A group that claims soverignty for Hawaii has taken over an historic palace in Honolulu.
The Hawaiian Kingdom Government says it will conduct the business of Hawaii from the Iolani Palace. They've locked the gates to the palace. Police have stationed themselves outside, not letting anyone else enter the ground.
The occupation is mainly symbolic. Protest leaders said they were prepared to be arrested and would go peacefully but vowed to return.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Blaming The Victim
Can you imagine a judge blaming a woman who was raped for, say, wearing a mini-dress? Saying the woman was 68 percent responsible for the attack? That it wasn't a question of if but when she would be raped?
That's basically what an appeals court has done with regard to the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. In which a vehicle bomb was used to injure scores and kill six people.
Amazing, that the target of the crime, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, owner of the WTC, is being declared responsible.
That's basically what an appeals court has done with regard to the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. In which a vehicle bomb was used to injure scores and kill six people.
Amazing, that the target of the crime, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, owner of the WTC, is being declared responsible.
Push To Make Rutka's Notebook Part Of Curriculum
Rutka's Notebook, the recently discovered writings of Rutka Laskier, a Jewish girl in a Polish Ghetto who was taken by the Nazis and killed, should be required reading in all junior and high school classes around the world.
That's the goal of Zahava Scherz, Rutka's half sister, who appeared on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
"If we are not aware that anti-Semitism and racism still exists," says Laskier, another Holocaust can occur.
"Education is the way to remember what happened so that it never happens again."
A Polish Catholic friend of Rutka helped hide her notebook from the Nazis so that it could resurface all these years later.
There were other cases of Poles helping Jews. But they did so at great peril. They, says Scherz, were the exception rather than the rule.
The general demeanor of the Polish people during the Holocaust, she says, was to "ignore or even help the Nazis find the Jews."
Scherz says the world should follow the example of French Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy, who wants every student in his nation to learn the story of one child his or her age who was victimized by the Holocaust.
Schrez believes her sister hoped that her writings would help people understand the horrors of what the Nazis did.
"Rutka wanted the diary to be found," she says.
"We need to help her realize her will."
That's the goal of Zahava Scherz, Rutka's half sister, who appeared on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
"If we are not aware that anti-Semitism and racism still exists," says Laskier, another Holocaust can occur.
"Education is the way to remember what happened so that it never happens again."
A Polish Catholic friend of Rutka helped hide her notebook from the Nazis so that it could resurface all these years later.
There were other cases of Poles helping Jews. But they did so at great peril. They, says Scherz, were the exception rather than the rule.
The general demeanor of the Polish people during the Holocaust, she says, was to "ignore or even help the Nazis find the Jews."
Scherz says the world should follow the example of French Pres. Nicolas Sarkozy, who wants every student in his nation to learn the story of one child his or her age who was victimized by the Holocaust.
Schrez believes her sister hoped that her writings would help people understand the horrors of what the Nazis did.
"Rutka wanted the diary to be found," she says.
"We need to help her realize her will."
Democratic Registrations Up
Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh would like to take credit for the increase in the number of people registering as Democrats this presidential election year.
Limbaugh is the self-described commander-in-chief of Operation Chaos. Designed to get Republicans to register as Democrats to skew presidential primary results.
But a new Pew Research poll suggests that it's less Limbaugh's influence. And more the result of young voters registering as Democrats.
It's an easy survey to analyze. Many first time voters, some perhaps motivated by the fear of a possible reinstatement of a wartime draft, oppose the war. And see the Democrats as anti-war. The Republicans as pro-war.
It's easy, as well, to see how they reach that conclusion. This war is under the direction of George Bush, a Republican. Republican presidential candidate John McCain says U.S. forces may remain in Iraq for as long as another century.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are campaigning on a pledge to get the troops out of Iraq as soon as is feasible.
For voters in general, the overriding issue in this campaign may very well be the economy. But, with apologies to the first President Bush, it's pretty clear that to first time voters, it's the war, stupid.
Limbaugh is the self-described commander-in-chief of Operation Chaos. Designed to get Republicans to register as Democrats to skew presidential primary results.
But a new Pew Research poll suggests that it's less Limbaugh's influence. And more the result of young voters registering as Democrats.
It's an easy survey to analyze. Many first time voters, some perhaps motivated by the fear of a possible reinstatement of a wartime draft, oppose the war. And see the Democrats as anti-war. The Republicans as pro-war.
It's easy, as well, to see how they reach that conclusion. This war is under the direction of George Bush, a Republican. Republican presidential candidate John McCain says U.S. forces may remain in Iraq for as long as another century.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are campaigning on a pledge to get the troops out of Iraq as soon as is feasible.
For voters in general, the overriding issue in this campaign may very well be the economy. But, with apologies to the first President Bush, it's pretty clear that to first time voters, it's the war, stupid.
Al Qaeda Gains Strength
Yesterday, former U.S. Sen. and former presidential candidate Gary Hart suggested on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com that the fight in Iraq should be shifted to Afghanistan to properly engage the enemy in the war on terror.
Now the Bush administration is, unwittingly, adding fuel to Hart's argument. By saying that al Qaeda has regained strength in Afghanistan and northern Pakistan.
Of course, the White House still clings to the argument that al Qaeda has infested Iraq and if we weren't fighting them there we'd be fighting them on the streets of New York, Washington and London.
Now the Bush administration is, unwittingly, adding fuel to Hart's argument. By saying that al Qaeda has regained strength in Afghanistan and northern Pakistan.
Of course, the White House still clings to the argument that al Qaeda has infested Iraq and if we weren't fighting them there we'd be fighting them on the streets of New York, Washington and London.
Obama 'Divorces' Wright
"It's about time!" exclaimed a Barack Obama supporter upon learning that the Democratic presidential candidate has distanced himself from his retired pastor Jeremiah Wright.
Obama angrily denounced Wright's comments as "appalling."
It was a necessary move on Obama's part. If not, Wright's apparently insatiable appetite for the public spotlight was going to, if not sink, seriously damage, Obama's campaign ship.
It's actually a shame that Wright put Obama in such an untenable position. But being a candidate for president of the United States means making tough decisions. Being president means making decisions that are even tougher.
Obama angrily denounced Wright's comments as "appalling."
It was a necessary move on Obama's part. If not, Wright's apparently insatiable appetite for the public spotlight was going to, if not sink, seriously damage, Obama's campaign ship.
It's actually a shame that Wright put Obama in such an untenable position. But being a candidate for president of the United States means making tough decisions. Being president means making decisions that are even tougher.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Former Senator Says New Thinking Needed In War On Terror
An unconventional war run by an unconventional enemy deserves an unconventional response.
That's the one sentence synopsis of former U.S. Sen. and former presidential candidate Gary Hart's view of how the next administration must address the war on terrorism.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Hart says the United States intelligence community must make a better effort to integrate its services with those of its allies and share more information. Armed with that information, military or law enforcement units can then move in and kick in the doors of terrorists to arrest or kill them.
"Traditional warfare," Hart declared, "doesn't work."
He does believe, however, that military efforts need to be beefed up in Afghanistan to cut off the source of orders and funding to terrorists worldwide.
That's the one sentence synopsis of former U.S. Sen. and former presidential candidate Gary Hart's view of how the next administration must address the war on terrorism.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Hart says the United States intelligence community must make a better effort to integrate its services with those of its allies and share more information. Armed with that information, military or law enforcement units can then move in and kick in the doors of terrorists to arrest or kill them.
"Traditional warfare," Hart declared, "doesn't work."
He does believe, however, that military efforts need to be beefed up in Afghanistan to cut off the source of orders and funding to terrorists worldwide.
Jonathan Cohn, Author Of Book On U.S. Health Care, Looks At Candidate's Health Care Plans On Paltalk
Cohn
Jonathan Cohn, who looks at the candidates -- and their health care plans -- in an updated version of his acclaimed book Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis---and the People Who Pay the Price, will be my guest Wednesday May 7 on News Talk Online on Paltalk.
