1105
Charles Rangel voted for Stem Cell Research, why didn't you ask him about that rather than enhancing the 'potential for global war' with draft legislation?
H R 810
2/3 YEA-AND-NAY
19-Jul-2006
6:51 PM
QUESTION: Passage, Objections of the President Not Withstanding
BILL TITLE: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll388.xml
Just can't get over making war instead of peace, huh?
You know what is hideous about the interview to promote war with Charles Rangel? The fact it isn't based in reality, but, a dreamscape of a perfect world without war. Not only that but just like Bush, Rangel has no plan for any kind of 'mandatory' service, just that is should be done.
It's pure stupidity. Just like Anderson Coopers interview.
Bush vetoes embryonic stem-cell bill
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/07/19/stemcells.veto/
Kissing babies is easy. What isn't easy is SAVING LIVES and promoting peace in a way that secure the nation. Neither are an easy task but definately realistic.
1120
Rick Sanchez on 'living in New Orleans.' Sort of sounds like Baghdad and it's irregularity of utilities, why didn't you make that analogy, Andy? Ask Rick about comparing the availability of the utilities in New Orleans and Baghdad. I betcha it's close to the same. And without insurgents. I'll be darn.
You know with all the gentrification that is going on in New Orleans, somehow it doesn't track that the crime rate would be prevalent, except, rich folks can hire their own security.
Crowd of 3,000 shows City Hall its outrage over violent crime
By Laura Maggi and Gwen Filosa Staff writers
In an unprecedented display of civic outrage over violent crime, as many as 3,000 people marched on City Hall Thursday, demanding that city leaders stem the tide of violence, as well as calling on ordinary citizens to help make New Orleans safer.
Organized in the wake of a string of almost daily murders in the new year, the protest channeled the city’s rising anger and fear.
“We have come to declare that a city that could not be drowned in waters of a storm will not be drowned in the blood of its citizens,” said the Rev. John Raphael Jr., one of the opening speakers, hunched over the podium and preaching in a booming voice.
Other speakers echoed his pledge, offering a mixture of criticism directed at Mayor Ray Nagin, District Attorney Eddie Jordan and Police Superintendent Warren Riley, as well as requests that people living in neighborhoods scarred by violence stand up as witnesses and refuse to tolerate crime. Nagin and Riley, along with City Council members, attended the rally but were not allowed to speak. Jordan didn’t show up.
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tpupdates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tpupdates/archives/2007_01_11.html#224418
BUT
Then the crime rate is nationwide. How about that reality, Andy?
Rise in New York's murder rate reflects new US appetite for guns
By David Usborne
Published: 29 December 2006
The steady decline in murder rates in America's biggest cities that began in the early 1990s and earned political points for urban leaders like New York's former mayor Rudolph Giuliani appears to be bottoming out, with signs of a sharp rise in urban violence this year.
With a few exceptions, notably in Los Angeles and San Francisco, police departments across the country are recording new increases in homicide rates for 2006. Officials blame gang turf wars, the ubiquity of guns, and a willingness among young people to shoot if they feel they have been shown disrespect.
The trend prompted the Mayor of Philadelphia, John Street, to make a televised address last summer appealing to young people to cease fire. "Lay down your weapons," he pleaded. "Do it now. Choose education over violence." The number of murders in his city will exceed 400 this year for the first time in a decade.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2110299.ece
Conviction rate ain't the reason, Anderson. Stop picking on the Black President of the city council. The fact of the matter is this is a federal problem because the gun laws have weapons running to the hands of people without restriction. Bush's permissive laws are the cause for increase CRIME and VIOLENCE issues in the USA. This president and NOT the Black President of the city council has the problem. Now. What is yours, Anderson?
Concern as homicide rates show increase in major cities
Published: Saturday, 30 December, 2006, 10:56 AM Doha Time
By David Usborne
NEW YORK: The steady decline in murder rates in America’s biggest cities that began in the early 1990s and earned political points for urban leaders like New York’s former mayor Rudolph Giuliani appears to be bottoming out with signs of a sharp rise in urban violence this year.
With a few exceptions, notably in Los Angeles and San Francisco, police departments across the country are recording new increases in homicide rates for 2006. Officials blame gang turf-wars, the ubiquity of guns and a willingness of young people to shoot if they feel they have been shown disrespect.
The trend that prompted the Mayor of Philadelphia, John Street, to make a televised address last summer appealing to young people to ceasefire.
"Lay down your weapons," he pleaded. "Do it now. Choose education over violence."
The number of murders in his city will exceed 400 this year for the first time in a decade.
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=125226&version=1&template_id=43&parent_id=19
Natural gas inside an energy policy set for Friday.
Democrats Unveil Energy Package
By H. JOSEF HEBERTThe Associated PressThursday, January 11, 2007; 8:38 PM
WASHINGTON -- House Democrats next week will push to impose a conservation fee on oil and natural gas taken from the Gulf of Mexico if prices remain at current high levels.
Also, under a package of energy measures to be unveiled Friday, oil and gas companies would be barred from future Gulf lease sales unless they agree to renegotiate flawed 1998-99 leases that allowed them to avoid federal royalty payments.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/11/AR2007011101719.html
I guess Human Induced Global Warming has it's upside to New Orleans. At least folks don't have to worry about freezing to death, just the potential of drowing again.
2006 Was Record Warmest Year Across USA
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina, January 10, 2007 (ENS) - The 2006 average annual temperature for the Lower 48 United States was the warmest on record and nearly identical to the record set in 1998, according to government scientists at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville.
Meteorologists said the past nine years have all been among the 25 warmest years on record for the contiguous United States, a streak which is unprecedented in the historical record.
Seven months in 2006 were much warmer than average, including December, which ended as the fourth warmest December since records began in 1895, the agency said Tuesday.
Based on preliminary data, the 2006 annual average temperature was 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That is 2.2 degrees F (1.2 degrees C) above the 20th century mean and 0.07 degrees F (0.04 degrees C) warmer than 1998.
These values were calculated using a network of more than 1,200 U.S. Historical Climatology Network stations. These data, primarily from rural stations, have been adjusted to remove artificial effects resulting from factors such as urbanization and station and instrument changes, which occurred during the period of record.
An improved data set being developed at the National Climatic Data Center and scheduled for release in 2007 incorporates recent scientific advances that better address uncertainties in the instrumental record.
Although undergoing final testing and development, this new data set also shows 2006 and 1998 to be the two warmest years on record for the contiguous United States, but with 2006 slightly cooler than 1998.
Five states had their warmest December on record - Minnesota, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire - and no state was colder than average in December.
The unusually warm start to this winter reflected the rarity of Arctic outbreaks across the country as an El Niño episode continued in the equatorial Pacific. It is known that El Niño is playing a major role in this winter's short-term warm period.
U.S. and global annual temperatures are now approximately 1.0 degrees F warmer than at the start of the 20th century, and the rate of warming has accelerated over the past 30 years, increasing globally since the mid-1970s at a rate approximately three times faster than the century-scale trend.
1148
Just an interesting article from "NOLA."
1st black female judge in U.S. dies
1/11/2007, 10:01 p.m. CT
By SAMANTHA GROSS The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Jane Bolin, the nation's first black female judge and the first black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, has died. She was 98.
Bolin's family contacted the New York City Bar Association on Thursday for help arranging a memorial, spokesman Matthew Kovary said.
Bolin, who died Monday in New York, was sworn in by Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia in 1939, according to the city's law department. She was assigned to the Domestic Relations Court, later named Family Court, and fought racial discrimination from the bench.
She worked to end segregation in child placement facilities and the assignment of probation officers based on race. She also helped create a racially integrated treatment center for delinquent boys.
Bolin reflected on her status as a barrier-breaker in a 1993 interview with The New York Times.
"Everyone else makes a fuss about it, but I didn't think about it, and I still don't," she said. "I wasn't concerned about first, second or last. My work was my primary concern."
The city's mayors renewed her appointment three times, until the law required her to retire at age 70.
http://www.nola.com/newsflash/topstories/index.ssf?/base/national-78/116856865676170.xml&storylist=topstories
There is that decision too about State Farm lacking the morality to pay their insured.
Judge: State Farm liable for damage in Katrina case
1/11/2007, 12:26 p.m. CT
By GARRY MITCHELL The Associated Press
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) — A federal judge ruled against an insurance company Thursday in a Hurricane Katrina damage case that may have implications for hundreds of other homeowner lawsuits against insurers who refused to cover billions of dollars in damage from the storm's surge.
U.S. District Judge L.T. Senter Jr. ruled that State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. is liable for $223,292 in damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to a Biloxi couple's home, but said a jury must decide whether to award millions of dollars more in punitive damages.
The jury was expected to start weighing punitive damages on Thursday afternoon.
http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-29/1168537177199970.xml&storylist=louisiana
1152
If there is an explosion, I doubt if there is local involvement. This is the only really volitile issue and it looks to be recently resolved.
Port standoff ends
The Piraeus Port Authority will discuss the business future of the portwith workers over the next four months, but 53 days of labour action have costPiraeus and Thessaloniki revenue and credibility
http://www.athensnews.gr/athweb/nathens.prnt_article?e=C&f=13216&t=01&m=A07&aa=1
I guess some folks don't like Bush's assault within Iraq. That time of day there aren't that many people around to even be injured. Maybe it was a GAS LEAK, huh?
Blast rips through U.S. embassy compound in Athens
ATHENS (Reuters) - An explosion ripped through the U.S. embassy compound in central Athens on Friday, a police source said.
It was not clear what caused the blast and there was no immediate word on whether there were any casualties.
Police cordoned off all roads around the embassy.
Police officials at the scene said that whatever caused the explosion damaged the official embassy sign outside the mission, but there was little other indication of the extent of damage inside.
enough
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Where did Aaron go?
Q: What has happened to Aaron Brown since he left the CNN program at night? (click on) He was wonderful and I miss his calm, concise, and interesting way of presenting the news.
A: Beginning Tuesday, Brown will spend a semester as the John J. Rhodes Chair at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College. According to ASU, Brown ``will teach a course on news media issues, deliver a major speech on the Tempe campus and be part of the faculty at both ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Barrett Honors College.''
Do you have a question or comment for the mailbag? Write to rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com or to the Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309. Please put ``mailbag'' on the envelope or in the e-mail header.
Letters may be edited. Individual replies cannot be guaranteed. Please do not phone in questions.
A: Beginning Tuesday, Brown will spend a semester as the John J. Rhodes Chair at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College. According to ASU, Brown ``will teach a course on news media issues, deliver a major speech on the Tempe campus and be part of the faculty at both ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Barrett Honors College.''
Do you have a question or comment for the mailbag? Write to rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com or to the Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44309. Please put ``mailbag'' on the envelope or in the e-mail header.
Letters may be edited. Individual replies cannot be guaranteed. Please do not phone in questions.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Bush said, out of Iraq by November, but mind you this is not an open ended TIMELINE !
Iraqi soldiers check motorists on a bridge blocked off by the army after a heavy firefight erupted between the army and Sunni insurgents in nearby Haifa street, in central Baghdad, 9 January 2007 (AFP)
Clear. Hold. Build.
The Holy Al-Mahdi Army does it very well. The Baghdad Initiative does not belong to the USA and never has. The confidence of the Iraqi people is with their militias. The USA is in the way. The Unity Government is being protected by 'the ONLY army that can.'
It ain't us.
Bush lost control a long time ago and the Repuglicans have been giving it 'lip service' for nearly a year or more. THEY ARE LYING about the USA responsibility in Iraq and Baghdad. The Holy Al-Mahdi Army is in control in Baghdad. They are sanctioned by the Unity Government and THAT is why the USA will be assigned to OUTSIDE of Baghdad to carry on the Bush Political War.
Iraqi Judge: Elements of Al-Mahdi Army Have Settled in Green Zone
http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=7611
10/01/2007By Ma'ad Fayad
London, Asharq Al-Awsat- A judge in the Higher Criminal Court trying the former regime's key officials has confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that many elements from Al-Mahdi Army militia which is led by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, have infiltrated and settled inside the Green Zone where senior Iraqi officials live. The area also includes the residences of Western diplomats and embassies, foremost of them the United States and Britain.
