GET OUT OF THE WAY !!! END OF DISCUSSION. THIS IS A KILLER STORM !

September 12, 2008

1230z

UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite

DID I TELL YOU ?!?!?!?

Yes, I told you. I told you Lousiana would receive effects of Ike. So, here it is. The people along the Texas and Lousiana coast within reach of this enormous storm must evacuate and NOW ! The 'reach' of Ike is greater than it's "eye wall." Don't expect to 'outwit' this storm, you won't. Please protect your lives and seek safe 'recognized' shelter.

Ike buffets Louisiana coast on trek to Texas (click here)
9/12/2008, 8:48 a.m. CDT
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) — Hurricane Ike brushed by coastal Louisiana Friday, piling storm surge into bayous and lakes, shutting schools and cutting power to homes and businesses.
Water was covering some roadways and wind-driven sheets of rain crossed the area in waves as Ike made its way toward Texas and an expected landfall Saturday near Galveston. In the Lafitte area south of New Orleans and in coastal communities outside the levee protection system some homes were threatened by the surge.

Ike raised the total number of power outages in the state, adding to the thousands who were still without electricity after Hurricane Gustav hit on Labor Day. Entergy Corp. said more than 84,500 customers were without electric power in Louisiana on Friday morning. Cleco Corp. reported about 2,000 outages on its Web site; Dixie Electric, more than 12,000, according to its Web site....

Ike effects broad (click here)

More BR-area tree damage expected
By AMY WOLD AND MICHELLE MILLHOLLON
Advocate staff writers
Published: Sep 12, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

Winds are expected to be strong enough today to knock over more trees in the Baton Rouge area as Hurricane Ike makes its way toward a Texas landfall, state and federal officials reported Thursday.
On Thursday, winds from the east in Baton Rouge — still reeling from Hurricane Gustav — clocked in about 20 mph. Today, those winds are expected to pick up to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph, the National Weather Service reported.
“This is a really big storm,” Barry Keim, Louisiana state climatologist, said of Ike. “It’s bigger than Katrina and bigger than Gustav.”
Gov. Bobby Jindal on Thursday urged residents of the coastal parishes in southwest Louisiana to get out of the storm’s way, saying the impact could be similar to that of Hurricane Rita three years ago....

Both Routes Around Arctic Open at Summer's End

The weather at Glacier Bay National Park ( Crystal Wind Chime) is hideously warm:

Lat/Lon :: 58.8° N 137.0° W

Elevation :: 33 ft / 10 m

Temperature :: 54 °F / 12 °C

Conditions :: Overcast

Humidity :: 82%

Dew Point :: 48 °F / 9 °C

Wind :: 5 mph / 7 km/h / 2.1 m/s from the ESE

Pressure :: 29.93 in / 1013 hPa (Falling)

Visibility :: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers

UV :: 0 out of 16

Clouds:
Few 6000 ft / 1828 m
Overcast 7000 ft / 2133 m
(Above Ground Level)


Ice Shelves Retreat on Ellesmere Island (click here)




Crack in the Petermann Glacier (click here)




Retreat of Serson Ice Shelf (click here)

...As of the first week of September 2008, Arctic sea ice extent had not fallen below the record low observed in 2007, but the season set a new kind of record. For the first time in probably half a century—and definitely since satellite observations began about three decades ago— sea ice retreated enough to create open (not ice-free) waters all the way around the northern ice pack. Open water is defined by the World Meteorological Organization for the purposes of navigation as areas where the ice covers less than one-tenth of the surface....

McCain's "Thousand Points of Light" - "Americans are ready to serve."

The Ultimate Soldier wants the Ultimate War. He has already mentioned Georgia. That issue is a 'staging area' to an invasion into Asia.

McCain will instill a draft and you can count on it !

When my father served in Korea, he never believed the USA was the world's liberator or intended to be a 'Liberator of Oil.'

John McCain has an inflated sense of his military service and that is unfortunate. He is not capable of a balanced approach to the USA's military. He is a Neocon.

The 'talk' tonight with CNN is sponsored by the Time-Warner Military Complex. It's staged. No different than the other "Night with Religious" mess.

