Who will get your attention today -- Anderson Cooper and Angelina Jolie, or Pfc Kristian Menchaca and Pfc Thomas Tucker? (click on title for article)
Today's New York Times and Los Angeles Times, plus who knows what other papers, carry half-page ads from CNN promoting Cooper's great get: his TELEVISION EXCLUSIVE interview with "Jolie - just back from Africa - on motherhood and her passionate fight for refugee relief." In politics, and in the entertainment business, these ads are known as "paid media." CNN is spending substantially in order to attract eyeballs to Cooper's show, whose ratings turn out not to be as high as Aaron Brown's, whom he replaced, despite Cooper's appearance in feature stories and on magazine covers ("free media") promoting his new book. Jolie is using her celebrity to get free media for refugees (and herself), just as the UN is using its prestige to get free media by declaring today World Refugee Day. CNN, in turn, is using Jolie's susperstar eye-candy in order to demonstrate to advertisers that it can pull decent enough Nielsens to justify paid media by HeadOn, ditech.com, the Schwarzenegger campaign and anyone else competing for your neurons.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Binary language. Easy to derail a democracy.
1000
I still don't understand the 'military' significance of looking for missing presonnel. These were young soldiers with little high level information. They were on a detail. The reason I state this is that I feel the military is being used for political outcomes. Building sympathy for the continued occupation based on finding lost soldiers.
The outcomes to any kidnapped people in Iraq is grim no matter whom they are. There are an additional five soldiers now dead from 'the search.' The military should explain the military science behind the search that justifies the loss of more soldiers. I really think Bush is behind the push for intensifying the focus on missing soldiers. The focus, if anything will cause greater peril and not less.
Majority Votes to Legalize Whaling
John Roach for National Geographic News
June 19, 2006
A slim majority of nations on the International Whaling Commission voted Sunday in support of legalizing commercial whaling.
The vote—33 for and 32 against, with one abstention—fell short of the three-quarters majority needed to overturn the 20-year ban on commercial whaling.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/06/060619-whaling-ban.html
1020
The war in Iraq is endless. There is 'winning' if that means dominating the politics. I don't know how Bush defines winning. The violence of the Middle East is turbulent.
1022
CNN is trying to bolster the culture of fear while redefining the war. No one has to answer the war head on. The Iraqi government needs to handle their own affairs. These folks at CNN are confused. This is not our war. It's an Iraqi Civil War. We are not the Middle East Police. Besides Bush today made a threat against Iran. He's a jerk. Anything to escalate and nothing to provide a road to peace.
1023
Global warming affects bird migration
Australia's migratory birds are arriving earlier and leaving later - most likely due to global warming, a new study has found.
Macquarie University PhD students Linda Beaumont and Ian McAllan, together with associate professor Lesley Hughes, have analysed the movements of migratory birds visiting south-eastern Australia since the 1960s.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Global-warming-affects-bird-migration/2006/06/20/1150701529282.html
Anderson why don't you demonstrate what cyanide gas does to a CNN anchor. Oh, here we go. We are all supposed to be paranoid now with cyanide in our water, food, etc. Go to hell, Gupta.
1031
Hurry, buy stocks in Duct Tape, Gupta and Cooper are paranoid !
Duct tape sales rise amid terror fears
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/11/emergency.supplies/
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Americans have apparently heeded the U.S. government's advice to prepare for terror attacks, emptying hardware store shelves of duct tape.
On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison described a list of useful items, stores in the greater Washington, D.C. area reported a surge in sales of plastic sheeting, duct tape, and other emergency items.
These items, Paulison said, can be helpful after a biological, chemical or radiological attack.
1035
We are making progress.
Former 'Belmarsh detainee' with Bin Laden links deported
HMP Belmarsh
A former "Belmarsh detainee" described as a senior member of a terrorist group linked with Osama Bin Laden has been deported from Britain, the Home Office said.
The man, who can only be identified by the initial "I", was returned to Algeria yesterday after voluntarily dropping his appeal against deportation moves by the Government.
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=57&newsID=7020
1041
No news secretary yet? Why? She rather not be affiliated with a terror program?
Autism groups want mercury banPreservative used in vaccines for children
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060618/NEWS/606180513/1116
A battle pitting many parents of autistic children against the bulk of the state’s medical establishment, with state lawmakers squarely in the middle, could spill onto the House floor this week as debate begins on a bill to ban mercury from children’s vaccines.
The bill itself is a decidedly watered-down version of what supporters originally wanted. That, though, has done little to stave off behind-the-scenes maneuvering by a number of official medical organizations. What spurred the proposed legislation is a rise in autism rates that coincides with an increase in the required number of children’s vaccines. Since 1989 the number of required injections is up from about 8 to 22. In that same time period, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, incidences of autism have risen from 2 in 10,000 to 1 in 166.
1047
Japan's Koizumi to announce troop withdrawal from Iraq
The Associated Press (apwire)
Email Article Print Article
Published 2006-06-20 10:54 (KST)
TOKYO Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced his plan Tuesday to withdraw troops from Iraq at a ruling party meeting, a party official said, moving to end Japan's largest military mission since World War II.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of party protocol, said Koizumi told a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party that he would make a public announcement of the pullout later in the day.''We've finished this chapter,'' Kyodo News agency quoted Koizumi as telling party executives.Japan has about 600 troops in the city of Samawah in southern Iraq. Although the mission is strictly non-combat and humanitarian, the deploymentbroke new ground as a symbol of Tokyo's more assertive military policy of recent years.
http://english.ohmynews.com/ArticleView/article_view.asp?no=299948&rel_no=1
1051
Israel's Olmert convenes ex-premiers on Iran
By Dan WilliamsReutersMonday, June 19, 2006; 2:25 PM
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held talks on Monday with three former Israeli premiers about Iran's nuclear program, signaling a drive for consensus on an issue the Jewish state calls a threat to its existence.
Olmert lacks the military pedigree common to most of his predecessors, as does Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz, a veteran trade unionist who won the key portfolio under a coalition deal between his Labor Party and the ruling Kadima.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/19/AR2006061900632.html
1054
The International Criminal Court: A Justice Network
Luis Moreno-Ocampo Al-Hayat - 12/06/06//
Six children walked down a road in the region of Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo. They were on their way to school when a jeep packed with militiamen sped in front of them. Fighters bearing AK-47s ordered the terrified children into the jeep. They were transported to military training camps and forced to learn to fire machine guns. Three weeks later, the children were in the field, killing and being killed.Thomas Lubanga, leader of one of the most dangerous militias in the Congo, allegedly orchestrated crimes like the one described above. In March, the judges of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant charging Lubanga with conscripting children under fifteen to use in active hostilities. A few days later, Lubanga was transferred from the Congo in a French military aircraft to a prison in The Hague.
http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/contributors/06-2006/Article-20060612-c8e208f0-c0a8-10ed-0135-e112f538f0cf/story.html
1056
Israel honours memory of anti-Nazi "European Union"
19 Jun 2006 20:28:29 GMT19 Jun 2006 20:28:29 GMT ## for search indexer, do not remove-->
Source: Reuters
Printable view Email this article RSS [-] Text [+]
By Louis Charbonneau
BERLIN, June 19 (Reuters) - Israel's ambassador to Germany presented medals of honour on Monday to relatives of five members of the first "European Union" -- an anti-Nazi resistance group whose members hid and fed Jews during World War Two.
This European Union, which had the same name but nothing to do with the modern 25-nation bloc of European countries, was an underground, Marxist-oriented group with around 50 to 60 German members, according to a protocol prepared by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.
To honour them, Israel's ambassador to Germany Shimon Stein presented special Yad Vashem medals to surviving members of the families of "European Union" activists Georg and Anneliese Groscurth, Robert Havemann, Paul Rentsch and Herbert Richter at a ceremony at Stein's official residence in the German capital.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L19172990.htm
1100
2 U.S. Gulf Coast refineries hit by storms
Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:20pm ET
HOUSTON, June 19 (Reuters) - At least two U.S. Gulf Coast refineries said on Monday their production was interrupted by heavy rainstorms in Texas and Louisiana.
Refiners were using a Monday afternoon lull in torrential rains on Monday afternoon to get production back on-line before another round drenches the coast Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Texas public safety officials were warning municipal fire and police departments to expect up to 10 inches of rain overnight in saturated areas. At one location along Houston's refinery row, 11 inches of rain had already fallen by Monday afternoon.
Citgo Petroleum Corp. said on Monday afternoon it was restarting process units at its 440,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which malfunctioned due to heavy rains on Monday morning.
http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-06-19T212009Z_01_N19406878_RTRIDST_0_ENERGY-STORMS-REFINERIES.XML&rpc=66
1105
Recent Duke Study Links Global Warming, Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels with Poison Ivy PerilsMonday June 12, 10:07 am ET
Prevent Annoying Poison Ivy Itch and Rash with the ONLY FDA-Approved Product -- IvyBlock
LOS ANGELES, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study conducted by Duke University researchers and published in the May 30 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has linked increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with bigger, faster-growing poison ivy. According to researchers, the increased amount of CO2 also increases the virulence of the plant, enabling greater production of urushiol, the oil responsible for causing the uncomfortable itch, rash and irritation associated with poison ivy, oak and sumac. This could be bad news for the millions of Americans who work and play in areas where poison ivy, oak and sumac take hold.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060612/cgm021.html?.v=54
1107
Castro gave Chavez the coordinates for the White House
Hugo Chavez Promises to Visit Iran, North Korea
Reuters
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on Sunday that he will visit Iran and North Korea, two nations at odds with Washington over nuclear development, at a time when Chavez is seeking to distance Venezuela from the United States.
Chavez, who has promised a socialist revolution to end poverty in the world’s fifth-largest oil exporter, has drawn fire from the State Department for building alliances with U.S. foes like Cuba and Iran.
“We will soon be in North Korea, we will soon be in Tehran, deepening our ... strategic alliances,” Chavez said during his weekly Sunday broadcast.
He said the tour will also include stops in China and Russia, where Venezuela will sign military cooperation agreements with the Russian government, following U.S. moves to block Chavez’s arms purchases from other countries.
http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=17901
1108
Disinformation. That is putting it lightly.
1112
People profited by putting false information about a deadly trend in Earth's troposphere. They go unpunished and able to continue with their point of view.; It's a travesty. See, CNN still persists there is a debate in the face of Katrina and other scientific studies such as the one above. This is recreation for them, while doing so called serious discussions about Africa. Ever stop to ask what caused the drought in Ethiopia, Anderson? Go ahead, sell your soul.
1110
enough
I still don't understand the 'military' significance of looking for missing presonnel. These were young soldiers with little high level information. They were on a detail. The reason I state this is that I feel the military is being used for political outcomes. Building sympathy for the continued occupation based on finding lost soldiers.
The outcomes to any kidnapped people in Iraq is grim no matter whom they are. There are an additional five soldiers now dead from 'the search.' The military should explain the military science behind the search that justifies the loss of more soldiers. I really think Bush is behind the push for intensifying the focus on missing soldiers. The focus, if anything will cause greater peril and not less.
Majority Votes to Legalize Whaling
John Roach for National Geographic News
June 19, 2006
A slim majority of nations on the International Whaling Commission voted Sunday in support of legalizing commercial whaling.
The vote—33 for and 32 against, with one abstention—fell short of the three-quarters majority needed to overturn the 20-year ban on commercial whaling.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/06/060619-whaling-ban.html
1020
The war in Iraq is endless. There is 'winning' if that means dominating the politics. I don't know how Bush defines winning. The violence of the Middle East is turbulent.
1022
CNN is trying to bolster the culture of fear while redefining the war. No one has to answer the war head on. The Iraqi government needs to handle their own affairs. These folks at CNN are confused. This is not our war. It's an Iraqi Civil War. We are not the Middle East Police. Besides Bush today made a threat against Iran. He's a jerk. Anything to escalate and nothing to provide a road to peace.
1023
Global warming affects bird migration
Australia's migratory birds are arriving earlier and leaving later - most likely due to global warming, a new study has found.
Macquarie University PhD students Linda Beaumont and Ian McAllan, together with associate professor Lesley Hughes, have analysed the movements of migratory birds visiting south-eastern Australia since the 1960s.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Global-warming-affects-bird-migration/2006/06/20/1150701529282.html
Anderson why don't you demonstrate what cyanide gas does to a CNN anchor. Oh, here we go. We are all supposed to be paranoid now with cyanide in our water, food, etc. Go to hell, Gupta.
1031
Hurry, buy stocks in Duct Tape, Gupta and Cooper are paranoid !
Duct tape sales rise amid terror fears
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/11/emergency.supplies/
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Americans have apparently heeded the U.S. government's advice to prepare for terror attacks, emptying hardware store shelves of duct tape.
On Tuesday, less than 24 hours after U.S. Fire Administrator David Paulison described a list of useful items, stores in the greater Washington, D.C. area reported a surge in sales of plastic sheeting, duct tape, and other emergency items.
These items, Paulison said, can be helpful after a biological, chemical or radiological attack.
1035
We are making progress.
