Thailand struggled with its 'stability' after the 2004 tsunami. That sustained destabilizing event left a window of opportunity for the long lived insurgency.
From the looks of the protest and violence, it is difficult to determine the continued longevity of the current government.
It would be tragic if the government turned against its people.
There is a population of 65,493,298 in Thailand with approximately three main ethnic groups. The country is primarily Buddist. The leader is not. It's a worry.
Thailand's neighbor Indonesia is predominantly Muslim.
It's just that while al Qaeda flourished in Afghanistan before September 11th, they destroyed major Buddhist temples. Its a worry.
Indonesia has its issues with militants.
The actual ethnicities and religions don't concern me, except, for the instability it brings. Instability in this part of the world breeds terrorists.
Bali Bombers Defiant as They Await Execution (click here)
By VOA News 01 October 2008
Three Islamic militants on death row in Indonesia for their involvement in the deadly 2002 Bali bombings say they have no regrets about carrying out the attacks.The twin nightclub bombings killed 202 mostly foreign tourists.Speaking with a group of reporters Wednesday at a maximum security prison on an island in eastern Indonesia, the bombers warned that retribution would come to those who carry out their executions....
Thailand Holds Senate Elections (click here)
By Ron Corben Bangkok02 March 2008
Voters in Thailand went to the polls Sunday for elections for half the upper house, the Senate, marking the final step in the return to parliamentary democracy after the nation's September 2006 coup d' etat. As Ron Corben reports from Bangkok, the elections come amid underlying tensions following the return to Thailand this week of former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra....
Thai Police Battle With Protesters; More Than 100 Are Injured (click here)
By Daniel Ten Kate and Rattaphol Onsanit
Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Thai police battled anti-government protesters as a five-month standoff with the government turned violent and more than 160 were injured after police fired tear gas at demonstrators who responded with guns and other weapons....
...The ruling People Power Party won December elections, a year after the military ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, who fled to the U.K. in August to escape corruption charges....
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Judge in Stevens trial reprimands witness's attorney
Get out of town and take your friends with you !
...Anchorage attorney Robert Bundy, who has been sitting in the spectator section of the courtroom in Washington while his client has been testifying, was accused Monday by the judge of trying to signal to Allen on the stand.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said Tuesday morning, before the trial began for the day. "That's borderline obstruction of justice."
Bundy's colleague, Creighton Magid, said Tuesday morning that the Anchorage lawyer and former U.S. attorney is "absolutely torn up by this" and "vehemently" denied signaling to his client....
...Anchorage attorney Robert Bundy, who has been sitting in the spectator section of the courtroom in Washington while his client has been testifying, was accused Monday by the judge of trying to signal to Allen on the stand.
"I couldn't believe what I was seeing," U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan said Tuesday morning, before the trial began for the day. "That's borderline obstruction of justice."
Bundy's colleague, Creighton Magid, said Tuesday morning that the Anchorage lawyer and former U.S. attorney is "absolutely torn up by this" and "vehemently" denied signaling to his client....
Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, left, listens to witness Bill Allen, right, being questioned by his Attorney Brendan Sullivan, second from left top, Oct. 6, 2008. Others depicted are Prosecution Attorneys Joseph Bottini, and Brenda Morris, seated second and third from left, and Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, second from right. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)
Stevens jurors hear tape of plot to hide free work (click here)
By JESSE J. HOLLAND and TOM HAYS – 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two close friends of Sen. Ted Stevens schemed to conceal the fact that one was paying for extensive work done at the senator's cabin in Alaska, according to FBI audiotapes played Tuesday at Stevens' corruption trial.
The pair, Bill Allen and Bob Persons, are heard on tape fretting in February 2006 over a plumbing bill that says, "Labor paid for by Bill," after Stevens contacted them about the job.
"We need to make that disappear from (the plumber's) records," Persons says in one conversation captured by an FBI wiretap of Allen's phones. "Tell him Ted's paying for everything. I mean, that's the safest thing, Bill."...
By JESSE J. HOLLAND and TOM HAYS – 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two close friends of Sen. Ted Stevens schemed to conceal the fact that one was paying for extensive work done at the senator's cabin in Alaska, according to FBI audiotapes played Tuesday at Stevens' corruption trial.
The pair, Bill Allen and Bob Persons, are heard on tape fretting in February 2006 over a plumbing bill that says, "Labor paid for by Bill," after Stevens contacted them about the job.
"We need to make that disappear from (the plumber's) records," Persons says in one conversation captured by an FBI wiretap of Allen's phones. "Tell him Ted's paying for everything. I mean, that's the safest thing, Bill."...
Crash - A sudden dramatic decline of stock prices across a significant cross-section of a stock market
When do you think Bush and his incompetents will finally call it a day and resign?
After?
Or?
Before the markets hit 7500?
Panic as Russian stock market falls by almost 20% (click here)
21:51
06/ 10/ 2008
After?
Or?
Before the markets hit 7500?
I love the 'mind speak' of this administration. Bush and his cohorts want to call all countries together to coordinate the crash of the markets. That was admirable, wouldn't you say?
So. About those disarmament talks.
MOSCOW, October 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russian opposition parties and trade union leaders said Tuesday the country's economy was on the brink of a crisis, slamming the government and calling for urgent action.
Russia's financial system has been badly affected by the global economic crisis, with record losses on its financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage.
Communist Party MP Vadim Solovyov said the Russian economy had started to take "heavy blows."
"We think the Finance Ministry and the minister himself are directly to blame," he said, accusing the ministry of using the proceeds of Russian oil and gas exports to buy foreign assets instead of supporting domestic businesses.
"Small enterprises and entrepreneurs have also taken loans, so it [crisis] can lead to a series of failures among small and medium businesses, millions of people will find themselves jobless, and that will lead to enormous social tensions," he said.
"We are half a step away from a default," Solovyov added. "Our entire economy could collapse overnight."...
Russia's financial system has been badly affected by the global economic crisis, with record losses on its financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage.
Communist Party MP Vadim Solovyov said the Russian economy had started to take "heavy blows."
"We think the Finance Ministry and the minister himself are directly to blame," he said, accusing the ministry of using the proceeds of Russian oil and gas exports to buy foreign assets instead of supporting domestic businesses.
"Small enterprises and entrepreneurs have also taken loans, so it [crisis] can lead to a series of failures among small and medium businesses, millions of people will find themselves jobless, and that will lead to enormous social tensions," he said.
"We are half a step away from a default," Solovyov added. "Our entire economy could collapse overnight."...
If only Carlyle was on better terms with Vladimir. Darn shame.
Panic as Russian stock market falls by almost 20% (click here)
21:51
06/ 10/ 2008
MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian stock market gave in to panic on Monday with the MICEX dropping 18.6% to 752 points and the RTS falling by 19.1% to 866.39 points - the worst losses since the 1998 crash.
Russia's financial system has been affected by a global credit crunch which started in the U.S. and quickly spread to Asia and Europe leading to record losses on Russia's financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage....
Russia's financial system has been affected by a global credit crunch which started in the U.S. and quickly spread to Asia and Europe leading to record losses on Russia's financial markets, rising interest rates and a liquidity shortage....
So, no one in the Ukraine should be cold this winter.
KIEV, October 7 (RIA Novosti) - Gazprom Sbyt Ukraine, a subsidiary of the Russian energy giant, will deliver about 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas to industrial consumers in Ukraine this year, the company's general director said Tuesday.
"We plan to reach 5 billion cubic meters by the end of the year," Anatoliy Podmyshalskiy said.
He added that the company would supply about 550 million cubic meters of gas in October.
Gazprom holds a 100% interest in Gazprom Sbyt Ukraine, established under a Ukrainian-Russian agreement of March 12, 2008, to operate on the Ukrainian market.
The company holds a five-year license to sell 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas a year to Ukrainian consumers at unregulated tariffs....
"We plan to reach 5 billion cubic meters by the end of the year," Anatoliy Podmyshalskiy said.
He added that the company would supply about 550 million cubic meters of gas in October.
Gazprom holds a 100% interest in Gazprom Sbyt Ukraine, established under a Ukrainian-Russian agreement of March 12, 2008, to operate on the Ukrainian market.
The company holds a five-year license to sell 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas a year to Ukrainian consumers at unregulated tariffs....
Good job, Georgie.
KIEV, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - Ukraine's defense ministry dismissed on Monday reports that the country is ready to use force to seize the Black Sea Fleet's navigation and hydrographic support facilities in the Crimea.
A lawmaker from the pro-Russian opposition Party of Regions, Taras Chornovil, said earlier Monday that Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and his inner circle are planning military action to seize the disputed facilities, which would lead to further tension in Russian-Ukrainian relations.
"This [information] is untrue," a defense ministry source said....
A lawmaker from the pro-Russian opposition Party of Regions, Taras Chornovil, said earlier Monday that Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and his inner circle are planning military action to seize the disputed facilities, which would lead to further tension in Russian-Ukrainian relations.
"This [information] is untrue," a defense ministry source said....