The judge, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity for security purposes, said in a telephone interview from his residence in the Green Zone that "elements of the Al-Mahdi Army have settled in the Green Zone as part of the force guarding former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. They therefore constitute part of the force protecting some officials in the Unified Iraqi Coalition which is led by Abdulaziz al-Hakim."
The Bush Legacy is a LIE !!! Iraq is a war for profit and nothing else !
The Shi'ites have the country. They did it well. It's time the Sunnis, Kurds and Shia have their own provinces.
There is no more war in Iraq for the USA. We are occupiers. We need to leave Iraq without regrets. The country is already secured.
The reason Bush wants a 'surge' is because the Saudis are demanding it. He is calling it reputation. It's got nothing to do with it. America's credibility was destroyed in March of 2003.
The President of the USA does not carry the best interest of the USA in his policies. He is turning the "Sadr" Shi'ites into demons to satisfy Saudi Arabia. The sectarianism goes far beyond the borders of Iraq and it ain't al Qaeda. At least not under the leadership of Osama bin Laden.
"New Blaze" - it's a war monger rag. The name gives it away.
...It was just a few weeks ago, Vice-President Dick Cheney visited Riyadh and was told to send more troops into Iraq or else the House of Saud will support the Sunni militia groups. Riyadh and Tehran have been working in tandem since both governments want to see the West defeated and less influential in the region after the Jihad runs its course this year. So occasionally the House of Saud will put on it's frighten of Iran act, but in reality they support the Jihad just as much as Tehran and acknowledge Tehran's leadership.
Neither Tehran-Riyadh want to see American-British forces fighting effectively on other strategic fronts like the Balkans-Caucasus-India.
http://newsblaze.com/story/20070110162051payn.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html
Mystery swirls as Saudi ambassador to US exits
Theories for Prince Turki’s resignation range from being promoted to being back-stabbed in Riyad.
By Stephen Collinson - WASHINGTON
A Washington diplomatic mystery swirled around the sudden resignation of Saudi Arabia's ambassador here, baffling foreign policy experts and injecting new intrigue into US-Saudi relations.
Prince Turki al-Faisal, one of the most influential foreign envoys here and steward of the key and sometimes uneasy alliance between the world's sole superpower and the Gulf oil state, abruptly quit on Monday, Saudi sources said.
The shock resignation -- after only 15 months on the job -- and the Prince's immediate departure from the United States, came after he told staff Monday he wanted to spend more time with his family, an embassy official said.
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=18745
Saudi Arabia asks US to review Iraq aims
By Syed Rashid Husain
RIYADH, Jan 6: Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz has said that the US should review its aims and objectives in Iraq, and the neighbouring countries should stop backing communities on the basis of religion."Coalition forces in Iraq must review the goals of their presence and the strategies of their remaining" there, said the Saudi crown prince in an interview carried by Asharq Al Awsat, a Saudi-owned pan-Arab daily on Sunday.The statement comes in the wake of a number of calls in recent weeks from leading clerics in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Sunni community in Iraq.Expressing grief over recent developments in Iraq, he insisted that Saudi Arabia would not interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/01/07/top8.htm
It ain't us.
Bush lost control a long time ago and the Repuglicans have been giving it 'lip service' for nearly a year or more. THEY ARE LYING about the USA responsibility in Iraq and Baghdad. The Holy Al-Mahdi Army is in control in Baghdad. They are sanctioned by the Unity Government and THAT is why the USA will be assigned to OUTSIDE of Baghdad to carry on the Bush Political War.
Iraqi Judge: Elements of Al-Mahdi Army Have Settled in Green Zone
http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=7611
10/01/2007By Ma'ad Fayad
London, Asharq Al-Awsat- A judge in the Higher Criminal Court trying the former regime's key officials has confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that many elements from Al-Mahdi Army militia which is led by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, have infiltrated and settled inside the Green Zone where senior Iraqi officials live. The area also includes the residences of Western diplomats and embassies, foremost of them the United States and Britain.
The judge, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on the condition of anonymity for security purposes, said in a telephone interview from his residence in the Green Zone that "elements of the Al-Mahdi Army have settled in the Green Zone as part of the force guarding former Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. They therefore constitute part of the force protecting some officials in the Unified Iraqi Coalition which is led by Abdulaziz al-Hakim."
The Bush Legacy is a LIE !!! Iraq is a war for profit and nothing else !
The Shi'ites have the country. They did it well. It's time the Sunnis, Kurds and Shia have their own provinces.
There is no more war in Iraq for the USA. We are occupiers. We need to leave Iraq without regrets. The country is already secured.
The reason Bush wants a 'surge' is because the Saudis are demanding it. He is calling it reputation. It's got nothing to do with it. America's credibility was destroyed in March of 2003.
The President of the USA does not carry the best interest of the USA in his policies. He is turning the "Sadr" Shi'ites into demons to satisfy Saudi Arabia. The sectarianism goes far beyond the borders of Iraq and it ain't al Qaeda. At least not under the leadership of Osama bin Laden.
"New Blaze" - it's a war monger rag. The name gives it away.
...It was just a few weeks ago, Vice-President Dick Cheney visited Riyadh and was told to send more troops into Iraq or else the House of Saud will support the Sunni militia groups. Riyadh and Tehran have been working in tandem since both governments want to see the West defeated and less influential in the region after the Jihad runs its course this year. So occasionally the House of Saud will put on it's frighten of Iran act, but in reality they support the Jihad just as much as Tehran and acknowledge Tehran's leadership.
Neither Tehran-Riyadh want to see American-British forces fighting effectively on other strategic fronts like the Balkans-Caucasus-India.
http://newsblaze.com/story/20070110162051payn.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html
Mystery swirls as Saudi ambassador to US exits
Theories for Prince Turki’s resignation range from being promoted to being back-stabbed in Riyad.
By Stephen Collinson - WASHINGTON
A Washington diplomatic mystery swirled around the sudden resignation of Saudi Arabia's ambassador here, baffling foreign policy experts and injecting new intrigue into US-Saudi relations.
Prince Turki al-Faisal, one of the most influential foreign envoys here and steward of the key and sometimes uneasy alliance between the world's sole superpower and the Gulf oil state, abruptly quit on Monday, Saudi sources said.
The shock resignation -- after only 15 months on the job -- and the Prince's immediate departure from the United States, came after he told staff Monday he wanted to spend more time with his family, an embassy official said.
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=18745
Saudi Arabia asks US to review Iraq aims
By Syed Rashid Husain
RIYADH, Jan 6: Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz has said that the US should review its aims and objectives in Iraq, and the neighbouring countries should stop backing communities on the basis of religion."Coalition forces in Iraq must review the goals of their presence and the strategies of their remaining" there, said the Saudi crown prince in an interview carried by Asharq Al Awsat, a Saudi-owned pan-Arab daily on Sunday.The statement comes in the wake of a number of calls in recent weeks from leading clerics in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Sunni community in Iraq.Expressing grief over recent developments in Iraq, he insisted that Saudi Arabia would not interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq.
http://www.dawn.com/2007/01/07/top8.htm
Cheney and Prince Turki
December 13, 2006
Saudis Say They Might Back Sunnis if U.S. Leaves Iraq (click on)
By HELENE COOPERWASHINGTON, Dec. 12 — Saudi Arabia has told the Bush administration that it might provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis in any war against Iraq’s Shiites if the United States pulls its troops out of Iraq, according to American and Arab diplomats.
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia conveyed that message to Vice President Dick Cheney two weeks ago during Mr. Cheney’s whirlwind visit to Riyadh, the officials said. During the visit, King Abdullah also expressed strong opposition to diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, and pushed for Washington to encourage the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, senior Bush administration officials said.
The Saudi warning reflects fears among America’s Sunni Arab allies about Iran’s rising influence in Iraq, coupled with Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. King Abdullah II of Jordan has also expressed concern about rising Shiite influence, and about the prospect that the Shiite-dominated government would use Iraqi troops against the Sunni population.
THE SAUDIS have told Bush to stop delineating on religous grounds. Of course, to do so would provide Bush with his 'scapegoat' - the Shias. The so called extremists are being assaulted PER the Saudi on the back of Bush's military. Bush is not fighting America's war, he is fighting the Saudi war.
Riyadh And Tehran, 2006: Honeymoon On The Rocks (click on)
...Some history is instructive. The Saudi-Wahhabi alliance of 1744 was by definition anti-Shiite, viewing many Shiite practices as polytheistic. Riyadh has a history of oppressing its own Shiites, which number approximately 10% of the population and are concentrated in the oil-rich Eastern Province. The 1979 Iranian Islamic revolution posed a strategic nightmare, as Iran now challenged the Saudis for regional hegemony and stirred unrest among its Shiite subjects. Until the mid-1990s, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca was the site of repeated clashes between Iranian pilgrims and Saudi forces....
enough
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
The "Nay" Sayers
1000
Senator Warner is completely laughable. He states he doesn't know how every container can possibly be inspected. That figures. He states it isn't economically feasible and the American economy will be affected. Oh? I thought the downturn of the stock market after September 11th was sincerely significant. I thought the possiblity of having a drastically serious episode of a breech of Homeland Security will only serve to cause a greater disruption to a Republically demised American economy. Senator Warner needs to retire. Poor man can't think clearly.
1017
Bush has a plan? He doesn't have a plan. He has a desire to make more of a war than should be made. He plans to confront Syria and Iran and make the entire mess even worse. Nowhere is he seeking active solutions for the Middle East diplomatically. The core issue is a peace between Palestine and Israel. Those peace talks aren't even on the table. What is on the Bush Table is war and more war regardless. There is an escalation of tensions everywhere in the Middle East and Bush's trigger finger is itchery than ever, ie: Somalia.
1031
You know Andy there is absolutely no mention of the reason Bush is so very, very oppositional to the Iraq Study Group and a new Democratic House and Senate. Seriously.
Libby.
Libby Denies Seeing Cheney's Notes on Newspaper Column
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/20/AR2006052000951.html
Lawyers for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the indicted former chief of staff to Vice President Cheney, said in a court filing late Friday that Libby did not see the notes Cheney inscribed on a key newspaper column criticizing the administration's rationale for invading Iraq until he was shown the annotations in the course of an FBI investigation.
The lawyers raised the issue to cast doubt on a claim by special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald in a court filing a week ago that the annotations "serve both to explain the context of and provide a motive for" Libby's statements and actions that brought about his indictment.
NO one ever talks about this. It's about the security of this nation and no one every talks about this AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!
Go get 'em Drew !
Speaking of modern day Vietnam
Another Mekong Delta province succumbs to bird flu plague
http://www.thanhniennews.com/healthy/?catid=8&newsid=24049
Kien Giang is the fourth Vietnamese province hit by bird flu with some 70 ducks perishing last weekend, all testing positive for H5N1, said the local animal health department Tuesday.
1040
The Rassmussen polls always gives Bush a break:
Forty-two percent (42%) of Americans approve of the way that George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-five percent (55%) disapprove of his performance. These numbers includes 17% who strongly approve and 38% percent who strongly disapprove.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Bush_Job_Approval.htm
At least Rasmussen delineates between STRONLY approve and disapprove. If one looks at those 'die hard' Bush fans, it is ONLY 17%, that was seventeen percent that 'Strongly Approve.' Hello? That is impeachment territory.
1045
The only place where the parents lose their battle over ethical treatment of the disabled is the potential for genetic medicine.
Parents of disabled children ask for the `Ashley treatment'
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/01/09/2003344027
...Dan Gunther, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington who devised Ashley's treatment with the blessing of her parents, said four sets of parents had contacted him to ask that their children be considered.
Popular
US media organizations have also been approached by parents keen to find out whether their disabled children could have their growth stunted to prevent them attaining full adult size....
Currently, at UNC-Chapel Hill there is cutting edge medicine being given to patients that protect them from lung transplant rejection. The infusion was originally offered for cancer. It is a genetic medicine. The 'side effects' were that transplants seemed to be protected and now it is being administered on a Step Down Unit. One day when a protocol is developed by the pharmacy and MDs the infusion will probably be given on a regular medical unit without any telemetry or close monitoring of vitals signs, mentation and signs of allergic reactions. This is absolutely the most cutting edge of modern day medicine and it is being aggressively pursued to the point of administering just as soon as it is investigational without any protocol. Since there is no animal testing, the protocols are literally developed as the medications are administered. It is a genetic medicine product so there is no animal testing because it is developed for people. It is that aspect of the current state of medicine that has me wishing everyone was fighting their maladies to the death until they can't fight anymore because a cure might be right around the corner.
