12 August 2015


Burke calls for task force on homelessness (click here)
Dublin City Councillor Christy Burke has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly to create a task force to tackle homelessness.
The comments from the former Lord Mayor of Dublin follow the events on Monday night which saw a family with three children, all under the age of five, sleeping on a bench in Dublin city.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said there are usually around 100 people sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin every night.
Mr Burke said proper homes are needed not B&Bs and hotels.

The distaff side of the Irish opinion on Amnesty's position is disappointment.

Ruhama against Amnesty prostitution stance
A group which supports women affected by prostitution has said it is saddened by Amnesty International's decision to campaign for the full decriminalisation of all aspects of prostitution where it takes place voluntarily.
Ruhama spokesperson Sarah Benson said the best way to tackle trafficking and the exploitation of women in prostitution was to decriminalise the person selling and to criminalise the sex buyer.
She said full decriminalisation was not the answer and had led to an increase in prostitution and trafficking in other jurisdictions.

The Dutch are both pro and against the decision by Amnesty. Some cite the sex industry lobby as the problem. (click here) 

Opinions seem to be divided along gender lines.

This is from "Radio Prague" with details of the vote.

...So what are the main benefits of decriminalising prostitution? (click here)
“There are essentially three models that have been adopted by states around the world. There is the abolitionist model in which it is completely illegal, then there is the so-called Nordic model in which for the most part it is the seller whose services have been decriminalised and there is the newer decriminalisation model that Amnesty is proposing.
“We feel that it is necessary in many cases to remove the stigma that is attached to this work and that in fact doing so and removing the illegality of the buying and selling of sexual services will in fact create an environment that is much easier regulate and that it will be far easier for people engaging in the selling of these services to find protection under the law and so that states will then be much better able to protect the rights that are currently being violated so blatantly and so frequently.... 

Norway is standing firm on their laws that prohibit the payment for sex or renting a space for the purpose of prostitution.

Amnesty International’s decision to support the decriminalisation of prostitution worldwide has met with criticism and praise from Dutch commentators and experts.

Read more at DutchNews.nl: Dutch prostitution experts divided on Amnesty decriminalisation plan http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2015/08/dutch-prostitution-experts-divided-on-amnesty-decriminalisation-plan/

Amnesty International’s decision to support the decriminalisation of prostitution worldwide has met with criticism and praise from Dutch commentators and experts.

Read more at DutchNews.nl: Dutch prostitution experts divided on Amnesty decriminalisation plan http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2015/08/dutch-prostitution-experts-divided-on-amnesty-decriminalisation-plan

13 August 2015

Swedish prosecutors (click here) have dropped a sexual assault investigation against Julian Assange because the time limit on the case had expired.
Some of the allegations against the WikiLeaks founder have reached their statute of limitations after five years.
Under Swedish law, if a suspect is not questioned before the deadline expires, they can no longer be tried for the alleged crimes.
Mr Assange has been holed up at Ecuador's London embassy since 2012 to avoid extradition.
Two of the four allegations against him are reaching their statute of limitations after five years....

Ireland is a very compassionate country, so this agreement with Amnesty is typical.

12 August 2015


Senator David Norris (click here) has said he fully supports Amnesty International in their efforts to decriminalise prostitution.
At a meeting in Dublin yesterday the charity agreed to create a plan to protect sex workers, rather than punish them.


Senator Norris claims people have been making themselves available for sexual gratification in return for money since time began and whatever the moral issues, the most important human factor is the welfare of those involved.

Amnesty have said they recognise prostitution is a complex issue, but it's also a critical human rights issue internationally.

He should have a woman speaking to media about the position of Amnesty International.

"Sex workers are one of the most marginalised groups in the world who face constant risk of discrimination, violence and abuse," Amnesty International Secretary General Salil Shetty. File photo Image by: MOHAMED AZAKIR / REUTERS

The policy was approved. It isn't as though they want prostitution legalized, but, decriminalized. I realize there are people that have few choices and chose this. But, according to an interview on the BBC, the prostitution is more in reaction to sexism in job equality and the money. Women are finding more acceptance as a prostitute than any other profession.

