According to Coburn the only jobs needed are jobs that create wealth. Well, I'll be. He complains there are bridges falling apart in the country, YET, the Republicans under Bush never did ANYTHING about infrastructure. There was one instance where that was addressed AFTER people were actually killed by the USA deteriorating infrastructure. There is one thing true about Republicans, they see no reason to see beyond 'the moment.'
Hello? I found the loop below absolutely astounding in its short-sightedness. Coburn, as many other Republicans, live in the 'here and now' in hopes of stimulating 'fear.'
First-Time and Continuing Unemployment Claims Drop (click title to entry - thank you)
July 16, 2009 11:31 a.m. EST
Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - New claims for jobless benefits dropped to the lowest level this year for a second week, and continuing claims made the biggest decrease on record and now stands at 6.3 million, according to the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday.
Initial claims for the week ending July 11 was 522,000, down 47,000 from the preceding week's revised number. It is the smallest number of first-time claims since January.
The four-week moving average was 584,000, or 22,500 less than the prior week's revised figure.
The number of Americans staying on unemployment rolls for the week ending July 4, the latest data available, fell by 642,000 from the previous week's revised number of nearly 7 million to to 6.27 million. The drop is the biggest on record, and the number of total claims is the lowest since April 11.
The insured unemployment rate was 4.7 percent, down 0.5 percent from the preceding week's revised figure of 5.2 percent....
Jeff Sessions is typically attempting to 'load' the record with rhetorical political prejudice INCLUDING a letter from whom? From whom? The NRA !
2 dead, 6 wounded in overnight gun violence (click here)
July 16, 2009 5:49 AM
UPDATED STORY
A series of violent outbreaks across the city overnight left two people dead and at least six others wounded.
A 17-year-old boy was shot to death on the Northwest Side's Logan Square neighborhood late Wednesday, authorities said.
After the shooting about 10 p.m. in the 2900 block of West Palmer Street, he was taken to Norwegian American Hospital, where he died in the emergency room a short time later from a shot to the head, police said.
The teen was identified as Miguel Loreto of the 5900 block of South Kolin Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
Grand Central Area detectives are investigating.
Police are also investigating at least six other shootings from around the city....
There is less discussed in recent years regarding the influence of NRA money. As an example, this is an article from 1999. It demonstrates clearly a history of 'corruption' of the Senate with NRA influence. Yes, corruption. Jeff Sessions assumed office as Senator of Alabama (The most impoverished state in the country) in 1997.
Senate Votes Reflect NRA Donations (click here)
AP Online
Article date:
May 22, 1999
Author: D. SALANT, Associated Press Writer
JONATHAN D. SALANT
Senate Votes Reflect NRA Donations WASHINGTON (AP) -- Thirty-two of the 34 senators who supported the NRA this week on each of four key gun control votes received money for their last election from the gun industry lobbying group. And only two of the 38 senators who opposed the National Rifle Association on the same four votes received contributions from the group. Campaign contributions from the NRA are proving to be an accurate barometer of how individual senators would vote on gun control. It was a 51-50 vote to require background checks for firearms buyers at gun shows and pawn shops that clearly reflected the momentum ...
More Corruption in Georgia at the State level. When legislators lean in favor of an industry that pedals crime and violence there is something very "W"rong with the way government is conducting business.
About those NRA contributions … (click here)
Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 11:02 AM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Someone in the state Capitol took the trouble to send us a spreadsheet of all the money the National Rifle Association has handed out to state lawmakers and others this cycle.
The total came to $22,750, given to 20 senators, 13 House members, one lieutenant governor and a state attorney general.
Here’s the thing: The Senate conferees on H.B. 89, the NRA-backed gun bill to end all gun bills, are Senate Rules Chairman Don Balfour of Snellville, Ronnie Chance of Tyrone, and Joseph Carter of Tifton.
None of them are listed as having received a dime from the NRA.
Everyone of these legislators should be impeached for abandoning the business of THE PEOPLE !
I would strongly suggest those so inclined write their federal Senators and House members to defeat this legislation.
NRA Updates on Pending Federal Legislation (click here)
Saturday, 06 June 2009 18:44 administrator
Friday, June 05, 2009
There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your attention and action. Please review these legislative initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at http://www.nraila.org/.