1059
War mongering in Africa followed by a reason to obess over killing more and more people, Opray's Mission. Over 30 minutes of carrying on about a conflict that if escalated would cause greater hardship than Iraq with it's 250,000 dead and rising.
It would seem Michael Scheuer could not be more correct. The West is confused about 'the enemy' and why they never ASSIGNED responsibility of the failure to stop Osama bin Laden.
Insights: International Peace and Security
Ex-CIA analyst says West misunderstands Al-Qaeda
22-year CIA vet says 9/11 commission failed America by not finding anyone responsible
RFE/RL: And the use of the phrase "after Iraq" refers to a time when the United States is no longer in that country?
...Scheuer: The book is written because I think we're defeated in Iraq. I think we're simply looking for a way to be graceful about the exit, but it's going to be very clear to our opponents in the Islamic world that they've defeated the second superpower.
They defeated the Soviet Union in Afghanistan; they've defeated us in Iraq; and it looks very likely that they'll defeat us in Afghanistan. And so Iraq, for all intents and purposes, as far as our enemies are concerned, is over....
RFE/RL: You decided to end your career at the CIA earlier than you originally planned to. Was it difficult to resign?
Scheuer: I resigned from the agency with much regret. I had intended to work there for 30 years and then retire, or longer if I could. And I had nothing to complain about regarding the agency. Indeed the agency asked me to stay when I decided to resign.
I resigned because I thought the 9/11 commission had thoroughly failed America by not finding anyone responsible for anything before 9/11. The amount of individual negligence and culpability at the highest levels of the American government was completely whitewashed by the 9/11 commission. And I resigned because I wanted to speak out on those issues.
My feeling since I have left has been that I have not had any influence at all on that particular debate. I think I've had a bit of influence through my books and writings on trying to convince people that the war we're fighting against Al-Qaedaism is a more serious problem than we have imagined to date. And that it has much more to do with religion than anyone in power is willing to talk about. I seem to have an equal number of detractors on the right and on the left, and perhaps that is suggests that I have at least said something that's getting some attention.
RFE/RL: Can I ask what your political affiliation is?
Scheuer: I've been a Republican all my life. I've never voted for a Democrat. I think my father would reach out from the grave if I did and throttle me. But that doesn't have anything to do with American security. I don't think the Bush administration has had a more pointed or eager critic than myself.
It is problematic to 'throw in' with former agents to establish issues for govenment policy as the agents would love a totalitarian government without any freedom of democray. THAT is the issue we always face with Bush's illegal initiatives including his covert intentions of spying on Americans. In this case, the issue that is intriguing is the fact that someone whom was respected at the higher levels of the CIA was actually disgusted with the 911 Commission for pandering to Bush rather than nailing him for negligence of his responsiblty to the American people. Additionally, he admits openly 'Al-Qaedaism' is a huge problem that Bush dropped as an American priority when he illegally invaded Iraq.
The issues in Somalia is not a matter of escalating war to fight 'Al Qaedaism' it is promoting economic solutions removing the incentive to turning to the tactics of al Qaeda in the first place.
I also find it interesting to realize all the detainees are completely worthless to interrogate as IF they were truly al Qaeda they are trained to give false information.
This programming is a 'do nothing' about terrorists and their networks except to promote war. War in any country is not an answer to extremism. War in the cause of Islamists/Jihadists only fuels more war and more death. It would be better to realize that BEFORE Somalia is more a victim to it than less.
enough
Senator Warner is completely laughable. He states he doesn't know how every container can possibly be inspected. That figures. He states it isn't economically feasible and the American economy will be affected. Oh? I thought the downturn of the stock market after September 11th was sincerely significant. I thought the possiblity of having a drastically serious episode of a breech of Homeland Security will only serve to cause a greater disruption to a Republically demised American economy. Senator Warner needs to retire. Poor man can't think clearly.
1017
Bush has a plan? He doesn't have a plan. He has a desire to make more of a war than should be made. He plans to confront Syria and Iran and make the entire mess even worse. Nowhere is he seeking active solutions for the Middle East diplomatically. The core issue is a peace between Palestine and Israel. Those peace talks aren't even on the table. What is on the Bush Table is war and more war regardless. There is an escalation of tensions everywhere in the Middle East and Bush's trigger finger is itchery than ever, ie: Somalia.
1031
You know Andy there is absolutely no mention of the reason Bush is so very, very oppositional to the Iraq Study Group and a new Democratic House and Senate. Seriously.
Libby.
Libby Denies Seeing Cheney's Notes on Newspaper Column
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/20/AR2006052000951.html
Lawyers for I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, the indicted former chief of staff to Vice President Cheney, said in a court filing late Friday that Libby did not see the notes Cheney inscribed on a key newspaper column criticizing the administration's rationale for invading Iraq until he was shown the annotations in the course of an FBI investigation.
The lawyers raised the issue to cast doubt on a claim by special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald in a court filing a week ago that the annotations "serve both to explain the context of and provide a motive for" Libby's statements and actions that brought about his indictment.
NO one ever talks about this. It's about the security of this nation and no one every talks about this AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!
Go get 'em Drew !
Speaking of modern day Vietnam
Another Mekong Delta province succumbs to bird flu plague
http://www.thanhniennews.com/healthy/?catid=8&newsid=24049
Kien Giang is the fourth Vietnamese province hit by bird flu with some 70 ducks perishing last weekend, all testing positive for H5N1, said the local animal health department Tuesday.
1040
The Rassmussen polls always gives Bush a break:
Forty-two percent (42%) of Americans approve of the way that George W. Bush is performing his role as President. Fifty-five percent (55%) disapprove of his performance. These numbers includes 17% who strongly approve and 38% percent who strongly disapprove.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Bush_Job_Approval.htm
At least Rasmussen delineates between STRONLY approve and disapprove. If one looks at those 'die hard' Bush fans, it is ONLY 17%, that was seventeen percent that 'Strongly Approve.' Hello? That is impeachment territory.
1045
The only place where the parents lose their battle over ethical treatment of the disabled is the potential for genetic medicine.
Parents of disabled children ask for the `Ashley treatment'
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2007/01/09/2003344027
...Dan Gunther, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington who devised Ashley's treatment with the blessing of her parents, said four sets of parents had contacted him to ask that their children be considered.
Popular
US media organizations have also been approached by parents keen to find out whether their disabled children could have their growth stunted to prevent them attaining full adult size....
Currently, at UNC-Chapel Hill there is cutting edge medicine being given to patients that protect them from lung transplant rejection. The infusion was originally offered for cancer. It is a genetic medicine. The 'side effects' were that transplants seemed to be protected and now it is being administered on a Step Down Unit. One day when a protocol is developed by the pharmacy and MDs the infusion will probably be given on a regular medical unit without any telemetry or close monitoring of vitals signs, mentation and signs of allergic reactions. This is absolutely the most cutting edge of modern day medicine and it is being aggressively pursued to the point of administering just as soon as it is investigational without any protocol. Since there is no animal testing, the protocols are literally developed as the medications are administered. It is a genetic medicine product so there is no animal testing because it is developed for people. It is that aspect of the current state of medicine that has me wishing everyone was fighting their maladies to the death until they can't fight anymore because a cure might be right around the corner.
1059
War mongering in Africa followed by a reason to obess over killing more and more people, Opray's Mission. Over 30 minutes of carrying on about a conflict that if escalated would cause greater hardship than Iraq with it's 250,000 dead and rising.
It would seem Michael Scheuer could not be more correct. The West is confused about 'the enemy' and why they never ASSIGNED responsibility of the failure to stop Osama bin Laden.
Insights: International Peace and Security
Ex-CIA analyst says West misunderstands Al-Qaeda
22-year CIA vet says 9/11 commission failed America by not finding anyone responsible
RFE/RL: And the use of the phrase "after Iraq" refers to a time when the United States is no longer in that country?
...Scheuer: The book is written because I think we're defeated in Iraq. I think we're simply looking for a way to be graceful about the exit, but it's going to be very clear to our opponents in the Islamic world that they've defeated the second superpower.
They defeated the Soviet Union in Afghanistan; they've defeated us in Iraq; and it looks very likely that they'll defeat us in Afghanistan. And so Iraq, for all intents and purposes, as far as our enemies are concerned, is over....
RFE/RL: You decided to end your career at the CIA earlier than you originally planned to. Was it difficult to resign?
Scheuer: I resigned from the agency with much regret. I had intended to work there for 30 years and then retire, or longer if I could. And I had nothing to complain about regarding the agency. Indeed the agency asked me to stay when I decided to resign.
I resigned because I thought the 9/11 commission had thoroughly failed America by not finding anyone responsible for anything before 9/11. The amount of individual negligence and culpability at the highest levels of the American government was completely whitewashed by the 9/11 commission. And I resigned because I wanted to speak out on those issues.
My feeling since I have left has been that I have not had any influence at all on that particular debate. I think I've had a bit of influence through my books and writings on trying to convince people that the war we're fighting against Al-Qaedaism is a more serious problem than we have imagined to date. And that it has much more to do with religion than anyone in power is willing to talk about. I seem to have an equal number of detractors on the right and on the left, and perhaps that is suggests that I have at least said something that's getting some attention.
RFE/RL: Can I ask what your political affiliation is?
Scheuer: I've been a Republican all my life. I've never voted for a Democrat. I think my father would reach out from the grave if I did and throttle me. But that doesn't have anything to do with American security. I don't think the Bush administration has had a more pointed or eager critic than myself.
It is problematic to 'throw in' with former agents to establish issues for govenment policy as the agents would love a totalitarian government without any freedom of democray. THAT is the issue we always face with Bush's illegal initiatives including his covert intentions of spying on Americans. In this case, the issue that is intriguing is the fact that someone whom was respected at the higher levels of the CIA was actually disgusted with the 911 Commission for pandering to Bush rather than nailing him for negligence of his responsiblty to the American people. Additionally, he admits openly 'Al-Qaedaism' is a huge problem that Bush dropped as an American priority when he illegally invaded Iraq.
The issues in Somalia is not a matter of escalating war to fight 'Al Qaedaism' it is promoting economic solutions removing the incentive to turning to the tactics of al Qaeda in the first place.
I also find it interesting to realize all the detainees are completely worthless to interrogate as IF they were truly al Qaeda they are trained to give false information.
This programming is a 'do nothing' about terrorists and their networks except to promote war. War in any country is not an answer to extremism. War in the cause of Islamists/Jihadists only fuels more war and more death. It would be better to realize that BEFORE Somalia is more a victim to it than less.
enough
Monday, January 8, 2007
The Amoral of CNN
1000
I don't know who is worse at this point, Glen Beck or Andy. Beck likes being a war monger while keeping that 'feel good feeling' going by packing 'we are thinking about you' boxes at the USO.
When are these morons finally going to come to terms with the level of criminality of the White House and stop patting this administration on the head while saying, "Oh, yeah, the really bad guys are in Iraq and we need to continue to destroy the country no matter how it comes."
1005
Somalia - Was the USA asked to intervene? My guess is no.
Let's see.
Somalia: Four Killed in an Ambush Attack Against Ethiopian Troops in Mogadishu
http://allafrica.com/stories/200701080231.html
Aweys Osman YusufMogadishu
Gunmen in the Somali capital Mogadishu ambushed an Ethiopian and Somali convoy on Sunday evening. The convoy was passing by KM4 Junction at the center of the town.
At least four persons, two of the allied forces and two civilians, were killed, while a dozen more were wounded after a number of unidentified gunmen threw explosives and opened fire indiscriminately at the Ethiopian and Somali government forces. The exchange of gunfire lasted 10 minutes.
The terrifying sounds of the explosions and gunshots could be heard throughout the southern part of the capital last night.
Although the Ethiopian troops are not so visible in the streets of Mogadishu, ambush attacks against them have mounted lately.
Several times in the past, they were attacked with hand and propelled grenades while passing at south and north of Mogadishu.
Thousands of heavily armed Ethiopian troops backing the transitional government forces seized the capital on 24 December last year when Islamists fled the capital.
