Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton is accusing supporters of Barack Obama of trying to block Democrats in states that have not yet held primaries from voting.
Although Obama says Clinton should remain in the race, some of his key supporters have been urging her to withdraw in the name of party unity.
Clinton says this is an attempt by the Obama campaign to keep people from voting. The Obama camp calls the charges laughable.
On the one hand, the latest Gallup Poll shows Obama with a commanding 10 point lead over Clinton. On the other, Democratic voters in Florida and Michigan have been, thus far, precluded from selecting delegates (a compromise proposal to use Democratic congressional district conventions to choose them has just been floated in Michigan). And, as Clinton argues, if she withdraws, people in states that set primaries after the April Pennsylvania vote will also be removed from the process.
As I've suggested before, the Obama-Clinton debate is healthy. As will be the discourse during the general election.
If Clinton feels like she still has a chance, she should remain in the race.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Brit Recruited By Al Qaeda To Bomb London
Chilling insight into the way al Qaeda operates in an interview in a British newspaper.
A British man tells the paper that he was recruited to carry out a bombing in London. And that he was asked at a terrorist safe house in Pakistan to conduct an act of martyrdom in the United Kingdom.
He says killing the king of Saudi Arabia, blowing up the U.S. embassy in London were on the table. He claims that he was approached by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who is the alleged planner of the World Trade Center attack.
The man, who spoke under condition of anonymity, has since renounced violence.
A British man tells the paper that he was recruited to carry out a bombing in London. And that he was asked at a terrorist safe house in Pakistan to conduct an act of martyrdom in the United Kingdom.
He says killing the king of Saudi Arabia, blowing up the U.S. embassy in London were on the table. He claims that he was approached by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who is the alleged planner of the World Trade Center attack.
The man, who spoke under condition of anonymity, has since renounced violence.
Polls Help Electoral Process: Gallup Editor
Gallup Poll Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport says the presidential polls are generally accurate and help candidates and voters determine the course of the presidential campaigns.
Newport, speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, said sometimes the polls help identify suspected voter fraud. If the actual vote is a major departure from the polling, he says, it can be an indication that the vote counting process needs to be reviewed.
The latest Gallup poll finds that Barack Obama holds a 10-point lead over Hillary Clinton. Leading to a discussion about whether Clinton ought to withdraw.
One caller suggested that, Clinton does Obama good, bringing out issues early that Republican John McCain might raise on the eve of the election. Making it less likely that there will be a November surprise that might affect its outcome.
Newport, speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, said sometimes the polls help identify suspected voter fraud. If the actual vote is a major departure from the polling, he says, it can be an indication that the vote counting process needs to be reviewed.
The latest Gallup poll finds that Barack Obama holds a 10-point lead over Hillary Clinton. Leading to a discussion about whether Clinton ought to withdraw.
One caller suggested that, Clinton does Obama good, bringing out issues early that Republican John McCain might raise on the eve of the election. Making it less likely that there will be a November surprise that might affect its outcome.
Former New York Mayor Ed Koch On Paltalk
Koch
Ed Koch, who was elected the mayor of New York City in 1977, will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Wednesday April 9.
Born in the Bronx of Polish Jewish ancestry, Koch's family moved to Newark, New Jersey during the Depression and later moved to Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn when he was a teenager. He left City College when he was drafted into the Army where he became a decorated combat infantryman, achieving the rank of sergeant.
He received his law degree from New York University Law School in 1948. As an active member of a Manhattan reform club, the Greenwich Village Independent Democrats, Koch was elected to the City Council in 1966. In 1968, he was elected to the House of Representatives in a district that hadn't sent a Democrat to Congress since 1934.
He was reelected four times, earning a reputation as a competent legislator and a champion of many social causes.
In 1977, he sought the Democratic nomination for mayor among a crowded field of candidates. Koch won the primary and went on to defeat Liberal Party candidate Mario Cuomo in the general election.
With New York City's treasury near empty, Koch restored the city's credit in his first term through a series of budget cutting measures, enabling the city to enter the bond market within a few years and raise capital funds. As the city's fiscal prognosis began to brighten, so too did the mood of New Yorkers.
Koch was often found walking the streets of New York, going up to strangers to ask them, "How 'm I Doin'?"
Under Koch, the city's annual budget doubled to $26 billion and approximately $19 billion was spent on capital projects in the 1980's.
Koch, who vowed to be the first four term mayor, sought reelection in 1989. However, he was confronted with a series of government corruption scandals. He also faced heated criticism for his combative dealings with other public officials and the press. He lost the Democratic primary to then Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins.
He has remained extremely active and popular since leaving office, practicing law in New York City, lecturing, authoring books, serving as a newspaper columnist, hosting his own radio show, and more recently, serving as a television judge on the popular show, The People's Court.
A prolific writer, Koch's latest book, The Koch Papers: My Fight Against Anti-Semitism, is available now.
To talk to Koch at 5 PM New York time Wednesday April 9 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to an additional 12 million households.
Poll Shows U.S. Voter Support For Israel; Pressure On Iran
A new bi-partisan poll commissioned by The Israel Project shows the percent of Americans who believe the U.S. should take Israel’s side in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is at an all time high: 71 percent in contrast to 8 percent who believe the U.S. should side with the Palestinians.
It also finds that most voters who have decided who they favor in the presidential race are also supporters of Israel.
The poll also finds that 80 percent agree that now is the time to toughen sanctions to compel Iran to stop developing nuclear weapons.
"The militant actions by Hamas and disarray among the Palestinians have moved Americans to side with Israel even more strongly than in the past," concluded Stanley Greenberg, Ph.D., of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research.
Among U.S. likely voters, 60 percent support Israel, while support for the Palestinians has fallen to 8 percent.
Eighty-five person of voters who identify as John McCain supporters say the United States should remain on Israel's side in the conflict.
That number dips to 62 percent of Barack Obama supporters and 58 of those who support Hillary Clinton.
Additionally, 76 percent of U.S. likely voters consider Israel a vital ally of the United States, and more than two-thirds think U.S. foreign aid to Israel is a good investment. American support for a two-state solution in the Middle East is at an overwhelming 84 percent. Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe that the establishment of a Palestinian state would help improve the economic future of the Palestinian people, and two-thirds believe it will make Israel more secure as a nation. But only 46 percent think that establishing a Palestinian state will bring lasting peace.
A full 93 percent say Palestinians must stop their missile attacks before a two-state solution can bring peace to the region.
The poll of 800 U.S. likely voters was conducted by telephone March 18-20, 2008 for The Israel Project by Neil Newhouse of Public Opinion Strategies and Stan Greenberg of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percent.
Another Superdelegate Endorses Obama
Klobuchar
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has become the 64th superdelegate to endorse Barack Obama since February 5.
This comes as Obama's opponent for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton, is vowing to stay in the race 'til the end. Despite calls from Democratic Party bosses that she withdraw for the sake of party unity.
Klobuchar says Clinton would make a fine presidential candidate as well.
“The Democratic Party is blessed this year with two candidates with many excellent leadership qualities," she said.
"I believe each of them would be a strong president."
But Klobuchar, of Minnesota, says she endorsed Obama, "because he has inspired an enthusiasm and idealism that we have not seen in this country in a long time. "
Arizona Tries To Take Immigration Reform Into State's Hands
The federal government, seemingly unable to agree on immigration reform, maybe usurped by the state of Arizona, which is contemplating its own guest immigration program.
The biggest obstacle is that the federal government must first approve it. But at least someone is trying to find solutions to the problem of the influx of undocumented immigrants.
Whether the Arizona program is ultimately successful isn't the real point. If the feds permit states to try initiatives of their own, they may serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
It's better to try a guest worker program out on a state level first. Then if it works, the federal government can adopt a similar program. If not, it can avoid enacting a nationwide program that doesn't work.
The biggest obstacle is that the federal government must first approve it. But at least someone is trying to find solutions to the problem of the influx of undocumented immigrants.
Whether the Arizona program is ultimately successful isn't the real point. If the feds permit states to try initiatives of their own, they may serve as a model for the rest of the nation.
It's better to try a guest worker program out on a state level first. Then if it works, the federal government can adopt a similar program. If not, it can avoid enacting a nationwide program that doesn't work.
A New Approach To Airport Screening
The TSA is planning a pilot program at the Baltimore airport to make the screening process less intimidating to passengers.
The idea is to calm things down, make it less noisy and intimidating. So that the average flier isn't spooked.
Presumably, this means that terrorists will be easier to spot. Because they will be the only nervous folks in line.
Security expert Gary Moskowitz says, it all sounds good. But, he says, it won't work.
"It's tough enough," Moskowitz notes, "to get flight attendants to smile an entire shift much less airport screeners."
Moskowitz, CEO of Barzel Security Services, says the TSA should study how El Al screens passengers.
