HAVANA (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Wednesday the United States is being frustrated in attempts to provide aid for victims of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike by a Cuban government intent on playing politics.
Instead of accepting the offer, Cuba has said it would be more helpful if the United States dropped its 46-year-long trade embargo against the island.
Cuba's talk of the embargo 'obviously seems to have the ring of politics overriding the needs of the people' and 'has nothing to do with humanitarian aid,' Gutierrez told Reuters in a telephone interview from Washington.
'We believe we could be of great help to the Cuban people, but the offer was rejected, and it's very frustrating because we want to help,' he said.
But Cuba in a rare move said it would accept aid from the United Nations, said John Holmes, the UN's humanitarian affairs chief. He said the aid would total up to $3.5 million(2 million pounds).
Full Story
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
McCain, Obama meet in New York City
Arizona Sen. John McCain and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama promise to set presidential politics aside when they meet in New York City today on the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Unfortunately, the city's day of mourning falls at the crescendo of a nasty week of partisan mudslinging, one in which Obama has accused McCain of lying, McCain accused Obama of pushing sex education on kindergartners and no one agrees on who meant what by the phrase 'lipstick on a pig.'"
Unfortunately, the city's day of mourning falls at the crescendo of a nasty week of partisan mudslinging, one in which Obama has accused McCain of lying, McCain accused Obama of pushing sex education on kindergartners and no one agrees on who meant what by the phrase 'lipstick on a pig.'"
Monday, 8 September 2008
60 injured in fierce clashes during anti-election strike- Hindustan Times
"At least 60 people were injured in fierce clashes between protesters and security forces across the Kashmir Valley on Monday during a strike called by separatists against holding of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir."
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McCain has the lead in U.S. election race: poll
Republican nominee John McCain has taken the lead from his Democratic party counterpart, Barack Obama, in the U.S. presidential race, according to a new poll by USA Today and Gallup.
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Democrats do better than expected in Hong Kong election - International Herald Tribune
McCain, Obama plan joint 9/11 stop
WASHINGTON — Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama said today they will put aside partisan politics for a joint appearance Thursday at the World Trade Center site to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
The campaigns already had agreed to suspend TV advertising critical of each other on Sept. 11. The McCain campaign has said it will air no ads that day.
“All of us came together on 9/11 — not as Democrats or Republicans — but as Americans,” the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees said in a statement. “We were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity.”
The campaigns already had agreed to suspend TV advertising critical of each other on Sept. 11. The McCain campaign has said it will air no ads that day.
“All of us came together on 9/11 — not as Democrats or Republicans — but as Americans,” the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees said in a statement. “We were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity.”
US candidates clash over Palin's politics and experience
"The two main candidates for the US presidency locked horns yesterday over the credentials and qualities of Sarah Palin, the little-known governor of Alaska who has been propelled into the centre of the electoral battle with her appointment as John McCain's Republican running mate.
As the race now fans out across America at the end of the two parties' national conventions, attention continues to focus on Palin, who has delighted the Christian right base of the Republican party but provoked criticism of her lack of experience, particularly in foreign affairs.
Interviewed on politics programmes of the US networks yesterday, McCain and his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, presented conflicting perspectives on Palin's politics and role in the election.
Obama praised her as a skilled politician but rolled out his camp's new weapon - to depict her as a sort of McCain-Bush with brass knobs on. Obama said she was 'even more aligned with George Bush or Dick Cheney and the politics we've seen over the last eight years than John McCain himself'.
Obama derided McCain's claim over the weekend that Palin had more foreign affairs experience than he had, by dint of the fact that her state lies next to Russia. 'I actually knew Alaska is next to Russia - I saw it on the map,' Obama quipped."
As the race now fans out across America at the end of the two parties' national conventions, attention continues to focus on Palin, who has delighted the Christian right base of the Republican party but provoked criticism of her lack of experience, particularly in foreign affairs.
Interviewed on politics programmes of the US networks yesterday, McCain and his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, presented conflicting perspectives on Palin's politics and role in the election.
Obama praised her as a skilled politician but rolled out his camp's new weapon - to depict her as a sort of McCain-Bush with brass knobs on. Obama said she was 'even more aligned with George Bush or Dick Cheney and the politics we've seen over the last eight years than John McCain himself'.
Obama derided McCain's claim over the weekend that Palin had more foreign affairs experience than he had, by dint of the fact that her state lies next to Russia. 'I actually knew Alaska is next to Russia - I saw it on the map,' Obama quipped."
