Bush never recovered from Katrina? Bush? What is this, a sick joke? -BV
December 29, 2008
"Hurricane Katrina not only pulverized the Gulf Coast in 2005, it knocked the bully pulpit out from under President George W. Bush, according to two former advisers who spoke candidly about the political impact of the government's poor handling of the natural disaster."
Read the entire article in the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081230/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_advisers_speak_out;_ylt=AldWJkGgCt27uqUelre8Ckys0NUE
Monday, December 29, 2008
Virginity Pledge Doesn’t Stop Teen Sex (WebMD)
And in the "Does This Actually Surprise Anyone?" Department... -BV
Dec. 29, 2008
"Teenagers who take virginity pledges are no less sexually active than other teens, according to a new study. But the results, published in the journal Pediatrics, suggest that virginity pledgers are less likely to protect themselves against pregnancy or disease when they do have sex."
Read the entire article at WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20081229/virginity-pledge-doesnt-stop-teen-sex
Dec. 29, 2008
"Teenagers who take virginity pledges are no less sexually active than other teens, according to a new study. But the results, published in the journal Pediatrics, suggest that virginity pledgers are less likely to protect themselves against pregnancy or disease when they do have sex."
Read the entire article at WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20081229/virginity-pledge-doesnt-stop-teen-sex
Judge Delays Ruling on Blocking Release of ‘Watchmen’ Film (New York Times)
If, like me, you've been eagerly awaiting the release of The Watchmen, it looks like you may have to wait a while longer than expected. Like forever. -BV
Published: December 29, 2008
"A federal judge, having ruled last week that 20th Century Fox has distribution rights to 'Watchmen,' an eagerly anticipated superhero movie shot by Warner Brothers, said he was inclined to decide after a hearing scheduled for Jan. 20 whether the release of the film should be blocked"
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/business/media/30watchmen.html
Published: December 29, 2008
"A federal judge, having ruled last week that 20th Century Fox has distribution rights to 'Watchmen,' an eagerly anticipated superhero movie shot by Warner Brothers, said he was inclined to decide after a hearing scheduled for Jan. 20 whether the release of the film should be blocked"
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/business/media/30watchmen.html
Senate recount stalls on rejected ballots (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)
The Neverending Recount -BV
Last update: December 29, 2008 - 3:34 PM
"With a Minnesota Supreme Court-imposed deadline approaching and sniping among lawyers increasing, the U.S. Senate recount stalled today as the campaigns for Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken remained far apart on an agreement for improperly rejected absentee ballots."
Read the entire article at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36833124.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Last update: December 29, 2008 - 3:34 PM
"With a Minnesota Supreme Court-imposed deadline approaching and sniping among lawyers increasing, the U.S. Senate recount stalled today as the campaigns for Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken remained far apart on an agreement for improperly rejected absentee ballots."
Read the entire article at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/36833124.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvDE7aL_V_BD77:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Microsoft Seeks Pay-As-You-Go Computing Patent (InformationWeek)
That cold chill at the base of your spine turns out to be Microsoft trying to grab your credit cards. Again. Under this model, they would own the software...on your computer (and you might not even own the computer). You would only rent it. Am I the only one frightened of Microsoft having my credit card number? -BV
While such patent applications do not always lead to products, they do give some inkling as to what Microsoft is considering.
December 29, 2008 07:03 PM
"Microsoft has applied for a patent on a pay-as-you-go computing model that would charge people only for the hardware, software, and services used...The application is for a method of operating a computer that present to the user a catalog of options with a price associated with each...The charge for operating the computer could be a fixed rate for a specific time period, a onetime charge, or an hourly rate..."
Read the entire article at InformationWeek
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/web2.0/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212700131&subSection=E-Business
While such patent applications do not always lead to products, they do give some inkling as to what Microsoft is considering.
December 29, 2008 07:03 PM
"Microsoft has applied for a patent on a pay-as-you-go computing model that would charge people only for the hardware, software, and services used...The application is for a method of operating a computer that present to the user a catalog of options with a price associated with each...The charge for operating the computer could be a fixed rate for a specific time period, a onetime charge, or an hourly rate..."
Read the entire article at InformationWeek
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/web2.0/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212700131&subSection=E-Business
Managing nonprofits in an “age of hope” (Reuters)
December 29th, 2008
Prof. James Post, an authority on corporate governance, teaches “Strategies for Nonprofits” at the Boston University School of Management. The views expressed are his own.
"I am inclined to think the Bernard Madoff affair has blown the lid off the financial madness of this decade. We have been living in an age of fraud, and now must rethink the way we do business. As John Kennedy once appealed to the nation’s better angels to call us into public service, Barack Obama’s inaugural address should instruct us on our obligation to serve the greater good. It’s not just a moral concept; it’s good business. I offer a corollary as well: Without good business, how far will a moral concept take you?"
Read the entire commentary at Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/29/managing-nonprofits-in-an-age-of-hope/
Prof. James Post, an authority on corporate governance, teaches “Strategies for Nonprofits” at the Boston University School of Management. The views expressed are his own.
"I am inclined to think the Bernard Madoff affair has blown the lid off the financial madness of this decade. We have been living in an age of fraud, and now must rethink the way we do business. As John Kennedy once appealed to the nation’s better angels to call us into public service, Barack Obama’s inaugural address should instruct us on our obligation to serve the greater good. It’s not just a moral concept; it’s good business. I offer a corollary as well: Without good business, how far will a moral concept take you?"
Read the entire commentary at Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/29/managing-nonprofits-in-an-age-of-hope/
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Senate race in Minnesota remains undecided (Reuters)
This is starting to feel like an episode of Lost; an unending series of cliffhangers with no sign of a definite conclusion anywhere on the horizon. -BV
Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:43am EST
"Officials trying to determine who won the November 4 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota recessed their deliberations on Tuesday until the end of the year without reaching a decision."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BM51Q20081226
Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:43am EST
"Officials trying to determine who won the November 4 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota recessed their deliberations on Tuesday until the end of the year without reaching a decision."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BM51Q20081226
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Gov's lawyer asks panel to subpoena Obama staff (Associated Press)
This is the legal profession at its sleaziest. If his requests to interview any of Obama's people are refused, and without any cause to conduct such interviews they probably will be, he starts screaming "Cover -up!" loud enough to (he hopes) create "reasonable doubt". If he's granted his interviews he tries to do the same thing using the tried-and-true method of throwing wild accusations and innuendo around. IMHO. -BV
December 25, 2008
"In a move intended to force public testimony from President-elect Barack Obama's inner circle, a lawyer for Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked the legislative panel considering impeachment of the governor to subpoena more than a dozen witnesses, including Obama's incoming chief of staff."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081225/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor;_ylt=A0wNdOYABFRJbTkAtkus0NUE
December 25, 2008
"In a move intended to force public testimony from President-elect Barack Obama's inner circle, a lawyer for Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked the legislative panel considering impeachment of the governor to subpoena more than a dozen witnesses, including Obama's incoming chief of staff."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081225/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor;_ylt=A0wNdOYABFRJbTkAtkus0NUE
Medvedev: we will fight to defend interests (Reuters UK)
Is it just me, or is Medvedev sounding a lot like GWB? -BV
Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:20pm GMT
"In an end-of-year interview that signaled an uncompromising stance toward U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's incoming administration, Medvedev said Russia's war with Georgia in August showed that tough action was sometimes unavoidable."
Read the entire article at Reuters UK
http://uk.reuters.com/article/burningIssues/idUKTRE4BN3JK20081224
Wed Dec 24, 2008 7:20pm GMT
"In an end-of-year interview that signaled an uncompromising stance toward U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's incoming administration, Medvedev said Russia's war with Georgia in August showed that tough action was sometimes unavoidable."
Read the entire article at Reuters UK
http://uk.reuters.com/article/burningIssues/idUKTRE4BN3JK20081224
Friday, December 19, 2008
Franken opens first lead in Minn. Senate race (Associated Press)
Do you believe that the election is still not over? Not in Minnesota, where Al Franken has taken the lead. Barely. -BV
December 19, 2008
"Democrat Al Franken has edged ahead of Republican incumbent Norm Coleman for the first time in Minnesota's long-running U.S. Senate recount."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD955RO000
December 19, 2008
"Democrat Al Franken has edged ahead of Republican incumbent Norm Coleman for the first time in Minnesota's long-running U.S. Senate recount."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD955RO000
Health providers' 'conscience' rule to take effect (Los Angeles Times)
This bill is frightening. It could lead to hospitals refusing care to a wide variety of patients for an almost endless variety of reasons. My feeling is that it can't stand up in court...but there's going to be a lot of misery before it gets there. -BV
The last-minute Bush administration declaration lets doctors, clinics, receptionists and others refuse to give care they find morally objectionable.
8:13 PM PST, December 18, 2008
"The Bush administration announced its 'conscience protection' rule for the healthcare industry Thursday, giving doctors, hospitals, and even receptionists and volunteers in medical experiments the right to refuse to participate in medical care they find morally objectionable."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-conscience19-2008dec19,0,6352558.story
The last-minute Bush administration declaration lets doctors, clinics, receptionists and others refuse to give care they find morally objectionable.
8:13 PM PST, December 18, 2008
"The Bush administration announced its 'conscience protection' rule for the healthcare industry Thursday, giving doctors, hospitals, and even receptionists and volunteers in medical experiments the right to refuse to participate in medical care they find morally objectionable."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-conscience19-2008dec19,0,6352558.story
Commentary: Choosing Rick Warren was a mistake (CNN)
Although I understand why Barack Obama did this, I can't agree with him. I think this was the first mistake of his Presidency...and he's not even President yet. Not off to a great start, but oddly enough the situation could be saved by Warren himself, depending on what he actually says on the day. -BV
December 19, 2008
Kathryn Kolbert is president of People for the American Way, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports equality and freedom of speech and religion...
"Many people who know Warren as the affable megachurch pastor and best-selling author may be confused about the anger and disappointment that his selection has generated among progressive activists who worked so hard to help elect Obama."
Read the entire commentary at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/18/kolbert.warren/?iref=mpstoryview
December 19, 2008
Kathryn Kolbert is president of People for the American Way, a nonprofit advocacy group that supports equality and freedom of speech and religion...
"Many people who know Warren as the affable megachurch pastor and best-selling author may be confused about the anger and disappointment that his selection has generated among progressive activists who worked so hard to help elect Obama."
Read the entire commentary at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/18/kolbert.warren/?iref=mpstoryview
'Deep Throat' Mark Felt Dies at 95 (Washington Post)
Though none of us knew who he really was or what he looked like, he was an iconic figure through the '70s and his effect on a generation can scarcely be overstated. -BV
Friday, December 19, 2008; 3:05 AM
"W. Mark Felt Sr., the associate director of the FBI during the Watergate scandal who, better known as 'Deep Throat,' became the most famous anonymous source in American history, died yesterday. He was 95."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121900228.html?hpid=topnews
Friday, December 19, 2008; 3:05 AM
"W. Mark Felt Sr., the associate director of the FBI during the Watergate scandal who, better known as 'Deep Throat,' became the most famous anonymous source in American history, died yesterday. He was 95."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/19/AR2008121900228.html?hpid=topnews
Automakers to get $17.4 billion in government aid (Reuters)
Fri Dec 19, 2008 10:11am EST
"The government will offer up to $17.4 billion in loans to the ailing U.S. automakers and expects General Motors and Chrysler LLC to access the money immediately, a senior administration official said on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-autos/idUSTRE4BI34F20081219
"The government will offer up to $17.4 billion in loans to the ailing U.S. automakers and expects General Motors and Chrysler LLC to access the money immediately, a senior administration official said on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-autos/idUSTRE4BI34F20081219
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Court sides with ACLU, strikes down Patriot Act gag provision (the raw story)
Thanks to starglider for sending me this. -BV
ACLU victorious as federal court declares Patriot Act provision a violation of the First Amendment
Tuesday December 16, 2008
"A federal appeals court ruling late Monday is the cause célèbre of the American Civil Liberties Union, as another provision of the Bush administration's Patriot Act falls to the judicial system."
Read the entire article at the raw story
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Court_sides_with_ACLU_strikes_down_1216.html
ACLU victorious as federal court declares Patriot Act provision a violation of the First Amendment
Tuesday December 16, 2008
"A federal appeals court ruling late Monday is the cause célèbre of the American Civil Liberties Union, as another provision of the Bush administration's Patriot Act falls to the judicial system."
