This Blog is created to stress the importance of Peace as an environmental directive. “I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it’s hell.” – Harry Truman (I receive no compensation from any entry on this blog.)
Saturday, June 30, 2007
There has been no success in any Bush policy, either domestic or foreign. Not one, except, to produce record profits for corporations.
The close of the DOW on June 29, 2007. Not bad for selling out a nation to achieve it. I would expect it to be higher though. I suppose it's related to 'confidence' in the future.
The American people are trying to give 'benefit of the doubt' to every aspect of this adminisration for the sake of a belief that September 11th won't happen again. They have stood by and watched their country abandon the 'real war' in Afghanistan while an oil war continues to be a priority for this administration.
The USA has reached insoluable debt.
It's domestic bliss has turned into corporate mergers and take overs, even threatening the freedom of speech with war monger Murdock at the heels of The Wall Street Journal.
The Supreme Court is looking more and more like a political arm of the RNC.
And now, we are at the brink of disaster domestically from drought due to Human Induced Global Warming and the resurgence of terrorists in allied countries, potenitally the USA again. It is more than poetic that the mess the USA finds itself is no different at the end of Bush's presidency than at it's beginning, except to say every aspect is worse while continuing to grow in dimension.
There is a lot "W"rong with this country. It's time "To Take America Back." We can't continue to trust the untrustworthy.
Good night.
So while the world has gone to hell in a hand basket, the Bush cronies have skyrocketing profit margins.
LOS ANGELES, June 30 (UPI) -- This last year has marked the driest in Southern California since rainfall records started being kept in the 1880s.
Los Angeles marks its driest year at midnight Saturday with just 3.21 inches of rain between July 1 of 2006 and June 30 of this year. Pasadena, Riverside and other cities within the region also have seen record drought, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.
"We all love a new record," said Bill Patzert, a climatologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge. "But this one's on the hate list. And it's a long list."
Southern California firefighters are bracing for the run-up to July 4 as fireworks go on sale just as temperatures are predicted to soar above 100 degrees.
The scorching conditions have made hillsides more susceptible to sparks from fireworks, said Capt. Stephen Miller of the L.A. County Fire Department.
"It's almost like gasoline out there with all the dead fuel," Miller said of the dry conditions combined with already dead brush.
MIAMI, June 30 (UPI) -- A record-breaking but spotty rainfall on the east coast of South Florida will not ease the region's drought, an official says.
That's because while Coral Gables got seven inches of rain early Friday and Fort Lauderdale received four inches, Lake Okeechobee and the area to its north that feeds the lake got almost none.
"This is a classic example of getting rain in the wrong place," Nestor Yglesias, a spokesman for the South Florida Water Management District, told The Miami Herald.
In Coral Gables, the rain was so heavy the swimming pool at the Biltmore Hotel overflowed. In Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, the rainfall was two times or more the previous record for the day.
Meteorologists say a tropical weather system that has been sitting over the region for several days and coastal winds are responsible for the rainfall.
Restrictions on watering lawns and gardens and other non-essential water uses remain in place.
"Turn off your sprinklers -- Mother Nature is helping with the water supply," said Yglesias.
Yes, the designation doesn't take into account recent rains that fell. The monitor is updated weekly and reflects conditions as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, before scattered thunderstorms dropped close to an inch of rain on us.
Still, just because it's damp outside doesn't mean the ground isn't pretty dry underneath, said Jeremy Sites, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
"The rains that have been falling will help, but even if we get normal rainfall from now on, it will help the crops that are in the ground but won't replenish the ground water we missed out on," he said.
As of midnight, we had 1.43 inches of rain in June, which is 2.72 inches below normal....
The only anticipated outcome to the Maine meeting is perhaps a new trade agreement on Maine Lobster and Russian Vodka
Russia's GDP to Grow 5.2 Pct Annually by 2010: Official Outlook (click on title. thank you.)
12 hour loop - there is a counter cyclonic air mass rotation over the Western USA. Like what?
Iranian officials say a team from the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency will visit Tehran in coming days to resolve outstanding issues over Iran's nuclear program.
Report: Ahmadinejad says Iran is nuclear, cannot be turned back (click here)
By Haaretz Service and News Agencies
Israel Radio reported Saturday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has released a statement saying Iran has become a nuclear nation and no one can cause the country to backtrack."Our enemies cannot harm us, not because they don't wish to, but because they cannot do so due to their difficult situation," Israel Radio quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.Ahmadinejad and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday defended a controversial fuel rationing plan in Iran, state-television IRIB reported.
The six members of the PGCC are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman.
In an interview with the Arabic language satellite network, Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki said the Islamic Republic immediately welcomed the decision of Arab leaders who decided to develop nuclear technology as an alternative energy source to counterbalance declining fossil fuel reserves during their 2006 summit in Riyadh.
Iran has always insisted that “regional countries can participate in our peaceful nuclear program,” Mottaki added. “And the Islamic Republic of Iran has announced that it will share its valuable experiences with them under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
Then there is the issue of Climate Change
Global Climate Change Policy Book (click here)
The President announced a new approach to the challenge of global climate change. This approach is designed to harness the power of markets and technological innovation. It holds the promise of a new partnership with the developing world. And it recognizes that climate change is a complex, long-term challenge that will require a sustained effort over many generations. As the President has said, "The policy challenge is to act in a serious and sensible way, given the limits of our knowledge. While scientific uncertainties remain, we can begin now to address the factors that contribute to climate change."
On the other hand, Russia is a member of Kyoto.
Danger of climate change equal to nuclear war (click here)
MOSCOW. (Viktor Danilov-Danilyan for RIA Novosti) - Global climate change defies forecasting. Unprecedented heat, floods, droughts and typhoons brought about by climate change cause tremendous damage.
The number of such calamities has doubled over the last 10 years, according to the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry.
Some experts think there is nothing to worry about-periodic alterations in the climate are normal. Some believe the general alarm is the result of a mere lack of knowledge. But then, the danger posed by climate change is no smaller than the danger posed by nuclear war, and we have to face and evaluate it, however vague it might appear.
There is no way to hide from global warming. In fact, the repercussions of climate change might be even worse because the entire climatic system will be thrown out of balance. The average surface temperature is going up, and so are annual deviations from it.
Natural calamities go hand in hand with warming. Disastrous floods are getting more frequent in Russia and many other countries. They account for more than half of weather-related dangers....
Climate Change is a National Security issue for both these countries. For any country for that matter. Currently Pakistan is battling floods at the very same time the Brits have raised the 'terror alert.' Where does anyone believe the Third World and The West are on the same page in any of their agendas? The USA is simply being used as a toy for Bush cronies. None of the policies of this administration, now being realized in actions by The Supreme Court matter. Not really. Bush simply plays profit margins with war, issues of serious Climate events, instability globally in political structures and lets everyone deal with it. So long as his corporate bottom lines are sustaining a presidency that should have never existed, what does he care?
What is at stake for Bush is politics. What is at stake for Russia is a serious threat to it's sovereignty.
The meetings in Maine aren't about peace. They are about when a greater war will be fought.
Patrick Kovarik
A Seat at the Table: The Clinton Foundation had a place alongside Chile, France and Brazil for the launch of a United Nations aid project Tuesday. AFP/Gettty Images
YALTA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Former President Bill Clinton on Friday cast doubt on the effectiveness of a planned U.S. missile shield, deriding it as a "colossal waste of money".
Clinton said the defense system, parts of which are to be deployed in Poland and the Czech Republic, had created unnecessary difficulties with Russia, which denounces the plan as an attempt to undermine its defense capabilities....
The Missile Defense Shield in Europe is all about money. Nothing else. And at the same time it is causing huge issues with international relations at the 'idea' that it could be perfected and pose a threat to Russian sovereignty. This is complete stupidity by the USA.
Most Poles oppose deploying US missile base: Poll (click here)
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-06-30 01:10
Sixty percent of Poles are opposed to the deployment of the U.S. anti-missile shield in their country, according to the latest survey conducted by the Polish CBOS polling center.