Friday, 5 September 2008
Mayor's attorneys blame media, politics for outcome of case
Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick decided to plead guilty on Thursday because a toxic stew of bad press and politics had compromised his chance to get a fair trial, one of his attorney's said this evening.
But Kilpatrick also knew, Dan Webb said, that he himself 'had done something wrong' and had lied during the whistleblower case that led to perjury and obstruction of justice charges against him.
Webb said the mayor and his wife decided Thursday morning to accept the plea deal because he 'loved' his family and the city enough to stop the pain that has existed since the ordeal began.
But Kilpatrick also knew, Dan Webb said, that he himself 'had done something wrong' and had lied during the whistleblower case that led to perjury and obstruction of justice charges against him.
Webb said the mayor and his wife decided Thursday morning to accept the plea deal because he 'loved' his family and the city enough to stop the pain that has existed since the ordeal began.
Kilpatrick felt the "deck was stacked against him" for four reasons: His own guilt, the mountain of bad press, politics and the fear that he couldn't get a fair trial, Webb said.
Webb said the "press vilified this man day in and day out" and it "threatened" his ability to lead the city.
local politics is playing with the peace tracks
Henry Kissinger's famous quote 'Israel has no foreign policy, only domestic policy,' is one of those catchy aphorisms repeated so many times over the years it's come to be accepted as the conventional wisdom.
But the underlying thought is so banal it is difficult to accept that this throwaway remark would have ever garnered such attention if said of any other country.
The foreign policies of all nations are deeply influenced by domestic political concerns; if anything, one could make the case that several of Israel's biggest diplomatic decisions - especially such peace moves as the Camp David Agreement and the Oslo Accords - were made despite the fact they carried with them considerable political risks for the Begin and Rabin governments that carried them out.
There are, though, periods when domestic politics have a more direct and immediate impact on foreign policy process and decision-making. It's worth remembering the specific context within which Kissinger made the statement; during the frenzied period of 'shuttle diplomacy' following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when he was trying to convince Israel to withdraw from territory conquered in its fierce defensive struggle with the Egyptians and Syrians."
But the underlying thought is so banal it is difficult to accept that this throwaway remark would have ever garnered such attention if said of any other country.
The foreign policies of all nations are deeply influenced by domestic political concerns; if anything, one could make the case that several of Israel's biggest diplomatic decisions - especially such peace moves as the Camp David Agreement and the Oslo Accords - were made despite the fact they carried with them considerable political risks for the Begin and Rabin governments that carried them out.
There are, though, periods when domestic politics have a more direct and immediate impact on foreign policy process and decision-making. It's worth remembering the specific context within which Kissinger made the statement; during the frenzied period of 'shuttle diplomacy' following the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when he was trying to convince Israel to withdraw from territory conquered in its fierce defensive struggle with the Egyptians and Syrians."
White House injects religion into U.S. politics
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Throughout the U.S. presidential campaign, many Republican supporters weren't convinced John McCain had an important force on his side: God.
That changed when McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin is a fierce opponent of abortion rights. She has also said that gas development and the war in Iraq are duties commissioned by the Lord.
'This is a religious country and the interest in faith is always really high,' said Rob Boston, a policy analyst for Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
'Now, with the decision to put Palin on the ticket, it really has erupted.'
Since he became the presumptive Republican presidential candidate in March, McCain has struggled to win the hearts of religious conservatives, who have long played an influential role in U.S. elections.
Evangelicals, especially those in the U.S. Bible Belt, were energized by President George W. Bush's public declaration of faith and played a crucial role in his victory in the 2004 election.
But they have remained listless for most of this presidential campaign, despite the strenuous"
That changed when McCain chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Palin is a fierce opponent of abortion rights. She has also said that gas development and the war in Iraq are duties commissioned by the Lord.
'This is a religious country and the interest in faith is always really high,' said Rob Boston, a policy analyst for Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
'Now, with the decision to put Palin on the ticket, it really has erupted.'
Since he became the presumptive Republican presidential candidate in March, McCain has struggled to win the hearts of religious conservatives, who have long played an influential role in U.S. elections.
Evangelicals, especially those in the U.S. Bible Belt, were energized by President George W. Bush's public declaration of faith and played a crucial role in his victory in the 2004 election.