It’s been one year since SICK introduced readers to eight average Americans struggling to find affordable medical care -- and told about the hardships they endured as a result. Their stories, Cohn said, were indicative of a national crisis. His solution? An idea that had spooked politicians for more than a decade: universal health care.
Now, finally, a debate over universal coverage is taking place, thanks to a rising chorus for change. Everybody from the CEO of Wal-Mart to the movie-star governor of California says all Americans should have health insurance. Both of the Democratic candidates for president have said the same thing -- and have put forth serious plans designed to do just that.
Cohn will tell us, not only where Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama stand on the issue. But also what John McCain's vision for health care for all Americans is.
To talk to Cohn, who is also senior editor at New Republic, at 5:30 PM Wednesday May 7 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 to an additional 12 million households.
Bloomberg Targets Homeland Security Funding
Bloomberg
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg continues his complaints about the way homeland security funds are distributed in the United States.
Bloomberg, who had been toying with the idea of running for president, says if he was the president, he'd change the system.
The money would be doled based on the threat to various communities.
In other words, New York would get a bigger piece of the pie. Because New York has been, and continues to be, a potential terrorism target.
This is a simple common sense approach that has been also suggested by members of New York's congressional delegation. The folks in charge of all this in Washington should be listening to what they say.
Bush Points Fingers At Congress
Wants to increase domestic oil production
So who is really to blame for the current oil crisis?
The economy? The oil industry? The White House?
None of the above, according to President Bush.
That's right. Congress.
Not just Congress. But the Democratic controlled Congress.
According to the president, he has had plans to counter rising gasoline prices. But Congress has been less-than-receptive.
He says a solution would be to increase production in the United States. Then the U.S. would have enough fuel to keep up with demand. And would decrease its reliance on foreign oil.
He's right when he says he's suggested this before. And that Congress has balked.
But the political and economic landscape has changed. It could be that this time, the president's proposal won't fall on deaf ears again.
Obama's Loyalty To Wright Not Returned
Wright at the National Press Club
When the controversy over Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's now-retired pastor, Jerimiah Wright, first broke, Obama expressed loyalty to the reverend. Someone he acknowledged he's been close to for two decades.
While attempting to distance himself from Wright's comments, Obama, nevertheless, supported Wright and his afro-centric Chicago church. But Wright fails to return the favor.
He seemingly now can't get enough of the spotlight. And every time he appears on television, or is quoted in the newspapers, it just gets worse for Obama.
Obama had thought he had put Wright's style of preaching, which many Americans find uncomfortable to hear, behind him when he made his highly touted speech about race in Philadelphia. But Wright seems intent on rekindling the controversy. At an NAACP dinner in Detroit. At the National Press Club in Washington. On the Fox News Channel.
A minister is supposed to serve his or her flock. If Rev. Wright wants to truly serve the most famous member of his former congregation, he should shut up.
Whatever his motivations, he is hurting Obama politically. One must wonder why Wright, who showed horrific judgment by urging black Americans to damn the United States, continues to make choices that clearly damage a man he claims to be his friend.
Wright talked at the NAACP dinner about the differences between black and white Americans. Obama is trying to talk about the commonality. He needs to in order to stand the chance of election as the president of the United States. That means the entire nation. All of us. Not just the black Americans Wright attempts to represent.
One would think, given his narrow racial viewpoint, Wright would do everything in his power to help Obama become the first black president of the United States.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/talkradionews/2449435915/
Clinton Sounding Like McCain
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says there should be a temporary summer-long suspension of the federal gasoline tax.
That's a proposal first floated by Republican candidate John McCain. One that's opposed by fellow Democratic hopeful Barack Obama.
While the proposal may have some populist appeal among those of us who feel pain every time we fill our tanks, there are those who would clearly be hurt by it.
Federal gasoline taxes pay for highway construction. Highway construction translates into jobs. Largely, depending on where one is geographically, seasonable jobs. Summer jobs.
The real problem is the rising cost of oil. It's increasing at such a rapid pace that, at this point, an elimination of the federal gasoline tax would seem fairly insignificant.
That's a proposal first floated by Republican candidate John McCain. One that's opposed by fellow Democratic hopeful Barack Obama.
While the proposal may have some populist appeal among those of us who feel pain every time we fill our tanks, there are those who would clearly be hurt by it.
Federal gasoline taxes pay for highway construction. Highway construction translates into jobs. Largely, depending on where one is geographically, seasonable jobs. Summer jobs.
The real problem is the rising cost of oil. It's increasing at such a rapid pace that, at this point, an elimination of the federal gasoline tax would seem fairly insignificant.
McCain More Trustworthy Than Dems
Voters trust McCain
DETROIT - A new poll concludes that voters find presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain more trustworthy than Democrats Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.
But the poll also finds that voters trust Democrats more so than Republicans when it comes to dealing with key issues like the economy. With so many economic issues facing Americans, this could give the Democratic presidential nominee, whether it's Obama or Clinton, an edge over McCain.
Here in Detroit, one of the hardest-hit areas of the nation, the economy takes center stage over all other issues.
"I spent $50 for a tank of gas the other day," said our waiter at a popular suburban seafood restaurant where a friend and I met for lunch.
"I've never spent that much for gasoline before in my life."
The waiter says he now basically just drives to and from work. There's far less money spent in his household on entertainment. He's obviously not alone.
"This restaurant is still doing good," he observed. "But many of the other restaurants around here are really struggling. And, compared to other communities around Detroit, this is a particularly good area economically."
That point was illustrated for me later at dinner after the show. There were no other customers in the pizzeria when a friend and I walked in. There were no other customers when we ate. And no other customers had come in by the time we had left. None.
The waiter/bartender was so bored that he kept coming by our booth to make conservation.
"This is bad," he said.
"Even for a Monday night, which is generally slow, this is really bad."
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48352971@N00/2439085315/
Monday, April 28, 2008
Clinton Better Positioned To Beat McCain
Bests McCain in poll
A new AP poll indicates that Hillary Clinton is, today, better able to beat John McCain than would be Barack Obama in a general election.
The poll, obviously, is a snapshot of today's voter's attitudes. And it's still a long road to election day.
Still, it helps bolster Clinton's contention that she ought to be the Democratic presidential nominee.
It also may help mute those Democrats who say Clinton should drop out for the good of the party.
Perhaps Clinton should stay in the race for the party's good.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonrocks/2442784671/
Food Crisis Manageable
"There's more than enough food in the world to make everyone chubby."
So says Diet For A Small Planet author Francis Moore Lappe.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Lappe said the United States has enough food to feed the world. Yet right here, there are people in soup lines and going in larger numbers to food pantries for assistance.
Changes in policies might help.
For example, she says, one-third of the world's corn crop now goes to produce bio fuels.
The food shortage, she asserts, is really a crisis in democracy. She believes that, given the chance, ordinary citizens would find ways to make certain no one went hungry in the world. Instead, she laments, there are 100 million more starving people on the planet.
There's enough food, she says, to feed the entire planet. The problem is people don't have access to it.
"Why?" Lappe asks, before answering her own question: "Because they are too poor."
People can do something about this on local, national and global levels.
"In the third largest city in Brazil," she says, "people came together to find ways of making good healthy food available to everyone."
One of the solutions: making abandoned city land available to local organic farmers, who then sold the produce to local residents at reasonable prices.
The result? Infant deaths declined by 56 percent. At a cost of only 1 percent of the city's budget.
To learn more about what you can do to fight the global food crisis, go to Lappe's site, http://www.smallplanet.org/.
So says Diet For A Small Planet author Francis Moore Lappe.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Lappe said the United States has enough food to feed the world. Yet right here, there are people in soup lines and going in larger numbers to food pantries for assistance.
Changes in policies might help.
For example, she says, one-third of the world's corn crop now goes to produce bio fuels.
The food shortage, she asserts, is really a crisis in democracy. She believes that, given the chance, ordinary citizens would find ways to make certain no one went hungry in the world. Instead, she laments, there are 100 million more starving people on the planet.