Only 26 percent of those questioned expressed support for placing such an installation in Poland, the Polish News Agency (PAP) reported Friday.
The percentage of opponents against the shield grew to 60 percent in June from 55 percent in February.
The number of Poles without an opinion on the issue has been steadily decreasing due to ongoing discussions about the proposals, CBOS said, adding that most Poles are concerned over Russia's possible protests and reactions.
The recent short visit by U.S. President George W. Bush to Poland did not disperse those fears, it said.
The poll was conducted on June 1-4.
The issues that beset any agreement on Iran are huge.
The map of Kosovo?
Lavrov Warns NATO Against Compromising Russia's Security (click on title above. thank you)
By Peter Fedynsky
Moscow
26 June 2007
NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, right, speaks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (l) during a Russia-NATO Council in Moscow, 26 Jun 2007
Moscow is warning NATO not to adopt policies that increase European security at the expense of Russia. Senior Russian officials, however, say their country can cooperate with the Western alliance in areas of mutual concern such as international terrorism and drug trafficking. VOA correspondent Peter Fedynsky reports from the Russian capital.
In a meeting in Moscow Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said the Western alliance cannot do without Russia and Russia cannot do without NATO. The Russian leader echoed those remarks.
President Putin says continuous dialogue will help Russia and NATO solve problems for the sake of international security and peace....
You know, Russia takes the issue of sovereign borders very seriously. It takes it's role as global peace negotiator seriously. It wants full partnership in traditionally Western venues for a very solid reason. The USA has grossly failed to secure Europe. Look at London today. If The West would simply get out of it's own way and stop treating Russia as a bastard child the entire way inwhich international stability unfolds would be so much easier and better than today. If Russia says to put the missile early warning system in Azerbaijan, then put it in Azerbaijan.
A hasty decision could harm Kosovo and Europe (click on)
17:26
27/ 06/ 2007
MOSCOW. (Alla Yazkova for RIA Novosti) - During their meeting in early July, Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George W. Bush will most likely discuss the future of Kosovo.
Russia and the United States differ on that issue, and have so far not found common ground for a compromise.
The third draft resolution on Kosovo, proposed by the United States, Britain and France for the UN's consideration in mid-June, gives Belgrade and Pristina four months to settle their differences. If they fail to come to terms, a slightly revised scenario, based on special envoy Martti Ahtisaari's plan to grant Kosovo independence under temporary international control without Serbia's consent, will be submitted to the UN Security Council. It does not take into account the arguments of Russia and Serbia.
Moscow objects to sovereignty for Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic Albanian region that has been a UN protectorate since NATO expelled Serb forces from the province in 1999, arguing that the move would violate Serbia's territorial integrity and set a dangerous international precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union....
"He's a tough, reliable, extremely sophisticated negotiator "
The face of Russian diplomacy. Sergei Lavrov is the hardest working diplomat on planet Earth. I mean that beyond any argument otherwise. He is involved with issues the USA doesn't even prudently address except in escalation of confrontation hoping it leads to war of which Bush cronies can profit. In 2005 there were still border issues with former Soviet states. Hello?
Russia and Estonia agree borders (click on)
Russia has signed a border treaty with Estonia 14 years after the Baltic state gained independence from Soviet rule.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Estonian counterpart Urmas Paet met in Moscow to sign the treaty, which fixes land and sea borders.
Negotiations have taken nearly a decade to complete, with Russia widely seen as stalling in order to frustrate Estonian efforts to join the European Union.
Estonia was one of 10 countries to join the EU in May last year.
BBC Baltic states correspondent Steven Paulikas says that since Estonia joined the EU, the 300km border has taken on greater significance.
The distance that needs to be bridged is simply too much for Bush.
I mean either, at this point, The West is going to bomb the reactor or it's going to allow it. There is complete anarchy in Iran toward nuclear armament based on a threatened Shi'ite nation's reality of which seems insurmountable even for Russia.
A USA administration cannot 'neglect' relations with countries while escalating into an agenda of global conflict and expect to pick up the pieces at the last minute. Either Russia is going to be patient with the USA as it regains it's stability through Democratic processes or it will consider it a lost cause. Russia will not tolerate an escalation of tensions at its' borders. It hideous for The West to go there. The missile shield is a dreamscape.
Bush has literally put his faith in fiscal cronies in building his foreign policy. Well, dah. That is putting the cart before the horse. USA military institutions are suppose to respond to the 'needs' of the USA in leadership of National Security objectives. Literally, Bush and Cheney have put 'an action plan' forward that compromises USA National Security to allow profit taking from military institutions, including Big Oil, of it's treasury.
That reality didn't play into the venue of foreign relations? That didn't play into the destruction of alliances? That didn't play into the estrangement of Russia?
Hell, yeah it did. And now. In the closing rounds of each president's time in office all that is supposed to wash away in a handshake over Maine lobster? I don't think so.
There still is such a thing as a Maine lobster, right?
The beginning of the end of good relations with Russia and The West
Black Hawk Helicopters from the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) move into Iraq during the opening stages of the 2003 Invasion
The invasion into Iraq was far more than a mistake or an illegal invasion for oil, it was pivotal to the future relations of the USA and Britain with former allies of which Russia is only one. We all know the 'Freedom Fries' issue and the sequela of promises of returning allies for no bid contracts with the USA and it's empty treasury.
By the way, I often wanted to "Ask Hank" how it feels to be Treasurer of nothing? You know, he puts his former Goldman-Sachs signature on every newly printed USA dollar and I was just curious how it felt to have it mean absolutely nothing?
But, to return to 'the point of no return,' is it peace between communist nations and the USA completely impossible while Neocons rule the USA military? Will the advent of the Gordon Era in Britain allow for a return to sanity and inclusion of Russia as a full partner internationally? I would hope so, but, at this juncture there is little hope for such accolades when in fact the return of alliances by Britain and the USA to Russian involvement would be the best outcome to defeating terrorist networks. The estrangement of Russia is serving to allow voids of reassurance in any defeat of those networks. It is a sad reality and one the west cannot win without it's Eastern partners. Will Gordon recognize same while seeking the EU in new attempts to close those voids. It would be a benefit to Russia as well.
"This step was not a surprise for us. However, we consider it a mistake."
There has been a progressive loss of clout of USA stature globally since the Bush/Cheney oil venture into Iraq and a profound loss of the alliance between an old friend, namely Russia since that same day. Previous to March 19, 2003; Russia was still at our side in the name of peace and defeat of terrorists. They were the first into Afghanistan to assist with medical field hospitals in order to prevent at any cost loss of American military lives should the retaliation against al Qaeda prove to be more deadly than anticipated.
There is an 'instigation' of destabilization by Bush globally. Any speculation regarding the reasons for this 'mad man's agenda' is allowable. It makes no sense and in spite of all the 'justification' for abandoning treaties between Russia and the USA based on the 'idea' the USSR was the party of these agreements there is still today no replacement for the agreements that lent themselves to peace rather than escalation of war.
This 'visit' by Putin can be many things. But, after six years of deterioration of trust and mutual outcomes, there can only be the realization this may indeed be more than the last handshake between the current President of Russia and the current President of the USA. It may very well be the impetus to war that we are witnessing and not the prevention of it. There is grossly little 'trust' of Russia by The West and those in the Dumas feel it all to well. There is also grossly little reason to believe the propagation of a 'new' trust exists. Blair played a larger role in that as well resulting in a return by Britain to Afghanistan, alone with NATO and absent of Russian involvement when a resurgence of the Taliban occurred.
Today, Putin's Russia would dealy love to be a full partner in relations with 'The West' but there continues to be enormous hurdles to that with 'complaints' of human rights violations in regard to dead spies and journalists over shadowing 'the higher' goal to stop the reason for such incidents all together.
Pure unadulterated foolishness is driving a huge wedge between resolutions to insure the safety of nations from mutual destruction. This 'meeting' between Bush and Putin seems 'out of step' with the overwhelming reality of the estrangement of Russia from The West. I remain skeptical to any benevolent outcome except to say, there is new leadership in Britain promising to be progressive toward peace and a new leadership in the USA legislature with anticipated changes in the Executive Branch in 2008. But, in the interim the people of the USA are witnessing the deterioration of their own democracy through the Judicial Branch at the level of the Supreme Court in anticipation of a further defeat of Neocon goals post 2008. Will 'that promise' of change be enough to reassure Russia? Or is time running on a positive outcome to such possiblities?