"They (El Al screeners) know what questions to ask that will tip them off to who is suspect," Moskowitz says.
The Israeli screeners, he says, are more investigative than those in the United States.
Still, even if it doesn't make us any safer, if the TSA initiative makes passengers feel like customers and not cattle, it's a step in the right direction.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcouch/2225556990/
McCain Courts Media, Votes
John McCain is on what he calls a "biography tour" of America. His itinerary includes five states, culminating in his own Arizona, where he will tell all who will listen about his history. To shore up his projected image as the candidate with experience to properly occupy the Oval Office.
From the beginning of his campaign, McCain has been friendly to the press. For example, it's been much easier for me to get credentialed to cover McCain events than Clinton or Obama.
Clinton is well known as expert in controlling the message. But the Obama camp is even less forthcoming than Clinton's.
McCain is smart in signing off on this strategy. Reporters, and bloggers, who are increasingly influential in this campaign, are human beings. And their reporting is impacted by the way they are treated, no matter their attempts at objectivity.
It's something voters should factor into their decision making as well. How the press is treated now could be a precursor to the access they get to the administration of whichever candidate is elected. And it's in the public, and nation's, best interest, that reporters have opportunity to critically cover whoever becomes the next president of the United States.
Olympic Flame Symbol For Tibetan Protests
The lighting ceremony for the Olympic flame in Athens was marred by protests about China's crackdown on protests in Tibet.
The flame's arrival in Beijing was surrounded by tight security to prevent a recurrence. But similar protests are possible as it makes its world wide tour and return to Beijing for the games.
China is accusing the western press of slanting news coverage of the protests against that nation.
The violence surrounding the protests is prompting calls for restraint from both sides.
But scenes like these of demonstrators being beaten with sticks outside the Chinese Embassy in neighboring Nepal do little to encourage sympathy for the Chinese government.
The flame's arrival in Beijing was surrounded by tight security to prevent a recurrence. But similar protests are possible as it makes its world wide tour and return to Beijing for the games.
China is accusing the western press of slanting news coverage of the protests against that nation.
The violence surrounding the protests is prompting calls for restraint from both sides.
But scenes like these of demonstrators being beaten with sticks outside the Chinese Embassy in neighboring Nepal do little to encourage sympathy for the Chinese government.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Obama Widens Lead Over Clinton
The latest USA Today/Gallup Poll gives Barack Obama a 10 point lead over Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic nomination for president.
That's the largest lead Obama has enjoyed. And indicated a marked rebound from the days he struggled after the controversy over his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, surfaced.
We'll be discussing this poll with Gallup Editor In Chief Frank Newport on News Talk Online at 5 PM New York time Monday.
That's the largest lead Obama has enjoyed. And indicated a marked rebound from the days he struggled after the controversy over his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, surfaced.
We'll be discussing this poll with Gallup Editor In Chief Frank Newport on News Talk Online at 5 PM New York time Monday.
Barack Obama Rock Star
Some 20-thousand people stood in long lines in 40 degree temperatures at Penn State University to attend a rally by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
These large gatherings have become a trademark of the Democratic front runner. And have the look and feel of a rock concert.
Obama told the crowd that he will win the party nomination even if rival Hillary Clinton stays in the race to the finish. Clinton has vowed to take it to the Democratic convention for a floor fight if necessary. Although some Obama supporters and party leaders, like national Democratic party boss Howard Dean, have urged her to step down in the name of party unity, Obama is advocating that Clinton remain in the race.
Obama took some time as well to bowl at the Altoona Bowling Center where he laughed and joked with the crowd. Obama said that he hasn't bowled since he was 16.
These large gatherings have become a trademark of the Democratic front runner. And have the look and feel of a rock concert.
Obama told the crowd that he will win the party nomination even if rival Hillary Clinton stays in the race to the finish. Clinton has vowed to take it to the Democratic convention for a floor fight if necessary. Although some Obama supporters and party leaders, like national Democratic party boss Howard Dean, have urged her to step down in the name of party unity, Obama is advocating that Clinton remain in the race.
Obama took some time as well to bowl at the Altoona Bowling Center where he laughed and joked with the crowd. Obama said that he hasn't bowled since he was 16.
CIA Chief Warns Of Renewed Al Qaeda Threat
CIA Director Michael Hayden says al Qaeda operatives are being trained to pass as westerners through border crossings.
Hayden, in remarks to NBC's Meet The Press, says this is all in preparation for another attack on the United States.
If he's right about this, then stereotypical concerns about people should be discarded. And the ability to ferret out terrorists becomes more difficult.
Hayden says the terrorists training sites are in Pakistan, along the Afghan border. Instead of concentrating so much on Iraq, perhaps our military sites should be trained on these camps.
Hayden also wants Congress to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expired in February.
Hayden, in remarks to NBC's Meet The Press, says this is all in preparation for another attack on the United States.
If he's right about this, then stereotypical concerns about people should be discarded. And the ability to ferret out terrorists becomes more difficult.
Hayden says the terrorists training sites are in Pakistan, along the Afghan border. Instead of concentrating so much on Iraq, perhaps our military sites should be trained on these camps.
Hayden also wants Congress to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expired in February.
Some Truckers Planning To Park This Week
There may be fewer big rigs on the roads this Tuesday as some independent truckers plan to park for the day in protest of rising fuel prices.
In New Jersey, some truck drivers say they will block the turnpike at noon to underscore their concerns. A trucker convoy is planned for I-81 in Pennsylvania today.
The truckers say the increasing cost at the pumps is cutting into their profits. And they are hoping their protest will bring some regulatory relief.
One suggestion is a temporary suspension of fuel taxes.
But this protest is not expected to be widespread, nor, as a result, very effective.
A Chance To End Violence In Iraq
The Shiite on Shiite fighting in Basra and elsewhere in Iraq may be coming to an end.
Moqtada al-Sadr, the leader of one of the factions has ordered his men off the streets. The move was heralded by Iraq's prime minister.
Media reports say since Tuesday as many as 270 people have died in the fighting.
Iraqi, U.S. and British forces have been engaged in trying to put down this latest conflict inside Iraq.
Moqtada al-Sadr, the leader of one of the factions has ordered his men off the streets. The move was heralded by Iraq's prime minister.
Media reports say since Tuesday as many as 270 people have died in the fighting.
Iraqi, U.S. and British forces have been engaged in trying to put down this latest conflict inside Iraq.
As Democrats Duke It Out, McCain Campaigns For The General Election
John McCain is on the road again, bringing his vision for America to as many states as possible, while the Democratic candidates for president battle it out in states where they still face primary battles.
McCain heads to five states this week, giving the Republican candidate a jump start on his Democratic rivals.
Hillary Clinton is again rejecting calls today from some in the Democratic Party to withdraw in the name of party unity.
McCain heads to five states this week, giving the Republican candidate a jump start on his Democratic rivals.
Hillary Clinton is again rejecting calls today from some in the Democratic Party to withdraw in the name of party unity.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Obama Says Clinton Should Stay In The Race
Democratic Party boss Howard Dean is calling for an end to the primary fight between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the sake of party unity.
He is fearful the two will eat one another up and leave the last person standing wounded as he, or she, enters the general election race against Republican John McCain.
But there's one thing Obama and Clinton do agree on.
Clinton should remain in the race.
Obama calls Clinton a "fierce and formidable" competitor. That she is.
I applaud Obama for his stance.
As I've stated before, the debate between the two Democratic candidates is part of a healthy political process in the United States.
Let the Democratic Party campaign continue!
He is fearful the two will eat one another up and leave the last person standing wounded as he, or she, enters the general election race against Republican John McCain.
But there's one thing Obama and Clinton do agree on.
Clinton should remain in the race.
Obama calls Clinton a "fierce and formidable" competitor. That she is.
I applaud Obama for his stance.
As I've stated before, the debate between the two Democratic candidates is part of a healthy political process in the United States.
Let the Democratic Party campaign continue!
Iraq Fighting Intensifies
The 4,000 dead Americans milestone focused, of course, on the number of U.S. troops killed in Iraq. But it gave short shrift to the number of Iraqis killed, both by Coalition troops and at the hands of their fellow countrymen,
There are those who argue that the surge which began in January 2007 has proven effective and that U.S. and other Coalition forces as well as Iraqi troops are beginning to take control of the country.
Violence between Shiites and Sunnis does appear to have subsided. But now, there's been a flurry of battles between Shiites loyal to different leaders.
News reports vary in their estimates of the death toll, from 50 to as many as 300 dead in recent days.
British ground troops are engaged with the insurgents and the United States has been conducting air strikes in Basra, where most of the fighting has been concentrated.
In spite of a desire by most Americans to get out of Iraq sooner rather than later, the continued failure to bring order makes it doubtful that the long hoped for withdrawal will take place anytime soon.