There's enough food, she says, to feed the entire planet. The problem is people don't have access to it.
"Why?" Lappe asks, before answering her own question: "Because they are too poor."
People can do something about this on local, national and global levels.
"In the third largest city in Brazil," she says, "people came together to find ways of making good healthy food available to everyone."
One of the solutions: making abandoned city land available to local organic farmers, who then sold the produce to local residents at reasonable prices.
The result? Infant deaths declined by 56 percent. At a cost of only 1 percent of the city's budget.
To learn more about what you can do to fight the global food crisis, go to Lappe's site, http://www.smallplanet.org/.
Dean Fears Floor Fight
Dean - trying to stop the process
Note to Howard Dean: please don't ruin the fun of political junkies.
Also, don't be so afraid of the process.
Dean, the Democratic Party chairman, is saying today that Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama should drop out of the race for the presidential nomination in order to unify the party.
Unify my eye.
How about letting the party regulars, i.e. the Democratic voters, determine who will be the nominee?
The way to do this is to let the process play itself out. What's the worst that can happen? It can go to a floor fight at the Democratic convention in Denver.
Isn't that what the Democratic party rules call for if there's not a clear cut winner by then?
Stop trying to manipulate the process Mr. Dean. It's bad enough that the party aced out the Democratic voters in Michigan and Florida. Don't try to compound it by telling those who voted in the other Democratic primaries that their votes also didn't count!
Israeli Attack On Syrian Nuke Plant Should Serve As Warning To Iran
Olmert - more attacks possible
It's being reported today that after Israel's successful attack of a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor last year was recently made public, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert suggested that other similar attacks could be undertaken in the future.
Read: attacks on Iran.
Israel doesn't have the luxury the rest of the world has of time. Time to debate what actions should be taken if Tehran continues its nuclear weapons development program.
Failure to act could mean the end of the state of Israel. So Israel takes whatever decisive action it deems necessary to protect its borders and its citizens. The public condemnation be damned. Israel can survive political fallout. But has less chance of surviving nuclear fallout.
Homeland Security Recruits Small Boat Owners In War On Terrorism
Asztalos aboard the Snow Bird
The Department of Homeland Security is expanding its maritime security efforts. Which 'til now have primarily focused on large commercial vessels, their cargoes and crews.
But as the USS Cole attack demonstrated, small vessels can be just as deadly.
So the DHS is asking small boat owners to keep wary eyes out for any suspicious activities.
"It's an excellent idea," says Richard Asztalos, the captain of the Snow Bird, a 48' Mapleleaf cutter-type sailboat whose home port is Poulsbo, WA.
"There are a lot of helicopters and Coast Guard vessels patrolling the waters near Seattle," he says. "They've profiled suspicious people on ferry boats in Seattle. Some in the Arabic community got upset. But aren't most of the al Qaeda terrorists Arabs?"
But Asztalos says the Coast Guard can't be everywhere. And local boaters, he says, have their ear to the ground - or water.
"In any marine environment, boaters know one another well," says Asztalos, who is a contributing writer for DIY Boat Owner magazine.
"They should keep an eye on who is in their marinas. Who is docking by them. Especially who is out at night."
Asztalos says boaters are, generally, a friendly bunch. People who don't know one another strike up casual conversations easily.
"If someone is reticent to talk," he says, "you may want to give them a second glance."
Gasoline Prices Could More Than Double In U.S.
Oakland, CA
The price of gasoline is already at $4-a-gallon at some New York and California stations (diesel fuel for truckers is even higher). There are those who have been predicting it will reach $5-a-gallon before too long.
But now, two analysts are saying, don't be surprised if the cost of gasoline reaches $7 to $10-a-gallon in the United States.
This is not the kind of news that the economy, which is limping along, needs.
There is a point of no return for drivers. What figure triggers decisions to park cars, or stop spending elsewhere to compensate for high gasoline prices, varies with each person. But if people stop shopping, stop eating out, in short, stop spending, because of the cost of gasoline, the effect on the economy will be devastating.
Meanwhile, oil companies continue to make unbelievable profits.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/newbirth/2437666005/
Hamas Blocks Fuel Shipments To Gaza
Following the visit of former Pres. Jimmy Carter with several of its leaders in Syria, Hamas indicated a willingness to suspend military actions against Israel. So it's now turning its attention to its "other" enemy. Fellow Palestinians.
Hamas militiamen have fired upon and turned back trucks taking fuel from Israel to the United Nations relief agencies in the Gaza. The fuel was to be used to enable the distribution of food and other humanitarian supplies to half-a-million Palestinians.
News reports indicate that the fuel was diverted to Hamas security installations. In other words, the Hamas militiamen thought they needed the fuel more so than did the Palestinian people.
Remember this the next time you hear someone complain about how Israel has put a stranglehold on the Palestinians. The real source of the Palestinian isolationism is their so-called leadership.
If there had not been suicide bombings and rocket attacks on Israel there would be no need for the highly criticized barrier between Israel and the Gaza. There would be greater freedom of movement between the Palestinian territories and Israel. More Palestinians would be working in well paying jobs in Israel. Commerce would flow across the border.
The bottom line is, when the various Palestinian leaderships really show a desire to live in peace alongside Israel, then the condition of the Palestinian people will vastly improve.
Perhaps, though, it is easier and more expedient for those leaderships to take what seems to the rest of us to be counter-productive steps. To encourage the substandard living conditions of the Palestinian people. To foster discontent and hate for Israel.
Hamas militiamen have fired upon and turned back trucks taking fuel from Israel to the United Nations relief agencies in the Gaza. The fuel was to be used to enable the distribution of food and other humanitarian supplies to half-a-million Palestinians.
News reports indicate that the fuel was diverted to Hamas security installations. In other words, the Hamas militiamen thought they needed the fuel more so than did the Palestinian people.
Remember this the next time you hear someone complain about how Israel has put a stranglehold on the Palestinians. The real source of the Palestinian isolationism is their so-called leadership.
If there had not been suicide bombings and rocket attacks on Israel there would be no need for the highly criticized barrier between Israel and the Gaza. There would be greater freedom of movement between the Palestinian territories and Israel. More Palestinians would be working in well paying jobs in Israel. Commerce would flow across the border.
The bottom line is, when the various Palestinian leaderships really show a desire to live in peace alongside Israel, then the condition of the Palestinian people will vastly improve.
Perhaps, though, it is easier and more expedient for those leaderships to take what seems to the rest of us to be counter-productive steps. To encourage the substandard living conditions of the Palestinian people. To foster discontent and hate for Israel.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Oliver North Accuses Media Of Distorted Coverage Of Iraq War
North
LIVONIA MI - Lt. Col Oliver North (Ret), host of the Fox News Channel's War Stories, charges that his news media colleagues ignore positive stories in their reporting about the war in Iraq.
North's comments came in a keynote address to the annual Fallen and Wounded Soldier's Fund dinner at the Laurel Manor here. The FWSF is a non-partisan non-profit organization that raises money to help wounded soldiers and the relatives of those who have died in combat.
North argues that the American public has been "lied to by so many of my colleagues."
He charged that Newsweek magazine "totally fabricated the story of a Koran being flushed down the toilet at Abu Ghraib."
And he blasted a New York Times article which he says claimed that the bulk of those fighting in Iraq are from Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. The inference, he says, is that those who enlist are drawn to the military because there's nothing else for them to do.
He had this message for his colleagues: "You are dead wrong about those who serve our country today."
North says the United States armed forces are, "the best educated, best equipped and best trained military in history," capable, he said, of operating and maintaining the most sophisticated equipment ever used by the military anytime in history.
"This military," he asserted, "can do almost anything that's asked of them so long as they have sufficient support from home."
The true untold story, North maintains, is that the United States military has become the protectors of women in the Muslim world. And is giving people in Iraq a chance to develop a representative government.