Read the entire article at the raw story
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Court_sides_with_ACLU_strikes_down_1216.html
Friday, December 12, 2008
Rumsfeld vs. the Detainees (two stories)
Here are two reports on what a Senate report had to say about Donald Rumsfeld and the responsibility he bears (along with others) for the abuses of those held in contravention of the Constitution. One is a news report from the LA Times, the other a press release from Senator Carl Levin (D-MI).
1. Rumsfeld blamed in detainee abuse scandals (Los Angeles Times)
A bipartisan Senate report calls decisions made by the former Defense secretary a 'direct cause' of inhumane treatment of prisoners of war. Other Bush officials also are faulted.
December 12, 2008
"A bipartisan Senate report released Thursday concludes that decisions made by former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld were a "direct cause" of widespread detainee abuses, and that other Bush administration officials were to blame for creating a legal and moral climate that contributed to inhumane treatment."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-interrogate-abuse12-2008dec12,0,5978752.story
And for more on just what that report said:
2. Levin, McCain Release Executive Summary and Conclusions of Report on Treatment of Detainees in U.S. Custody (Press Release from Carl Levin)
December 11, 2008
"Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.) today released the executive summary and conclusions of the Committee’s report of its inquiry into the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody. "
Read the entire press release at Carl Levin's website
http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=305735
1. Rumsfeld blamed in detainee abuse scandals (Los Angeles Times)
A bipartisan Senate report calls decisions made by the former Defense secretary a 'direct cause' of inhumane treatment of prisoners of war. Other Bush officials also are faulted.
December 12, 2008
"A bipartisan Senate report released Thursday concludes that decisions made by former Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld were a "direct cause" of widespread detainee abuses, and that other Bush administration officials were to blame for creating a legal and moral climate that contributed to inhumane treatment."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-interrogate-abuse12-2008dec12,0,5978752.story
And for more on just what that report said:
2. Levin, McCain Release Executive Summary and Conclusions of Report on Treatment of Detainees in U.S. Custody (Press Release from Carl Levin)
December 11, 2008
"Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member John McCain (R-Ariz.) today released the executive summary and conclusions of the Committee’s report of its inquiry into the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody. "
Read the entire press release at Carl Levin's website
http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=305735
Automakers fail to cash in on big GOP donations (Los Angeles Times)
Since 1990, the auto industry has cut $100 million in checks to the GOP, compared with $34 million to Democrats. But the Big Three is snubbed on bailout.
December 12, 2008
"By standing in the way of an auto industry bailout, GOP senators appear to have bitten the hand that fed them."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-fi-gopcars12-2008dec12,0,7571261.story
December 12, 2008
"By standing in the way of an auto industry bailout, GOP senators appear to have bitten the hand that fed them."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-fi-gopcars12-2008dec12,0,7571261.story
Senate to Middle Class: Drop Dead ...a message from Michael Moore (MichaelMoore.com)
Friday, December 12th, 2008
"...to lose our manufacturing infrastructure and throw 3 million people out of work would be a catastrophe."
Read the entire commentary at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=243
"...to lose our manufacturing infrastructure and throw 3 million people out of work would be a catastrophe."
Read the entire commentary at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=243
Ex-chairman urges Intel to make car batteries
(ALERT: To foil a nasty 'bot that inserts links to advertizing into my text without my knowledge or permission, where you see the letters "xxx" please read the word spelled "see-ay-arr." If the links are still there they're not mine, and please ignore them. They're just ads. The ad-placement service has a web site with an "opt out" procedure if you don't want them messing with your content, but it doesn't actually work. Damn them to hell.)
So, does this mean that my xxx will crash as often as my computer? That it will stall several times a day? How long can these jokes keep writing themselves? -BV
Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:00am EST
"Andrew Grove, the former chairman of Intel Corp, is pushing the chipmaker to make advanced batteries for plug-in electric xxxs, the Wall Street Journal said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-BusinessofGreen/idUSTRE4BB20C20081212
So, does this mean that my xxx will crash as often as my computer? That it will stall several times a day? How long can these jokes keep writing themselves? -BV
Fri Dec 12, 2008 4:00am EST
"Andrew Grove, the former chairman of Intel Corp, is pushing the chipmaker to make advanced batteries for plug-in electric xxxs, the Wall Street Journal said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-BusinessofGreen/idUSTRE4BB20C20081212
1950s pin-up queen Bettie Page dies (Reuters)
Before she left the scene in the late '50s, she had fueled a generation's worth of male sexual fantasies. That deserves a mention, at the very least. -BV
Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:30pm EST
"Bettie Page, one of America's most photographed pin-up girls during the 1950s, died in Los Angeles on Thursday from pneumonia, her agent said. She was 85."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE4BB0XP20081213
Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:30pm EST
"Bettie Page, one of America's most photographed pin-up girls during the 1950s, died in Los Angeles on Thursday from pneumonia, her agent said. She was 85."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE4BB0XP20081213
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Senate report ties Rumsfeld to Abu Ghraib abuse (Reuters)
Thu Dec 11, 2008 6:47pm EST
"Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and other senior U.S. officials share much of the blame for detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, according to portions of a report released on Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4BA7JV20081211
"Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and other senior U.S. officials share much of the blame for detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, according to portions of a report released on Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4BA7JV20081211
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
For Bush's staff, upbeat talking points on his tenure (Los Angeles Times)
Well, this could work...On Mythbusters they proved you can polish a turd. -BV
December 9, 2008
"In case any Bush administration officials have trouble summing up the boss' record, the White House is providing a few helpful suggestions.A two-page memo that has been sent to Cabinet members and other high-ranking officials offers a guide for discussing Bush's eight-year tenure during their public speeches."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-bush9-2008dec09,0,3318358.story
December 9, 2008
"In case any Bush administration officials have trouble summing up the boss' record, the White House is providing a few helpful suggestions.A two-page memo that has been sent to Cabinet members and other high-ranking officials offers a guide for discussing Bush's eight-year tenure during their public speeches."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-bush9-2008dec09,0,3318358.story
Einstein, insanity and the war on drugs (Reuters)
Bernd Debusmann is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.
December 3rd, 2008
"Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. His definition fits America’s war on drugs, a multi-billion dollar, four-decade exercise in futility."
Read the entire column at Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/03/einstein-insanity-and-the-war-on-drugs/
December 3rd, 2008
"Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. His definition fits America’s war on drugs, a multi-billion dollar, four-decade exercise in futility."
Read the entire column at Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/03/einstein-insanity-and-the-war-on-drugs/
Illinois Gov. arrested on corruption charges (Reuters)
Wow.
While there's absolutly no reason to conclude that Barack Obama is tanted by any of this, that won't keep the paranoia-pandering right from jumping all over this. IMHO. -BV
Tue Dec 9, 2008 1:01pm EST
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, including trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by fellow Democrat President-elect Barack Obama, federal prosecutors said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSWAT01061220081209
While there's absolutly no reason to conclude that Barack Obama is tanted by any of this, that won't keep the paranoia-pandering right from jumping all over this. IMHO. -BV
Tue Dec 9, 2008 1:01pm EST
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges on Tuesday, including trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by fellow Democrat President-elect Barack Obama, federal prosecutors said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSWAT01061220081209
Monday, December 8, 2008
Whew… Obama can still be President - Supreme Court declines case (Christian Science Monitor)
12.08.08
"Good news for Barack Obama fans. It turns out that the $750 million he raised to become President paid off. He can still be President of the United States (even if he does smoke a cigarette now and then)...The Supreme Court has decided not to hear a lawsuit challenging Barack Obama’s citizenship."
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/12/08/whew-obama-can-still-be-president-supreme-court-declines-case/
"Good news for Barack Obama fans. It turns out that the $750 million he raised to become President paid off. He can still be President of the United States (even if he does smoke a cigarette now and then)...The Supreme Court has decided not to hear a lawsuit challenging Barack Obama’s citizenship."
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/12/08/whew-obama-can-still-be-president-supreme-court-declines-case/
Wikipedia Censorship Sparks Free Speech Debate (PC World at the Washington Post)
Monday, December 8, 2008; 7:19 PM
"The banning of a Wikipedia page by a U.K. Internet watchdog is raising tough questions over how far online censorship should go -- and the decisions made in the coming days could prove crucial to how we balance free speech with content regulation in the future. "
Read the entire article at PC World at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120803188.html
"The banning of a Wikipedia page by a U.K. Internet watchdog is raising tough questions over how far online censorship should go -- and the decisions made in the coming days could prove crucial to how we balance free speech with content regulation in the future. "
Read the entire article at PC World at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120803188.html
September 11 suspects seek guilty pleas at Guantanamo (Reuters)
Confused? Don't feel bad...so is everyone else. -BV
Mon Dec 8, 2008 5:56pm EST
"The self-styled mastermind of the September 11 attacks and four co-defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo on Monday that they wanted to confess and plead guilty."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B743720081208
Mon Dec 8, 2008 5:56pm EST
"The self-styled mastermind of the September 11 attacks and four co-defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo on Monday that they wanted to confess and plead guilty."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B743720081208
White House reviews final Democrat auto bailout plan (Reuters)
Mon Dec 8, 2008 6:07pm EST
"The White House and Democrats edged toward agreement on Monday to rescue U.S. automakers by extending emergency loans but their plan leaves key restructuring decisions to the incoming Obama administration."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-autos/idUSTRE4B50CL20081208
"The White House and Democrats edged toward agreement on Monday to rescue U.S. automakers by extending emergency loans but their plan leaves key restructuring decisions to the incoming Obama administration."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-autos/idUSTRE4B50CL20081208
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Obama Asks Nation for Input On Reforming Health System (Washington Post)
'We Want Your Exact Ideas,' Daschle Says
Saturday, December 6, 2008
"As he gears up for major health reform legislation next year, Obama is encouraging average Americans to host informal gatherings to brainstorm about how to improve the U.S. system."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120503322.html
Saturday, December 6, 2008
"As he gears up for major health reform legislation next year, Obama is encouraging average Americans to host informal gatherings to brainstorm about how to improve the U.S. system."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120503322.html
Supreme Court next battleground in Obama birth certificate battle (Chicago Tribune)
I can't beleive that this has raised its head again. -BV
10:00 PM CST, December 7, 2008
"This is a story that won't go away. Five weeks after the state of Hawaii vouched for the authenticity of President-elect Barack Obama's birth certificate, the controversy over allegations that Obama is not eligible to take office next month has reached the Supreme Court, which is expected to announce Monday whether it will consider the matter...This is a different army at work, in an environment increasingly influenced by the Internet."
Read the entire article at the Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-birth-certificate1dec08,0,7258812.story
10:00 PM CST, December 7, 2008
"This is a story that won't go away. Five weeks after the state of Hawaii vouched for the authenticity of President-elect Barack Obama's birth certificate, the controversy over allegations that Obama is not eligible to take office next month has reached the Supreme Court, which is expected to announce Monday whether it will consider the matter...This is a different army at work, in an environment increasingly influenced by the Internet."
Read the entire article at the Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama-birth-certificate1dec08,0,7258812.story
Iowa high court to hear gay-marriage case (USA Today)
December 7, 2008
"The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday in a pivotal same-sex marriage case that could echo throughout the nation and be far more difficult to challenge at the ballot box than a high-profile ruling in California, legal experts say."
Read the entire article at USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-07-iowagaymarriage_N.htm
"The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Tuesday in a pivotal same-sex marriage case that could echo throughout the nation and be far more difficult to challenge at the ballot box than a high-profile ruling in California, legal experts say."
