it first needs to be mixed with a heavy viscous substance similar to the 'heavy mud' used by the petroleum industry.  I don't care if it synthetic, but, a 'fine particle mixture' will not 'begin' a plug. 

The heavy particle  mixture has to 'bind' AS IT SEEPS through the leaks.  The viscosity will slow the flow and allow 'binding' to occur.   I would expect 'viscosity' to be effected by 'local temperatures' and ultimately by 'hottest' temperatures should the core begin to melt down.  All that HAS TO play a role in the viscosity and the ELEMENTS of the mixture.

Sand, itself, will not be the answer, but, a mixture of 'binding' material and particles of many sizes, including fine, to small and medium has to be introduced to stop the leaks.  The plug will look like a cross section of swiss cheese as 'air' can also become trapped in the viscous material and has its own tensil strength.  It might be that air in expansion, sensitive to temperature, if the mixture is exposed to high heat will contribute to expansion of the viscous material as more and more solids find their way to 'formation' of the plub.  Fine particles 'of the same' binding surface will not succeed.

Sawdust and paper is about as pathetic as it comes.  There is no way a plug made of that will even stand up to seawater, yet alone, any heat from the reactor.

THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY doesn't need to get carried away in thinking it can answer all questions.  Their efforts in the Gulf of Mexico FAILED, especially at one mile down.  This happens to be 'at the surface.'

The Bush / Cheney War of Choice into Iraq will never be repeated.

The No Fly Zones stop mass killings of the Libyan people.  They can stop tanks and planes. 

In my opinion, the best way for the Libyan people is to divide the country in half and allow a 'No Man's Land' where nothing crosses unless it is the Gadhaffi military. 

The Libyans in eastern Libya can begin to build their nation. 

Libya appears to be a nation divided anyway.  No different than Iraq is a divided nation by ethnicity.  There are those in Libya that seek to be an independent state with democratic processes and there are those that rather be ruled by their dictator.  So, let there be two Libyas and continue to stop Gadaffi from killing his own people no matter where the strikes seem to break out.  When the tanks are no longer safe and the planes can't fly, the Libyans loyal to Gadaffi will get the idea and it will end.

The United States of America will never have an 'oil war of choice' started by lame excuses, such as WMD or liberation causes.  The costs to the civilians is too great and the result is always disasterous.

The United States of America lost the war against al Qaeda.  It was diverted to Iraq and when we returned to finish what was begun the corruption due to a 'poppy culture' that was never stopped under Bush / Cheney had spread too far. 

The myth that the USA can fight two wars at once is over, the war against al Qaeda was lost by the Bush / Cheney Defense Department.  It was lost the minute Halliburton's oil fields became a priority in Iraq.

Until tomorrow...

"Gadaffi must go." It is not a battle cry. What was he suppose to say, "Atta boy."

This is the reaction of a Libyan rebel after a successful attack.  What are we doing to these people?  They want democracy, not mutual hate.

President Obama wanted Mubarak to leave as well.

These pictures appeared on Yahoo.  The picture to the right is that of an armed Afghan National Soldier.  Is that what the Libyan people want?  Is that what we want for them?  I don't.

No political traction for Neocons with the NATO support for Libyan citizens.

"No Joy" on Libya.  It is NOT going to become another Iraq.  Absolutely not.

...Generals Yunis and Heftar (click title to entry - thank you) are said to be back in Benghazi in charge of the grand strategy for the military campaign. Criticism was also levelled at others at this week's London conference on Libya. "I saw the people who had gone to England on television, in their nice suits, talking about how they were leading the war so successfully," said Ali Slimani with a dismissive wave of his hands. "They were never here. The foreign governments should come and see for themselves what is going on."...

Rebels flee as Gaddafi's forces advance on Ras Lanuf yesterday

The USA will never fight another war in the Middle East again.  When Iraq was invaded we were handed a bunch of nonsense by "Curveball" now the foreign minister wants to go belly up to hand over Gadaffi to the world courts.  Fine.  But, we are not committing soldiers ever again to a war that turns into target practice on American military.