He says that more people are going to to school, there's more electricity and better medical facilities in Iraq than ever before. There are more newspapers, police stations and fire stations. "You don't," he says, "hear this in the mainstream media."
And he says the re-enlistment rate in the military is 117 percent of what's authorized.
"Nobody," he argues, "re-enlists for a losing cause."
North also lauded the 900 people attending the annual dinner.
"What you are doing," he told the gathering, "is of crucial importance."
But he asked them to do more. By hiring returning veterans.
According to North, the unemployment rate among the general population in the United States is more than 5 percent. But among returning veterans it's about 20 percent. Something he terms "a scandal that ought not happen."
North argues that the American public has been "lied to by so many of my colleagues."
He charged that Newsweek magazine "totally fabricated the story of a Koran being flushed down the toilet at Abu Ghraib."
And he blasted a New York Times article which he says claimed that the bulk of those fighting in Iraq are from Mississippi, Texas and Alabama. The inference, he says, is that those who enlist are drawn to the military because there's nothing else for them to do.
He had this message for his colleagues: "You are dead wrong about those who serve our country today."
North says the United States armed forces are, "the best educated, best equipped and best trained military in history," capable, he said, of operating and maintaining the most sophisticated equipment ever used by the military anytime in history.
"This military," he asserted, "can do almost anything that's asked of them so long as they have sufficient support from home."
The true untold story, North maintains, is that the United States military has become the protectors of women in the Muslim world. And is giving people in Iraq a chance to develop a representative government.
He says that more people are going to to school, there's more electricity and better medical facilities in Iraq than ever before. There are more newspapers, police stations and fire stations. "You don't," he says, "hear this in the mainstream media."
And he says the re-enlistment rate in the military is 117 percent of what's authorized.
"Nobody," he argues, "re-enlists for a losing cause."
North also lauded the 900 people attending the annual dinner.
"What you are doing," he told the gathering, "is of crucial importance."
But he asked them to do more. By hiring returning veterans.
According to North, the unemployment rate among the general population in the United States is more than 5 percent. But among returning veterans it's about 20 percent. Something he terms "a scandal that ought not happen."
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Photo credit: Gary Baumgarten
Report From The Motor City
Kilpatrick
DETROIT - Back in Detroit (yes so soon) on family business prompting a few random thoughts to share.
I spoke with Pat O'Hara, the local Democratic leader I interviewed last time through. And I told him that, since I happen to be here I'll try to get over to the Fallen and Wounded Soldier's Fund annual dinner in suburban Livonia and try to catch Oliver North's speech there today.
"You know who else is in town this weekend?" O'Hara asked.
"Jeremiah Wright. He's speaking before the NAACP. I wish he'd just keep his mouth shut."
O'Hara doesn't like Wright speaking out because O'Hara favors Barack Obama. And every time Wright speaks, he renews the debate about Obama's relationship with him.
The real question is why does the NAACP choose Wright as its keynote speaker? Do they see him as a role model? A source of pride? Someone who damns the United States of America?
Speaking of O'Hara, he won't know whether the Michigan delegation will even be seated at the national convention in Denver until the National Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws Committee meets on May 31st. That's when the Michigan and Florida parties will petition to be seated. Petition to the very committee which has already precluded them from participating in what may become a floor battle to determine the party's presidential nominee.
Meanwhile, news reports today say that while home foreclosures are on the rise because of a declining economy spurred by a downturn in the automotive industry, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner's compensation grew last year by more than 40 percent to 14.4 million dollars.
And the legal and political fight over Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who is charged with criminal perjury, continues.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Target: Iran?
Editor's note: The following was written by Alan Jasie
Today, as reported in the Washington Post, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen ,spoke of the Pentagon’s planning for "potential military courses of action" against Iran. Citing what he says as Iran’s continued "increasingly lethal and malign influence" in Iraq.
Admiral Mullen said, "It would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability” noting that the U.S .has plenty in reserve with the Navy and Air Force.
The Admiral did say it would "extremely stressing" but not impossible for a military action. With the nomination of current Iraqi commander, Gen. David Petreaus, to head all the armed forces in the region, could the U.S. really be contemplating a third front in the region?
For several months now, the saber rattling aimed at Iran has been continuous. Last year, the U.S. branded Iran’s Quds Force, a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard ,as a terrorist arm of the Iranian government. The accusations state that they are training and equipping the insurgents in Iraq with weaponry and lethal improvised explosive devices. The IED’s have been the cause of most of the casualties that coalition forces have sustained since the collapse of the Iraqi regime led by Saddam Hussein.
Iran has for many years has also armed the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon since the early 1980’s in their fight to control this once peaceful nation. Hezbollah has also been engaged in hostilities with Israel since that time, firing thousands of Iranian made missiles into Israel. In 2006, the two sides fought for 34 days resulting in more than 1,300 casualties.
Israel is a frequent target in speeches made by Iranian Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who calls for Israel to be wiped of the map. Iran has also ignored calls from governments around the world and the United Nations to be more open about their nuclear intentions.
While the Iranians still claim it is strictly for use as a source of energy, most Western governments, particularly the United States, are not buying the Iranian's claims that they are not working on nuclear weapons. With oil prices approaching $120 a barrel is the world ready for another conflict in the region that could further drive up the price of this increasingly precious commodity?
Today, as reported in the Washington Post, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen ,spoke of the Pentagon’s planning for "potential military courses of action" against Iran. Citing what he says as Iran’s continued "increasingly lethal and malign influence" in Iraq.
Admiral Mullen said, "It would be a mistake to think that we are out of combat capability” noting that the U.S .has plenty in reserve with the Navy and Air Force.
The Admiral did say it would "extremely stressing" but not impossible for a military action. With the nomination of current Iraqi commander, Gen. David Petreaus, to head all the armed forces in the region, could the U.S. really be contemplating a third front in the region?
For several months now, the saber rattling aimed at Iran has been continuous. Last year, the U.S. branded Iran’s Quds Force, a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard ,as a terrorist arm of the Iranian government. The accusations state that they are training and equipping the insurgents in Iraq with weaponry and lethal improvised explosive devices. The IED’s have been the cause of most of the casualties that coalition forces have sustained since the collapse of the Iraqi regime led by Saddam Hussein.
Iran has for many years has also armed the terrorist organization Hezbollah in Lebanon since the early 1980’s in their fight to control this once peaceful nation. Hezbollah has also been engaged in hostilities with Israel since that time, firing thousands of Iranian made missiles into Israel. In 2006, the two sides fought for 34 days resulting in more than 1,300 casualties.
Israel is a frequent target in speeches made by Iranian Pres. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who calls for Israel to be wiped of the map. Iran has also ignored calls from governments around the world and the United Nations to be more open about their nuclear intentions.
While the Iranians still claim it is strictly for use as a source of energy, most Western governments, particularly the United States, are not buying the Iranian's claims that they are not working on nuclear weapons. With oil prices approaching $120 a barrel is the world ready for another conflict in the region that could further drive up the price of this increasingly precious commodity?
Hamas Truce Offer
Is it possible Jimmy Carter actually accomplished something meeting with Hamas leaders in Syria?
Hamas is offering what they are calling a "period of quiet" in the Gaza for six months. If successful, it would be extended to the West Bank as well.
The Israelis will look at this overture with a degree of skepticism. In the past, so-called truces with Israel's enemies actually translated into a re-arming period.
No matter.
Any opportunity for peace should be embraced. Time will tell whether the Hamas offer is genuine or not.
But even if it is genuine, don't look for the Israelis to thank Carter. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations is calling the former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner a "bigot."
Hamas is offering what they are calling a "period of quiet" in the Gaza for six months. If successful, it would be extended to the West Bank as well.
The Israelis will look at this overture with a degree of skepticism. In the past, so-called truces with Israel's enemies actually translated into a re-arming period.
No matter.
Any opportunity for peace should be embraced. Time will tell whether the Hamas offer is genuine or not.
But even if it is genuine, don't look for the Israelis to thank Carter. Israel's ambassador to the United Nations is calling the former president and Nobel Peace Prize winner a "bigot."