...the world was once safe...
Background
The ABM Treaty was a product of the Cold War, bipolarity, and the state of technology at that time. The United States and Soviet Union had both deployed significant strategic nuclear forces that increasingly came to rely on long-range ballistic missiles. In an attempt to forestall a further Soviet increase in the number of such systems, the United States sought and obtained from the Soviet Union in 1972 an interim agreement for the limitation of "strategic offensive arms" (Interim Agreement), which essentially froze the number of strategic ballistic missile launchers of the two sides at existing levels. At the same time, the two parties entered into a formal treaty (the ABM Treaty) on the limitation of "antiballistic missile systems," or systems designed to defend against strategic ballistic missiles.
The ABM Treaty did not ban all antiballistic missile systems. It permitted the research, development, and limited deployment of ground-based ABM systems. As signed in 1972, the two sides were permitted two operational ABM sites, each with 100 ABM launchers and 100 ABM interceptor missiles, with associated radar, storage, and test facilities. A 1974 amendment reduced the number of permitted operational ABM sites to one per side. The deployments were limited to ground-based ABM systems, which were the technological approach of the time and included fixed ground-based launchers, ground-launched interceptor missiles, and associated ground-based radars. Deployment of ABM systems based on "other physical principles" and including constituent parts capable of substituting for these ground-based ABM components was to be subject to discussion and agreement by the parties. Development, testing, or deployment of sea-, air-, or space-based, or mobile land-based systems were all banned.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS ON NOTIFICATIONS OF LAUNCHES OF INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES AND SUBMARINE-LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES (click title above, thank you)
Signed at Moscow May 31, 1988
Entered into Force May 31, 1988
The United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, hereinafter referred to as the Parties,
Affirming their desire to reduce and ultimately eliminate the risk of outbreak of nuclear war, in particular, as a result of misinterpretation, miscalculation, or accident,
Believing that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,
Believing that agreement on measures for reducing the risk of outbreak of nuclear war serves the interests of strengthening international peace and security,
Reaffirming their obligations under the Agreement on Measures to Reduce the Risk of Outbreak of Nuclear War between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics of September 30, 1971, the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Prevention of Incidents on and over the High Seas of May 25, 1972, and the Agreement between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Establishment of Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers of September 15, 1987,
Have agreed as follows:
Article I
Each Party shall provide the other Party notification, through the Nuclear Risk Reduction Centers of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, no less than twenty-four hours in advance, of the planned date, launch area, and area of impact for any launch of a strategic ballistic missile: an intercontinental ballistic missile (hereinafter "ICBM") or a submarine-launched ballistic missile (hereinafter "SLBM")....
Back in the USSR by The Beetles
Didn't get to bed last night
Oh, the way the paper bag was on my knee
Man, I had a dreadful flight
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the USSR, yeah
Been away so long I hardly knew the place
Gee, it's good to be back home
Leave it till tomorrow to unpack my case
Honey disconnect the phone
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the US
Back in the US
Back in the USSR
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
They leave the west behind
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout
They Georgia's always on my my my my my my my my my mind
Oh, come on
Hu Hey Hu, hey, ah, yeah
yeah, yeah, yeah
I'm back in the USSR
You don't know how lucky you are, boys
Back in the USSR
Well the Ukraine girls really knock me out
They leave the west behind
And Moscow girls make me sing and shout
They Georgia's always on my my my my my my my my my mind
Oh, show me round your snow peaked
mountain way down south
Take me to you daddy's farm
Let me hear you balalaika's ringing out
Come and keep your comrade warm
I'm back in the USSR
Hey, You don't know how lucky you are, boy
Back in the USSR
Oh, let me tell you honey
Bush goes fishing. But, why would he fish into Russia and Iran?
What does Bush lust over?
No surprise about the attempted attacks in London. It was at a time of the change of Democratic Leadership. Right?
Forensics specialists removed a Mercedes from a central London street on Friday. The car was one of two found to be packed with explosives.
It a 'methodology' of al Qaeda that attempts to rattle democracies loose of their moorings at the very basis of 'the vote,' the electorate/average citizen. That is what this is. It has happened repeatedly for decades. The last time it was successful in the London Underground it was at the beginning of the G8 Summit. Okay? Got it. Let's talk.
July 1, 2007
A FAILED plot to detonate two car bombs in central London appears to have been inspired by al-Qaeda and intended as a message to the British Government led by Gordon Brown, terrorism analysts believe.
Police defused two bombs left in cars that were found in London's entertainment district late on Friday and yesterday, two days after Mr Brown succeeded Tony Blair as Prime Minister.
The plot appears "aimed at the new Government", said Dame Pauline Neville-Jones, former head of the British Government's joint intelligence committee. "I think I will be inclined to believe there is some kind of al-Qaeda link," she told BBC television.
Dame Pauline said al-Qaeda was a very loose organisation that served as inspiration to Islamists around the world who can take a decision to act on their own against Western interests.
"It is a place where you get your ideas and you decide to act - it doesn't mean you're going to be taking orders from abroad."
She said it was too early to determine whether the plots were prepared by British citizens, but added: "I think probably one has to assume at least there is local knowledge here. And I fear they will turn out to be British residents."...
There was no way of assembling those car bombs outside of Britain and importing them. They were assembled within that country with the assistance of citizens. It's a primitive devise. But, somewhat effective to the extent it is, in the case of the Twin Towers of 1993, it was a method that was very effective in doing some structural damage and causing some real distress for the American culture and citizens' lives. However, the Criminal System within the USA handled the persuit of terrorists remarkably well and brought them to justice to be jailed forever. Needless to say, networks are networks and dismantling is the focus while stopping those that practice murder of The West's civilians.
Okay.
Britain Hunts for Suspects in Failed Bombs (click here)
June 30, 2007
Britain Hunts for Suspects in Failed Bombs
By ALAN COWELL and RAYMOND BONNER
LONDON, June 30 — As London braced for a weekend of high-profile public events, the British police stepped up foot patrols on Saturday and hunted for suspects linked to what appeared to be a double car-bombing plot modeled on terrorist tactics in Iraq.
Counterterrorism experts suggested, however, that the bombers who abandoned two explosives-laden Mercedes sedans in central London may have been what a senior Western official called “less directed from Al Qaeda and more a matter of a home-grown group.”
Several experts and officials said the technology behind the foiled bombings seemed to be amateurish. While the attackers apparently attempted to detonate the bombs using cellphones, “they didn’t go off because there were not top-grade people putting them together,” the Western official said, speaking in return for anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters.
If the plot turns out to be the work of a small, hitherto undetected cell, that could raise alarms that Britain’s terrorism threat is broader than the 2,000 suspected radicals known to the authorities, according to British and Western officials. “If we had never heard of them before, it means the problem is even bigger,” a British official said, speaking according to the same ground rules. The Western official said British investigators were pursuing several “good leads.”...
What is being done other than forensics and investigation by Interpol in Great Britain. I think there is an interesting reaction coming out of Pakistan. Shall we?
Suicide bombers holed up in Lal Masjid: president (click here)
By Ahmed Hassan
ISLAMABAD, June 29: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Friday that an operation could be launched against the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa brigade, but a raid would lead to heavy casualties on both sides because a large number of suicide bombers were inside the mosque and seminaries.
Responding to reporters’ questions at the concluding ceremony of the National Media Workshop at the National Defence University, President Musharraf said: “Can you guarantee that blood of any dead or injured will not be screened on television channels during the operation?”
He said that militants having links with Jaish-i-Muhammad and Al Qaeda were hiding in the mosque and seminaries and they had explosives. They might cause havoc in case of an armed operation, he said, adding: “Let it be clear that the action against the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa brigade was not withheld because of government’s weakness or cowardice in the face of enemy.”