 12 August 2015

...Though Amnesty hopes (click here) the move will help protect the human rights of sex workers, critics say the organisation risks losing credibility.
Secretary-general Salil Shetty called it a "historic day".

"Sex workers are one of the most marginalised groups in the world who face constant risk of discrimination, violence and abuse," he said after the vote.
"It was not a decision that was reached easily or quickly and we thank our members from around the world, as well as groups we consulted." Amnesty wants to see the decriminalisation of third parties involved in prostitution, such as pimps and brothel operators, alongside sex workers themselves.

Ahead of the vote, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women said Amnesty's name would be "tarnished" if it approved the policy....

The immediate backlash against Amnesty International is not in support of their position. They may have expected that which raises questions about the policy and it's impact worsening women's lives. 

I understand the policy and why, I still doubt the wisdom behind it. 

Die Welt: (click here) Street prostitution banned in Dortmund over Bulgarian, Romanian sex workers 

12 August 2015 | 08:25

FOCUS News Agency

 Dortmund. Administrative court in Dortmund banned practising “the oldest profession” on the territory of the city as the number of sex workers, mostly from Bulgaria and Romania, has tripled, German Die Welt writes.
After 2007, when lots of citizens from the new EU member states started coming to Germany, hundreds of women wishing to make money fast in the street also entered the country. 

Most of them arrived by bus or plane at periodic intervals: there were about 60 prostitutes in Dortmund’s streets by 2006, while their number rose to between 500 and 700 next year, when Bulgaria and Romania joined the EU.

Despite the ban on street prostitution, lots of women from Southeast Europe keep on arriving in the northern German city to attempt to save money, even if illegally.

The interview with the BBC was with a prostitute that was once a police woman. She stated she was sexually harassed on a regular basis in her work. She stated she decided to pursue prostitution because her captain was retiring and her peers offered her $200 to be his gift at his retirement party.

South Korea is expected in Washington, DC for a diplomatic mission. This could be one of the issues brought with the mission.

August 11, 2015
By Jack Kim and Kim Kyung-Hoon

As many as 200,000 Korean women (click here) were forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War Two, but Kim Bok-dong is not hopeful that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is about to apologize.
Kim, 90, is one of South Korea's 47 surviving "comfort women", as those held at the brothels are euphemistically called, from among the 238 who came forward and shared their stories of abuse. Many of them reject the term prostitution as inadequate, saying they were lied to and forced to leave their homes to endure horrific conditions as sex slaves.

ADVERTISING

Scholars continue to debate the number of women exploited, but activists say there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean victims, few of whom came forward. In China, estimates are sketchier, but also range as high as 200,000, with historians having identified 200 victims....

This explosion may effect all of the Chinese people.

Besides the dead and injured, including that of very brave and selfless firemen, the explosion destroyed a lot of products at the shipping port.

I am sure the Chinese government is investigating this disastrous explosion. 

Updated: 2015-08-13 11:30
(chinadaily.com.cn)   

Smoke rises (click here) over damaged containers and cars after a huge explosion rocked the port city of North China's Tianjin, August 13, 2015. [Photo by Shan Haihan/ China Daily]

The picture below is very upsetting. These cars don't appear to be effected by an explosion at distance, they look evaporated. This is a very strange outcome to these cars. Has anyone checked for radiation across the complete area and the explosion site? There is no glass, either shattered or melted. What happened to it?

The cars below are from the Japanese tsunami which also saw significant radiation leaks.

They have similar problems with scattered impact with a central devastation point which then radiates out. The Chinese are somewhat similar, but, the worst are far worse. 

There could be all sorts of items at the port and the land as well as the seawater needs to be evaluated for radiation of any kind.

It is a really strange scene. There are intact shipping containers which are made of very durable metal along side of cars completely destroyed. Evaporated except for the metal skeleton. 

Sorry, I just think China needs to be through and careful to protect the people.

LIVE: 12 firefighters (click here) among 44 killed in Tianjin explosions

 

    

Attacking a particular candidate isn't journalism.

Megan Kelly needs to sort out her priorities as a journalist. Maybe journalism isn't at all the practice at FOX. After all the radio guy, you know the fat man, Rush states he doesn't practice journalism, he practices infotainment. I suppose that is the way it shakes out at FOX as well.