Months ago, Michael Moore reported on his website that there was poison-pen letters based in lies circulating through the web that was meant to discredit Barak Obama. During that time these messages were circulating through the internet Barak's ratings in this election time dropped significantly. Yesterday, Anderson Cooper 360 had a real campaign to exonerate Sarah Palin from any negative shadow. One of the focus was the lies that were mentioned on a Blog. Now, where is the 'fair and balanced' approached to that? If a Democrat's Blog states lies he is only taking on the 'right of passage' the Republicans enjoy without consequences.

It is all too obvious, this election is about maintaining the Bush influence in the Executive Branch regardless the recklessness of it all.

Since McCain 'played his shock and awe card with Palin,' she has been ratcheting up the rhetoric about military service with each one of her speeches and appearances, calling on the service of her sons as a point of Mother's Pride. This Republican Presidential set of nominations plans on mandatory service in the mechanisms of a draft as soon as they have secured their offices.

What does that mean? Bush/Cheney looked the other way when they received a report stating "Bin Laden Determined to Strike the USA." Well. Guess what awaits us after a McCain inauguration?

Everyone wants to 'risk' that happening again with people that are obvious oil lovers as well. Not me !!

There was a drastic shift in the political climate of the USA since the announcement by McCain of his poorly made Vice President choice. The shift was overtly made to promote the McCain ticket. Joe Biden never got that coverage.

The media is out of line when it comes to 'popularizing' a political figure at a time when elections are being held. Perhaps, the Obama team needs to count all the media hours dedicated to the female Republican Veep and demand equal time to the very 'second.'

Let's face it, McCain have been unable to raise the political funding that Barak has been able to raise. That is 'freedom,' that is the American people throwing their support behind a candidate they have confidence in. The people that put hard earned dollars in the treasury of a man that can be trusted, it is because they believe in the advantage well funded campaigns can bring. The media, since the Republican Convention, has made these efforts far more fruitless. There needs to be a significant review of the American media in relation to their 'levied' influence toward McCain and taking a role in this country that rightfully belongs to the American citizens.

The media indulgence has boosted McCain's following, although it may have not increased his success, that HELPED SUPPLEMENT the lack of fund raising by a Republican Neocon. I thought media was interested in 'an honest' outcome to an election. The United Nations needs to scrutinize the 'media effects' on the American Election this year.

...The McCain campaign said donations have been pouring in since the convention, allowing the Republican to narrow, if not eliminate, Obama's longstanding financial advantage. This week, a fundraiser in Chicago, Obama's hometown, yielded $5 million.....

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aaWaPymjJ3rk&refer=canada

What is even more scary is that come 2009 there won't be 'a free market' system in the USA in regard to television reception. Satellite will still be available, but, what is more than worrisome is the lack of choice to Americans and the ability to manipulate 'digital' television. I strongly believe that come 2009 television broadcasts will have edited content masking the 'real and live' images afforded the people of this country today. The only media come 2009 I intend to trust is the internet and 'the truth' I can find there.

8:54 PM - Dig this, they introduce Barak and then immediately start to 'replay' McCain's interview. I mean for real already.

I don't know about you, but, if the funding could be secured, Americans could literally begin their own television stations WITHOUT digital. Imagine that, "Rabbit Ears" would be the best investment a patriot could make.

Enough !!!!

Come on Barak, just say it, the difference between you and McCain when it comes to asking Americans to serve in the military should the country be under attack again, is that YOU won't send Americans into harms' way without a cause. You won't squander the patriotic intent of the men and women that volunteer to put their lives on the line for their country. You won't have gone into Iraq, you won't have created a 'Back Door Draft' of the National Guard and you would have sent in significant forces into Afghanistan and Tora Bora would have been the death of Bin Laden.

I sincerely wish, Barak wasn't as eloquent and humble as he is.

He is so eager to make a difference in this country. He is a great man.

9:04 PM - During a 'break' John McCain's name was promoted four times.

9:13 PM The question to Barak was based in bias against Democrats. "Big Government" inhibits private industry. Hm. Perhaps a Blast from the Past might reveal what 'Responsible' government is all about.

Clinton: Devote Surplus To Social Security

By John Harris

Washington Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, January 20, 1999; Page A1
President Clinton appeared before a joint session of Congress last night to present an ebullient vision of a nation enjoying vast prosperity after six years under his leadership, a newfound abundance that he said should be used to prepare for the burden of a rapidly aging population in the next century....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/president012099.htm

Responsible government is sensitive to the private sector. The JOBS in the USA have disappeared by an irresponsible Republican Executive Branch. Where is the Bush Surplus? I would think he would have 'put it back' by now !