Iraqi Troops Years Away From Being Ready
British troops in Iraq - no immediate reduction
The Bush administration has said repeatedly that the Iraqis must be trained and be willing, ready and able to take over control of their nation so before U.S. troops can be withdrawn.
But a new government report suggests that that day is a long way off. That Iraqi troops are far from even being close to be ready to take the lead.
This is the reality that the new administration will face when it takes office in January.
Republican John McCain has already reached the unpopular conclusion that the United States is stuck in Iraq, not just for years, but possibly for decades.
Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton want a date-certain exit strategy. But, this report indicates, that to do so, they will have to abandon the Bush condition that the Iraqis are ready for a U.S. withdrawal.
The British government says no more of its troops will be withdrawn until security improves in Iraq.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/libdems/2241332259/
Child Brides In Yemen
The tradition of adult men claiming children as their brides dates back to the stories of the Koran.
In the west, the practice is shunned. Note the taking of the children from a polygamist compound in Texas for their protection.
But in Yemen, it continues.
A human rights lawyer, representing an 8-year-old girl, managed to get her marriage terminated by a court. The attorney is now trying to stop such marriages in general in that nation.
Attorney Shatha Nasser wants the minimum marriage age in Yemen to be raised to 18.
Her efforts should not fall on deaf ears. But should be supported, vocally, by human right organizations worldwide.
In the west, the practice is shunned. Note the taking of the children from a polygamist compound in Texas for their protection.
But in Yemen, it continues.
A human rights lawyer, representing an 8-year-old girl, managed to get her marriage terminated by a court. The attorney is now trying to stop such marriages in general in that nation.
Attorney Shatha Nasser wants the minimum marriage age in Yemen to be raised to 18.
Her efforts should not fall on deaf ears. But should be supported, vocally, by human right organizations worldwide.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Do Teens Really Hate America Or Are They Just Being, Well, Teens?
Editor's note: The following synopsis was written by Alan Jasie who hosted News Talk Online today.
Pam Meister, editor of Familysecuritymatters.org, was challenged by a number of our callers today on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, who disputed several things she had to say about today’s teens and the schools in which they attend.
Meister, who views herself as a recovering liberal, feels that more should be done throughout the American school system to put forth more apolitical thinking, so as to encourage balanced discussions in the classroom.
In her article “Teens Who Hate America,” published at Pajamas Media, Meister decried the fact that her daughter came home from school one day complaining that many of her classmates were saying that they “hate America.” What appeared to upset her daughter the most was that one of her daughter’s teachers, during a Spanish lesson, asked the class to use the names of George Bush, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in a sentence. The teacher did not include the name of John McCain, the Republican nominee. This omission, she felt lacked fairness and also a missed opportunity to teach the students a civics lesson.
One student, when asked to address the class, said, “I wish George Bush was dead,” which prompted classroom laughter, and even chuckles from the teacher.
While Meister was upset by this situation, enough to write this article, she did not contact the teacher, the principal or the school board to vent her frustrations. This point was not lost on the callers. Why didn't she speak up, they asked. While she pointed out there were some time constraints involved, she did realize that she probably should have voiced her concerns.
She was also upset that last year, her same daughter had to watch on several occasions, former Vice President Al Gore’s documentary about global warming, “An Inconvenient Truth” while not discussing opposing opinions. Why could they not show as well the British documentary, aired on England’s Channel Four, “The Great Global Warming Swindle” to be fair?
When she told her daughter to approach her science teacher about showing this second feature, much to her surprise, he did and to all his classes. Her daughter also told her that a number of her classmates changed their opinion after seeing the other side.
Meister stands behind her article, stating it was an op-ed and not a scientific study which some of the callers seemed to think it was. She is pleased by the fact that it got people talking, which is always a good first step. To read her article in it’s entirety, go to: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/teens-who-hate-america/
Pam Meister, editor of Familysecuritymatters.org, was challenged by a number of our callers today on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, who disputed several things she had to say about today’s teens and the schools in which they attend.
Meister, who views herself as a recovering liberal, feels that more should be done throughout the American school system to put forth more apolitical thinking, so as to encourage balanced discussions in the classroom.
In her article “Teens Who Hate America,” published at Pajamas Media, Meister decried the fact that her daughter came home from school one day complaining that many of her classmates were saying that they “hate America.” What appeared to upset her daughter the most was that one of her daughter’s teachers, during a Spanish lesson, asked the class to use the names of George Bush, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in a sentence. The teacher did not include the name of John McCain, the Republican nominee. This omission, she felt lacked fairness and also a missed opportunity to teach the students a civics lesson.
One student, when asked to address the class, said, “I wish George Bush was dead,” which prompted classroom laughter, and even chuckles from the teacher.
While Meister was upset by this situation, enough to write this article, she did not contact the teacher, the principal or the school board to vent her frustrations. This point was not lost on the callers. Why didn't she speak up, they asked. While she pointed out there were some time constraints involved, she did realize that she probably should have voiced her concerns.
She was also upset that last year, her same daughter had to watch on several occasions, former Vice President Al Gore’s documentary about global warming, “An Inconvenient Truth” while not discussing opposing opinions. Why could they not show as well the British documentary, aired on England’s Channel Four, “The Great Global Warming Swindle” to be fair?
When she told her daughter to approach her science teacher about showing this second feature, much to her surprise, he did and to all his classes. Her daughter also told her that a number of her classmates changed their opinion after seeing the other side.
Meister stands behind her article, stating it was an op-ed and not a scientific study which some of the callers seemed to think it was. She is pleased by the fact that it got people talking, which is always a good first step. To read her article in it’s entirety, go to: http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/teens-who-hate-america/
Religious Tensions Erupt In Nigerian Rioting
The smoldering tensions between Christians and Muslims in the Nigerian city of Kano have erupted once again. With Muslims attacking Christians. After graffiti that the Muslims say is blasphemous to the prophet Muhammad was scrawled on a shop wall.
Reports from the northern city suggest that whoever wrote the script is as yet unknown. But the rioters targeted all Christians in their path.
Police eventually moved in but many Christians in fear for their lives have reportedly taken refuge in police stations and army barracks.
Religiously defamatory statements are, of course, bad, and should be discouraged. But perpetuating violence against those responsible, or worse, as in this case, against entire populations of people based on their religious beliefs, is worse.
The rioters, no doubt, feel justified in their actions. Which they believe to be in accordance with religious teachings.
Imagine, if you will, if every time, for example, an anti-Semitic comment was made, Jews rioted and attacked non-Jews. A. There sure would be a LOT of rioting around the globe (anti-Semitism is on the rise) and, B. There would be (understandably) widespread condemnation of such actions.
Muslims are correct in that they should not be singled out for discrimination. But, likewise, they should not feel that they can act differently than the rest of society when it comes to adhering to the laws of the land.
Sadly, those Muslims who react to such perceived or real offenses violently only serve to feed the Islamophobia that motivates religiously defamatory rhetoric.
Reports from the northern city suggest that whoever wrote the script is as yet unknown. But the rioters targeted all Christians in their path.
Police eventually moved in but many Christians in fear for their lives have reportedly taken refuge in police stations and army barracks.
Religiously defamatory statements are, of course, bad, and should be discouraged. But perpetuating violence against those responsible, or worse, as in this case, against entire populations of people based on their religious beliefs, is worse.
The rioters, no doubt, feel justified in their actions. Which they believe to be in accordance with religious teachings.
Imagine, if you will, if every time, for example, an anti-Semitic comment was made, Jews rioted and attacked non-Jews. A. There sure would be a LOT of rioting around the globe (anti-Semitism is on the rise) and, B. There would be (understandably) widespread condemnation of such actions.
Muslims are correct in that they should not be singled out for discrimination. But, likewise, they should not feel that they can act differently than the rest of society when it comes to adhering to the laws of the land.
Sadly, those Muslims who react to such perceived or real offenses violently only serve to feed the Islamophobia that motivates religiously defamatory rhetoric.