I always thought any debate put all the candidates on a level playing field. That didn't occur at the first FOX sponsored debate. The first question was victimizing and hardly "fair and balanced." 

I hope Ms. Kelly has some personal reflection to conduct and she does it well. It would seem as though her particular style doesn't at all achieve her personal goals.

The unlikely candidates.

I congratulate US Senator Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. They are having wildly successful campaigns. Their messages are needed and many Americans are finding their heroes in candidates the establishments have dismissed as jokes.

I encouraged US Senator Bernie Sanders and fully expected him to bring his vibrant campaign style with him. He has not disappointed. The answer is always grassroots and door to door works the best.

By David Jackson  
August 12, 2015

“Bernie-mania” (click here) may be generating a real political race in New Hampshire.

A new poll shows Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, taking the lead over Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire, site of the nation’s first presidential primary of 2016.

Sanders leads Clinton 44%-37% among likely Democratic primary voters, according to the Franklin Pierce University/Boston Herald survey.

“His supporters are just more enthusiastic about him,” said Kelly Myers, the Marlin Fitzwater Fellow at Franklin Pierce University, which conducted the poll.

Vice President Biden, who has yet to announce whether he will run for president, is third in the New Hampshire poll at 9%. Three other Democrats — Martin O’Malley, Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb — register at 1% or less....

Thank you, Bernie.

By Philip Bump  
August 12 at 5:06 PM

In the first major-outlet (click here) non-Internet poll since the Republican primary debate last week, it's almost not surprising that CNN/ORC finds Donald Trump retaining the lead in Iowa. Almost. It's still a bit surprising, given Trump's wobbly handling of criticism during the event.
So Trump's up — and Ben Carson has moved into second in the first caucus state. For months, Scott Walker held a sizeable lead in the state. Walker's now in third, according to CNN, with Carly Fiorina, winner of the pre-game debate, jumping into fifth behind Ted Cruz....

Congratulations, Donald. I hope addressing him as Donald is okay. I can't thank you enough. You have brought insight to needed policy to the political dialogue. So far we have heard your insight and annoyance with the move by Ford to Mexico, fervor to immigration and the call about China is spot on. 

I look forward to more dialogue about China and what needs to be done. You are the only Republican in the field actually citing serious issues and pledging to make a difference for the American people. 

I also encourage these two candidates to accept public monies after their primaries. This is the dollar amount on the tax forms the American people set aside to have funding for elections. I already know Bernie Sanders believes these monies are vital. I would hope Donald Trump would be generous of spirit in realizing there are people that believe in his message to donate to his campaign regardless of his lack of need. 

When people donate money they invest in the outcomes to those monies. Money is important to the lives of Americans. They don't separate themselves from their monies easily when it comes to political campaigns. The people that donated to Donald Trump's campaign would have their monies increased by his acceptance of public monies and would honor them. 

Accepting public monies will limit the ability to accept private monies to their campaigns, but, Bernie knows grassroots support is precious and more valuable than dollars. Even Chinese dollars. Donald is magnanimous about using his own funding, but, people are investing in him anyway and he doesn't have to worry about accepting enormous private donations.

The monies are there. Those accounts should be tapped and used to elect the next President. 

Good luck to both of you. The words simply do not exist to express appreciation to you both for the hope given the American people for 2016. We are a great country and these campaigns prove it.

It is just more lies by Jeb Bush. His brother's feelings must be hurt.

Jeb Bush is really nobody. He sincerely doesn't know how to be somebody because he knows nothing but rhetoric. 

August 11, 2015
11:23 AM 

Los Angeles — Jeb Bush (click here) is planning to issue a full-throttle attack Tuesday night on the Obama administration’s handling of Iraq and terrorism issues, asserting that Hillary Rodham Clinton “stood by” as secretary of state when the situation in Iraq deteriorated, creating the conditions that led to the rise of the Islamic State as the Obama administration reduced its troop level in Iraq.... 

Let's get this straight before people actually believe Jeb Bush has something to say. It is all an attempt to justify an illegal and immoral war and take the heat off "W." Supposedly Iraq was under control and a peaceful country when "W" left office. 