Read the entire article at USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-07-iowagaymarriage_N.htm
At Pearl Harbor, US response to raid is acclaimed (Associated Press at Google)
This is the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As improtant as this day is in history, it should not go without commemoration. -BV
December 7, 2008
"Usually, the commemoration focuses on the attack on the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor and several other installations on Oahu. But Sunday's remembrance centered more on the months following the raid and on an American response that helped defeat the Japanese and render the U.S. a military superpower."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNLCVQewpSs7OTuIRFMOmQxQ3VEgD94U83K00
December 7, 2008
"Usually, the commemoration focuses on the attack on the USS Arizona, Pearl Harbor and several other installations on Oahu. But Sunday's remembrance centered more on the months following the raid and on an American response that helped defeat the Japanese and render the U.S. a military superpower."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNLCVQewpSs7OTuIRFMOmQxQ3VEgD94U83K00
Obama vows strong new financial regulations (Reuters)
Sun Dec 7, 2008 11:08am EST
"President-elect Barack Obama said on Sunday he would put strong new financial regulation at the center of his economic recovery program to force more accountability on the banking industry."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0545867820081207
"President-elect Barack Obama said on Sunday he would put strong new financial regulation at the center of his economic recovery program to force more accountability on the banking industry."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0545867820081207
Obama says auto makers' collapse not an option (Reuters)
Sun Dec 7, 2008 9:30am EST
"President-elect Barack Obama said on Sunday that the struggling U.S. auto industry could not be allowed to collapse, but that any bailout would require a complete restructuring."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4B612R20081207
"President-elect Barack Obama said on Sunday that the struggling U.S. auto industry could not be allowed to collapse, but that any bailout would require a complete restructuring."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4B612R20081207
Bush, Democrats seek to finalize auto bailout (Reuters)
Sun Dec 7, 2008 7:27pm EST
"White House and congressional negotiators sought on Sunday to resolve remaining differences over an emergency rescue for the struggling auto industry, a stark symbol of the deepening U.S. economic crisis."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B50CL20081208
"White House and congressional negotiators sought on Sunday to resolve remaining differences over an emergency rescue for the struggling auto industry, a stark symbol of the deepening U.S. economic crisis."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B50CL20081208
Saturday, December 6, 2008
White House, Democrats Near Short-Term Deal For Automakers (Washington Post)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
"Jolted by news of the worst job losses in more than 30 years, congressional Democrats were near an agreement with the White House yesterday on a plan to speed at least $15 billion to the faltering Detroit automakers in hopes of averting the collapse of an industry that supports millions of U.S. jobs."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120501029.html?hpid=topnews
"Jolted by news of the worst job losses in more than 30 years, congressional Democrats were near an agreement with the White House yesterday on a plan to speed at least $15 billion to the faltering Detroit automakers in hopes of averting the collapse of an industry that supports millions of U.S. jobs."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/05/AR2008120501029.html?hpid=topnews
Saving the Big 3 for You and Me ...a message from Michael Moore (MichaelMoore.com)
I can't say I entirely agree with Mr. Moore's proposal...but it's worth a read. So read it. -BV
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
"Congress must save the industrial infrastructure that these companies control and the jobs they create. And it must save the world from the internal combustion engine. This great, vast manufacturing network can redeem itself by building mass transit and electric/hybrid cars, and the kind of transportation we need for the 21st century."
Read Michael Moore's entire letter at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=242
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
"Congress must save the industrial infrastructure that these companies control and the jobs they create. And it must save the world from the internal combustion engine. This great, vast manufacturing network can redeem itself by building mass transit and electric/hybrid cars, and the kind of transportation we need for the 21st century."
Read Michael Moore's entire letter at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=242
Obama Plans Largest Building Program Since 1950s (Bloomberg.com)
Didn't they call this the WPA back in the 1930's? -BV
Dec. 6
"President-elect Barack Obama said he’ll make the 'single largest new investment' in roads, bridges and public buildings since the Eisenhower Administration to lift the sagging economy and create jobs."
Read the entire article at Bloomberg.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aBcPiaRqqffg&refer=home
Dec. 6
"President-elect Barack Obama said he’ll make the 'single largest new investment' in roads, bridges and public buildings since the Eisenhower Administration to lift the sagging economy and create jobs."
Read the entire article at Bloomberg.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aBcPiaRqqffg&refer=home
Angry laid-off workers occupy factory in Chicago (Associated Press at Google)
I'm confused...if they're going to be closing the factory anyway, what the hell do they hope to gain by occupying it? Are they threatening to go on making windows unless their demands are met? -BV
December 6, 2008
"Workers who got three days' notice that their factory was shutting its doors have occupied the building and say they won't go home without assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay."
Read the entire article in the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ildwrFjwHYjvJPX2edZgBnNb8EEQD94TID980
December 6, 2008
"Workers who got three days' notice that their factory was shutting its doors have occupied the building and say they won't go home without assurances they'll get severance and vacation pay."
Read the entire article in the Associated Press at Google
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ildwrFjwHYjvJPX2edZgBnNb8EEQD94TID980
Friday, December 5, 2008
Obama campaign mulls what to do with $30M surplus (Associated Press at Yahoo!)
This gives me a bit of hope for the future. I don't recall a Presidential campaign turning a profit before... -BV
Friday December 5 2008
"Obama's organization retains some $30 million after his successful presidential bid, but it's unclear how the Democratic president-in-waiting might use the money. Members of his party are doing their best to appeal for the funds without appearing greedy, ungrateful or hostile to their new leader."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081206/ap_on_el_pr/obama_democrats;_ylt=A0wNdO0F8TlJpyYBzVms0NUE
Friday December 5 2008
"Obama's organization retains some $30 million after his successful presidential bid, but it's unclear how the Democratic president-in-waiting might use the money. Members of his party are doing their best to appeal for the funds without appearing greedy, ungrateful or hostile to their new leader."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081206/ap_on_el_pr/obama_democrats;_ylt=A0wNdO0F8TlJpyYBzVms0NUE
Supreme Court case: Can terror suspect in US be held indefinitely? (Christian Science Monitor)
posted December 05, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. EST
"At issue is whether the president has the power to order someone who is legally present in the United States to be held in indefinite military detention as an 'enemy combatant.'"
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1205/p25s20-usju.html
"At issue is whether the president has the power to order someone who is legally present in the United States to be held in indefinite military detention as an 'enemy combatant.'"
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1205/p25s20-usju.html
White House, Democrats reach deal on $15 billion auto aid (Reuters)
Fri Dec 5, 2008 10:00pm EST
"Democratic leaders and the White House reached a deal to provide billions of dollars in relief to the ailing U.S. auto industry, a senior congressional aide told Reuters on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWEN145820081206
"Democratic leaders and the White House reached a deal to provide billions of dollars in relief to the ailing U.S. auto industry, a senior congressional aide told Reuters on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWEN145820081206
O.J. Simpson sentenced to lengthy prison term (Reuters)
I'm not sure I really care about this one, but in case it still matters to anyone here's the story. -BV
3:01 PM PST, December 5, 2008
"Brushing aside a tearful apology from O.J. Simpson, a Las Vegas judge today sentenced the former football star to at least nine years in prison for the kidnapping and robbery last year of two sports memorabilia dealers in a casino hotel room."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-na-oj-sentencing6-2008dec06,0,6759445.story
3:01 PM PST, December 5, 2008
"Brushing aside a tearful apology from O.J. Simpson, a Las Vegas judge today sentenced the former football star to at least nine years in prison for the kidnapping and robbery last year of two sports memorabilia dealers in a casino hotel room."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-na-oj-sentencing6-2008dec06,0,6759445.story
Sci-Fi promoter Forrest Ackerman dies (Reuters)
This isn't going to mean much to anyone but a Science Fiction fan. (Or maybe a former Science Fiction fan like myself.) But I can tell you all that his loss within the genre will be mourned. Me, I'm among those who never forgave him for the term "Sci-Fi" but aside from that I had to respect the man for who he was and for his steadfast devotion to Science Fiction. -BV
"Forrest Ackerman, a writer and editor who coined the term 'Sci-Fi' and helped inspire the likes of author Ray Bradbury and film maker George Lucas, has died. He was 92."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE4B506V20081206
"Forrest Ackerman, a writer and editor who coined the term 'Sci-Fi' and helped inspire the likes of author Ray Bradbury and film maker George Lucas, has died. He was 92."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE4B506V20081206
Banking spins destruction myth: Hoocoodanode? (Reuters)
If you're wondering what "hoocoodanode" is, join the club; these's an explanatory link provided, but it crashed mu computer. -BV
James Saft is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.
December 5th, 2008
"Just as every society has a creation myth, banking is now busily writing a destruction myth that seeks to explain and soothe in a world torn to its foundations."
Read the entire commentaty on Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/05/banking-spins-destruction-myth-hoocoodanode/
James Saft is a Reuters columnist. The opinions expressed are his own.
December 5th, 2008
"Just as every society has a creation myth, banking is now busily writing a destruction myth that seeks to explain and soothe in a world torn to its foundations."
Read the entire commentaty on Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2008/12/05/banking-spins-destruction-myth-hoocoodanode/
Cheap oil: short-term good, long-term dangerous (Reuters)
You knew there'd be a catch, right? -BV
Wed Dec 3, 2008 5:55am EST
"Low energy prices squeeze investment in the oil industry, reducing future supplies. They discourage energy saving and they destabilize countries dependent on oil exports, making oil in the future more likely to be expensive and even more volatile."
Read the entire articole at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4B22QM20081203
Wed Dec 3, 2008 5:55am EST
"Low energy prices squeeze investment in the oil industry, reducing future supplies. They discourage energy saving and they destabilize countries dependent on oil exports, making oil in the future more likely to be expensive and even more volatile."
Read the entire articole at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4B22QM20081203
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Detainees at Gitmo a Power Strategy (Washington Independent)
12/1/08 1:19 PM
"The Bush administration has acknowledged that it no longer considers the Uighurs “enemy combatants” subject to detention. Yet on Nov. 24, it vigorously fought a court’s order to release them in the United States...
"The case has become such a global embarrassment for the U.S. that a group of 10 distinguished conservatives recently wrote to the administration appealing for the Uighurs’ release, saying their continued detention without cause 'undermines our standing in the world.'"
Read thye entire article at the Washington Independent
http://washingtonindependent.com/20414/gitmo
"The Bush administration has acknowledged that it no longer considers the Uighurs “enemy combatants” subject to detention. Yet on Nov. 24, it vigorously fought a court’s order to release them in the United States...
"The case has become such a global embarrassment for the U.S. that a group of 10 distinguished conservatives recently wrote to the administration appealing for the Uighurs’ release, saying their continued detention without cause 'undermines our standing in the world.'"
Read thye entire article at the Washington Independent
http://washingtonindependent.com/20414/gitmo
Midnight Regs Update: Pollution in National Parks And More! (Pro Publica)
December 2, 2008 4:50 pm EST
"Today’s additions to our Midnight Regulations chart include rules that affect our national parks, the approval and labeling of genetically-modified food, and public access to information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/midnight-regs-update-pollution-in-national-parks-and-more-1202/
"Today’s additions to our Midnight Regulations chart include rules that affect our national parks, the approval and labeling of genetically-modified food, and public access to information from the Department of Housing and Urban Development."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/midnight-regs-update-pollution-in-national-parks-and-more-1202/
Canada government may seek to suspend Parliament (Reuters)
While we've been so preoccupied with the U.S. election, did anyone notice a constitutional crisis happening in Canada? -BV
Tue Dec 2, 2008 3:08pm EST
"Canada's minority Conservative government may seek the temporary suspension of Parliament to stop opposition parties from voting it out and taking power, an aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Tuesday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4AR6ZQ20081202
Tue Dec 2, 2008 3:08pm EST
"Canada's minority Conservative government may seek the temporary suspension of Parliament to stop opposition parties from voting it out and taking power, an aide to Prime Minister Stephen Harper said on Tuesday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4AR6ZQ20081202
Ex-prosecutor says Guantanamo is "stain on America" (Reuters)
Tue Dec 2, 2008 2:58pm EST
"U.S. military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay are a 'stain on America' that risk convicting innocent people because judicial standards are so low, a former senior prosecutor at the prison said on Tuesday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4B17NX20081202
"U.S. military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay are a 'stain on America' that risk convicting innocent people because judicial standards are so low, a former senior prosecutor at the prison said on Tuesday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4B17NX20081202
Georgia votes in key Senate run-off election (reuters)
Tue Dec 2, 2008 1:07pm EST
"The state of Georgia voted in a run-off election for U.S. Senate on Tuesday that will help decide whether Democrats gain a big enough majority in the chamber to more easily pass their legislation agenda."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B11I120081202
"The state of Georgia voted in a run-off election for U.S. Senate on Tuesday that will help decide whether Democrats gain a big enough majority in the chamber to more easily pass their legislation agenda."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4B11I120081202
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Still ‘Hope’ For Gov’s Homeowners Program? (Pro Publica)
November 25, 2008 5:18 pm EST
"We wrote a couple of weeks ago about how the federal government’s program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure is flopping. The government had projected 400,000 could be helped by the "HOPE for Homeowners" program. As of two weeks ago, just 42 people had applied. The government has budgeted $3.9 billion for the program."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/still-hope-for-govs-homeowners-program-1125/
"We wrote a couple of weeks ago about how the federal government’s program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure is flopping. The government had projected 400,000 could be helped by the "HOPE for Homeowners" program. As of two weeks ago, just 42 people had applied. The government has budgeted $3.9 billion for the program."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/still-hope-for-govs-homeowners-program-1125/
A Bailout That Works? (Pro Publica)
According to this article, the total bill to taxpayers is now eight trillion dollars. Trillion? With a T? Can that possibly be right? No wonder I can't get Social Security. -BV
November 26, 2008 11:40 am EST
"The latest installment – jointly from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury – is aimed at loosening the mortgage markets and encouraging new loans to consumers. And according to the Wall Street Journal, there were signs yesterday afternoon that it may work: Some 30-year mortgage rates sank a half-percentage point yesterday."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/a-bailout-that-works/
November 26, 2008 11:40 am EST
"The latest installment – jointly from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury – is aimed at loosening the mortgage markets and encouraging new loans to consumers. And according to the Wall Street Journal, there were signs yesterday afternoon that it may work: Some 30-year mortgage rates sank a half-percentage point yesterday."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/article/a-bailout-that-works/
Detroit's auto bubble pain (CNNMoney)
"Fire burn and cauldron bubble." Wouldn't that be a more accurate way of predicting Detroit's future? -BV
Automakers are suffering because sales were artificially boosted by cheap credit and the Big Three thought this could last forever.