FCC Seeks Info from Military TV Analysts
Shut 'em down ! (click here)
The Honorable Kevin J. Martin (kindly click title to entry. thank you)
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street , SW
Washington , DC 20554
Dear Chairman Martin: We write to express our deep concern with regard to a troubling story recently reported in the New York Times detailing an extensive program within the Department of Defense (DoD) to recruit ex-military officers to support the administration’s position on the war in Iraq, conditions at Guantánamo Bay and other activities associated with efforts to combat terrorism under the guise of objective analysis on major television news programs and 24-hour cable news networks. Many of these military analysts were simultaneously representing more than 150 companies competing for billions of dollars in Pentagon contracts. While we deem the DoD’s policy unethical and perhaps illegal, we also question whether the analysts and the networks are potentially equally culpable pursuant to the sponsorship identification requirements in the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) and the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)....
Dear Chairman Martin: We write to express our deep concern with regard to a troubling story recently reported in the New York Times detailing an extensive program within the Department of Defense (DoD) to recruit ex-military officers to support the administration’s position on the war in Iraq, conditions at Guantánamo Bay and other activities associated with efforts to combat terrorism under the guise of objective analysis on major television news programs and 24-hour cable news networks. Many of these military analysts were simultaneously representing more than 150 companies competing for billions of dollars in Pentagon contracts. While we deem the DoD’s policy unethical and perhaps illegal, we also question whether the analysts and the networks are potentially equally culpable pursuant to the sponsorship identification requirements in the Communications Act of 1934 (the Act) and the rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)....
The Federal Communications Commission has begun notifying several TV military analysts that it is probing congressional complaints that the pundits did not properly disclose their ties to the Pentagon when reviewing the war in Iraq on air....
...At issue is that some of them were also linked to Pentagon contracts, raising the issue of conflict of interest. In its letter signed by the chief of the investigations and hearings division enforcement bureau, the FCC suggests that TV stations and networks may have violated two sections of the Communications Act of 1934 by not identifying the ties to the Pentagon that their military analysts had....
A CBS News Investigation Uncovers A Suicide Rate For Veterans Twice That Of Other Americans
Pa. widow sues US over Iraq vet-husband's suicide (click here)
1 hour ago
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The widow of a 23-year-old Iraq war veteran from Pennsylvania is suing the U.S. government over her husband's suicide.
Tiera Woodward blames the Veterans Administration for failing to provide her husband, Donald, with adequate mental-health care, despite earlier two suicide attempts. He killed himself in March 2006 after seeking help for depression at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, a town about 25 miles east of Harrisburg.
The federal lawsuit, filed Monday, says that Woodward served in combat in Iraq from March to August of 2003.
A VA spokeswoman in Washington did not return a message Tuesday.
Drug Abuse to the point of dealing? Really?
Iraq war veteran's appeal denied (click here)
Posted by Brendean Kirby, Staff Reporter
October 07, 2008 6:35 AM
The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear the appeal of an Iraq war veteran's prison sentence, a five-year term handed down in Mobile by a federal judge who later said he made a mistake.
The case now will return to Mobile, where U.S. District Judge William Steele is expected to carry out the sentencing order given by an Atlanta appeals court.
Patrick Lett, a former Army sergeant who now lives in Pascagoula, admitted to selling crack cocaine in Monroe County for a short while after his service in Iraq. His story gained national attention....
1 hour ago
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The widow of a 23-year-old Iraq war veteran from Pennsylvania is suing the U.S. government over her husband's suicide.
Tiera Woodward blames the Veterans Administration for failing to provide her husband, Donald, with adequate mental-health care, despite earlier two suicide attempts. He killed himself in March 2006 after seeking help for depression at the VA Medical Center in Lebanon, a town about 25 miles east of Harrisburg.
The federal lawsuit, filed Monday, says that Woodward served in combat in Iraq from March to August of 2003.
A VA spokeswoman in Washington did not return a message Tuesday.
Drug Abuse to the point of dealing? Really?
Iraq war veteran's appeal denied (click here)
Posted by Brendean Kirby, Staff Reporter
October 07, 2008 6:35 AM
The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear the appeal of an Iraq war veteran's prison sentence, a five-year term handed down in Mobile by a federal judge who later said he made a mistake.
The case now will return to Mobile, where U.S. District Judge William Steele is expected to carry out the sentencing order given by an Atlanta appeals court.
Patrick Lett, a former Army sergeant who now lives in Pascagoula, admitted to selling crack cocaine in Monroe County for a short while after his service in Iraq. His story gained national attention....
The Weather at Glacier Bay National Park (Crystal Wind Chime) is melting. Sadly.
Distribution of Maternal Polar Bear Den Habitat in Northern Alaska (click here)
Local Time :: 9:39 AM AKDT
Lat/Lon :: 58.8° N 137.0° W
Temperature :: 36 °F / 2 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Windchill :: 36 °F / 2 °C
Humidity :: 93%
Dew Point :: 34 °F / 1 °C
Wind: Calm
Pressure: 29.72 in / 1006 hPa (Steady)
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 1 out of 16
Clouds: Clear (Above Ground Level)
Elevation: 33 ft / 10 m
Polar habitats may affect drilling (click title to entry, thank you)
New 5:15AM Wednesday Oct 08, 2008
The United States Government will designate "critical habitat" for polar bears off Alaska's coast, a decision that could add restrictions to future offshore petroleum exploration or drilling.
Federal law prohibits agencies from taking actions that may adversely modify critical habitat and interfere with polar bear recovery. That was likely to affect oil and gas activity, said Kassie Siegel of the Centre for Biological Diversity, one of three groups that sued to force the critical habitat designation.
"Other than global warming, the worst thing that's going on in polar bear habitat right now is oil development and the potential for oil spills," Siegel said.
Bruce Woods, a spokesman for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage, said it was not known what area in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast might be designated for polar bears, given that areas now covered by ice might in the future be open water.
The agreement to designate critical habitat was filed yesterday as part of a partial settlement of a lawsuit brought by Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defence Council and Siegel's group....
Local Time :: 9:39 AM AKDT
Lat/Lon :: 58.8° N 137.0° W
Temperature :: 36 °F / 2 °C
Conditions :: Clear
Windchill :: 36 °F / 2 °C
Humidity :: 93%
Dew Point :: 34 °F / 1 °C
Wind: Calm
Pressure: 29.72 in / 1006 hPa (Steady)
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 1 out of 16
Clouds: Clear (Above Ground Level)
Elevation: 33 ft / 10 m
Polar habitats may affect drilling (click title to entry, thank you)
New 5:15AM Wednesday Oct 08, 2008
The United States Government will designate "critical habitat" for polar bears off Alaska's coast, a decision that could add restrictions to future offshore petroleum exploration or drilling.
Federal law prohibits agencies from taking actions that may adversely modify critical habitat and interfere with polar bear recovery. That was likely to affect oil and gas activity, said Kassie Siegel of the Centre for Biological Diversity, one of three groups that sued to force the critical habitat designation.
"Other than global warming, the worst thing that's going on in polar bear habitat right now is oil development and the potential for oil spills," Siegel said.
Bruce Woods, a spokesman for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Anchorage, said it was not known what area in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's northwest coast might be designated for polar bears, given that areas now covered by ice might in the future be open water.
The agreement to designate critical habitat was filed yesterday as part of a partial settlement of a lawsuit brought by Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defence Council and Siegel's group....
No more spending. Jeeze, these idiots are as dense as they come.
Corruption Personified
Before coming to the USA Treasury under Paulson, he worked for guess who?
Go ahead.
Guess.
Goldman Sachs
In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Treasury Department, of Treasury Department Assistant Secretary Neel Kashkari. Kashkari has been selected to head the Treasury's new Office of Financial Stability. (AP Photo/U.S. Treasury Dept., Chris Taylor)
...The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday a radical plan to buy massive amounts of short-term debt in a dramatic effort to break through a credit clog that is imperiling the economy...(click here)
These Bozos just don't know when to stop. IF this 'radical spending' was so important to drive the USA even further into debt why wasn't it made a part of the $700 billion.
NO ! No more of the USA Treasury to 'bailout' Goldman Sachs.
End of Discussion.
These people are complete idiots, I swear ! They must spend their 'downtime' thinking up more and more ways to scalp generations of Americans and put them into servitude forever. When are these jokers going to be gone ! NOW, is a good idea.
Goldman Sachs is running scared.
We ain't their piggy bank !
The pressure is on for a BIG interest cut (click here from the New Zealand Herald)
..."There's a case for trying things that might restore confidence. It might work. And there's little chance that it will start another inflationary credit binge."
Goldman Sachs JBWere economist Shamubeel Eaqub backed a full percentage point cut.
"The current global situation where there is a crisis of confidence needs co-ordinated action from central banks around the world," he said. "The RBNZ cannot conduct policy in isolation."...
'It's very complicated' (click here)
THE FIXER: Meet Neel Kashkari, the U.S. official asked to oversee the $700-billion rescue plan
PAUL WALDIE
With files from Associated Press
October 7, 2008
...The job would be daunting for someone twice Mr. Kashkari's age or with many times more experience. But the 35-year-old - who came to the Treasury from Goldman Sachs and has been there for just over two years - mainly as an adviser to Mr. Paulson, may have to learn as he goes....