Counter Terrorism Cops On New York Subways
Common sight
Beginning today, cops decked out in heavy flack vests carrying rifles and sub machine guns and accompanied by bomb sniffing dogs are patrolling the subways of New York City.
This is a first, not only for New York, but for any subway system in the world.
The military-looking officers are often seen in front of sensitive potential targets in the city. Like Penn Station and on Wall Street.
Just part of the changing landscape of a post 9/11 New York City. Just part of the times.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pantulis/61433392/
Worldwide Food Crisis Topic Of Show On Paltalk
Food riots around the world. Rationing of rice in the United States. But at the same time, farmers are paid to not grow crops. And some crops are diverted for use in creating bio-fuel.
Billions of dollars that could be spent on feeding the world's hungry are instead being spent on an unpopular war in Iraq.
What can be done?
That question will be explored on News Talk Online on Paltalk Monday April 28.
Joining us to help understand the food crisis will be Frances Moore Lappe, author of 16 books beginning with the 1971 3 million-copy bestseller, Diet for a Small Planet, which awakened a whole generation to the human-made causes of hunger and the significance of our everyday choices.
To talk to Moore Lappe at 5 PM New York time Monday April 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 to an additional 12 million households.
Pennsylvania Victory Translates Into Cash For Clinton
Alan Jasie, our political correspondent, said it Tuesday night as we watched the returns come in in Harrisburg, PA.
"Money, money money," he said. "It's all about money for Hillary."
How right he was.
The Clinton campaign, which was outspent 3-to-1 in Pennsylvania by Obama's, reported an immediate infusion of $3 million after winning Pennsylvania.
This is important for Clinton as she eyes Indiana, which, the polls indicates, is a state that's up for grabs.
It's also interesting that, despite spending so much more money on the campaign in Pennsylvania, Obama did little, in the end, to close the gap in that state with Clinton.
A 10 point gap is a psychological victory for Clinton. But it's more than that. The fact that she received so much money after winning Pennsylvania is an indication that many who donated were sitting on the fence until the election. And that they now see her as a viable candidate.
This race for the Democratic presidential nomination is far from over!
"Money, money money," he said. "It's all about money for Hillary."
How right he was.
The Clinton campaign, which was outspent 3-to-1 in Pennsylvania by Obama's, reported an immediate infusion of $3 million after winning Pennsylvania.
This is important for Clinton as she eyes Indiana, which, the polls indicates, is a state that's up for grabs.
It's also interesting that, despite spending so much more money on the campaign in Pennsylvania, Obama did little, in the end, to close the gap in that state with Clinton.
A 10 point gap is a psychological victory for Clinton. But it's more than that. The fact that she received so much money after winning Pennsylvania is an indication that many who donated were sitting on the fence until the election. And that they now see her as a viable candidate.
This race for the Democratic presidential nomination is far from over!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Americans Stockpiling Food
There hasn't been anything like this since near the end of 1999. When some Americans feared commerce would come to a screeching halt with the advent of the new millennium. And stockpiled foodstuffs.
More and more people are hoarding food in the United States. Mindful of the food riots going on elsewhere in the world.
Costco, the discount membership based chain, has limited the amount of rice that people can buy. Because of a run on rice - much of it by Filipinos who are shipping the staple to relatives back home where there's a shortage. Sam's Club has done likewise.
Meanwhile, the government is actually paying farmers to not produce food. And food that could go into the mouths of the hungry is being diverted to produce bio-fuel.
Lives are destroyed in Iraq because of a war that few Americans want. Billions of dollars are being spent to fuel the effort. And food riots are taking place around the world.
Something, clearly, isn't right with this picture.
More and more people are hoarding food in the United States. Mindful of the food riots going on elsewhere in the world.
Costco, the discount membership based chain, has limited the amount of rice that people can buy. Because of a run on rice - much of it by Filipinos who are shipping the staple to relatives back home where there's a shortage. Sam's Club has done likewise.
Meanwhile, the government is actually paying farmers to not produce food. And food that could go into the mouths of the hungry is being diverted to produce bio-fuel.
Lives are destroyed in Iraq because of a war that few Americans want. Billions of dollars are being spent to fuel the effort. And food riots are taking place around the world.
Something, clearly, isn't right with this picture.
Oliver North Doesn't See A Draft Coming
Former White House counter-terrorism adviser and host of the Fox News Channel documentary series War Stories Oliver North says he does not see a draft in the future of the U.S. military.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, North, whose latest book, American Hero just came out, said, although the military is spread thin, the work done by the members of the armed forces of the United States is so specialized that a draft would actually be counter productive.
North came on the show to talk about his impending speech before the Fallen and Wounded Soldier's Fund in Livonia, Michigan this weekend. The FWSF raises money to help the families of the members of the service who have died and to help those returning from the theater of combat who have been wounded both physically and emotionally.
The FWSF is non-profit and non-partisan. Its members include those who are for and those opposed to the war in Iraq.
To make a donation to the FWSF CLICK HERE.
American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories) is based on North's extensive coverage of U.S. troops engaged in battle in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, North, whose latest book, American Hero just came out, said, although the military is spread thin, the work done by the members of the armed forces of the United States is so specialized that a draft would actually be counter productive.
North came on the show to talk about his impending speech before the Fallen and Wounded Soldier's Fund in Livonia, Michigan this weekend. The FWSF raises money to help the families of the members of the service who have died and to help those returning from the theater of combat who have been wounded both physically and emotionally.
The FWSF is non-profit and non-partisan. Its members include those who are for and those opposed to the war in Iraq.
To make a donation to the FWSF CLICK HERE.
American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories) is based on North's extensive coverage of U.S. troops engaged in battle in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Is Bin Laden Off The Hook For 9/11?
I thought Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda were responsible for 9/11. Conspiracy theorists would have us believe otherwise. But I've been sticking with conventional wisdom.
But now we see that the airlines whose planes were hijacked, and the security companies that were supposed to have screened the passengers, are being named as responsible. By, of all entities, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The Port Authority owns the World Trade Center site. They need someone to sue. They certainly would have a hard time serving court papers on bin Laden, hiding as he is in a cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan.
So they turn to someone who they can presumably collect from.
Because, of course, in our litigious society, someone has to pay.
Stop and think about this for a minute. Hasn't the airline industry as a whole paid since September 11th?
Haven't the passengers, unconvinced by more stringent security procedures, paid?
The answer, of course, is yes.
I've heard it argued that the Port Authority was some how responsible for the attacks. Or at least for the number of casualties as a result of the attacks. How would the same Port Authority attorneys, arguing the airlines were to blame, like to defend against a similar suit? Probably wouldn't.
People died in the Twin Towers. But so did people on the planes that were hijacked. In face, everyone on those planes died.
Maybe the airlines should counter sue and claim that the towers got in the way of their hijacked planes. It makes about as much sense as the Port Authority's claims.
If you want to sue someone with deep pockets, why not follow the money trail? Chances are it leads to Saudi Arabia. To some people who have more than a little discretionary disposable income.
But now we see that the airlines whose planes were hijacked, and the security companies that were supposed to have screened the passengers, are being named as responsible. By, of all entities, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The Port Authority owns the World Trade Center site. They need someone to sue. They certainly would have a hard time serving court papers on bin Laden, hiding as he is in a cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan.
So they turn to someone who they can presumably collect from.
Because, of course, in our litigious society, someone has to pay.
Stop and think about this for a minute. Hasn't the airline industry as a whole paid since September 11th?
Haven't the passengers, unconvinced by more stringent security procedures, paid?
The answer, of course, is yes.
I've heard it argued that the Port Authority was some how responsible for the attacks. Or at least for the number of casualties as a result of the attacks. How would the same Port Authority attorneys, arguing the airlines were to blame, like to defend against a similar suit? Probably wouldn't.
People died in the Twin Towers. But so did people on the planes that were hijacked. In face, everyone on those planes died.