The Democratic presidential candidate's rhetoric pledging a quick end to the war may resonate well with the voters. But Republican John McCain's assessment that the U.S. troop commitment may continue for years may prove to be far more pragmatic, no matter who is elected in November.
There are those who argue that the surge which began in January 2007 has proven effective and that U.S. and other Coalition forces as well as Iraqi troops are beginning to take control of the country.
Violence between Shiites and Sunnis does appear to have subsided. But now, there's been a flurry of battles between Shiites loyal to different leaders.
News reports vary in their estimates of the death toll, from 50 to as many as 300 dead in recent days.
British ground troops are engaged with the insurgents and the United States has been conducting air strikes in Basra, where most of the fighting has been concentrated.
In spite of a desire by most Americans to get out of Iraq sooner rather than later, the continued failure to bring order makes it doubtful that the long hoped for withdrawal will take place anytime soon.
The Democratic presidential candidate's rhetoric pledging a quick end to the war may resonate well with the voters. But Republican John McCain's assessment that the U.S. troop commitment may continue for years may prove to be far more pragmatic, no matter who is elected in November.
Tibetan Culture Threatened
There's a television network, New Tang Dynasty TV, which preserves and promotes the vast cultural of China.
I've done stories on their efforts on CNNRadio and I've had their representatives on Paltalk, performing on News Talk Online.
What struck me is that, while the expatriated Chinese are given opportunity to enjoy music and dance that ties them with their past, people in mainland China are not.
It's illegal, the NTD TV folks tell me, to produce entertainment that highlights generations of culture.
Now, the Dalai Lama is warning that China is, not only trying to impose its rule on Tibet, but wants to wipe out Tibetan culture.
And it's not just by military force. It's by demographics as well. By moving hundreds of thousands of Chinese into the Himalayan region, he argues, Tibetan culture is being deliberately diluted.
The Dalai Lama is also calling on the world community to step up and pressure China to back down.
We should all be listening to his pleas. And we should be asking our government representatives to do so as well.
I've done stories on their efforts on CNNRadio and I've had their representatives on Paltalk, performing on News Talk Online.
What struck me is that, while the expatriated Chinese are given opportunity to enjoy music and dance that ties them with their past, people in mainland China are not.
It's illegal, the NTD TV folks tell me, to produce entertainment that highlights generations of culture.
Now, the Dalai Lama is warning that China is, not only trying to impose its rule on Tibet, but wants to wipe out Tibetan culture.
And it's not just by military force. It's by demographics as well. By moving hundreds of thousands of Chinese into the Himalayan region, he argues, Tibetan culture is being deliberately diluted.
The Dalai Lama is also calling on the world community to step up and pressure China to back down.
We should all be listening to his pleas. And we should be asking our government representatives to do so as well.
A Fight To The Finish?
Hillary Clinton is rejecting suggestions that she withdraw from the Democratic presidential primary race in the name of party unity.
The latest poll show, for the first time since the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy, that Barack Obama is in the lead.
Clinton says it would be unfair to the voters of the remaining primary states for her to remove herself from the race.
She's right.
The debate, though pointed, between Clinton and Obama, is actually healthy to the process.
Party leaders say this won't get to a delegate fight at the convention. Many of the super delegates who remain sitting on the fence are waiting for decisive victories by Obama before announcing they will be supporting him.
But there are still primaries to hold in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana.
If the party was truly concerned about "unity" they would work to bring Democrats in Michigan and Florida back into the fold and let them participate in a real presidential primary. You know, one that counts?
But that's not the kind of unity they want. Not if it means prolonging the race and giving Clinton a chance at a floor fight in Denver.
The latest poll show, for the first time since the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy, that Barack Obama is in the lead.
Clinton says it would be unfair to the voters of the remaining primary states for her to remove herself from the race.
She's right.
The debate, though pointed, between Clinton and Obama, is actually healthy to the process.
Party leaders say this won't get to a delegate fight at the convention. Many of the super delegates who remain sitting on the fence are waiting for decisive victories by Obama before announcing they will be supporting him.
But there are still primaries to hold in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana.
If the party was truly concerned about "unity" they would work to bring Democrats in Michigan and Florida back into the fold and let them participate in a real presidential primary. You know, one that counts?
But that's not the kind of unity they want. Not if it means prolonging the race and giving Clinton a chance at a floor fight in Denver.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Now Is The Time For Tibet
Students For a Free Tibet Deputy Director Tenzin Dorjee says this is Tibet's moment.
Dorjee, speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com says the summer Olympics gives Tibetans and their supporters an opportunity to tell the world about their plight.
He says he is particularly gratified that the European Union is putting pressure on China to ease its stranglehold of Tibet. And he's hopeful that the United Nations will follow suit.
He suggests the world should seize this opportunity to pressure China. But whether China listens, he says, is an entirely different matter.
Dorjee, speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com says the summer Olympics gives Tibetans and their supporters an opportunity to tell the world about their plight.
He says he is particularly gratified that the European Union is putting pressure on China to ease its stranglehold of Tibet. And he's hopeful that the United Nations will follow suit.
He suggests the world should seize this opportunity to pressure China. But whether China listens, he says, is an entirely different matter.
EU Pressures China On Tibet
The European Union is pressuring China to bring a peaceful end to the conflict in Tibet.
Several leaders of European nations have announced they will not attend the opening ceremonies to the Olympics in protest of the crackdown on Tibetan dissidents.
The foreign ministers to the European Union, meeting in Slovenia, are debating whether to boycott the Olympics.
Several leaders of European nations have announced they will not attend the opening ceremonies to the Olympics in protest of the crackdown on Tibetan dissidents.
The foreign ministers to the European Union, meeting in Slovenia, are debating whether to boycott the Olympics.
Gallup Poll Editor Frank Newport On Paltalk
Newport
Frank Newport, the editor-in-chief of the Gallup Poll, will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Monday March 31.
The Gallup Poll tracks the presidential campaign on a daily basis.
The latest tracking finds Barack Obama with an eight point lead over Hillary Clinton in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. This is the first statistical advantage for Obama since before the controversy surrounding the retired pastor of his church, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
The other factor that may be helping Obama is the flap surrounding Clinton's claim that she and then-first daughter Chelsea had to duck sniper fire during a visit to Bosnia. Video released of that trip showed her meeting and being greeted on the airport tarmac. No gunfire could be heard and there was no sense of urgency shown on the video.
The Gallup Poll is the nation’s best-known and longest-running continuous monitor of American public opinion. It conducts more than 60,000 interviews each year, and in partnership with USA Today provides up-to-the-minute and comprehensive polling on political and topical issues.
Newport appears regularly on CNBC’s Kudlow and Company and other television and cable news shows. He is the on-air host of Gallup’s daily web cast program The Daily Briefing at galluppoll.com, which is available as a podcast on iTunes. He is author of weekly analyses on The Gallup Poll Web site and has a regular weekly program on NPR affiliate WHYY in Philadelphia.
His new blog, Gallup Guru, appears on http://www.usatoday.com/.
To talk to Newport at 5 PM New York time Monday March 31 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to 12 million additional households.
Why Imposing Western Values On Muslim Countries Doesn't Work
The United States of America was formed, in the main, to provide safe haven for people who faced religious persecution.
It's why the Founding Fathers determined that there would be no official state religion.
This separates the USA from many other nations. Including Muslim countries.
In many of the Muslim countries, Islam is the official religion. There is little or no tolerance for other religions.
Some countries permit people of other faiths to practice their traditions. But even in those nations, that is severely limited.
A lack of understanding of this cultural divide causes problems.
Saudi Arabia is, perhaps, the greatest case in point. Religious persecution and gender discrimination abounds. It's deplorable and condemnable. But, alas, it is not easily changed. For example, the Saudi Sharia Council last week defeated a proposal to "respect" other religions.
We, in the western world, offer an alternative to this life style. A place of refuge today, as much as it was in the 1700s, for those who are religiously persecuted.
The danger the world faces today is that forces on both sides of the cultural divide want to impose their world on the other. It is this kind of intolerance that shouldn't be tolerated.
It's why the Founding Fathers determined that there would be no official state religion.
This separates the USA from many other nations. Including Muslim countries.
In many of the Muslim countries, Islam is the official religion. There is little or no tolerance for other religions.
Some countries permit people of other faiths to practice their traditions. But even in those nations, that is severely limited.
A lack of understanding of this cultural divide causes problems.
Saudi Arabia is, perhaps, the greatest case in point. Religious persecution and gender discrimination abounds. It's deplorable and condemnable. But, alas, it is not easily changed. For example, the Saudi Sharia Council last week defeated a proposal to "respect" other religions.
We, in the western world, offer an alternative to this life style. A place of refuge today, as much as it was in the 1700s, for those who are religiously persecuted.
The danger the world faces today is that forces on both sides of the cultural divide want to impose their world on the other. It is this kind of intolerance that shouldn't be tolerated.