S. 941/H.R. 2296-- the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act." This bill would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations. Of highest importance, S. 941 and H.R. 2296 totally rewrite the system of administrative penalties for licensed dealers, manufacturers and importers of firearms. S. 941 and H.R. 2296 would allow fines or license suspensions for less serious violations, while still allowing license revocation for the kind of serious violations that would block an investigation or put guns in the hands of criminals. This will help prevent the all-too-common situations where BATFE has revoked licenses for insignificant technical violations -- such as, improper use of abbreviations, or filing records in the wrong order.
This is the bill. Where Leahy gets the nerve to make our streets more uncertain is anyone's guess. Basically what this bill does and why it is advocated by the NRA is 'EXPANDS' the client base (consumer base) to guns. I mean, why not return gun purchase rights to those previously prohibited from purchasing because of law violations. Why not put guns back in the hands of every criminal in the country? I mean it's all about 'creating wealth' and who cares about the lives of Americans.
This version: Introduced in Senate. This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the Senate for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available on this website.
TITLE I--BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES MODERNIZATION AND REFORM (click here)
SEC. 101. GRADUATED PENALTIES FOR CIVIL VIOLATIONS BY FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES.
(a) In General- Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the following:
‘(e)(1)(A) If the Attorney General determines that a licensee under this section has willfully violated any provision of this chapter or any regulation prescribed under this chapter, the Attorney General may--
‘(i) if the violation is of a minor nature--
‘(I) for a first such violation, issue a written warning to the licensee; and
‘(II) for a second or subsequent such violation--
‘(aa) impose on the licensee a civil money penalty of not more than $500 for each such violation, with no interest to accrue on the amount of such a penalty, except that the total amount of penalties imposed on a licensee under this subclause--
‘(AA) for violations arising from a single inspection or examination shall not exceed $2,500; and
‘(BB) for a single calendar year shall not exceed $5,000; or
‘(bb) suspend the license for not more than 30 days, and specify the circumstances under which the suspension is to be terminated, if, in the period for which the license is in effect, there have been at least 2 prior occasions on which the licensee has been determined to have violated this chapter; or...
John Cornyn is engaging 'again' in Republican Rhetoric in denying 'individual' rights guaranteed under the USA Constitution. His statement that a judge should not set 'policy' but follow it, is another 'limiting' of any judicial decision making. He defers to the power of the Legislature as being 'the authority' of the American people. While that is important, it is not the 'end' of a 'test' of the law, that is why there is a judiciary. The American Judiciary isn't about 'testing' constitutionality, it is about 'applying' the law to 'practice.'
What the Republicans, like Cornyn can't get their minds around is the 'application' of law to the lives of Americans.
Bizaar Example:
The year 2151. The human race survived Human Induced Global Warming due to the landing of aliens with insight to Earth's plight. A rule is legislated that no one with Blue Hair will vote in any election. The reason being that 'aliens' are known to have blue hair.
The issue is: A legitimate voter shows up at the polling booth, three days after Halloween. The voter is declined the right to vote because aliens (characterized with blue hair) are not allowed to vote. Obviously, the 'issue' is clear. It is a test of The Burger Court, in that, when it comes to applying the legislated power of the country, there are those that obviously will run into problems. It is THAT reality the Republicans have never accepted. Cornyn is still stuck in 'the rut' as are some of the Supremes in the Right Wing of the court. It is this continued 'political rhetoric' that has definitively impacted and is impacting the dynamics of 'freedom' in the USA.
During the Bush Republican years, the rights of individuals have been rolled back decades. There is every reason to believe that will continue into the future so long as Republicans continue in their 'rhetorical politics' in order to win elections.
One might ask why this insane rhetoric year after year after year. Because, in fact, they don't believe in 'the law,' they believe in domination of the USA Constitution and bending it even if it means breaking it, to 'serve' their purpose. And we all know their purpose is a divine purpose and one that is higher than any law of the land.
When rendering judgement on 'temperment,' perhaps the people of this country should FIRST render judgement on 'the temperment' of the Senators.
The Ricci Case won in The Supreme Court because of the 'verbiage' of Title VII; not because of the 'spirit' of the law. The case at The Supreme Court level was "W"rongly decided because it 'voided' the 'intent' of the law (which was to protect people from discrimination based on racial bias when the law failed to UPHOLD 'all' the members of any 'class' where the law applied) and replaced it with 'dictionary meaning of the verbiage.'
The 'correct' class of people were fire fighters, NOT, white guys vs minorities. When the entire class of fire fighters were culturally divided into pass and fail, there was something grossly "W"rong with the test ! (As a side note, who designed this lousy test anyway?)