Former 'Belmarsh detainee' with Bin Laden links deported
HMP Belmarsh
A former "Belmarsh detainee" described as a senior member of a terrorist group linked with Osama Bin Laden has been deported from Britain, the Home Office said.
The man, who can only be identified by the initial "I", was returned to Algeria yesterday after voluntarily dropping his appeal against deportation moves by the Government.
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=57&newsID=7020
1041
No news secretary yet? Why? She rather not be affiliated with a terror program?
Autism groups want mercury banPreservative used in vaccines for children
http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060618/NEWS/606180513/1116
A battle pitting many parents of autistic children against the bulk of the state’s medical establishment, with state lawmakers squarely in the middle, could spill onto the House floor this week as debate begins on a bill to ban mercury from children’s vaccines.
The bill itself is a decidedly watered-down version of what supporters originally wanted. That, though, has done little to stave off behind-the-scenes maneuvering by a number of official medical organizations. What spurred the proposed legislation is a rise in autism rates that coincides with an increase in the required number of children’s vaccines. Since 1989 the number of required injections is up from about 8 to 22. In that same time period, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, incidences of autism have risen from 2 in 10,000 to 1 in 166.
1047
Japan's Koizumi to announce troop withdrawal from Iraq
The Associated Press (apwire)
Email Article Print Article
Published 2006-06-20 10:54 (KST)
TOKYO Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced his plan Tuesday to withdraw troops from Iraq at a ruling party meeting, a party official said, moving to end Japan's largest military mission since World War II.The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of party protocol, said Koizumi told a meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party that he would make a public announcement of the pullout later in the day.''We've finished this chapter,'' Kyodo News agency quoted Koizumi as telling party executives.Japan has about 600 troops in the city of Samawah in southern Iraq. Although the mission is strictly non-combat and humanitarian, the deploymentbroke new ground as a symbol of Tokyo's more assertive military policy of recent years.
http://english.ohmynews.com/ArticleView/article_view.asp?no=299948&rel_no=1
1051
Israel's Olmert convenes ex-premiers on Iran
By Dan WilliamsReutersMonday, June 19, 2006; 2:25 PM
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Prime Minister Ehud Olmert held talks on Monday with three former Israeli premiers about Iran's nuclear program, signaling a drive for consensus on an issue the Jewish state calls a threat to its existence.
Olmert lacks the military pedigree common to most of his predecessors, as does Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz, a veteran trade unionist who won the key portfolio under a coalition deal between his Labor Party and the ruling Kadima.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/19/AR2006061900632.html
1054
The International Criminal Court: A Justice Network
Luis Moreno-Ocampo Al-Hayat - 12/06/06//
Six children walked down a road in the region of Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo. They were on their way to school when a jeep packed with militiamen sped in front of them. Fighters bearing AK-47s ordered the terrified children into the jeep. They were transported to military training camps and forced to learn to fire machine guns. Three weeks later, the children were in the field, killing and being killed.Thomas Lubanga, leader of one of the most dangerous militias in the Congo, allegedly orchestrated crimes like the one described above. In March, the judges of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant charging Lubanga with conscripting children under fifteen to use in active hostilities. A few days later, Lubanga was transferred from the Congo in a French military aircraft to a prison in The Hague.
http://english.daralhayat.com/opinion/contributors/06-2006/Article-20060612-c8e208f0-c0a8-10ed-0135-e112f538f0cf/story.html
1056
Israel honours memory of anti-Nazi "European Union"
19 Jun 2006 20:28:29 GMT19 Jun 2006 20:28:29 GMT ## for search indexer, do not remove-->
Source: Reuters
Printable view Email this article RSS [-] Text [+]
By Louis Charbonneau
BERLIN, June 19 (Reuters) - Israel's ambassador to Germany presented medals of honour on Monday to relatives of five members of the first "European Union" -- an anti-Nazi resistance group whose members hid and fed Jews during World War Two.
This European Union, which had the same name but nothing to do with the modern 25-nation bloc of European countries, was an underground, Marxist-oriented group with around 50 to 60 German members, according to a protocol prepared by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.
To honour them, Israel's ambassador to Germany Shimon Stein presented special Yad Vashem medals to surviving members of the families of "European Union" activists Georg and Anneliese Groscurth, Robert Havemann, Paul Rentsch and Herbert Richter at a ceremony at Stein's official residence in the German capital.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L19172990.htm
1100
2 U.S. Gulf Coast refineries hit by storms
Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:20pm ET
HOUSTON, June 19 (Reuters) - At least two U.S. Gulf Coast refineries said on Monday their production was interrupted by heavy rainstorms in Texas and Louisiana.
Refiners were using a Monday afternoon lull in torrential rains on Monday afternoon to get production back on-line before another round drenches the coast Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Texas public safety officials were warning municipal fire and police departments to expect up to 10 inches of rain overnight in saturated areas. At one location along Houston's refinery row, 11 inches of rain had already fallen by Monday afternoon.
Citgo Petroleum Corp. said on Monday afternoon it was restarting process units at its 440,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which malfunctioned due to heavy rains on Monday morning.
http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-06-19T212009Z_01_N19406878_RTRIDST_0_ENERGY-STORMS-REFINERIES.XML&rpc=66
1105
Recent Duke Study Links Global Warming, Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels with Poison Ivy PerilsMonday June 12, 10:07 am ET
Prevent Annoying Poison Ivy Itch and Rash with the ONLY FDA-Approved Product -- IvyBlock
LOS ANGELES, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study conducted by Duke University researchers and published in the May 30 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has linked increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with bigger, faster-growing poison ivy. According to researchers, the increased amount of CO2 also increases the virulence of the plant, enabling greater production of urushiol, the oil responsible for causing the uncomfortable itch, rash and irritation associated with poison ivy, oak and sumac. This could be bad news for the millions of Americans who work and play in areas where poison ivy, oak and sumac take hold.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060612/cgm021.html?.v=54
1107
Castro gave Chavez the coordinates for the White House
Hugo Chavez Promises to Visit Iran, North Korea
Reuters
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on Sunday that he will visit Iran and North Korea, two nations at odds with Washington over nuclear development, at a time when Chavez is seeking to distance Venezuela from the United States.
Chavez, who has promised a socialist revolution to end poverty in the world’s fifth-largest oil exporter, has drawn fire from the State Department for building alliances with U.S. foes like Cuba and Iran.
“We will soon be in North Korea, we will soon be in Tehran, deepening our ... strategic alliances,” Chavez said during his weekly Sunday broadcast.
He said the tour will also include stops in China and Russia, where Venezuela will sign military cooperation agreements with the Russian government, following U.S. moves to block Chavez’s arms purchases from other countries.
http://www.sptimes.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=17901
1108
Disinformation. That is putting it lightly.
1112
People profited by putting false information about a deadly trend in Earth's troposphere. They go unpunished and able to continue with their point of view.; It's a travesty. See, CNN still persists there is a debate in the face of Katrina and other scientific studies such as the one above. This is recreation for them, while doing so called serious discussions about Africa. Ever stop to ask what caused the drought in Ethiopia, Anderson? Go ahead, sell your soul.
1110
enough
Saturday, June 17, 2006
1000
Protestors rally against Bush, Wilson Source: KRQE News 13
Watch Video
ALBUQUERQUE -- While President Bush had plenty of supporters at a campaign reception for Rep. Heather Wilson, there were hundreds of protestors across the street in Civic Plaza.
One Bush defender braved the crowd to support the president’s policies.
While the protestors brought different issues with them, they agreed on wanting Bush and his supporters, including Wilson, out of office.
Some were dressed in pink slips expressing their desire to give Bush and Wilson pink unemployment slips. Others carried black balloons and told KRQE News 13 the country is doomed as long as Bush remains in office.
“Heather has to go,” one protestor said. “She's too embedded with Bush.
“She votes for him down the line all the time. That has to end.”
Albuquerque police along with Bernalillo County sheriff's deputies guarded the front of the Hyatt Regency while Bush and Wilson attended a fundraising reception inside and protestors chanted outside. That didn’t stop the lone Bush supporter from challenging his critics.
“Everybody here is against bush so I just thought I had to say something for him,” Daniel Worley said.
One of the protestors apparently was arrested for not moving back after he was told to by police.
Otherwise the several hundred protestors were peaceful, and no violence was reported.
http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?RECORD_KEY%5BNews%5D=ID&ID%5BNews%5D=15778
1004
I think the 'dual' identity of Bush Republicans is hideous.
A House Republican whose subcommittee oversees the National Security Agency broke ranks with the White House on Tuesday and called for a full Congressional inquiry into the Bush administration’s domestic eavesdropping program.
The lawmaker, Representative Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico, chairwoman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence, said in an interview that she had “serious concerns” about the surveillance program.
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/02/08/bush-on-heather-wilson/
Poll: Madrid, Wilson in Dead Heat
Poll: Madrid, Wilson in Dead HeatNew Mexico's First Congressional District Definitely in Play
2/7/06
ALBUQUERQUE -- A recent poll by D.C.-based Lake Research Partners showed that Attorney General Patricia Madrid and Rep. Heather Wilson are in a statistical dead heat in the race to represent New Mexico's First Congressional District, according to an internal memo released Tuesday.
Specifically, the poll found that of the 400 district voters sampled 43 percent would vote for Madrid, 44 percent would vote for Wilson. Factoring in the margin of error, the two candidates are tied with the election nine months away.
Lake Research Partners' poll also found that Madrid's strong showing so early in the race was based on voters' positive feelings toward her performance as attorney general.
". . . fully 62 percent of voters are positive about the job that Madrid is doing as Attorney General," Lake Research Partners found.
http://www.madridforcongress.com/node/513
1009
Conozca a Patricia Madrid
Patricia Madrid ganó su primera campaña en 1978 cuando llegó a ser la primera mujer elegida como juez de juzgado de distrito en Nuevo México. En 1998, llegó a ser la primera mujer elegida fiscal del estado de Nuevo México y en 2002 continuó en el puesto cuando fue elegida de nuevo en una victoria arrolladora. Hace más de treinta años que está casada con un abogado de Albuquerque, L. Michael Messina, y tiene un hijo, Giancarlo, que se recibió de la Universidad de Nuevo México y ahora trabaja en Washington DC.
http://www.madridforcongress.com/enespanol/conozca
1014
This is from a Middle East newspaper. It's important to realize the 'approach.'
War crimes court finds multiple Darfur massacres
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Wednesday his office had documented massacres with hundreds of victims in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region as well as hundreds of rape cases.
In a report to the UN Security Council, Luis Moreno-Ocampo said the office had documented "thousands of alleged direct killings of civilians by parties to the conflict," including "a significant number of large-scale massacres, with hundreds of victims in each incident." Ocampo told the council that his office was investigating allegations that some of the groups implicated in the Darfur crimes "did so with specific genocidal intent."
He said identifying those with the greatest responsibility for the most serious crimes in Darfur was a key challenge for his probe but said he would not draw any conclusions pending the completion of a "full and impartial investigation."
http://www.jordantimes.com/fri/news/news6.htm
1017
This is a vital aspect to seeking Iran's cooperation. Iran is convinced they are the ONLY Islamic nation capable of standing up to the West. If the West proves there is no reason to stand upto them it gives Iran no reason to resist peace over war.
EU approves mechanism for Palestinian aid
Agencies
Brussels: The European Union on Friday agreed on an aid scheme for Palestinians bypassing the Hamas-led government and said it was close to winning the backing of the United States and other peace brokers.
"The European Council has endorsed our proposal for a temporary international mechanism," European Commission spokeswoman Emma Udwin told a news briefing in Brussels.
http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Middle_East/10047570.html
1023
No. This is not from a New York Newspaper. It's from "The Arab News." I thought the Republicans during their rhetoric yesterday stated their debate narcisstically would be all over the Arab newspapers. It would not seem to be the case.
Govt Officials and FBI Agents Go Unpunished for Stealing
Once secret FBI documents obtained by The Associated Press show the FBI investigated how a company, Kieger Enterprises, KEI, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, went unpublished for the Sept. 11, 2001 theft of 45 tons of donated water, clothing, tools and generators. The case was dropped after investigators also found that an FBI agent and other government officials had pilfered artifacts from Ground Zero.
As a result, most Americans were kept in the dark about a major fraud involving their donated goods even as new requests for charity emerged with disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
The government ultimately gave the whistle-blowers $30,000 each after expenses, their share in a civil settlement against KEI. They say the sum was hardly worth their trouble.
Federal prosecutors eventually charged KEI and some executives with fraud, including overbilling the government in several disasters, but excluded the Sept. 11 thefts.
AP reports that KEI worked for the government for years, providing disaster relief services during tornadoes, floods and other catastrophes. It was picked to manage the New York warehouse for the government’s main Sept. 11 relief contractor.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=83918&d=17&m=6&y=2006
It would seem the show that stated the Republicans were so concerned about their 'debate' causing problems doesn't care to follow up on it. Hm.
1030
commercials
Protestors rally against Bush, Wilson Source: KRQE News 13
Watch Video
ALBUQUERQUE -- While President Bush had plenty of supporters at a campaign reception for Rep. Heather Wilson, there were hundreds of protestors across the street in Civic Plaza.