Hillary Clinton to campaign in Akron on Sunday

By Stephanie WarsmithBeacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 03:30 p.m. EDT, Sep 10, 2008
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be in Akron on Sunday to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Clinton also will hold a rally in Lorain. The times of the events have not been released.
She will discuss Obama's proposals to strengthen Ohio's economy and help working families, according to Obama's campaign.
Clinton last visited Akron before Ohio's March primary, when she was still fighting for the Democratic nomination. She is now supporting Obama.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will be in Akron on Sunday to campaign for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Clinton also will hold a rally in Lorain. The times of the events have not been released.
She will discuss Obama's proposals to strengthen Ohio's economy and help working families, according to Obama's campaign.
Clinton last visited Akron before Ohio's March primary, when she was still fighting for the Democratic nomination. She is now supporting Obama.

Palin's Alaska is about MONEY and plenty of it. Alaskan Wolf Slaughter is for the CONVENIENCE of hunter that don't like the COLD ! (click for video)

It is called a Tranquilizer Rifle.

It is called Capture and Release.

It is called BEING CIVILIZED !

Now.

What's the problem?



Call us to discuss pricing, packages, and trophy fee details. If you have an Alaskan hunitng adventure idea feel free discuss it with us. (click here)

A "10 day hunt" includes two travel days. The day we fly you out to camp and the day we fly you back are counted as days. Alaska law forbids hunters to hunt the same day as they fly on any non-sheduled airline flight.

Moose and Sheep Combo Hunts
10 Days 1x1 $15,500
10 Days 2x1 $12,500 pp

* No trophy fees charged for black bear, wolf and wolverine on combo hunts. * Prices do not include Alaska hunting license or tags.

Absolute Power corrupts Absolutely. Somehow 'an acquired message' of change seems to disingenuous. I want the REAL THING !!!

A ship passes near part of the Cantarell oil platform of Mexico's state oil company Pemex, near the city of Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche.(Victor R. Caivano/AP Photo)

US oil royalty scandal (click here)
September 11, 2008 - 7:35AM
Employees in the same US agency whose errors cost the government billions of dollars in oil royalties had sex with their industry contacts and took illegal drugs such as cocaine, an inspector general investigation found....
...According to the report, then-director Gregory W. Smith bought drugs from RIK subordinates and accepted almost $US1,000 in gifts from Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Gary-Williams Energy Co. While still heading the program, he worked for a consulting firm that did business with the agency, the inspector general said.

Memo: Federal oil lease employees had sex with industry reps (click here)
By DAVID IVANOVICH Houston Chronicle Copyright 2008
Sept. 10, 2008, 2:35PM
WASHINGTON — A "culture of substance abuse and promiscuity" existed in the federal agency that handles royalty payments from oil companies, including sexual encounters between government employees and industry representatives, according to a memorandum released today.
The Interior Department's Inspector General, who has been investigating the U.S. Minerals Management Service's Royalty-In-Kind program, said government employees who were supposed to be regulating the oil companies were engaging in drug use and having sex with industry contacts.
"Several staff admitted to illegal drug use as well as illicit sexual encounters," Inspector General Earl Devaney wrote in a Sept. 9 memo to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne released today....

Gorbachev says NATO growth aimed at isolating Russia

MADRID, September 8 (RIA Novosti) - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has said that calls from the U.S. and other Western powers to bring Ukraine and Georgia into NATO are purely aimed at isolating Russia.
"Why does NATO need these countries? To fight against Iran? This is just ridiculous," Gorbachev told Spanish agency EFE....

Russia stocks at 2-yr low, Medvedev sees rebound (click here)
...RTS hitting a fresh trough of 1,309.49, a level not seen since June 2006. The index closed at 1,334.33, down 4.4 percent on the day.
For the year to date the index is now down 42 percent.
"There were three factors originally driving it: the oil price decline, the general fallout of financial market turmoil which has an effect on Russian banks, and continued political tension as a result of the conflict in Georgia," said Tom Mundy, strategist at Renaissance Capital....

Translated from Russia, Medvedev means Bear. Medvedev, is literally the Russian Bear.


Siergiej Ławrow

Follow Russia's Example and Acknowledge the Realities (click here)

If the US and Poland are really interested in guaranteeing that the anti-missile base won't be directed against Russia, we are ready to consider their specific proposals. But we should be talking about guarantees, not about cosmetic political gestures, writes Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov....