He warned that some foreign elements were busy in the tribal areas planning terrorist activities against some western countries which, if materialised, could entail “extremely dangerous consequences”.
“Critics should understand that the madressah houses 2,500 women students with minor boys and suicide bombers inside are equipped with sophisticated arms. While police are not capable of launching such a complex operation, the army cannot be involved for it can give a wrong message to the world,” the president said.
“We have involved senior clerics of the country, the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Imam-i-Kaaba to end the standoff. Shall we now call Allah to help these elements shun their wrongdoings?”...
The issues of Scotland are interesting. Complicating the skepticism of the 'car on fire crash' is the issue of the independence movement and the potential of it becoming explosive and perhaps another Northern Ireland.
Vital gains forecast for SNP in swing from Labour (click here)
HAMISH MACDONELL
Key quote
"The result of this poll further confirms the fact that Labour is floundering in Scotland while the momentum is now clearly with the SNP." - Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP's Holyrood leader
Story in full
ALEX Salmond received a massive pre-election boost today with a new opinion poll showing a clear majority of Scots favour independence, and illustrating a significant swing from Labour to the SNP.
The Scotsman ICM poll found 51 per cent now favoured full independence with only 39 per cent against - the biggest level of support for separatism for eight years.
So, is this a mimick event by those that want to facilitate Scottish independence through the threat of violence? Let's look.
Angry passengers restrain Glasgow suspect (click here)
30/06/2007 - 5:07:18 PM
An apparent car bomb attack on Glasgow airport ended in terrifying failure today.
Witnesses said a blazing Cherokee jeep containing two Asian-looking men crashed into the doors of the main terminal building.
A man with his clothes on fire got out of the vehicle and was restrained by passengers while others put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.
The airport was closed and passengers were cleared from the terminal building amid fears that this was a terrorist attack....
...“A man got out of it on fire – he said there were actually two Asian-looking men but this guy was the one that was on fire....
...“Some holidaymaker tried to restrain him, then the police came over and wrestled him to the ground – the fire was burning through his clothes – and finally put him out with a fire extinguisher.”The area was subsequently evacuated, she said.A spokesman for the airport’s operators, the British Airports Authority, said emergency services were at the scene....
...Another eyewitness, taxi driver Ian Crosby, said he was in no doubt that it was a terrorist attack.“It looks to me like these people were intent on doing some serious damage,” he told the BBC.
He saw a small explosion which looked like it was coming from the back of the vehicle....
From witnesses, while people naturally come to the conclusion these are al Qaeda terrorists, I think it's open ended as to whom this is actually attempting to explode a car bomb. It is my estimation the driver and passenger in the SUV didn't intend to die as a suicide bomber, necessarily. I think they were going to park the vehicle and explode it. The attempt backfired. The investigation here will need to identify the people whom lived through the fire of the vehicle and whether or not there are parrallels in the 'preparation' of the vehicle to those found in London. In other words, are the components exactly the same from the same suppliers or are these separate attempts to kill unwitting civilians.
And last but not least what is being done to settle violence in places like Kashmir?
Shivraj Patil chairs high-level security meeting in Kashmir (click here)
Srinagar, Jun 30: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today chaired a high-level meeting on the overall security situation in the Kashmir valley.
The meeting assumes significance against the backdrop of sudden spurt of violence in the Kashmir valley.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Secretary C Phunsog, Director General of state police Gopal Sharma, state financial commissioner (Home), GOC of 15 and 16 corps, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) S I S Ahmad and additional Director General of Border Security Force (BSF).
Official sources said Mr Patil was given a detailed account by senior Army, paramilitary and police officials about the prevailing security situation in the state.
He was told about the recent spurt in violence in which a number of militants, civilians and security forces were killed.
Sources said he was informed about the measures taken by the security forces to counter insurgency operations across the valley.
He was also told about the infiltration by militants from across the border.
The Home minister was told about the preventive measures taken on the Line of Control (LoC) by the security forces guarding the border.
A brief about the infiltration attempts in Uri and Machil sector in which about a dozen militants were killed immediately after they sneaked into this side during the past one week was given to him.
The meeting was held immediately after he arrived here from Jammu this afternoon.
Earlier, he was received at the airport by tourism minister Dilawar Mir, Pradesh Congress president Peerzada Mohammad Sayed and other senior civil, police, army and paramilitary officials.
--- UNI
Dismantling terrorist networks is a joint international effort. There is no country that can stop this alone. That is why this is about diplomacy more than war. When populous feel they are at risk for violence they will seek to stop it and it doesn't matter whom provides their security. That reality screams at us while noting the recent deaths in An Albar, Iraq of the sheiks that at one time sought the influence of the USA military in their security measures. Will these Iraqi sheiks continue to seek alliance with the USA or will they commit resources against the USA military while other militias prove to be better protection? I think the answer to that is obvious.
When there is war instead of diplomacy, the populous of Islam is forced by culture and belief to act in violence against the attacker. Doesn't matter whom the attacker is. Rather than people cooperating with their government in peaceful existence to maintain that quality of life no matter how minimal it might be, that cooperation will melt away when violence is in play. We know and have known for decades that violence against Islam begets division of authority and more violence. War in Iraq will never stop until the USA leaves. Just that simple. There is no vanquishing 'the enemy' in Islam, there are simply too many that find The West a threat to them, especially the very basis of their religion.
If The West is to succeed in dismantling the terrorist networks reeking havoc on it's societies then they have to do so with cooperation of other nations through diplomatic measures that resolve poverty and facilitates acceptance of benevolent government securing the lives of that populous. Al Qaeda absolutely loves the chaos, the violence and the fear. Dismantling terrorist networks includes life styles for people that demand the resolution of the networks. When people feel they are benefitted by these networks, and I refer to Hizbollah in Southern Lebanon, they will provide their children as warriors in appreciation. Violence against Islam is the worst methodology to disarming these networks.
I don't care whom is right or wrong over any ideology regarding Kashmir. Peace to those people will resolve huge issues allowing the propagation of concensus to end terrorist networks currently among them.U.S. blames Sunni fighters for Iraq's deadliest quarter (click here)
By ROBERT H. REID
The Associated Press
KHALID MOHAMMED / AP
BAGHDAD — A huge bomb explosion followed by a hail of gunfire and grenades killed five U.S. soldiers, the military said Friday. The attack came as the Pentagon tallied up the deadliest three-month period for Americans since the war began.
Seven soldiers were wounded in the attack Thursday in the Rasheed district, a mixed Sunni-Shiite neighborhood in southern Baghdad where U.S.-led forces recently stepped up pressure on extremists. The commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad suggested that the ambush could be part of an escalating backlash by Sunni insurgents.
Those deaths brought to 99 the number of U.S. troops killed this month, according to an Associated Press count. The toll for the past three months — 329 — made it the deadliest quarter for U.S. troops in Iraq since the March 2003 invasion. That surpasses the 316 soldiers killed during November 2004 to January 2005....
5 U.S. soldiers killed in roadside bomb attack and ambush in Iraq (click here)
By Richard A. Oppel Jr.
Published: June 29, 2007
BAGHDAD: Five American soldiers were killed when insurgents blew up a huge bomb buried deep beneath the road as American armored Humvees passed, and then attacked the soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, military officials said Friday.
The attack Thursday in the violent southern Baghdad neighborhood of Dora, the scene of some of the most intense insurgent activity in the capital, also wounded seven American soldiers.
"It was a very violent attack, and we thought it did show a level of sophistication that we have not often seen so far in this campaign," Major General Joseph Fil Jr., commander of American troops in Baghdad, said. He said the attack was so intense that soldiers initially believed it was from several car bombs.
Deeply buried bombs, which are usually artillery shells, fertilizer bombs or other forms of powerful explosives, have become a common tactic in Dora and other areas dominated by Sunni extremists. Harder to detect than roadside bombs hidden in trash or vegetation, they can focus enough explosive power to destroy even the largest American vehicles.
Deep-buried bombs in Arab Jabour, a remote area along the Tigris River a few miles southeast of Dora, tore apart one Bradley fighting vehicle and flipped over a 65-ton Abrams tank this month, commanders say....