One Bush defender braved the crowd to support the president’s policies.
While the protestors brought different issues with them, they agreed on wanting Bush and his supporters, including Wilson, out of office.
Some were dressed in pink slips expressing their desire to give Bush and Wilson pink unemployment slips. Others carried black balloons and told KRQE News 13 the country is doomed as long as Bush remains in office.
“Heather has to go,” one protestor said. “She's too embedded with Bush.
“She votes for him down the line all the time. That has to end.”
Albuquerque police along with Bernalillo County sheriff's deputies guarded the front of the Hyatt Regency while Bush and Wilson attended a fundraising reception inside and protestors chanted outside. That didn’t stop the lone Bush supporter from challenging his critics.
“Everybody here is against bush so I just thought I had to say something for him,” Daniel Worley said.
One of the protestors apparently was arrested for not moving back after he was told to by police.
Otherwise the several hundred protestors were peaceful, and no violence was reported.
http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?RECORD_KEY%5BNews%5D=ID&ID%5BNews%5D=15778
1004
I think the 'dual' identity of Bush Republicans is hideous.
A House Republican whose subcommittee oversees the National Security Agency broke ranks with the White House on Tuesday and called for a full Congressional inquiry into the Bush administration’s domestic eavesdropping program.
The lawmaker, Representative Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico, chairwoman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Technical and Tactical Intelligence, said in an interview that she had “serious concerns” about the surveillance program.
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/02/08/bush-on-heather-wilson/
Poll: Madrid, Wilson in Dead Heat
Poll: Madrid, Wilson in Dead HeatNew Mexico's First Congressional District Definitely in Play
2/7/06
ALBUQUERQUE -- A recent poll by D.C.-based Lake Research Partners showed that Attorney General Patricia Madrid and Rep. Heather Wilson are in a statistical dead heat in the race to represent New Mexico's First Congressional District, according to an internal memo released Tuesday.
Specifically, the poll found that of the 400 district voters sampled 43 percent would vote for Madrid, 44 percent would vote for Wilson. Factoring in the margin of error, the two candidates are tied with the election nine months away.
Lake Research Partners' poll also found that Madrid's strong showing so early in the race was based on voters' positive feelings toward her performance as attorney general.
". . . fully 62 percent of voters are positive about the job that Madrid is doing as Attorney General," Lake Research Partners found.
http://www.madridforcongress.com/node/513
1009
Conozca a Patricia Madrid
Patricia Madrid ganó su primera campaña en 1978 cuando llegó a ser la primera mujer elegida como juez de juzgado de distrito en Nuevo México. En 1998, llegó a ser la primera mujer elegida fiscal del estado de Nuevo México y en 2002 continuó en el puesto cuando fue elegida de nuevo en una victoria arrolladora. Hace más de treinta años que está casada con un abogado de Albuquerque, L. Michael Messina, y tiene un hijo, Giancarlo, que se recibió de la Universidad de Nuevo México y ahora trabaja en Washington DC.
http://www.madridforcongress.com/enespanol/conozca
1014
This is from a Middle East newspaper. It's important to realize the 'approach.'
War crimes court finds multiple Darfur massacres
UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Wednesday his office had documented massacres with hundreds of victims in Sudan's war-torn Darfur region as well as hundreds of rape cases.
In a report to the UN Security Council, Luis Moreno-Ocampo said the office had documented "thousands of alleged direct killings of civilians by parties to the conflict," including "a significant number of large-scale massacres, with hundreds of victims in each incident." Ocampo told the council that his office was investigating allegations that some of the groups implicated in the Darfur crimes "did so with specific genocidal intent."
He said identifying those with the greatest responsibility for the most serious crimes in Darfur was a key challenge for his probe but said he would not draw any conclusions pending the completion of a "full and impartial investigation."
http://www.jordantimes.com/fri/news/news6.htm
1017
This is a vital aspect to seeking Iran's cooperation. Iran is convinced they are the ONLY Islamic nation capable of standing up to the West. If the West proves there is no reason to stand upto them it gives Iran no reason to resist peace over war.
EU approves mechanism for Palestinian aid
Agencies
Brussels: The European Union on Friday agreed on an aid scheme for Palestinians bypassing the Hamas-led government and said it was close to winning the backing of the United States and other peace brokers.
"The European Council has endorsed our proposal for a temporary international mechanism," European Commission spokeswoman Emma Udwin told a news briefing in Brussels.
http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Middle_East/10047570.html
1023
No. This is not from a New York Newspaper. It's from "The Arab News." I thought the Republicans during their rhetoric yesterday stated their debate narcisstically would be all over the Arab newspapers. It would not seem to be the case.
Govt Officials and FBI Agents Go Unpunished for Stealing
Once secret FBI documents obtained by The Associated Press show the FBI investigated how a company, Kieger Enterprises, KEI, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, went unpublished for the Sept. 11, 2001 theft of 45 tons of donated water, clothing, tools and generators. The case was dropped after investigators also found that an FBI agent and other government officials had pilfered artifacts from Ground Zero.
As a result, most Americans were kept in the dark about a major fraud involving their donated goods even as new requests for charity emerged with disasters like Hurricane Katrina.
The government ultimately gave the whistle-blowers $30,000 each after expenses, their share in a civil settlement against KEI. They say the sum was hardly worth their trouble.
Federal prosecutors eventually charged KEI and some executives with fraud, including overbilling the government in several disasters, but excluded the Sept. 11 thefts.
AP reports that KEI worked for the government for years, providing disaster relief services during tornadoes, floods and other catastrophes. It was picked to manage the New York warehouse for the government’s main Sept. 11 relief contractor.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=83918&d=17&m=6&y=2006
It would seem the show that stated the Republicans were so concerned about their 'debate' causing problems doesn't care to follow up on it. Hm.
1030
commercials
1034
The Republicans. The Elitiists. The Party of Corruption.
GOP candidate McGavick got millions leaving Safeco
By CURT WOODWARDASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike McGavick collected more than $28 million upon leaving his post as an insurance executive earlier this year, financial disclosures showed Friday.
Most of that 2006 compensation from Safeco Insurance Co. was stock and options, his campaign said. McGavick had served as the firm's chief executive since 2001, leaving early this year after a two-month transition period.
Washington state Democrats pounced on the tally, calling it proof their federal complaint about McGavick's "golden parachute" was on the mark.
McGavick's campaign dismissed that allegation as baseless: "They see the race getting close and these are very typical tactics, so we're not surprised," spokeswoman Julie Sund said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_McGavick_Money.html
Hm? Why would a well paid executive leave his employer to enter government?
Global warming could burn insurersActivists call on industry to act
By JOHN IWASAKIP-I REPORTER
The alarm sounded by scientists about global warming has deep implications for the insurance industry and consumers, participants said Thursday at a climate change summit in Seattle.
Businesses and governments can do more to reduce carbon dioxide, promote renewable resources and take other environmentally friendly actions that would benefit the world as well as their bottom line, corporate executives and politicians said.
Dramatic climate changes have the potential to affect nearly all segments of insurance coverage, including agricultural, health, life and business, said Andrew Logan, program manager of CERES, a Boston-based national network of investment funds, environmental organizations and other public interest groups.
Natural and manmade catastrophic events have steadily increased since 1970, with eight of the 10 most expensive disasters in U.S. history occurring in the past four years, he said.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/274169_climate16.html?source=mypi
1039
commercials
WHOM are you keeping honest, Anderson? The ACTION in Seattle today was downtown.
Hundreds turn out to call for higher pay
By BRAD WONGP-I REPORTER
Wearing red T-shirts and blowing high-pitched whistles, hundreds of hotel workers rallied on Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle on Thursday to call for better wages and benefits.
Karen Ducey / P-I
A rally for hotel workers in Seattle on Thursday attracts members of other unions, including Jonetta Green, left, Jackie Keen and DeAnna Botello, all of SEIU 775.
UNITE-HERE Local 8 organized the rally in front of the Westin Hotel, as part of a national "Hotel Workers Rising" campaign.
At least 300 people, including Mayor Greg Nickels, filled the sidewalk and street.
Richard Sawyer, Local 8 secretary treasurer, had pointed comments for the hotel industry, which he said pulls in billions of dollars each year. But, he added, many industry workers do not share in that prosperity.
"It's low pay, hard work and has a high rate of injuries," he said. "A large sector of this industry is below the poverty line."
In the Seattle area, he estimates there are about 10,000 hotel workers -- and many earn only $8.50 an hour. The federal poverty level for a family of four is $18,850.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/274177_hotelrally16.html
1042
Dead whale found in river, 1,000 miles inland
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The carcass of a young beluga whale was found Thursday by canoeists on the Tanana River about 40 miles southwest of Fairbanks -- or nearly 1,000 river miles from the Bering Sea, the closest beluga habitat.
Sylvia Brunner, a marine mammals researcher at the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks, identified the decomposing carcass and oversaw its recovery Wednesday.
What the 8-foot-long whale was doing that far inland on a freshwater river, part of a system that drains much of the vast interior of Alaska, remains a mystery. But Link Olson, curator of marine mammals at the museum, said he was confident the animal swam from the ocean.
"What are the alternatives?" he said. Perpetrating a hoax along a remote section of river with a whale carcass was highly unlikely, he said: "If you were ever close to a dead marine mammal, even for a few hours, you would know why no one in their right mind would do that."
It could have died in the river last fall and frozen, Brunner said, or it could have entered the river this spring seeking fish.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/274171_whale16.html
1044
Greater Seattle area, state plans reviewed by feds
By PEGGY ANDERSENASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
SEATTLE -- The Department of Homeland Security on Friday rated Washington state and the Greater Seattle area sufficient or partly sufficient in all categories of catastrophic disaster planning except one: evacuation from Seattle.
Evacuation is a good strategy for an impending storm, which can be seen approaching for days, said Barb Graff, Seattle's emergency planning director.
But in this city, a catastrophic disaster would likely involve a major earthquake. "Our challenge would be getting resources to the area after," using a relatively fragile transportation system, Graff said.
Planners around the country were asked about preparedness for a catastrophic, Katrina-level disaster, which in the Northwest would likely be an earthquake far stronger than those that rattled the area in 1949, 1965 and 2001.
"What prompted all this was Katrina, and of course evacuation was a big issue on Katrina and then Rita," said Eric Holdeman, King County's emergency services director, of the Gulf Coast devastation. "They were asking hurricane questions in earthquake territory."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420AP_WA_Disaster_Plans_Wash.html
ANDERSON is surprised there is a horse patrol on the USA/Canadian Border. It's not a new concept !
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/news/newsroom_e.htm
1054
Western Water Supple Forecasts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/cbrfc/westernwater/map.php?map=wsup
I don't like the way this looks. Early signs of drought, both short term with cummer coming and a longer term trend.
1056
commercials
1059
Explosion fatalities first of kind for oil companyBy Nikki Davis Maute
Three employees who died in an explosion near Raleigh on Monday were the first fatalities reported by the Columbia oil field services company where the men worked.
“We’ve never had this happen before, and we opened in 1980,” said Horace English, manager of Stringer’s Oilfield Service Inc. “It was just a freak accident. We’ve done that kind of job a million times.”
The three workers were preparing an empty petroleum tank to hold oil from an adjacent well. Two other nearby tanks that were thought to be empty exploded after apparently being ignited by a spark from a welding machine.
Killed in the accident were Nicholas Wayne Pounds, 23, of Foxworth; Kody Scarborough, 18, of Foxworth; and George B. Jefferson, 53, of Columbia.
The surviving crew member, Huey Duncan, 72, of Columbia, was listed in stable condition at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on Tuesday.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Web site says that the oil services industry in Mississippi has had eight fatalities in the last 10 years. Stringer’s was not among the companies that had fatalities.
Nationwide during the same time period, OSHA said, 404 fatal accidents were reported.
Several state and federal agencies – including OSHA, the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board and the state Fire Marshal’s Office – are investigating the explosion.
John Parker, a board member with the state Oil and Gas Board, expects a report at the board’s June 21 meeting. But federal investigations are expected to take longer.
Clyde Payne, who heads Jackson’s OSHA office, said it could take up to six months to complete the agency’s investigation. OSHA can and does issue civil citations and fines if a company involved in an investigation violates OSHA rules.
In the eight fatal accidents OSHA reported since 1996, six of the companies were cited for OSHA violations.
Mississippi companies listed by OSHA included T.K. Stanley Inc., two deaths; Rapad Oil Field Services, one death; Rapad Drilling & Well Services Inc., one death; D&D Drilling and Exploration Inc., one death; Coastal Petroleum Services Inc., one death; Well Data Services, one death; and Triple S Well Service Inc., one death.
A spokesman for the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said a decision will be made after a preliminary review of the Raleigh explosion to determine if the agency will investigate further
.Among the factors that will determine whether the agency does a full investigation, spokesman Sandy Gilmore said, is whether there are lessons to be learned and if the results could have a relevance to the rest of the industry.