Israel Mulling Arming Palestinians
The Israeli government may equip Palestinian security forces with more arms.
The plan was floated by the United States, which wants to help legitimize the Palestinian Authority's control over the territories. The security forces would maintain order in Jenin during the day. Israel would continue to provide nighttime security.
The Israelis are likely to approve this in order to appease the Americans who are anxious to give the Palestinians reason to negotiate a peace settlement.
The Israelis are also considering an easing of restrictions in the West Bank.
This presupposes that Fatah, the party of the Palestinian Authority, really seeks peace with Israel. The decades long failure of the party of the late Yasser Arafat to sign a peace accord is indicative of its unwillingness to really seek a two-state solution.
Hopefully a new U.S. administration with a fresh attitude toward diplomacy will successfully help broker a peace. But the new White House will need to be committed to this strategy early in the administration. And not wait, as was done with this administration, until the end of the president's tenure.
The plan was floated by the United States, which wants to help legitimize the Palestinian Authority's control over the territories. The security forces would maintain order in Jenin during the day. Israel would continue to provide nighttime security.
The Israelis are likely to approve this in order to appease the Americans who are anxious to give the Palestinians reason to negotiate a peace settlement.
The Israelis are also considering an easing of restrictions in the West Bank.
This presupposes that Fatah, the party of the Palestinian Authority, really seeks peace with Israel. The decades long failure of the party of the late Yasser Arafat to sign a peace accord is indicative of its unwillingness to really seek a two-state solution.
Hopefully a new U.S. administration with a fresh attitude toward diplomacy will successfully help broker a peace. But the new White House will need to be committed to this strategy early in the administration. And not wait, as was done with this administration, until the end of the president's tenure.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Suicide Bomber Smiles To His Death
A German suicide bomber who blew himself up killing two U.S. soldier and two Afghans smiled all the way to Paradise.
This is known because Spiegel Magazine has obtained a 45 minute video showing the last minutes of Cüneyt Ciftci's life.
The video gives rare insight into the fanatic mind set of people who commit such vile crimes.
This is known because Spiegel Magazine has obtained a 45 minute video showing the last minutes of Cüneyt Ciftci's life.
The video gives rare insight into the fanatic mind set of people who commit such vile crimes.
Democratic Defections Anticipated After Candidate Is Nominated
A Gallup poll finds that many Hillary Clinton supporters would defect and vote for Republican candidate John McCain if Barack Obama wins the Democratic Party nomination for president.
The poll also finds that many Obama supporters would defect if Clinton were to win.
Gallup analysts say, these findings could change, however, by the November general election.
The poll also finds that many Obama supporters would defect if Clinton were to win.
Gallup analysts say, these findings could change, however, by the November general election.
Students For A Free Tibet Deputy Director Tenzin Dorjee On Paltalk
Tenzin Dorjee
Tenzin Dorjee, the international deputy director of Students For a Free Tibet, will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Friday March 28.
The Chinese government crackdown in Tibet and the violence has left the area in shambles with people fearful to venture forth.
Tibetan monks have been at the forefront of the movement for religious freedom. The Chinese, who claim ownership of the region, have been cracking down.
Until now, journalists were not permitted into the area to see for themselves what was going. The Chinese government recently relaxed those regulations, permitting a handful of reporters to cover the conflict.
Although there was an attempt to strictly control the message, a spontaneous moment occurred when a group of monks interrupted a tour of Tibet's holiest temple. They closed the doors and implored journalists to carry their message - that the government is religiously intolerant and oppressive - to the rest of the world.
To talk to Tenzin Dorjee at 5 PM New York time Friday March 28 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to 12 million additional households.
When News Isn't
Salon.com's Farhad Manjoo says, sometimes when you watch the local news, the news they are presenting isn't really news.
Manjoo, who wrote the book True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society, says, sometimes, the stations are playing video news releases that are produced to look and sound like real news reports. But what they really are, essentially, are videos that promote an organization or a product.
Manjoo's comments came during an appearance on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. He says as more people go to the new media for news, they must take the time to research the information they receive and become even more discerning. Because, he says, there's a lot of disinformation that's being disseminated as fact.
Manjoo, who wrote the book True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society, says, sometimes, the stations are playing video news releases that are produced to look and sound like real news reports. But what they really are, essentially, are videos that promote an organization or a product.
Manjoo's comments came during an appearance on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. He says as more people go to the new media for news, they must take the time to research the information they receive and become even more discerning. Because, he says, there's a lot of disinformation that's being disseminated as fact.
Joseph C. Smith, Author Who Says Washington Did Not Embrace Separation Of Church And State, On Paltalk
The U.S. Supreme Court is ignoring the Constitution of the United States.
That's the argument put forward by law expert Joseph C. Smith, co-author of the book, UNDER GOD: George Washington and the Question of Church and State.
Smith, who will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Thursday April 3 says no American living in 1800 would have predicted that Thomas Jefferson’s views on church and state would ever eclipse those of George Washington—let alone become constitutional dogma. Yet in today’s Supreme Court, Jefferson’s “wall of separation” can make or break a case.
Smith argues that it's time to reclaim Washington’s view—which considered religion essential for the virtue of self-governing citizens.
Smith and co-author Tara Ross describe in the book Washington's belief that a democracy must not merely accommodate religion but encourage it, for the health of the citizens and the state.
To talk to Smith at 5 PM New York time Thursday April 3 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to an additional 12 million households.
McCain-Romney Alliance Model For Democrats
Future friends?
Last week, while spending time in Philadelphia with Obama and Clinton supporters, political correspondent Alan Jasie and I heard disconcerting commentary from both camps about the other.
The Democratic primary is heated. And candidates Obama and Clinton -- and their less restrained supporters -- are trading barbs.
Recent polls indicate that there will be continued animosity after a candidate is finally selected. With some Clinton-ites claiming they'll sit out the general election rather than vote for Obama. And some Obama-nics declaring the same should Clinton be nominated.
It would seem, at first blush, that there's greater optimism for reconciliation in Iraq. But appearances - and rhetoric - can be deceiving.
After all, there was no love lost between John McCain and Mitt Romney when both were contenders for the GOP nomination. But, now that McCain has a lock on the party nomination, we're seeing former nemesis Romney with him on the campaign trail.
Which shows that, when push comes to shove, the interviews Alan and I conducted and the polls that have been published, hardly amount to a hill of beans.
There's this thing called party loyalty. And disdain for McCain among the Democrats.
Those Dems who are concerned that the Clinton-Obama sniping will weaken the eventual candidate during the general election shouldn't be too concerned. The public has a short attention span when it comes to this kind of thing. In the end, each of us votes in our own self interests.
Those who are Clinton fans are going to vote for Obama over McCain. And those who are Obama supporters, will vote for Clinton over McCain. Every time.
As in most elections, it's not the party regulars each party needs to worry about courting. It's that vast based of independent voters. Who are watching the race intently. And who won't decide who they'll support until after the Democratic primary fight is done.
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Obama photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/2175936409/
Clinton photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/llimaorosa/744250138/
Go South Young Man
Dallas - leaving the lights on for you
Latest population shift figures for the United States finds the greatest growth in the South. With significant losses in the industrial North.
Affordable housing is one of the reasons many people are pulling up stakes for warmer climes. But the economy may be another.
The city with the biggest losses is Detroit, which is suffering economically because of the downturn in the auto industry.
The largest population increase was in Dallas-Fort Worth. Followed by Atlanta.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bartfields/41861028/
Delta Latest To Ground Planes
Yesterday American Airlines grounded a significant portion of its fleet for safety inspections. Today it is Delta, which has cancelled more than 300 flights.
The Delta aircraft being inspected are MD-88 and MD-90s. The airline says they are inspecting wiring in the jetliners.
American grounded MD-80 aircraft to make sure wiring on those planes were properly secured.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vidiot/373657535/
Turf Battle Emerging Over World Trade Center Security
Who will protect this?
The NYPD is trying to wrestle security for the World Trade Center site away from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The Port Authority holds the property rights at Ground Zero. And has been responsible for security there in the past.
Citing the two terrorist attacks on the WTC (the underground garage bombing on February 26, 1993 and the September 11, 2001 disaster), the city believes it's cops are best suited to guarding the site. The noted exceptions would be one building and the PATH trains that run between New Jersey and New York and terminate there.
Both police departments lost officers on September 11th.
The New York Daily News recently published stories raising questions about security at the site.
McCain Tries To Make It Clear He Is Not A Bush Clone
Not Pres. Bush
Republican presidential candidate John McCain gave a major foreign policy speech yesterday in which he tried to contrast himself with Pres. Bush.
McCain was an early supporter of the war in Iraq. And believes the United States must remain in country for sometime to come now, because of its moral responsibility to the country it invaded.