November 30, 2008: 6:59 PM ET
"Automakers are counting on a rebound in demand by 2010. But that could turn out to be unrealistic because of an "auto bubble" the Big Three helped to create during the past few years.
"Cheap financing, easy credit conditions and attractive pricing on cars due to overcapacity in the U.S. auto market caused record sales earlier this decade."
Read the entire article at CNNMoney
http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/30/news/companies/auto_bubble/
Automakers are suffering because sales were artificially boosted by cheap credit and the Big Three thought this could last forever.
November 30, 2008: 6:59 PM ET
"Automakers are counting on a rebound in demand by 2010. But that could turn out to be unrealistic because of an "auto bubble" the Big Three helped to create during the past few years.
"Cheap financing, easy credit conditions and attractive pricing on cars due to overcapacity in the U.S. auto market caused record sales earlier this decade."
Read the entire article at CNNMoney
http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/30/news/companies/auto_bubble/
Obama poised to name Hillary Clinton to State post (Reuters)
Sun Nov 30, 2008 3:53pm EST
"President-Elect Barack Obama was poised to name his national security team on Monday, with former political rival Hillary Clinton in line to be picked as secretary of state.
"As part of a deal with Obama to clear the way for his wife to get the post, former President Bill Clinton agreed to make public the names of more than 200,000 donors to his foundation, the New York Times reported in Sunday's editions."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AT26E20081130
"President-Elect Barack Obama was poised to name his national security team on Monday, with former political rival Hillary Clinton in line to be picked as secretary of state.
"As part of a deal with Obama to clear the way for his wife to get the post, former President Bill Clinton agreed to make public the names of more than 200,000 donors to his foundation, the New York Times reported in Sunday's editions."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AT26E20081130
Friday, November 28, 2008
Bush on His Legacy: I 'Liberated' Iraqis (ABC News)
Sadly, I think he actually believes this. I can't decide whether to laugh, cry, or just shake my head in wonder. -BV
President Says He Wants to Be Remembered for Liberating Iraqis and HIV/AIDS Work in Africa
Nov. 28, 2008
"In a personal and wide-ranging interview conducted by his sister about his legacy, his faith and the influence of his father, President George W. Bush said he hopes to be remembered as a liberator of the Iraqi people. "
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6353033&page=1
President Says He Wants to Be Remembered for Liberating Iraqis and HIV/AIDS Work in Africa
Nov. 28, 2008
"In a personal and wide-ranging interview conducted by his sister about his legacy, his faith and the influence of his father, President George W. Bush said he hopes to be remembered as a liberator of the Iraqi people. "
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6353033&page=1
Monday, November 24, 2008
Fraud detected more often at bankrupt companies (Reuters)
This would certainly explain why so many corporations are seeking a Government bailout rather than seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws. -BV
Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:51am EST
"Bankrupt companies are three times more likely to have been cited for fraud by U.S. regulators, according to a study released on Monday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AN3NJ20081124
Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:51am EST
"Bankrupt companies are three times more likely to have been cited for fraud by U.S. regulators, according to a study released on Monday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AN3NJ20081124
Saturday, November 22, 2008
General Motors board weighs bankruptcy option: report (Reuters)
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? -BV
Sat Nov 22, 2008 12:02am EST
"The board of directors of embattled U.S. automaker General Motors Corp is considering "all options" including bankruptcy, according to a report on the Wall Street Journal's website late on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AL0VW20081122
Sat Nov 22, 2008 12:02am EST
"The board of directors of embattled U.S. automaker General Motors Corp is considering "all options" including bankruptcy, according to a report on the Wall Street Journal's website late on Friday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AL0VW20081122
Friday, November 21, 2008
Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy (Huffington Post)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
In this column by Andy Borowitz, his toung is obviously in his cheek...but not too far. -BV
Posted November 18, 2008 12:47 PM (EST)
"In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say."
Read the entire column at the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/obamas-use-of-complete-se_b_144642.html
In this column by Andy Borowitz, his toung is obviously in his cheek...but not too far. -BV
Posted November 18, 2008 12:47 PM (EST)
"In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say."
Read the entire column at the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-borowitz/obamas-use-of-complete-se_b_144642.html
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Top judge: US and UK acted as 'vigilantes' in Iraq invasion (Guardian UK)
Tuesday November 18 2008 00.01 GMT
"One of Britain's most authoritative judicial figures last night delivered a blistering attack on the invasion of Iraq, describing it as a serious violation of international law, and accusing Britain and the US of acting like a 'world vigilante'."
Read the entire article at the Guardian (UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/18/iraq-us-foreign-policy
"One of Britain's most authoritative judicial figures last night delivered a blistering attack on the invasion of Iraq, describing it as a serious violation of international law, and accusing Britain and the US of acting like a 'world vigilante'."
Read the entire article at the Guardian (UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/18/iraq-us-foreign-policy
Will Bush’s midnight rules be reversible? (Politico.com)
11/19/08 11:16 AM EST
"Whether it’s relaxing pollution control standards for power plants or allowing loaded weapons into national parks, the Bush Administration is scrambling to approve or change as many federal rules as it can before it hands off power to President-elect Barack Obama. This surge of “midnight regulations” presents a thorny question for the next administration: What can it do to void rules it thinks should be undone?"
Read the entire article at Politico.com
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15758.html
"Whether it’s relaxing pollution control standards for power plants or allowing loaded weapons into national parks, the Bush Administration is scrambling to approve or change as many federal rules as it can before it hands off power to President-elect Barack Obama. This surge of “midnight regulations” presents a thorny question for the next administration: What can it do to void rules it thinks should be undone?"
Read the entire article at Politico.com
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15758.html
Recount begins in Minnesota for U.S. Senate seat (Los Angeles Times)
With Ted Stevens defeared (apparently) in Alaska, the remaining Senate races in Georgia and Minnesota become more important. Somebody pass me the popcorn... -BV
November 20, 2008
"The election of 2008 is far from over here in Minnesota, where a breathtakingly narrow lead in the U.S. Senate race -- 215 ballots in favor of Coleman over Franken, out of 2.9 million cast -- has sparked lawsuits, accusations of electoral shenanigans and a Midwestern take on Florida's infamous hunt for hanging chads."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-minnesota-recount20-2008nov20,0,6879029.story
November 20, 2008
"The election of 2008 is far from over here in Minnesota, where a breathtakingly narrow lead in the U.S. Senate race -- 215 ballots in favor of Coleman over Franken, out of 2.9 million cast -- has sparked lawsuits, accusations of electoral shenanigans and a Midwestern take on Florida's infamous hunt for hanging chads."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-minnesota-recount20-2008nov20,0,6879029.story
Qaeda scorns Obama with racial slur and urges attacks (Reuters)
For a year now I've had to deal with fools who claimed that Barack Obama was a Muslem, an Arab, a terrorist, a lot of things that he plainly wasn't. Isn't. You might think that with Al Qaeda dissing him directly that some of this would be silenced; sadly, you'd be wrong. Some people would rather hang on to their misconceptions and outright lies if they let them also hang on to their hate. -BV
Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:16pm EST
"Al Qaeda's deputy leader accused Barack Obama of betraying his race and his father's Muslim heritage on Wednesday and urged more attacks, as the group tried to counter the incoming U.S. president's global popularity."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AI47X20081119
Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:16pm EST
"Al Qaeda's deputy leader accused Barack Obama of betraying his race and his father's Muslim heritage on Wednesday and urged more attacks, as the group tried to counter the incoming U.S. president's global popularity."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AI47X20081119
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Dick Cheney indicted in Texas (Fox 21, Colorado Springs)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.
"A grand jury in South Texas indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in local federal detention centers."
Read the entire article at Fox 21, Colorado Springs
http://www.kxrm.com/news/story.aspx?id=224012
"A grand jury in South Texas indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in local federal detention centers."
Read the entire article at Fox 21, Colorado Springs
http://www.kxrm.com/news/story.aspx?id=224012
Begich claims victory over Stevens for Alaska Senate seat (CNN)
November 18, 2008
"Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, the Republican lawmaker convicted on felony corruption charges in October, appears to have lost his bid for re-election to Democrat Mark Begich, according to a release from Begich's campaign and unofficial results from state officials."
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/alaska.senate.race/
"Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, the Republican lawmaker convicted on felony corruption charges in October, appears to have lost his bid for re-election to Democrat Mark Begich, according to a release from Begich's campaign and unofficial results from state officials."
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/alaska.senate.race/
Lieberman keeps Senate chairmanship (Reuters)
Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:55am EST
"Senate Democrats on Tuesday yielded to the wishes of President-elect Barack Obama and allowed Joe Lieberman to keep his committee chairmanship despite having backed Republican John McCain for the White House, Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AG7MC20081118
"Senate Democrats on Tuesday yielded to the wishes of President-elect Barack Obama and allowed Joe Lieberman to keep his committee chairmanship despite having backed Republican John McCain for the White House, Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa said."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AG7MC20081118
America the Illiterate (Truthdig)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
Posted on Nov 10, 2008
"We live in two Americas. One America, now the minority, functions in a print-based, literate world. It can cope with complexity and has the intellectual tools to separate illusion from truth. The other America, which constitutes the majority, exists in a non-reality-based belief system. This America, dependent on skillfully manipulated images for information, has severed itself from the literate, print-based culture."
Read the entire column at Truthdig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20081110_america_the_illiterate/
Posted on Nov 10, 2008
"We live in two Americas. One America, now the minority, functions in a print-based, literate world. It can cope with complexity and has the intellectual tools to separate illusion from truth. The other America, which constitutes the majority, exists in a non-reality-based belief system. This America, dependent on skillfully manipulated images for information, has severed itself from the literate, print-based culture."
Read the entire column at Truthdig
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20081110_america_the_illiterate/
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Why (Else) to Watch the Minnesota Senate Squeaker (ProPublica)
November 14, 2008 12:33 pm EST
"Unlike many states, Minnesota has a solid idea of how well its machines scan ballots because it randomly audits samples of votes. One test found only one error out of 12,000 ballots. Another turned up as many as 53 'discrepancies' -- between a machine's and a human's read -- out of 94,000.
"That's impressively accurate for voting machines. But it's not precise enough to predict who'll triumph in the U.S. Senate race between Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken. They're currently separated by 206 votes out of 2.9 million cast."
Read the entire article at ProPublica
http://www.propublica.org/article/why-else-to-watch-the-minnesota-senate-squeaker-1114/
"Unlike many states, Minnesota has a solid idea of how well its machines scan ballots because it randomly audits samples of votes. One test found only one error out of 12,000 ballots. Another turned up as many as 53 'discrepancies' -- between a machine's and a human's read -- out of 94,000.
"That's impressively accurate for voting machines. But it's not precise enough to predict who'll triumph in the U.S. Senate race between Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken. They're currently separated by 206 votes out of 2.9 million cast."
Read the entire article at ProPublica
http://www.propublica.org/article/why-else-to-watch-the-minnesota-senate-squeaker-1114/
Iraq's cabinet approves troops pact with U.S. (Reuters)
This is a serious backstep for the Bush administration, who will undoubtedly spin it as a giant leap forward. -BV
Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:30am EST
"Iraq's cabinet approved a pact on Sunday that will let U.S. troops stay in the country until 2011, setting a final date to end a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AF0GY20081116
Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:30am EST
"Iraq's cabinet approved a pact on Sunday that will let U.S. troops stay in the country until 2011, setting a final date to end a military presence that began with the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4AF0GY20081116
Olbermann: Gay marriage is a question of love (MSNBC)
Thanks to randomguage for sending me the original video link at the Huffington Post; I had to search around a bit to find a full-text link, without video that would crash my computer. -BV
Everyone deserves the same chance at permanence and happiness
updated 9:13 p.m. ET, Mon., Nov. 10, 2008
"Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast."