Originally published June 7, 2006
Explosion fatalities first of kind for oil companyBy Nikki Davis Maute
Three employees who died in an explosion near Raleigh on Monday were the first fatalities reported by the Columbia oil field services company where the men worked.
“We’ve never had this happen before, and we opened in 1980,” said Horace English, manager of Stringer’s Oilfield Service Inc. “It was just a freak accident. We’ve done that kind of job a million times.”
The three workers were preparing an empty petroleum tank to hold oil from an adjacent well. Two other nearby tanks that were thought to be empty exploded after apparently being ignited by a spark from a welding machine.
Killed in the accident were Nicholas Wayne Pounds, 23, of Foxworth; Kody Scarborough, 18, of Foxworth; and George B. Jefferson, 53, of Columbia.
The surviving crew member, Huey Duncan, 72, of Columbia, was listed in stable condition at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on Tuesday.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Web site says that the oil services industry in Mississippi has had eight fatalities in the last 10 years. Stringer’s was not among the companies that had fatalities.
Nationwide during the same time period, OSHA said, 404 fatal accidents were reported.
Several state and federal agencies – including OSHA, the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board and the state Fire Marshal’s Office – are investigating the explosion.
John Parker, a board member with the state Oil and Gas Board, expects a report at the board’s June 21 meeting. But federal investigations are expected to take longer.
Clyde Payne, who heads Jackson’s OSHA office, said it could take up to six months to complete the agency’s investigation. OSHA can and does issue civil citations and fines if a company involved in an investigation violates OSHA rules.
In the eight fatal accidents OSHA reported since 1996, six of the companies were cited for OSHA violations.
Mississippi companies listed by OSHA included T.K. Stanley Inc., two deaths; Rapad Oil Field Services, one death; Rapad Drilling & Well Services Inc., one death; D&D Drilling and Exploration Inc., one death; Coastal Petroleum Services Inc., one death; Well Data Services, one death; and Triple S Well Service Inc., one death.
A spokesman for the federal Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said a decision will be made after a preliminary review of the Raleigh explosion to determine if the agency will investigate further
.Among the factors that will determine whether the agency does a full investigation, spokesman Sandy Gilmore said, is whether there are lessons to be learned and if the results could have a relevance to the rest of the industry.
Originally published June 7, 2006
1105
The Republicans have no RESOLVE to their RESOLVE. There is no remorse about the deaths of soldiers after a huge mistake of the invasion in the first place. The only people whom observed the 2500th death in Iraq were Democrats. The only Federal legislators that spoke out regarding the deaths of our soldiers yesterday were Democrats.
The Bush Economy is based on spending the USA treasury dry.
1111
The Republicans have no RESOLVE to their RESOLVE. There is no remorse about the deaths of soldiers after a huge mistake of the invasion in the first place. The only people whom observed the 2500th death in Iraq were Democrats. The only Federal legislators that spoke out regarding the deaths of our soldiers yesterday were Democrats.
The Bush Economy is based on spending the USA treasury dry.
1111
BP faces criminal inquiry in Alaska
PRUDHOE BAY DISASTER: The probe into the spill of 1.2 million liters of crude oil could lead to company officials facing criminal charges, prison terms and fines
THE GUARDIAN , LONDON
Saturday, Jun 10, 2006,Page 10
The reputation of oil giant BP -- and its share price -- took a beating on Thursday when it admitted it was facing a criminal inquiry into a massive oil spill in Alaska.
BP received a subpoena on April 26 from a US federal grand jury in Alaska but only revealed the investigation -- which could lead to prison sentences -- after an internal e-mail was leaked to journalists.
Shares in Britain's biggest company slumped 3 percent in early trading on Thursday on the back of the latest safety problem, which threatens to undermine its carefully crafted image as an environmentally responsible operator.
Revelations about the investigation into the spill of 1.2 million liters of crude into the Prudhoe Bay area follows a fire and 15 deaths at its Texas City refinery and a rig capsizing in the Gulf of Mexico.
There is already another US grand jury investigation into the refinery blast, which injured an estimated 500 staff, and the company has already been fined US$21 million for 300 violations uncovered by the UD Department of Labor.
Environmentalists called the Alaskan spill in March -- the largest ever in the North Slope region -- a "catastrophe."
BP blamed it on internal corrosion creating a 65mm hole.
A BP spokesman said in London on Thursday: "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and we are carrying out our own investigation into what caused the corrosion. We believe that our actions were at all times proper."
Initial news of the subpoena came after Steve Marshall, BP's head of exploration in Alaska, sent an e-mail to staff saying he had been asked for "a variety of documents and data from BP Alaska concerning the transit line and certain other operational areas."
Marshall urged his staff to treat the matter as confidential and added: "I believe that the information we provide will show that the actions of BP Alaska were, at all times, proper."
The pipeline problems were relatively small compared with Alaska's worst oil spill on March 24, 1989 when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, near Anchorage.
About 2,092km of coastline were contaminated by the spill, killing hundreds of thousands of fish, seabirds, otters, seals and whales.
Exxon has always had a troubled relationship with environmental activists but BP has worked hard to cultivate a different one, emphasizing actions to help tackle climate change and promising to go "beyond petroleum."
Allegations of poor safety or maintenance systems are particularly sensitive issues for oil companies at a time when they are making record profits and facing criticism from politicians.
Problems in Alaska will not help oil companies such as BP in their attempts to fight off the threat of higher taxes in the state.
Nor will it help the oil company, led by the chief executive, Lord Browne, win a contract for a ?20 billion (US$37 billion) planned gas link in Alaska.
Fadel Gheit, an analyst with the New York brokerage firm Oppenheimer & Co, said the wave of problems threatened to damage the good standing that BP had developed in the US.
"A company this size with operations all over the world is always vulnerable to things going wrong but a lot seems to have gone wrong in this case and its [good] public image is being eroded," Gheit said.
"BP has sowed seeds of goodwill by bringing in a respected politicians like James Baker at Texas City and has been bombarding the public with green messages through advertising," he said.
"Without this, things could have been much worse but it needs to stop shooting itself in the
foot," he said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/worldbiz/archives/2006/06/10/2003312739
PRUDHOE BAY DISASTER: The probe into the spill of 1.2 million liters of crude oil could lead to company officials facing criminal charges, prison terms and fines
THE GUARDIAN , LONDON
Saturday, Jun 10, 2006,Page 10
The reputation of oil giant BP -- and its share price -- took a beating on Thursday when it admitted it was facing a criminal inquiry into a massive oil spill in Alaska.
BP received a subpoena on April 26 from a US federal grand jury in Alaska but only revealed the investigation -- which could lead to prison sentences -- after an internal e-mail was leaked to journalists.
Shares in Britain's biggest company slumped 3 percent in early trading on Thursday on the back of the latest safety problem, which threatens to undermine its carefully crafted image as an environmentally responsible operator.
Revelations about the investigation into the spill of 1.2 million liters of crude into the Prudhoe Bay area follows a fire and 15 deaths at its Texas City refinery and a rig capsizing in the Gulf of Mexico.
There is already another US grand jury investigation into the refinery blast, which injured an estimated 500 staff, and the company has already been fined US$21 million for 300 violations uncovered by the UD Department of Labor.
Environmentalists called the Alaskan spill in March -- the largest ever in the North Slope region -- a "catastrophe."
BP blamed it on internal corrosion creating a 65mm hole.
A BP spokesman said in London on Thursday: "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and we are carrying out our own investigation into what caused the corrosion. We believe that our actions were at all times proper."
Initial news of the subpoena came after Steve Marshall, BP's head of exploration in Alaska, sent an e-mail to staff saying he had been asked for "a variety of documents and data from BP Alaska concerning the transit line and certain other operational areas."
Marshall urged his staff to treat the matter as confidential and added: "I believe that the information we provide will show that the actions of BP Alaska were, at all times, proper."
The pipeline problems were relatively small compared with Alaska's worst oil spill on March 24, 1989 when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, near Anchorage.
About 2,092km of coastline were contaminated by the spill, killing hundreds of thousands of fish, seabirds, otters, seals and whales.
Exxon has always had a troubled relationship with environmental activists but BP has worked hard to cultivate a different one, emphasizing actions to help tackle climate change and promising to go "beyond petroleum."
Allegations of poor safety or maintenance systems are particularly sensitive issues for oil companies at a time when they are making record profits and facing criticism from politicians.
Problems in Alaska will not help oil companies such as BP in their attempts to fight off the threat of higher taxes in the state.
Nor will it help the oil company, led by the chief executive, Lord Browne, win a contract for a ?20 billion (US$37 billion) planned gas link in Alaska.
Fadel Gheit, an analyst with the New York brokerage firm Oppenheimer & Co, said the wave of problems threatened to damage the good standing that BP had developed in the US.
"A company this size with operations all over the world is always vulnerable to things going wrong but a lot seems to have gone wrong in this case and its [good] public image is being eroded," Gheit said.
"BP has sowed seeds of goodwill by bringing in a respected politicians like James Baker at Texas City and has been bombarding the public with green messages through advertising," he said.
"Without this, things could have been much worse but it needs to stop shooting itself in the
foot," he said.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/worldbiz/archives/2006/06/10/2003312739
The Third Person Omnipotent
1122
Oil worker deaths ‘could have been avoided’
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/64042.html
AT NO TIME does this 'Risk Assessment' ever value the lives of citizens of Nigeria. Never once are the oil personnel at fault. There is no accountability for the deaths the oil companies caused in slaughtering villiages of Nigerians. This discussion is REMOVED from anything except 'cautioning' the dangers of the Nigerian oil supply. It is cold and produced to be calculating AGAINST the citizenry of Nigeria. Amnesty International also makes an example of some of the severe laws of the government. That severity 'lends' to the conflict between business and citizens. That severity enables the government to oppress and victimize people against their will. These are simple people. They seek nothing from oil. They want to live in peace on their land.
The situation in the oil-producing Delta region deteriorated; women seized several oil flow stations to demand jobs and proper compensation for land acquisition and for environmental damage caused by oil companies.
http://web.amnesty.org/report2003/nga-summary-eng
June 14, 2006]
Nigeria risk: Security risk
(RiskWire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
COUNTRY BRIEFING
FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT
RISK RATINGS
SUMMARY
Nigeria is an insecure environment for commercial operations. Security risk arises on three levels. The first comes from the high level of violent crime. This can be simple armed robbery (especially of mobile phones), but can also involve car jacking and violent attacks. The risk is especially common when travelling between major cities. Second, companies can be subjected to direct attack or blackmail. This occurs overwhelmingly in the oil producing states and is directed at multinational oil companies, where facilities can be vandalised and staff kidnapped. Third, incidences of inter-communal violence have risen since the return to civilian rule. While foreigners are not usually the direct object of attack in such cases, incidents can quickly spiral out of control and engulf bystanders. In a recent government survey, 80% of companies cited the lack of security for their staff and property as a serious constraint on business.
SCENARIOS
Oil firms suffer kidnapping of staff and vandalism against premises (High Risk)
Kidnapping of staff and vandalism against premises and oil producing infrastructure is commonplace in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states (the heart of so-called Delta region), which are the centre of Nigerias onshore oil industry. Shell estimates that around 50-70 members of staff are kidnapped every year. Although most are usually released unharmed once a ransom is paid or concessions agreed with the local community, the experience may be traumatic and employers should consider training staff on how best to cope with being abducted. Although expatriates in Nigeria have traditionally only been the target of kidnappings in the Niger Delta, and to date have been released without harm, the shooting dead of two US citizens working for ChevronTexaco in an ambush in the Delta in April 2004 was a worrying development. Since then, the incident has not been repeated (bar what seems to be an isolated shooting of an expatriate worker in Port Harcourt in May 2006 which seems to have been a personal vendetta), and it seems increasingly likely that it was just a one-off, but if tensions were to rise markedly a repeat cannot be ruled out. Vandalism of company equipment and infrastructure is also common which can have important safety implications.
Unrest in the Delta region persists (High Risk)
There has been a major upsurge in clashes between various gangs and ethnic groups in the crucial oil producing Delta region following the disputed April 2003 elections and this now seems set to increase sharply in the run up to the April 2007 elections. Although many gangs claim to be fighting for the rights of the poor and indigenous inhabitants in the region, many are little more than criminal groups. Inter-gang fighting has led to an increase in violent clashes, which often spill over into wider violence. The situation has been compounded by the high global oil price which has made stealing oil more lucrative and because the government has increased its battle against corruption in the Delta region which has raised the political stakes. The situation has also become more worrying in the last year with the recent emergence of a new group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). This seems to be more organised than many previous groups, as shown by its ability to detonate a number of car bombs and the kidnapping of larger groups of expatriate workers. Shell, one of the leading oil companies working in the region, has already announced plans to significantly step up security provision to its workers in the region for the coming year and any company operating in the region, or in Port Harcourt would be well advised to think carefully about security issues. Another side of the growing lawlessness is the problem of piracy in Nigerian waters. Most attacks on vessels are in the area around the mouth of the Niger river and are related to the illegal trade in oil. Any firm working in the region, or just offshore, is strongly advised to ensure that its security policy assumes the worst if a boat is missing for a prolonged period.