Hello?

June 3, 2016
By Malcolm W. Nance 

ISIS’s roots in Saddam Hussein’s Baath Party (click here) are deep — many of the group’s most devoted commanders, advisers and fighters started out as Baathists. The ex-Baathists essentially run ISIS, and their past is evident in the tactics they are using now.

After the 1963 coup that first gave the Baathists a share of power in Iraq’s government, Saddam became head of the secret Jehaz Al-Khass, or Special Branch, and collected meticulous dossiers on friends and enemies alike. Saddam used these dossiers to carry out a political putsch in the mid-sixties, as well as the bloodless 1968 coup that brought his party to full control of Iraq. From 1968 until 2003, Baathists controlled every aspect of Iraqi life and generalized the surveillance techniques that Saddam had used so effectively in his rise to power.

The Baath government amassed millions of personal records and forced its citizens to spy on family and friends for Saddam’s intelligence agencies....After the invasion, the Baathists held the key to the human terrain of Iraq. All of these Saddamist traditions have been carried on by his disciples in ISIS.

One of these is Samir Abd Muhammad al-Khlifawi, usually known as Haji Bakr, a former spy for Saddam who became chief of military operations for ISIS.

From as early as 2004, al Qaeda in Iraq gradually sought to transfer control of the Iraqi jihad from foreign fighters like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and Abu Ayyub al-Masri to local Iraqi commanders like Abu Umar al-Baghdadi. AQI became the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) in 2006, just as many local captives were being released from U.S. military prisons such as Camp Bucca. One of them was Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the future caliph of ISIS. As an Iraqi, he had been held not with the high-value al Qaeda terrorists, but with low-level FRL and Iraqi religious extremist insurgents. At Bucca, al-Baghdadi formed bonds and apparently conceived the model that would eventually become ISIS, a consolidated force of Iraqi Sunni FRLs, joined with al Qaeda’s foreign fighters, that would take back their traditional tribal lands and then form a caliphate. That’s where he connected with Haji Bakr....

Interesting reading, isn't it? No? I find it very interesting.

The Bush legend of "W" go it alone war never bothered to reveal the fact they knew there was a lot of peril in entering Iraq and there would be no "Mission Accomplished."

Sorry, I have friends that stopped by. I'll be back.

I never get tired of hearing General Eric Shinseki regarding Iraq. Why? Because he states, "...because of all the ethnic pressures that could lead to other problems....to maintain a safe and secure environment...."

I don't want to hear how President Obama undid all the wonderful accomplishments of "W." The facts are very plain not matter how Jebby tries to spin the truth to protect "W" from sadness. See, I don't think Jebby really cares about the Iraq War or anything else, he simply doesn't want his families GREATNESS tarnished by the truth. 

The facts are OBVIOUS. The invasion into Iraq was a little too desperate to balance Halliburton's books and prevent Cheney from a lawsuit as CEO or worse. This outcome that exists today is NOT a surprise. There is a reason why "W" built a one billion US embassy in the Green Zone. The USA was suppose to have a permanent war in Iraq for the very reason Daesh exists today. The USA intelligence, the USA military, Interpol and every other major power, including Israel, in the world knew what was going to happen here. I do remember that Russia abandoned Syria's ports in the Mediterranean. That didn't happen because Russia ran with it's tail between it's legs to the Black Sea or other Russian interests.

THE TRUTH is that Jebby is trying to avoid is the FACT his brother "W" didn't give a damn about peace and knew full well this was going to destabilize the entire region.

This conversation occurred today.

In my travels through North Carolina I ran across an Archdale police officer who was investigating a robbery. He stated there was some increase in crime this summer. But, he said the worst problem they face is rape. He stated there has been an increase in rape in Burlington, North Carolina of women who found their dates on "Christian Mingle." 

I don't lie. The police officer was sincere and in disbelief a Christian dating cite would have this type of problem. He stated he and the area police are very worried about the problem and not being able to warn the women.

The sooner the better.