Read the entire Special Comment at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27650743/
Everyone deserves the same chance at permanence and happiness
updated 9:13 p.m. ET, Mon., Nov. 10, 2008
"Finally tonight as promised, a Special Comment on the passage, last week, of Proposition Eight in California, which rescinded the right of same-sex couples to marry, and tilted the balance on this issue, from coast to coast."
Read the entire Special Comment at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27650743/
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Cloistered for weeks, Palin is now everywhere (Reuters)
You'd think an Alaskan would know better than to risk over-exposure...
Is anyone besides me sick of her yet? -BV
Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:37am EST
"The McCain campaign largely kept her under wraps out of fear that she might make more verbal missteps as she did in high-profile television interviews shortly after she was picked as McCain's No. 2. But now that she is no longer under the watchful eyes of McCain campaign officials, the Alaska governor is talking, and talking and talking."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AC09P20081113
Is anyone besides me sick of her yet? -BV
Thu Nov 13, 2008 11:37am EST
"The McCain campaign largely kept her under wraps out of fear that she might make more verbal missteps as she did in high-profile television interviews shortly after she was picked as McCain's No. 2. But now that she is no longer under the watchful eyes of McCain campaign officials, the Alaska governor is talking, and talking and talking."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4AC09P20081113
U.S. trails other nations in chronic illness care (Reuters)
The next time someone tries to tell you the reasons we shouldn't have universal medical care, have them explain this. -BV
Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:20am EST
"Chronically ill Americans are more likely to forgo medical care because of high costs or experience medical errors than patients in other affluent countries, according to a study released on Thursday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AC10720081113
Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:20am EST
"Chronically ill Americans are more likely to forgo medical care because of high costs or experience medical errors than patients in other affluent countries, according to a study released on Thursday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AC10720081113
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Doctors say marrow transplant may have cured AIDS (Associated Press)
November 12, 2008
"An American man who suffered from AIDS appears to have been cured of the disease 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant normally used to fight leukemia, his doctors said Wednesday."
Read the entire article at the Associates Press on Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_he_me/eu_med_aids_treatment;_ylt=AuoLGccLYexTCzk1Z__CxHms0NUE
"An American man who suffered from AIDS appears to have been cured of the disease 20 months after receiving a targeted bone marrow transplant normally used to fight leukemia, his doctors said Wednesday."
Read the entire article at the Associates Press on Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_he_me/eu_med_aids_treatment;_ylt=AuoLGccLYexTCzk1Z__CxHms0NUE
Hoax NY Times newspaper declares end of Iraq war (Reuters)
Submitted without comment...but with a snicker. -BV
Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:43pm EST
"A group of pranksters handed out more than 1.2 million fake New York Times newspapers mainly in New York City and Los Angeles on Wednesday with a front page story declaring 'Iraq War Ends.'"
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AB76Q20081112
Wed Nov 12, 2008 2:43pm EST
"A group of pranksters handed out more than 1.2 million fake New York Times newspapers mainly in New York City and Los Angeles on Wednesday with a front page story declaring 'Iraq War Ends.'"
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4AB76Q20081112
Paulson backs off asset plan; crisis cures at risk (Reuters)
If you thought you were going to receive some help from the huge Federal bailout, think again. -BV
Wed Nov 12, 2008 3:48pm EST
"Secretary Henry Paulson, in the most explicit sign yet that Treasury was abandoning its initial plan for the rescue funds, said he preferred to focus instead on buying stakes in banks to encourage them to increase lending."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE49N5VU20081112
Wed Nov 12, 2008 3:48pm EST
"Secretary Henry Paulson, in the most explicit sign yet that Treasury was abandoning its initial plan for the rescue funds, said he preferred to focus instead on buying stakes in banks to encourage them to increase lending."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE49N5VU20081112
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Unfinished business (The Ecomonist)
America's election is not over: a handful of Senate seats are still up for grabs
Nov 11th 2008
"DESPITE the decisive victory of Barack Obama and the Democrats last Tuesday, a surprising amount of business remains unfinished. The Democrats made several gains in the 100-seat Senate, but the intentions of one incumbent and the victor in three seats remains to be determined, for a variety of unusual reasons."
Read the entire article at The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12586376
Nov 11th 2008
"DESPITE the decisive victory of Barack Obama and the Democrats last Tuesday, a surprising amount of business remains unfinished. The Democrats made several gains in the 100-seat Senate, but the intentions of one incumbent and the victor in three seats remains to be determined, for a variety of unusual reasons."
Read the entire article at The Economist
http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12586376
Palin presses her case (Boston Globe)
Not her fault? Not entirely...but to a large extent. Do we really want to see this woman back on the national political scene? And will she ever leave it? -BV
November 11, 2008 09:47 AM
"Sarah Palin's PR offensive continued this morning, with a bottom-line message: The sweeping Republican loss last week isn't her fault."
Read the entire article at the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/11/palin_presses_h.html
November 11, 2008 09:47 AM
"Sarah Palin's PR offensive continued this morning, with a bottom-line message: The sweeping Republican loss last week isn't her fault."
Read the entire article at the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/11/palin_presses_h.html
European governments turn left in global crisis (Reuters)
Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:11am EST
"European governments are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into bank rescues and economic stimulus plans to try to prevent the crisis becoming a deep depression."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4AA2UV20081111
"European governments are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into bank rescues and economic stimulus plans to try to prevent the crisis becoming a deep depression."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4AA2UV20081111
Monday, November 10, 2008
Secret Order Lets U.S. Raid Al Qaeda (New York Times)
Published: November 9, 2008
"The United States military since 2004 has used broad, secret authority to carry out nearly a dozen previously undisclosed attacks against Al Qaeda and other militants in Syria, Pakistan and elsewhere, according to senior American officials."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/washington/10military.html?bl&ex=1226552400&en=0a657ff1585ec327&ei=5087%0A
"The United States military since 2004 has used broad, secret authority to carry out nearly a dozen previously undisclosed attacks against Al Qaeda and other militants in Syria, Pakistan and elsewhere, according to senior American officials."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/10/washington/10military.html?bl&ex=1226552400&en=0a657ff1585ec327&ei=5087%0A
Sparring Starts as Republicans Ponder Future (New York Times)
Published: November 10, 2008
"One week after the Republicans were routed in the presidential election, the fight is on over who will be the new leaders of the party. Republicans are debating how to position themselves ideologically and how aggressively to take on President-elect Barack Obama."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/us/politics/11repubs.html
"One week after the Republicans were routed in the presidential election, the fight is on over who will be the new leaders of the party. Republicans are debating how to position themselves ideologically and how aggressively to take on President-elect Barack Obama."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/11/us/politics/11repubs.html
Palin puts faith in God for 2012 (BBC)
I don't think she has a prayer. -BV
Defeated Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said she hopes God will "show her the way" on any future bid for the White House.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
"Mrs Palin, who was accused of going rogue during the election campaign, also admitted veering "off script", but denied harming the Republican ticket"
Read the entire article at the BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7721272.stm
Defeated Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said she hopes God will "show her the way" on any future bid for the White House.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008
"Mrs Palin, who was accused of going rogue during the election campaign, also admitted veering "off script", but denied harming the Republican ticket"
Read the entire article at the BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/us_elections_2008/7721272.stm
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Obama to use executive orders for immediate impact (Associated Press)
November 9, 2008
"President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and domestic drilling for oil and natural gas."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press on Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081110/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama;_ylt=Ah2Fjut9Y72O0fKFK5g_hrqs0NUE
"President-elect Obama plans to use his executive powers to make an immediate impact when he takes office, perhaps reversing Bush administration policies on stem cell research and domestic drilling for oil and natural gas."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press on Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081110/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama;_ylt=Ah2Fjut9Y72O0fKFK5g_hrqs0NUE
The issues facing Obama (International Herald Tribune)
Published: November 9, 2008
Read the entire article at the International Herald Tribune
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/09/america/issues.php
Read the entire article at the International Herald Tribune
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/09/america/issues.php
Kremlin on lonely G20 crusade against Washington (Reuters)
Some cause for concern here; if Russia is indeed too Capitalist to return to Communism, then what's left but Facism? A cold war against a Facist Russia isn't likely to be any better than against a communist one...your thoughts? Hit the Comments link.
Fri Nov 7, 2008 12:05pm EST
"Russia is using the global financial crisis to attack U.S. policies and to try to reduce Washington's influence, but many countries are looking forward to Barack Obama's presidency and few are likely to follow suit."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUSTRE4A65J920081107
Fri Nov 7, 2008 12:05pm EST
"Russia is using the global financial crisis to attack U.S. policies and to try to reduce Washington's influence, but many countries are looking forward to Barack Obama's presidency and few are likely to follow suit."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUSTRE4A65J920081107
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Hamas leader ready to talk to Obama (Reuters)
Sat Nov 8, 2008 5:41am EST
"Hamas is ready to talk to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama but he must respect the Palestinian Islamist group's "rights and options," its leader Khaled Meshaal said in an interview Saturday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A71AY20081108
"Hamas is ready to talk to U.S. President-elect Barack Obama but he must respect the Palestinian Islamist group's "rights and options," its leader Khaled Meshaal said in an interview Saturday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A71AY20081108
Friday, November 7, 2008
Obama healthcare plan boon for hospitals: Moody's (Reuters)
Fri Nov 7, 2008 1:09pm EST
"President-elect Barack Obama's plan to extend health care to uninsured Americans will provide a boon to hospitals, along with medical centers and hospital equipment makers, according to Moody's Investors Service."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4A65W720081107
"President-elect Barack Obama's plan to extend health care to uninsured Americans will provide a boon to hospitals, along with medical centers and hospital equipment makers, according to Moody's Investors Service."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE4A65W720081107
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Pinch Me ...a message from Michael Moore (MichaelMoore.com)
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
"In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea."
Read the entire article at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=240
"In a nation that was founded on genocide and then built on the backs of slaves, it was an unexpected moment, shocking in its simplicity: Barack Obama, a good man, a black man, said he would bring change to Washington, and the majority of the country liked that idea."
Read the entire article at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=240
Obama Unites World 10 Weeks Before Taking Oath (WNBC)
Our new leader is generating enthusiasm even before he takes office.
Updated 6:53 PM EST, Thu, Nov 6, 2008
"...as Obama prepares to govern, not the least benefit of his great victory is the impact it is having on the rest of the world."
Read the entire article at WNBC
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Obama_Unites_World_10_Weeks_Before_Taking_Oath.html
Updated 6:53 PM EST, Thu, Nov 6, 2008
"...as Obama prepares to govern, not the least benefit of his great victory is the impact it is having on the rest of the world."
Read the entire article at WNBC
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Obama_Unites_World_10_Weeks_Before_Taking_Oath.html
Dems Getting Closer to Sixty? (ABC News)
While Minnesota recounts the ballots, Dems win key Oregon race
Nov. 6, 2008
"The record 2.9 million ballots cast in Minnesota's Senate race will get an automatic recount after incumbent Republican Norm Coleman's apparent narrow victory over Democratic challenger Al Franken."
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6197839&page=1
Nov. 6, 2008
"The record 2.9 million ballots cast in Minnesota's Senate race will get an automatic recount after incumbent Republican Norm Coleman's apparent narrow victory over Democratic challenger Al Franken."
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6197839&page=1
Author Michael Crichton has 'Died Unexpectedly' (Entertainment Tonight)
Thanks to randomgauge for sending me this.
Posted November 05, 2008 8:55:00 AM
"In what his family calls an unexpected death, it was revealed that he was waging a private battle against cancer."
Read the entire article at Entertainment Tonight
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/11/67369/
Posted November 05, 2008 8:55:00 AM
"In what his family calls an unexpected death, it was revealed that he was waging a private battle against cancer."
Read the entire article at Entertainment Tonight
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/11/67369/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
USC Study of Alhurra Withheld From Public; Inquiries of Network’s Operation Deepen (Pro Publica)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
November 4, 2008 3:23 pm EST
"The government board that oversees the US-funded Arabic satellite channel Alhurra has refused to make public an independent study commissioned last year to review the network’s content."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/feature/usc-study-of-alhurra-withheld-from-public-inquiries-of-networks-operation-d/
November 4, 2008 3:23 pm EST
"The government board that oversees the US-funded Arabic satellite channel Alhurra has refused to make public an independent study commissioned last year to review the network’s content."