The Ricci Case and Mr. Ricci himself discriminated against 'the class' of fire fighters engaged in testing for Supervisory positions. When the demographics of the test revealed a 'cultural' delineation of the success of the test, it automatically needed to be discarded and explored as to why the 'cultural barrier' to success existed. I have discussed this before.
The Ricci Case was decided by 'the simpletons' of the Supreme Court when they took Title VII and eliminated 'the entire class' of test takers while 'substituting' the 'verbiage' that would elevate the plaintiff over 'the reality' before the City of New Haven and ultimately The State of Connecticut.
The complaint by Mr. Ricci is inappropriate ESPECIALLY for anyone entering a supervisory position, when he cannot look objectively at 'the test' but only 'narcissistically' to elevate 'himself' to an advantage over others.
Title VII, in the 'spirit' of the law, was supposed to prevent that.
The law was misconstrued by the five members of The Supreme Court and treated 'the white guys' as victims. They were not. They were culturally advantaged, which obviously showed up in the demographics of the test, and they should have all either been decided for advancement differently or tested again with a more culturally comprehensive test after further evaluation of the first bank of tests.
Ricci is biased and should never supervise anyone, yet, due to the biased methodology of five members of the Supreme Court, he will.
We STILL, in the year 2009, have a long way to go on Civil Rights on all venues of women and minorities due to the past eight years of Republicans acting AGAINST the USA Constitution in 'majority.'
We know they are "W"rong. It is amazing to realize they know it too, but, don't care they know it.
Charmaine Yoest, is an extremist. She is supposed to be upholding a concept called Pro-Life. You'll excuse me, but, the USA Constitution never stated it was Anti-Life. The right for a woman to decide the 'activity' of her body is a fundamental right guaranteed any citizen. The 'idea' that a woman has to be forced into conducting an unwanted pregnancy is hideous. The arguments for the right to abortion never goes away. It will force women into back street clinics or baseball bats wheeled by boyfriends to stop a pregnancy that is simply unwanted. There is nothing 'extreme' about the 'idea' that a woman has control over her body. This entire mess gets more and more hideous as the DECADES go by.
Today there is reported the death of two people by gun violence in Chicago (One was seventeen years old), yet, these Second Amendment extremists would have the City of Chicago eliminate their gun laws. There is no sense to their position, except, they state guns belong in the hands of citizens. They are "W"rong. They favor the extreme of placing 'self defense' over 'eliminating' dangerous use of personal weapons.
There is a huge population of guns on the USA streets and as seen in Brazil, the more guns within a populous the more the need for self defense. The more need for self defense means the more guns in the populous, which then demands more need for self defense and we have a 'negative feedback loop' that insures the USA will ultimately become 'The O. K. Corral."
The complaints against Judge Sotomayor regarding eminent domain goes along the line of 'deciding' rather than 'yielding.' The idea of being a judge falls into the rhelm of 'responsibility' not 'submissiveness.' From listening to her answer question after question she has stated, "...the law and how it applies...." Judge Sotomayor is a 'decider.' Remember that word? I think it was "W" that stated, "I am the decider." Yes? Well, the Executive Branch of the USA is NOT the decider. It has 'responsibility' to carry out the laws of the land.
The Legislative Branch is actually 'the decider' as it writes the laws that the other two branches carry out. Do I really have to say all this?
The Judicial Branch operates to 'protect' the people of the USA as the law is applied by its government. Every time Judge Sotomayor answered a question she specifically stated, she would have to apply the law depending on the circumstances. She is correct and could not be more correct. The 'spirit' of the law is not expressed in verbiage so much as its impact on the populous of the country. She is a rightfully a 'decider' in that she has to render a decision regarding those dynamics.
There is nothing more correct in applying eminent domaine than the decision of balancing the rights of government over the individual. There is no 'blanket' decision based on previous precedent either. As she stated, precedent is important, but, the decisions in passing judgement is based on dynamics as it is presented. There is no basis for criticizing her based on precedent in regard to Eminent Domaine.
The Rational Basis Test for is appropriate for gun control laws because it removes 'arbitrary' dynamics from upholding any legislation. In other words, when criticizing Judge Sotomayor on gun control by demeaning her methodology in 'the rational basis test' is actually hurting the very premise the NRA wants to invoke. Therefore, the statement criticizing Judge Sotomayor on her methodology is biased if not bigoted due to some 'idea' she will consciously violate ownership of guns.