20 Beheaded Bodies Found in Iraq (click here)
20 Beheaded Bodies Found Southeast of Baghdad, Iraqi Police Say
By SINAN SALAHEDDIN
Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD Jun 28, 2007 (AP)
Twenty beheaded bodies were discovered Thursday on the banks of the Tigris River southeast of Baghdad and a car bomb killed another 20 people in one of the capital's busy outdoor bus stations, police said.
The beheaded remains were found in the Sunni Muslim village of Um al-Abeed, near the city of Salman Pak, which lies 14 miles southeast of Baghdad.
The bodies all men aged 20 to 40 had their hands and legs bound, and some of the heads were found next to the bodies, two officers said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.
The victims' identities were unknown, but they were found in an area where Shiite travelers have been kidnapped and killed in the past, en route to the Shiite-dominated provinces of Wasit, Maysan and Basra.
A bomb in a parked car ripped through a crowded transport hub in southwest Baghdad's Baiyaa neighborhood at morning rush hour, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 50, another officer said on the same condition.
Many of the victims had been lining up for buses, awaiting a ride to work. Some 40 minibuses were incinerated, police said....
Sunni ministers to quit Iraqi government (click here)
AFP
June 30, 2007
Bagdad -- Embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's national reconciliation program suffered a major blow yesterday as the key Sunni Arab bloc ordered its six ministers to quit his government.
In protest against an arrest warrant issued against one of its ministers, Sunni lawmaker Omar Abdul-Sattar Mahmud said the National Concord Front will request that its ministers suspend their participation in the cabinet....
Yet, and in the face of obvious evidence of the instigation of violence by the Sunnis where is General Petraeus's military focus? Shi'ites. He is raiding the neighborhoods of Shi'ites. Huh?
26 Killed in Sadr City Raid in Iraq (click here)
By HAMID AHMED
06.30.07, 3:34 AM ET
U.S. soldiers killed 26 people before dawn Saturday during raids in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood. The U.S. military said the dead were terrorists who had attacked American troops, but Iraqi police and officials said the victims were civilians.
The U.S. military said its troops were attacked with small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs but there were no U.S. casualties.
The Iraqi officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of security concerns, put the death toll at eight, with 20 wounded.
Seventeen suspected militants also were detained in the operation, which consisted of two separate raids, the U.S. military said in a statement....
This misguided war would not need the folks back home sending medical supplies if the troops weren't there. The medical supplies could go to the people of Iraq as they sort out their reality after The West is gone to cause them such problems.
General Petraeus Praises 'Troops Need You' -- Supports Citizen Effort for Victory in Iraq
Unique Organization Earns Unprecedented Partnership with US Command in Iraq
Contact: Eric Egland (Major, Reserve), Troops Need You Founder, 530-205-5582, EEgland@hotmail.com
ROSEVILLE, Calif., June 27 /Standard Newswire/ -- Thanks to donations from Americans coast-to-coast, Troops Need You shipped needed medical supplies specifically requested by troops to help Iraqis--and battalion leadership confirms the goods are helping them accomplish the mission. The medical supplies have allowed local leaders to persuade some Iraqi doctors to return to practice, so Troops Need You is now working to raise $15,000 to ship advanced medical supplies to help even more.
Photo: Iraqi children greet troops, credit Eric Egland (Major, Reserve), Troops Need You
"America has answered the call of the 1-28 Black Lions infantry battalion in Baghdad," stated Troops Need You founder Eric Egland, a military officer who patrolled in Iraq with U.S. troops as a counter-terrorism advisor. "Iraqi locals asked the 1-28 troops for supplies to open medical clinics, and the American people delivered over $5,000 worth within a few weeks."
General Petraeus, the top general in Iraq, praised Troops Need You and established an unprecedented partnership with the organization, to accelerate the ability of Americans to deliver to our troops what they need to win. Troops Need You connects America with its troops, bypassing the bureaucracies in Washington and Baghdad, and proving that the people of the U.S.A. are ready to continue their historical tradition of directly supporting troops in combat.
We don't belong in Iraq.
We never did.
Oppose the draft.
Troops out now.
Why?
Because the USA violence in Islam is fueling the terrorist networks and not dismantling them. Yes? Yes.
"A Mighty Heart" is another 'must see' film for any American
The film does not get carried away with it's Superstar in Angelina Jolie. Quite the contrary, she brings a quality of performance that portrayed Mariane Pearl in a pivotal role in persuing the outcome of Danny in his career. I found myself grateful for the talent of Jolie in providing character portrayal of Mariane at a time when she was involved in her own pregnancy. It spoke huge accolades to both these women.
The film is not in anyway a venture into entertainment. It departs from the 'stardom' of the performers and brings the reality of Pakistan while persuing criminals to the forefront of that reality. It is impressive. The film spent a great deal of time including the dogmatic methodology of the Pakistani authorities in attempting to save Danny from death at the hand of extremists.
I often wondered how any authority acts among the chaos of poverty to the extreme it exists in Pakistan's cities, especially Karachi. American police and intelligence could take a good lesson in the agility the authorities within that chaos thrive. While Pearl was dismembered ultimately, the unveiling of the terrorist network was impressive. The Pakistani authorities literally stare down a blind alley and find order in that lack of direction which it's society exists if not thrives as well. I was somewhat impressed by the local authorities, but, not nearly impressed with 'mid-level' authorities that turned the investigation into a political positioning against India and the USA.
Daniel Pearl was in no way a CIA agent, yet his capacity to penetrate 'the truth' was preceived as same by those that sought to silence Danny's voice. The kidnappers were simply brutal killers interested in a 'prize.' Killing an American, a Jewish American, was the goal. The only way Danny was going to be saved was to literally locate him and kill those that were using him as an icon of power. The kidnappers had no compassion for a pregnant spouse. They were going to hold him as a prize and milk the politics of terror for what it was worth and simply kill him when finished with their 'gaming.'
I question the importance of persuing that level of truth except from afar. Daniel Pearl was a far too high price to pay for 'insider information.' There is no reverence for life by the people involved with his death. They find their purpose in killing, just to kill while calling on a false sense of Allah, Mohammad and the Koran. There is no more mystery here. Danny achieved his goal in revealing those that were involved with terrorist networks. He proved, minimally in this film, his life was vital to the understanding of the pervasiveness of influence of terrroists in impoverished populous. If there is one truth about the film, it is that Danny was more alive in the message he intended from the beginning than ever before.
Jolie's performance was magnificent. Her minimalist appearance added more to the support of the focus of a film than ever before in any of her pervious films. The cast was appreciated for their delivery of Danny's message. They were all appreciated in the portrayals of plight of journalists and their dedication to the human condition and the 'ideals' of peace and human rights. It truly is an incredible film with an expansive message. If you are looking for the 'thrill' of an action adventure film, you won't find it. What you will find is high quality filmmaking delivering a message of a man now dead over five years out from the incident that caused his death. It should not be understood that his message is best served in death either. We would be far better served by having his living expertise within the context of journalism. The loss of him is profound and it should be treated as such.
A prime example of the political 'indignity' of the Robert's Court
Justices to rule on Gitmo case (click on title)
Court reversal puts detentions on docketBy David G. Savage and Carol J. Williams, Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles TimesJune 30, 2007WASHINGTON -- In a surprise move, the Supreme Court agreed Friday to take up the case of the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and to decide whether they have been wrongly held for years without a fair chance to plead their innocence.In a brief order before adjourning for the summer, the justices announced they would hear an appeal they had turned down in early April. The case hinges on whether "foreign citizens imprisoned indefinitely" by the U.S. military can go to court and, if so, whether a judge can free them from "unlawful confinement."Court personnel said it had been 60 years since the justices had dismissed an appeal petition and then voted to reverse themselves and hear the claim after all.The switch may well reflect frustration within the court's liberal-to-moderate wing over the Bush administration's handling of the Guantanamo issue, say civil liberties lawyers.Three years ago, the court ruled that the hundreds of prisoners held there were entitled to a hearing before a neutral judge to challenge the government's basis for holding them....