Maybe the airlines should counter sue and claim that the towers got in the way of their hijacked planes. It makes about as much sense as the Port Authority's claims.
If you want to sue someone with deep pockets, why not follow the money trail? Chances are it leads to Saudi Arabia. To some people who have more than a little discretionary disposable income.
UK Terror Plots Thwarted
15 terror attacks stopped
We keep hearing that it's not a question of if there will be another terrorist plot but when. The cynics among us say that's political rhetoric designed to scare the populous into giving up more of its rights in the name of homeland security.
While I count myself among those concerned about the loss of freedoms (it's odd that we would give up freedoms in order to protect us from those who would have us ... well ... give up freedoms) there is mounting evidence that those warning us aren't just blowing smoke.
London's top cop says that, since the year 2000, more than a dozen terrorist attacks have been thwarted in the UK.
One doesn't get the sense that Sir Ian Blair is an alarmist. He's just matter-of-factly reporting the reality of the situation.
We've heard, occasionally, about terrorist plots that have been broken up here in the United States as well. Likely there are others that, for reasons of security, haven't been made public.
This is not to say we should be fearful about going about our lives. Again, why react the way the terrorists would want us to?
But it is to say that none of us should hesitate to report suspicious activities. It's better to chase a well intentioned but false lead than to miss the opportunity to catch terrorists.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/remcohendrickx/24449694/
More Forced To Stay In Army, More Ex-Cons Recruited
A message for ex-cons
The headline for the lead story in yesterday's USA Today was not about the Pennsylvania Democratic primary.
It read, "More Forced To Stay In Army."
Forced to stay to keep troop levels up, the paper reported. In spite of Defense Secretary Robert Gates' order, last year to minimize mandatory troop extensions.
But that's not the entire story.
The BBC is reporting that the Army and the Marines are recruiting more ex-cons in order to meet the demand.
This may actually be a good deal for the cons who may, understandably, be having trouble getting legitimate work because of their records. But one must wonder if this it's particularly good for the military.
It also underscores how difficult it is to maintain an all volunteer armed forces during a protracted and unpopular war.
And with more and more politicians talking about yet another potential conflict with Iran, it raises, again, the specter of a draft.
If you're still not convinced of the parallels between this war and the Vietnam War, just wait and see how the nation reacts if they start conscripting our young again.
Hillary's Close Call In Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG PA - Tuesday morning, election day, and MSNBC's Chris Matthews was on WOR radio in New York City, predicting that he'd be predicting a winner in Pennsylvania at 8:01 PM - right after the polls closed.
But the exit polling proved too inconclusive. Too close, they told us, to call. And Camp Clinton became a bit worried.
The official line, articulated by a Clinton campaign spokeswoman on News Talk Online on Paltalk, was that a win is a win no matter the margin.
As it turns out, Clinton won by enough of a margin that she can march on to North Carolina and Indiana. And perhaps attract some more dollars (Barack Obama reportedly outspent her here in Pennsylvania 3-to-1).
The Republicans claim they love watching the Democrats duke it out. The head of the local Young Republicans, also appearing on the show, declared that Obama and Clinton are showing they don't know how to run a campaign, Much less run a nation.
The Democratic leaders I spoke to off air say the focus will shift from the differences in the party to the differences between the Democratic candidate and Republican John McCain once a Democratic candidate is selected. But any hope they had of determining who he or she will be in Pennsylvania has eluded them. So the campaign for a Democratic presidential candidate continues.
But the exit polling proved too inconclusive. Too close, they told us, to call. And Camp Clinton became a bit worried.
The official line, articulated by a Clinton campaign spokeswoman on News Talk Online on Paltalk, was that a win is a win no matter the margin.
As it turns out, Clinton won by enough of a margin that she can march on to North Carolina and Indiana. And perhaps attract some more dollars (Barack Obama reportedly outspent her here in Pennsylvania 3-to-1).
The Republicans claim they love watching the Democrats duke it out. The head of the local Young Republicans, also appearing on the show, declared that Obama and Clinton are showing they don't know how to run a campaign, Much less run a nation.
The Democratic leaders I spoke to off air say the focus will shift from the differences in the party to the differences between the Democratic candidate and Republican John McCain once a Democratic candidate is selected. But any hope they had of determining who he or she will be in Pennsylvania has eluded them. So the campaign for a Democratic presidential candidate continues.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Oliver North On Paltalk
North
Best selling author, syndicated columnist and host of War Stories on the Fox News Channel Oliver North will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk tomorrow April 23.
North served 22 years as a U.S. Marine. His awards for service in combat include the silver star, the bronze star for valor and two purple hearts for wounds in combat.
Assigned to the National Security Council Staff in the Reagan administration, Lieutenant Colonel North was the United States government’s counter-terrorism coordinator from 1983-1986 where he was best known for his involvement in the controversial Iran-Contra affair. He was involved in planning the rescue of 804 medical students on Grenada and played a major role in the daring capture of the hijackers of the cruise ship Achille Lauro.
After helping plan the U.S. raid on Muammar Qaddafi’s terrorist bases in Libya, North was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, the infamous terrorist found dead in Baghdad in August, 2002. President Ronald Reagan described him as “an American hero.”
Since 2001, North has been the host of War Stories — the award-winning military documentary series on Fox News Channel. He has also authored 11 books — all of them New York Times bestsellers. His latest book, American Heroes, is based on his extensive coverage of U.S. military units engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Philippines.
To talk to Oliver North at 5 PM New York time Wednesday April 23 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 to 12 million additional households.
Good Turnout In Important Presidential Primary
Cortez Jackson - campaigning for Obama
HARRISBURG PA - Some people said they got up at 5 AM to be at the polls when they opened at 7. And found people already in line ahead of them.
Here in Pennsylvania, people take election day very seriously. Especially this election. With the eyes of the nation on the Keystone state.
Democratic Pennsylvania voters know they hold the future of Hillary Clinton in their hands. If she doesn't fair well here, her campaign could be on life support. Or worse.
In small towns across this state, older women were at the voting places along with the poll workers. Selling sandwiches and soup.
"I went to vote and ate the tastiest poke bar-b-que sandwich I've ever had," said one man
"They also had three types of soup and cookies and salad for sale."
Yes, for many in Pennsylvania, election day is quite the event.
Cortez Jackson, first deacon at the Zion Baptist Church in Middletown, PA was an early voter. Early because his next stop was Harrisburg to help get out the vote for his candidate, Barack Obama.
"We'll be making history this November." Jackson says. "We'll either be electing a black man or a woman."
Or, I suggest, a senior citizen.
"No, there's no chance McCain will be elected," Jackson predicted.
"Voters know they are dealing with a declining economy, rising gas prices and an unjust war. There's no way they'll elect McCain. The next president," he says, "is going to be a Democrat."
We'll have extensive coverage of the Pennsylvania primary at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. And again at 8 PM. Live from Harrisburg. To join in the conversation 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 to an additional 12 million households.
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Photo credit: Gary Baumgarten
Author On 60s Says We Forget The Transgressions Of The Generation
It was not all peace, love and rock and roll in the 60s.
That's Gerard DeGroot's point in his 500+ pages book The Sixties Unplugged. And it was his point on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
The United States, he writes, and tells us, was involved in many nefarious operations in the 60s. The nation's stature suffered from this then. And continues, he argues, to suffer now.
But there good things resulted from that generation. The music of the 60s was innovative and offered messages that are enduring today. That's why those who grew up in the 60s, and ensuing generations, continue to listen to it now.
That's Gerard DeGroot's point in his 500+ pages book The Sixties Unplugged. And it was his point on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
The United States, he writes, and tells us, was involved in many nefarious operations in the 60s. The nation's stature suffered from this then. And continues, he argues, to suffer now.
But there good things resulted from that generation. The music of the 60s was innovative and offered messages that are enduring today. That's why those who grew up in the 60s, and ensuing generations, continue to listen to it now.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Zahava Scherz, Half-Sister Of Rutka Laskier, Author Of Rutka's Notebook, On Paltalk
Scherz
Zahava Scherz, whose half-sister, Rutka Laskier wrote what is now known as Rutka's Notebook, about her hiding from the Nazis in World War II, will be my guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk Wednesday April 30.