Arizona Republican John McCain (click here - thank you) says the U.S. should not be handing command-and-control of the Libyan military operation over to NATO.
   Senator McCain called it a mistake, saying the U.S. should be doing "what is necessary, not as little as possible" in Libya.
   McCain, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, supported President Obama's decision to commit the military to the UN-authorized no-fly zone over Libya.
   Obama said from the outset that NATO would assume control of the operation within a matter of days.
   The U.S. will continue to be part of the ongoing military operation with NATO coalition partners.
   The international operation was authorized to stop Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi's attacks on rebels....

There will be no occupying force.  If the coalition is successful against the Gadaffi dictatorship in the world court then it will be a matter of removing him to justice, but, Resolution 1973 is about providing protections for citizens being targeted by Gadhaffi's military.  The airstrikes can be effective.  It can manage his aggression, but, the resolution never provided for a military confrontation of any kind.

The Libyan military can be stopped from killing citizens by setting up 'zones' where it is NEVER going to be successful.  That becomes difficult if the citizens' militia continues to move their position throughout the country and confronts the Libyan military.  The citizens 'capitaled' in Benghazi should continue to form their own leadership as they will be successful in being protected, if not in domination of the country.  The Libyan civilans have to provide a clear boundary for NATO enforce rather than simply attempting to expel the dictator.

It is the way a no fly zone is enforced.  With a clear 'line of defense' for the people the bombings can be effective to stop the aggression of the Libyan military under the direction of the Libyan dictatorship. 

Libya: dilemma over defector's 'electrifying' Lockerbie information (click here)

...Yesterday the Prime Minister said he would not block any attempts by the police to question Mr Koussa.

Mr Cameron stressed that Mr Koussa had not been offered a deal in return for fleeing to Britain and had not been granted immunity from prosecution. But if the defector is arrested and charged with crimes, it may undermine attempts by Western governments to encourage others in Col Gaddafi's inner circle to flee from Libya, a key aim of current diplomatic efforts.

Mr Koussa may also be reluctant to co-operate fully with British officials if he is not given guarantees about his future....

The experience of the American military in the past decades has been one of encountering those that exploit all the best intentions with exploitation for wealth.  We saw it in Iraq with the former Minister of Oil.  What the heck was his name?  He was in the USA courting USA officials under Bush to enter Iraq, he was found to be corrupt and removed from the Ministry of Oil position that ensured a great deal of wealth.  In Afghanistan, it was Karzai and his brother.  Now, whom is it going to be in Libya?

Chalabi.  That was the snake.

Issam Chalabi, stresses the necessity of building new refineries for oil derivatives

2009-03-24 09:28:26

He and former oil minister Issam Al-Chalabi Ahecip accelerating the building of new refineries and calling companies implementing parts of the oil projects.

He said Chalabi told the independent press (Iba) today, Tuesday, it is necessary to speed up the construction of refineries and other special Msfii Nasiriyah and Karbala, which have been approved since the seventies and the eighties, according to the technical and economic studies with a further study to determine the locations of refineries and the rest of the accessories stores and the liquidation of units and to focus on cracking units....

IRAQ = OIL

LIBYA = OIL

The USA will never fight another oil war. 

Ever.  We will never trade war for the sake of war while killing 100s of thousands citizens while sparking the creation of another al Qaeda operation.  If the global community hasn't learned yet, they never will.

"We don't belong in Libya, we never will."

...Also, New-Fields (click here) confirmed that the leading oil service company in Iraq OilSERV has joined IOGS as an Iridium Sponsor.

The 2-day event is open to all interested businesses and organizations from all countries.

Over 300 corporate leaders are expected to attend representing companies and organizations from around the world with the intent of forming partnerships for a wide range of economic opportunities in Iraq. The event's mission is to provide clear strategies and positive solutions to the companies interested to Participate in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry in Iraq....

The global community needs to put their evidence together to indict Gadhaffi on human rights abuses and attempts of genocide.  It would be good to have a clear destination for him.

The Right to Assemble is guaranteed under the First Amendment of the USA Constituion.

Collective Bargaining is a legal form of assembly.  Collective Bargaining is the most effective way to protect public workers' rights and well being.  That is a fact.  They provide valuable service to the public.  They have a right to their pay and benefits. 