Goldman Sachs Leads $12 Million Investment in Nimsoft (click here)
Fastest Growing Systems Management Company Announces Second Round of Funding
Last update: 6:00 a.m. EDT Oct. 7, 2008
REDWOOD CITY, CA, Oct 07, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Nimsoft, the fastest growing systems management company, today announced that the company has completed a funding round of $12 million led by new investor Goldman Sachs with follow on investments from Series A investors JMI Equity and Northzone Ventures. The company will use the funds to continue its growth and help achieve its vision of becoming the world's leading enterprise systems management software company....
The Republicans don't believe Alternatives Matter.
October 07, 2008
Goldman Sachs Cuts Solar Stock Benchmarks (FSLR, SPWRA, CSIQ, LDK)) (click here)
Two key solar stocks are being hit hard in early indications. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWRA) have both been downgraded to "Sell" from the prior "Buy" ratings over at Goldman Sachs. The fallout from these calls may create new issues for the sector which has already seen its key components chopped down in the current market....
Tuesday September 30, 2008
Goldman Sachs seeks to buy US$50b assets (click here)
NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs Group Inc is looking to buy up to US$50bil of assets from troubled US banks, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing executives at the bank.
The newspaper said it was looking to buy the assets as part of its transition into commercial banking.
Last Sunday, Goldman and rival Morgan Stanley said they would become bank holding companies, enabling them to accept deposits and killing the investment bank model that had dominated Wall Street for decades.
Goldman said then it intended to expand its deposit base by buying deposits from other banks, including those in distress.
The FT said Goldman planned to talk to US regulators to find US$50bil of assets it could buy from the struggling banks. Those assets would be in addition to the US$150bil of its own assets it is moving to its Utah Industrial Loan Corp, a bank regulated in that state, the report said. - Reuters
Before coming to the USA Treasury under Paulson, he worked for guess who?
Go ahead.
Guess.
Goldman Sachs
In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Treasury Department, of Treasury Department Assistant Secretary Neel Kashkari. Kashkari has been selected to head the Treasury's new Office of Financial Stability. (AP Photo/U.S. Treasury Dept., Chris Taylor)
...The Federal Reserve announced Tuesday a radical plan to buy massive amounts of short-term debt in a dramatic effort to break through a credit clog that is imperiling the economy...(click here)
These Bozos just don't know when to stop. IF this 'radical spending' was so important to drive the USA even further into debt why wasn't it made a part of the $700 billion.
NO ! No more of the USA Treasury to 'bailout' Goldman Sachs.
End of Discussion.
These people are complete idiots, I swear ! They must spend their 'downtime' thinking up more and more ways to scalp generations of Americans and put them into servitude forever. When are these jokers going to be gone ! NOW, is a good idea.
Goldman Sachs is running scared.
We ain't their piggy bank !
The pressure is on for a BIG interest cut (click here from the New Zealand Herald)
..."There's a case for trying things that might restore confidence. It might work. And there's little chance that it will start another inflationary credit binge."
Goldman Sachs JBWere economist Shamubeel Eaqub backed a full percentage point cut.
"The current global situation where there is a crisis of confidence needs co-ordinated action from central banks around the world," he said. "The RBNZ cannot conduct policy in isolation."...
'It's very complicated' (click here)
THE FIXER: Meet Neel Kashkari, the U.S. official asked to oversee the $700-billion rescue plan
PAUL WALDIE
With files from Associated Press
October 7, 2008
...The job would be daunting for someone twice Mr. Kashkari's age or with many times more experience. But the 35-year-old - who came to the Treasury from Goldman Sachs and has been there for just over two years - mainly as an adviser to Mr. Paulson, may have to learn as he goes....
Goldman Sachs Leads $12 Million Investment in Nimsoft (click here)
Fastest Growing Systems Management Company Announces Second Round of Funding
Last update: 6:00 a.m. EDT Oct. 7, 2008
REDWOOD CITY, CA, Oct 07, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Nimsoft, the fastest growing systems management company, today announced that the company has completed a funding round of $12 million led by new investor Goldman Sachs with follow on investments from Series A investors JMI Equity and Northzone Ventures. The company will use the funds to continue its growth and help achieve its vision of becoming the world's leading enterprise systems management software company....
The Republicans don't believe Alternatives Matter.
October 07, 2008
Goldman Sachs Cuts Solar Stock Benchmarks (FSLR, SPWRA, CSIQ, LDK)) (click here)
Two key solar stocks are being hit hard in early indications. First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) and SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWRA) have both been downgraded to "Sell" from the prior "Buy" ratings over at Goldman Sachs. The fallout from these calls may create new issues for the sector which has already seen its key components chopped down in the current market....
Tuesday September 30, 2008
Goldman Sachs seeks to buy US$50b assets (click here)
NEW YORK: Goldman Sachs Group Inc is looking to buy up to US$50bil of assets from troubled US banks, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing executives at the bank.
The newspaper said it was looking to buy the assets as part of its transition into commercial banking.
Last Sunday, Goldman and rival Morgan Stanley said they would become bank holding companies, enabling them to accept deposits and killing the investment bank model that had dominated Wall Street for decades.
Goldman said then it intended to expand its deposit base by buying deposits from other banks, including those in distress.
The FT said Goldman planned to talk to US regulators to find US$50bil of assets it could buy from the struggling banks. Those assets would be in addition to the US$150bil of its own assets it is moving to its Utah Industrial Loan Corp, a bank regulated in that state, the report said. - Reuters
Why Republican Tax Cuts are irrelevant and should never be made ? permanent ?
There is nothing magic about Republican Tax Cuts. They are draconian to our country and our economy. The need for tax cuts should be obvious, not granted for the sake of politics.
The idea behind cutting corporate taxes is to allow liquid assets to make improvements in infrastructure that would prompt higher employment and product production. When businesses find they have markets to satisfy but don't have enough product to provide to that market it inhibits GROWTH.
When government provides funds for business to expand in the way of tax cuts, it isn't giving up any income. Or I should say, it isn't supposed to be giving up any income, i.e. The Bush Tax Cuts provided deficit government spending without purchasing anything.
The way it is supposed to work, is that government grants tax cuts to businesses, in turn business builds more infrastructure and produces more product. Within that dynamic is increased employment for the citizens of the country as well as additional income to the country through personal income tax, and for states and local governments through sales taxes when more product is sold.
The reason the McCain tax cuts and why Bush's Tax Cuts mean nothing to the economy is because there was no market share demanding more product. If a business has a maximum 'market share' it doesn't matter if they get tax cuts because there is no need to expand. The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts will go to the profit side of the business and will go into stockholders pockets.
The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts lose money for the federal government and place greater indebtedness to the federal and state governments.
The infrastructure for any country is actually fixed and growth within that infrastructure is mostly measurable. The federal government is supposed to realize the needs of the populous of the USA and provide for short falls in state needs through federal subsidies to all fifty sates. The income to the federal government is derived from citizens throughout the states and territories of the USA. Those funds become a general fund to pay for costs of the people across the same demographics that the taxes were received with special attention to states with lower income.
Example: The poorest state in the country is Alabama. In order to insure better quality of life for people in Alabama there needs to be federal subsidies to that state derived from income obtained from all the states, including those that are wealthier states. No state will ever be self-supporting to the point of never needing funding from the federal government, by the sheer fact each state could never afford their own military nor support it through enlistment of only their state populous.
The federal government is necessary and taxes to that level of government is necessary. The Executive Branch is the administrator of the country's needs and is supposed to be adequately addressed through the cabinet. It is legitimate use of the federal government to provide stability to the needs of people in this country through taxation and appropriate expenditures.
With existing tax cuts, there is no reason to provide more of the same to the same people. The Middle Class of this country need to have their standard of living returned to them and can be assisted by providing tax cuts. It also needs a new infrastructure in the way of employment opportunities to high school educated folks.
The quality of education has been compromised in the USA. There was a radical change in educational infrastructure that was poorly funded while providing impetus for families to move their children to private or charter schools. Those charter schools on rare occassion have proven to provide underachieving students rather than exceptional achievers as was expected. Due to the decrease in the achievement of our young learners there is a drop off in the need for college infrastruture as it is anticipated college admissions will level off as soon as next year.
With that in mind, we have had an increase in our population to the tune of currently 300 million, with primarily more and more of that demographic ending their initial years of education at the high school or less level. There are dearly few jobs for these folks. To believe we can educate all of them to high school level, send them to two or more additional years of education and then assist them into better paying jobs is only to realize demise for a 'start up' economy at the onset of the new administration.
The USA is in a very poor state today. We have enough of the 'Old World' USA from the Baby Boomer generation to allow for expertise and leadership, but, the new generation of American is struggling to find focus and impetus to a future that is secure and predictable. For a new administration to succeed they have to abandon any idea of providing further tax cuts to business and the 'upper crust' of this country and focus on bolstering the Middle Class including focusing on the budget shortfalls of states currently holding their own but struggling to stay afloat.
We need to refocus on our Brain Trust in the USA and provide the infrastructure to once again compete on that international stage. To facilitate all that, will require a 'quick fix' to the 'start up' economy awaiting an ambitious, young President.
Barak Obama will have to first focus on the actual needs for our military, see its futility in places where deaths and poverty provide for 'quite' and shift 'occupation' from Iraq to the needs of victory for Afghanistan without alienating the methodologies of the current President Karzai. Karzai has a clear understanding of his people and their desire to achieve a peace in Afghanistan they have longed for but to date have evaded them because of hostile regimes.