But they have remained listless for most of this presidential campaign, despite the strenuous"
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
How Gov. Palin Balances Politics and Parenting | Newsweek Politics: Conventions | Newsweek.com
"The rumor started circulating on political blogs just hours after Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's veep candidacy had been announced: that her four-month-old with Down Syndrome, Trig, was actually the child of her 17-year-old daughter Bristol. Partisans and gossip mavens emailed each other the 'clues': a supposed “baby bump” in photographs, Bristol's holding baby Trig at her mother's first appearance with John McCain and a supposed five-month absence from Wasilla High School (her parents told school administrators that it was a case of mononucleosis). The rumor had apparently circulated among Alaskans for months but picked up speed Friday when a contributor to the Daily Kos, a heavily-trafficked liberal-leaning blog, posted an entry on the subject, asking whether the blog should be investigating the rumors of Bristol being Trig's parent."
Politics creeps back into convention
"ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Hard to restrain, politics unmistakenly came creeping back into the Republican National Convention as Hurricane Gustav delivered a softer-than-expected blow on the Gulf Coast. As the storm winds died down, the political winds picked up.
Monday was the day in which GOP presidential candidate John McCain said Republicans should do away with party politics and act simply as Americans in a time of crisis.
But political conventions are all about, well, politics, and telling delegates to refrain from partisanship is like instructing a child to walk through a candy store without begging for a treat.
So there were digs and jabs and pokes aimed at Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
Laura Bush succumbed to the temptation to nudge Obama. So did former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and others. One-time California Gov. Pete Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of following McCain's orders to set politics aside.
'I confess to you, I am a lesser mortal. I find that difficult to do,' Wilson told California delegates. 'But I will try.'"
Monday was the day in which GOP presidential candidate John McCain said Republicans should do away with party politics and act simply as Americans in a time of crisis.
But political conventions are all about, well, politics, and telling delegates to refrain from partisanship is like instructing a child to walk through a candy store without begging for a treat.
So there were digs and jabs and pokes aimed at Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
Laura Bush succumbed to the temptation to nudge Obama. So did former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and others. One-time California Gov. Pete Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of following McCain's orders to set politics aside.
'I confess to you, I am a lesser mortal. I find that difficult to do,' Wilson told California delegates. 'But I will try.'"
Sunday, 24 August 2008
Voices - How Algeria created their "aL Qaeda" cell
Read More Here: "Need to maintain control over your country's energy resources and political machinery, and at the same time, turn that nation into a model of political repression that would make Joe Stalin proud?
Easy, just create a local branch of the CIA financed and MOSSAD run boogieman, aL Qaeda, add in a very compliant lapdog, Zionist controlled MSM to help spread this fear and some MOSSAD trained assassins and voil�, you have 'McQaeda' operating in your country. Take this op abroad and repeat in other countries, like France, in preparation for the world's leading CIA/MOSSAD false-flag of the century, 9/11. Now that the pump is primed, with the Zionist media disseminating bogus aL Qaeda stories all over the world, you're ready to go Prime Time, with the most masterful false-flag of the them all, 9/11.
After 9/11, you have that image of airliners crashing into the WTC burned into people's minds, making them so scared, they'll agree to anything, including invading countries at Israel's behest and establishing a police state in the USA, purportedly looking for 'terrorists,' when the two of the world's leading terrorists are easy to find:
One lives in the White House and the other, on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory in DC, the home of the Vice-President."
Easy, just create a local branch of the CIA financed and MOSSAD run boogieman, aL Qaeda, add in a very compliant lapdog, Zionist controlled MSM to help spread this fear and some MOSSAD trained assassins and voil�, you have 'McQaeda' operating in your country. Take this op abroad and repeat in other countries, like France, in preparation for the world's leading CIA/MOSSAD false-flag of the century, 9/11. Now that the pump is primed, with the Zionist media disseminating bogus aL Qaeda stories all over the world, you're ready to go Prime Time, with the most masterful false-flag of the them all, 9/11.
After 9/11, you have that image of airliners crashing into the WTC burned into people's minds, making them so scared, they'll agree to anything, including invading countries at Israel's behest and establishing a police state in the USA, purportedly looking for 'terrorists,' when the two of the world's leading terrorists are easy to find:
One lives in the White House and the other, on the grounds of the US Naval Observatory in DC, the home of the Vice-President."
Chosen to carry U.S. flag, Georgia-born Lorig downplays political angle | Latest News | Star-Telegram.com
Read More Here: "BEIJING -- While U.S. athletes have stayed silent about politics during these Olympic Games, their actions have spoken volumes.
First came the decision by U.S. team captains to pick runner Lopez Lomong, who was a Sudanese war refugee, to lead the U.S. delegation into the Aug. 8 opening ceremony as the team's flag bearer."