The Rational Basis Test for judicial decision making removes arbitrary law. I refer to The Blue Hair Law. That is an arbitrary concept that when applied violates the rights of 'some' individuals. It is arbitrary because it is not based in sound reasoning, so much as political ideation. The Blue Hair Law against aliens assumes there is no other way of protecting natural citizen rights except to stop all people with Blue Hair from voting. It is short sighted law and is not sound in its verbiage.
People that oppose gun control for the sake of the 'theory' that every American is safer if they are 'carrying' is insulting the 'integrity' of reality for political ideation that places human life in the USA at risk for gun violence.
The Rational Basis Test removes arbitrary 'ideas' expressed in legislation. In other words, when the NRA lobbys for laws that will increase the populous of gun carriers and purchasers, the law itself may be unsound and can be dismissed based upon The Rational Basis Test. If law controlling guns do the same thing and don't prove to be effective or realistic, they can be dismissed as inappropriate under the same test.
The Rational Basis Test is a good method of identifying dynamics as they apply to 'real life' as opposed to 'ideation' which we find so much application in the Right Wing of the Supreme Court. The Rational Basis Test will also allow 'empathy.' WOW, how about that?
Hispanics represent 15% of the populous of the USA. They have rights and lives impacted by the laws of the USA. With them being under represented in government and the practice of law, there needs to be a Wise Hispanic (Latina) Woman on the Supreme Court.
In the new venue of 'minority' in DC as represented by President Obama and First Lady Michelle, we have witnessed changes in 'esteem' in our minority populous. That 'effect' is more than we could ever hope for in the USA. If finding a Wise Hispanic (Latina) Woman on the Supreme Court also raises the hopes and esteem of our Hispanic community than we can do them no greater justice in hopes of having them play a greater role in our country's government and legal venues.
Her personal story is part of her life in that it displays dedication to higher achievements. All the personal accountings of her peers say a great deal about her willingness to accept burdens others did not face while achieving the same if not higher achievements. She obviously has strong personal characteristics that state she is well placed at The Supreme Court. She has already stated she uses introspection to 'regulate' personal experience in balance to judgements. We can only hope every Justice would do the same.
I want to ask Tim Jefferies how he feels about The Innocence Project?
The USA Constitution recognizes 'the role' of the USA in 'international relations.' The State Department, the Commerce Department and a variety of other agencies recognize the USA has a role on a global scale. There was a time when commerce with the USA brought monies to other peoples when they adhered to child labor laws that were created in the USA. To believe there will be absolutely no overlap of dynamics in international venues is a ridiculous concept. Our diplomats alone have to be able to understand foreign laws and their impacts on American policy. To believe the USA is a 'virgin' completely untouched by other dynamics outside its borders is ideology that inhibits the advances of peace. Perhaps that is why the Republican Right believes so strongly in war.
Is Nick Rosenkranz a chemist? Argon Gas? It is an interesting gas, a noble gas, but what has that got to do with chosing a judge for The Supreme Court? An Argon Gas allergy? I don't know.
The Declaration of Independance removed foreign government 'sovereignty' over the thirteen original colonies. The Revolutionary War was fought with the assistance of foreign friends. Questions?
The statements by Kyl is typical ideology. I mean how much has to be said about this? The Republicans 'thought processes' are allowed to exist, but, they are 'constructed' around ideology. It gets the country in trouble all the time, international trouble and fiscal trouble. There isn't anything else to say. They aren't really qualified to decide areas where there is 'fluidity' in decision making.
When the law impacts on the citizens of the USA, that dynamic, under a 'representative democracy' demands a fluid dynamic between the Judiciary and the people before it.
The crime statistics of the USA speaks to the need for legislation. The Judiciary is not the venue for improving the 'performance' of our criminal laws.
The Republicans need to review their own rhetorical President in George H. W. Bush whom chronically criticized Saddam Hussein for standing outside 'The New World Order" and "Family of Nations."
Now, if the Republicans don't understand that the USA is not an isolated nation on Earth that can do anything it wants with impunity, then I don't know how to explain it to them. I don't think anyone can. It is simply more Republican rhetoric for 'wannabee' candidates.
Quoting N.O.W. seems a little hokey to me, but, it is a valued member of 'Woman's Dynamics in the USA' and they have brought some of the most distinguished women to the 'equity' movement.