To many, this indicates little difference between the current president and the Republican senator. In shorthand it translates into more of the same. When there's clearly a need for a change in U.S. foreign policy.
McCain's Los Angeles speech was designed to defuse this impression.
He said that, if elected, he would ensure that the United States would not go it alone when it came to foreign policy matters. But would seek consensus with its allies.
Note that this falls short of what many others want. International community support. Something that is a laudable goal. But pragmatically, virtually unattainable. (Even expecting the UN Security Council to "endorse" all significant U.S. foreign policy actions before enacting them is asking too much).
But McCain is prepared to work to change the nation's image abroad.
He wants to close the controversial Guantanamo Bay U.S. military prison where suspected terrorists are being held.
He also wants the nation to be more proactive in winning, as he put it, the "hearts and minds" of Muslims around the world - the vast majority of which are not supporters of terrorism in the name of their religion.
But a quick withdrawal from Iraq, he asserted, would be a huge mistake. It would, he says, leave a power vacuum, and result, McCain argues, in chaos and an increase in violence and death.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/coneee/2361796719/
Clinton's Hidden Agenda
Campaigning for McCain?
A friend of mine, an old Washington political hand, who worked in the Reagan White House, has an unusual theory about the Democratic presidential race.
He believes Hillary Clinton's pointed attacks on Barack Obama are calculated ... not so that she will win the Democratic nomination. She knows, he argues, that that is out of reach.
Rather, he suggests, she is trying to wound Obama sufficiently to tip the election in favor of John McCain.
Here's his reasoning.
Clinton figures, he says, that, because of his age, McCain is a one-term president. And, he says, she knows she's not going to win her party's nomination. Not this year, anyway.
So, she makes it difficult for Obama to win so that she can successfully run for president in four years.
"I know it sounds a little crazy," he writes, "but after all she is a Clinton."
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Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Treehugger.com Editor Says Environmental Issues Shouldn't Be Politicized
The Discovery Channel's Meaghan O'Neill, editor of Treehugger.com, says environmental concerns, like global warming, are real, and should not be the focus of political debate.
The discourse over the issue, O'Neill asserts, should be focused on the proper response to the problem. But not over whether or not it exists.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk, O'Neill says South Americans and Europeans are far more accepting of the realities of global warming and other environmental issues and are, therefore, focused more on solutions. Americans, she says, are still debating issues that are matters of general agreement among the scientific community.
The discourse over the issue, O'Neill asserts, should be focused on the proper response to the problem. But not over whether or not it exists.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk, O'Neill says South Americans and Europeans are far more accepting of the realities of global warming and other environmental issues and are, therefore, focused more on solutions. Americans, she says, are still debating issues that are matters of general agreement among the scientific community.
Economic Needs Of Those Ill From 9/11 Attacks To Be Studied By Congress
A congressional hearing is being scheduled to investigate the economic woes suffered by people who are ill as a result of the 9/11 attacks.
Prior hearings have focused on how the federal government should provide health care services for individuals whose health was adversely impacted by the effects of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. This hearing, scheduled for April 1, will mark the first time that Congress has focused specifically on those individuals' economic losses. For example, many people who became ill from their exposure to the toxins haven't been able to work.
The hearing will focus on possible compensation programs for those affected. The members of Congress will also investigate specific problems arising for first responders, workers, local residents and other individuals whose illnesses did not become apparent for months or years after the attacks.
Among those expected to testify: Kenneth Feinberg, the former special master of the Victim Compensation Fund and Mike Valentin, a former NYPD detective with severe 9/11-related health problems.
Prior hearings have focused on how the federal government should provide health care services for individuals whose health was adversely impacted by the effects of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. This hearing, scheduled for April 1, will mark the first time that Congress has focused specifically on those individuals' economic losses. For example, many people who became ill from their exposure to the toxins haven't been able to work.
The hearing will focus on possible compensation programs for those affected. The members of Congress will also investigate specific problems arising for first responders, workers, local residents and other individuals whose illnesses did not become apparent for months or years after the attacks.
Among those expected to testify: Kenneth Feinberg, the former special master of the Victim Compensation Fund and Mike Valentin, a former NYPD detective with severe 9/11-related health problems.
Bob Evans, Denny's On Healthiest Restaurant List
When Health Magazine set out to find the healthiest restaurants in America, it's likely that no one would have expeted Uno Pizza, Bob Evans and Denny's to be on the list.
But, surprisingly, they are.
The magazine has chosen the top 10 healthiest sit down chain restaurants, the top five fast food eatries and the best independent restaurants.
The restaurants were judged on criteria including healthy food preparation, whole grains on the menu, limited or no trans-fats in all dishes, low-sodium options, portion control, and how easily the patron can access nutritional information.
A panel of experts sifted through hundreds of eateries to come up with the best in each category.
Among the somewhat surprising choices. The UNO Chicago Grill. Health Magazine says, although UNO's famous deep-dish is high in fat, Uno’s restaurants have plenty of healthy choices on their menu which is completely trans fat free. From grilled entrées (including antibiotic-free chicken), whole-grain pasta and brown rice, to flatbread pizzas with half the calories of deep-dish ones, UNO’s is taking nutrition seriously. Plus, in the lobbies of most locations there are nutrition information centers.
Another surprising addition to the list, Denny’s offers lots of skinny options to counter its fatty mainstays. “Fit-Fare” dishes all have less than 15 grams of fat each. Their use of trans fats to cook its French fries kept it from landing higher on the list, but the rest of the fried food is trans fat-free.
Bob Evans also made the list for, in addition to eggs and sausages, its offerings low-carb, low-fat entrees.
American Airlines Grounds Planes, Cancels Flights
Planes like this grounded
One-third of American Airlines' Boeing MD-80 fleet has been grounded for inspection. And nearly 200 flights canceled. Over maintenance concerns.
The airline says questions about the way bundled wires were secured to the planes prompted the decision.
American Airlines says the FAA issued a directive that the planes be inspected.
Earlier this month, Southwest Airlines grounded 41 Boeing 737s over concerns that the fuselages had not been properly inspected for cracks.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pilotkev/449108086/
Saudis Export Radical Islam
The radical Islamic teachings that sometimes lead to terror attacks and certainly contribute to hate of the west is being exported by the Saudis to the rest of the world.
That's according to an article in the British paper The Guardian, which reports that the criticism of this practice is being voiced by Muslims in the UK.
This is significant. For too long, people without an understanding of the various forms of Islam have been calling upon moderate Muslims to speak out. They have, actually, in the past. It just seems to escape the attention of many.
Well, here they are raising concerns once again. Both the Muslim and the non-Muslim world should take note.
Those who promote extreme Islamic practices and beliefs are doing a disservice to their followers and to the rest of the world. But perhaps the biggest victims are the moderate Muslims, who are beginning to feel a backlash.
It's time other Muslims who do not follow the Saudi religious views speak out. It's time that non-Muslims understand the differences.
It's also time that the freedom-loving world takes a closer look at the real agenda of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
That's according to an article in the British paper The Guardian, which reports that the criticism of this practice is being voiced by Muslims in the UK.
This is significant. For too long, people without an understanding of the various forms of Islam have been calling upon moderate Muslims to speak out. They have, actually, in the past. It just seems to escape the attention of many.
Well, here they are raising concerns once again. Both the Muslim and the non-Muslim world should take note.
Those who promote extreme Islamic practices and beliefs are doing a disservice to their followers and to the rest of the world. But perhaps the biggest victims are the moderate Muslims, who are beginning to feel a backlash.
It's time other Muslims who do not follow the Saudi religious views speak out. It's time that non-Muslims understand the differences.
It's also time that the freedom-loving world takes a closer look at the real agenda of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Few Air Marshals On Flights
One of the government and air industry responses to the 9/11 attacks was to place air marshals on flights.
The idea that some of your fellow passengers may be pistol packing federal police officers is designed to ensure the traveling public that it's safe to fly. It's also supposed to be a deterrent to would be hijackers.
But CNN is reporting that fewer than 1 percent of domestic flights have air marshals assigned.
That means it's extremely unlikely that the plane that you're on is so protected.
Given the recently reported security lapses at airport check ins, this gives one little faith that security on flights is adequate.
Post 9/11 regulations also require that the door between the cockpit and the cabin be closed, locked and fortified. But I've been on flights when the door has stood open. Not a lot of flights. But some.
As the song, Where Have All The Flowers Gone asks, "when will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?"
The idea that some of your fellow passengers may be pistol packing federal police officers is designed to ensure the traveling public that it's safe to fly. It's also supposed to be a deterrent to would be hijackers.
But CNN is reporting that fewer than 1 percent of domestic flights have air marshals assigned.
That means it's extremely unlikely that the plane that you're on is so protected.
Given the recently reported security lapses at airport check ins, this gives one little faith that security on flights is adequate.