First came the decision by U.S. team captains to pick runner Lopez Lomong, who was a Sudanese war refugee, to lead the U.S. delegation into the Aug. 8 opening ceremony as the team's flag bearer."
Malaysian Tamil to stage political drama
Read More Here: "Indian origin playwright Arun Subramaniam will next week stage a politically charged drama that explores the suffering of a Malaysian Tamil politician's family after he is assassinated.
The drama is set in a middle-class Tamil household in a small northern Malaysian town.
The play is being staged by Firstworks playwriting banner, a ..."
The drama is set in a middle-class Tamil household in a small northern Malaysian town.
The play is being staged by Firstworks playwriting banner, a ..."
Thursday, 21 August 2008
A COWARDLY AND UNPOPULAR EU
Read More Here: "Denmark is ditching plans to hold a popular vote on government plans to scrap its opt-outs to key European Union policies, such as the euro and security.
The opt-out arrangements date back to Europe's first referendum rejection shock of Maastricht by Denmark in 1992 and the Danish No to the euro in 2000. Denmark is no push over.
Like Britons, the Danes were denied a referendum on the Lisbon EU Treaty this year, despite previous promises on the Constitutional Treaty.
Now Denmark will not get another promised referendum this autumn - it has been postponed indefinitely - because it is clear that the Danish government, and thus the wider EU, would lose.
A moment has arrived when the political classes and establishments across Europe are unable take voters with them. This seems to be a genuine European trend.
Unable to lead or inspire, Europe's political classes and the expanding realm of EU and national officialdom would rather the issue was not discussed at all. EU referendums and the society-wide debates that follow are not to be had at any costs.
Many now make a virtue of the EU's unpopularity. Robert Cooper, a British official who is one of the EU's most senior (he is Director-General for External and Politico-Military Affairs for Javier Solana) has this to say."
The opt-out arrangements date back to Europe's first referendum rejection shock of Maastricht by Denmark in 1992 and the Danish No to the euro in 2000. Denmark is no push over.
Like Britons, the Danes were denied a referendum on the Lisbon EU Treaty this year, despite previous promises on the Constitutional Treaty.
Now Denmark will not get another promised referendum this autumn - it has been postponed indefinitely - because it is clear that the Danish government, and thus the wider EU, would lose.
A moment has arrived when the political classes and establishments across Europe are unable take voters with them. This seems to be a genuine European trend.
Unable to lead or inspire, Europe's political classes and the expanding realm of EU and national officialdom would rather the issue was not discussed at all. EU referendums and the society-wide debates that follow are not to be had at any costs.
Many now make a virtue of the EU's unpopularity. Robert Cooper, a British official who is one of the EU's most senior (he is Director-General for External and Politico-Military Affairs for Javier Solana) has this to say."
A Black Christian News Exclusive: Washington Political Commentator Predicts Obama will Pick Hillary Clinton for his Vice-President � Black Christian News: breaking news from a black christian perspective
Read More Here: "1. Clinton is the only potential VP pick who significantly increases Obama’s poll numbers–in one national poll by as much as eight per cent.
2. Obama is choosing the Illinois State Capitol from which to announce due to the connection to the state for both of them–Hillary is from Illinois and it is Obama’s adoptive state. Obama hopes this will reinforce a connection for the Democratic ticket to America’s heartland of which Illinois is a part.
3. The threat of Hillary supporters ruining both the convention and Obama’s nomination is not worth the risk.
4. The only reason Obama agreed to let Hillary’s name be placed on the ballot at the convention was because he knew he would name her as his VP selection, thereby causing all her supporters to make his nomination unanimous.
5. Hillary can help him win in November with working class and women voters.
6. An Obama/Clinton ticket will bring healing to the Democratic Party."
2. Obama is choosing the Illinois State Capitol from which to announce due to the connection to the state for both of them–Hillary is from Illinois and it is Obama’s adoptive state. Obama hopes this will reinforce a connection for the Democratic ticket to America’s heartland of which Illinois is a part.
3. The threat of Hillary supporters ruining both the convention and Obama’s nomination is not worth the risk.
4. The only reason Obama agreed to let Hillary’s name be placed on the ballot at the convention was because he knew he would name her as his VP selection, thereby causing all her supporters to make his nomination unanimous.
5. Hillary can help him win in November with working class and women voters.
6. An Obama/Clinton ticket will bring healing to the Democratic Party."
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown Arrives In Afghanistan | World News | Sky News
Read More Here: "The Prime Minister flew into Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand province, on his way to the Olympics in Beijing.