Firms see premises and equipment stolen or vandalised (High Risk)
Vandalism of company equipment and infrastructure is common throughout the country and will continue to have an adverse impact on the cost of operations. Most business premises are heavily fenced (with considerable barbed wire at a minimum on high fences) and most companies either employ a security company to guard premises, or directly employ their own security guards. They also carry high stock levels of equipment to ensure that damaged equipment can be quickly repaired and operations re-started (this is especially the case if the goods need to be imported, with all the associated delays at the ports).
Individuals are victims of armed robbery (High Risk)
Although the government has increased spending on the police in recent years, the police force is still very poorly paid, inefficient and highly corrupt. Meanwhile, armed robbery is a problem, especially on most major roads in the country (some roads are more notorious than others). Cars are either stopped by measures which cause a tyre puncture (nails in orange skins left in the road, for example) or by roadblocks (criminal groups often wear official police or army uniforms to dupe drivers into stopping). Employing an experienced driver able to spot suspicious roadblocks and able to tell whether a puncture is likely to have been caused by sabotage is advisable. Mobile phone theft is widespread and you are advised to simply give over the phone if confronted. Being caught in the police crossfire at an incident is also a concern. A recent Human Rights Watch report estimated that 3,100 people where killed in gunfights with the police in 2003. As if to emphasise the potential dangers, a dispute between a police and army officer in Lagos in October 2005, led to a running gunfight and three civilian deaths.
BACKGROUND
(Background material is updated twice yearly. Last update: June 12th, 2006)
Armed conflict
It is estimated that at least 50,000 people have been killed in various incidents of ethnic, religious and communal violence since the return to civilian rule in May 1999. This gives Nigeria a casualty rate from internal conflict that is one of the highest in the world--and the country is not fighting a civil war. Although most of the conflicts have been between civilians, there have also been some serious clashes between security forces and civilians and militants.
Unrest and kidnapping
Probably the most serious challenge to the governments authority has come from rebellious groups in the oil-producing Niger Delta. Since the mid-1990s a number of militant groups, angry at their peoples political alienation and economic exploitation, have waged an increasingly violent struggle against the state and multinational oil companies operating in the area. The most high profile of these is probably the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force. Fighting between the various groups and with the Nigerian military has led to the deaths of thousands of people. In 2004, with the fighting between various gangs escalating, the government substantially increased its military presence in the region. In addition, it has sought to agree ceasefires between the various groups and with the government itself. Whether these will hold for a prolonged period remains unclear, given the complex nature of conflict in the region and the lack of progress with promoting economic development. To date, none of the groups organising the protests have coalesced into a coherent political force.
In addition to the fighting between groups, oil facilities and their personnel have been targeted by militant youths from disgruntled communities trying to squeeze money, jobs and social amenities from wealthy, though vulnerable, oil multi-nationals. An increasing number of oil workers have been kidnapped, including foreigners who work in isolated areas in the difficult-to-police swampy terrain of the Niger Delta. Oil workers are usually seized in large groups from isolated locations, held for short periods and freed unharmed. In the case of Shell, the number of community-related disruptions (which include the closure of production facilities, seizure of assets, blockade of access and disruption of drilling activities) increased by 10% to 176 in 2004, compared with 2003. Armed gangs also stole crude oil from the company, although the number of such incidents fell by 20%, to 71, in 2004.
In other parts of the south, ethnic nationalist groups have sprung up in recent years, reflecting a growing feeling of frustration with central government and the political domination of the numerically superior north. The authorities have been unable to contain militant nationalist groups, such as the Yoruba separatist movement, the Oodua Peoples Congress, the Ijaw Egbesu in the Niger Delta, the Bakassi Boys in the south-east and the Arewa Peoples Congress in the north, all of whom are linked to ethnic disturbances and anti-government activities. Many of these groups are well armed. Although the aggression of Nigerias militant groups is usually directed at the failures of post-independence nation-building, outbreaks of ethnic-religious fighting, particularly in cities, could increase the sense of insecurity for foreign residents.
The worst fighting of ethno-religious origin, that between mainly Christian local farmers and predominantly Muslim settler herdsmen, has taken place in the middle-belt Plateau State, where, according to an official report, nearly 54,000 people died in sectarian clashes between September 2001 and May 2004. Acts of violence involving Christians and Muslims also followed the introduction of Sharia (Islamic law) in 12 predominantly Muslim states in the north. In February and May 2000 more than 2,000 people were reported killed in clashes in Kaduna over plans to introduce Sharia in a state with a large Christian minority. This was the worst incident of religious violence since more than 4,000 people were killed in the uprising of the Maitatsine cult in Kano in 1980. In November 2002 more than 200 people died in religious riots in Kaduna sparked by the aborted Miss World contest in the capital, Abuja. In May 2004, a state of emergency was imposed in Plateau State to quell ethnic-religious fighting that had caused the deaths of at least 1,000 people. In December 2003 and September 2004 security forces clashed with self-styled Taliban Islamic militants who attacked police stations in the northern states of Borno and Yobe; these groups have sought to exploit local grassroots discontent with the perceived failings of the secular federal government.
Violent crime
Violent robbery has been a major problem in Nigeria since the emerging oil boom of the 1970s raised expectations of quick wealth among different classes of the population. Over the years the criminals have become increasingly brutal, better armed, audacious and contemptuous of Nigerias ill-equipped police force, which has been ineffective in stemming the crime wave. Rich and poor communities in urban areas have been terrorised by armed robbers, and households and companies have had to install elaborate security systems to protect themselves against attacks. The police have intensified their campaign against violent crime. According to the crime statistics of the Lagos State Police Command, 287 armed robbers were killed in 2002 in Nigerias commercial capital, compared with 257 in 2001. The statistics showed that 34 civilians were killed in 2002 compared with 70 in 2001, whereas 45policemen died in shoot-outs with armed bandits, up from 16 in 2001. There is roughly one policeman to every 1,300 citizens in Nigeria, compared with the UN-recommended ratio of 1:400. However, the shortage of resources has not been the only constraint on the fight against crime: some police and soldiers have participated in crime themselves, including setting up illegal roadblocks.
Organised crime
Nigeria has in recent years become synonymous with organised drug-trafficking groups, international prostitution networks, money-laundering and 419 scams. (419 scams involve unsolicited letters being sent to individuals to ask for the use of a bank account and for money to be sent to Nigeria to help to release funds, of which a percentage will then be paid to the person who has helped to release the funds. The person receives nothing. The swindle is named after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code.) Although each is a problem in its own right, together they do not pose a specific threat to conducting business in Nigeria. The civilian government is committed to tackling all these problems--in November 2003 the president, Olusegun Obasanjo, inaugurated a committee headed by his national security adviser to fight 419 internet fraud--but it is constrained by lack of resources and other more pressing problems. Progress is likely to be slow.
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/06/14/1683314.htm
enough
Oil worker deaths ‘could have been avoided’
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/64042.html
AT NO TIME does this 'Risk Assessment' ever value the lives of citizens of Nigeria. Never once are the oil personnel at fault. There is no accountability for the deaths the oil companies caused in slaughtering villiages of Nigerians. This discussion is REMOVED from anything except 'cautioning' the dangers of the Nigerian oil supply. It is cold and produced to be calculating AGAINST the citizenry of Nigeria. Amnesty International also makes an example of some of the severe laws of the government. That severity 'lends' to the conflict between business and citizens. That severity enables the government to oppress and victimize people against their will. These are simple people. They seek nothing from oil. They want to live in peace on their land.
The situation in the oil-producing Delta region deteriorated; women seized several oil flow stations to demand jobs and proper compensation for land acquisition and for environmental damage caused by oil companies.
http://web.amnesty.org/report2003/nga-summary-eng
June 14, 2006]
Nigeria risk: Security risk
(RiskWire Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
COUNTRY BRIEFING
FROM THE ECONOMIST INTELLIGENCE UNIT
RISK RATINGS
SUMMARY
Nigeria is an insecure environment for commercial operations. Security risk arises on three levels. The first comes from the high level of violent crime. This can be simple armed robbery (especially of mobile phones), but can also involve car jacking and violent attacks. The risk is especially common when travelling between major cities. Second, companies can be subjected to direct attack or blackmail. This occurs overwhelmingly in the oil producing states and is directed at multinational oil companies, where facilities can be vandalised and staff kidnapped. Third, incidences of inter-communal violence have risen since the return to civilian rule. While foreigners are not usually the direct object of attack in such cases, incidents can quickly spiral out of control and engulf bystanders. In a recent government survey, 80% of companies cited the lack of security for their staff and property as a serious constraint on business.
SCENARIOS
Oil firms suffer kidnapping of staff and vandalism against premises (High Risk)
Kidnapping of staff and vandalism against premises and oil producing infrastructure is commonplace in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states (the heart of so-called Delta region), which are the centre of Nigerias onshore oil industry. Shell estimates that around 50-70 members of staff are kidnapped every year. Although most are usually released unharmed once a ransom is paid or concessions agreed with the local community, the experience may be traumatic and employers should consider training staff on how best to cope with being abducted. Although expatriates in Nigeria have traditionally only been the target of kidnappings in the Niger Delta, and to date have been released without harm, the shooting dead of two US citizens working for ChevronTexaco in an ambush in the Delta in April 2004 was a worrying development. Since then, the incident has not been repeated (bar what seems to be an isolated shooting of an expatriate worker in Port Harcourt in May 2006 which seems to have been a personal vendetta), and it seems increasingly likely that it was just a one-off, but if tensions were to rise markedly a repeat cannot be ruled out. Vandalism of company equipment and infrastructure is also common which can have important safety implications.
Unrest in the Delta region persists (High Risk)
There has been a major upsurge in clashes between various gangs and ethnic groups in the crucial oil producing Delta region following the disputed April 2003 elections and this now seems set to increase sharply in the run up to the April 2007 elections. Although many gangs claim to be fighting for the rights of the poor and indigenous inhabitants in the region, many are little more than criminal groups. Inter-gang fighting has led to an increase in violent clashes, which often spill over into wider violence. The situation has been compounded by the high global oil price which has made stealing oil more lucrative and because the government has increased its battle against corruption in the Delta region which has raised the political stakes. The situation has also become more worrying in the last year with the recent emergence of a new group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). This seems to be more organised than many previous groups, as shown by its ability to detonate a number of car bombs and the kidnapping of larger groups of expatriate workers. Shell, one of the leading oil companies working in the region, has already announced plans to significantly step up security provision to its workers in the region for the coming year and any company operating in the region, or in Port Harcourt would be well advised to think carefully about security issues. Another side of the growing lawlessness is the problem of piracy in Nigerian waters. Most attacks on vessels are in the area around the mouth of the Niger river and are related to the illegal trade in oil. Any firm working in the region, or just offshore, is strongly advised to ensure that its security policy assumes the worst if a boat is missing for a prolonged period.
Firms see premises and equipment stolen or vandalised (High Risk)
Vandalism of company equipment and infrastructure is common throughout the country and will continue to have an adverse impact on the cost of operations. Most business premises are heavily fenced (with considerable barbed wire at a minimum on high fences) and most companies either employ a security company to guard premises, or directly employ their own security guards. They also carry high stock levels of equipment to ensure that damaged equipment can be quickly repaired and operations re-started (this is especially the case if the goods need to be imported, with all the associated delays at the ports).
Individuals are victims of armed robbery (High Risk)
Although the government has increased spending on the police in recent years, the police force is still very poorly paid, inefficient and highly corrupt. Meanwhile, armed robbery is a problem, especially on most major roads in the country (some roads are more notorious than others). Cars are either stopped by measures which cause a tyre puncture (nails in orange skins left in the road, for example) or by roadblocks (criminal groups often wear official police or army uniforms to dupe drivers into stopping). Employing an experienced driver able to spot suspicious roadblocks and able to tell whether a puncture is likely to have been caused by sabotage is advisable. Mobile phone theft is widespread and you are advised to simply give over the phone if confronted. Being caught in the police crossfire at an incident is also a concern. A recent Human Rights Watch report estimated that 3,100 people where killed in gunfights with the police in 2003. As if to emphasise the potential dangers, a dispute between a police and army officer in Lagos in October 2005, led to a running gunfight and three civilian deaths.
BACKGROUND
(Background material is updated twice yearly. Last update: June 12th, 2006)
Armed conflict
It is estimated that at least 50,000 people have been killed in various incidents of ethnic, religious and communal violence since the return to civilian rule in May 1999. This gives Nigeria a casualty rate from internal conflict that is one of the highest in the world--and the country is not fighting a civil war. Although most of the conflicts have been between civilians, there have also been some serious clashes between security forces and civilians and militants.