August 11, 2015

By Abby Sewell

This is a holding cell. I actually can't believe that I found this picture online. This is a perfect example of the over crowding in CJ. You can't see it but there is a toilet somewhere in this picture.

Setting a path (click here) for the future of the Los Angeles County jail system, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a plan to eventually move 1,000 offenders with mental health issues out of lock-ups as well as to build a new downtown jail.

The moves reflect the growing debate about how the county incarcerates inmates, particularly the mentally ill, who make up 20% of the roughly 17,000 people behind bars. Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey and others have called for a new approach that moves many mentally ill people out of jail and into treatment centers with hopes that they will get help and avoid committing more crimes.

The supervisors voted 3-1 to build a 3,885-bed jail downtown that would replace the decrepit Men's Central Jail, as well as to create a new women's jail in Lancaster. Supervisor Don Knabe voted no and Hilda Solis abstained....

Carley Fiorina will never be President or Vice President.

She lost a lot of jobs to China. She can't runaway from her past.

By MJ Lee

updated 9:39 AM ET, Mon May 4, 2015

...Fiorina's time at HP (click here) has been a political target in the past. When she challenged Sen. Barbara Boxer in 2010, the veteran California Democrat zeroed in on Fiorina's HP tenure.

"As the CEO of HP, Carly Fiorina laid off 30,000 workers. Fiorina shipped jobs to China," one Boxer ad claimed. "And while Californians lost their jobs, Fiorina tripled her salary, bought a $1 million yacht and five corporate jets."

Claire McCaskill is a wonderful US Senator.

Her policies domestically are impeccable, however, I strongly suggest she spend some time traveling and coming to understand our allies better.

She is stating she is worried about the monies involved in the Iran agreement and the willingness of allies to act in returning sanctions and controlling monies within the agreement.

She is correct. The USA's disapproval of the agreement will mean very little. It is called sovereignty and there is no way of controlling the actions of allies. If there is some kind of understanding in the Republican Senate that the USA will be throwing it's weight around and withdrawing from NATO, it will be received with mixed happiness among the war weary American public. 

There is definite skepticism by the Republicans in regard to allies. If one recalls the Republicans are more than willing to 'go it alone' when allies are not. The best example to that reality is Iraq. So, if the Republicans succeed to continue to demonize Iran it may be US Allies and the USA will be on opposing sides. If the USA thinks it will carry out another "Iraq Attack" into Iran they need to think again. It's all political rhetoric, but, sadly the Hawks in Congress will see it as a promise.

August 10, 2015
By Victor Beattie

Washington - Missouri Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill (click here) said she does not believe she and other uncommitted U.S. lawmakers feel under any pressure from either side as Congress weighs its support of the Iran nuclear agreement.

President Barack Obama, in a Sunday broadcast interview, warned congressional rejection of the deal would make the central goal of keeping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons harder to achieve.

McCaskill, who has not yet committed to support or reject the agreement, said she is reaching out to the diplomats of countries holding Iranian assets to see if they will continue to respect international sanctions if the U.S. Congress rejects the deal....

Unfortunately, Claire McCaskill is wrongly questioning the integrity of US Allies. They were strong in enforcing sanctions when it mattered and brought Iran to the diplomatic table. The agreement is historic. It has many provisions to insure the protections of other countries and nations in the Middle East. There simply is no reason to question the ability of allies, along with our State Department to delay a vote in favor of the Iran Agreement. All the stupidity in questioning the agreement is political fodder in the USA, but, we know that reality when the politics turns into campaign promises after elections.

As an American that believes in the strength and resolve of our allies as exampled in the Minsk Agreement, I EXPECT the approval of the Iran agreement:

12 Feb 2015

By Roland Oliphant

The talks (click here) have produced two documents: a joint statement that sets intentions and broad objectives, and a more detailed 13-point Russian-language document entitled “A Complex of Measures for Fulfilment of the Minsk Agreement.”...

Our European allies could have turned their backs on Ukraine and sacrificed any understanding of peace with Russia after Russia broke the international agreement of non-interference in Ukraine politics and domestic affairs. But, the allies stood strong and today Ukraine has made progress to an open and invigorated country. There remains problems yet and Europe remains vigilant, but, they are not the scale of problems that could have existed. 