...We are not delighted with the EU's decision to postpone talks on the new Russia-EU partnership agreement. What matters is that a majority of the EU member states at the 1 September summit in Brussels showed a responsible attitude, being well aware of the importance of cooperation with Russia, where a lot has been achieved in recent years. We appreciate the efforts of the French presidency and of the French president personally, thanks to which the Medvedev-Sarkozy plan had been worked out. We have fulfilled all our obligations. By attacking South Ossetia and violating its international obligations, the Tbilisi regime itself gave up on Georgia's territorial integrity. We call our partners to follow Russia's example and acknowledge the new realities. We believe that the statements, made by some countries' leaders, about Russia's 'imperialist' and 'revisionist' policies are completely wrong. We have always sided with the weaker, even at the risk of making these or other hegemonic states angry. The moral rightness of our position is undisputed....

Four NATO warships leaving Black Sea (click here)

MOSCOW, September 10 (RIA Novosti) - NATO said Wednesday four of its warships were leaving the Black Sea in line with a previously drawn up schedule.
"The Standing NATO Maritime Group One [SNMG 1] successfully completed its planned visit and is leaving the Black Sea today," NATO said.
The ships had been in the Black Sea since August 21, arriving nine days after the conclusion of armed hostilities between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia. Russia expressed concern over the fact that NATO ships were in the area, but the North Atlantic alliance responded that the exercises had been planned a year ago....

Russia Warns it May Target US Missiles in Europe (click here)
By VOA News 10 September 2008
R Raffaele's Georgia US report
Russian news reports say a top defense official has warned that Russia may point ballistic weapons at a U.S. missile defense system in Europe. News agencies Wednesday quote General Nikolai Solovtsyov as saying Russia may take the action if the United States moves forward with a missile defense plan in Poland and the Czech Republic.The United States and Poland signed a missile defense agreement in Warsaw last month. It allows the United States to deploy 10 defensive missiles in Poland. The United States also plans to set up guidance radar in the Czech Republic....

US to focus on Pakistani border

The Taliban

Afghanistan, Pakistan signal new era (click here)
Karzai, Zardari vow effort on security, civilian deaths
By Kim Barker Chicago Tribune correspondent
September 10, 2008

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a rare show of unity between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the two countries' leaders said Tuesday that they would jointly fight militants and wanted the number of civilian casualties inflicted by U.S.-led forces to be reduced....

With the return of sanity to Pakistani leadership, there is no reason why Nuclear Non-Proliferation should not go forward, especially between Pakistan and India. With a chronic threat of Taliban, inside and outside of Pakistan, the safest venue for the region is Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.

White House Making Last-Minute Push for India Nuclear Deal in Congress (click here)
By Adam Graham-Silverman, CQ Staff
The Bush administration plans an all-out effort to win approval of a civilian nuclear deal with India before Congress adjourns, although political, procedural and policy issues are blocking the way.
A congressional sign-off would provide a successful conclusion to more than three years of work by the administration to complete a unique arrangement the White House says would strengthen U.S. ties with the world’s largest democracy, expand India’s energy options and open a growing market for U.S. businesses.
Approval of the agreement also would add to President Bush’s short list of diplomatic legacy achievements.
But critics say the agreement could undermine nuclear nonproliferation efforts and provoke an arms race in Asia, while doing little to help the U.S. nuclear industry....

US Bolivia ambassador 'expelled'

Russia is Venezuela's main supplier of military hardware, including these Sukhoi jets. Photo: Reuters

Bolivia's President Evo Morales

The US ambassador to Bolivia has been ordered to leave the country by President Evo Morales.
Mr Morales accused Philip Goldberg of "conspiring against democracy" and encouraging the country's break up.
A US State Department spokesman said it had received no formal word of the dismissal and described the accusations against Mr Goldberg as "baseless".
Bolivia has seen large protests in recent weeks by opponents of Mr Morales' economic and social policies.
"The ambassador of the United States is conspiring against democracy and wants Bolivia to break apart," Mr Morales said, in a speech at the presidential palace in La Paz.
The president said the foreign minister would inform Mr Goldberg that he "should return to his country at once"....

Holy Smokes !!!