Stabilizing the 'costs' of our military will provide for vital elbow-room at home. We can then turn toward the most direly needed infrastructure for the USA and that is energy and transportation. The last Congress sessions beginning in 2006 have moved mountains in providing funding for 'discovery' of better battery technology for staunchly American companies like GM. They have begun the restructuring but need a President that is on their side to complete that vision. A President that can also deliver a Middle Class capable of purchasing products with advanced technology.
The new 'start-up' economy will be a 'working presons' economy whereby physical infrastructure will be addressed and changes to our energy needs coming quickly. It doesn't take decades to build wind farms or high speed magnetic rail across this country. With a return to 'jobs' that are predictable will return a 'tax base' we can count on while those paying that tax continue to enjoy expenditures on a personal level and raising 'demand' for the products we love to enjoy.
Huge infrastructure changes do not occur through private industry expenditures. It comes with government spending and taxing those with the most income is the right thing to do. The highest earners in the USA are approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population, how much 'demand' can they realistically create? The focus to the next Executive Branch and Congress in DC has to be one of focus and valuing the return of quality of life for all Americans.
The dynamics are really quite simple. There is no 'mystical' understanding of what makes the USA economy tick. Its good paying jobs that address the infrastructure changes required in this country to be an international leader on all fronts. Once the tax base is feed and the 'demand' side of the economy is stimulated we can accomplish anything. The answer to the return of the USA economy's vigor, is not to downsize the federal government to achieve balanced budgets and surpluses, but, to provide a widened tax base with healthy, happy Americans from all walks of life proud of their accomplishments with goals set on keeping our promises to our children as so many generations of Americans have done before.
Read My Lips.
No New Tax Cuts for The Rich !!!
The idea behind cutting corporate taxes is to allow liquid assets to make improvements in infrastructure that would prompt higher employment and product production. When businesses find they have markets to satisfy but don't have enough product to provide to that market it inhibits GROWTH.
When government provides funds for business to expand in the way of tax cuts, it isn't giving up any income. Or I should say, it isn't supposed to be giving up any income, i.e. The Bush Tax Cuts provided deficit government spending without purchasing anything.
The way it is supposed to work, is that government grants tax cuts to businesses, in turn business builds more infrastructure and produces more product. Within that dynamic is increased employment for the citizens of the country as well as additional income to the country through personal income tax, and for states and local governments through sales taxes when more product is sold.
The reason the McCain tax cuts and why Bush's Tax Cuts mean nothing to the economy is because there was no market share demanding more product. If a business has a maximum 'market share' it doesn't matter if they get tax cuts because there is no need to expand. The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts will go to the profit side of the business and will go into stockholders pockets.
The Bush/McCain Tax Cuts lose money for the federal government and place greater indebtedness to the federal and state governments.
The infrastructure for any country is actually fixed and growth within that infrastructure is mostly measurable. The federal government is supposed to realize the needs of the populous of the USA and provide for short falls in state needs through federal subsidies to all fifty sates. The income to the federal government is derived from citizens throughout the states and territories of the USA. Those funds become a general fund to pay for costs of the people across the same demographics that the taxes were received with special attention to states with lower income.
Example: The poorest state in the country is Alabama. In order to insure better quality of life for people in Alabama there needs to be federal subsidies to that state derived from income obtained from all the states, including those that are wealthier states. No state will ever be self-supporting to the point of never needing funding from the federal government, by the sheer fact each state could never afford their own military nor support it through enlistment of only their state populous.
The federal government is necessary and taxes to that level of government is necessary. The Executive Branch is the administrator of the country's needs and is supposed to be adequately addressed through the cabinet. It is legitimate use of the federal government to provide stability to the needs of people in this country through taxation and appropriate expenditures.
What Bush and McCain have done in randomly stating they will remove tax burdens from businesses to supposedly increase employment is to actually and continually remove services to the people of the USA and downsize the federal system. Their approach to tax cuts is completely invalid and has added to the deficit of the USA.
Tax cuts to the Middle Class is a benefit to the 'return' of American economic infrastructure because it adds to the demand for products. When the American people don't have good quality of life, poor paying jobs or no jobs at all, face ill health without hope and have their children's education compromised through poorly funded local and state expenditures that screams of federal government NEGLECT. That neglect exists in our federal government today, because of poor supply side economics. Bush/McCain puts money in the pockets of people and businesses that have no need for it and do nothing to contribute to the growth of the USA.With existing tax cuts, there is no reason to provide more of the same to the same people. The Middle Class of this country need to have their standard of living returned to them and can be assisted by providing tax cuts. It also needs a new infrastructure in the way of employment opportunities to high school educated folks.
The quality of education has been compromised in the USA. There was a radical change in educational infrastructure that was poorly funded while providing impetus for families to move their children to private or charter schools. Those charter schools on rare occassion have proven to provide underachieving students rather than exceptional achievers as was expected. Due to the decrease in the achievement of our young learners there is a drop off in the need for college infrastruture as it is anticipated college admissions will level off as soon as next year.
With that in mind, we have had an increase in our population to the tune of currently 300 million, with primarily more and more of that demographic ending their initial years of education at the high school or less level. There are dearly few jobs for these folks. To believe we can educate all of them to high school level, send them to two or more additional years of education and then assist them into better paying jobs is only to realize demise for a 'start up' economy at the onset of the new administration.
The USA is in a very poor state today. We have enough of the 'Old World' USA from the Baby Boomer generation to allow for expertise and leadership, but, the new generation of American is struggling to find focus and impetus to a future that is secure and predictable. For a new administration to succeed they have to abandon any idea of providing further tax cuts to business and the 'upper crust' of this country and focus on bolstering the Middle Class including focusing on the budget shortfalls of states currently holding their own but struggling to stay afloat.
We need to refocus on our Brain Trust in the USA and provide the infrastructure to once again compete on that international stage. To facilitate all that, will require a 'quick fix' to the 'start up' economy awaiting an ambitious, young President.
Barak Obama will have to first focus on the actual needs for our military, see its futility in places where deaths and poverty provide for 'quite' and shift 'occupation' from Iraq to the needs of victory for Afghanistan without alienating the methodologies of the current President Karzai. Karzai has a clear understanding of his people and their desire to achieve a peace in Afghanistan they have longed for but to date have evaded them because of hostile regimes.
Stabilizing the 'costs' of our military will provide for vital elbow-room at home. We can then turn toward the most direly needed infrastructure for the USA and that is energy and transportation. The last Congress sessions beginning in 2006 have moved mountains in providing funding for 'discovery' of better battery technology for staunchly American companies like GM. They have begun the restructuring but need a President that is on their side to complete that vision. A President that can also deliver a Middle Class capable of purchasing products with advanced technology.
The new 'start-up' economy will be a 'working presons' economy whereby physical infrastructure will be addressed and changes to our energy needs coming quickly. It doesn't take decades to build wind farms or high speed magnetic rail across this country. With a return to 'jobs' that are predictable will return a 'tax base' we can count on while those paying that tax continue to enjoy expenditures on a personal level and raising 'demand' for the products we love to enjoy.
Huge infrastructure changes do not occur through private industry expenditures. It comes with government spending and taxing those with the most income is the right thing to do. The highest earners in the USA are approximately 1 to 2 percent of the population, how much 'demand' can they realistically create? The focus to the next Executive Branch and Congress in DC has to be one of focus and valuing the return of quality of life for all Americans.
The dynamics are really quite simple. There is no 'mystical' understanding of what makes the USA economy tick. Its good paying jobs that address the infrastructure changes required in this country to be an international leader on all fronts. Once the tax base is feed and the 'demand' side of the economy is stimulated we can accomplish anything. The answer to the return of the USA economy's vigor, is not to downsize the federal government to achieve balanced budgets and surpluses, but, to provide a widened tax base with healthy, happy Americans from all walks of life proud of their accomplishments with goals set on keeping our promises to our children as so many generations of Americans have done before.
Read My Lips.
No New Tax Cuts for The Rich !!!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Another great economic moment for the USA and its allies. Can 'The Crash' be far away?
But, in reaction, what did Georgie say?
Bush says U.S. economy will be fine in long run (click at title. thank you.)
Bush says U.S. economy will be fine in long run (click at title. thank you.)
That's right. After Bush, Cheney, Rice and Paulson are out of office and there is finally competent leadership returned to the Executive Branch, the country WILL be okay in the long run.
Anyone like 'cleaning up' after Republicans? I don't !
Republican 'double talk' on Climate Change. They disregard science and hence disregard climate science. So, they're deceptive to avert responsibility
The statements by Palin in her debate were this...
...Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state.
"...how are we going to get there to positively affect the impacts?
...to come along with us with the impacts of climate change.
I was the first governor to form a climate change sub-cabinet to start dealing with the impacts...
...an "all of the above" approach to deal with climate change impacts.
This is a satellite image of Katrina as it approached the Gulf Coast with its IMPACTS. It was a huge Cat 5 storm that resulted from a very hot planet, in a hurricane season when there was still plenty of surface humidity, when a record number of hurricanes occurred.
Below is how the Republican lead USA addressed this disasterous storm while looking the other way to the issue of Climate Change and Human Induced Global Warming.