Unrest and kidnapping
Probably the most serious challenge to the governments authority has come from rebellious groups in the oil-producing Niger Delta. Since the mid-1990s a number of militant groups, angry at their peoples political alienation and economic exploitation, have waged an increasingly violent struggle against the state and multinational oil companies operating in the area. The most high profile of these is probably the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force. Fighting between the various groups and with the Nigerian military has led to the deaths of thousands of people. In 2004, with the fighting between various gangs escalating, the government substantially increased its military presence in the region. In addition, it has sought to agree ceasefires between the various groups and with the government itself. Whether these will hold for a prolonged period remains unclear, given the complex nature of conflict in the region and the lack of progress with promoting economic development. To date, none of the groups organising the protests have coalesced into a coherent political force.
In addition to the fighting between groups, oil facilities and their personnel have been targeted by militant youths from disgruntled communities trying to squeeze money, jobs and social amenities from wealthy, though vulnerable, oil multi-nationals. An increasing number of oil workers have been kidnapped, including foreigners who work in isolated areas in the difficult-to-police swampy terrain of the Niger Delta. Oil workers are usually seized in large groups from isolated locations, held for short periods and freed unharmed. In the case of Shell, the number of community-related disruptions (which include the closure of production facilities, seizure of assets, blockade of access and disruption of drilling activities) increased by 10% to 176 in 2004, compared with 2003. Armed gangs also stole crude oil from the company, although the number of such incidents fell by 20%, to 71, in 2004.
In other parts of the south, ethnic nationalist groups have sprung up in recent years, reflecting a growing feeling of frustration with central government and the political domination of the numerically superior north. The authorities have been unable to contain militant nationalist groups, such as the Yoruba separatist movement, the Oodua Peoples Congress, the Ijaw Egbesu in the Niger Delta, the Bakassi Boys in the south-east and the Arewa Peoples Congress in the north, all of whom are linked to ethnic disturbances and anti-government activities. Many of these groups are well armed. Although the aggression of Nigerias militant groups is usually directed at the failures of post-independence nation-building, outbreaks of ethnic-religious fighting, particularly in cities, could increase the sense of insecurity for foreign residents.
The worst fighting of ethno-religious origin, that between mainly Christian local farmers and predominantly Muslim settler herdsmen, has taken place in the middle-belt Plateau State, where, according to an official report, nearly 54,000 people died in sectarian clashes between September 2001 and May 2004. Acts of violence involving Christians and Muslims also followed the introduction of Sharia (Islamic law) in 12 predominantly Muslim states in the north. In February and May 2000 more than 2,000 people were reported killed in clashes in Kaduna over plans to introduce Sharia in a state with a large Christian minority. This was the worst incident of religious violence since more than 4,000 people were killed in the uprising of the Maitatsine cult in Kano in 1980. In November 2002 more than 200 people died in religious riots in Kaduna sparked by the aborted Miss World contest in the capital, Abuja. In May 2004, a state of emergency was imposed in Plateau State to quell ethnic-religious fighting that had caused the deaths of at least 1,000 people. In December 2003 and September 2004 security forces clashed with self-styled Taliban Islamic militants who attacked police stations in the northern states of Borno and Yobe; these groups have sought to exploit local grassroots discontent with the perceived failings of the secular federal government.
Violent crime
Violent robbery has been a major problem in Nigeria since the emerging oil boom of the 1970s raised expectations of quick wealth among different classes of the population. Over the years the criminals have become increasingly brutal, better armed, audacious and contemptuous of Nigerias ill-equipped police force, which has been ineffective in stemming the crime wave. Rich and poor communities in urban areas have been terrorised by armed robbers, and households and companies have had to install elaborate security systems to protect themselves against attacks. The police have intensified their campaign against violent crime. According to the crime statistics of the Lagos State Police Command, 287 armed robbers were killed in 2002 in Nigerias commercial capital, compared with 257 in 2001. The statistics showed that 34 civilians were killed in 2002 compared with 70 in 2001, whereas 45policemen died in shoot-outs with armed bandits, up from 16 in 2001. There is roughly one policeman to every 1,300 citizens in Nigeria, compared with the UN-recommended ratio of 1:400. However, the shortage of resources has not been the only constraint on the fight against crime: some police and soldiers have participated in crime themselves, including setting up illegal roadblocks.
Organised crime
Nigeria has in recent years become synonymous with organised drug-trafficking groups, international prostitution networks, money-laundering and 419 scams. (419 scams involve unsolicited letters being sent to individuals to ask for the use of a bank account and for money to be sent to Nigeria to help to release funds, of which a percentage will then be paid to the person who has helped to release the funds. The person receives nothing. The swindle is named after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code.) Although each is a problem in its own right, together they do not pose a specific threat to conducting business in Nigeria. The civilian government is committed to tackling all these problems--in November 2003 the president, Olusegun Obasanjo, inaugurated a committee headed by his national security adviser to fight 419 internet fraud--but it is constrained by lack of resources and other more pressing problems. Progress is likely to be slow.
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/06/14/1683314.htm
enough
Friday, June 16, 2006
Iraqis have never been great soldiers.
1000
Anderson and Count Frankenstein can't stay honest themselves and they are going to keep others honest?
1001
The Dam Has Broken.
The House FINALLY faces 'reality.'
It's coming around.
"A healthy venting."
Finally. Let's get this over with.
Maxine Waters is correct, it's an election year mess. John Kerry rules !!
1005
Dennis is and has been right. He's right, the invasion has 'branded' this country as an aggressor nation. The mission is already complete. Saddam Hussein is removed from power. There are no weapons of mass destruction. There is no winning the war. The people of Iraq aren't going to capitulate for a democracy to the extent everyone wants to believe in this country. They follow their holy men. Iraqis have NEVER been great soldiers and given the anger they feel toward this country's military while oppressed into service we better hope they don't get better at being soldiers so much aa people who follow their religious leaders. There is no winning in Iraq.
Okay. DEFINE WINNING.
"You don't think this won't be all over the television in the Arabian nations tomorrow?"
So, what?
I would hope so. At least they know all the people in this country aren't war mongers.
THE WAR against al Qaeda is in Afghanistan. I think the Republicans are confused.
With 2500 dead Americans and over 15 thousand maimed Americans, I don't believe any one is going to come home 'happily.' The Republicans aren't capable of leadership. They are only capable of politics. They don't care about National Security, They care about their own security at the cost of the nation.
1011
"We believe this is the end of al Qaeda in Iraq." They just named a new leader. Let's say it is, then what? There is still a Civil War. The USA better not enter into ethnic cleansing. If they do they are doing the work of Iran without Iran raising a finger or falling under scrutiny. This is hideous.
You know what was really hideous on CNN? When Zarqawi was killed they showed all of SIX people leaping in joy with guns and the like. SIX PEOPLE. Not crowds. Not the masses of people. SIX PEOPLE. They did it not once but over and over and over again., all day long.
Who needs it? This is some of the most moronic crap I have ever heard including the Republican rant.
enough.
Anderson and Count Frankenstein can't stay honest themselves and they are going to keep others honest?
1001
The Dam Has Broken.
The House FINALLY faces 'reality.'
It's coming around.
"A healthy venting."
Finally. Let's get this over with.
Maxine Waters is correct, it's an election year mess. John Kerry rules !!
1005
Dennis is and has been right. He's right, the invasion has 'branded' this country as an aggressor nation. The mission is already complete. Saddam Hussein is removed from power. There are no weapons of mass destruction. There is no winning the war. The people of Iraq aren't going to capitulate for a democracy to the extent everyone wants to believe in this country. They follow their holy men. Iraqis have NEVER been great soldiers and given the anger they feel toward this country's military while oppressed into service we better hope they don't get better at being soldiers so much aa people who follow their religious leaders. There is no winning in Iraq.
Okay. DEFINE WINNING.
"You don't think this won't be all over the television in the Arabian nations tomorrow?"
So, what?
I would hope so. At least they know all the people in this country aren't war mongers.
THE WAR against al Qaeda is in Afghanistan. I think the Republicans are confused.
With 2500 dead Americans and over 15 thousand maimed Americans, I don't believe any one is going to come home 'happily.' The Republicans aren't capable of leadership. They are only capable of politics. They don't care about National Security, They care about their own security at the cost of the nation.
1011
"We believe this is the end of al Qaeda in Iraq." They just named a new leader. Let's say it is, then what? There is still a Civil War. The USA better not enter into ethnic cleansing. If they do they are doing the work of Iran without Iran raising a finger or falling under scrutiny. This is hideous.
You know what was really hideous on CNN? When Zarqawi was killed they showed all of SIX people leaping in joy with guns and the like. SIX PEOPLE. Not crowds. Not the masses of people. SIX PEOPLE. They did it not once but over and over and over again., all day long.
Who needs it? This is some of the most moronic crap I have ever heard including the Republican rant.
enough.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Anderson Cooper has reason to be nervous. He's on the "W"rong side of the debate !
There is a question about the misuse of American Assets to secure this nation? I don't think so, Anderson !
Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney has SPREAD and PROPAGATED the "Global War on Terror." Their administration is an abject failure for five full years.
enough
June 10, 2006.
North Cove, Washington.
Maybe Anderson will visit the disasterous erosion of the Washington Coast after repeated storms and erosion.
Photographer states :: Significant erosion has impact this small ocean front community on the pacific ocean in Washington state. this on going phenomena has claimed, homes, the light house and cemetery established in the late 1800�s for pioneer settlers. The home in the photo had between 10-15 feet of front yard on oct 6 2005 ( 35 weeks ago)
The Spin Machine is spinning it's wheels again.
1000
Anderson is wishing on more spin the this adminstration is still a favorable one. You know Anderson I don't get it. You stand up for the victims of Katrina over and over yet there is no justice for the highest death toll do to a major storm EVER in history. Talk about two faced. This adminstration allowed the death of thousands and you promote them all the more.
MEPs divided over CIA report13.06.2006 - 09:54 CET By Helena SpongenbergEUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The CIA was "directly responsible" for abduction, detention and rendition of terror suspects in Europe and member states "may be held liable" for failure to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights, according to European lawmakers.MEPs in the temporary committee on alleged CIA renditions issued the text which stated it is "implausible...that certain European governments were not aware of the activities linked to extraordinary rendition taking place on their territory."
The committee adopted the interim report by a majority of 25 members against 14 with seven MEPs abstaining. The whole of the parliament is due to vote on the report at the beginning of July."I am happy that the majority of MEPs on this committee support the report," said Swedish MEP Cecelia Malmstrom in a statement."But it is strange and surprising that the [centre-right] EPP-ED members continue to deny what the rest of the world acknowledges: that illegal renditions do take place in Europe, that international conventions have been breached and that European citizens have been tortured with the awareness of European governments," she stated."Why don't the EPP members trust [US secretary of state] Condolezza Rice who has confirmed that these renditions have taken place in Europe?" Ms Malmstrom asked.
http://euobserver.com/9/21835
1011
Same article, just proof that the word about Condi Rice's knowledge regarding 'extraodinary rendition' is valid. NSA. I am sure all those given a free ticket to torture by the NSA had their communications tapped. It's interesting, but, in the Senate hearings regarding the nomination of General Hayden this subject NEVER came up. Conveniently forgotten.
EU-CIA report faces parliamentary storm
MEP’s report into allegations of illegal CIA activity is set to hit troubled waters when it is debated in plenary next month.
On Monday rapporteur Claudio Fava MEP had difficulty getting his interim report secured in committee.
The Italian faced nearly 200 last-minute amendments that had to be debated before the committee approved the final text.
The interim report was eventually agreed to- with 25 votes in favour, 14 against and seven abstentions.
“I am happy that the majority of MEPs on this committee support the report. But it is strange and surprising that the EPP-ED members continue to deny what the rest of the world acknowledges,” ALDE MEPs said in a statement on Monday.
“Illegal renditions do take place in Europe, international conventions have been breached and European citizens have been tortured with the awareness of European governments."
"Why don't the EPP members trust Condolezza Rice who has confirmed that these renditions have taken place in Europe?"
http://www.eupolitix.com/EN/News/200606/b77df002-4848-4ebf-bd3b-ab23eaf159ac.htm
1021
The news secretary.
1022
commercials
IT would seem all the money the Indian tribes spent on Jack Abramoff didn't get them off the hook for environmental issues after all.
Seneca Gaming official denies hazard exists
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060613/1044530.asp
Federal environmental officials installed a half-dozen air sampling machines near the H-O Oats silos Monday, trying to learn if airborne asbestos is escaping from the demolition site where the Seneca Nation of Indians plans to build its Buffalo Creek Casino.
Technicians from the Environmental Protection Agency placed air pumps at the Lofts at Elk Terminal, directly across Perry Street from the silos, as well as the public housing at the nearby Perry Homes and Perry Annex.
Jeffrey Bechtel, the EPA official who came to Buffalo on Saturday at the county's request and ordered an emergency crew to fly in Sunday for testing, said the EPA's air sampling may settle the question.
1026
While Anderson is showing the access from Mexico of drug economies into the USA, the president selling out USA Security by underming USA airlines to foreign investors.