Russian Reports: Two Russian Bombers Land in Venezuela (click here)
By VOA News 10 September 2008
Russian news agencies are quoting Defense Ministry officials as saying that two Russian strategic bombers have landed in Venezuela as part of military maneuvers.

The media reports say the Tu-160 bombers arrived Wednesday and that NATO fighters followed the Russian planes during the long flight to Venezuela. The reports also say the bombers will remain for several days, carrying out training flights over neutral waters before returning to Russia.Earlier this week, Russian officials said they would send a naval task force to the Caribbean later this year for possible joint exercises with Venezuela....

...Ike has left a stormy debate in the U.S. government and the Cuban exile community over how to assist Cuban victims. (click here)

Farther east in Haiti, the USS Kearsarge dispatched helicopters and boats to deliver food Tuesday and helped tackle a growing humanitarian crisis caused by widespread flooding that has left at least 331 dead....

Poll: One-fourth of Iowans affected by disasters

NOAA Hazards Assessment Briefing

June 15, 2008
Buildings and debris were seen floating yesterday in the Cedar River against a railroad bridge in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

Poll: One-fourth of Iowans affected by disasters
Associated Press
12:02 AM CDT, September 10, 2008
IOWA CITY, Iowa - About one of every four Iowans has suffered financially from this summer's floods and tornados. That's according to a University of Iowa Hawkeye Poll released on Tuesday. According to the poll, Iowans were also pleased with the response of state and local officials to the summer's disasters. Five percent of the poll's respondents said their pocketbooks were very much affected by the floods and tornadoes, and 18 percent said they were somewhat affected....

The outer bands of Ike are almost to Louisiana. There was flooding in Florida after its 'Third Strike.'

September 10, 2008
0845z
UNISYS Infrared GOES East Satellite
12 hours apart (click here for 12 hour loop, thank you)


September 10, 2008
2230z
UNISYS Infrared GOES East Satellite

Currently a Cat 2 storm, but, its velocity is increasing quickly along with its surface area.


September 10, 2008
2140z
UNISYS Enhanced Infrared Satellite of Southeast USA (click here for 12 hour loop, thank you)

Ike's waves bring dangerous rip currents (click here for video)
Originally posted on: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 by Amie McLainLast updated on: 9/10/2008 6:28:13 PM
LEE COUNTY: Hurricane Ike's rains have stopped and most of the flood water has receded, but that doesn't mean Southwest Florida is in the clear. Now the focus shifts to the potential for beach erosion and the danger of rip currents.
The biggest concern will be around the time of high tide Wednesday night and Thursday.
Wild waves off Fort Myers Beach keep most people away, except for surfers.
The waves are 3 feet higher than normal.
"The riptides are so scary, but it's lucky you can stand up there because if I couldn't stand I'd be swept way down," said surfer Kaitlin Rae….

Seven years. Seven years later and NOW Bush, Cheney and Gates want to 'pull off' another Surge. Why? Time's up !

The 'time' was up a long time ago. A long time ago.

Like when the Taliban, proctored by Musharaff, RE-invaded Afghanistan.


Afghan President Hamid Karzai (C) while governor of Bamiyan Habiba Surabi (2-R) speak with US soldiers

Bush doesn't have to remind the American people (talking down to them to elevate himself) that he diverted the legitimate war in Afghanistan for his oil war in Iraq.

We all know that. We didn't beleive there was an issue in Iraq actually. The Iraq War has been completely illegitimate the entire time.

The problem now is that what are the people of Afghanistan going to do when the violence escalates this time? Where are they going in order to be safe? They aren't safe in their homes. They'll have to establish refugee camps in areas that are safe while the rest of the country is pummeled with war munitions. Safe Refugee Camps will have to be established and secured in Afghanistan, in order to start the war all over again!

Maybe this time, clear out the Poppy Fields and put up Refugee Camps, extricate the war lords and put up tent villages and schools and then conduct raids in the major cities of Afghanistan and reclaim the streets. It is going to take a whole lot more than 4500 troops though. It will take that many to secure the Refugee Camps.

U.S. to bolster its military forces in Afghanistan by 4,500 troops (click here)
Bush shifting military focus away from Iraq
MIKE BLANCHFIELD, Canwest News ServicePublished: 15 hours ago
Days before his final 9/11 anniversary in office, U.S. President George W. Bush said yesterday the United States will bolster its military forces in Afghanistan with about 4,500 troops by early next year.
In a major speech that shifted the focus of U.S. military involvement from Iraq to Afghanistan, Bush said 8,000 U.S. troops would be withdrawn from Iraq, reminding Americans that Afghanistan was where the war on terror began after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington....