Mr Brown spent 90 minutes at the camp, where he spoke with troops about their role in Afghanistan.
He paid tribute to Corporal Barry Dempsey of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, who this week became the latest British soldier to be killed in the conflict."
Mr Brown spent 90 minutes at the camp, where he spoke with troops about their role in Afghanistan.
He paid tribute to Corporal Barry Dempsey of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, who this week became the latest British soldier to be killed in the conflict."
Saturday, 16 August 2008
DEVELOPING: Davis Concedes Primary to Roe | TriCities
Read More Here: "NASHVILLE –Tennessee Republican Party officials today praised U.S. Rep. David Davis’ decision not to contest the results of the August 7 primary in Tennessee’s First Congressional District.
“Congressman Davis’s decision to let the voters of the First District, rather than a parade of lawyers, courts and committees, have the final say on who they wish to represent them in Congress represents the best traditions of American democracy,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
“State law permits voters to declare at the polling place which party’s primary they wish to participate in, a system that allows Tennesseans to vote for the man or woman they believe is best for the job and, unless an election result has been compromised by actual voter fraud such as false identity or votes cast by the dead, we believe the will of the voters as expressed at the ballot box on election day should be respected,” Smith said. “David Davis has served his community honorably and with distinction first as a state legislator, then as a member of Congress, and now by his decision to let the people’s vote stand without challenge.”"
“Congressman Davis’s decision to let the voters of the First District, rather than a parade of lawyers, courts and committees, have the final say on who they wish to represent them in Congress represents the best traditions of American democracy,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
“State law permits voters to declare at the polling place which party’s primary they wish to participate in, a system that allows Tennesseans to vote for the man or woman they believe is best for the job and, unless an election result has been compromised by actual voter fraud such as false identity or votes cast by the dead, we believe the will of the voters as expressed at the ballot box on election day should be respected,” Smith said. “David Davis has served his community honorably and with distinction first as a state legislator, then as a member of Congress, and now by his decision to let the people’s vote stand without challenge.”"
Zimbabwe crisis talks expected as leaders gather for summit - Breaking News - World - Breaking News
Read More Here: "Zimbabwe's main political rivals were in South Africa on Saturday for a regional summit with negotiators expected to aim for a resolution to the country's political crisis.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's attendance at the gathering of heads of state was controversial, with Botswana's president snubbing the gathering after his government said it did not recognise the 84-year-old leader's re-election.
Regional trade unions also planned protests and a group called the Zimbabwean Exile Forum (ZEF) said it was launching an urgent legal action at the SADC tribunal in Windhoek to block Mugabe's invitation."
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's attendance at the gathering of heads of state was controversial, with Botswana's president snubbing the gathering after his government said it did not recognise the 84-year-old leader's re-election.
Regional trade unions also planned protests and a group called the Zimbabwean Exile Forum (ZEF) said it was launching an urgent legal action at the SADC tribunal in Windhoek to block Mugabe's invitation."
BBC NEWS | Politics | Cameron set for talks in Georgia
Read More Here: "Conservative leader David Cameron is due to arrive in Georgia amid continuing tension with Russia.
He will travel to the capital Tbilisi for talks with political leaders, a Tory spokeswoman confirmed.
Mr Cameron has been pressing the UK government to take a tough line with Moscow, ever since the conflict began with the Russia's military forces.
And PM Gordon Brown has also joined the US in calling for Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Georgia."
He will travel to the capital Tbilisi for talks with political leaders, a Tory spokeswoman confirmed.
Mr Cameron has been pressing the UK government to take a tough line with Moscow, ever since the conflict began with the Russia's military forces.
And PM Gordon Brown has also joined the US in calling for Russia to immediately withdraw its troops from Georgia."
New Pro-Family Obama Ad - The Brody File: David Brody Blog - CBN News
Read More Here: "Barack Obama is featured in a new pro-family Christian campaign ad put out by The Matthew 25 Network. The Christian Political Action Committee is breaking new ground and in their support of Obama they've done a remarkable job of breaking through the media clutter to get noticed. You can watch the ad above. The ad will run Saturday night during the
What do you think of the ad? Leave your comments here.
As for my analysis, the ad is extremely effective because it highlights one of Obama's strengths and that is his family. The Republican Party wants to demonize the guy as a crazy liberal ( a la John Kerry) but the problem is that unlike Kerry, Obama has the straight laced family narrative. You couldn't run a syrupy gushy pro-family ad like this with Kerry because he didn't have the cute little kids and he was on his second marriage."