Read the entire article at Pro Publica
http://www.propublica.org/feature/usc-study-of-alhurra-withheld-from-public-inquiries-of-networks-operation-d/
Russia to station missiles near Poland (Reuters)
Remember all that stuff about the new President being tested? Here's the first question: "What do you do about a new Cold War?" -BV
Wed Nov 5, 2008 10:06am EST
"Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged on Wednesday to station new missiles near Poland's border in response to U.S. plans for an anti-missile system and proposed extending the presidential term to six years from four."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4A46T820081105
Wed Nov 5, 2008 10:06am EST
"Russian President Dmitry Medvedev pledged on Wednesday to station new missiles near Poland's border in response to U.S. plans for an anti-missile system and proposed extending the presidential term to six years from four."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4A46T820081105
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Obama captures White House win (Reuters)
Tue Nov 4, 2008 11:32pm EST
"Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected U.S. president."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4A36V020081105
"Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black to be elected U.S. president."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4A36V020081105
The Promised Land ...a message from Michael Moore (MichaelMoore.com)
Monday, November 3rd, 2008
"McCain is right about one thing: Barack Obama is the most liberal senator in the United States Senate. More liberal than Ted Kennedy. When was the last time you had a chance to send the MOST liberal senator to the White House? Trust me, it won't happen again in our lifetime."
Read the entire article at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=239
"McCain is right about one thing: Barack Obama is the most liberal senator in the United States Senate. More liberal than Ted Kennedy. When was the last time you had a chance to send the MOST liberal senator to the White House? Trust me, it won't happen again in our lifetime."
Read the entire article at MichaelMoore.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=239
What If the Presidential Election Is Tied? (ABC News)
This article outlines what is supposed to happen in the event of a Presidential tie. Information that I hope we won't need.
Examining the Possibility and Outcome of a 269-269 Electoral Vote Tie
Nov. 4, 2008
"There are 538 Electoral College votes at stake Tuesday to determine who will be the next president. It takes a majority, 270, to be elected. But what if it ends up tied 269-to-269? And how realistic is that?"
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6172350&page=1
Examining the Possibility and Outcome of a 269-269 Electoral Vote Tie
Nov. 4, 2008
"There are 538 Electoral College votes at stake Tuesday to determine who will be the next president. It takes a majority, 270, to be elected. But what if it ends up tied 269-to-269? And how realistic is that?"
Read the entire article at ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=6172350&page=1
Voting machine problems reported on East Coast, in Midwest (Los Angeles Times)
7:02 AM PST, November 4, 2008
"Reporting from Washington -- Voting machine malfunctions and other problems were exacerbating long lines at polling places in several key battlegrounds as voting got underway on the East Coast and in the Midwest this morning, election monitors reported."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-votingproblems5-2008nov05,0,2933241.story
"Reporting from Washington -- Voting machine malfunctions and other problems were exacerbating long lines at polling places in several key battlegrounds as voting got underway on the East Coast and in the Midwest this morning, election monitors reported."
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-votingproblems5-2008nov05,0,2933241.story
Monday, November 3, 2008
Independent Counsel Clears Palin of Ethics Violations (New York Times)
November 3, 2008
"A second investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office to pursue a personal vendetta has found “no probable cause” to believe she violated an Alaska ethics law by trying to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired or by actually dismissing the state’s public safety commission, who was the trooper’s boss."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04palin.html?ref=politics
"A second investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office to pursue a personal vendetta has found “no probable cause” to believe she violated an Alaska ethics law by trying to get her former brother-in-law, a state trooper, fired or by actually dismissing the state’s public safety commission, who was the trooper’s boss."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/us/politics/04palin.html?ref=politics
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Lies, Half Truths and Contradictions: Chronicle ''Hidden'' Audio on Obama (San Francisco Chronicle)
November 2, 2008
"It's not true.
"But the Drudge Report, the Republican National Committee and apparently even GOP VP candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fell for completely fabricated news from a shady website called Newsbusters today suggesting the San Francisco Chronicle has ''hidden'' audio with Sen. Barack Obama regarding his statements on coal."
Read the entire article at the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/b/a/2008/11/02/nov05election-lies_half_truth_2.DTL
"It's not true.
"But the Drudge Report, the Republican National Committee and apparently even GOP VP candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fell for completely fabricated news from a shady website called Newsbusters today suggesting the San Francisco Chronicle has ''hidden'' audio with Sen. Barack Obama regarding his statements on coal."
Read the entire article at the San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/b/a/2008/11/02/nov05election-lies_half_truth_2.DTL
Judge tells White House to release wiretapping docs (Reuters)
Sun Nov 2, 2008 1:20pm EST
"The Bush administration must give to a federal court documents related to government wiretapping of domestic communications without a warrant after the September 11 attacks, according to a recent court order."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A11QJ20081102
"The Bush administration must give to a federal court documents related to government wiretapping of domestic communications without a warrant after the September 11 attacks, according to a recent court order."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A11QJ20081102
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Facts don't get in the way of Web political rumors (Associated Press at Yahoo!)
Sat Nov 1, 10:36 am ET
"SAN FRANCISCO – With just days to go before the election, gossip, hearsay, innuendo and smears are flying through the Internet as gadflies and rumormongers hope to sway voters before they head to the polls."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press on Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081101/ap_on_el_pr/internet_political_rumors;_ylt=Ah6X0uKvldvwv_LvzJwzjfes0NUE
House GOP leader uses expletive to describe Obama (Associated Press at Yahoo!)
If I were a Republican, I'd be swearing right now, too. -BV
Sat Nov 1, 4:32 pm ET
"House Republican leader John Boehner has used a vulgar expression to refer to Democrat Barack Obama and his voting record in the Illinois legislature"
Read the entire article in the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081101/ap_on_el_pr/boehner_obama_insult;_ylt=AjLkIgWZYsGPjuWHvMzYU2us0NUE
Sat Nov 1, 4:32 pm ET
"House Republican leader John Boehner has used a vulgar expression to refer to Democrat Barack Obama and his voting record in the Illinois legislature"
Read the entire article in the Associated Press at Yahoo!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081101/ap_on_el_pr/boehner_obama_insult;_ylt=AjLkIgWZYsGPjuWHvMzYU2us0NUE
Studs Terkel 1912-2008 (The Los Angeles Times and The Christian Science Monitor)
1. Studs Terkel, writer and radio personality, dies at 96 (Los Angeles Times)
The Chicago fixture used his knack for conversation to capture oral histories on World War II, the Great Depression and more.
November 1, 2008
"Studs Terkel, who made his name listening to ordinary folks talk about their ordinary lives -- and who turned that knack for conversation into a much-honored literary career -- died Friday. He was 96"
Read the entire article at the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-terkel1-2008nov01,0,108267.story
2. The life and work of Studs Terkel (Christian Science Monitor)
11.01.08
"The economist John Kenneth Galbraith once said of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and oral historian Studs Terkel that he 'is more than a writer; he is a national resource.' But Terkel saw himself as a teller of stories – the stories of others.
"Terkel died on Friday in Chicago at the age of 96. He leaves behind him a rich legacy of American stories, told both in print and on the air."
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/books/2008/11/01/the-life-and-work-of-studs-terkel/
Obama unaware of aunt's immigration status: campaign (Reuters)
Is this the best the Republicans can do for an "October Surprise?" I mean, it's hardly front page stuff... -BV
Sat Nov 1, 2008 6:36pm EDT
"Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama knows nothing about the status of a Kenyan relative reported to be living in the United States illegally but believes 'all appropriate laws should be followed,' his campaign said on Saturday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A01FC20081101
Sat Nov 1, 2008 6:36pm EDT
"Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama knows nothing about the status of a Kenyan relative reported to be living in the United States illegally but believes 'all appropriate laws should be followed,' his campaign said on Saturday."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A01FC20081101
Rare flash of anger from Obama on Halloween night (Reuters)
If the Republican Right tries to make anything out of this, that will be all the evidence I need that they don't deserve to win. Anything. Ever. -BV
Sat Nov 1, 2008 8:31am EDT
"It wasn't quite a Halloween nightmare on Obama street, but journalists on Friday drew a rare flash of anger from the normally unflappable Democratic presidential nominee."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49U82620081101
Sat Nov 1, 2008 8:31am EDT
"It wasn't quite a Halloween nightmare on Obama street, but journalists on Friday drew a rare flash of anger from the normally unflappable Democratic presidential nominee."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49U82620081101
Friday, October 31, 2008
Fascist America, in 10 easy steps (The Guardian (UK))
Be afraid. Be very afraid. -BV
Thanks to starglider for sending me this.
...history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. ...George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all
Tuesday April 24 2007
"As difficult as this is to contemplate, it is clear, if you are willing to look, that each of these 10 steps has already been initiated today in the United States by the Bush administration."
Read the entire article at The Guardian (UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.comment
Thanks to starglider for sending me this.
...history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. ...George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all
Tuesday April 24 2007
"As difficult as this is to contemplate, it is clear, if you are willing to look, that each of these 10 steps has already been initiated today in the United States by the Bush administration."
Read the entire article at The Guardian (UK)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.comment
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Religion jabs lead to lawsuit in NC Senate race (Associated Press)
October 30, 2008
"RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who speaks often about prayer and faith, is gambling her re-election bid by raising religion in the campaign's final days"
Read the entire article at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5grF_AonJPtxFL7gdF1klm_wOdCqwD9453UIG0
"RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who speaks often about prayer and faith, is gambling her re-election bid by raising religion in the campaign's final days"
Read the entire article at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5grF_AonJPtxFL7gdF1klm_wOdCqwD9453UIG0
Voting machines could bring Election Day glitches (CNN)
October 30, 2008
"Eight years after Florida's hanging chads exasperated voters and helped usher in sweeping changes in voting technology, many election observers remain concerned about the accuracy of the electronic voting systems most Americans will use November 4."
Read the entire article at CNN.com
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/10/30/voting.machines/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail
"Eight years after Florida's hanging chads exasperated voters and helped usher in sweeping changes in voting technology, many election observers remain concerned about the accuracy of the electronic voting systems most Americans will use November 4."
Read the entire article at CNN.com
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/10/30/voting.machines/?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail
Obama and McCain: Be wary of the final weekend (Reuters)
Thu Oct 30, 2008 3:41pm EDT
"The final days of the last two presidential races featured unexpected twists that appeared to have an impact on the outcome, shifting the allegiances of some undecided voters in what turned out to be very tight races."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE49T8RT20081030
"The final days of the last two presidential races featured unexpected twists that appeared to have an impact on the outcome, shifting the allegiances of some undecided voters in what turned out to be very tight races."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE49T8RT20081030
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Dole Ad Fabricates Audio Of Opponent Yelling "There Is No God" (Huffington Post)
This represents dirty politics art its dirtiest, but that's not why it's here. Anyone who didn't beleive me when I said that athiests were a repressed minority should read this then tell me the same. That the specter of possible athiesm is treated as something bad, evil, un-American, something that must be defended against, is to me appalling. Welcome to the Land of the Free.
October 29, 2008 11:49 AM
"The end of the ad features a picture of Hagan with a female voice yelling "there is no God!" -- the clear implication is that the voice is Hagan's. In fact, the Democratic candidate is a Sunday School teacher and an elder at her Presbyterian church."
Read the entire article at the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/29/dole-ad-fabricates-audio_n_138874.html
(A while back I called, as an athiest, for tolerance from the religious. While I made one dumb mistake and one thoughtless comment, for which I have apologized, the rest of the article I stand behind. I also stand behind what I had to say to Starglider's comment. Read the article and the comments.)
October 29, 2008 11:49 AM
"The end of the ad features a picture of Hagan with a female voice yelling "there is no God!" -- the clear implication is that the voice is Hagan's. In fact, the Democratic candidate is a Sunday School teacher and an elder at her Presbyterian church."
Read the entire article at the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/29/dole-ad-fabricates-audio_n_138874.html
(A while back I called, as an athiest, for tolerance from the religious. While I made one dumb mistake and one thoughtless comment, for which I have apologized, the rest of the article I stand behind. I also stand behind what I had to say to Starglider's comment. Read the article and the comments.)
How McCain, Obama health plans stack up (Detroit Free Press)
Health care is a topic near to my heart. Literally.
I found a page that sums up both candidates' plans, and present it here for you.