NOW Cheers President Obama's Reported Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court Statement of NOW President Kim Gandy (click here)
May 26, 2009
This morning we will celebrate, and this afternoon NOW will launch our "Confirm Her" campaign to ensure the swift confirmation of the next Supreme Court Justice.
Nominated to serve as the third woman and first Hispanic on the Supreme Court in the history of the United States, Judge Sotomayor will serve the nation with distinction. She brings a lifelong commitment to equality, justice and opportunity, as well as the respect of her peers, unassailable integrity, and a keen intellect informed by experience. President Obama said he wanted a justice with "towering intellect" and a "common touch" and he found both in Judge Sotomayor.
What more do women want? We want a swift confirmation in the U.S. Senate, and Associate Justice Sotomayor to join Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Court before the Senate's August recess.
Women still haven't achieved equity on most fronts. In the past eight years, the rights of women and their self determination regressed. Is it too much to ask to have women released from social prejudice? It shouldn't be. There is no other better authority for a woman's voice than another woman that has achieved through the ranks. Judge Sotomayor belongs on The Supreme Court. It seems completely obvious to me.
That statement by N.O.W. is completely 'Main Stream America.'
There was one question Judge Sotomayor deferred an answer that was asked, I thought, in earnest by Senator Spector with a head nod from Senator Leahy, in that, (paraphrased) 'How did the White House manage to carry on with impunity an illegal wiretap?" It would have been an interesting answer. I think I feel bad that she didn't believe she could answer that, we all would have loved to have heard an 'opinion.'
Regarding the Iraq War. So long as she doesn't see a reason to pre-empt the withdrawal of forces, I don't have a problem with her.
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,324 (click here)
By The Associated Press (AP) – 1 day ago
As of Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at least 4,324 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.
The figure includes nine military civilians killed in action. At least 3,460 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
The AP count is three fewer than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Tuesday at 10 a.m. EDT.
The British military has reported 179 deaths; Italy, 33; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 21; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Denmark, seven; El Salvador, five; Slovakia, four; Latvia and Georgia, three each; Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand and Romania, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan and South Korea, one death each.
By the way, with Pakistan squeezing the Taliban the war in Afghanistan needs reinforcements. The death rate of all the allies is picking up and we need to place priorities where they rightfully belong.
Asking Pakistan to 'back off' and 'weaken' their influence would be the wrong way to go. I believe Pakistan needs to maintain the ground they took back to secure their populous.
Pentagon: Afghanistan deaths coming ‘at an alarming rate’ (click here)
By Kevin Baron, Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Friday, July 17, 2009
ARLINGTON, Va. — Halfway through this month, U.S. and coalition deaths in Afghanistan have already equaled record highs for operations there, with more than half of the casualties coming from improvised explosive devices.
Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell acknowledged that fatalities are continuing “at an alarming rate” and that more must be done to protect troops from roadside bombs and other indirect attacks.
“We’ve got to tackle this threat from basically 360 degrees,” he said. “We’ve got to get them from the air. We’ve got to monitor the roads. We’ve got to watch patterns of life for these IED networks. We’ve got to provide force-protection measures that will keep our troops safe if they do encounter them. And we’ve got to increase our intelligence on the ground to ultimately dismantle these groups.”
The Associated Press reported that so far this month, 24 U.S. and at least 47 international coalition servicemembers have died in Afghanistan. That total matches the previous record high for U.S. deaths, set in June and August last year, and passes the previous total for NATO deaths....
Returning to the Judiciary. The Republicans are attempting to obstruct the appointees of President Obama at every turn, not just the Supreme Court. These nominees are not 'wet behind the ears' and need to be denied their rightful place in the 'next step' of their achievement.
Senate Judiciary Committee Postpones Votes On Two Federal Court Nominees (click here)
24 May 2009 - 1:00 PDT
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee delayed a confirmation vote on President Obama's nominees for federal court positions until after the Memorial Day recess, Roll Call reports. David Hamilton, a district court judge in southern Indiana, is nominated for the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and Andre Davis is nominated for the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Brady, Roll Call, 5/21). Committee ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) said, "Our members are concerned" about Hamilton, adding that Hamilton "has had a number of troubling rulings dealing with a series of prayers at the Indiana Legislature." Hamilton in 2005 ruled that prayers used to open the Legislature must be nonsectarian. Sessions said he also is concerned about Hamilton's ruling to prohibit religious displays in public buildings....
Nite.