This is how the people of New Orleans ended up under the Republican majority of Congress, where at last count 1,836 people perished.
That doesn't even begin to address the damage to the economic infrastructure of the entire Gulf Coast, the displacement of people into the interior of the country or the equally disasterous effect of Countrywide Credit in New Orleans (click here) for people that subsequently lost their homes.
Katrina dead interred at new memorial (click here)
by Laura Maggi, The Times-Picayune
Friday August 29, 2008, 10:17 AM
Seven people who died during Hurricane Katrina were interred Friday morning in one of six mausoleums created to hold the remains of those who were not identified after the storm or whose families did not claim them....
PALIN: Yes. Well, as the nation's only Arctic state and being the governor of that state, Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state. And we know that it's real.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of valuable and irreplaceable Permafrost.
Those IMPACTS in Alasks include the loss of ice supported land mass that villages were built on, resulting in loss of complete hamlets and towns to Climate Change.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the listing of the Polar Bear due to loss of habitat.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of tourism areas of profound value to the state and its economy.
I'm not one to attribute every man -- activity of man to the changes in the climate. There is something to be said also for man's activities, but also for the cyclical temperature changes on our planet.
...Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state.
"...how are we going to get there to positively affect the impacts?
...to come along with us with the impacts of climate change.
I was the first governor to form a climate change sub-cabinet to start dealing with the impacts...
...an "all of the above" approach to deal with climate change impacts.
This is a satellite image of Katrina as it approached the Gulf Coast with its IMPACTS. It was a huge Cat 5 storm that resulted from a very hot planet, in a hurricane season when there was still plenty of surface humidity, when a record number of hurricanes occurred.
Below is how the Republican lead USA addressed this disasterous storm while looking the other way to the issue of Climate Change and Human Induced Global Warming.
This is how the people of New Orleans ended up under the Republican majority of Congress, where at last count 1,836 people perished.
That doesn't even begin to address the damage to the economic infrastructure of the entire Gulf Coast, the displacement of people into the interior of the country or the equally disasterous effect of Countrywide Credit in New Orleans (click here) for people that subsequently lost their homes.
Katrina dead interred at new memorial (click here)
by Laura Maggi, The Times-Picayune
Friday August 29, 2008, 10:17 AM
Seven people who died during Hurricane Katrina were interred Friday morning in one of six mausoleums created to hold the remains of those who were not identified after the storm or whose families did not claim them....
PALIN: Yes. Well, as the nation's only Arctic state and being the governor of that state, Alaska feels and sees impacts of climate change more so than any other state. And we know that it's real.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of valuable and irreplaceable Permafrost.
Those IMPACTS in Alasks include the loss of ice supported land mass that villages were built on, resulting in loss of complete hamlets and towns to Climate Change.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the listing of the Polar Bear due to loss of habitat.
Those IMPACTS in Alaska include the loss of tourism areas of profound value to the state and its economy.
I'm not one to attribute every man -- activity of man to the changes in the climate. There is something to be said also for man's activities, but also for the cyclical temperature changes on our planet.
Not attributing every man in one breath while changing in mid-sentence to state there is something to be said ALSO for man's activities...so which is it?
But there are real changes going on in our climate. And I don't want to argue about the causes. What I want to argue about is, how are we going to get there to positively affect the impacts?
Treating the impacts AFTER they have occurred IS the problem with the Republicans. Either they are ready and willing and able to PROTECT this nation to prevent disaster or they aren't. In Sarah Palin's case, she is NOT willing to serve the people of this nation to protect them from Climate Change. She didn't protect those in Alaska or in Wasilla and has never spoken in advocacy for protections for people, fauna or flora in the state of Alaska. All that can be expected of Republicans is more of the same and the continued denial of reality and discrediting of 90% of scientists globally.
We have got to clean up this planet. We have got to encourage other nations also to come along with us with the impacts of climate change, what we can do about that.
The Republicans live with double standards. The USA pollutes Earth with 25% of the carbon dioxide responsible for Climate Change. The USA sets NO example to leadership in regard to curbing and stopping carbon dioxide emissions. Add to that the Republican opposition of a progressive Senate bill that will reduce substantially the carbon dioxide emissions of this country to the troposphere and you'll realize the future in regard to Earth's viability to support life. China and India aren't even close to being able to control their emissions and while it is a good idea to encourage same and provide guidance and support in technology to them, why should they comply with such measures if the USA WON'T even handle its own pollution first !
As governor, I was the first governor to form a climate change sub-cabinet to start dealing with the impacts. We've got to reduce emissions. John McCain is right there with an "all of the above" approach to deal with climate change impacts.
Sarah Palin commissioned this sub-cabinet as the Polar Bear was listed as threatened or shortly thereafter. This sub-cabinet is simply an attempt to build evidence to dispute the listing of the Polar Bear. Alaska has annual reviews called "State of the Arctic" click here. If Palin wanted to intercede effectively with Human Induced Global Warming at any time in her political career she would have had plenty of information to conduct such advocacy.
We've got to become energy independent for that reason. Also as we rely more and more on other countries that don't care as much about the climate as we do, we're allowing them to produce and to emit and even pollute more than America would ever stand for. So even in dealing with climate change, it's all the more reason that we have an "all of the above" approach, tapping into alternative sources of energy and conserving fuel, conserving our petroleum products and our hydrocarbons so that we can clean up this planet and deal with climate change.
In Palin's message is the hidden truth that drilling offshore is more than prudent in providing oil for America. I am not going to debate the FACT that any offshore drilling won't provide more fossil fuels to the American consumer for eight years.
But, there is a reality on the east coast of the USA that would result in a nightmare should any drilling be conducted in the fact that NASA discovered and NOAA confirmed in 2000, a huge fissure immediately offshore of the North American Plate beginning at Florida and extending to the north Virginia border. If there were to be offshore drilling anywhere and I do mean anywhere along that fissure, the USA would be risking deaths with the potential of coastal tsunmais with any undersea water displacement.
FACT, not fiction.
Additionally, anyone knows that in order to be completely energy independant takes reverting to alternative sources of energy at every available possibility. It is why transportation needs High Speed Elevated Magnetic Rail and electric cars and wind turbines in cooperation with our Ag Sector in places that will produce significant electricity. It is why home owners need to be given tax breaks when they use solar panels for their energy source and more tax credits when their systems produce enough to sell back to the 'grid' excess electricity.
For the Republicans to continually insist that fossil fuels are REASONABLE to use as domestic American energy sources is complete incompetency. And to allow them to bring that incompetency into government is nothing but "W"rong !
Now that the water has receded, this is the aftermath from Ike, courtesy of the members of The Weather Underground.
October 6, 2008
1630z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of the North and West Hemisphere (click here for 12 hour loop)
TS Norbert is a Cat One storm and escalating. It is believed to be headed out into the Pacific Ocean. However, the storm is the surface manifestation of a vortex trail east of Iceland. There is also a circulation center northeast of US/British Virgin Islands.
October 6, 2008
1730z
Tropical Strom Norbert in the Pacific offshore of Mexico currently.
October 4, 2008
Photographer states :: A little tribute put together on North Padre Island from debris washed up from Hurricane Ike. Frosty survived! Folks helpin with cleanup add a piece now and again to it as cleanup is ongoing.
October 5, 2008
Crystal Beach, Texas
Photographer states :: Gulfcoast Market. A beloved store on the peninsula. They stocked almost everything one could possibly want!
October 5, 2008
Crystal Beach, Texas
Photographer states :: Typical scene after Ike. The water is a canal on the gulf side.
I guess this is legitimate. I've never heard of 'surrogates' debating on behalf of candidates. (click on title to go to site)
Most of the Jewish faith are Democratic voters. A long history of same.
We differ greatly in the USA from Neocons. Our personal values diverge greatly from that of extremist Christians.
We value women and their right to choose as well as gays.
I mean there is no turning away anyone in the Jewish faith. We don't ridicule or exhibit bias, so I don't really know what this debate is going to accomplish. There are grossly fundamental differences between Neocons and the Jewish. There just is.
We differ greatly in the USA from Neocons. Our personal values diverge greatly from that of extremist Christians.
We value women and their right to choose as well as gays.
I mean there is no turning away anyone in the Jewish faith. We don't ridicule or exhibit bias, so I don't really know what this debate is going to accomplish. There are grossly fundamental differences between Neocons and the Jewish. There just is.
The Israel Project Invites You to Join Top Official McCain and Obama Surrogates for a forum on Israel, the threat of Iran and other key issues.
Dow industrials plunge 500 amid global sell-off
"...The Dow Jones industrials skidded nearly 500 points and fell below 10,000 for the first time in four years, while the credit markets remained under strain...."
So, caving into 'special interests' saved the day, huh? Time to remove those that caused the mess from the government of the USA.
Get RID of the Republicans !
So, caving into 'special interests' saved the day, huh? Time to remove those that caused the mess from the government of the USA.
Get RID of the Republicans !
I've held my tongue long enough when it comes to the hubris of the McCain campaign in promoting war and defamation of character.
And hubris it is.
Today, Palin has a tactic to undermine confidence in others to elevate her preceived moral authority to participate in government. She did it when she victimized her former brother-in-law and then again when she acted in vengence against her former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Moneganin. She is doing it again today. To Sarah Palin, "The End Justifies The Means," no different than Bush's invasion into Iraq. A blunder costing the lives of 4,177 Americans to date (click here), and escalated terrorist networks globally due to the abandoned war within Afghanistan against al Qaeda.