The State of Wisconsin in acting in contempt of court, when will the Federal Justice Department step in to investigate and make arrests?

...But outside the courtroom, Assistant Attorney General Steven Means said the legislation "absolutely" is still in effect. The statement by Means - the executive assistant to Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen - shocked Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha).
"It's just startling that the attorney general believes you should not follow court orders anymore," he said.
In a later statement, Department of Justice spokesman Bill Cosh said: "We don't believe that the court can enjoin non-parties. Whether the Department of Administration or other state officers choose to comply with any direction issued by Judge Sumi is up to them."...

It doesn't matter what the Walker Administration 'believes.'  It matters what they can set before a judge to prove their case.  Until they can prove their case they need to ABIDE  BY  THE  LAW.

This is treasonous.  Contempt of court and the Wisconsin governor blows it off as an inconvenience.  What?

I really believe there has to be federal intervention with this situation.  Evidently nothing the State of Wisconsin orders matters to them.  It reminds me of Governor Wallace when he attempted to obstruct students from entering a university.  The federal marshalls had to intervene.  I sincerely believe something of that nature has to take place here.  Walker and his administration are out of control and pandering as 'power brokers' to their cronies, namely The Koch Brothers whom are also attempting to create a monopoly of utility plants in Wisconsin.  

Sounds like a plan. I am wondering of the tarp will have any lead impregnated into it.

A bunch of good looking people. 

TEPCO Chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata (r.) speaks during a news conference at the company's head office in Tokyo, March 30. TEPCO owns Japan's earthquake- and tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex, where experts Wednesday logged the highest radiation yet in nearby seawater.

Itsuo Inouye / AP

Sounds like a novel form of containment.  The Japanese like robots. 

...The US is readying a shipment (click title to entry - thank you) of radiation-hardened robots to help the Japanese fight this problem, said Peter Lyons, acting assistant secretary of the US Department of Energy.
“We’re moving expeditiously to ship not only the robots but also operators who [would] train Japanese operators,” Dr. Lyons told a Senate committee on Tuesday....

...The NRC believes that Fukushima Daiichi reactor units 1, 2, and 3 have experienced partial fuel damage due to overheating. Ominously, units 2 and 3 appear to have “some primary containment damage,” said Mr. Borchardt.

In other words, they have been breached in some way and are leaking radioactivity.

Meanwhile, TEPCO chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata apologized for the trouble and anxiety cause by the Fukushima radiation leaks. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday in place of TEPCO’s president, Masataka Shimizu, who has been hospitalized for stress-related health problems.

I hope Mr. Shimizu will not be still yet another victim of this tragedy.  Sorry to hear he isn't well and wish him a quick recovery.  I realize all this is a serious set of circumstances, but, everyone is pulling with both oars in the water in the same direction.  There has been excellant monitoring and warning.  No one counted on this.  Hind sight is always better foresight. 

It is time to seal up those reactors and get it over with. If the prevailing winds were sending the radiation over populated areas, would they wait then?

Smoke rising from reactor no 3 at Fukushima. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

So there is air, water and soil all contaiminated with unknown sources of contamination while the reactors continue TO DETERIORATE. 

It is time to 'terminate' their ability to continue to effect the environment and LIMIT, if possible, this unending spewing of radiative material.

...In another new finding, (click title to entry - thank you) Tokyo Electric Power Company, which runs the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power station, said late Monday that it had detected higher levels of plutonium in soil samples taken from within the compound a week ago, raising fears of yet another dangerous element that may be escaping the crippled reactors....

CURRENTLY, there is no medical reason to restrict shipping channels, but, if this continues that could change and Japan will find its energy needs will be direly effected.

...Record-high readings of contaminated sea water (click here) were found yesterday near the plant, which was damaged by a magnitude-9 earthquake and 23-foot tsunami on March 11, Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said today. The International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency, said on March 21 there was no medical basis for restricting shipping and the U.S. Navy said March 28 any radiation on vessels can be scrubbed off with soap and water and isn’t harmful to people’s health....

The truth is the truth. The Republicans are so extreme there is no further extreme they can take.