U.S. Airline Industry: Not for SaleTuesday June 13, 5:48 pm ET
Blocked at U.S. Ports, Foreign Capital Comes After U.S. Airlines
Flight Attendants Launch Massive Grassroots Effort to Save U.S. Aviation
CHICAGO, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Directly in line with the Dubai ports deal, the Bush Administration bypassed Congress and arbitrarily set a rule that changes long-standing aviation law to allow foreign control of U.S. airlines and their operations. United Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, AFA-CWA, AFL-CIO, has launched a massive grassroots campaign to protect U.S. aviation. United Master Executive Council (MEC) President Greg Davidowitch made the following statement about the critical call to action to save U.S. aviation:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060613/dctu073.html?.v=29
1037
commercials
1040
Is this any way to secure a country? By Miriam Pemberton and Lawrence Korb
This is what passes for a security debate in the halls of Congress these days. The House and Senate Armed Services committees are on track to hand the president the 460-odd-billion-dollar military budget he asked for, give or take a billion or two.His political troubles are emboldening them to raise a few objections along the way. The House committee expressed “strong concerns about the escalating costs of military platforms” (planes, ships, tanks).Such platforms would clearly include the V-22 Osprey helicopter, which, despite two decades and $18 billion already spent in development, is not yet operational. The Army no longer wants it. The Armed Services committees don’t seem to care; they noted their concerns and fully funded the program anyway.
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/Comment/OpEd/061306_oped2.html
1053
Anderson is wishing on more spin the this adminstration is still a favorable one. You know Anderson I don't get it. You stand up for the victims of Katrina over and over yet there is no justice for the highest death toll do to a major storm EVER in history. Talk about two faced. This adminstration allowed the death of thousands and you promote them all the more.
MEPs divided over CIA report13.06.2006 - 09:54 CET By Helena SpongenbergEUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The CIA was "directly responsible" for abduction, detention and rendition of terror suspects in Europe and member states "may be held liable" for failure to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights, according to European lawmakers.MEPs in the temporary committee on alleged CIA renditions issued the text which stated it is "implausible...that certain European governments were not aware of the activities linked to extraordinary rendition taking place on their territory."
The committee adopted the interim report by a majority of 25 members against 14 with seven MEPs abstaining. The whole of the parliament is due to vote on the report at the beginning of July."I am happy that the majority of MEPs on this committee support the report," said Swedish MEP Cecelia Malmstrom in a statement."But it is strange and surprising that the [centre-right] EPP-ED members continue to deny what the rest of the world acknowledges: that illegal renditions do take place in Europe, that international conventions have been breached and that European citizens have been tortured with the awareness of European governments," she stated."Why don't the EPP members trust [US secretary of state] Condolezza Rice who has confirmed that these renditions have taken place in Europe?" Ms Malmstrom asked.
http://euobserver.com/9/21835
1011
Same article, just proof that the word about Condi Rice's knowledge regarding 'extraodinary rendition' is valid. NSA. I am sure all those given a free ticket to torture by the NSA had their communications tapped. It's interesting, but, in the Senate hearings regarding the nomination of General Hayden this subject NEVER came up. Conveniently forgotten.
EU-CIA report faces parliamentary storm
MEP’s report into allegations of illegal CIA activity is set to hit troubled waters when it is debated in plenary next month.
On Monday rapporteur Claudio Fava MEP had difficulty getting his interim report secured in committee.
The Italian faced nearly 200 last-minute amendments that had to be debated before the committee approved the final text.
The interim report was eventually agreed to- with 25 votes in favour, 14 against and seven abstentions.
“I am happy that the majority of MEPs on this committee support the report. But it is strange and surprising that the EPP-ED members continue to deny what the rest of the world acknowledges,” ALDE MEPs said in a statement on Monday.
“Illegal renditions do take place in Europe, international conventions have been breached and European citizens have been tortured with the awareness of European governments."
"Why don't the EPP members trust Condolezza Rice who has confirmed that these renditions have taken place in Europe?"
http://www.eupolitix.com/EN/News/200606/b77df002-4848-4ebf-bd3b-ab23eaf159ac.htm
1021
The news secretary.
1022
commercials
IT would seem all the money the Indian tribes spent on Jack Abramoff didn't get them off the hook for environmental issues after all.
Seneca Gaming official denies hazard exists
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060613/1044530.asp
Federal environmental officials installed a half-dozen air sampling machines near the H-O Oats silos Monday, trying to learn if airborne asbestos is escaping from the demolition site where the Seneca Nation of Indians plans to build its Buffalo Creek Casino.
Technicians from the Environmental Protection Agency placed air pumps at the Lofts at Elk Terminal, directly across Perry Street from the silos, as well as the public housing at the nearby Perry Homes and Perry Annex.
Jeffrey Bechtel, the EPA official who came to Buffalo on Saturday at the county's request and ordered an emergency crew to fly in Sunday for testing, said the EPA's air sampling may settle the question.
1026
While Anderson is showing the access from Mexico of drug economies into the USA, the president selling out USA Security by underming USA airlines to foreign investors.
U.S. Airline Industry: Not for SaleTuesday June 13, 5:48 pm ET
Blocked at U.S. Ports, Foreign Capital Comes After U.S. Airlines
Flight Attendants Launch Massive Grassroots Effort to Save U.S. Aviation
CHICAGO, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Directly in line with the Dubai ports deal, the Bush Administration bypassed Congress and arbitrarily set a rule that changes long-standing aviation law to allow foreign control of U.S. airlines and their operations. United Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants, AFA-CWA, AFL-CIO, has launched a massive grassroots campaign to protect U.S. aviation. United Master Executive Council (MEC) President Greg Davidowitch made the following statement about the critical call to action to save U.S. aviation:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060613/dctu073.html?.v=29
1037
commercials
1040
Is this any way to secure a country? By Miriam Pemberton and Lawrence Korb
This is what passes for a security debate in the halls of Congress these days. The House and Senate Armed Services committees are on track to hand the president the 460-odd-billion-dollar military budget he asked for, give or take a billion or two.His political troubles are emboldening them to raise a few objections along the way. The House committee expressed “strong concerns about the escalating costs of military platforms” (planes, ships, tanks).Such platforms would clearly include the V-22 Osprey helicopter, which, despite two decades and $18 billion already spent in development, is not yet operational. The Army no longer wants it. The Armed Services committees don’t seem to care; they noted their concerns and fully funded the program anyway.
http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/Comment/OpEd/061306_oped2.html
1053
The News Secretary.
Anderson has been out peddling his book. I wonder where the proceeds are going. He hasn't said. A Katraina Fund perhaps. He should say where all that money is going. Perhaps pet shelters on the Gulf Coast.
Anderson Cooper's Book Hits Top Spot On New York Times Bestseller ListJune 13, 2006 5:39 p.m. EST
Julie Farby - All Headline News Staff Writer
(AHN)-Anderson Cooper's mix of memoir and reportage "Dispatches From the Edge," will hit the top spot on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list this week. The book displaces "Marley and Me," the bestseller about a recalcitrant dog, and leapfrogs Tim Russert's collection "Wisdom of Our Fathers."
Cooper's current achievement marks the first time in a while that a journalist sits atop the list. Two years ago, Tom Brokaw did it with "The Greatest Generation," but that book wasn't a memoir and had the advantage of a glitzy premise.
According to the Variety report, part of the reason for Cooper's sales bonanza is he has been marketing the book on "AC360" in the context of news stories related to Katrina. Besides, Cooper's appearance on Oprah-which certainly helped propel book sales-more than a thousand fans lined up to see the anchor and have books signed at a Gotham Barnes and Noble last week.
Meanwhile, Cooper's fortunes also are turning around on the tube. After an April in which his ratings were down 36 percent in the 25-54 demo for the 10 p.m. slot compared with a year ago, May saw a jump of 24 percent.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7003899911
1055
Bob Woodruff is back. Very nice.
enough.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Anderson is on extended leave.
1015
John Robert's credentials gives him more experience with the subject of weather and a wider experience than Anderson.
1018
This is old news about al Zarqawi. It was a 'concussion' blow by high explosives. Everything about the physical appearance of his head even looks like concussion. The 'bruising' under the eye lid is bleeding into the socket. The blood at the nose. I never thought for one minute the USA military 'fought' with the man.
1021
The News Secretary
Saud Satisfied With Iran TalksAgencies
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=83676&d=13&m=6&y=2006
TEHRAN, 13 June 2006 — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said yesterday he hoped for a speedy resolution of the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program. “We hope this crisis is solved as soon as possible,” he told a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki.
Saud said he was satisfied with what Mottaki had told him about the nuclear file. “He told me that Iran has a positive view and is examining the content of the proposals” offered to Tehran, he added.
Britain, France, Germany, the United States, Russia and China last week offered Iran incentives and multilateral talks if it agreed to freeze uranium enrichment, at the center of fears the country could acquire atomic weapons.
1026
A look at U.S. military deaths in Iraq
Associated Press
As of Monday, June 12, 2006, at least 2,499 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 1,965 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
The AP count is six more than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Monday at 10 a.m. EDT.
The British military has reported 113 deaths; Italy, 32; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 17; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Slovakia, Denmark three; El Salvador, Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each.
1036
commercials
1039
Two children among dead in Iraq raid
http://www.cbc.ca/storyview/MSN/world/national/2006/06/12/iraq-raid-monday.html
Nine people — including two children —are dead after a raid on a house northeast of Baghdad, coalition forces said Monday.
The raid happened in the city of Baqouba, in the same area where insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed last Wednesday, and was one of 140 military operations carried out in the wake of his death.
The military said coalition forces came under heavy machine-gun fire from a rooftop.
Coalition aircraft attacked the building, heavily damaging the house and destroying nearby vehicles.
1041
I never 'bought' the idea about sunscreen either. Maybe it's living in a coastal city, but, the sun is respected. It's not 'sun SHINE.' It is solar radiation. Human beings destroyed the ozone layer. What's to say? If human bieng pollution can destroy the ozone layer,they can also destroy the benevolent planet, Earth through Human Induced Global Warming.
What bothers me is that I don't know the components of the propellant of the spray on variety. There has also been a very negative 'shift' in the ozone layer this year. I would not put it past Bush to 'pull' a fast one and ignore Internatioanl Laws and laugh in the faceof them allowing American Manufacturers to go back to CFCs. Wouldn't doubt it for a minute.
The 'guidelines' of sunscreen have always been conservative in this house. Frequent application has always been the rule of thumb.. The SPF number isn't a guarantee of protection to all people in the same way. All it means is that if one person 'burns' after fifteen minutes in strong sun, the lotion is supposed to supposed to prolong that times upto 15 times. A lotion cannot dictate 'the sun penetrance' from day to day. It's a silly concept. I never take safety that frivilously. The companies though, don't have a case. I knew better. The average public did not and 'trusted' them. They'll have to pay in a class action suit. Too bad.
1050
I am saying good night.
enough
John Robert's credentials gives him more experience with the subject of weather and a wider experience than Anderson.
1018
This is old news about al Zarqawi. It was a 'concussion' blow by high explosives. Everything about the physical appearance of his head even looks like concussion. The 'bruising' under the eye lid is bleeding into the socket. The blood at the nose. I never thought for one minute the USA military 'fought' with the man.
1021
The News Secretary
Saud Satisfied With Iran TalksAgencies
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=83676&d=13&m=6&y=2006
TEHRAN, 13 June 2006 — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said yesterday he hoped for a speedy resolution of the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program. “We hope this crisis is solved as soon as possible,” he told a joint news conference with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki.
Saud said he was satisfied with what Mottaki had told him about the nuclear file. “He told me that Iran has a positive view and is examining the content of the proposals” offered to Tehran, he added.
Britain, France, Germany, the United States, Russia and China last week offered Iran incentives and multilateral talks if it agreed to freeze uranium enrichment, at the center of fears the country could acquire atomic weapons.
1026
A look at U.S. military deaths in Iraq
Associated Press
As of Monday, June 12, 2006, at least 2,499 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 1,965 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.
The AP count is six more than the Defense Department's tally, last updated Monday at 10 a.m. EDT.
The British military has reported 113 deaths; Italy, 32; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 17; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Slovakia, Denmark three; El Salvador, Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each.
1036
commercials
1039
Two children among dead in Iraq raid
http://www.cbc.ca/storyview/MSN/world/national/2006/06/12/iraq-raid-monday.html
Nine people — including two children —are dead after a raid on a house northeast of Baghdad, coalition forces said Monday.
The raid happened in the city of Baqouba, in the same area where insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was killed last Wednesday, and was one of 140 military operations carried out in the wake of his death.
The military said coalition forces came under heavy machine-gun fire from a rooftop.
Coalition aircraft attacked the building, heavily damaging the house and destroying nearby vehicles.
1041
I never 'bought' the idea about sunscreen either. Maybe it's living in a coastal city, but, the sun is respected. It's not 'sun SHINE.' It is solar radiation. Human beings destroyed the ozone layer. What's to say? If human bieng pollution can destroy the ozone layer,they can also destroy the benevolent planet, Earth through Human Induced Global Warming.
What bothers me is that I don't know the components of the propellant of the spray on variety. There has also been a very negative 'shift' in the ozone layer this year. I would not put it past Bush to 'pull' a fast one and ignore Internatioanl Laws and laugh in the faceof them allowing American Manufacturers to go back to CFCs. Wouldn't doubt it for a minute.