7 Palin aides to testify in trooper investigation (click here)
By Matt Apuzzo, The Associated Press October 6, 2008
ANCHORAGE -- Seven aides to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have reversed course and agreed to testify in an investigation into whether the Republican vice presidential nominee abused her power by firing a commissioner who refused to dismiss her former brother-in-law.
There is no indication, however, that Palin or her husband will testify in the legislative inquiry, which has dogged her for several months and could hurt John McCain in the final weeks of the presidential race....
...Lawmakers subpoenaed the seven state employees, but they challenged the summons. After a judge rejected the challenge last week, they decided to testify, Alaska Atty. Gen. Talis J. Colberg said Sunday.
Democratic state Sen. Hollis French, who is managing the probe, said he again asked Palin and her husband, Todd, whether they would testify."We've had no response," French said....
In her video statement below she demoralizes the patriotism of paying taxes on the heels of defaming Barak's character.
There is something wrong with paying taxes?
There is something UN-American about paying taxes?
Is Ms. Palin and John McCain proposing a tax revolt where NO ONE pays taxes?
That isn't radical? Ah, yeah, it is not only radical, it is illegal. But, hey, they are the Mavericks so proud of being Anti-Republican after all, a reality that caused a failed attempt by McCain to reconcile the bail-out in the House. But, whoever thought a Maverick would be a good mediator anyway.
The Weathermen (click here), later known as The Weather Underground, was a splinter group to SDS, Students for a Democratic Society. The 'times' when unrest in this country, when four students of Kent State were cut down by their own paranoid government under the direction of a corrupt Republican by the name of Richard Nixon, was a time of extreme social turbulence. It was a time when young people were actually better educated then most of their parents for the first time in the history of the USA and began to realize war in Vietnam was simply wrong.
Additionally, there was a draft of young men starting at the age of 19 years old that simply fueled the continuance of a war without end in Vietnam, that was killing millions of citizens. The Draft, which McCain advocates by the way and would reinstitute if elected as he openly stated he would have instated if he were President at the time of September 11, 2001; was inequitable. There needed to be a revamping of the institution of The Draft in a lottery which came underscrutiny and needed to be revisited (click here).
The Vietnam War was wrong. It was a war that allowed for economic gain by of all folks, Wall Street. Those that participated in the war were wrong. John McCain's participation in the war was wrong. He became a prisoner of war due to his own lack of ability to stand up to authority when that authority was completely incompetent (click here for McCain record by the LA Times. Thanks, Mike.). No different than in Iraq where military leadership along with Republican Neocon authority has proven over and over again to be an abject failure and incompetent, costing lives through wrongful war and subsequent anarchy of people without any security in their country; Vietnam reeked of incompetency and John McCain became a POW at the height of the USA military's incompetency in that war.
Today, Palin has a tactic to undermine confidence in others to elevate her preceived moral authority to participate in government. She did it when she victimized her former brother-in-law and then again when she acted in vengence against her former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Moneganin. She is doing it again today. To Sarah Palin, "The End Justifies The Means," no different than Bush's invasion into Iraq. A blunder costing the lives of 4,177 Americans to date (click here), and escalated terrorist networks globally due to the abandoned war within Afghanistan against al Qaeda.
7 Palin aides to testify in trooper investigation (click here)
By Matt Apuzzo, The Associated Press October 6, 2008
ANCHORAGE -- Seven aides to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have reversed course and agreed to testify in an investigation into whether the Republican vice presidential nominee abused her power by firing a commissioner who refused to dismiss her former brother-in-law.
There is no indication, however, that Palin or her husband will testify in the legislative inquiry, which has dogged her for several months and could hurt John McCain in the final weeks of the presidential race....
...Lawmakers subpoenaed the seven state employees, but they challenged the summons. After a judge rejected the challenge last week, they decided to testify, Alaska Atty. Gen. Talis J. Colberg said Sunday.
Democratic state Sen. Hollis French, who is managing the probe, said he again asked Palin and her husband, Todd, whether they would testify."We've had no response," French said....
In her video statement below she demoralizes the patriotism of paying taxes on the heels of defaming Barak's character.
There is something wrong with paying taxes?
There is something UN-American about paying taxes?
Is Ms. Palin and John McCain proposing a tax revolt where NO ONE pays taxes?
That isn't radical? Ah, yeah, it is not only radical, it is illegal. But, hey, they are the Mavericks so proud of being Anti-Republican after all, a reality that caused a failed attempt by McCain to reconcile the bail-out in the House. But, whoever thought a Maverick would be a good mediator anyway.
The Weathermen (click here), later known as The Weather Underground, was a splinter group to SDS, Students for a Democratic Society. The 'times' when unrest in this country, when four students of Kent State were cut down by their own paranoid government under the direction of a corrupt Republican by the name of Richard Nixon, was a time of extreme social turbulence. It was a time when young people were actually better educated then most of their parents for the first time in the history of the USA and began to realize war in Vietnam was simply wrong.
Additionally, there was a draft of young men starting at the age of 19 years old that simply fueled the continuance of a war without end in Vietnam, that was killing millions of citizens. The Draft, which McCain advocates by the way and would reinstitute if elected as he openly stated he would have instated if he were President at the time of September 11, 2001; was inequitable. There needed to be a revamping of the institution of The Draft in a lottery which came underscrutiny and needed to be revisited (click here).
The Vietnam War was wrong. It was a war that allowed for economic gain by of all folks, Wall Street. Those that participated in the war were wrong. John McCain's participation in the war was wrong. He became a prisoner of war due to his own lack of ability to stand up to authority when that authority was completely incompetent (click here for McCain record by the LA Times. Thanks, Mike.). No different than in Iraq where military leadership along with Republican Neocon authority has proven over and over again to be an abject failure and incompetent, costing lives through wrongful war and subsequent anarchy of people without any security in their country; Vietnam reeked of incompetency and John McCain became a POW at the height of the USA military's incompetency in that war.
See next entry. Thank you.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
The chants were somewhat the same. The injustice was the same, innocent civilians dying. The time was May 21, 1967.
The Peace Movement in the USA has a long and distinguished history. It grew out of enlightment and realization that the USA 'has a place' in the international community, but, was a harmful entity when it attempted to dominate that community. Out of the movement in the sixties came the demand by Americans to develop relationships with countries, including China, that would bring a path to peace through mutual understanding and interconnected economic well being.
The Weathermen were an extremist group that devoted themselves to violence. They fell out of the ranks of the SDS because the majority of the people involved in The Peace Movement didn't approve of violence. There was a lot that went wrong in the sixties, including deserters to the war, racism, bigotry, corruption in government and the discovery of the Watergate break-in which prompted a movement to impeach the then president Nixon.
After Nixon resigned, there was a demand by Gerald Ford to heal this country. The troops were removed from Vietnam after the escalation to the Tet Offensive and the demands of Commanders and Generals to draft 200,000 more American boys to fighting a war that was completely hopeless. There was a movement to demand recognition of the POWs/MIAs and to return our soldiers from the clutches of cruelty to their waiting families at home. There was also blanket amnesty given to deserters as they returned from Canada.
Those that opposed the Vietnam War were correct. The violence within the boundaries of the USA on BOTH sides of the issue was wrong. Those that were found guilty of wrong doing were punished to the extent the government saw it appropriate, but, the point is Sarah Palin is bring up issues completely irrelevant to our society today. The radicals of the sixties were well incorporated BACK into our society and have proven to be valuable members of this society.
They were right to oppose the Vietnam War, its unending killing machine and they are forgiven for any and all actions on their part through the healing history of this country started by Gerald Ford. I don't want to hear it anymore.
Sarah Palin is carrying on like a spoiled child unable to get her way, when in fact she needs to appreciate EXACTLY what opposition to wrongful authority is and how it leads to peace rather than death. I find her a horrible woman incapable of defending her country, especially in the face of direly wrongful acts such as the invasion into Iraq while leaving the USA national security at jeopardy to terrorists that remain viable in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
She is a horror in more ways than one. Palin has huge character issues and everyone needs to appreciate that fact. She didn't unearth the corruption with Veco (click here). She simply 'rode the train of deceit' opportunistically to a Governorship. It's easy to sell a plane. It is another thing to bring down authority when it is wrong.
...and what about those donations?...
...when Sarah Palin ran for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in 2002 (ultimately losing) she gathered $5,000 (or 10% of her campaign fund) from VECO officials and/or their wives (public information), including $500 directly from Bill Allen (yes, the Bill Allen above who pleaded guilty to Federal charges of bribery and was forced to resign)... (click here)
NO DIFFERENT than Iraq. Vietnam had many attempts to escalate war, change strategies and overcome the populous of these countries to unite under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. The struggle of the Vietnamese people was different. They wanted to unit their country after being divided after WWII. In Iraq, the 'ethnic' differences defy unification and seek only to divide into three autonomous regions.
Why any USA pilot would fly blindly over Hanoi is beyond comprehension. It was the capital city. The planes would be met with enough fire power to bring them down. McCain's plane crash resulting in his capture was a given on such a mission.