...Speaking (click title to entry - thank you)  to several Democratic colleagues Tuesday, Sen. Charles Schumer, the third-ranking Democrat in the Senate, said they should all use the word "extreme" when describing the budget cuts that Tea Party Republicans were seeking in the ongoing budget negotiations....

The reason Senator Schumer said to his collegues to use the word 'extreme' is because up to now they were being polite and attempting bi-partisanship.  So, instead of being polite and trying to have civility rule the day, the Democrats decided to be HONEST.

...Boehner's [Boner] office dismissed the accusations, saying the House of Representatives has done its part by passing a long-term spending plan that would cut $61 billion. "The Senate has not — and Sen. Schumer's inaccurate rants won't change that," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said....

Michael Steel is Speaker Boner's spokesman?  Is this the Michael Steel that was kicked out of the Chairmanship of the RNC? 

At any rate, the House Budget is completely partisan, it is grossly disgusting in its attack on vital programs to the country, it has no sense of priorities except to pander to cronies.

Why should the Senate pass something that is as hideous and ridiculous at that?  It is insulting to the Senate to even have it come to their chamber.  If the Speaker Boner is stating they will pass 'A Senate Proposed Budget' because they are ill equiped to put together a 'good budget' then Senator Shumer should lead the effort in writing a Budget from the Senate to send to the House. 

If Republican Senators can't vote for a 'good budget' then it will be ON RECORD.

End of Discussion.

"Think Progress" did a really good job with this.

For as completely this speech is to mainstream American Values, it is important to understand why Republicans want the nation to believe 'Progressives' are evil. 


Listening to the Republicans during primaries since most mainstream Republicans have abandoned 'The Grand OLD Party,' only reveals what is left to the 'base' of the RNC.  They are extremists.  In order for Republcans to APPEAR to be 'real ' they victimize the image of anyone other than themselves.  Therefore because the name "Progressive" sounds exploitive in 'thought' and 'aspiration' the Republicans play on the 'intuition' of the naive electorate to paint that picture to benefit themselves.


The only thing extremism about Progressives is they 'sound' normal compared to this mess. 


This is the Republican Party.  They are right wing extremists that have no respect for decency, diversity or 'common' goals of a society.  They pander to the people that 'pay' to have them elected.

...This week, (click title to entry - thank you) the nullification camp, led by right-wing historian Thomas Woods, got a boost from a sitting congressman: Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)....

Compared to this Progressives are extremists, but, most of the time they are simply called NORMAL.

...Despite Paul’s insistence that nullification is proper and constitutional, Article 6 of the Constitution clearly states that Acts of Congress “shall be the supreme law of the land…anything in the Constitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding.” That’s why one of our founding fathers, James Madison, argued that nullification would “speedily put an end to the Union itself” by allowing federal laws to be freely ignored by states....

To some extent I simply laugh at these 'episodes' of 'retreat' from reality that occurs during Republican primaries, but, "Think Progress" is absolutely correct.  The 'character' of the RNC has taken a back seat to dignity.  The internet has invaded their office in DC and otherwise and if they don't toe the repressive line they will be invalidated by the GOP.  Their electorate has found a way to override 'normalcy' by inflicting pain into their daily lives with threats of being replaced if they don't do exactly as they are told.

There are good hard working folks all over the country.  In the Red States they have mostly been 'normally' conservative, but, in the last decade 'normalcy' has left the party and is replaced with REGRESSIVE values.  Before the internet actually allowed control over Republican legislators, they were failing moderate for the most part.  They were 'bi-partisan' even. 

This EXTREMISM Paul speaks of will become a form of legislation if it is allowed to be 'a value' of the GOP.  The dysfunctional legislation coming out of the House is an example of how incredibly inept things have become.  To say this is scary is an understatement.  I don't know when 'reasonable' people, mostly men' of the GOP will finally take back their dignity and actually represent American values again, but, it may be never.

"Think Progress" is absolutely right on target to note these 'episodes' and expose the underbelly of the nation's current sad reality with the GOP surviving as a political party due to the need for CEOs who still seek their highest bonuses, if only they could.