They disagree on the best solution, but both want a change
October 29, 2008
"Here's a look at the health care proposals of presidential candidates John McCain, a Republican, and Barack Obama, a Democrat."
Read the entire article at the Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/article/20081029/NEWS15/810290351
I found a page that sums up both candidates' plans, and present it here for you.
They disagree on the best solution, but both want a change
October 29, 2008
"Here's a look at the health care proposals of presidential candidates John McCain, a Republican, and Barack Obama, a Democrat."
Read the entire article at the Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/article/20081029/NEWS15/810290351
Olbermann on Palin: Socialist, fraud (MSNBC)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
Governor doesn’t have a problem with Alaska’s socialistic collectivism
updated 8:22 p.m. ET, Tues., Oct. 28, 2008
"Finally tonight, the Campaign Comment, and the real danger when you run a presidential candidate who thinks he's Joe six-pack the Plumber, and a Vice Presidential candidate who thinks she's Huey Long."
Read the entire article at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27424491/
Governor doesn’t have a problem with Alaska’s socialistic collectivism
updated 8:22 p.m. ET, Tues., Oct. 28, 2008
"Finally tonight, the Campaign Comment, and the real danger when you run a presidential candidate who thinks he's Joe six-pack the Plumber, and a Vice Presidential candidate who thinks she's Huey Long."
Read the entire article at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27424491/
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Coverage of Election Now Lacks Suspense (New York Times)
Published: October 27, 2008
"News shows should probably come with a spoiler alert: the following program contains images and language that seem to jump to a foregone conclusion."
Read the entire column at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/arts/television/28watc.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=%2b%22Barack+Obama%22&st=nyt&oref=slogin
"News shows should probably come with a spoiler alert: the following program contains images and language that seem to jump to a foregone conclusion."
Read the entire column at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/arts/television/28watc.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=%2b%22Barack+Obama%22&st=nyt&oref=slogin
Olbermann to McCain: Speak up and lead! (MSNBC)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
Olbermann to McCain: Speak up and lead!
updated 8:08 p.m. ET, Mon., Oct. 27, 2008
"Finally tonight, a Campaign Comment about the fraudulent race attack claim, since acknowledged and recanted, by a John McCain campaign volunteer in Pennsylvania. You know the story quite well by now."
Read the entire comment at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27406602/
Olbermann to McCain: Speak up and lead!
updated 8:08 p.m. ET, Mon., Oct. 27, 2008
"Finally tonight, a Campaign Comment about the fraudulent race attack claim, since acknowledged and recanted, by a John McCain campaign volunteer in Pennsylvania. You know the story quite well by now."
Read the entire comment at MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27406602/
Monday, October 27, 2008
FACT CHECK: McCain persists in exaggerations (Associated Press)
October 27, 2008
"NEW YORK (AP) — A week from the presidential election, Republican John McCain is persisting in exaggerating and misrepresenting rival Barack Obama's tax and health-care plans."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5huxFz9UzzIQM5OrgZXnhWONwMp6wD94322H80
"NEW YORK (AP) — A week from the presidential election, Republican John McCain is persisting in exaggerating and misrepresenting rival Barack Obama's tax and health-care plans."
Read the entire article at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5huxFz9UzzIQM5OrgZXnhWONwMp6wD94322H80
Palin pushes McCain staff aside as blame game begins (Christian Science Monitor)
10.26.08
"Bill Clinton used Fleetwood Mac’s 'Don’t Stop' as his theme for the 1992 presidential campaign. If reports of strife between Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign hold water, then the Alaska Governor might want to tap into Fleetwood Mac’s library as well (assuming she wouldn’t get sued, which is a big assumption). Her campaign song? 'Go Your Own Way.'"
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/10/26/palin-pushes-mccain-staff-aside-as-blame-game-begins/
"Bill Clinton used Fleetwood Mac’s 'Don’t Stop' as his theme for the 1992 presidential campaign. If reports of strife between Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign hold water, then the Alaska Governor might want to tap into Fleetwood Mac’s library as well (assuming she wouldn’t get sued, which is a big assumption). Her campaign song? 'Go Your Own Way.'"
Read the entire article at the Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2008/10/26/palin-pushes-mccain-staff-aside-as-blame-game-begins/
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Rifle Association's 'True Story' (FactCheck.org)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
A misleading NRA ad claims Obama voted "to deny citizens the right of self-protection."
October 23, 2008
"The National Rifle Association continues to go after Sen. Barack Obama on the issue of gun control with a new 30-second TV spot called "Imagine," which it said would run in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. The ad takes liberties both with the facts of the "true story" it purports to tell, and the substance of Obama's vote."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/the_rifle_associations_true_story.html
A misleading NRA ad claims Obama voted "to deny citizens the right of self-protection."
October 23, 2008
"The National Rifle Association continues to go after Sen. Barack Obama on the issue of gun control with a new 30-second TV spot called "Imagine," which it said would run in Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. The ad takes liberties both with the facts of the "true story" it purports to tell, and the substance of Obama's vote."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/the_rifle_associations_true_story.html
Republicans behaving badly
Two stories.
1: McCain blames Bush for the mess McCain is in.
2: Republican bigwig (speculationon on MSNBC says it's Rove) chastises McCain for not blaming the Democrats.
I'm gonna pop me some popcorn and settle in to watch... -BV
1: EXCLUSIVE: McCain lambastes Bush years (Washington Times)
"'We just let things get completely out of hand'"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
"ABOARD THE STRAIGHT TALK AIR — Sen. John McCain on Wednesday blasted President Bush for building a mountain of debt for future generations, failing to pay for expanding Medicare and abusing executive powers, leveling his strongest criticism to date of an administration whose unpopularity may be dragging the Republican Party to the brink of a massive electoral defeat."
Read the entire article at the Washington Times
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/23/mccain-lambastes-bush-years/
2: Perino defends Bush against McCain (Politico.com)
10/23/08 1:26 PM EDT
"White House spokeswoman Dana Perino defended President Bush on Thursday from attacks leveled by his party's presidential candidate, John McCain."
Read the entire article at Politico.com
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14875.html
1: McCain blames Bush for the mess McCain is in.
2: Republican bigwig (speculationon on MSNBC says it's Rove) chastises McCain for not blaming the Democrats.
I'm gonna pop me some popcorn and settle in to watch... -BV
1: EXCLUSIVE: McCain lambastes Bush years (Washington Times)
"'We just let things get completely out of hand'"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
"ABOARD THE STRAIGHT TALK AIR — Sen. John McCain on Wednesday blasted President Bush for building a mountain of debt for future generations, failing to pay for expanding Medicare and abusing executive powers, leveling his strongest criticism to date of an administration whose unpopularity may be dragging the Republican Party to the brink of a massive electoral defeat."
Read the entire article at the Washington Times
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/23/mccain-lambastes-bush-years/
2: Perino defends Bush against McCain (Politico.com)
10/23/08 1:26 PM EDT
"White House spokeswoman Dana Perino defended President Bush on Thursday from attacks leveled by his party's presidential candidate, John McCain."
Read the entire article at Politico.com
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14875.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ANALYSIS-McCain can't make attacks stick to Obama (Reuters)
Wed Oct 22, 2008 3:02pm EDT
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican accusations against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama have come fast and thick, from palling around with terrorists to being a tax-loving socialist.
"But Obama has proven surprisingly adept at shrugging off rival John McCain's attacks and opinion polls show McCain is the one whose image has suffered from the negativity."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2236804220081022
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Republican accusations against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama have come fast and thick, from palling around with terrorists to being a tax-loving socialist.
"But Obama has proven surprisingly adept at shrugging off rival John McCain's attacks and opinion polls show McCain is the one whose image has suffered from the negativity."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2236804220081022
Ugly election incidents show lingering U.S. racism (Reuters)
Oct 22, 2008 6:40pm EDT
"KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) - Two weeks before an election that could install the first black U.S. president, scattered ugly incidents have reflected a deep residue of racism among some segments of white America."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE49L7D020081022
"KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Reuters) - Two weeks before an election that could install the first black U.S. president, scattered ugly incidents have reflected a deep residue of racism among some segments of white America."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE49L7D020081022
Iraqi Cabinet Wants Security Agreement Altered (New York Times)
October 21, 2008
"Several senior members of Parliament said there were worries that the agreement left too much leeway for the Americans to stay in Iraq beyond the scheduled deadline for withdrawal in 2011."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/22/world/middleeast/22iraq.html?em
"Several senior members of Parliament said there were worries that the agreement left too much leeway for the Americans to stay in Iraq beyond the scheduled deadline for withdrawal in 2011."
Read the entire article at the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/22/world/middleeast/22iraq.html?em
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Where the GOP could get dirty (Salon.com)
From Ohio to Florida to Montana, here's where Republicans may be using voter suppression tactics to tilt the presidential election.
Oct. 22, 2008
"With the end of another hotly contested presidential race now in sight, both political parties are once again mobilizing legions of lawyers. In every swing state -- and even in a number of not-so-swing states -- there are already public-relations and legal battles in motion that could help determine whether thousands of ballots will be counted. It's been another campaign in which the Republican Party has whipped up a media frenzy over the mostly nonexistent problem of voter fraud -- a much-hyped concern that, in reality, could abet a far more serious threat: Republican dirty tricks aimed at suppressing voter turnout in heavily Democratic areas."
Read the entire article at Salon.com
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/22/voter_supression_guide/
Oct. 22, 2008
"With the end of another hotly contested presidential race now in sight, both political parties are once again mobilizing legions of lawyers. In every swing state -- and even in a number of not-so-swing states -- there are already public-relations and legal battles in motion that could help determine whether thousands of ballots will be counted. It's been another campaign in which the Republican Party has whipped up a media frenzy over the mostly nonexistent problem of voter fraud -- a much-hyped concern that, in reality, could abet a far more serious threat: Republican dirty tricks aimed at suppressing voter turnout in heavily Democratic areas."
Read the entire article at Salon.com
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/22/voter_supression_guide/
A Critical Stage in Iraq (Washington Post)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"Iraq hasn't gotten much attention recently in the American presidential campaign, thanks to the reduction in violence there, but U.S. policymakers are increasingly worried about what's ahead."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/21/AR2008102102256.html
"Iraq hasn't gotten much attention recently in the American presidential campaign, thanks to the reduction in violence there, but U.S. policymakers are increasingly worried about what's ahead."
Read the entire article at the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/21/AR2008102102256.html
"Under water" mortgages are growing threat to U.S. (Reuters)
Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:49pm EDT
"About 12 million U.S. homeowners owe more than their homes are worth, compared with 6.6 million at the end of last year and slightly more than 3 million at the close of 2006, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc03/idUSTRE49L01S20081022
"About 12 million U.S. homeowners owe more than their homes are worth, compared with 6.6 million at the end of last year and slightly more than 3 million at the close of 2006, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc03/idUSTRE49L01S20081022
TUESDAY: Updated Endorsement Tally -- Obama Leads 121-42 (Editor & Publisher)
Published: October 21, 2008 11:50 AM ET updated Tuesday
"NEW YORK (Updated Tuesday The Obama-Biden ticket maintains its strong lead in the race for daily newspaper endorsements, by 121 to 42, an almost 3-1 margin and an even wider spread in the circulation of those papers (see full tally below)."
Read the entire article at Editor & Publisher
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003875230
"NEW YORK (Updated Tuesday The Obama-Biden ticket maintains its strong lead in the race for daily newspaper endorsements, by 121 to 42, an almost 3-1 margin and an even wider spread in the circulation of those papers (see full tally below)."
Read the entire article at Editor & Publisher
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003875230
Monday, October 20, 2008
Analysts: Powell endorsement more a rejection of GOP, McCain (CNN)
Monday October 20
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama was as much a rejection of the Republican Party and Sen. John McCain's campaign as an embrace of the Democratic presidential nominee, political analysts said Monday,"
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/20/powell.endorsement/?iref=mpstoryview
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama was as much a rejection of the Republican Party and Sen. John McCain's campaign as an embrace of the Democratic presidential nominee, political analysts said Monday,"
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/20/powell.endorsement/?iref=mpstoryview
Deflation fears surface, putting Fed on alert (Reuters)
As if the specter of runaway inflation weren't enough to worry about...Now It seems we need to be worried about deflation. We just can't win. -BV
Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:03am EDT
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Plunging commodity prices could drag U.S. inflation below zero next year and the Federal Reserve will have to stay alert to the risk of a damaging deflation that could erode the economy even if it worries that low interest rates could spark inflation over the longer term."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc04/idUSTRE49I1ZN20081020
Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:03am EDT
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Plunging commodity prices could drag U.S. inflation below zero next year and the Federal Reserve will have to stay alert to the risk of a damaging deflation that could erode the economy even if it worries that low interest rates could spark inflation over the longer term."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/gc04/idUSTRE49I1ZN20081020
ACORN Accusations (FactCheck.org)
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
McCain makes exaggerated claims of "voter fraud." Obama soft-pedals his connections.