The idea any role by allies in the agreement with Iran is in question is outrageous. The spineless in the US Congress need to find their resolve and approve the multi-party agreement. The USA cannot afford more international skepticism and installation of fear. The USA's international standing has to improve and this agreement with our allies and Iran can provide that reassurance. The war mongering has to end. The USA has an obligation to prove diplomatic relations are important to the USA and this agreement is a sound step up that path.

This is from Swissinfo.com

The officers that drew guns on unarmed citizens need to be fired from their jobs. Part of the problem with "Police that kill" is the fact they take orders that result in the deaths of innocent people. The police of Ferguson are still carrying out actions that indicate the people are not yet safe.

August 11, 2015
By Carey Gillam and Scott Malone

...Police carrying shields (click here) rushed into a crowd of protesters around midnight, prompting many to scream and run away. Twenty-three people were arrested, some for throwing frozen water bottles and rocks at officers, according to the St. Louis County Police Department.

Authorities declared a state of emergency on Monday for the St. Louis suburb and surrounding areas after police officers shot and critically wounded a man in an exchange of gunfire Sunday night, marring what had been a day of peaceful demonstrations to commemorate the anniversary.

Ferguson resident Roberta Lynch, 51, one of the demonstrators on Monday evening, said relations between police and the community had improved little over the past year.

"They are doing the same old stuff, taking our rights," Lynch said. "They need to give us our space."

Monday's demonstrations capped a day of civil disobedience called by activists to protest against the shooting of Brown and other unarmed black men by police across the United States....

Have the economics of the community changed and improved?

The unrest after dark is known to be a problem. It has nothing to do with the protests. 

Michael Brown, Jr. wanted to change his circumstances. He was on the threshold of attending college. He was about change and justice. He never got his chance to break out of the oppressive poverty enforced by the governing infrastructure of Ferguson.

For a very long time the government of Ferguson financed itself on the backs of innocent people. The people of Ferguson need the opportunity of upward movement and better lives. Perhaps that will come with education or it might come in the organization of unions at their place of work, but, today the people of Ferguson should be improving their quality of life and proving that oppressive conditions can be removed when given full sunlight. 

I wish them well, congratulate them on their continued vigilance and I continue to hold Michael Brown, Jr. in my heart as well. 

POSTED 1:22 AM, AUGUST 10, 2015

 BY CNN WIRE

UPDATED AT 07:56AM, AUGUST 10, 2015

“Protesters are people who are out there to effect change,” Belmar said. There were “several people shooting, several rounds shot.”

FERGUSON, Missouri — A day of peaceful vigils (click here) to mark the one-year anniversary of Michael Brown’s shooting death turned ugly late Sunday night when protesters threw rocks and bottles at officers, and police critically injured a man who they say fired at them.

The unidentified man in his 20s was undergoing surgery early Monday morning.

He unleashed a “remarkable amount of gunfire” against the officers using a stolen handgun, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said.

Belmar descried the attacks on the officers, saying they are hindering the city’s progress....

The face of CORRUPTION. He does not belong in leadership.

It is about votes and money. Today, Ted Cruz is his best friend.

August 10, 2015
By David Riley and Brian Tumulty, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and USA TODAY

GREECE, N.Y. -- New York Sen. Chuck Schumer (click here) said Monday the U.S. should try to broker a better nuclear deal with Iran because a White House-backed plan has too many flaws.

In his first public remarks since announcing his opposition to the agreement Thursday evening, Schumer said he believes the odds are too great that Iran’s “ugly, dictatorial, theocratic regime” will hold on for another decade or so. It could use the deal to get rid of sanctions while continuing to cause trouble in the Middle East, he said.

“I believe we should go back and try to get a better deal,” he said. “The nations of the world should join us in that.”

Secretary of State John Kerry rejected the possibility of renegotiating....

Gaffs happen. I get the feeling the rift between Donald Trump and the Republican Party is growing ever wider.

August 8, 2015

By Jonathan Martin and Maggie and Haberman 
 

...“If your standard-bearer has to resort to that,” (click here) Mr. Erickson told hundreds of conservative activists in a packed Atlanta hotel ballroom on Saturday, “we need a new standard-bearer.”