What do you think of the ad? Leave your comments here.
As for my analysis, the ad is extremely effective because it highlights one of Obama's strengths and that is his family. The Republican Party wants to demonize the guy as a crazy liberal ( a la John Kerry) but the problem is that unlike Kerry, Obama has the straight laced family narrative. You couldn't run a syrupy gushy pro-family ad like this with Kerry because he didn't have the cute little kids and he was on his second marriage."
Parties Skirt Rules on Gifts, Plan Lavish Conventions - WSJ.com
Read More Here:: "WASHINGTON -- When the Democratic Party holds its convention the week after next, members of Congress will be able to hear singer Kanye West at an all-expenses paid party sponsored by the recording industry.
They can play in a poker tournament with Ben Affleck, courtesy of the poker industry. They can try to hit a home run at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, thanks to AT&T Corp. Free drinks and cigars will be on offer at a bash thrown by the liquor industry."
They can play in a poker tournament with Ben Affleck, courtesy of the poker industry. They can try to hit a home run at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, thanks to AT&T Corp. Free drinks and cigars will be on offer at a bash thrown by the liquor industry."
Political activism in a changed world - Radio Netherlands Worldwide - English
Read More Here: "Political activism involving criminal acts can lead, years later, to deep regrets for a politician. That's been made amply clear by the resignation of the Dutch GreenLeft MP Wijnand Duyvendak. But while the rebellious acts of one politician can lead to his downfall, others suffer no consequences, and in some cases even benefit from a turbulent past.
Wijnand Duyvendak resigned his parliamentary standing on Thursday in the wake of the controversy stirred up by his activist past. Two weeks earlier, he had confessed that during the 1980s, he took part in a break-in to a ministry to steal plans for nuclear power centres."
Wijnand Duyvendak resigned his parliamentary standing on Thursday in the wake of the controversy stirred up by his activist past. Two weeks earlier, he had confessed that during the 1980s, he took part in a break-in to a ministry to steal plans for nuclear power centres."
Friday, 15 August 2008
Media Matters - ABC's Tapper cited immigration as example of McCain breaking with GOP, despite previously noting McCain's reversal
Read More Here: "Despite having previously cited Sen. John McCain's statement during the January 30 Republican presidential debate that he would no longer vote for the comprehensive reform bill he co-sponsored with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) if it came to a vote on the Senate floor, ABC News senior national correspondent Jake Tapper cited immigration reform as an example of when 'McCain has broken with his party on controversial issues.'"
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Georgette Gagnon: Before any resolution, Zimbabwe first needs justice - Commentators, Opinion - The Independent
Read More Here: "Talks in Zimbabwe aimed at breaking the political deadlock in that country cannot succeed unless the human rights violations that are the root cause of the crisis are addressed.
Lead mediator President Thabo Mbeki and other Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders should press Zimbabwe's leadership to address crucial human rights issues prior to any transitional government arising from the current negotiations.
The government of Zimbabwe has committed and continues to commit serious crimes. Multiple Human Rights Watch interviews with witnesses ranging from newly elected MDC MPs, councillors, activists, perceived MDC supporters and others demonstrate the serious nature of abuses committed by these militias. They include killings, beatings, abductions and torture."
Lead mediator President Thabo Mbeki and other Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders should press Zimbabwe's leadership to address crucial human rights issues prior to any transitional government arising from the current negotiations.
The government of Zimbabwe has committed and continues to commit serious crimes. Multiple Human Rights Watch interviews with witnesses ranging from newly elected MDC MPs, councillors, activists, perceived MDC supporters and others demonstrate the serious nature of abuses committed by these militias. They include killings, beatings, abductions and torture."
The Associated Press: Hagel as Obama veep draws concern from both sides
Read More Here: "OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Talk of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel as a potential running mate for Democratic candidate Barack Obama tends to confound partisans in both parties.
'His anti-war posture might be attractive to Obama, but he's anathema to much of the progressive base of the Democratic Party,' said Toby Chaudhuri, communications director for the liberal Campaign for America's Future.
Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., calls the pairing 'not a good fit' and says that on issues other than the Iraq war, Hagel and Obama are not compatible. The American Conservative Union, which examines voting records on everything from abortion to national security, pegs the Nebraska Republican as a conservative.
When Hagel accompanied Obama on his trip to Iraq and Afghanistan last month, speculation swirled anew that he was a possible vice presidential pick.