The 'guidelines' of sunscreen have always been conservative in this house. Frequent application has always been the rule of thumb.. The SPF number isn't a guarantee of protection to all people in the same way. All it means is that if one person 'burns' after fifteen minutes in strong sun, the lotion is supposed to supposed to prolong that times upto 15 times. A lotion cannot dictate 'the sun penetrance' from day to day. It's a silly concept. I never take safety that frivilously. The companies though, don't have a case. I knew better. The average public did not and 'trusted' them. They'll have to pay in a class action suit. Too bad.
1050
I am saying good night.
enough
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The Devil is in the Details
1000
I guess Andy is out of a job again.
1010
I don't really appreciate the chronic bantering of the USA about the details of the attack that killed al Zarqawi. He's dead. I don't need to know anything else.
1011
The fact that the military is making 'excuses' for killing innocent Iraqis based on 'inexperience' of the soldiers dispatched into a very dangerous area of the country only speaks to the fact that Iraq is another Vietnam. This same type of circumstances occurred with 19 year olds in the jungles of Vietnam. It's inexcusable that the USA government is sending 'inexperienced' soldiers into battle when they are nothing but sitting ducks.
Get them out of there.
We don't belong in Iraq. We never did.
END IT !!!!
1014
This isn't 'the news' - it's ONLY about the military and Neocons. Who needs it?
Bring the troops home. They are being abused by the 'inappropriate use of power' by this administration, House and Senate.
This is out of "Stars and Stripes."
Army announces details of 2007 transformation and rebasing plan
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=37761
I DON'T SEE leaving any American Troops behind to die in Iraq without proper support.
enough.
I guess Andy is out of a job again.
1010
I don't really appreciate the chronic bantering of the USA about the details of the attack that killed al Zarqawi. He's dead. I don't need to know anything else.
1011
The fact that the military is making 'excuses' for killing innocent Iraqis based on 'inexperience' of the soldiers dispatched into a very dangerous area of the country only speaks to the fact that Iraq is another Vietnam. This same type of circumstances occurred with 19 year olds in the jungles of Vietnam. It's inexcusable that the USA government is sending 'inexperienced' soldiers into battle when they are nothing but sitting ducks.
Get them out of there.
We don't belong in Iraq. We never did.
END IT !!!!
1014
This isn't 'the news' - it's ONLY about the military and Neocons. Who needs it?
Bring the troops home. They are being abused by the 'inappropriate use of power' by this administration, House and Senate.
This is out of "Stars and Stripes."
Army announces details of 2007 transformation and rebasing plan
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=37761
I DON'T SEE leaving any American Troops behind to die in Iraq without proper support.
enough.
Friday, June 9, 2006
Censorship of Aaron Brown limits him to discussing personal agendas.
New look, outlook for Aaron Brown
By Neal Justin
Star Tribune
MINNEAPOLIS --
Aaron Brown's younger brother has just walked into the lobby of Minneapolis' WCCO Radio, which is a little weird because I'm here to take Aaron to lunch.
Wait, it is the former CNN anchor, looking a full decade younger than his 57 years, thanks to laser eye surgery and the fact that he no longer seems to be carrying the weight of the world news on his shoulders.
The Hopkins, Minn., native, who left the cable network in November after being replaced by two-decades-younger Anderson Cooper, doesn't have a "mad as heck, not going to take it anymore" attitude, despite the fact that he was dumped for a hipper model. Instead, he seems at peace, an approach that should serve him well when he begins teaching at Arizona State University next spring.
Brown can't talk about CNN until his contract expires in 2007, but he did open up about his new approach to life and his new look.
Q. Why the eye surgery?
A. I just got tired of wearing glasses, and, all of a sudden, I had the time and the freedom to do it. Peter [Jennings] used to say, "You look stupid without glasses." OK, so maybe it's not a great career move, but the TV Aaron wore glasses, and, maybe, at some level, the TV Aaron was in conflict with the other Aaron.
Q. What do you mean?
A. The TV Aaron was public and I'm very shy. My wife and I would go to a party and we'd have to take separate cars because there would always be a point where I'd get really anxious and have to leave early. I need to feel really comfortable with people. But I could put on the uniform and do the job of a reporter.
Q. Peter Jennings was your mentor at ABC. Why did you two hit it off?
A. I was never afraid of him. Peter could come out and say, "We need to do a story about monkeys driving the subway" and people would launch and I would look at him and say, "Come here a sec." We'd go into his office and I'd say, "That's really stupid." I was just this yokel who came in from Seattle. I didn't get that he was this anchor god, and I think Peter loved that give-and-take.
I understood it when I became the anchor. I was amazed how few people would come to me -- and my door was always open -- and say something was stupid.
Q. How did his death affect you?
A. It had a profound effect. I started thinking less and less about what I was accomplishing and more and more about what I'm missing. What had I sacrificed to become me? I had absolutely decided that once my CNN contract expired in 2007, I was going to do something else. To be honest, I wanted to walk away on my own terms, but when it went down, I was the calmest guy in the room.
I'm at peace now with all of it. I'm proud of what I've done and I'm content that I'll always be seen professionally in a certain way. You're taught along the way to never do anything to screw up the first line in your obituary, and mine is still going to say, "Aaron Brown, one of the anchors who helped the country through difficult days after 9/11. . . . " That's not a bad ending. Dan [Rather] is really the sad character right now. His obituary is going to say, "Dan Rather, who was forced to resign. . . . " That's a bad ending.
Q. You had lunch with Rather shortly after leaving CNN. What did you two talk about?
A. I took a lot of lunches with Dan. He's been a great supporter of mine, in good times and bad. Incredibly gracious. When I got the job, the first thing he said to me was, "You need to learn to say no. People are going to be pulling at you, every Bemidji radio station, and your inclination is going to be to want to do it all."
Q. The funny thing is that was probably Rather's Achilles' heel. He wanted to do it all.
A. I was going to say, I'm not sure Dan could ever say no. I did tell him at lunch that the only thing I was worried about was: What's it going to feel like the day the first big story goes down? We were talking post-Katrina, which was the first major story since we were both gone.
Q. And Rather would have loved that story.
A. That was particularly cruel.
Q. What do you want to do next?
A. I've been talking to some people about doing an interview program and maybe a couple of documentaries a year.
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/tv/mmx-0606070404jun08,0,5579162.story?coll=mmx-television_heds
Aaron didn't shy away from unpopular scandal viewed as politically incorrect.
AmericaBlog's John Aravosis on Aaron Brown's News Night
John was featured on a segment entitled:
"Credential Questions" about the Jeff Gannon saga, and talks about the things that Wolf Blitzer wouldn't. (Click on video at link. Scott McClellan statements at end of observation of press. "Hiding in Plain Sight.))
Video
In a Dec. 28, 2004, interview on CNN’s “Newsnight With Aaron Brown,” Newsweek reporter Charles Gasparino, who was covering the scandal, said he thought reporters ignored it because “it’s a politically correct company.” He meant that Fannie Mae helped provide mortgages for the poor, something “liberal journalists like.”
John was featured on a segment entitled:
"Credential Questions" about the Jeff Gannon saga, and talks about the things that Wolf Blitzer wouldn't. (Click on video at link. Scott McClellan statements at end of observation of press. "Hiding in Plain Sight.))
Video
In a Dec. 28, 2004, interview on CNN’s “Newsnight With Aaron Brown,” Newsweek reporter Charles Gasparino, who was covering the scandal, said he thought reporters ignored it because “it’s a politically correct company.” He meant that Fannie Mae helped provide mortgages for the poor, something “liberal journalists like.”
The Defeat of the Marriage Amendment brings Anderson Cooper out of hiding
1000
I find MIchael Berg very well spoken. He has an interesting insight. I hope he is elected. He is a voice of reason when everyone is seeking anger. I appreciate his insight and vision.
George Bush never looked into Nick's eyes Even more than the murderers who took my son's life, I condemn those who make policies to end lives
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1221644,00.html
1019
Terror leader’s network led to fatal air strike
By Ferry Biedermann, Middle East Correspondent Published: June 8 2006 19:12 Last updated: June 8 2006 19:12
Showing graphic pictures of the dead al-Qaeda leader’s bloodied head, a spokesman for the US-led coalition on Thursday elaborated on how the operation to strike at Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had unfolded.
The information that led to the air strike that killed him came from within Zarqawi’s own network, said Maj Gen Bill Caldwell.
The information that finally led to the death of Iraq’s most wanted insurgent leader, who carried a $25m (€19.5m, £13.4m) bounty on his head, emerged last December and identified Sheikh Abd al-Rahman as Zarqawi’s spiritual leader. It was by following the sheikh, and a process of “painstaking, deliberate exploitation of intelligence” that the coalition forces were able to pinpoint their target, said Maj Gen Caldwell.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/34d28a9e-f71a-11da-a566-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=c1a5b968-e1ed-11d7-81c6-0820abe49a01.html
If Sheikh Abd al-Rahman is alive, he'll act to inspire greater hate. If he's alive there will be more trouble. He's invested and a spiritual leader. That spells trouble.
1025
A male news secretary
.
1026
Somalia Islamic Leaders Meet Interim Gov't
By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN , 06.08.2006, 12:24 PM
Islamic militia leaders who seized Somalia's capital this week and are accused of harboring al-Qaida fugitives started discussing the future of the lawless country Thursday with its largely powerless U.N.-backed government. The meeting came a day after the Bush administration sounded a surprising conciliatory note toward the militia.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/06/08/ap2803071.html
1032
Insurgents aren't invested in the large scale damage brought by al Qaeda. If they were they would be doing it. For all we know al Zarqawi may have killed insurgents and/or their families. Being al Qaeda and a Jordanian would not necessary set well either if the killings in Jordan by Iraqis were giving them a bad name and more problems. In other words where the insurgents may have had sympathy from Islam and even nation leaders that would have changed after the killings in Jordan.
1043
The Cole had been refueling in Yemen's port of Aden on Oct. 12, 2000, when al Qaeda-linked militants in a dinghy packed with explosives attacked. The explosion blew a hole in the side of the destroyer, but it remained above water and eventually underwent $250 million of repairs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/terror/main1694567.shtml
1045
I don't really care what makes Osama bin Laden happy.
1049
The program is becoming quagmired in it's own focus.
enough.
I find MIchael Berg very well spoken. He has an interesting insight. I hope he is elected. He is a voice of reason when everyone is seeking anger. I appreciate his insight and vision.
George Bush never looked into Nick's eyes Even more than the murderers who took my son's life, I condemn those who make policies to end lives
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1221644,00.html
1019
Terror leader’s network led to fatal air strike
By Ferry Biedermann, Middle East Correspondent Published: June 8 2006 19:12 Last updated: June 8 2006 19:12
Showing graphic pictures of the dead al-Qaeda leader’s bloodied head, a spokesman for the US-led coalition on Thursday elaborated on how the operation to strike at Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had unfolded.
The information that led to the air strike that killed him came from within Zarqawi’s own network, said Maj Gen Bill Caldwell.
The information that finally led to the death of Iraq’s most wanted insurgent leader, who carried a $25m (€19.5m, £13.4m) bounty on his head, emerged last December and identified Sheikh Abd al-Rahman as Zarqawi’s spiritual leader. It was by following the sheikh, and a process of “painstaking, deliberate exploitation of intelligence” that the coalition forces were able to pinpoint their target, said Maj Gen Caldwell.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/34d28a9e-f71a-11da-a566-0000779e2340,dwp_uuid=c1a5b968-e1ed-11d7-81c6-0820abe49a01.html
If Sheikh Abd al-Rahman is alive, he'll act to inspire greater hate. If he's alive there will be more trouble. He's invested and a spiritual leader. That spells trouble.
1025
A male news secretary
.
1026
Somalia Islamic Leaders Meet Interim Gov't
By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN , 06.08.2006, 12:24 PM
Islamic militia leaders who seized Somalia's capital this week and are accused of harboring al-Qaida fugitives started discussing the future of the lawless country Thursday with its largely powerless U.N.-backed government. The meeting came a day after the Bush administration sounded a surprising conciliatory note toward the militia.
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2006/06/08/ap2803071.html
1032
Insurgents aren't invested in the large scale damage brought by al Qaeda. If they were they would be doing it. For all we know al Zarqawi may have killed insurgents and/or their families. Being al Qaeda and a Jordanian would not necessary set well either if the killings in Jordan by Iraqis were giving them a bad name and more problems. In other words where the insurgents may have had sympathy from Islam and even nation leaders that would have changed after the killings in Jordan.
1043
The Cole had been refueling in Yemen's port of Aden on Oct. 12, 2000, when al Qaeda-linked militants in a dinghy packed with explosives attacked. The explosion blew a hole in the side of the destroyer, but it remained above water and eventually underwent $250 million of repairs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/08/terror/main1694567.shtml
1045
I don't really care what makes Osama bin Laden happy.
1049
The program is becoming quagmired in it's own focus.
enough.
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