With Mr. Trump at center stage Thursday in Cleveland, Fox News shattered television viewership records for a primary debate: Nearly 24 million people watched. But any hopes that Mr. Trump, the real estate developer and television celebrity, would try to reinvent himself as a sober-minded statesman, or that he would collapse under scrutiny and tough questions, vaporized in the opening minutes when he refused to rule out running as an independent candidate for president. His remarks Friday only furthered the impression that he also had no intention of speaking more carefully. Mr. Trump denied on Saturday that he had been implying that Ms. Kelly was menstruating. “I think only a degenerate would think that I would have meant that,” he said in an interview, insisting that he had been referring to Ms. Kelly’s nose and ears....

Pakistan is in an uproar about child abuse. Now that is what I call news.

Aug. 9, 2015

By Waqar Gillani and Salman Masood 

HUSSAIN KHAN WALA, Pakistan — Pakistani officials (click here) have initiated an investigation into allegations that a gang of men sexually abused more than 200 children and sold videos of the abuse.

The accusations have rocked the country, drawing the attention and condemnation of human rights activists and politicians in a case that involved subjects long considered taboo here.

At least 280 children under the age of 14 from three villages in eastern Punjab Province were said to have been subjected to sexual abuse by a gang of 15 men, who made videos to extort money from the children and their parents. Seven of the accused have been arrested, police officials said Sunday.

The accusations of abuse started trickling out last month as victims began to report it to the police, and last Tuesday, hundreds of residents staged a protest, accusing the police and local politicians of protecting the gang members and ignoring the accusations. Some of the protesters clashed with the police, and dozens of people were injured, including several police officers.

On Saturday, details of the abuse were carried by The Nation, a Lahore-based English-language newspaper, which reported that the gang members had drugged and intoxicated their victims, some as young as 6, and had recorded hundreds of videos. Some of the children stole jewelry and money from their parents to pay the men to stop them from making the videos public, according to the reports. The newspaper said many of the videos were sold to buyers and pornographic websites overseas....

The abortion debate is completely "W"rong.

The current debate about the origins of life doesn't concern the USA Constitution.

Huckabee can go on and on about the beginning of life all he wants, but, the US Constitution isn't interested in religious definitions.

The US Constitution is interested in citizenship. If argued correctly late term abortions are constitutional, especially when it is to save the woman's life and the well being of her family.

The US Constitution stipulates that the highest office in the land, President of the United States of American has to be occupied by "a natural born citizen."

Article II, Section 1 of the US Constitution:

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; 

You can argue all you want about when life begins, but, the US Constitution has no interest in a baby until it is born. While the UNBORN are still in utero, there is no debate about the beginning of the LEGAL life of a citizen. It is not until the baby is born.

Roe v Wade was decided based in oppressive state law. It was decided because the lack of a safe abortion was killing women and leaving their families without wives and mothers. Roe v Wade was always about women, not about babies. 

The woman is the citizen, not the fetus. 

There is case law, four case law decision that defines "natural born citizen. United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 US 649 (1898) is the most interesting.

The Venus, 12 U.S.478 Cranch 253 253 (1814)

Shanks v. Dupont, 28 U.S. 3 Pet. 242 242 (1830)

Minor v. Happersett , 88 U.S. 162 (1875)

United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898)

In this case, Wong Kim Ark, the son of 2 resident Chinese aliens, claimed U.S. Citizenship and was vindicated by the court on the basis of the 14th Amendment.  In this case the Justice Gray gave the opinion of the court.  On p. 168-9 of the record, He cites approvingly the decision in Minor vs. Happersett:

At common law, with the nomenclature of which the framers of the Constitution were familiar, it was never doubted that

all children, born in a country of parents who were its citizens, became themselves, upon their birth, citizens also. These were natives, or natural-born citizens,

as distinguished from aliens or foreigners.

On the basis of the 14th Amendment, however, the majority opinion coined a new definition for “native citizen”, as anyone who was born in the U.S.A., under the jurisdiction of the United States.  The Court gave a novel interpretation to jurisdiction, and thus extended citizenship to all born in the country (excepting those born of ambassadors and foreign armies etc.); but it did not extend the meaning of the term “natural born citizen.”