Plenty of people have suggested that Obama recruit Hagel, one of the Senate's most outspoken opponents of the Iraq war. The Illinois senator would benefit from Hagel's military experience in Vietnam, they say, and Hagel would help temper perceptions that Obama is too liberal. A bipartisan ticket would also support Obama's call for breaking away from polarizing politics."
'His anti-war posture might be attractive to Obama, but he's anathema to much of the progressive base of the Democratic Party,' said Toby Chaudhuri, communications director for the liberal Campaign for America's Future.
Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., calls the pairing 'not a good fit' and says that on issues other than the Iraq war, Hagel and Obama are not compatible. The American Conservative Union, which examines voting records on everything from abortion to national security, pegs the Nebraska Republican as a conservative.
When Hagel accompanied Obama on his trip to Iraq and Afghanistan last month, speculation swirled anew that he was a possible vice presidential pick.
Plenty of people have suggested that Obama recruit Hagel, one of the Senate's most outspoken opponents of the Iraq war. The Illinois senator would benefit from Hagel's military experience in Vietnam, they say, and Hagel would help temper perceptions that Obama is too liberal. A bipartisan ticket would also support Obama's call for breaking away from polarizing politics."
Springfield Business Journal - Online Edition
Read More Here: "Springfield’s new city manager won’t need much of an introduction; he’s lived here all his life.
Hometown candidate Greg Burris was named city manager at a news conference Tuesday at the Busch Municipal Building. The decision was announced within hours of a closed-session City Council meeting.
Burris is vice president for administrative and information services and chief information officer at Missouri State University, where he has spent his entire 25-year career. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer information processing and a master’s degree in business administration, both from MSU.
Burris' salary will be $195,000, and he will be an at-will employee, without a contract. He starts Sept. 15."
Hometown candidate Greg Burris was named city manager at a news conference Tuesday at the Busch Municipal Building. The decision was announced within hours of a closed-session City Council meeting.
Burris is vice president for administrative and information services and chief information officer at Missouri State University, where he has spent his entire 25-year career. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer information processing and a master’s degree in business administration, both from MSU.
Burris' salary will be $195,000, and he will be an at-will employee, without a contract. He starts Sept. 15."
The Phoenix > News Features > Breaking the press
The Phoenix > News Features > Breaking the press: "With the polls continuing to show John McCain giving Barack Obama a run for his money, much of the press has seemed flummoxed by the turn of events. After all, the narrative of this campaign was supposed to be how a triumphant Obama rode discontent against the Bush administration to an overwhelming victory."
Friday, 8 August 2008
Big Donors, Too, Have Seats at Obama Fund-Raising Table - NYTimes.com
Big Donors, Too, Have Seats at Obama Fund-Raising Table - NYTimes.com: "In an effort to cast himself as independent of the influence of money on politics, Senator Barack Obama often highlights the campaign contributions of $200 or less that have amounted to fully half of the $340 million he has collected so far."
Carly Fiorina tests her political mettle as McCain advisor - Los Angeles Times
Carly Fiorina tests her political mettle as McCain advisor - Los Angeles Times: "SAN FRANCISCO -- A self-described 'change warrior,' Carly Fiorina has been a law school dropout, a real estate broker, an English teacher, a telecommunications executive and the first woman to be hired, then fired, as chief executive of a Fortune 20 company.
The former Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO is again forging new territory for herself, this time in the highest ranks of American politics. She has quickly emerged as a high-level advisor to Sen. John McCain's campaign in the Arizona Republican's bid for the White House."
The former Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO is again forging new territory for herself, this time in the highest ranks of American politics. She has quickly emerged as a high-level advisor to Sen. John McCain's campaign in the Arizona Republican's bid for the White House."
Seth Freedman: Israel's front-line thugs | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk
Seth Freedman: Israel's front-line thugs | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk: "News that leftwing activists are facing increased pressure to stay out of the West Bank is a worrying development in local politics, especially at a time when settler attacks on Palestinians are on the increase. Rather than clamp down on the settlers perpetrating the violence, the authorities are pursuing a path of locking the doors to the outside world and pretending that nothing at all is amiss."
Nation's Only Criminal Case against Planned Parenthood Sinks with Kansas Prosecutor's Political Fortunes
Nation's Only Criminal Case against Planned Parenthood Sinks with Kansas Prosecutor's Political Fortunes: "WICHITA, Kansas, August 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Prospects for Planned Parenthood's answering 107 criminal charges in court dimmed as pro-life Kansas prosecutor Phill Kline conceded defeat last night to his opponent Steve Howe in the hard fought Republican primary."