The Weathermen were an extremist group that devoted themselves to violence. They fell out of the ranks of the SDS because the majority of the people involved in The Peace Movement didn't approve of violence. There was a lot that went wrong in the sixties, including deserters to the war, racism, bigotry, corruption in government and the discovery of the Watergate break-in which prompted a movement to impeach the then president Nixon.
After Nixon resigned, there was a demand by Gerald Ford to heal this country. The troops were removed from Vietnam after the escalation to the Tet Offensive and the demands of Commanders and Generals to draft 200,000 more American boys to fighting a war that was completely hopeless. There was a movement to demand recognition of the POWs/MIAs and to return our soldiers from the clutches of cruelty to their waiting families at home. There was also blanket amnesty given to deserters as they returned from Canada.
Those that opposed the Vietnam War were correct. The violence within the boundaries of the USA on BOTH sides of the issue was wrong. Those that were found guilty of wrong doing were punished to the extent the government saw it appropriate, but, the point is Sarah Palin is bring up issues completely irrelevant to our society today. The radicals of the sixties were well incorporated BACK into our society and have proven to be valuable members of this society.
They were right to oppose the Vietnam War, its unending killing machine and they are forgiven for any and all actions on their part through the healing history of this country started by Gerald Ford. I don't want to hear it anymore.
Sarah Palin is carrying on like a spoiled child unable to get her way, when in fact she needs to appreciate EXACTLY what opposition to wrongful authority is and how it leads to peace rather than death. I find her a horrible woman incapable of defending her country, especially in the face of direly wrongful acts such as the invasion into Iraq while leaving the USA national security at jeopardy to terrorists that remain viable in the mountains between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
She is a horror in more ways than one. Palin has huge character issues and everyone needs to appreciate that fact. She didn't unearth the corruption with Veco (click here). She simply 'rode the train of deceit' opportunistically to a Governorship. It's easy to sell a plane. It is another thing to bring down authority when it is wrong.
...and what about those donations?...
...when Sarah Palin ran for Lieutenant Governor of Alaska in 2002 (ultimately losing) she gathered $5,000 (or 10% of her campaign fund) from VECO officials and/or their wives (public information), including $500 directly from Bill Allen (yes, the Bill Allen above who pleaded guilty to Federal charges of bribery and was forced to resign)... (click here)
NO DIFFERENT than Iraq. Vietnam had many attempts to escalate war, change strategies and overcome the populous of these countries to unite under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh. The struggle of the Vietnamese people was different. They wanted to unit their country after being divided after WWII. In Iraq, the 'ethnic' differences defy unification and seek only to divide into three autonomous regions.
Why any USA pilot would fly blindly over Hanoi is beyond comprehension. It was the capital city. The planes would be met with enough fire power to bring them down. McCain's plane crash resulting in his capture was a given on such a mission.
Outside of the wrongful assault on Hanoi which killed innocent civilians, there were many simply stupid battles in Vietnam up to that point and I won't revisit them here, but, there are enough movies about the mess to chock a horse.
Following this escalation by the USA, the North Vietnamese in Hanoi organized The Tet Offienisve (click here). The more aggression the USA exhibited toward the North Vietnamese, the more they escalated in return.
...To a growing segment of the American public, Tet demonstrated the resolve of the Vietcong and the tenuous control South Vietnam had over its own territory. It also helped unite those at home in their dissenting opinions of the war....(click here)
The front line of the march and the banner is swamped by the surrounding crowd.
"Flower Power" was the sustaining theme. Two days after the March on the Pentagon, London joined in with protestors storming the US Embassy.
The issues Palin brings up regarding any parallel affiliation of Barak Obama with former-extremists that happen to reside in Chicago, is simply a passing note in the history of the USA. It means nothing except the demonstration of a desperate campaign to reignite a bigoted ad that appeared in The New Yorker. The McCain campaign should be ashamed of its own extremist Neocon views and positions and apologize to everyone including the American people.
I am glad John McCain survived his crash, survived his POW experience, came home due to the ACTIVISM of Americans that demanded he and all those like him returned and I am most pleased he has lived a productive life. Many men that were POWs from Vietnam were not as fortunate even upon their return. We are all grateful he is not one of them.
By the way, John. No need to say thanks.
The first loan I ever asked for was at the age of 19 years old. It was for a vehicle. It was from a credit union. I am still a member today.
An example of institutions that STILL have money to lend. They have high standards for member lending and their return on investment is consistent. (click here)
Financial crisis leaves credit unions unscathed (click title to entry, thank you)
By David Schepp
The Journal News
October 4, 2008
The turmoil that has ripped through the U.S. financial system has seemingly touched every sector, from investment banks to savings and loans to mortgage companies.
Credit unions, however, have remained unscathed, even as concern about the fallout has pushed the National Credit Union Administration, which administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, to assure credit union customers that their money is safe.
Last week the NCUA, which is to credit unions what the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is to banks, opened a call center to respond to an increase in calls by credit union members about the safety of their funds.
"We experienced a high influx of calls related to share insurance, more than what could be handled by the normal call center," said spokeswoman Katie McDonald. "Obviously, there's a need for answers."...
Credit unions, however, have remained unscathed, even as concern about the fallout has pushed the National Credit Union Administration, which administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, to assure credit union customers that their money is safe.
Last week the NCUA, which is to credit unions what the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is to banks, opened a call center to respond to an increase in calls by credit union members about the safety of their funds.
"We experienced a high influx of calls related to share insurance, more than what could be handled by the normal call center," said spokeswoman Katie McDonald. "Obviously, there's a need for answers."...
Stabilization Act, H.R. 1424
Last update: 5:07 p.m. EDT Oct. 3, 2008
WASHINGTON, Oct 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) President Fred Becker lauded the inclusion of full parity for credit unions with other federally insured financial institutions in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that President Bush signed this afternoon.
"We cannot emphasize enough that credit unions are sound and that they did not cause the economic troubles that this package addresses," Becker said. "It is also important, however, that credit unions are not disadvantaged under this measure, and we thank the leaders in both the House and Senate and in the administration for recognizing and addressing that concern."
Becker added NAFCU's lobbyists and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the independent federal agency that oversees credit unions, worked diligently with lawmakers to safeguard the interests of nearly 90 million credit union members....
Last update: 5:07 p.m. EDT Oct. 3, 2008
WASHINGTON, Oct 03, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) President Fred Becker lauded the inclusion of full parity for credit unions with other federally insured financial institutions in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that President Bush signed this afternoon.
"We cannot emphasize enough that credit unions are sound and that they did not cause the economic troubles that this package addresses," Becker said. "It is also important, however, that credit unions are not disadvantaged under this measure, and we thank the leaders in both the House and Senate and in the administration for recognizing and addressing that concern."
Becker added NAFCU's lobbyists and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the independent federal agency that oversees credit unions, worked diligently with lawmakers to safeguard the interests of nearly 90 million credit union members....
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Sarah Palin abused the 'parameters' of the Moderated Debate
I found the moderation of Gwen Ifill more than gracious, while a prospective Republican Vice President used the 'propaganda' about the 'book' Gwen is writing, as an opportunity to abuse the 'spirit' of the debate. I also don't appreciate Palin's anger over HER interview with Katie. Katie Couric did a first rate interview. There isn't anything to complain about and Palin is beginning to whine like a spoiled child.
I found there were more times than not that Sarah Palin simply dismissed the question asked of her to talk about any subject she wanted to talk about and used the debate as a forum to promote a gas pipeline from Alaska to the 48 contiguous states.
Old Reference :: Election 2004 Extensive Rules Govern the Presidential Debates (click here)
No one 'caught' all that?
At least when Joe Biden went 'off topic' he first requested that of the commentator AFTER his answer to the question. I believe when asked about the 'polarized DC;' Joe Biden spoke first of his long record which speaks for itself and then asked Ms. Ifill if he could depart from the subject. That gave license to nothing but a Sarah Palin who was going to portray herself as a 'media victim.'
IFILL: You both would like to be vice president. (click here)
Senator Biden, how, as vice president, would you work to shrink this gap of polarization which has sprung up in Washington, which you both have spoken about here tonight?
BIDEN: Well, that's what I've done my whole career, Gwen, on very, very controversial issues, from dealing with violence against women, to putting 100,000 police officers on the street, to trying to get something done about the genocide in -- that was going on in Bosnia.
And I -- I have been able to reach across the aisle. I think it's fair to say that I have almost as many friends on the Republican side of the aisle as I do the Democratic side of the aisle.
But am I able to respond to -- are we able to stay on the -- on the topic?
IFILL: You may, if you like.
Palin has since appeared on Right Wing media, well rehearsed stating, in not so many words, that she is the victim to the 'liberal media.' That is simply nonsense.
Palin took opportunity to be hostile and aggressive toward Ms. Ifill while disregarding the 'spirit' of the debate when she stated she would 'speak to the American people' regardless of the answers expected of her.
Initially she stated :: "PALIN: Thank you, Gwen. And I thank the commission, also. I appreciate this privilege of being able to be here and speak with Americans." I think that was a lead in to what would follow. I think her 'venture' into 'off topic' content was premeditated. Part of the aspect of debates is to test candidates in their ability to be concise in answers to questions. They aren't suppose to use debates to meander through issues to win approval while wasting people's time. 90 minutes is a very narrow window to address so many issues.