Post 9/11 regulations also require that the door between the cockpit and the cabin be closed, locked and fortified. But I've been on flights when the door has stood open. Not a lot of flights. But some.
As the song, Where Have All The Flowers Gone asks, "when will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?"
Attempts To Stop Funding Of Terrorism Faltering
A great weapon in the arsenal against terrorists is to cut off their funding.
Many laws have come into effect since 9/11 to follow the money. But the Los Angeles Times is reporting that groups that are collecting money to pay for terrorism and terrorist training are finding ways to circumvent them.
The paper also reports that international cooperation in nabbing those collecting money for these purposes is waining. One reason suggested is that interest peaked shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But another possibility is that many nations are frustrated with U.S. foreign policy and are, therefore, less cooperative.
Hopefully a the new administration will bring with it a fresh outlook and renewed enthusiasm among nations to work together to choke the flow of money to terrorists.
Many laws have come into effect since 9/11 to follow the money. But the Los Angeles Times is reporting that groups that are collecting money to pay for terrorism and terrorist training are finding ways to circumvent them.
The paper also reports that international cooperation in nabbing those collecting money for these purposes is waining. One reason suggested is that interest peaked shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But another possibility is that many nations are frustrated with U.S. foreign policy and are, therefore, less cooperative.
Hopefully a the new administration will bring with it a fresh outlook and renewed enthusiasm among nations to work together to choke the flow of money to terrorists.
Dodging Bullets And Saving Children
Rev. Sam Childers says he believes he's doing God's work, saving children soldiers who are being abducted, beaten and forced to rape, kill and maim in Uganda.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk, Childers said he and his organization, backed by the government, have thus far saved 800 children who have been abducted by rebel militiamen involved in a 20+ year civil war. An additional 250 are under their protection.
Attempts are made to repatriate rescued children with their families. Those who cannot be reunited are cared for at an orphanage Childers founded.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk, Childers said he and his organization, backed by the government, have thus far saved 800 children who have been abducted by rebel militiamen involved in a 20+ year civil war. An additional 250 are under their protection.
Attempts are made to repatriate rescued children with their families. Those who cannot be reunited are cared for at an orphanage Childers founded.
No Rights For Airline Passengers
When the friendly skies become the unfriendly tarmacs, the airline industry owes you, the paying customer, nothing for your inconvenience.
A federal appeals court has tossed out New York's so-called Passenger Bill of Rights, which dictated that water and food and clean toilets were required when planes full of passengers were stuck on the ground.
The state law was enacted after passengers were stuck for up to 10 hours on jetBlue planes about a year ago. Their horrific experience was broadcast live by radio and TV stations that passengers called while held captive on the planes.
The circumstances resulted in a promise from jetBlue that it would never happen again.
The court ruled that such a law is only within the purview of the federal government.
A federal appeals court has tossed out New York's so-called Passenger Bill of Rights, which dictated that water and food and clean toilets were required when planes full of passengers were stuck on the ground.
The state law was enacted after passengers were stuck for up to 10 hours on jetBlue planes about a year ago. Their horrific experience was broadcast live by radio and TV stations that passengers called while held captive on the planes.
The circumstances resulted in a promise from jetBlue that it would never happen again.
The court ruled that such a law is only within the purview of the federal government.
Former Diplomat And A Middle East Expert Give Bush Low Grades On Diplomacy
Kurtzer (l) and Lasensky speaking at
The Century Foundation today
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer and Middle East expert Scott Lasensky believe the outgoing Bush administration has shown a poor understanding of the Middle East peace process. To the point where it has, according to Kurtzer, "shattered" and is "almost laughable."
Kurtzer and Lasensky, co-authors of the book, Negotiating Arab-Israeli Peace: American Leadership in the Middle East, spoke at a luncheon meeting of The Century Foundation.
They say of the current and previous two presidents, George H.W. Bush scores best for efforts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Lasensky says the senior Bush put together a diverse team to deal with the issue. He says then-Secretary of State James Baker was a "great envoy" who "created and exploited opportunities."
Bill Clinton, he says, had a mixed record, who was "under involved" early on in his administration, then "over involved" later - devaluing the role of the President.
Clinton's worst Middle East diplomatic moment, according to Lasensky, was during a Geneva meeting with the president of Syria. Clinton, he says, was so under prepared that he missed the opportunity.
The current President Bush, he argues, has the "worst record on this issue." Lasensky says then-Secretary of State Colin Powell's Middle East peace overtures were undercut by senior administration officials. And he says that Bush also missed an opportunity to "seize the issue" when Yasser Arafat died and Ariel Sharon announced the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza.
Kurtzer and Lasensky say they hope their book will serve as a guidebook for the next administration. They say brokering a Middle East Peace is an American national interest.
They also believe that any accord must include monitoring and accountability. And that the next administration needs to put together a Middle East diplomatic team representing diverse backgrounds and an understanding of the issues.
Lasensky says at Camp David, with negotiations underway and Jerusalem on the table, the United States had no one on its team that understood the Arab perspective.
Despite the diplomatic missteps they cite, they are hopeful that the next administration will be able to build on the late-to-the-table Bush Annapolis peace initiative. "Our best days," Lasensky says, "could very well be ahead of us, not behind us."
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Photo credit: Gary Baumgarten
New York's New Governor Faces A Bigger Personal Mess
Paterson
New York's last elected governor, Eliot Spitzer, resigned in disgrace after it was revealed that he had hired a high class hooker for "services" during a trip to Washington D.C.
The state had high hopes for a new, fresh start, from the likable lieutenant governor, David Paterson, who was sworn in to replace Spitzer. He knows Albany, the state capital. He's highly respected.
He's a bit of a novelty as well. He's black. And he's blind.
But even before he was sworn in, the story broke that he and his lovely wife, Michelle, both had affairs during a rocky period in their marriage.
OK. That's a personal issue. Even Republican leaders who despised Spitzer gave him a public pass on that one.
Then came the follow up story. That he may have used campaign funds to pay for at least one of his "dates."
Paterson promised to pay that money back.
The controversy about that was just subsiding. When a new story broke this morning.
The headline: Gov. Paterson admits to using cocaine, marijuana, in his 20s.
Should that much matter? Standing alone, probably not.
But given the other revelations in his short one-week tenure as governor, one must begin to wonder. What other lapses of judgment are in Paterson's closet? And is he capable of forging forward as governor without making other, similar, bad personal choices?
Only time, as they say, will tell.
Incoming! Duck!
I remember getting off the plane at Detroit City Airport.
My friends and family were supposed to be there to greet me, but I remember ducking and running for cover because we were under sniper fire.
The above is NOT true. But closer to the truth than Hillary Clinton's claim that she came under sniper fire when landing at a Bosnia airport in '96.
The Barack Obama campaign has released a YouTube video showing Clinton walking off the plane, smiling and waving to the crowd. No sniper fire. No running for cover.
Note that Clinton is walking calmly. Daughter Chelsea a few steps behind her. The acting Bosnian president shaking her hand. An 8-year-old girl greeting her for the cameras.
We were expecting Republican John McCain's memory to be a bit faulty at times due to his age. But Mrs. Clinton's?
Memories get fuzzy over the years, no matter one's age. But her recitation of events is a massive departure from reality. This sounds far more like fabrication than a faulty recollection. Unless she's thinking of another airport arrival where she was under sniper fire. If so, she should release video of that event -and she should do it today.
This departure from reality is a sign of a Clinton character failure. The willingness to become extremely loose with the facts in order to get a point across.
It's stupid as well. Don't these candidates realize that everything they do in public is recorded and, given the opportunity, can and will be used against them by their opponents?
Now, as to the Detroit City Airport sniper incident. No, that did not happen to me. But it actually happened to a friend of mine who was taking flying lessons there.
We drove to the airport one day so he could show me one of the small planes he trained on. It had bullet holes in it. He said people, presumably youngsters, in the neighborhood would occasionally take pot shots at the planes as they landed for "fun."
Perhaps Mrs. Clinton once landed at Detroit City Airport. If so, maybe she can talk her way out of this one. Much of the east side neighborhood surrounding the small airport has the look and feel of a war zone. Maybe she was just confused about where this sniping incident took place.
My friends and family were supposed to be there to greet me, but I remember ducking and running for cover because we were under sniper fire.
The above is NOT true. But closer to the truth than Hillary Clinton's claim that she came under sniper fire when landing at a Bosnia airport in '96.
The Barack Obama campaign has released a YouTube video showing Clinton walking off the plane, smiling and waving to the crowd. No sniper fire. No running for cover.
Note that Clinton is walking calmly. Daughter Chelsea a few steps behind her. The acting Bosnian president shaking her hand. An 8-year-old girl greeting her for the cameras.
We were expecting Republican John McCain's memory to be a bit faulty at times due to his age. But Mrs. Clinton's?