The Raw Story | White House memo exposes Rove knew of problems with anthrax vaccine
The Raw Story | White House memo exposes Rove knew of problems with anthrax vaccine: "Rove said Gulf War Syndrome, vaccine political stumbling block
The Department of Defense continued its controversial mandatory anthrax vaccinations program despite high ranking Bush administration officials acknowledging there were problems with the vaccine within months of the Bush administration taking office—well before the 9/11 attacks and the October 2001 anthrax letters."
The Department of Defense continued its controversial mandatory anthrax vaccinations program despite high ranking Bush administration officials acknowledging there were problems with the vaccine within months of the Bush administration taking office—well before the 9/11 attacks and the October 2001 anthrax letters."
BREAKING NEWS: Detroit’s Democrat Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sent to JAIL! at Political Byline
BREAKING NEWS: Detroit’s Democrat Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick sent to JAIL! at Political Byline: "Judge Ronald Giles has ordered Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick into Wayne County Jail for violating his bond.
The mayor violated his bond when he went to Canada July 23 without informing the court, a condition of his bond. The judge also pointed out that the mayor had to make many calls and arrangements for his trip to Canada and could have easily called the court to alert it of the trip.
The 36th District Court judge stressed that he was treating Detroit’s mayor in the same way he would “John Sixpack.”
The Judge also withdrew the drug screening since the mayor took four tests and all came back clean."
The mayor violated his bond when he went to Canada July 23 without informing the court, a condition of his bond. The judge also pointed out that the mayor had to make many calls and arrangements for his trip to Canada and could have easily called the court to alert it of the trip.
The 36th District Court judge stressed that he was treating Detroit’s mayor in the same way he would “John Sixpack.”
The Judge also withdrew the drug screening since the mayor took four tests and all came back clean."
Nation's Only Criminal Case against Planned Parenthood Sinks with Kansas Prosecutor's Political Fortunes
Nation's Only Criminal Case against Planned Parenthood Sinks with Kansas Prosecutor's Political Fortunes: "WICHITA, Kansas, August 6, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Prospects for Planned Parenthood's answering 107 criminal charges in court dimmed as pro-life Kansas prosecutor Phill Kline conceded defeat last night to his opponent Steve Howe in the hard fought Republican primary."
Candidate vows to put public safety first
Candidate vows to put public safety first: "Tim Nelson is dialing for dollars.
On a hot afternoon he sits at the desk in his north-central Phoenix home office. The button-down, sandy-haired attorney picks up the phone, punches in the digits and gives the pitch for money.
As a Democratic candidate for Maricopa County attorney, the top prosecutor job, he's going to need a lot of it - more than the $206,000-plus he has already raised from a massive donor base that crosses traditional party lines and leanings, according to a review of the most-recent financial disclosure forms filed with the county."
On a hot afternoon he sits at the desk in his north-central Phoenix home office. The button-down, sandy-haired attorney picks up the phone, punches in the digits and gives the pitch for money.
As a Democratic candidate for Maricopa County attorney, the top prosecutor job, he's going to need a lot of it - more than the $206,000-plus he has already raised from a massive donor base that crosses traditional party lines and leanings, according to a review of the most-recent financial disclosure forms filed with the county."
Politics | Willie Horton 2.0: Political ad man Floyd Brown aims to sink Obama campaign | Seattle Times Newspaper
Politics | Willie Horton 2.0: Political ad man Floyd Brown aims to sink Obama campaign | Seattle Times Newspaper: "UNIVERSITY PLACE, Pierce County — Floyd Brown lumbered his 6-foot-6 frame through the doorway at a small cafe here and ordered two coffees.
The woman at the counter craned her neck until she met his eyes.
'My!' she exclaimed. 'You block out the sun.'
She couldn't have known how deeply her observation might resonate with the many Democrats whose political aspirations the longtime conservative operative has tried to sink.
Brown, 47, is known best for creating a controversial television ad that helped derail Michael Dukakis' presidential run in 1988 by linking the former Massachusetts governor to a prison-furlough program and a felon named Willie Horton."
The woman at the counter craned her neck until she met his eyes.
'My!' she exclaimed. 'You block out the sun.'
She couldn't have known how deeply her observation might resonate with the many Democrats whose political aspirations the longtime conservative operative has tried to sink.
Brown, 47, is known best for creating a controversial television ad that helped derail Michael Dukakis' presidential run in 1988 by linking the former Massachusetts governor to a prison-furlough program and a felon named Willie Horton."
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