Letter to Bush: Shut Guantanamo (click here)
By Renee Schoof
McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON - A group of 145 House members yesterday sent a letter to President Bush urging him to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and move the detainees there to military prisons in the United States.
"The closure of the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay would represent a positive first step toward restoring our international reputation as the leader of democracy and individual rights," the letter said.
The House members, all but one of them Democrats, also called for restoring Guantanamo prisoners' right to challenge their detentions in court.
"This will allow for the implementation of fair and transparent trials to bring enemies of our country to justice," they wrote. The lone Republican in the group was Rep. Walter Jones Jr. of North Carolina.
The Supreme Court agreed yesterday to review whether the detainees should be able to go to federal court to challenge their confinement. Congress passed a law last year that removed the ability of courts to hear detainees' challenges.
Under the law, the detainees receive hearings before a Combatant Status Review Tribunal, which determines whether they are enemy combatants. The hearings allow the government to use evidence that is secret or obtained by coercive interrogation methods.
The White House has been considering closing the prison at Guantanamo and transferring the detainees. About 375 prisoners are at the facility, and many have been there for more than five years. Few have been charged with crimes. Most are held because they have been determined to be security threats to the United States.
The letter argued that the facility had undermined the image of the United States as a "model of justice and protector of human rights around the world."
The United States Supreme Court is supposed to be a 'separate' branch of government, not in political servitude to the Executive Branch.
Moore's "SICKO" is an incredible work of reality. It is an eye-opener as an American.
I didn't find myself compelled to anger by the Moore documentary. I was humiliated and still am to realize the level of 'political mind speak' that continues to OVERSHADOW and PERVADE my life in relation to healthcare. That word was humilitated. I could not believe the 'plight' every American shares with every other American only to realize how we are pitied by allies of The West for that plight. That is sincerely 'an issue' for me. I don't like being humilitated or pitied. I thought the USA was the 'leader of the free world.' We are not. Not even close.
The physicians' testimony alone during the discourse of "Sicko" reveals a very different reality than the physicians in the USA. In the USA, physicians are first and foremost members of corportations. The physicians elsewhere in "The West" have a far higher quality of practice than their piers in the USA. The healthcare industry in the USA has demoralized the 'best practice' for physicians here. The 'idea' that USA physicians could literally 'call upon' every possible resource in treatment for patients falling under their care is so far removed from the reality of our allies of "The West" enjoy. It is embarrassing to have all these cliches regarding the 'greatness' of the USA when in fact we can't even hold a candle to others. The healthcare of the USA is ruinous to it's citizens, not elevating. Each citizen has a 'profit margin' attached to every aspect of their lives and if you fall below that margin then you aren't considered a viable citizen anymore. The gross illustration of that is the outrageous abandonment of American citizens to Skid row.
The reality within "SICKO" is compelling to realize our allies 'across the pond' actually understands the quandry of the people of this nation. Their insight during the film, from both France and England, is more than enlightening. I don't know about everyone else, but, I am not interested in being politcally oppressed by 'the mind speak' of corporate dominance of the USA government. Corporations have their place, better said HAD their place, in the American society while permitted and regulated by the government. I more firmly believe today more than ever that Americans need to reclaim their right to their country. We don't have the country we were handed by our forefathers OR the recent century soldiers whom sacrificed their lives in battle against the likes of Hitler. That country has been captured by corporate, for lack of a better word, 'entities' that are then pandered to by elected representatives when their political achievements are facilitated in donations. The political/government structure of the USA is grossly contaminated by faux priorities based in 'Capitalism Gone Wrong.'
Everyone whom hasn't seen this film, needs to see this film. Eventually, and probably in 2008 the DVD will be out and once again the electorate can find the reality they have been deprived of by those that seek to capture political prowess over the 'purchasing power' of the citizens of this country. The best thing I can say at this point is abandon the methodology of HMO/PPO orgnanizations and seek a return to quality healthcare with guidance in the 'models' presented in Moore's film from Great Britain and France. To our allies whom languish in self protectionism for their silence in exhibiting distain of minimally of American healthcare, where the hell you been? It took Michael Moore to bring you out of your closet, in example, to realize the high quality of life our allies have vs the impoverishment of the citizens of the USA. I don't consider 'an ally in silence' a good ally. The best ally of the two in Moore's film has to be France which is never afraid of exhibiting an Anti-American sentiment. Let's get on with this, okay? Criticise away while holding the USA in complete ridicule for OBVIOUS human rights violations COMMITTED against it's citizens.
The American public has to move away from the HMO IDEOLOGY. It is destroying the health of this country. We need to return to 'horse and buggy.' Literally, such as noted by the devoted physicians of France.
Hello?
Oh, by the way, the "Gitmo Gig" was ingenious. It was completely appropriate for the documentary to seek healing of 911 workers in their physician maladies but also their spiritual and emotional healing. I found the bonding between Cuban fire fighters and the 911 workers that resulted in gratitude for the quality of healthcare more than enlightening. Here are people considered a valuable part of a media event for Cuba completely ignored by the American Healthcare Industry. I applaud the Cubans for making that connection. It was as necessary to the 911 workers as it was for the Cubans to elevate the value of the citizens as well as our own. The dramatic statement made by that segment was astounding. Here are Cubans, THIRD WORLD CITIZENS, receiving wellness to keep them functioning within their communist country so they can perform their 'function' to protect others. If one is a rescue worker without the ability to be healthy or receive timely treatment then the USA is not prepared to take care of itself in response to emergencies. Corporations are a Homeland Security issue in realizing they jeopardize the health of those that are RESPONDERS.
Again.
Hello?
Friday, June 29, 2007
Michael Moore's finances in robust health
Before I discuss the alarmingly crass, Ann Coulter, I'll prove how completely incompetent the Robert's Court actually is.
There was no 'solid' reason for this decision making as is the case 'chronically' with Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Roberts. These four men make decisions on ideology and economic benefit. Ultimately, this decision ends bussing. More money in the pockets of the taxpayers. This court is highly political in all decisions while the Four ? conservative' judges seek to intimidate the others with malpractice or some stupid thing. That is the only thing I can realize that causes Kennedy to even 'give pause' to this ideology. Bush and Cheney have to be up to some kind of monkey business here. Some kind of power play.
But that said and realizing I could be completely wrong and this might be the passion of Kennedy finally coming to the surface, the decisions of the Robert's Court is grossly flawed.
To begin, there was no discrimination with the decision making of these school districts. The students attending these schools systems have to qualify for certain programs. These programs are considered 'special' and 'adventageous' to the best outcome of a student's scholastic standing. So the 'idea' that these students were chosen based on race is false from the beginning. These students had to 'achieve' this standing of academically attractive, in order to be considered for the placement in these special school opportunities. If any student didn't qualify there would not be placement into these programs. This is simply 'not just' decisions made by race or 'minority standing.' Women, by the way, are considered in similar compromised stature in social consideration as minorities.
Okay, so then what is a 'fair' decision? We have seen something like this in Michigan. Yes? Whereby the University 'assigned' 'weighted decisions' to students to facilitate 'fairness' in admission to university level educations. Part of that 'statistically' has to be race simply because 'that is the way it is' in the USA. There is absolutely no concrete reason for this decision by the Robert's court. The addition of 'race' to this process was no different than the consideration by The University of Michigan.
Additionally, in the year 2005, there were TWO, count them TWO Black PhDs to graduate from the USA university system. That statistic alone is astounding. The statistical disadvantage of a Black minority student in any aspect of life of being TAUGHT by a Black PhD is virtually impossible. At this rate, the sun will nova before minorities have a reason to say they have equality in the USA. These decisions by the Robert's Court is simply bigoted and extremely poorly considered and decided.
Okay? Now. There is a reason to overturn Brown vs. Board of Education. A reason based in fairness. A reason that is appropriate. That reason is when it is SHOWN the majority of the USA have a disadvantage to the minorities in the country. In other words, the decision Brown vs. ... worked so well there is now a disparity in opportunity to the white folks, primarily men. That day will never come at this rate. A 'reasonable' decision to reverse Brown vs... would have to include 'proof' of that disparity in the way of adverse statistics revealing lack of progress of the USA majority in light of the application of the statue WHILE proving there are NO, NONE, NADA other factors at work causing that disparity.