CONCLUSION

Finally it should be noted, that to define a term is to indicate the category or class of things which it signifies.  In this sense, the Supreme Court of the United States has never applied the term “natural born citizen” to any other category than “those born in the country of parents who are citizens thereof”.

Hence every U.S. Citizen must accept this definition or categorical designation, and fulfil his constitutional duties accordingly.  No member of Congress, no judge of the Federal Judiciary, no elected or appointed official in Federal or State government has the right to use any other definition; and if he does, he is acting unlawfully, because unconstitutionally.

Selling debate tickets, what next?

Survey Monkey (click here)

I think Donald Trump is attracting the Republican voters that were with Mitt Romney. It seems to be the same solidified crowd. There are some shifting, but, it is  a surprising shift and says nothing about the expertise of the American press. All predictions got it wrong.

The overnight poll (click here) was conducted for 24 hours from Friday evening into Saturday. During that period, Donald Trump stayed in the headlines due to his negative comments about Kelly and was dis-invited from a major conservative gathering in Atlanta.
None of that stopped Trump from coming in at the top of the poll with 23 percent. Sen. Ted Cruz was next on the list with 13 percent. n

Megan Kelly baited the first question in the debate and it is very unprofessional, quite frankly. Mr. Trump stated it was a victimizing question and it was. It was intended to state Mr. Trump is not a true Republican and voters should throw their weight elsewhere. The electorate didn't fall for it because Donald Trump brought the unfairness to the forefront.

According to Survey Monkey:
The survey also finds a majority of Trump supporters say they would vote for him as an independent candidate for president, in the event he does not win the Republican nomination.

The American cable media hasn't got it right for awhile now. They are always trying to catch the ratings so they march to the same drummer. 2014 was a wash out for Democrats compared to the predictions of the cable media. There is a lot they got wrong. In 2014 the cable media looked like FOX did in 2012. They play a game called, "Make a wish and it will come true."

Both in 2010 and 2014 the private Republican pollsters got it right. The media wasn't even close.

The issue with Megan Kelly is masked as a gender bias of Trump. It isn't. Megan Kelly was attempting to prove there is only one man that is willing to abandon the Republican Party. I didn't think that was the purpose of debates. I thought it was to get ideas out and find out the sincere leaders for 2016. You know. Leaders. The people with ideas. Morals. Facts and figures that proves their point. Not simply rhetoric to play with people's emotions. Real positions on issues backed up by facts.

Wouldn't that be interesting. The way the debate was run, it was a beauty pageant (excuse the pun) and not a debate.

The first question of the debate was intended to stigmatize Donald Trump and now everyone is trying to play off it to gain a better standing with the Republican electorate. It is easier to try to score points from Trump than actually say something meaningful. That is pretty sad. 

You mean to tell me, that the only way for anyone other than, Donald Trump, to win the nomination is by vengeance of a principled man. If that is the case and the only way for another candidate to win the nomination is by attempting to defeat Donald Trump on anything less than merit; that isn't saying much about the Republican field. 

In the Survey Monkey poll, Scott Walker (The Rhetoric King) tumbled and his next stop is off the grid all together. The people are looking for substance and answers, not rhetoric. Rhetoric is not answering anything. Whatever. 

Whatever tickets are left over from seating the candidates staff are sold? Really? These audience are biased? That is corruption.

September 16, 2015 - CNN Republican Debate (click here)
Statement from the Reagan Library Foundation regarding debate tickets as of July 9, 2015: "At this time we don’t have any information regarding when or if seats will be available to the general public. Each candidate will be requesting seats for their associates, staff etc. Once we know that number it will be decided if seats will be open to the public. Please visit our web site @ reaganfoundation.org and also if you are a member you will get notification."

 
October 28, 2015 - CNBC Republican Debate
Statement from the University of Colorado Boulder concerning the availability of debate tickets:
"Ticket details are still being finalized, but an allotment of tickets for CU-Boulder students will be available. More details will be available in the coming months."

These debates are fund raising events. Amazing. Is there anything legitimate about them?