This is actually typical of the Islamic Terrorists seen in many other assaults that seem successful. The terrorists literally RUN away from the initial invasion to allow the invading force to 'take hold' and feel as though they have been successful, when in fact the invading force has literally 'fell into the trap.' When the invasion has settled down to somewhat routine rejoicing as seen in Baghdad after the fall of Saddam and the statue was pulled down by a USA tank, the SO CALLED 'insurgency' begins taking the conquerors by surprise and taking the 'morale' away from the invasion. I am sure many solider have experienced the 'relief' of victory only to be fired upon out of surprise to realize the war was just beginning, although it seems like a minor manifestation called 'dead enders' at the time.
Yeah, yeah, Andy, I guess Bush needs to send troops and missiles and all sorts of things to protect Oprah. Oprah is a lovely distration to the real issues of the USA. Africa needs hers to embrace them and I appauld her for it. Admire her for it. But, the question at the forefront of Andy's World complimented by Beck's World is that ... "Will Oprah walk through minefields to become the American Diana to promote war?"
1042
I think Russia's Putin was recently in South Africa. ? Somalia ?
Let's finish this up.
Vladimir Putin made a trip to South Africa back in September 2006. He took with him the Oligarchs of Russia. He did this to bring about change for South Africa no different than Oprah does her thing.
Putin to Take 100 Business Leaders to South Africa
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/09/01/044.html
By Tom Miles Reuters
President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to South Africa next week with around 100 Russian business leaders hoping to build bridges between two of the world's biggest emerging-market economies.
Fresh from hosting the Group of Eight nations at last month's St. Petersburg summit, Putin also has a mandate to tackle development issues such as trade, AIDS and education.
... and from the BBC ...
Putin to boost South Africa trade
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5314614.stm
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost business ties with South Africa on a landmark visit.
He said economic ties between the two nations, both with vast mineral and diamond reserves, lagged far behind the political affinity they enjoyed.
"The decades-long interruption in ties between South Africa and Russia is now history," Mr Putin said.
This is the first trip by a Russian president to the country. Moscow once aided South Africa's current leaders.
South Africa's ruling party, the ANC, received military training and financial support from Moscow during its many years of fighting apartheid.
The reason President Putin wants to redirect the efforts in Africa is because it is proven strategy to stop terrorists. When the quality of life of Islam improves the extremism abates. The confrontation of the Islamic people only leads to greater confrontation that The West cannot defeat. The reason is because The West's troops fight to live and the Islamic extremists fight to die. To bring economic growth to Africa is to secure it aware more and more from terrorist extremism. It was a great idea until Bush decided to launch missiles into Somalia according the 'well positioned' Barbara Starr. Bush would love a confrontation with Russia no matter the soil he 'eggs' on the fight.
The really laughable aspect to the CNN rhetoric surrounding war with Islam is that they see it as a moral pursuit because according to Glen Beck, the Muslim faith has been hijacked from the poor and down trodden Islamic people by extremists. Oh, really. I don't think that is it. You see the Shi'ites have a real reason to be upset as the minority in Islam and their HOLY lineage was nearly if not completely annihilated by Saddam. So, when confrontation erupts it is within an understanding that either the Shi'ites are defending themselves OR someone is attacking them. I don't believe for a minute that the Muslim faith has been 'hijacked' so much as 'stimulated' for war.
That said.
It is fairly obvious what this mess with Bush in cooperation by CNN is all about. See, the 'Surge' into Iraq needs lots more recruits. Where are they going to come from as the 'poor white guys' from the South are mostly 'tapped out.'
But.
The Black guys, the poor ones from LA that need to be reformed by the miltary from their 'gangs' are still 'fresh territory' for ruthless recruiters. So, what does Andy and CNN do? They put a 'Pro Africa' program on starring Oprah and set the stage for what they are hoping is a huge sympathetic response to a necessary war to be conducted in Somalia. But, the catch is the USA military can only conduct that war AFTER fighting the much needed victory in Iraq.
So, during the second 'Hour with Andy' the progress of the most friendly member of the media starts with horride awareness of the wildfires of California. That was just to get everyone's attention.
Wind-driven fire destroys homes on Malibu coast
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070108-1946-ca-socalwildfire.html
By Jeremiah Marquez
ASSOCIATED PRESS
7:46 p.m. January 8, 2007
MALIBU – A wildfire fanned by Santa Ana winds destroyed eight seaside mansions and damaged five others as it spread over more than 20 acres in this celebrity enclave Monday, authorities said.
Flames boiled furiously out of the skeletons of multimillion-dollar beach homes for about two hours until there was little left to burn. No injuries were reported, fire officials said.
I wish someone would impeach Bush and Cheney already. This is getting a bit desperate and dangerous for the USA.
Oh, the question, "Was the USA invited to Somalia to launch missiles?" Nah. But, when a country is seeking fiscal participation and humanitarian relief, I am sure it can be arranged.
enough
I don't know who is worse at this point, Glen Beck or Andy. Beck likes being a war monger while keeping that 'feel good feeling' going by packing 'we are thinking about you' boxes at the USO.
When are these morons finally going to come to terms with the level of criminality of the White House and stop patting this administration on the head while saying, "Oh, yeah, the really bad guys are in Iraq and we need to continue to destroy the country no matter how it comes."
1005
Somalia - Was the USA asked to intervene? My guess is no.
Let's see.
Somalia: Four Killed in an Ambush Attack Against Ethiopian Troops in Mogadishu
http://allafrica.com/stories/200701080231.html
Aweys Osman YusufMogadishu
Gunmen in the Somali capital Mogadishu ambushed an Ethiopian and Somali convoy on Sunday evening. The convoy was passing by KM4 Junction at the center of the town.
At least four persons, two of the allied forces and two civilians, were killed, while a dozen more were wounded after a number of unidentified gunmen threw explosives and opened fire indiscriminately at the Ethiopian and Somali government forces. The exchange of gunfire lasted 10 minutes.
The terrifying sounds of the explosions and gunshots could be heard throughout the southern part of the capital last night.
Although the Ethiopian troops are not so visible in the streets of Mogadishu, ambush attacks against them have mounted lately.
Several times in the past, they were attacked with hand and propelled grenades while passing at south and north of Mogadishu.
Thousands of heavily armed Ethiopian troops backing the transitional government forces seized the capital on 24 December last year when Islamists fled the capital.
This is actually typical of the Islamic Terrorists seen in many other assaults that seem successful. The terrorists literally RUN away from the initial invasion to allow the invading force to 'take hold' and feel as though they have been successful, when in fact the invading force has literally 'fell into the trap.' When the invasion has settled down to somewhat routine rejoicing as seen in Baghdad after the fall of Saddam and the statue was pulled down by a USA tank, the SO CALLED 'insurgency' begins taking the conquerors by surprise and taking the 'morale' away from the invasion. I am sure many solider have experienced the 'relief' of victory only to be fired upon out of surprise to realize the war was just beginning, although it seems like a minor manifestation called 'dead enders' at the time.
Insurgency
Analysts say the insurgency, which is slowly beginning in the capital may be linked to the video message from the second al-Qaeda leader, who recently urged Muslim extremists in the world and the Somali people themselves to attack and kill the Ethiopian troops in Somalia and prevent Western interests in the Horn of Africa.
Literally, this is MORE OF THE SAME failure of the Bush USA military after it invaded Afghanistan. The Afghanistan invasion literally was grossly undermanned and failed. Today NATO and the Brits are still attempting to 'take back' the initial initiative that was supposed to be the victory of the USA. At the time the world surrounded the USA and did everything possible to facilitate that victory, Bush set his sites on Iraq and abandoned the real enemy that the entire world wanted the USA to defeat, namely al Qaeda.
The United States promised $16 million of aid to Somalia. Many African countries were urged to send peacekeeping troops to Somalia as well.
Here is 'the catch.' The donation of monies is a foothold to the justification of a higher level of USA military participation. The good guys. To enter this war by the USA would be more war profiteering without end. The USA has clearly demonstrated they are NOT successful at disarming Islamic Terrorist networks including al Qaeda under the current administration. Somalia promies now to be the 'third' war front for the USA, although, Iraq is really the only war front. Afghanistan has been turned over to NATO and the Brits. It would be good for Russia and China to become involed in Afghanistan to FINALLY defeat the Taliban and wipe out al Qaeda. The USA won't have military competency again until their is a new president.
1039
Yeah, yeah, Andy, I guess Bush needs to send troops and missiles and all sorts of things to protect Oprah. Oprah is a lovely distration to the real issues of the USA. Africa needs hers to embrace them and I appauld her for it. Admire her for it. But, the question at the forefront of Andy's World complimented by Beck's World is that ... "Will Oprah walk through minefields to become the American Diana to promote war?"
1042
I think Russia's Putin was recently in South Africa. ? Somalia ?
Let's finish this up.
Vladimir Putin made a trip to South Africa back in September 2006. He took with him the Oligarchs of Russia. He did this to bring about change for South Africa no different than Oprah does her thing.
Putin to Take 100 Business Leaders to South Africa
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/09/01/044.html
By Tom Miles Reuters
President Vladimir Putin makes his first visit to South Africa next week with around 100 Russian business leaders hoping to build bridges between two of the world's biggest emerging-market economies.
Fresh from hosting the Group of Eight nations at last month's St. Petersburg summit, Putin also has a mandate to tackle development issues such as trade, AIDS and education.
... and from the BBC ...
Putin to boost South Africa trade
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5314614.stm
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to boost business ties with South Africa on a landmark visit.
He said economic ties between the two nations, both with vast mineral and diamond reserves, lagged far behind the political affinity they enjoyed.
"The decades-long interruption in ties between South Africa and Russia is now history," Mr Putin said.
This is the first trip by a Russian president to the country. Moscow once aided South Africa's current leaders.
South Africa's ruling party, the ANC, received military training and financial support from Moscow during its many years of fighting apartheid.
The reason President Putin wants to redirect the efforts in Africa is because it is proven strategy to stop terrorists. When the quality of life of Islam improves the extremism abates. The confrontation of the Islamic people only leads to greater confrontation that The West cannot defeat. The reason is because The West's troops fight to live and the Islamic extremists fight to die. To bring economic growth to Africa is to secure it aware more and more from terrorist extremism. It was a great idea until Bush decided to launch missiles into Somalia according the 'well positioned' Barbara Starr. Bush would love a confrontation with Russia no matter the soil he 'eggs' on the fight.
The really laughable aspect to the CNN rhetoric surrounding war with Islam is that they see it as a moral pursuit because according to Glen Beck, the Muslim faith has been hijacked from the poor and down trodden Islamic people by extremists. Oh, really. I don't think that is it. You see the Shi'ites have a real reason to be upset as the minority in Islam and their HOLY lineage was nearly if not completely annihilated by Saddam. So, when confrontation erupts it is within an understanding that either the Shi'ites are defending themselves OR someone is attacking them. I don't believe for a minute that the Muslim faith has been 'hijacked' so much as 'stimulated' for war.
That said.
It is fairly obvious what this mess with Bush in cooperation by CNN is all about. See, the 'Surge' into Iraq needs lots more recruits. Where are they going to come from as the 'poor white guys' from the South are mostly 'tapped out.'
But.
The Black guys, the poor ones from LA that need to be reformed by the miltary from their 'gangs' are still 'fresh territory' for ruthless recruiters. So, what does Andy and CNN do? They put a 'Pro Africa' program on starring Oprah and set the stage for what they are hoping is a huge sympathetic response to a necessary war to be conducted in Somalia. But, the catch is the USA military can only conduct that war AFTER fighting the much needed victory in Iraq.
So, during the second 'Hour with Andy' the progress of the most friendly member of the media starts with horride awareness of the wildfires of California. That was just to get everyone's attention.
Wind-driven fire destroys homes on Malibu coast
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20070108-1946-ca-socalwildfire.html
By Jeremiah Marquez
ASSOCIATED PRESS
7:46 p.m. January 8, 2007
MALIBU – A wildfire fanned by Santa Ana winds destroyed eight seaside mansions and damaged five others as it spread over more than 20 acres in this celebrity enclave Monday, authorities said.
Flames boiled furiously out of the skeletons of multimillion-dollar beach homes for about two hours until there was little left to burn. No injuries were reported, fire officials said.