I really think the Five Male Conservative Leaning Judges on the Supreme Court have become 'Good 'ole Boys' under Robert's mentoring.

Gives "Lady Justice" a entire new meaning.

...The U.S. Supreme Court (click title to entry - thank you) on Tuesday overturned a $14 million verdict won by a man who was sent to death row for a 1984 murder and carjacking he didn't commit, the Associated Press reported.

John Thompson was freed after 18 years in prison, 14 of which he spent in anticipation of the death penalty, after his lawyers uncovered that prosecutors in New Orleans concealed evidence that would have proved his innocence. A prosecutor is required by law to share any evidence, with the defense team, that could prove a defendant's innocence.

Thompson later sued New Orleans District Attorney Harry Connick Sr. for the poor training of the attorneys that Thompson's lawyers say were responsible for the violations, and he was awarded $14 million by a jury....

Maybe they feel a need to 'ban together' in Plutocratic macho banter because there are three women of which two are minorities that now share 'the chambers' with them.

This is outrageous.  Absolutely outrageous.

 ... The 32-page dissent, (click here) authored by Ginsburg and joined by Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, states that Thompson deserved the $14 million "for the gross, deliberately indifferent, and long-continuing violation of his fair trial right."
     "From the top down, the evidence showed, members of the district attorney's office, including the district attorney himself, misperceived Brady's compass and therefore inadequately attended to their disclosure obligations," wrote Ginsburg. "Throughout the pretrial and trial proceedings against Thompson, the team of four engaged in prosecuting him for armed robbery and murder hid from the defense and the court exculpatory information Thompson requested and had a constitutional right to receive. The prosecutors did so despite multiple opportunities, spanning nearly two decades, to set the record straight. Based on the prosecutors' conduct relating to Thompson's trials, a fact trier could reasonably conclude that inattention to Brady was standard operating procedure at the district attorney's office."...

Scalia and Kennedy are PATHETIC.

..."Help me, (click title to entry - thank you) if you can, with this. Let’s -­ let’s suppose that experts’ testimony, sociologists and so forth, establish that in industry generally and in retail industry generally, women still are discriminated against by a mathematical factor of X. You have a company that has a very specific policy against discrimination, and you look at their — the way their employees are treatment — are treated, and you find a disparity by that same mathematical factor X, does that give you a cause of action?"...

Let's see if I get this right.  An entire industry discriminates against women so Walmart is not culpable.  Is that what the Justices Scalia and Kennedy are saying?  That is pathetic and is definately pandering to the Plutocracy.

The other questions were "What policy in particular exists that was violeated?"

Hah, what?

I do believe there DOES  NOT  HAVE  TO  BE any policies in particular IN PLACE when violations of civil rights happens.  Perhaps the Justices have forgotten that there are FEDERAL anti-discrimination laws the industry is suppose to adhere to.  If they don't want to write a policy OR if they have written a policy but their 'management' does not adhere to it, or the policy is vague or weak or 'can' misdirect decision makers THAT  COUNTS

The question in discimination cases is simple.  Real simple.  Did it happen?  Women involved in the employment at Wal-mart state it happened and they state it happened in more than one instance.  I have a real difficult time believing AN  ENTIRE  CASE  OF  WOMEN were confused about that. 

After the fact, DOESN'T COUNT !

PR campaigns to BRING an entire global community to believe they DON'T discriminate with women all over computer and television screens, including those of minorities that are grateful for their jobs for the home they purchased.

The question is not that she worked hard enough and long enough to purchase a home, it is wether she worked TOO  LONG and  TOO HARD to purchase her home.

As to whether the women want salaries they were entited or policy changes or both, you mean to tell me the Justices can't hand down a decision based on the facts and award monies and demands on the company to correct wayward policies BASED  ON  FEDERAL STATUES ?

I heard that Justice is Blind, but, no one told me it was STUPID.

Not every aspect of the words a judge speaks or the decisons a judge makes HAS  TO  BE  WRITTEN into the proceedings of a case by the defendant or prosecution.

Like, what hell is going on in ? The Roberts Court ?

Secretary Clinton gave a wonderful speech regarding the status of what is transpiring with Libya.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jabr al-Thani and French President Sarkovy at a different time.  The meeting today was in London.