Memories get fuzzy over the years, no matter one's age. But her recitation of events is a massive departure from reality. This sounds far more like fabrication than a faulty recollection. Unless she's thinking of another airport arrival where she was under sniper fire. If so, she should release video of that event -and she should do it today.
This departure from reality is a sign of a Clinton character failure. The willingness to become extremely loose with the facts in order to get a point across.
It's stupid as well. Don't these candidates realize that everything they do in public is recorded and, given the opportunity, can and will be used against them by their opponents?
Now, as to the Detroit City Airport sniper incident. No, that did not happen to me. But it actually happened to a friend of mine who was taking flying lessons there.
We drove to the airport one day so he could show me one of the small planes he trained on. It had bullet holes in it. He said people, presumably youngsters, in the neighborhood would occasionally take pot shots at the planes as they landed for "fun."
Perhaps Mrs. Clinton once landed at Detroit City Airport. If so, maybe she can talk her way out of this one. Much of the east side neighborhood surrounding the small airport has the look and feel of a war zone. Maybe she was just confused about where this sniping incident took place.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Cox Newspapers Washington Bureau Chief Andy Alexander Says The Internet Offers Print Reporters New Outlets
Cox Newspapers Washington Bureau Chief Andy Alexander sees the Internet as an enhancement to what the traditional media already does.
Alexander, speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk says print reporters should embrace the Internet as an opportunity to expand on the stories they file for their newspapers.
He also believes that the traditional news media's involvement on the Internet offers discerning web users the opportunity to find credible sources of information.
Salon Magazine's Farhad Manjoo On Paltalk
Manjoo
Farhad Manjoo, who manages Machinist, a daily technology news blog at Salon.com, will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Thursday March 27.
Manjoo writes frequently on journalism, politics, and new media. He will be discussing his new book, True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society, which examines propaganda on the Web, cable news and talk radio.
Manjoo graduated from Cornell University in 2000. While there, he wrote for and then served as editor in chief of the Cornell Daily Sun student newspaper.
Before taking a staff position at Salon.com, he wrote for Wired News.
To talk to Manjoo at 5 PM New York time Thursday March 27 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated coast-to-coast across the United States to an additional 12 million households.
Discovery Channel's Meaghan O'Neill On Paltalk To Discuss The Greening Of Society
O'Neill
Meaghan O’Neill, editor of the Discovery Channel's Tree Hugger and companion Planet Green will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Wednesday March 26.
After graduating from Boston College in 1995, O'Neill traveled throughout America, making long stopovers in Maui and New York City, where she began her writing career when she landed a job at Yahoo Internet Life magazine. Later, while working at Interior Design, she was inspired by the tremendous boom she saw in eco-design and sustainable architecture, which led her to help launch TreeHugger.com.
Now, as the editor of TreeHugger.com and PlanetGreen.com, Meaghan knows what questions people have about doing the right thing when it comes to going green. She has contributed to publications such as Interior Design, I.D., Boston, Men's Journal, The Boston Globe Magazine, and Teen Vogue. She is also the author the eight-part series "The Slate Green Challenge with TreeHugger," a 2007 National Magazine Award finalist.
To talk to O'Neill at 5 PM New York time Wednesday March 25 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to 12 million additional households.
After graduating from Boston College in 1995, O'Neill traveled throughout America, making long stopovers in Maui and New York City, where she began her writing career when she landed a job at Yahoo Internet Life magazine. Later, while working at Interior Design, she was inspired by the tremendous boom she saw in eco-design and sustainable architecture, which led her to help launch TreeHugger.com.
Now, as the editor of TreeHugger.com and PlanetGreen.com, Meaghan knows what questions people have about doing the right thing when it comes to going green. She has contributed to publications such as Interior Design, I.D., Boston, Men's Journal, The Boston Globe Magazine, and Teen Vogue. She is also the author the eight-part series "The Slate Green Challenge with TreeHugger," a 2007 National Magazine Award finalist.
To talk to O'Neill at 5 PM New York time Wednesday March 25 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio coast-to-coast across the United States to 12 million additional households.
New Al Qaeda Threat
The recent short but deadly Israeli incursion into the Gaza, resulting in the deaths of about 100 people, perhaps half civilians, has prompted al Qaeda's deputy chief to call for renewed terrorist attacks on Israel and the United States.
Recently, Osama bin Laden also called for a "holy war" to "liberate" the Palestinians.
That's the bad news.
The good news is that everyday, the intelligence community is working on ways to improve their information gathering abilities. This means that every day, al Qaeda and its supporters, are weakened.
It doesn't, however, guarantee that the worldwide intelligence agencies will catch every threat and plot. That's an impossibility.
Which is why, everyday citizens must remain vigilant and report any activity they deem suspicious.
As they say here in New York, "if you see something, say something."
Recently, Osama bin Laden also called for a "holy war" to "liberate" the Palestinians.
That's the bad news.
The good news is that everyday, the intelligence community is working on ways to improve their information gathering abilities. This means that every day, al Qaeda and its supporters, are weakened.
It doesn't, however, guarantee that the worldwide intelligence agencies will catch every threat and plot. That's an impossibility.
Which is why, everyday citizens must remain vigilant and report any activity they deem suspicious.
As they say here in New York, "if you see something, say something."
Hitting Terrorists In The Pocketbook
One way to combat terrorism is with guns and bombs.
Another way is to choke their monetary pipeline.
The latter tactic is one being utilized by prosecutors going after a charity they say has funnelled $22 million dollars collected in the United States into terrorist organizations overseas.
And once again, the foundation that's being accused, is based in Saudi Arabia.
The courts will ultimately decide the veracity of the government's claims against the SAAR Foundation, now defunct. But it seems that this legal maneuver may be far more effective than military strikes, result in no collateral damage and cause no backlash of anti-American sentiment.
Plus, through the open legal system, it brings to the public's light the reality of how terrorists fund their operations through donors in the United States who knowingly or unwittingly give them their money.
Another way is to choke their monetary pipeline.
The latter tactic is one being utilized by prosecutors going after a charity they say has funnelled $22 million dollars collected in the United States into terrorist organizations overseas.
And once again, the foundation that's being accused, is based in Saudi Arabia.
The courts will ultimately decide the veracity of the government's claims against the SAAR Foundation, now defunct. But it seems that this legal maneuver may be far more effective than military strikes, result in no collateral damage and cause no backlash of anti-American sentiment.
Plus, through the open legal system, it brings to the public's light the reality of how terrorists fund their operations through donors in the United States who knowingly or unwittingly give them their money.
U.S. Iraq Death Toll Reaches 4,000
Right on the heels of another milestone in Iraq - the 5th year anniversary of the beginning of the U.S.-led invasion - comes word that a roadside bombing claiming the lives of four brings the American wartime death toll there to 4,000.
While the military has provided the statistics on the number of American casualties, there is no way to accurately determine the number of Iraqis killed. Iraqbodycount.org says it has documented more than 80-thousand civilian deaths.
Also, when collecting information about the number of Iraqi dead, one must decide whether to include those who were killed by sectarian violence and not at the hands of coalition troops.
The 4,000 U.S. deaths do not include the reported 175 British troops and 133 other coalition service members who have been killed.
While the military has provided the statistics on the number of American casualties, there is no way to accurately determine the number of Iraqis killed. Iraqbodycount.org says it has documented more than 80-thousand civilian deaths.
Also, when collecting information about the number of Iraqi dead, one must decide whether to include those who were killed by sectarian violence and not at the hands of coalition troops.
The 4,000 U.S. deaths do not include the reported 175 British troops and 133 other coalition service members who have been killed.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Security Lax At Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport, where one of the hijacked 9/11 flights, United 93, originated, is fraught with security lapses.
The Newark Star Ledger reports employees at the airport are routinely waived through into secure areas without proper screening of themselves or their belongings.
This is the same airport where inspectors carrying fake bombs and weapons successfully made it through the screening process.
Also, a counterfeiting ring was busted at Newark last week. Baggage handlers were recruited to steal some $2 million dollars in government checks from airplane cargo holds.
The Star Ledger report is based on videos of security lapses taken by an airport employee using a cellphone camera.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which runs the airport maintains security is adequate.
The Newark Star Ledger reports employees at the airport are routinely waived through into secure areas without proper screening of themselves or their belongings.
This is the same airport where inspectors carrying fake bombs and weapons successfully made it through the screening process.
Also, a counterfeiting ring was busted at Newark last week. Baggage handlers were recruited to steal some $2 million dollars in government checks from airplane cargo holds.
The Star Ledger report is based on videos of security lapses taken by an airport employee using a cellphone camera.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which runs the airport maintains security is adequate.
Suicide Bombers Killed By U.S. Military
A group of suicide bombers was wiped out in a raid by U.S. troops in Iraq, possibly preventing several mass casualty attacks.