The Republicans practice "Blood-sport." What would Jesus do? Hello?

If Republican women aren't capable of a serious approach to the issues of the nation, than they need to explain that to the men and women at risk currently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

That is exactly what is being conducted by the Republicans. They aren't addressing the issues. They are providing "Pie in the Sky" rhetoric without specifics. They want to 'talk a good game' simply because they can't 'play a good game.' The 'UNITER' that McCain claims he wants to be, certainly doesn't seem to be uniting anything except his base.

One can state she is a "Pitbull with lipstick," McCain can state Hillary's health plan was a pig with lipstick, but, as soon as Barak Obama makes an analogy containing a female cosmetic icon he is stated to be sexist.

Well.

The truth of the matter is that Sarah Palin isn't a feminist and if the Republicans think the rest of the women in the USA are going to fall for that mess, they got another thing coming. Sarah Palin is no more interested in sexual equality than the man in the moon.

Occupying Pakistan is NOT the answer. The Obama / Biden administration has a lot of work to do to return Pakistan from the Musharraf Coup.

Asif Ali Zardari is sworn in as Pakistan's new president in Islamabad

Benazir Bhutto's widow Asif Ali Zardari sworn in as Pakistan president (click at title to entry, thank you)
Asif Ali Zardari, widower of the assassinated former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto, has taken office as the country's new president.
Last Updated: 10:43AM BST 09 Sep 2008
He faces immediate pressure to crack down on Islamic militants amid a series of US raids within Pakistani territory and address daunting economic problems.
Pakistan's most senior judge swore in Mr Zardari at a brief ceremony in the presidential palace recently vacated by Pervez Musharraf, who the incoming leader forced out of office last month....

This Blog has long stated, that Iraq will disintegrate into autonomous provinces. Click for Video.

Biden Says His Tripartite Plan For Iraq Is Working
by Aaron Bruns KALISPELL, MT — Joe Biden’s proposal to quell violence in Iraq by splitting the country into separate, semi-autonomous regions by ethnic group — Shia, Sunni, and Kurd — may never have been formally implemented; but Biden says the good that’s happening in Iraq today follows from exactly what he proposed....


..."If Woodward's assertion as I understand it is correct, it comports with my belief that they knew certain changes that should be made but did not make those changes because it was an election year, and they thought it would reflect on them in a negative way. That's what I understand Bob to be asserting," Biden told a crowd of several hundred at a town hall-style meeting in Green Bay.... (click here)


Iraq Kurds and government end standoff over northern town (click here)
Wed Sep 3, 2008 4:54pm EDT
By Wisam Mohammed and Sherko Raouf
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi government and minority Kurds resolved a dispute over control of an ethnically mixed town on Wednesday, Iraqi officials said, ending a standoff that had threatened to trigger violence.
Kurdish and Arab politicians ended the impasse by agreeing to withdraw both the Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga security forces from the town of Khanaqin, home to Arabs and Kurds in northeastern Diyala province.
The Iraqi army had wanted to enter Khanaqin, which lies just outside the largely autonomous northern region of Kurdistan, to stamp government authority on the area. But Peshmerga forces patrolling the town had refused to withdraw.
It was unclear whether some Iraqi troops had already entered the town, or whether they were massed at its borders.
"It was agreed that the Iraqi army would withdraw...and the Peshmerga would withdraw to within Kurdistan. The Khanaqin police will control security and enforce the law in the town," said Ibrahim al-Bajilan, head of the Diyala provincial council....