Add after weeks of 'taking on bigotry in the USA' CNN knows through market analysis there has to be a lot of African Americans tuning in by now. So, everyone is entraced by the first hour with Oprah and then Andy moves on to the California wildfires, followed by the inappropriate missiles fired by Bush's USA into Somalia while all the time ranting about al Qaeda needing to be destroyed as a nemisis in that country.
Hold the Press.
Al Qaeda is trouble in any country and while the members in Somalia might be 'of interest' don't try to 'sell' the idea that defeating al Qaeda in Somalia is more important or has more brevity than defeating them in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden started his al Qaeda netowrk in Somalia and then moved to Afghanistan where he was protected by the Taliban while experimenting with attack techniques and WMD. THAT, didn't happen and the planning of the attacks of September 11, 2001 didn't happen in Somalia, but, I am sure Andy will make it seem such over time.
So to get back to Andy's World, the al Qaeda display of dominant power by Barbara Starr, then we move to Tom Foreman with his Google Earth maps and all the razzle-dazzle CNN can muster to point to 'the areas of surge' troops to defeat the undefeatable, numerous and vital militias of Iraq. Then there was a lot of 'gaming' to win affection from the audience as Andy is such a 'nice guy.' NOT ! Believe me this is not a 'nice' proram. It's hosptile, subversive and pro-Bush propaganda.I wish someone would impeach Bush and Cheney already. This is getting a bit desperate and dangerous for the USA.
Oh, the question, "Was the USA invited to Somalia to launch missiles?" Nah. But, when a country is seeking fiscal participation and humanitarian relief, I am sure it can be arranged.
enough
Thursday, January 4, 2007
You go ahead and keep them honest...
1000
... but, it wasn't the Democrats that had a difficult time 'keeping honest' in the first place.
I can probably easily count the number of times the name Abramoff breeched the lips of Mr. Cooper and his 360 team.
enough.
... but, it wasn't the Democrats that had a difficult time 'keeping honest' in the first place.
I can probably easily count the number of times the name Abramoff breeched the lips of Mr. Cooper and his 360 team.
enough.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Armageddon a cometh. And doggonit, if it doesn't then Bush will 'bring it on.'
1100
Pat Robertson wants a way to extend the culture of fear into September. I think the man is one of the most crude evangelicals on Earth. Doesn't care about preaching and ministering, but, just like Bush sensationalism is his forte'. Last time it was bench pressing 2000 pounds or some ridiculous notion.
The execution of Saddam Hussein
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM CALDWELL, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN, COALITION FORCES IN IRAQ: And we had absolutely nothing to do with any of the procedures or any of the control mechanisms or anything from that point forward.
I think that is exactly the point. The people that should have mentored the executioners and the witnesses DIDN'T !!!
However, the government is saying that this guard that they have detained was actually already on site. He was already at the facility where Saddam was executed. And they're suggesting that he was somehow able to sneak into that facility, sneak into the execution chamber itself, with that cell phone and take that video, going undetected. I think it's fair to say, though, that that is something many Sunnis aren't going to buy.
The Sunnis aren't going to buy it? No kidding. They aren't alone. The videographer was aided by whomever was in the rooom to get all he could on digital. If he wasn't supposed to be in that room how did he manage to take a picture of Saddam after the death. I really think there was a consensus about the events. And maybe culturally some of the yelling can go on. It's not the USA and if Bush and the USA military are washing their hands of it, then no one has a right to criticize the actions of a different culture. Iraq is not Little America.
AL-RUBAIE: I believe the Western media has been played by the -- some of the Arab rulers, and that this incident has been blown out of proportion, to -- to be used against Iraq. And they capitalize this to make even further division between the Sunni and Shiite. And we should stop this immediately.
I believe we should concentrate on a new page. This is a closure. This is meant to be psychological healing and rehabilitation for our people, those -- for the victims, especially. And we -- we need to close this chapter and forget about it and forgive the -- the rest. And we need to go forward for -- to build and reconstruct our country together, the Shia and Sunni and Kurds.
Not bad. I am concerned about one very profound statement by one of the men, "...you have destroyed us." That came from his own experience. I am concerned that the hatred Saddam had of the Shi'ites, especially the party that now leads in Iraq, actually did a great deal of damage to them in a way they feel is irreparable harm.
That statement more than anything else that transpired bothers me. It is as if they have nothing to live for. As if their holy lineage was ravaged. When Cleric al Sadr makes it clear that he is in lineage to an Ayatollah, I sometimes wonder that it is more his desire to 're-establish' the hope of the Shi'ites than any other purpose. I am concerned for a people so brutally treated and a minority in Islam as a whole regardless the majority status in Iraq, that there is no bridging that gap.
One thing that justice, in this case an execution, can provide is a feeling of vindication. I am concerned no matter how much justice, as defined by The West, is done in Iraq, it will never be enough because in all efforts to reconstruct, there is actually never going to be enough reconstruction of their lineage for them to feel safe and whole. I hope I am wrong about all that but that statement, "...you have destroyed us..." is one I cannot reconcile.
The Girls Triumph over Trump
And Barbara Walters enters the fight between Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell. Now is it a three-way battle?
I am really happy about that. What an alliance. That is absolutely wonderful. Barbara is a journalist, she knows the value of 'the spoken/written word.' Congratulations to them both, it is going to be 'the good fight.' Hey, First Runner Up was cheated.
COOPER: And does it have real repercussions on the ground in Iraq? I mean, we have seen Sunnis demonstrating in Jordan and elsewhere. There are those who say, well, look, well, Sunnis have plenty other reasons to be angry, and -- and this just adds to it. But -- but does it go beyond that?
The repercussions are more extensive than the ground war. You are focusing on that to bolster the 'idea' that more troops are needed. The execution of Hussein at least according to Mubarak reaches beyond Iraq into the leadership of the nations of Arabia. Hussein's execution may actually quell the violence, at least that is the hope, but it may also build a ground swell of uprise against established leadership in the way Osama bin Laden wanted them diminished and removed from their capacities.
It's a worry.
The long range vigiliance will be required for at least two generations more to come to understand what the events of Saturday has actully caused. That doesn't mean the USA should occupy the entire of Arabia either, but, it needs to be a focus of concern for the United Nations and monitoring the outcomes of elections and the tone of the campaigns.
To put it plainly, Arabia's 'street' may hold surprises for us just at the very time we were getting to know them better. It would be helpful, Anderson, if you reached beyond the 'glitz' of anchoring a 'show' and actually rose to scholarly pursuit in your interviews. That, sir, requires dedication and insight beyond the camera lens. It is more than experience. It is a desire to be correct and bring that correctness to your clients/readership/viewership. I suppose I would be considered to be 'talking past you' as a defense to yourself, but, I am not, I giving you some very good advise.
This is two examples of the misguided rhetoric that Anderson Cooper 360 stands behind. Did you ever explore the possiblity that Iran actually NEEDS nuclear energy to it's people and govenrment due to poor infrastructure? Did you?
Pat Robertson wants a way to extend the culture of fear into September. I think the man is one of the most crude evangelicals on Earth. Doesn't care about preaching and ministering, but, just like Bush sensationalism is his forte'. Last time it was bench pressing 2000 pounds or some ridiculous notion.
The execution of Saddam Hussein
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM CALDWELL, U.S. ARMY SPOKESMAN, COALITION FORCES IN IRAQ: And we had absolutely nothing to do with any of the procedures or any of the control mechanisms or anything from that point forward.
I think that is exactly the point. The people that should have mentored the executioners and the witnesses DIDN'T !!!
However, the government is saying that this guard that they have detained was actually already on site. He was already at the facility where Saddam was executed. And they're suggesting that he was somehow able to sneak into that facility, sneak into the execution chamber itself, with that cell phone and take that video, going undetected. I think it's fair to say, though, that that is something many Sunnis aren't going to buy.
The Sunnis aren't going to buy it? No kidding. They aren't alone. The videographer was aided by whomever was in the rooom to get all he could on digital. If he wasn't supposed to be in that room how did he manage to take a picture of Saddam after the death. I really think there was a consensus about the events. And maybe culturally some of the yelling can go on. It's not the USA and if Bush and the USA military are washing their hands of it, then no one has a right to criticize the actions of a different culture. Iraq is not Little America.
AL-RUBAIE: I believe the Western media has been played by the -- some of the Arab rulers, and that this incident has been blown out of proportion, to -- to be used against Iraq. And they capitalize this to make even further division between the Sunni and Shiite. And we should stop this immediately.
I believe we should concentrate on a new page. This is a closure. This is meant to be psychological healing and rehabilitation for our people, those -- for the victims, especially. And we -- we need to close this chapter and forget about it and forgive the -- the rest. And we need to go forward for -- to build and reconstruct our country together, the Shia and Sunni and Kurds.
Not bad. I am concerned about one very profound statement by one of the men, "...you have destroyed us." That came from his own experience. I am concerned that the hatred Saddam had of the Shi'ites, especially the party that now leads in Iraq, actually did a great deal of damage to them in a way they feel is irreparable harm.
That statement more than anything else that transpired bothers me. It is as if they have nothing to live for. As if their holy lineage was ravaged. When Cleric al Sadr makes it clear that he is in lineage to an Ayatollah, I sometimes wonder that it is more his desire to 're-establish' the hope of the Shi'ites than any other purpose. I am concerned for a people so brutally treated and a minority in Islam as a whole regardless the majority status in Iraq, that there is no bridging that gap.
One thing that justice, in this case an execution, can provide is a feeling of vindication. I am concerned no matter how much justice, as defined by The West, is done in Iraq, it will never be enough because in all efforts to reconstruct, there is actually never going to be enough reconstruction of their lineage for them to feel safe and whole. I hope I am wrong about all that but that statement, "...you have destroyed us..." is one I cannot reconcile.
The Girls Triumph over Trump
And Barbara Walters enters the fight between Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell. Now is it a three-way battle?
I am really happy about that. What an alliance. That is absolutely wonderful. Barbara is a journalist, she knows the value of 'the spoken/written word.' Congratulations to them both, it is going to be 'the good fight.' Hey, First Runner Up was cheated.
COOPER: And does it have real repercussions on the ground in Iraq? I mean, we have seen Sunnis demonstrating in Jordan and elsewhere. There are those who say, well, look, well, Sunnis have plenty other reasons to be angry, and -- and this just adds to it. But -- but does it go beyond that?
The repercussions are more extensive than the ground war. You are focusing on that to bolster the 'idea' that more troops are needed. The execution of Hussein at least according to Mubarak reaches beyond Iraq into the leadership of the nations of Arabia. Hussein's execution may actually quell the violence, at least that is the hope, but it may also build a ground swell of uprise against established leadership in the way Osama bin Laden wanted them diminished and removed from their capacities.
It's a worry.
The long range vigiliance will be required for at least two generations more to come to understand what the events of Saturday has actully caused. That doesn't mean the USA should occupy the entire of Arabia either, but, it needs to be a focus of concern for the United Nations and monitoring the outcomes of elections and the tone of the campaigns.
To put it plainly, Arabia's 'street' may hold surprises for us just at the very time we were getting to know them better. It would be helpful, Anderson, if you reached beyond the 'glitz' of anchoring a 'show' and actually rose to scholarly pursuit in your interviews. That, sir, requires dedication and insight beyond the camera lens. It is more than experience. It is a desire to be correct and bring that correctness to your clients/readership/viewership. I suppose I would be considered to be 'talking past you' as a defense to yourself, but, I am not, I giving you some very good advise.
This is two examples of the misguided rhetoric that Anderson Cooper 360 stands behind. Did you ever explore the possiblity that Iran actually NEEDS nuclear energy to it's people and govenrment due to poor infrastructure? Did you?
Iran says will soon launch industrial nuclear fuel cycle
http://en.rian.ru/world/20070103/58364901.html\
While everyone is screaming about Iranian potential for atomic weapons did anyone at AC 360 do anything to bring the entire picture to the American people? No. They simply want to focus on bolstering war. Others have gone to Iran to speak to the people and explore the reasons behind an unreasonable president. But, not here. No. Here all anyone wants to due is support war and more of it. Was it Ted Kopple that I heard on MSNBC, that had a conscience about what he was actually 'backing' in the way of contributing to the dialogue. He came home with a view of Iranians rarely shared in The West and certainly not engaged by many. Iran needs reassurance their country will have energy without enrichment otherwise they just might step outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty to simply gain their right to nuclear power and defend it and Shia Islam at the same time. Sanctions may not help with a country that is thristy for energy with an infrastructure in complete disrepair. I don't disagree with sanctions, but, I do disagree with a 'picture' of any aspect of international judgement as a consumer of information in the USA with a president chronically on the trigger finger that is tainted and/or incomplete. The illegal war in Iraq can happen again simply because people are kept misinformed and stupid to 'the truth.' What a convenience that would be for someone like Bush and Cheney.