October 18, 2008
"The McCain-Palin campaign accuses ACORN, a community activist group that operates nationwide, of perpetrating 'massive voter fraud.' It says Obama has 'long and deep' ties to the group. We find both claims to be exaggerated. But we also find Obama has understated the extent of his work with the group."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/acorn_accusations.html
McCain makes exaggerated claims of "voter fraud." Obama soft-pedals his connections.
October 18, 2008
"The McCain-Palin campaign accuses ACORN, a community activist group that operates nationwide, of perpetrating 'massive voter fraud.' It says Obama has 'long and deep' ties to the group. We find both claims to be exaggerated. But we also find Obama has understated the extent of his work with the group."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/acorn_accusations.html
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Michigan politicians fret over GM, Chrysler's future (Reuters)
I suppose that this is only important if you live in Michigan. Which I do. -BV
Sun Oct 19, 2008 3:10pm EDT
"DETROIT (Reuters) - Merger talks between automakers Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp leaves Michigan politicians stuck with conflicting feelings: hopeful a combined entity would prosper but fearful it would mean job losses and tax revenue, plus a huge real estate headache."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1947441320081019?sp=true
Sun Oct 19, 2008 3:10pm EDT
"DETROIT (Reuters) - Merger talks between automakers Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp leaves Michigan politicians stuck with conflicting feelings: hopeful a combined entity would prosper but fearful it would mean job losses and tax revenue, plus a huge real estate headache."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1947441320081019?sp=true
OUR FULL ENDORSEMENT TALLY: Obama Widens Lead to 94-28 (Editor and Publisher)
October 19, 2008 11:50 AM ET updated Sunday
"NEW YORK (Updated Sunday) The Obama-Biden ticket maintains its strong lead in the race for daily newspaper endorsements, by 94 to 28, a better than 3-1 margin, picking up 50 or more papers in the past day, including (see separate stories), the Detroit Free Press, Buffalo News, Cleveland's Plain Dealer, Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, New York's Daily News, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, Portland's The Oregonian, Denver Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Salt Lake Tribune, Kansas City Star, and Chicago Sun-Times.
In a real shocker, two solid Bush papers in 2004, the Houston Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman, also came out for Obama today. So did the more traditionally Democratic the News & Obsever in Raleigh and the Orlando Sentinel, both in key battleground states."
Read the entire article at Editor and Publisher's site
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003875230
"NEW YORK (Updated Sunday) The Obama-Biden ticket maintains its strong lead in the race for daily newspaper endorsements, by 94 to 28, a better than 3-1 margin, picking up 50 or more papers in the past day, including (see separate stories), the Detroit Free Press, Buffalo News, Cleveland's Plain Dealer, Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, New York's Daily News, Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, Portland's The Oregonian, Denver Post, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Salt Lake Tribune, Kansas City Star, and Chicago Sun-Times.
In a real shocker, two solid Bush papers in 2004, the Houston Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman, also came out for Obama today. So did the more traditionally Democratic the News & Obsever in Raleigh and the Orlando Sentinel, both in key battleground states."
Read the entire article at Editor and Publisher's site
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003875230
Obama supporters fear race may bring candidate down (Reuters)
Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:01pm EDT
"ATLANTA (Reuters) - For supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama it is a nightmare scenario -- his apparent lead in the battle for the White House suddenly evaporates on Election Day. The cause? Race."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE49D69I20081015
"ATLANTA (Reuters) - For supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama it is a nightmare scenario -- his apparent lead in the battle for the White House suddenly evaporates on Election Day. The cause? Race."
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE49D69I20081015
Colin Powell backs Barack Obama (Reuters)
Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:19pm EDT
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Retired U.S. Gen. Colin Powell, a former secretary of state in the Bush administration, on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
"In an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Powell backed Obama over fellow Republican John McCain, calling the Democratic nominee a 'transformational figure' who could be an 'exceptional president.'"
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49I1PX20081019
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Retired U.S. Gen. Colin Powell, a former secretary of state in the Bush administration, on Sunday endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
"In an appearance on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Powell backed Obama over fellow Republican John McCain, calling the Democratic nominee a 'transformational figure' who could be an 'exceptional president.'"
Read the entire article at Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE49I1PX20081019
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Economy has fared better under Dem presidents (San Francisco Chronicle)
Saturday, October 18, 2008
"Most Americans have one eye on the nation's financial crises and the other on the presidential election. And they are asking themselves, 'Is John McCain or Barack Obama, the Democrats or the Republicans, better for the economic health of the country as well as for my own financial well-being?' That is the defining question of this election."
Read the entire article at the San Francisco Chronicle
Polls give Obama a clear lead (Financial Times)
What was it Yogi Berra said? "It ain't over till it's over." -BV (with help from YB)
October 17 2008 03:00 Last updated: October 17 2008 03:00
"Pollsters and analysts say Mr Obama is now so well ahead of his Republican rival that it would take an exceptional event for him to lose. In the battleground states that will decide the race for the White House, he has a lead even greater than in the national polls.
"Mr Obama, however, sounded a note of caution. 'I've been in these positions before when we were favoured and the press starts getting carried away and we end up getting spanked,' he told a fundraising breakfast in New York."
Read the entire article at the Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/780514ce-9be3-11dd-ae76-000077b07658.html
October 17 2008 03:00 Last updated: October 17 2008 03:00
"Pollsters and analysts say Mr Obama is now so well ahead of his Republican rival that it would take an exceptional event for him to lose. In the battleground states that will decide the race for the White House, he has a lead even greater than in the national polls.
"Mr Obama, however, sounded a note of caution. 'I've been in these positions before when we were favoured and the press starts getting carried away and we end up getting spanked,' he told a fundraising breakfast in New York."
Read the entire article at the Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/780514ce-9be3-11dd-ae76-000077b07658.html
Who Caused the Economic Crisis? (FactCheck.org)
Step right up, folks; get yer hot steaming cup of blame right here. Plenty for everyone. -BV
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
MoveOn.org blames McCain advisers. He blames Obama and Democrats in Congress. Both are wrong.
October 1, 2008
"A MoveOn.org Political Action ad plays the partisan blame game with the economic crisis, charging that John McCain’s friend and former economic adviser Phil Gramm 'stripped safeguards that would have protected us.' The claim is bogus. Gramm’s legislation had broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Clinton. Moreover, the bill had nothing to do with causing the crisis, and economists – not to mention President Clinton – praise it for having softened the crisis.
"A McCain-Palin ad, in turn, blames Democrats for the mess. The ad says that the crisis 'didn’t have to happen,' because legislation McCain cosponsored would have tightened regulations on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But, the ad says, Obama 'was notably silent' while Democrats killed the bill. That’s oversimplified. Republicans, who controlled the Senate at the time, did not bring the bill forward for a vote. And it’s unclear how much the legislation would have helped, as McCain signed on just two months before the housing bubble popped.
"In fact, there’s ample blame to go around. Experts have cited everyone from home buyers to Wall Street, mortgage brokers to Alan Greenspan."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/who_caused_the_economic_crisis.html
Thanks to madinmd for sending me this.
MoveOn.org blames McCain advisers. He blames Obama and Democrats in Congress. Both are wrong.
October 1, 2008
"A MoveOn.org Political Action ad plays the partisan blame game with the economic crisis, charging that John McCain’s friend and former economic adviser Phil Gramm 'stripped safeguards that would have protected us.' The claim is bogus. Gramm’s legislation had broad bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Clinton. Moreover, the bill had nothing to do with causing the crisis, and economists – not to mention President Clinton – praise it for having softened the crisis.
"A McCain-Palin ad, in turn, blames Democrats for the mess. The ad says that the crisis 'didn’t have to happen,' because legislation McCain cosponsored would have tightened regulations on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But, the ad says, Obama 'was notably silent' while Democrats killed the bill. That’s oversimplified. Republicans, who controlled the Senate at the time, did not bring the bill forward for a vote. And it’s unclear how much the legislation would have helped, as McCain signed on just two months before the housing bubble popped.
"In fact, there’s ample blame to go around. Experts have cited everyone from home buyers to Wall Street, mortgage brokers to Alan Greenspan."
Read the entire article at FactCheck.org
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/who_caused_the_economic_crisis.html
Obama camp calls for special prosecutor in fraud investigation (CNN)
Finally; the Democrats have learned to stand up for thenselves. At least one of them has, anyway... -BV
Updated 2:38 a.m. EDT, Sat October 18, 2008
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama campaign announced Friday that it is asking Attorney General Michael Mukasey to turn over any investigations of voter fraud or voter suppression to Special Prosecutor Nora Dannehy."
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/17/obama.acorn/?iref=hpmostpop
Updated 2:38 a.m. EDT, Sat October 18, 2008
"WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama campaign announced Friday that it is asking Attorney General Michael Mukasey to turn over any investigations of voter fraud or voter suppression to Special Prosecutor Nora Dannehy."
Read the entire article at CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/17/obama.acorn/?iref=hpmostpop
Obama is the choice (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
(I know, that's tomorrow's date; but that's the date on the article at their site. -BV)
"The 44th president of the United States will take office in an uncertain and dangerous time for this country. The challenges we face both overseas and here at home are complex and unfamiliar, and the road ahead is likely to be very different from the road we have traveled to get here.
"Leading the country in such a time will require someone of intellect, creativity, honesty and passion for those traits that have made America great. That person is U.S. Sen. Barack Obama."
Read the entire story at the Atlanta Jouirnal-Constitution's site
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/opinion/stories/2008/10/19/prezed_1019.html
(I know, that's tomorrow's date; but that's the date on the article at their site. -BV)
"The 44th president of the United States will take office in an uncertain and dangerous time for this country. The challenges we face both overseas and here at home are complex and unfamiliar, and the road ahead is likely to be very different from the road we have traveled to get here.
"Leading the country in such a time will require someone of intellect, creativity, honesty and passion for those traits that have made America great. That person is U.S. Sen. Barack Obama."
Read the entire story at the Atlanta Jouirnal-Constitution's site
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/opinion/stories/2008/10/19/prezed_1019.html
Analysis: McCain jumps around in bid to stop Obama (Associated Press)
If you aren't already sick of hearing about the semimythical "Joe the Plumber," this oughta do it. -BV
October 18, 2008
"Joe Wurzelbacher was supposed to be the Republican presidential candidate's ace in the hole — an average, working-class Joe whose dreams of something better might be thwarted by Obama's plans. The Ohio plumber challenged Obama's tax policies and got the Democratic presidential nominee to say he wanted to 'spread the wealth around.' McCain told Wurzelbacher's story at the final debate Wednesday in a bid to paint Obama as a tax-raiser out of touch with regular Americans.
"But Wurzelbacher's story didn't quite hold up under inspection..."
Read the entire story at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hevgMEB4X2XNT3umP8t2lFh36NlQD93SP9B80
October 18, 2008
"Joe Wurzelbacher was supposed to be the Republican presidential candidate's ace in the hole — an average, working-class Joe whose dreams of something better might be thwarted by Obama's plans. The Ohio plumber challenged Obama's tax policies and got the Democratic presidential nominee to say he wanted to 'spread the wealth around.' McCain told Wurzelbacher's story at the final debate Wednesday in a bid to paint Obama as a tax-raiser out of touch with regular Americans.
"But Wurzelbacher's story didn't quite hold up under inspection..."
Read the entire story at the Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hevgMEB4X2XNT3umP8t2lFh36NlQD93SP9B80
Friday, October 17, 2008
Republicans Rain Negative Automated Calls on Voters in Swing States (The New York Times)
October 17, 2008
"Voters in at least 10 swing states are receiving hundreds of thousands of automated telephone calls — uniformly negative and sometimes misleading — that the Republican Party and the McCain campaign are financing this week as they struggle to keep more states from drifting into the Democratic column."
Read the entire article at The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18robo.html
"Voters in at least 10 swing states are receiving hundreds of thousands of automated telephone calls — uniformly negative and sometimes misleading — that the Republican Party and the McCain campaign are financing this week as they struggle to keep more states from drifting into the Democratic column."
Read the entire article at The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/18/us/politics/18robo.html
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