War in Afghanistan takes turn for the worse

Posted By SCOT TAYLOR
Posted 2 days ago
Over the course of the summer, the war in Afghanistan has taken an ominous turn for the worse. The violence has escalate, coalition casualties mount steadily and an emboldened Taliban are flexing their muscles well outside their traditional strongholds in southern Afghanistan.
The Aug. 22 U. S. air strike that killed 90 Afghan civilians -- including 60 children -- was intended for Afghan insurgents operating in the heretofore relatively stable western province of Herat. The Aug. 20 ambush that left 10 French soldiers dead and 21 wounded occurred just an hour outside of Kabul and international press reports confirm that the Taliban now control Wardak, the province that borders the Afghan capital.
Even inside the heavily patrolled streets of Kabul, the Taliban have mounted major terror strikes -- slaughtering Afghan civilians outside the Indian embassy on July 7, and forcing President Hamid Karzai to flee for his life from a parade square on April 28.
After gunning down three foreign aid workers -- including two Canadians in the province of Logan on Aug. 13 -- Taliban officials released an open letter to Canada. The gist of this Taliban message was that if Canada did not end the occupation and withdraw our troops, the insurgents would "be obliged to kill Canadian nationals, in revenge for their brothers, sisters and their children." The Harper government immediately denounced the threat as Taliban propaganda and a "disgusting attempt to justify the deliberate killing of innocent civilians."

2 Fort Hood soldiers die in Iraq, 1 in Afghanistan

FORT HOOD, Texas — The Army says two Fort Hood soldiers have been killed in a roadside bombing in Iraq and a third died from small-arms fire in Afghanistan.
A Pentagon statement Monday says 29-year-old Sgt. Kenneth W. Mayne of Fort Benning, Ga., and 22-year-old Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas of Battle Creek, Mich., died of their wounds Thursday in Baghdad. That was after they were wounded when the road mine exploded near their vehicle.
They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armored regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood.
The Pentagon later identified a Fort Hood soldier killed in Afghanistan as 18-year-old Pvt. Michael R. Dinterman of Littlestown, Pa. He died Saturday when he was shot while on foot patrol. Dinterman was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

This election, the American Electorate cannot forget that the Republicans squandered the opportunity to destroy al Qaeda.

There will only be one sincere leader of the Free World this November. Barak Obama and I don't and won't recognize anyone else. I think he is making a mistake by standing with McCain at Ground Zero. McCain sent this nation to war in Iraq and along with Bush/Cheney and placed our national security on the back burner for an oil war. McCain is unable to separate his politics from good decision making on National Security.

We as a nation are facing an election this November that will determine the outcomes of wars and set the tone for international relations for generations. The track record for the Republican dominated administrations since 2001 has been nothing short of a disaster.

On September 11, 2001 a group of terrorists attacked the innocent civilians of the USA that resulted in wide ranging effects, including financial turbulance. As a result, the USA has never been in such a poor state of security. Our military has been diverted from its mission that was to stop and destroy the terrorists of al Qaeda, into a war for oil. Our nation's treasury has never been so badly managed with rising debt ceilings and growing insoluble debt. We are faced with estranged allies that were once at our side and what allies do remain are feeling the defeat of the war in Afghanistan.

This nation cannot ignore the fact that there is one Presidential Candidate that was dedicated to the purpose of defeating al Qaeda first, as a national security issue. That one Candidate is Barak Obama. He voted against the War in Iraq and supported the War in Afghanistan. No other person can make that claim. If the country had gone on the path set by Barak Obama, the USA would have already defeated al Qaeda, secured Pakistan and kept its alliance with Russia with diplomatic relations that would have supported a secure Europe and NATO.

Today, the USA's national security is in shambles. Afghanistan has been lost to the influence of democracy because of tragic deaths of citizens and the resurgence of the Taliban. The resurgence alone of the Taliban is a clear defeat of any USA policy as it relinquished the 'real war' to NATO. Russia has turned from The West as an important ally when they once stood at our side in Afghanistan after the attacks of September 11th. Europe is concerned for what they are preceiving as aggression into Georgia. The Russian movement into Georgia was not blunted because of 'good relations' with The West, but, was engaged because of the threat a missile shield would pose while it preceived South Ossetian people as at risk.

This election, every voter going to the polls has to remember, that the Republicans did not secure our nation. They compromised it and sold it out fiscally to buoy an economy for the re-election of a Neocon that could not be found on the day the towers came down.

Generations of Americans now face fiscal burden our ancestors would distain and ridicule. My father didn't fight for this country so it could be grossly mismanged and placed at risk for the cause of politics.

We need a huge change in Washington DC and there is only one candidate that can deliver it. It is the man that stated, invading Iraq is wrong.

Two Hurricanes, First Land Falling Pacific Storm this year. 12 hour loop.