Russia increases gas exports to Turkey after Iran cuts supplies
http://en.rian.ru/business/20070104/58420699.html
ANKARA, January 4 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's energy giant Gazprom has increased its daily natural gas exports to Turkey by 14 million cubic meters to 84 million cubic meters following a cutoff in supplies from Iran, Turkish state-run pipeline company Botas said Thursday.
Iran announced Wednesday it suspended gas supplies to Turkey to meet its own domestic demand, which dramatically increased due to unusually cold weather, but promised to resume them in 10 days.
Under a contract, signed in 1996, Iran supplies Turkey with 27 million-28 million cubic meters of gas per day via a 2,500-km gas pipeline. But in late December gas supplies via the pipeline were reduced 10-fold to about 2.5 million cubic meters before being stopped completely.
A simple change says Taxpayers Union president Berthoud, if you are convicted of any felony while in office, you forfeit your right to get paid.
In office? Once they've retired, you mean they should be exempt from living an ethical life to uphold the dignity of the country. Heck, if the Taxpayers Union wants to make a difference than they have to extend penalties to 'conditions' of the pension. The pensions are enough to 'insure' ethical living and dignity to the definition of Congressman or woman, it should not be an option.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Emerging from his first cabinet meeting of the year, President Bush didn't even mention Iraq, but once again framing it as part of the war on terror.
He is too busy shifting people and seats inside the Cabinet Meeting Room to talk about Iraq. One thing about Bush, he always can look at the news media, stone cold and be concerned about "The War on Terror" while holding his fingers crossed behind his back. Come on, get over this mess already. Bush is no one to even seek opinion from, he is a chronic liar. When is everyone going to wake up to that fact. He has done nothing but lie. He could not care less about what happened on September 11th except it gave him a reason for his Neocon agenda no matter where it would take him.
GERGEN: That's a darned good question. And they obviously are not trying to put Iraq front and center, except through the hearings process. I felt that they might get the job that they in effect passed a resolution embracing the Baker-Hamilton report, that that will be a fairly straightforward thing for the Democrats to do, get themselves on record. Instead, what they're going to be is mostly the beginner party, they're going to be, you know --if, as the president -- you reported here on CNN the president recommends 20,000 to 40,000 troops, he's going to face a lot of opposition from Democrats, but he's also going to face a lot of opposition within his own party.
So, it is -- Iraq, very quickly, and we'll see where we go next week, but Iraq is, as you know, is taking up all the oxygen of politics, so it's somehow -- I mean, it has made this whole Congressional effort, 100-hours agenda somewhat secondary, I think in the voters' minds. But, you know, they can still have a constructive beginning, but I think your question is a good one. Should they not have taken a tougher stand on Iraq than they have.
It would be a political 'cop out' to simply endorse the Iraq Study Group. They made recommendations that were supposed to be started when they were announced. The recommendations weren't meant to be studied and discussed and debated, that all happened when the Study Group met.
By endorsing a 'dead issue' the Democrats would appear to have no real ideas or leadership of their own. It's not a matter of being clever. Bush was supposed to take the Iraq Study Group seriously. They were commissioned by Congress. He didn't. He is negligent AGAIN. So, what is left to do? Investigate. Call hearings and find out what the heck it takes to deal with the circumstances including a president that will only hold to 'the same course' or a varied one with no real research or validity behind it. It was like he and Condi and Gates met and Bush said, "Look guys we are 4th and 10 here, come up with something."
Where did this number 20 to 40 thousand come from? There is a huge difference between 20 and 40 thousand anyway. Is Bush saying 20 thousand is enough? No? 40 thousand enough? Or we actually have a plan that reflects EXACTLY what needs to be done. Bush has none of that. Prime Minister Maliki has been having success with his 'call up' of the elements of Iraq's political party. I don't believe Maliki is actually interested in Bush's ideas at all.
To say it would be better to embrace a 'timed out' Iraq Study Group recommendation is to say, well we did what we could and I guess Bush is just a lame duck. The Democrats can't do that, both politically and the fact that they need to form a solution to this mess; al Qaeda is still alive and well. It's left up to the Democrats to actually resolve Iraq and return to defense of this country, the president is no longer capable.
enough
Monday, January 1, 2007
U.S. death toll in Iraq reaches 3,000
Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq - The death of a Texas soldier, announced Sunday by the Pentagon, raised the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq to at least 3,000 since the war began, according to an Associated Press count.
The grim milestone was crossed on the final day of 2006 and at the end of the deadliest month for the American military in Iraq in the past 12 months. At least 111 U.S. service members were reported to have died in December.
Spc. Dustin R. Donica, 22, of Spring, Texas, was killed Thursday by small arms fire in Baghdad, the Defense Department said. Donica was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
His death was not announced by U.S. military authorities in Baghdad.
At least 820 U.S. military personnel died in Iraq in 2006, according to the AP count.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=8824
Peace group stages rally to mark 3,000th casualty
By Jenn McDowell / Nashua Telegraph
NASHUA – NashuaPeace.Org activists weathered cold temperatures and a little snow Saturday to commemorate the nearly 3,000 American troops who have been killed in the Iraq war thus far.
About 40 people lined Main Street between 11 a.m. and noon bearing signs with statistics about the war, including the costs incurred on the country – both human and financial.
As the snow began to fall around 11:15, Joan Donahue of Nashua and Suzanne Hodge of Hudson remained on the corner of Main and Park streets, waving to passing motorists and eager to explain their views on the death toll, which stood Saturday at 2,998, according to an Associated Press tally.
“They’re all our family and friends,” Donahue said about the troops fighting in Iraq. She pointed to the more than 40 soldiers with New Hampshire connections who have died in action, and said she believes even more than the nearly 3,000 in the official count have died in hospitals as they tried to recover from injuries.
According to news reports, events to memorialize the 3,000th U.S. death will be held across the country in the coming days.
After the bloodiest month of the year – with more than 100 hundred U.S. soldiers killed in December – the 3,000 mark seems to be an appropriate point for re-evaluating the nation’s involvement in the war, protesters said.
“It’s no longer America’s war in Iraq. We are fighting the Iraqi civil war,” Donahue said.
President Bush is expected to announce a new Iraq strategy after the New Year.
Paula Van De Werken of Nashua said she believes the execution of Saddam Hussein will not provoke change in the Iraq region, and she held a sign asking people to think about whether “Hussein’s neck” was worth 3,000 dead soldiers, 25,000 maimed soldiers, 655,000 dead Iraqis and more than $300 billion U.S. dollars.
Van De Werken said she had a son-in-law in Iraq who was “gung-ho” for the war at first, but has since changed his views.
“He can’t say anything, but I can and I do,” she said.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/latestnews/index.php?id=8825
DO SOMETHING
"Not one more death, not one more dollar."
http://www.afsc.org/3000/
Looking around 'the television' last night...
... I stopped in a couple of places.
CNN had free prizes for identification of newsworthy political figures.
Seacrest (click on) was the surrogate for Dick Clark. Clark looked good. Remarkable recovery from his stroke.
It was facsincating to see Mayor Bloomberg with his American Flag Sweater 'mingling' with Seacrest for political volleys. Seacrest hosts American Idol, also known as "The Place for the No Talent Bumbs in the Country that haven't got a Clue." It was all too obvious that the good Mayor was making a splash with Seacrest and his FOX constituency.
I didn't appreciate the pictures of the 'Crystal Ball' as it came down. It was too close up and the effect of changing colors and designs was to be viewed at a long distance. It took away from the moment and the effect.
The New Year was marked with the 3000th death of American soldiers in Iraq. Not a mention to any party that I saw. Just didn't count. Would have ruined the 'party spirit' I suppose.
There was a remarkable display of concern and respect for our troops by The New York Times. It was pleasingly astounding, at the top of the page, at midnight on their website:
"Faces of the Dead"
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20061228_3000FACES_TAB1.html
I didn't see any other display of such patriotic concern except at Michael Moore dot calm; and the Associated Press where Mike turns for his imforation at times; where he was the first to note the event of the 3000th dead American.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
It is the silver ball above. It is that dicotomy that is dangerous to this country. While traditions like The Times Square Moment is vital to the USA, it isn't 'all' of the aspects of The New Year of the USA. It's a worry.
When this country responded to the attacks of September 11th, we did it with great trepidation for the heroes that 'wear the uniform.' The legitimate campaign went fairly well in Afghanistan although completely obvious it was also underestimated and under manned. The USA had a justified reason for the invasion into that country. We had more reason to occupy that country until it was secure enough to prevent any rise to power again of the Taliban or permit any threat by al Qaeda.
It was squandered for an oil war in Iraq and revenge killing of Saddam, carried out by surrogating the legitimate issues of the Kurds. It may have been a mistake to hang Saddam, certainly it was from the standpoint that he did not stand trial for all his crimes, which some might include some murders of Sunnis, before he was executed.
This is obviously a reaction to the execution.
Prisoners clash with guards in Iraq jail
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IBO157796.htm
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Prisoners in a jail in Iraq smashed cell doors, burned furniture and broke cameras during a riot on Monday that began when visitors told inmates that Saddam Hussein had been executed.
At least seven guards and three inmates were injured before Iraqi police and army ended the fighting.
The clashes in Padush prison in northern Iraq broke out during visiting hours as inmates reacted to news of Saddam execution, a witness in the prison said.
"Visitors brought the news of Saddam's execution and this ignited the unrest," the witness told Reuters.
Images of Saddam being taunted by Shi'ite officials during his hanging on Saturday have outraged Saddam's fellow Sunni Arabs, who have expressed anger at the Shi'ite-dominated government.
Iraq's overcrowded prisons hold many Sunni Arabs suspected of being Saddam supporters and insurgents. Sunnis complain of being victimised by Shi'ite-dominated security forces.
The unrest took place in a wing housing around 300 inmates, who attacked guards with sticks and batons. Police and army from the nearby city of Mosul were sent in and witnesses reported hearing gunbattles inside the prison.
Prison director Ali Mahmud said no inmates escaped, though some had tried to get away in the chaos. Mahmud said seven guards and three inmates were injured, but witnesses said one visitor had died in the clashes.
The family of one man in the region who has been in prison for 15 years said he had escaped. Mahmud said all inmates were accounted for.
The United Nations has voiced disquiet over the conditions of Iraq's prisons, and U.S. forces have uncovered clandestine prisons were Sunni inmates have been held and tortured.
The importance of our mission in Afghanistan has been diminished by the incompetent authority in Washington, DC. As a nation, and one with scars still lingering all too clearly in New York City, we cannot lose site of the real mission of our military in Afghanistan.
Currently, Russia is concerned over increasing the size of NATO. All this is due to the fact there has been such gross incompetence by the USA 'high command' in securing Afghanistan and fighting an appropriate war. I don't know of any American that would not stand behind a strong effort in Afghanistan, it is just that we cannot condone any actions by the USA under this administration because their agenda is very covert and when they execute power it is always 'under done' to propagate military presence and spending and corporate profits than to legitimately win wars.
We have seen the change of another year on the calender. Calenders are important. Soon the year 2008 will present itself and again the USA is looking to elect a president. This time we have to focus on competency and not personality, policy and not '...smoke 'em out...' Hollywood style politics and a complete resolve to Afghanistan's strife which is giving way to the return of the Taliban which once sheltered al Qaeda. We as a country are allowing the worse to happen with the power of our military and compromising ourselves and our allies.
In all honesty, I don't see that NATO's size should be increased as this has resulted from Bush/Cheney incompetence and the real goals of increasing NATO is skeptical. We also cannot allow NATO to be a surrogate to issues best resolved by the USA military. We need a change in policy and diplomacy in Washington, DC before anyone, including Russia, can say this is unnecessary or imprudent. Unfortunately, the stress that the Brits and NATO are facing will not wait and for that reason I would appeal to the United Nations Security Council and other countries of the region to seek the best outcome for the defeat of al Qaeda and oppression of the Taliban with perhaps participation by Russian/Chinese troops as well.