It is outrageous to realize parents simply 'poo-pooed' Brown vs... because they 'thought' it was race alone that caused the adverse decisions for their children. Would they consider flipping a coin any different? That is used in some instances in districts with 'magnet' schools. As I write this there are 'perferred' placement in schools in Wilmington, North Carolina that are literally decided by a 'lottery.' Would parents consider that a better alternative, because, when they go before the Supreme Court of the USA to deny 'equity' to all children 'weighted' by social realities that is exactly what they are doing. The attorney's for the parents offered no statistics that would prove the adversity of this broadly applied law to the American society. The plaintiffs literally complained that being of a certain race was really lousy in the face of adverse decisions made by highly dynamic statistical reasons. Well, gosh, do you think? Do you think reversing decades of discrimination comes overnight? Well, it doesn't. Frequently it is a bitter pill to swallow while realizing in the 'long view' the USA will be a far better country to live.
In the case of 'more money' for 'price fixing' do I have to explain this one? I mean the 'horse hockey' floating around the net about the ? advantages ? of this one is so obviously stupid. Price fixing will literally hold the American consumers hostage to corporations.
This decision REVERSED the intent of 'anti-trust.' Where do you think this is going?
Century-Old Ban Lifted on Minimum Retail Pricing (click here)
WASHINGTON, June 28 — Striking down an antitrust rule nearly a century old, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that it was not automatically unlawful for manufacturers and distributors to agree on minimum retail prices.
The decision will give producers significantly more, though not unlimited, power to dictate retail prices and to restrict the flexibility of discounters....
I don't believe there will be any limits except what the states place on merchandise/services/etc. marketed within their borders. I mean here we go again with States and the right to monitor the well being of their consumers, which should have been happening in the housing market.
This decision leads to cartels and/or cartel-like cultures by corporations both inside the USA and outside of it when marketing to Americans. I can't state enough how towns and cities need to focus on 'local economies' whereby they are accountable in a real way to their consumers while shunning 'corporate' style merchandise.
It's a very difficult 'thing' for Americans to 'find a way' with the pressure of corporations' to undersell 'very good' merchandise of which small worker-owned enterprises produce. It is nearly a 'conscience' decision to Buy American over and above all other products. I think we know the importance of that and are turning more and more on self reliance especially in the face of failed government both domestically and abroad. Domestically we have learned that imports can harm us in the way we eat and can kill our pets. Internationally our jobs left the country and/or were assigned to illegals that found 'ease' in crossing our borders to provide cheap labor while our American ports were assigned as profitable enterprises known to be foreign in origin with history of sympathizing with terrorists.
This is just another nail in the coffin of 'The American Corporation.' We don't want corporate health care anymore and we aren't about to be held hostages to corporate greed as we have with Halliburton and Big Oil. This is just another 'power play' by Bush's affinity for favoring corporations to 'attempt to float' an economy. Americans providing an economy for Americans will rob these indulgent Neocon decisions of their impact.
Along awaited justice for the truly innocent. "Hang 'em High in Texas no longer includes the insane." I'll be darn. There is an aspect to American society that don't know the harm they do. THAT, in and of itself has even farther reaching implications as America awakens to the fact there are those among us that are IGNORED by a healthcare system to treat mental illness. I'll be darn. It's about time the USA has a ruling that is just ! No thanks to the four major incompetents on the court including the 'chief.' Gee, Chiefs whether they come from the Judicial Branch of government or the Executive don't seem to be the quality we are used to in this country !
Supreme Court Blocks Execution of Delusional Killer (click here)
HOUSTON, June 28 — Amplifying its ban against execution of the insane, a closely divided United States Supreme Court on Thursday overturned the death sentence of a delusional Texas murderer who insisted that he was being punished for preaching the Gospel.
In a rebuke to lower courts, the justices ruled 5 to 4 that the defendant, Scott Louis Panetti, had not been shown to have sufficient understanding of why he was to be put to death for gunning down his wife’s parents in 1992.
The court, acting on the last day of the 2006-7 term, declined to lay out a new standard for competency in capital cases. But it found that existing protections had not been afforded.
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy provided the swing vote, joined by the court’s liberal wing: Justices John Paul Stevens, David H. Souter, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen G. Breyer.
BREAK TIME. I'll deal with Coulter or whatever her name is in a different breath than the idiots at the 'top spot' of the Judiciary. By the way is Gonzalez still there?
A look at Ann Coulter's 'appearance' on "Hardball with Chris Matthews." I find it nothing short of brilliant he should put her 'on the spot' with Elizabeth Edwards, evidently the show has tighter security than the White House for the lack of leaks that occurred to Ms. Coulter surrounding this 'surprise.' It was completely evident she was not only surprised but befuddled by the interaction. That's not surprising, Ann Coulter is befuddled about most issues in her life, as she finds it far easier to allow 'a party line' to dictate her behaviors and decision making. How convenient.
"...CHRIS MATTHEWS, HOST: Ann Coulter, author of “Godless: The Church of Liberalism,” plays HARDBALL. Let‘s play with her!..." By all means, play with Ann and her ludicrous priorities.
The focus of her appearance was to adovcate violence in the 'human theater.' I want to take a look first at the transcript to be accurate in the number of times, Ms. Coulter stated she wanted people, you know human beings to die. You know, Ann is the icon of the women of Bush that call for the Supreme Court to harness the power of the American uterus to produce armies of people to kill others.
Right out of the box, Annie has no intention of seeking a diplomatic solution or mentioning the word peace, but, she honestly states she doesn't know much about the issues of which she speaks:
MATTHEWS: So what do you make of the war, where the president‘s talking—Tony Snow, the president‘s spokesman, is talking a long-term commitment beyond September, people talking about a Korean-style commitment of a half a century. Is that bad PR?
COULTER: I don‘t know. I mean, I‘m not very savvy about PR. What I do know is that it would be a disaster if we pulled out. And maybe we could fight the war a little harder and not keep responding to Amnesty International...
The fighting she is talking about doesn't have referees or bells at the end of each round. She is stating when she uses the words, ...we could fight the war a little harder..., that we need to kill more people. And here she even states, ...I think we need to be less worried about civilian casualties.... Really? So, let's see, the USA under Bush and Cheney embark on an illegal war, lie about the impetus for the war, proceed immediately to no bid contracts that gets Dick of the hook with Halliburton stockholders, but, we should kill more people. Not that the people of Iraq are human beings at all. As Ann goes on to state realizing she just advocated the death of innocent civilians, these people are NOT human beings, they are 'terrorists.' So, therefore, it is easy to assume in the mind of Ann Coulter that every 'preceived innocent civilian' in Iraq is a terrorist or at least with the potential of and therefore should have a reign of bombs and bullets showered on them to eliminate the 'enemy' from within.
MATTHEWS: More troops?
COULTER: I don‘t think we even need more troops. I think we need to be less worried about civilian casualties.
I mean, are the terrorists—are Islamic terrorists a more frightening enemy than the Nazis war machine? I don‘t think so. Fanatics can be stopped. Japanese kamikaze bombers—you can stop them by bombing their society. We killed more people in two nights over Hamburg than we have in the entire course of the Iraq war.
It would seem Ann would have the same directive of Bush and Cheney in that a victory at any cost is a prime directive and that the deaths of people in Iraq is an insignificant loss to 'the cause' of spreading democracy throughout Islam. Does she realize by 'backing' such a hideous concept of promoting democracy in countries with established and benevolent leaders of which are monarchies, she is actually declaring war against most sovereign countries in the Middle East? Probably not. Her, mind speak, is so complete that any reality other than 'the cause' is eliminated in a way that would guarantee death to hundreds of thousands if not millions of innocent people.