September 9, 2008
0745z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite (click title to entry for 12 hour loop)

Entering the Gulf of Mexico is the Cat 4 storm Ike. It will continue to cross that body of water, will skim along the Louisiana Coast causing flooding and storm surge and the 'eye wall' will make landfall over Port Arthur, Texas. That is what it is looking like for me right now. It is tough to say the velocity of Ike once it makes landfall, but, as a rule the velocity of these storms in the last couple of years doesn't exceed Cat 3 due to the continental shelf. But, as noted with Katrina, a Cat 3 at landfall, the storm surge is significantly higher due to the high velocity immediately before landfall. I estimate Ike will be a Cat 3 when coming in on Texas.

The Pacific storm is Tropical Storm Lowell. It probably won't make it to southern California, but, will bring some rain to the Baja of Mexico.

The Republicans are shutting down rural health clinics.

U.S. Sens. Baucus, Grassley work to protect rural health clinics (click here)
8/25/2008
WASHINGTON – Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of the Committee on Finance, and Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member, are concerned that a proposed change to the existing Medicare requirements for rural health clinics would force some clinics to close. The senators are seeking an extension of the public comment period on the proposed changes to allow states and clinics more time to weigh in.
Baucus said, “If finalized, this CMS rule would undermine access to care in rural areas. The method CMS has proposed for certifying rural health clinics doesn’t make sense and will jeopardize the sustainability of crucial clinics in Montana and throughout the country. I call on CMS to extend the comment period so that the effects of this ill-conceived proposal can be thoroughly considered.”
Grassley said, “Rural health clinics are often the only health care option for people in rural communities. That’s especially true with high fuel costs that make it harder to travel long distances to cities for health care. An additional 60 days for public comment on the proposed changes would allow states and clinics more time to evaluate the effects on health care access in Iowa and other rural states.”
A proposed rule issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on June 27 would change many of the existing requirements for rural health clinics. Comments on the proposed rule are due August 26, 2008. Baucus and Grassley are asking for an extension of the comment period for an additional 60 days to allow states and clinics more time to analyze the likely effects of the proposed rule and its potential for closing rural health clinics in many areas of the country. Separately, Sens. Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden, also members of the Finance Committee, sent a letter, co-signed by 12 other senators, asking for additional information and requesting an extension of the comment period.
The text of the Baucus-Grassley letter follows here....

September 2, 2008

(202) 224-4515
BAUCUS TO CONTINUE HEALTH CARE REFORM SERIES WITH SEPTEMBER HEARINGS (click here)
Finance Chairman says panel’s study of reform topics
will remain an important focus this fall
Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today
announced the next three hearings in the panel’s year-long review of issues in heath care reform.
Baucus said the September hearings will focus on health care quality, delivery system reform, and
insurance market reform. Throughout 2008, Baucus has convened hearings, roundtables, and
events to prepare for congressional action on health reform next year. Baucus said today that he
intends for the panel’s comprehensive examination....

NFIB Commends Sens. Baucus, Grassley for Holding Healthcare Summit (click here)

06/16/2008
CONTACT: Stephanie Cathcart, 202-314-2056
Looks forward to continued dialogue on healthcare reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Dan Danner, executive vice president of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business association, issued the following statement in reaction to the Senate Finance Committee's "Prepare for Launch: Health Reform Summit 2008:"

"The National Federation of Independent Business applauds Chairman Max Baucus and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley for calling attention to the urgent need for healthcare reform. Americans realize that bipartisan cooperation is necessary if we are ever to achieve affordable coverage that is available to all. Small business owners and their employees are acutely aware of the challenges in finding affordable, accessible healthcare coverage. In fact, this issue is the top concern for small business owners and employees and has been for many years....

Long Term Care Leaders Praises Senator Baucus For Protecting Senior's Access To Therapy Services (click here)

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP

Also Included In: Seniors / Aging

Article Date: 07 Jul 2008 - 6:00 PDT

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) praised Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) for urging that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintain the exception process to Medicare Part B therapy caps. "We thank Senator Baucus for leading the fight in Congress to protect seniors' access to critical rehabilitative services," stated Bruce Yarwood, President and CEO of AHCA. "On behalf of the millions of Medicare beneficiaries cared for by AHCA members, we echo Senator Baucus' call for CMS to delay implementation of the onerous therapy caps." "More than 700,000 Medicare beneficiaries will exceed their limit on Part B outpatient therapies this year, and it is critical to extend the exceptions process to allow these individuals to continue receiving the care they need and deserve," stated Peter Clendenin, Executive Vice President of NASL....