For a better new year.
Shalom.
CNN had free prizes for identification of newsworthy political figures.
Seacrest (click on) was the surrogate for Dick Clark. Clark looked good. Remarkable recovery from his stroke.
It was facsincating to see Mayor Bloomberg with his American Flag Sweater 'mingling' with Seacrest for political volleys. Seacrest hosts American Idol, also known as "The Place for the No Talent Bumbs in the Country that haven't got a Clue." It was all too obvious that the good Mayor was making a splash with Seacrest and his FOX constituency.
I didn't appreciate the pictures of the 'Crystal Ball' as it came down. It was too close up and the effect of changing colors and designs was to be viewed at a long distance. It took away from the moment and the effect.
The New Year was marked with the 3000th death of American soldiers in Iraq. Not a mention to any party that I saw. Just didn't count. Would have ruined the 'party spirit' I suppose.
There was a remarkable display of concern and respect for our troops by The New York Times. It was pleasingly astounding, at the top of the page, at midnight on their website:
"Faces of the Dead"
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20061228_3000FACES_TAB1.html
I didn't see any other display of such patriotic concern except at Michael Moore dot calm; and the Associated Press where Mike turns for his imforation at times; where he was the first to note the event of the 3000th dead American.
http://www.michaelmoore.com/
It is the silver ball above. It is that dicotomy that is dangerous to this country. While traditions like The Times Square Moment is vital to the USA, it isn't 'all' of the aspects of The New Year of the USA. It's a worry.
When this country responded to the attacks of September 11th, we did it with great trepidation for the heroes that 'wear the uniform.' The legitimate campaign went fairly well in Afghanistan although completely obvious it was also underestimated and under manned. The USA had a justified reason for the invasion into that country. We had more reason to occupy that country until it was secure enough to prevent any rise to power again of the Taliban or permit any threat by al Qaeda.
It was squandered for an oil war in Iraq and revenge killing of Saddam, carried out by surrogating the legitimate issues of the Kurds. It may have been a mistake to hang Saddam, certainly it was from the standpoint that he did not stand trial for all his crimes, which some might include some murders of Sunnis, before he was executed.
This is obviously a reaction to the execution.
Prisoners clash with guards in Iraq jail
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IBO157796.htm
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Prisoners in a jail in Iraq smashed cell doors, burned furniture and broke cameras during a riot on Monday that began when visitors told inmates that Saddam Hussein had been executed.
At least seven guards and three inmates were injured before Iraqi police and army ended the fighting.
The clashes in Padush prison in northern Iraq broke out during visiting hours as inmates reacted to news of Saddam execution, a witness in the prison said.
"Visitors brought the news of Saddam's execution and this ignited the unrest," the witness told Reuters.
Images of Saddam being taunted by Shi'ite officials during his hanging on Saturday have outraged Saddam's fellow Sunni Arabs, who have expressed anger at the Shi'ite-dominated government.
Iraq's overcrowded prisons hold many Sunni Arabs suspected of being Saddam supporters and insurgents. Sunnis complain of being victimised by Shi'ite-dominated security forces.
The unrest took place in a wing housing around 300 inmates, who attacked guards with sticks and batons. Police and army from the nearby city of Mosul were sent in and witnesses reported hearing gunbattles inside the prison.
Prison director Ali Mahmud said no inmates escaped, though some had tried to get away in the chaos. Mahmud said seven guards and three inmates were injured, but witnesses said one visitor had died in the clashes.
The family of one man in the region who has been in prison for 15 years said he had escaped. Mahmud said all inmates were accounted for.
The United Nations has voiced disquiet over the conditions of Iraq's prisons, and U.S. forces have uncovered clandestine prisons were Sunni inmates have been held and tortured.
The importance of our mission in Afghanistan has been diminished by the incompetent authority in Washington, DC. As a nation, and one with scars still lingering all too clearly in New York City, we cannot lose site of the real mission of our military in Afghanistan.
Currently, Russia is concerned over increasing the size of NATO. All this is due to the fact there has been such gross incompetence by the USA 'high command' in securing Afghanistan and fighting an appropriate war. I don't know of any American that would not stand behind a strong effort in Afghanistan, it is just that we cannot condone any actions by the USA under this administration because their agenda is very covert and when they execute power it is always 'under done' to propagate military presence and spending and corporate profits than to legitimately win wars.
We have seen the change of another year on the calender. Calenders are important. Soon the year 2008 will present itself and again the USA is looking to elect a president. This time we have to focus on competency and not personality, policy and not '...smoke 'em out...' Hollywood style politics and a complete resolve to Afghanistan's strife which is giving way to the return of the Taliban which once sheltered al Qaeda. We as a country are allowing the worse to happen with the power of our military and compromising ourselves and our allies.
In all honesty, I don't see that NATO's size should be increased as this has resulted from Bush/Cheney incompetence and the real goals of increasing NATO is skeptical. We also cannot allow NATO to be a surrogate to issues best resolved by the USA military. We need a change in policy and diplomacy in Washington, DC before anyone, including Russia, can say this is unnecessary or imprudent. Unfortunately, the stress that the Brits and NATO are facing will not wait and for that reason I would appeal to the United Nations Security Council and other countries of the region to seek the best outcome for the defeat of al Qaeda and oppression of the Taliban with perhaps participation by Russian/Chinese troops as well.
For a better new year.
Shalom.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
NewsNight with Aaron Brown Transcripts
Recently I noticed the transcripts of NewsNight have been removed from the CNN electronic pages. I have most of them if not all of them saved in one place or another. Over time it is my intention to find all of them and place them here in chronological order.
Aaron Brown was a unique voice among the anchors. He was given the freedom that cable gives a news anchor and his focus included 'the news industry' which was completely unique. David Bohrman was a very, very unique producer and enjoyed playing a part at the end of the program during "Morning Papers." I consider myself lucky to have been a part of that news team through the magic of the internet.
Synergy, right David?
These men are my heroes and I am not about to allow the transcripts of "NewsNight with Aaron Brown" to be gone from the public rhelm forever.
I also don't want to hear how CNN is offended simply because they make profits from the archieves.
Too bad.
Aaron belongs to the public and NOT CNN, regardless of the meaningless contracts that might exist. A contract is supposed to mean something other than money, it suppose to uphold the worth and dignity of the parties. CNN violated it's side of the contract. The public suffers because of it.
Aaron Brown was a unique voice among the anchors. He was given the freedom that cable gives a news anchor and his focus included 'the news industry' which was completely unique. David Bohrman was a very, very unique producer and enjoyed playing a part at the end of the program during "Morning Papers." I consider myself lucky to have been a part of that news team through the magic of the internet.
Synergy, right David?
These men are my heroes and I am not about to allow the transcripts of "NewsNight with Aaron Brown" to be gone from the public rhelm forever.
I also don't want to hear how CNN is offended simply because they make profits from the archieves.
Too bad.
Aaron belongs to the public and NOT CNN, regardless of the meaningless contracts that might exist. A contract is supposed to mean something other than money, it suppose to uphold the worth and dignity of the parties. CNN violated it's side of the contract. The public suffers because of it.
Friday, December 29, 2006
The Fallout
1000
It didn't sound as though Mr. Cooper was interested in the reaction to all this. That is where I would want my cameras focused. What was occurring in that execution room was the business of the Unity Government.
Being 48 hours out from the execution it is a bit of a hindsight issue, but, I would think a news channel with connections all over the world would have been attentive to the reaction from all corners. Or maybe that would have been to 'honest' an experience for the 'focus' of this news team.
Two dead and 25 injured when six bombs went off in Bangkok and suburb on the New Year’s eve
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3940
Bangkok, 01 January, (Asiantribune.com): Two persons were killed and at least 25 injured, as a series of bombs or grenades exploded in at least six areas in Bangkok, capital of Thailand and in the neighboring province on New Year's Eve.
Bangkok authorities ordered all public New Year's Eve parties cancelled. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin appeared at the huge Bangkok Countdown 2006 venue at the downtown Central World shopping complex and told the crowd to "go home and stay in peace."
Reports revealed that, at least six bombs exploded across the city in the early evening, leading to quickly intensified security on the two light rail systems, the MRT Sky train and the MRTA subway, and cancellations of varied celebrations.
...Subsequently a third bomb went off at a traffic police post near busy Saphan Kwai-Skytrain overpass intersection injuring 17 people, two seriously. Police cordoned off the area for further investigation and a squad of 20 soldiers was dispatched to the scene to ensure no further untoward incident.
A fourth bomb went off at a police box on Sukhumvit Road Soi 62. No one was injured. A police traffic post near a major intersection in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok was also hit by a bomb but no casualties were reported.
The fifth bomb went off in the compound of the Tesco Lotus superstore at Prachachuen, while the sixth bomb was planted in a waste bin at Seacon Square Shopping Mall, in eastern suburban Bangkok, but a bomb-disposal squad defused the device before it exploded....
...The explosions took place as Bangkokians are celebrating the upcoming New Year. It was not immediately clear if the bombs had anything to do with the military coup of September 19 that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, or with continuing insurgency violence in the Muslim-predominant southern border region which has left more than 1,900 people dead since 2004.
In this case, do I believe this has to do with the execution? I don't think it helped but this probably would have occurred anyway. This is a continuing issue with recent unrest. The case wtih Madrid is different though:
Anger on streets of Spain after ETA bomb attack
A minute's silence has been held in Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country after yesterday's ETA car bomb attack at Madrid's main airport. The blast left two men missing presumed dead, and 19 slightly injured. The Spanish government has now suspended planned dialogue with the armed Basque separatist group.
http://euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_info&article=398651&lng=1
There was a ceasefire intact, especially since the past elections. It was honored up to the point where there was the execution. I think it was a reaction. There was no indictation previous to this of that level of unrest. This is not a 'gee isn't that too bad' moment either. There are two people dead in reaction to the execution.
And even though some are saying the Iraqis had no clue about the execution, there seemed to be plenty of opportunity to know. There is even a video tape that has been on the net. So, this is definately related. It's attacks on the Shia.
Three car bombs exploded in quick succession in the mainly Shia neighbourhood of Hurriya, killing 36 people and wounding 77, an Interior Ministry source said
http://www.itv.com/news/8601f0ea2907f2380445445e3ad75e70.html
Police in Kufa, near the Shia holy city of Najaf, said 36 people were killed and 58 wounded by the car bomb at a market packed with shoppers ahead of the week-long Eid al-Adha holiday.
No doubt there will be retaliations. Here we go again. The vigilence at Saddam's grave is interesting. This isn't what one would anticipate of a person executed for crimes. It's not a private ceremony. For as much as that man deserves to be dead, I don't know if that was an appropriate outcome.
Jeers and Taunts for Saddam
...“I condemn the way he was executed and I consider it a crime,” said 45-year-old Salam Hassan Al-Nasseri, one of Saddam’s clansmen who attended the burial in the village just outside Tikrit, 130 km north of Baghdad. Some 2,000 Iraqis traveled to the village....
...The reference is to Moqtada Sadr, a Shiite leader whose uncle Mohammed Bakr Sadr was murdered in 1980 by Saddam’s agents, and who has risen to prominence since Saddam’s fall as a politician and militia leader. One of the execution party calls: “Long live Mohammed Bakr Sadr!”...
...Hundreds of mourners flocked to his freshly-dug tomb inside the marble-floored hall in Awja yesterday. Many poured out their anger against the Americans and the Iraqi government. “I can’t believe it. By God, we will take revenge,” said one man from the northern city of Mosul....
...A previously unknown group of Iraqi Baathists pledged allegiance to Saddam’s fugitive deputy Izzat Ibrahim and named him the “legitimate president of Iraq,” a statement issued by the group said yesterday. The statement was distributed in Amman at the Jordan branch of Saddam’s Baath party where dozens of people came to pay condolences for the former president. The statement was apparently sent from the Baath party in Baghdad....
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=90550&d=1&m=1&y=2007
Saddam Hussein Hanged for the Wrong ReasonGwynne Dyer, Arab News
It was not the Iraqi government but its American masters that chose to execute Saddam Hussein in a great rush as soon as the first sentence was confirmed, thus canceling all the other trials on far graver charges that awaited him. The current Iraqi government had nothing to hide if those trials went ahead; the United States government did.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=90555&d=1&m=1&y=2007
And the Haj is proceeding without a glitch.