She asked the question, "I mean, are the terrorists—are Islamic terrorists a more frightening enemy than the Nazis war machine?". I would like to answer that. No. The terrorists in Iraq are rather few in number. There are a lot of people in opposition to this war that are actually citizens of Iraq that use whatever means available to stop the USA occupation. They do it with remarkable freedom of movement. They do it in a Civil War with each other. But the real answer I wanted to give to that question is that I find the Islamic terrorists and the Nazis far less scary than the hegemony Ann Coulter advocates.The appearance of Coulter goes on and on in an entertaining way not captured here in words. She was smiling and being herself with Chris, all the while entertaining the 'idea' that killing is like a good 'gum workout' with a dental hygienist: "COULTER: I think I‘ve just said it. You cannot fight a clean, hygienic work." Over and over again she advocated killing of innocent civilians as a means of stopping terrorists. Let me see if I can count that advocacy and then I'll move on to the interaction with Elizabeth Edwards.
I actually lost count. There were minimally thirty six times Ann Coulter advocated killing of ANY people including those that practice religion other than Christianity. If I may? ... I think we either have to get rid of this secular religion of FDR, or we have to get rid of the idea of a hygienic war because that was not a clean, hygienic war, World War Two. We killed a lot of civilians, and we crushed the Nazi war machine. She also states about the Koran, which has gotten American military in plenty of trouble in Gitmo, "And the idea that Nazism, which was tied to a civilized culture, was less of a threat than the Koran, tied to a Stone Age culture, I think is preposterous!.."
This was a precious statement and must reflect a frustration with Condi's shoe shopping when Katrina hit: "No! No. Because you are destroying the society that has produced these monsters. And you win by killing the other side and not allowing your side to be killed. Withdrawal would be the worst thing we could do. We could definitely fight it a little bit harder. I mean, I understand why Rumsfeld wanted to have a small footprint. It is a little bit different since it wasn‘t a country attacking us, it is this ideology that has spread throughout the Middle East. Yes, that makes it a lot trickier. But the small footprint didn‘t really work. Americans are getting fed up. Democracies don‘t like to go to war, so we‘re going to have to wrap it up quickly and destroy the fighting spirit of the fanatics."
Next time, if there is ever a next time, I'll bring my manual counter used in mass production to count the number of American cars that do not emit carbon dioxide as they roll off the assembly line in order to keep up with the verbose Coulter hatred of humanity.
But, the issue with The Edwards is really very distressing and Elizabeth is absolutely within her rights to confront this maniac whom seems to think she can take views about people with immunity to any backlash that matters.
This is how the exchange began:
COULTER: We‘re still paying for the New Deal and Social Security.
MATTHEWS: You know who is on the line? Somebody to respond to what you said about Edwards yesterday morning. Elizabeth Edwards. She wanted to call in today. We said she could. Elizabeth Edwards, go on the line. You‘re on the line with Ann Coulter.
ELIZABETH EDWARDS, WIFE OF JOHN EDWARDS: Hello, Chris.
MATTHEWS: Do you want to say something directly to the person who is with me?
EDWARDS: I‘m calling—you know, in the South, we—when someone does something that displeases us, we want to ask them politely to stop doing it.
I would like to ask Ann Coulter to—if she wants to debate on issues, on positions, we certainly disagree with nearly everything she said on your show today. But—but it is quite another matter to—for these personal attacks.
That‘s—the things that she has said over the years, not just about John, but about other candidates, is—lowers our—our political dialogue precisely at the time that we need to raise it.
So, I—I want to use the opportunity, which I don‘t get much, because Ann and I don‘t hang out with the same people—to ask...
(CROSSTALK)
COULTER: ... have enough money.
EDWARDS: .... her politely to stop the personal attacks.
COULTER: OK. So, I made a joke, let‘s see, six months ago.
And, as you point out, they have been raising money off of it for six months, since then.
MATTHEWS: But this is yesterday morning, what you said about him.
COULTER: I didn‘t say anything about him, actually, either time.
EDWARDS: Ann knows—you know that‘s not true. And, what‘s more, this has been going on for some time.
The definiton of 'time removed' as relevant to the issues of the day purported by Ann Coulter as a means of defense to her persistent personal attacks of The Edwards ends up being three years. It's rather incredible to realize Ann actually admits to personally attacking The Edwards for three years in grossly inappropriate ways. It is also rather astounding that the 'focus' of the justification for these 'personal attacks' is notably for campaign fund raising.
I mean, where does that come from? I am quite confident when The Edwards lost their son it was a profound loss to them and they weren't looking to benefit from any sympathy in a presidential bid.
These attacks, and that is exactly what they are, surmount to demoralizing John Edwards as a loving father and somehow a hopeless candidate relying only on sympathy by the public to win a victory to the Oval Office. It's not only ludicous but also litigable if John ever decides to stop being the gentleman he obviously is.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a potential for a John Edwards run for the White House. He is a wonderful man by every measure of American values and quite qualified to lead this country. He has probably walked more miles to reach out to people in campaigning than any other candidate in the field.
The Edwards are simply wonderful people with high moral standards and love their children dearly. The entire 'idea' that a child's death should be more than it is for the purpose of campaign fund raising is simply ludicrous and I propose that Ann Coulter benefits financially everytime she makes those statements.
I believe Ms. Coulter has some serious personal issues she needs to resolve before she grows up to be a 'real journalist' with something substantial to say. I personally apologize to Elizabeth and John Edwards for a member of this society that simply can't behave when the opportunity to make money in appearances and book sales manifests at every attack of a presidential candidate. There should be a law.
If Elizabeth Edwards did not defend her family and husband and their desire together to bring qualified leadership to the USA, there would be something profoundly wrong. I don't know how much it means to her to hear from someone who wants her to succeed more than she realizes but, I am proud of her and sincerely hope her campaigning with John at her side provides this country with a President that sincerely love the people of this country.
John Edwards grew up in the south where living is hard. It's just that simple. The 'fine line' between Middle Class and poverty is so small in North Carolina, it's scary. John in his advocacy at any time in his life, including his legal practice, sought and fought to balance the scales of injustice for the Middle Class of North Carolina. The State of North Carolina is a draconian state whereby the best of efforts to rise out of poverty results in failure more often than not. Education is the 'best bet' to achieving relief from adversity in North Carolina and there are many grateful to John that he took his profession seriously as well the plight of initially his clients but eventually his constituency.
I have frequently and even today referred to gross social injustice in the State of North Carolina. That is not all that exist there. Many wonderful people within North Carolina, but, the state government has much, much to be desired. There are grossly oppressive laws still 'in play' and not just 'on the books' in that state. It is not John's fault as a political candidate and/or a former State Senator that 'this still goes on.' Northh Carolina for all it's natural beauty has some of the worst state legislators that live in the USA. There has been absolutely no efforts to stop poverty in that state. The governors have invited vast expanses of military institutions to provide an economy to people without really taking the issue of a serious economy to task. They invite housing construction while pandering to the 'wealthy retired' as a means of economy in NC. I mean I should look at the 'retired' per square mile in NC vs the rest of the country to better make this argument. But, I know I am right.
John Edwards is an excellant candidate for president of the USA. His spouse simply dedicated to that purpose for the love of her country inspired by the potential for the future of her children. There is absolutely no reason to personally attack these people. Elizabeth could not be more correct in wanting 'dialogue' regarding the issue statements and John's proposed policies for the USA. I don't know of any other candidate that has a focus on the disparity of 'fairness' the Middle Class faces post devastation of the Bush/Cheney Executive Branch, as John Edwards brings to the debate. There is NO Republican candidate that even mentions concern for the Middle Class yet alone seek to improve their circumstances.
I am seeking to place any one candidate before another in this country. I think it is up to the American electorate to find a Presidential Candidate that truly can lead and bring America back from the clutches of corruption. I believe John Edwards is one of those people. I wish the American electorate the best in seeking their next President. It needs to be a good one.
As far as Ann Coulter. I hope she seeks the professional help she needs. I have never witnessed a woman so focused on death, the dead and killing. Like. Holy smokes. She has no regrets for advocating mass killing of people to insure her political dominance in the elections of the USA? I mean she doesn't actually believe wiping out entire populous is an answer to terrorist networks, does she? It's not. At all. There is something dearly wrong with the views of Ms. Coulter.