Prime Minister al-Thani spoke in Arabic to the cameras.  I thought that was very important.  There are Arab nations commited to the best outcome in Libya and it is only right they hear his perspective in their native language.  Why allow an interpreter to bumgle important words or be seen as insulting his own people.  Tensions are high enough in the Middle East, why leave the door open for exploitation?

...But Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jabr al-Thani (click title to entry - thank you) seemed to leave the door open to arms sales when he suggested that the issue might be revisited if the aerial campaign fell short of its stated goal of protecting Libyan civilians....

I also believe it is up to the nations of the Middle East to decide in regard to arm sales.  It is the stability and peace of the Middle East we are most worried about, there should be more interest by Qatar and the United Arab Emerites as to the amount of arms flowing into the region.  I appreciated he was cautious about the possibility of arms to the Libyan opposition.

I thought Prime Minister David Cameron was rather poignant in his knowledge of the status of the aggression against the people of Libya, in particular the city of Misratah.  He was appauled in his dialogue at the blatant open aggression against the civilians of that city which was taking attacks from the sea as well as tanks and assassins. 

The Prime Ministers and Secretary Clinton left no questionable doubt both in their speechs and the answers to questions put them that they knew exactly what was transpiring and the coalition was in control of the outcomes against the aggressions of Gadhaffi and his maniacal military.  Quite remarkable outcomes at that.

Without any occupying force Libyan transition is becoming a reality.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Libyan Transitional National Council Member Mahmoud Jibril at the Foreign and Commonwealth office in London, March 29, 2011


...On Monday, (click title to entry - thank you) British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy called for Gadhafi to step down and urged his followers to abandon him before it is, in their words, "too late." In a joint statement, the two leaders urged all Libyans who believe that Gadhafi is leading Libya into a disaster to organize a transition process.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini has proposed a deal that would include a cease-fire, exile for Mr. Gadhafi and a framework for talks between rebels and tribal leaders....

Libya is not our war...

...it is a humantarian mission to stop a dictator determined to destroy his own people.  The only defeat that can occur with this engagement by NATO; I remind France was the first strike force over Libya; is if more Libyans die at the hand of Gaddafi.  That is the only failure and defeat that can occur.

His air defenses have been destroyed with incredible precision and expediency.  His planes are grounded or shot down.  His tanks are attacked and grossly diminished in number and effectiveness.  It is a huge victory for NATO.  The USA has every reason to consider the beginning of the mission secured and sovereign. 

Libya is not longer a sovereign state with a single leadership.  It is now a possession of the United Nations Security Council. 

Resolution 1973 is a success, has saved lives, is allowing the Libyan people freedom for the first time in their history allowing them the right to organize a democracy and build a new government.

There is no failure, there is no defeat, and there is no ability for Libya to be a threat to the region.  Libya was not only contained in its ability to kill its own citizens, it is contained to increase instability in the region.

United Nations Resolution 1973

The USA has a great President and we are a great nation.

I was suprised how much of what President Obama said could already be considered common knowledge.  We were well informed.  There were few surprises.

I was surprised to here Secretary Clinton would be meeting with the Libyan Opposition Leadership and allies in London tomorrow.

We have people that are coming forward as the leadership of the New Libya.  They are leaders of the opposition forces.  That is amazing.  To realize in such a short period of time we not only saved lives but provided for the confidence of Libyans to lead a new nation. 

It is only morally correct for our allies to come forward to lead the coalition in Libya.  The USA has engagements elsewhere.  It is very heartening to have allies that come forward to lead as well.  The American people becomes disheartened when they feel burdened with every military encounter before the Free World.  I really appreciate the allies we have and applaud their bravery and commitment.

President Obama is a remarkable President and I am proud of him.  He has raised the honor of the USA again.  Allies are coming to our side.  He exhibits the insight in regard to the challenges before us when reflecting on the freedom movement in the Middle East.  I am confident he understands the brevity and the scope to all that is occurring.

It was a great speech. 

I wish the Libyan people peace and hope.  Secretary Clinton should have a lot to say after her meeting with the New Libyan leadership.  It is an amazing time we are living through.