The military says the targets of the operation had shaved their bodies, the last step in preparation for a suicide attack.
They say about 12 terrorists were killed.
The military says the targets of the operation had shaved their bodies, the last step in preparation for a suicide attack.
They say about 12 terrorists were killed.
Iraqi Translater Who Put Life On Line For U.S. Troops Denied Green Card
A translator who worked for U.S. troops in Iraq and who received letters of commendation including one from General David Petraus has been denied a green card to remain in the United States.
Saman Kareem Ahmad, who translated for the troops for about four years, can't become a permanent U.S. resident because he was once a member of the Kurdish Democratic Party.
Now get this. The Kurdish Democratic Party is listed by the United States government as an "undesignated terrorist organization" ... for working to overthrow Saddam Hussein!
I'm not kidding.
The KDP, by the way, is part of the newly elected Iraqi government and its military wing is now part of the new Iraqi military.
So let's get this right.
Ahmad, under potential penalty of death at the hands of our enemies, works as a translator for our troops in Iraq. He was part of a party who, like the United States of America, sought to toppled Saddam Hussein. A party that's part of the new government that the United States helped establish. And the military that the United States is training. And because of this, is denied a green card?
Ahmad was permitted into the United States on a special visa program for those who helped our troops. He should now be, not only permitted, but encouraged, to stay.
Saman Kareem Ahmad, who translated for the troops for about four years, can't become a permanent U.S. resident because he was once a member of the Kurdish Democratic Party.
Now get this. The Kurdish Democratic Party is listed by the United States government as an "undesignated terrorist organization" ... for working to overthrow Saddam Hussein!
I'm not kidding.
The KDP, by the way, is part of the newly elected Iraqi government and its military wing is now part of the new Iraqi military.
So let's get this right.
Ahmad, under potential penalty of death at the hands of our enemies, works as a translator for our troops in Iraq. He was part of a party who, like the United States of America, sought to toppled Saddam Hussein. A party that's part of the new government that the United States helped establish. And the military that the United States is training. And because of this, is denied a green card?
Ahmad was permitted into the United States on a special visa program for those who helped our troops. He should now be, not only permitted, but encouraged, to stay.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Iraq War Out Of Spotlight
Coverage wanes as the war shifts
more to a humanitarian effort
A new poll shows that the Iraq war is not getting very much media attention any longer.
Five years after the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, coverage has dropped to about 3 percent.
When a war begins, it sells newspapers and brings viewership and listenership to news programming. But it's costly to cover a war, and as it stretches to five years, news outlets are less inclined to expend the resources to fully report on it.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ak_in_korea/2352363957/
Intel Lessons Not Learned After 9/11
Kelly
Listen you children in the intelligence community. Stop fighting with one another and share your toys. Lives are at stake.
In an article in the Washington Post, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly complains that the FBI is not sharing information with his cops about terrorism investigations in New York City.
The FBI, Kelly maintains, is competing with the NYPD, which has put together an extensive counter terrorism unit that rivals, and perhaps surpasses, the FBI in resources.
Listen guys. There is information out there that the FBI has that can enhance NYPD investigations. And there is information the NYPD has that can help the FBI.
All the intelligence organizations need to cooperate with one another. Stop this childish turf battle. If it continues, and, as a result, lives are lost, you will be held collectively responsible.
Palestinians To Camp On Israeli Border
The DEBKAfile is reporting that the Palestinian Authority is organizing a mass protest, in which millions of Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria would march to the border with Israel and, claiming a right of return based on a UN resolution, demand that Israel let them in.
When Israel refuses, they will, according to the report, set up tents and remain there, creating a sudden humanitarian crisis.
The Israelis will be, the article says, pressured by the international community to alleviate the problem.
I've long said there's little difference between Hamas and Fatah. Neither wants to establish a Palestinian state. Not yet. Not if creating that nation results in boundaries with the recognized state of Israel.
They want all of the Israeli land. They believe the Zionists (read: Jews) are interlopers.
Hamas would take the land by force. Fatah by demographics.
Frankly, the so-called partners in peace are far more insidious. Yes, Hamas fires rockets (the Palestinian representative to the UN calls them "toys") into Israel. And occasionally pulls off a suicide bombing.
These are easily condemnable acts.
But Fatah appears "reasonable." Negotiating but never agreeing to a two-state solution. And then creating a humanitarian crisis for their own people. To make the Israelis look bad.
Israel should just declare the nation of Palestine. Recognize the borders of the Palestinians. Declare it sovereign land. Wash their hands of the entire problem.
Let the Palestinians buy their electricity from Israel or Jordan.
Oh by the way. Where is Jordan's culpability in all this? After all, we're talking about former Jordanian land. The Jordanians, not the Israelis, are the ones who actually massacred Palestinians. On this the world remains strangely silent.
If DEBKAfile is right about this, let's hope the world sees through it as the sham that it is.
Israel will not be forcing the protesting Palestinians into living in squalor. It will be their choice. Rather than transferring this onto the Israelis, those pitching the tent cities should be held accountable for and accept the responsibility for their decisions.
When Israel refuses, they will, according to the report, set up tents and remain there, creating a sudden humanitarian crisis.
The Israelis will be, the article says, pressured by the international community to alleviate the problem.
I've long said there's little difference between Hamas and Fatah. Neither wants to establish a Palestinian state. Not yet. Not if creating that nation results in boundaries with the recognized state of Israel.
They want all of the Israeli land. They believe the Zionists (read: Jews) are interlopers.
Hamas would take the land by force. Fatah by demographics.
Frankly, the so-called partners in peace are far more insidious. Yes, Hamas fires rockets (the Palestinian representative to the UN calls them "toys") into Israel. And occasionally pulls off a suicide bombing.
These are easily condemnable acts.
But Fatah appears "reasonable." Negotiating but never agreeing to a two-state solution. And then creating a humanitarian crisis for their own people. To make the Israelis look bad.
Israel should just declare the nation of Palestine. Recognize the borders of the Palestinians. Declare it sovereign land. Wash their hands of the entire problem.
Let the Palestinians buy their electricity from Israel or Jordan.
Oh by the way. Where is Jordan's culpability in all this? After all, we're talking about former Jordanian land. The Jordanians, not the Israelis, are the ones who actually massacred Palestinians. On this the world remains strangely silent.
If DEBKAfile is right about this, let's hope the world sees through it as the sham that it is.
Israel will not be forcing the protesting Palestinians into living in squalor. It will be their choice. Rather than transferring this onto the Israelis, those pitching the tent cities should be held accountable for and accept the responsibility for their decisions.
Bin Laden Remarks Raise New Concerns For Pope's Safety
Security for Pope Benedict XVI, already high, may be increased, as the result of Osama bin Laden's comments claiming that the pontiff is heading a new crusade against Islam.
The Pope will be in the United States for five days in mid-April. Bin Laden's remarks have some security experts concerned about a possible terrorist attack during his visit.
Bin Laden also made similar remarks against Europe over the publishing there of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammad. And against all parties involved in a Middle East peace process.
The Pope will be in the United States for five days in mid-April. Bin Laden's remarks have some security experts concerned about a possible terrorist attack during his visit.
Bin Laden also made similar remarks against Europe over the publishing there of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammad. And against all parties involved in a Middle East peace process.
FBI Sting Used Fake Child Porn Site
A new FBI technique can entrap you into being raided without having broken any crime.
The FBI posted a fake hyperlink on the Internet that purported to contain child porn.
When people clicked on the link they got gibberish on their computer. But no kiddie porn.
FBI agents then raided their homes and arrested the people who clicked on the link for attempting to download child porn. Which is a federal crime. Punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
That's right. People are being arrested now in the United States for their thoughts. Sort of like the movie Minority Report, a fictionalized futuristic look at a society where people are arrested in advance of committing their crimes.
The links were posted to an online discussion forum.
The FBI posted a fake hyperlink on the Internet that purported to contain child porn.
When people clicked on the link they got gibberish on their computer. But no kiddie porn.
FBI agents then raided their homes and arrested the people who clicked on the link for attempting to download child porn. Which is a federal crime. Punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
That's right. People are being arrested now in the United States for their thoughts. Sort of like the movie Minority Report, a fictionalized futuristic look at a society where people are arrested in advance of committing their crimes.
The links were posted to an online discussion forum.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Life Tough For Iraqi Christians
Iraqi Christians are finding it difficult to worship because of al Qaeda thugs who can't fathom anyone practicing religion in a manner different from their beliefs. An unintended consequence of the war in Iraq.
That according to Open Doors USA president Carl Moeller. Moeller, who just returned from Iraq, joined us on News Talk Online on Paltalk to tell us abut the plight of Iraqi Christians.
Open Doors USA works to fight persecution of Christians around the world. Moeller's appearance on the show coincided with Good Friday and the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
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