Tents Offer Hint of Pilgrims’ StatusGalal Fakkar, Arab News
The other tented city, packed into any available space, provides a modicum of privacy for many of the pilgrims. (AN photo by Emad Al-Salehi)
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=90545&d=1&m=1&y=2007
MINA, 1 January 2007 — The official figure for the number of pilgrims this year was reported to be 2.38 million, a six percent increase from last year, according to the government. But walking around the holy sites one can observe that many pilgrims are camping not in the large tents of Mina — the official accommodations provided by the Haj tour operators that pilgrims are required to go through — but in smaller portable tents, the kind you might see at any campsite.
ALL THAT is from The Arab News, a long standing and well recognized newspaper of Saudi Arabia.
COOPER: Gentlemen, and -- and Aneesh and Arwa, stand by. I also want to bring in Michael Scharf to this conversation. He's a law professor from Case Western Reserve University. He actually helped train some of the Iraqi judges who took part in this trial. Michael, we appreciate you joining us. What do you make -- there was a last-minute attempt by Saddam's attorneys to stay this execution. It -- it failed within the last hour. Were you surprised by that? It seemed kind of a last-ditch effort.
MICHAEL SCHARF, PROFESSOR, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY: No, I wasn't surprised.
I mean, the legal case they presented in D.C. was very weak. Their theory was basically that Saddam Hussein was a POW, and that the Geneva Conventions say you can't turn a POW over to their enemy. First of all, Saddam was no longer a POW. He hasn't been since 2004, when sovereignty shifted to Iraq. And, secondly, the Iraqi is not an enemy state, like Iran. It is his own government. They had a trial. And it's perfectly acceptable for him then to face the consequences of that.
So, I wasn't surprised at all.
THAT statement is a matter of technicality. Saddam was in USA custody as a POW the entire time he was being tried.
Saddam still in US custody
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2006-12/29/content_771204.htm
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein's half brothers visited him in his jail cell and he gave them his will, Iraqi officials said Friday, indicating his execution may be approaching. But they said he had yet to be transferred to Iraqi custody.
The former president is being held at Camp Cropper, an American military prison where he is expected to remain until the day of his execution, at which point he is to be transferred to Iraqi authorities.
SO, IT he was transferred at all, it was only to carry out the execution. There is probably something procedurally wrong with that but the guy is dead, so anything that is shadey is an issue after the fact. I suppose anyone can challenge the Chinese view of this, but, why would they bring it up if it wasn't a matter of international law? No one else did.
There is too much overlap between the USA military and the civil/criminal courts of Iraq. Bush has disregarded the Geneva Conventions for a reason. The real question is, will he be allowed to get away with it in the long run or will the world seek retribution to teach subsequent American Presidents a lesson?
Cooper you are such a propagandist
CNN has not been able to independently verify that. We are monitoring this situation very closely. And we are trying to verify this on our own, as well as checking out any other networks who may be able to -- to verify this. We will bring that all to you as we know it.
Michael Moore had the execution on his website long before 10PM, don't put on such an act. The Drama Queen.
See, Anderson, everyone else knew before you did.
COOPER: On Iraqi state television right now, they are looking at an image we showed you moments ago. We'll show you that image again right now. Dearborn, Michigan. People dancing in the streets, displaying Iraqi flags.
This image -- you'll hear some of the announcers in the background speaking Arabic. This is taken from Iraqi state television, them showing Iraqis, Muslims in America, in Dearborn, Michigan.
... and it goes on and on and on....
enough
It didn't sound as though Mr. Cooper was interested in the reaction to all this. That is where I would want my cameras focused. What was occurring in that execution room was the business of the Unity Government.
Being 48 hours out from the execution it is a bit of a hindsight issue, but, I would think a news channel with connections all over the world would have been attentive to the reaction from all corners. Or maybe that would have been to 'honest' an experience for the 'focus' of this news team.
Two dead and 25 injured when six bombs went off in Bangkok and suburb on the New Year’s eve
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/3940
Bangkok, 01 January, (Asiantribune.com): Two persons were killed and at least 25 injured, as a series of bombs or grenades exploded in at least six areas in Bangkok, capital of Thailand and in the neighboring province on New Year's Eve.
Bangkok authorities ordered all public New Year's Eve parties cancelled. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin appeared at the huge Bangkok Countdown 2006 venue at the downtown Central World shopping complex and told the crowd to "go home and stay in peace."
Reports revealed that, at least six bombs exploded across the city in the early evening, leading to quickly intensified security on the two light rail systems, the MRT Sky train and the MRTA subway, and cancellations of varied celebrations.
...Subsequently a third bomb went off at a traffic police post near busy Saphan Kwai-Skytrain overpass intersection injuring 17 people, two seriously. Police cordoned off the area for further investigation and a squad of 20 soldiers was dispatched to the scene to ensure no further untoward incident.
A fourth bomb went off at a police box on Sukhumvit Road Soi 62. No one was injured. A police traffic post near a major intersection in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok was also hit by a bomb but no casualties were reported.
The fifth bomb went off in the compound of the Tesco Lotus superstore at Prachachuen, while the sixth bomb was planted in a waste bin at Seacon Square Shopping Mall, in eastern suburban Bangkok, but a bomb-disposal squad defused the device before it exploded....
...The explosions took place as Bangkokians are celebrating the upcoming New Year. It was not immediately clear if the bombs had anything to do with the military coup of September 19 that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, or with continuing insurgency violence in the Muslim-predominant southern border region which has left more than 1,900 people dead since 2004.
In this case, do I believe this has to do with the execution? I don't think it helped but this probably would have occurred anyway. This is a continuing issue with recent unrest. The case wtih Madrid is different though:
Anger on streets of Spain after ETA bomb attack
A minute's silence has been held in Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country after yesterday's ETA car bomb attack at Madrid's main airport. The blast left two men missing presumed dead, and 19 slightly injured. The Spanish government has now suspended planned dialogue with the armed Basque separatist group.
http://euronews.net/create_html.php?page=detail_info&article=398651&lng=1
There was a ceasefire intact, especially since the past elections. It was honored up to the point where there was the execution. I think it was a reaction. There was no indictation previous to this of that level of unrest. This is not a 'gee isn't that too bad' moment either. There are two people dead in reaction to the execution.
And even though some are saying the Iraqis had no clue about the execution, there seemed to be plenty of opportunity to know. There is even a video tape that has been on the net. So, this is definately related. It's attacks on the Shia.
Three car bombs exploded in quick succession in the mainly Shia neighbourhood of Hurriya, killing 36 people and wounding 77, an Interior Ministry source said
http://www.itv.com/news/8601f0ea2907f2380445445e3ad75e70.html
Police in Kufa, near the Shia holy city of Najaf, said 36 people were killed and 58 wounded by the car bomb at a market packed with shoppers ahead of the week-long Eid al-Adha holiday.
No doubt there will be retaliations. Here we go again. The vigilence at Saddam's grave is interesting. This isn't what one would anticipate of a person executed for crimes. It's not a private ceremony. For as much as that man deserves to be dead, I don't know if that was an appropriate outcome.
Jeers and Taunts for Saddam
...“I condemn the way he was executed and I consider it a crime,” said 45-year-old Salam Hassan Al-Nasseri, one of Saddam’s clansmen who attended the burial in the village just outside Tikrit, 130 km north of Baghdad. Some 2,000 Iraqis traveled to the village....
...The reference is to Moqtada Sadr, a Shiite leader whose uncle Mohammed Bakr Sadr was murdered in 1980 by Saddam’s agents, and who has risen to prominence since Saddam’s fall as a politician and militia leader. One of the execution party calls: “Long live Mohammed Bakr Sadr!”...
...Hundreds of mourners flocked to his freshly-dug tomb inside the marble-floored hall in Awja yesterday. Many poured out their anger against the Americans and the Iraqi government. “I can’t believe it. By God, we will take revenge,” said one man from the northern city of Mosul....
...A previously unknown group of Iraqi Baathists pledged allegiance to Saddam’s fugitive deputy Izzat Ibrahim and named him the “legitimate president of Iraq,” a statement issued by the group said yesterday. The statement was distributed in Amman at the Jordan branch of Saddam’s Baath party where dozens of people came to pay condolences for the former president. The statement was apparently sent from the Baath party in Baghdad....
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=90550&d=1&m=1&y=2007
Saddam Hussein Hanged for the Wrong ReasonGwynne Dyer, Arab News
It was not the Iraqi government but its American masters that chose to execute Saddam Hussein in a great rush as soon as the first sentence was confirmed, thus canceling all the other trials on far graver charges that awaited him. The current Iraqi government had nothing to hide if those trials went ahead; the United States government did.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=90555&d=1&m=1&y=2007
And the Haj is proceeding without a glitch.
Tents Offer Hint of Pilgrims’ StatusGalal Fakkar, Arab News
The other tented city, packed into any available space, provides a modicum of privacy for many of the pilgrims. (AN photo by Emad Al-Salehi)
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=90545&d=1&m=1&y=2007
MINA, 1 January 2007 — The official figure for the number of pilgrims this year was reported to be 2.38 million, a six percent increase from last year, according to the government. But walking around the holy sites one can observe that many pilgrims are camping not in the large tents of Mina — the official accommodations provided by the Haj tour operators that pilgrims are required to go through — but in smaller portable tents, the kind you might see at any campsite.
ALL THAT is from The Arab News, a long standing and well recognized newspaper of Saudi Arabia.
COOPER: Gentlemen, and -- and Aneesh and Arwa, stand by. I also want to bring in Michael Scharf to this conversation. He's a law professor from Case Western Reserve University. He actually helped train some of the Iraqi judges who took part in this trial. Michael, we appreciate you joining us. What do you make -- there was a last-minute attempt by Saddam's attorneys to stay this execution. It -- it failed within the last hour. Were you surprised by that? It seemed kind of a last-ditch effort.
MICHAEL SCHARF, PROFESSOR, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY: No, I wasn't surprised.
I mean, the legal case they presented in D.C. was very weak. Their theory was basically that Saddam Hussein was a POW, and that the Geneva Conventions say you can't turn a POW over to their enemy. First of all, Saddam was no longer a POW. He hasn't been since 2004, when sovereignty shifted to Iraq. And, secondly, the Iraqi is not an enemy state, like Iran. It is his own government. They had a trial. And it's perfectly acceptable for him then to face the consequences of that.
So, I wasn't surprised at all.
THAT statement is a matter of technicality. Saddam was in USA custody as a POW the entire time he was being tried.
Saddam still in US custody
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2006-12/29/content_771204.htm
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein's half brothers visited him in his jail cell and he gave them his will, Iraqi officials said Friday, indicating his execution may be approaching. But they said he had yet to be transferred to Iraqi custody.
The former president is being held at Camp Cropper, an American military prison where he is expected to remain until the day of his execution, at which point he is to be transferred to Iraqi authorities.
SO, IT he was transferred at all, it was only to carry out the execution. There is probably something procedurally wrong with that but the guy is dead, so anything that is shadey is an issue after the fact. I suppose anyone can challenge the Chinese view of this, but, why would they bring it up if it wasn't a matter of international law? No one else did.
There is too much overlap between the USA military and the civil/criminal courts of Iraq. Bush has disregarded the Geneva Conventions for a reason. The real question is, will he be allowed to get away with it in the long run or will the world seek retribution to teach subsequent American Presidents a lesson?
Cooper you are such a propagandist
CNN has not been able to independently verify that. We are monitoring this situation very closely. And we are trying to verify this on our own, as well as checking out any other networks who may be able to -- to verify this. We will bring that all to you as we know it.
Michael Moore had the execution on his website long before 10PM, don't put on such an act. The Drama Queen.
See, Anderson, everyone else knew before you did.
COOPER: On Iraqi state television right now, they are looking at an image we showed you moments ago. We'll show you that image again right now. Dearborn, Michigan. People dancing in the streets, displaying Iraqi flags.
This image -- you'll hear some of the announcers in the background speaking Arabic. This is taken from Iraqi state television, them showing Iraqis, Muslims in America, in Dearborn, Michigan.
... and it goes on and on and on....
enough
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