Was it that the Republicans weren't going to participate if they couldn't have the debates on their own terms? I have questions. I don't appreciate the high handed attitude that was exhibited by Palin as if she should be above rules and pertinent questions that were asked of her. If Palin feels 'chocked' by organized venues of evaluating people vying for elected office than she should step down. These are legitimate public forums and not a Republican play toy for exploitation of propaganda.
IFILL :: Now, let's talk about -- the next question is to talk about the subprime lending meltdown.
Who do you think was at fault? I start with you, Governor Palin. Was it the greedy lenders? Was it the risky home-buyers who shouldn't have been buying a home in the first place? And what should you be doing about it?...
…IFILL: Would you like to have an opportunity to answer that before we move on?
PALIN: I'm still on the tax thing because I want to correct you on that again. And I want to let you know what I did as a mayor and as a governor. And I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I'm going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also....
You'll exuse me. But. Why then debate?
I have a complaint. Even though Joe Biden did well. I mean he couldn't do anything else. What the heck was that mess with the back drop to his camera view? I didn't appreciate it. I thought it was distracting.
I found there were more times than not that Sarah Palin simply dismissed the question asked of her to talk about any subject she wanted to talk about and used the debate as a forum to promote a gas pipeline from Alaska to the 48 contiguous states.
Old Reference :: Election 2004 Extensive Rules Govern the Presidential Debates (click here)
No one 'caught' all that?
At least when Joe Biden went 'off topic' he first requested that of the commentator AFTER his answer to the question. I believe when asked about the 'polarized DC;' Joe Biden spoke first of his long record which speaks for itself and then asked Ms. Ifill if he could depart from the subject. That gave license to nothing but a Sarah Palin who was going to portray herself as a 'media victim.'
IFILL: You both would like to be vice president. (click here)
Senator Biden, how, as vice president, would you work to shrink this gap of polarization which has sprung up in Washington, which you both have spoken about here tonight?
BIDEN: Well, that's what I've done my whole career, Gwen, on very, very controversial issues, from dealing with violence against women, to putting 100,000 police officers on the street, to trying to get something done about the genocide in -- that was going on in Bosnia.
And I -- I have been able to reach across the aisle. I think it's fair to say that I have almost as many friends on the Republican side of the aisle as I do the Democratic side of the aisle.
But am I able to respond to -- are we able to stay on the -- on the topic?
IFILL: You may, if you like.
Palin has since appeared on Right Wing media, well rehearsed stating, in not so many words, that she is the victim to the 'liberal media.' That is simply nonsense.
Palin took opportunity to be hostile and aggressive toward Ms. Ifill while disregarding the 'spirit' of the debate when she stated she would 'speak to the American people' regardless of the answers expected of her.
Initially she stated :: "PALIN: Thank you, Gwen. And I thank the commission, also. I appreciate this privilege of being able to be here and speak with Americans." I think that was a lead in to what would follow. I think her 'venture' into 'off topic' content was premeditated. Part of the aspect of debates is to test candidates in their ability to be concise in answers to questions. They aren't suppose to use debates to meander through issues to win approval while wasting people's time. 90 minutes is a very narrow window to address so many issues.
Was it that the Republicans weren't going to participate if they couldn't have the debates on their own terms? I have questions. I don't appreciate the high handed attitude that was exhibited by Palin as if she should be above rules and pertinent questions that were asked of her. If Palin feels 'chocked' by organized venues of evaluating people vying for elected office than she should step down. These are legitimate public forums and not a Republican play toy for exploitation of propaganda.
IFILL :: Now, let's talk about -- the next question is to talk about the subprime lending meltdown.
Who do you think was at fault? I start with you, Governor Palin. Was it the greedy lenders? Was it the risky home-buyers who shouldn't have been buying a home in the first place? And what should you be doing about it?...
…IFILL: Would you like to have an opportunity to answer that before we move on?
PALIN: I'm still on the tax thing because I want to correct you on that again. And I want to let you know what I did as a mayor and as a governor. And I may not answer the questions that either the moderator or you want to hear, but I'm going to talk straight to the American people and let them know my track record also....
You'll exuse me. But. Why then debate?
I have a complaint. Even though Joe Biden did well. I mean he couldn't do anything else. What the heck was that mess with the back drop to his camera view? I didn't appreciate it. I thought it was distracting.
So. Long about now, is everyone feeling as though they are SPECTATORS to their government?
Its called "Violation of the Public Trust."
From Wiki :: The concept of the public trust relates back to the origins of democratic government and its seminal idea that within the public lies the true power and future of a society; therefore, whatever trust the public places in its officials must be respected.
One of the reasons that bribery is regarded as a notorious evil is that it contributes to a culture of corruption in which the public trust is eroded.
I am still waiting to find out if this mess is Constitutional. I believe it is not. The bill seeks to bailout a 'special interest' group while turning its back on the citizens of this country. The Democrats in the Senate may have even provided enough of the 'interest of the people' to save the bill from Constitutional scrutiny.
I don't want to hear how Democrats are Big Government Spenders. I don't want to hear how 'good for America' conservative fiscal policy is. I don't want to hear how the last 30 years of Republican rule has improved the lives of Americans and I especially don't want to hear how regulation is BAD for this country or how we can afford more tax cuts.
From Wiki :: The concept of the public trust relates back to the origins of democratic government and its seminal idea that within the public lies the true power and future of a society; therefore, whatever trust the public places in its officials must be respected.
One of the reasons that bribery is regarded as a notorious evil is that it contributes to a culture of corruption in which the public trust is eroded.
I am still waiting to find out if this mess is Constitutional. I believe it is not. The bill seeks to bailout a 'special interest' group while turning its back on the citizens of this country. The Democrats in the Senate may have even provided enough of the 'interest of the people' to save the bill from Constitutional scrutiny.
I don't want to hear how Democrats are Big Government Spenders. I don't want to hear how 'good for America' conservative fiscal policy is. I don't want to hear how the last 30 years of Republican rule has improved the lives of Americans and I especially don't want to hear how regulation is BAD for this country or how we can afford more tax cuts.
The Narcisstic Republican Assault against the United States of America is OVER.
Anyone willing to put up with this and support a government whereby elected officials simply turn their backs on the very constituency that elected them, while making trillion dollar deals with companies are out of their minds. Whatever makes anyone believe that cutting taxes and removing regulations to PROTECT the interests of Americans is good government, is beyond me.
If you ever thought that cutting taxes to put more money in your pocket was a good economic strategy while giving huge tax breaks and incentives to corporations would create jobs; I hope you have FINALLY learned what reality that actually brings.I do believe it is more than corrupt. I believe it is a form of treason. Call it incompetency if you will, which brings its own reality to the judgement of the American voter, but the fact of the matter is the legislation from 1999 through 2003 inflicted harm on this country in a way it never should have. That is complete disregard of the trust placed in the hands of those elected.
You like being a spectator to your vote? I don't !
House Passes 700-Billion Dollar Bailout (click here)
By Gina Mangieri
Some lawmakers who voted "yes" say they still have reservations.
Hawaii's two house delegates first voted "no" on Monday's version, then both voted "yes" today -- drawn to added tax benefits for the middle class but still wary about oversight for wall street.
What was a three page white house proposal went through a capitol hill buffet line to come out with 451 pages of tax breaks, credits and incentives on top of the 700 billion dollars the treasury wanted for the financial industry.
Representative Neil Abercrombie says, "I warned these guys right straight through this bill is not going to get at fundamentals. People watching stock market are looking at a yoyo."So why vouch for it?...
Friday, October 03, 2008
How do you stop a runaway train before the wreck?
By having a majority Democrat Senate and House to move measures out of committee accompanied by a President willing to sign them !
Senate and House Take Legislative Swings at Secrecy (click here)
“This administration has used OLC opinions to develop a secret set of binding rules that fly in the face of laws passed by Congress on matters ranging from torture to warrantless wiretapping,” Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) said in a news release. “By hiding these opinions from view, the administration prevents Congress from restoring the rule of law through oversight or legislation. This bill represents an important step toward curbing secret law and restoring the balance of power between the White House and Congress.”
Feingold, who has been among the fiercest critics of the administration's power grabs, introduced the OLC Reporting Act in the Senate, with Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC) introducing companion legislation in the House. It's unlikely the bill will be passed this year -- and even if it was, Bush would almost certainly veto it -- but the legislation provides a starting point for the next Congress to begin undoing Bush's damage.
Senate and House Take Legislative Swings at Secrecy (click here)
“This administration has used OLC opinions to develop a secret set of binding rules that fly in the face of laws passed by Congress on matters ranging from torture to warrantless wiretapping,” Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) said in a news release. “By hiding these opinions from view, the administration prevents Congress from restoring the rule of law through oversight or legislation. This bill represents an important step toward curbing secret law and restoring the balance of power between the White House and Congress.”
Feingold, who has been among the fiercest critics of the administration's power grabs, introduced the OLC Reporting Act in the Senate, with Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC) introducing companion legislation in the House. It's unlikely the bill will be passed this year -- and even if it was, Bush would almost certainly veto it -- but the legislation provides a starting point for the next Congress to begin undoing Bush's damage.
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