Laskier was a Jewish teenager from Poland who, for four months, chronicled her life during the Holocaust in her notebook. The book, discovered long after the Nazis took her away, never to return, was discovered hidden in floor boards of her house. It was released to the public in 2005.
Laskier was 14-years-old when the Nazis took her. She is believed to have died in a gas chamber at the Auschwitz concentration camp along with her mother and brother.
Its discovery and contents have caused many to compare Laskier to Anne Frank.
It wasn't until after the notebook was discovered that Scherz even knew of her half-sister's existence. Scherz says after she read the diary she felt a closeness to her sister, of whom their father, now deceased, never spoke.
Laskier described the atrocities she witnessed committed by the Nazis, and describes daily life in the ghetto as well as innocent teenage love interests. In it, we see she know what horrors awaited her when the Nazis arrested her and her family. Because she writes about the gas chambers at the concentration camps based on news that had filtered back to the Jewish Ghetto.
Laskier described the atrocities she witnessed committed by the Nazis, and describes daily life in the ghetto as well as innocent teenage love interests. In it, we see she know what horrors awaited her when the Nazis arrested her and her family. Because she writes about the gas chambers at the concentration camps based on news that had filtered back to the Jewish Ghetto.
Scherz's appearance on News Talk Online on Paltalk coincides with Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day - which begins at sunset. Scherz will speak about her sister's notebook on May 1st at New York's Jewish Heritage Museum at 7 PM local time.
To talk to Zahava Scherz at 5 PM New York time Wednesday April 30 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 to 12 million households in the United States.
'Islamic Terrorism' Offensive To Some
Public relations problem for Muslims
The term "Islamic terrorism" - used by Republican presidential candidate John McCain - is offensive to some Muslim groups.
They've told the Washington Times that they're attempting to pressure McCain to stop using it.
Their sensitivities are understandable. Whenever someone blows himself up or flies a plane into a building in the name of the Islamic religion, he or she, unfortunately, taints all Muslims.
But the people carrying out these heinous attacks themselves say they are doing them in the name of religion. So it is quite natural, and accurate, to describe them as Islamic terrorists.
Perhaps the pressure should not be put on McCain to stop using the term. But on those committing the act to stop using the religion.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lakerae/99609816/
Why Clinton Must Do Well In Pennsylvania
The polls show Hillary Clinton still in the lead in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary for president of the United States. But they show Barack Obama closing in.
Clinton will likely win tomorrow's contest in PA. But, the question is, by how much. If it's not by a significant margin, she may be pressured by her own supporters to bow out of the race.
The reason comes down to finances. The Wall Street Journal reports today that the Clinton campaign is in the red.
Clinton wants to remain in the race 'til the end. Maybe even to the Democratic convention.
Party bosses want to avoid that. But non partisans, like myself, would love to see an old fashioned floor fight in Denver.
Still, pragmatically, Clinton must win, and significantly, in Pennsylvania tomorrow. If not, like money, her campaign will start running out of steam.
Clinton will likely win tomorrow's contest in PA. But, the question is, by how much. If it's not by a significant margin, she may be pressured by her own supporters to bow out of the race.
The reason comes down to finances. The Wall Street Journal reports today that the Clinton campaign is in the red.
Clinton wants to remain in the race 'til the end. Maybe even to the Democratic convention.
Party bosses want to avoid that. But non partisans, like myself, would love to see an old fashioned floor fight in Denver.
Still, pragmatically, Clinton must win, and significantly, in Pennsylvania tomorrow. If not, like money, her campaign will start running out of steam.
McCain To Seek Public Finaincing
McCain
Politico.com is reporting today that John McCain is switching strategies and will now accept public financing for his campaign for president.
This is an indication that he can't catch up to Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in raising money on his own.
It's also an indication that many Republicans are already conceding the election to the Democratic candidate.
That would be a mistake.
The election process is still young. Young because the Democrats haven't yet selected a candidate. Young because, it won't reach full speed until there's a clearly defined race between the Democrats and Republicans.
There are those who believe that McCain is too old to be elected president. But the baby boomers are coming of age. They are sheepishly admitting to one another that they carry AARP cards. If for no other reason than to get discounted rates at motels. Many of them can identify with McCain. Whether they openly admit it or not.
If Obama is nominated, age could work against him. His age and his relative lack of experience.
McCain was counted out early in the Republican nomination process. Those who wrote him off then never expected he'd be the presumptive GOP nominee.
They shouldn't make the same mistake twice.
Carter Brings Good Tidings From Hamas
Former Pres. Jimmy Carter says Hamas leaders have told him they're willing to live as a neighbor alongside Israel.
I once had a girlfriend who told me everything she thought I wanted to hear. But that meant nothing. She was just trying to appease me.
Unless and until Hamas shows it's willing to operate in a peaceful manner, Carter would better serve us all by not opening his mouth and raise expectations.
Carter, of course, goes beyond raising expectations. He blames the United States and Israel for what he calls a regression in peace talks. He says Hamas needs to be at the bargaining table. And he slaps the face of Israeli officials for building more settlements and putting an even tighter squeeze on Gaza.
When the rocket attacks on Israel stop. When Hamas stops encouraging hatred toward Israelis and Jews. When Hamas changes its stated policy to eliminate the state of Israel. Only then should anyone listen to what they've told Carter.
Until then, their comments to the former president should be taken with the same grain of salt as my ex-girlfriend's comments to me.
I once had a girlfriend who told me everything she thought I wanted to hear. But that meant nothing. She was just trying to appease me.
Unless and until Hamas shows it's willing to operate in a peaceful manner, Carter would better serve us all by not opening his mouth and raise expectations.
Carter, of course, goes beyond raising expectations. He blames the United States and Israel for what he calls a regression in peace talks. He says Hamas needs to be at the bargaining table. And he slaps the face of Israeli officials for building more settlements and putting an even tighter squeeze on Gaza.
When the rocket attacks on Israel stop. When Hamas stops encouraging hatred toward Israelis and Jews. When Hamas changes its stated policy to eliminate the state of Israel. Only then should anyone listen to what they've told Carter.
Until then, their comments to the former president should be taken with the same grain of salt as my ex-girlfriend's comments to me.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
William Shatner On Paltalk
Shatner
Legendary actor William Shatner joins Mike Horn for a look at his spectacular career and a preview of his Celebrity Horse Show benefiting Ahead with Horses on The PM Show in the CRN Digital Talk Radio room in the Radio/TV Section of Paltalk.com Monday April 21st.
Shatner is a double Emmy-Gold Glob and Saturn Award winning actor who gained fame for playing Capt. James Kirk on Star Trek from 1966 to 1969 and in seven of the subsequent movies.
He has written a series of books chronicling his experiences playing Kirk and being a part of Star Trek. He also played the title role as veteran police sergeant T.J. Hooker from 1982 to 1986. He has since worked as a musician, bestselling author, producer, director and celebrity pitchman
He currently co-stars as attorney Denny Crane on the television drama Boston Legal for which he has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award.
To join in the conversation with Shatner at 7 PM New York time Monday April 21 CLICK HERE. There is no charge.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
CRN Digital Talk Radio is syndicated to millions more households coast-to-coast across the United States.
Open War Threatened In Iraq
For many of us living in the United States, the threat of open war in Iraq is kind of odd.
From where we sit, it appears that open war is already underway in Iraq. And has been for the past five years.
The declaration by militia leader Moqtada al-Sadr is, instead, more like a threat of an escalation of the conflict. This at a time when the United States is claiming gains in suppressing the insurgency.
Al-Sadr's threat comes on the heels of the deaths of 20 of his fighters at the hands of U.S. troops. It also coincides with an unannounced one-day visit to Iraq by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
From where we sit, it appears that open war is already underway in Iraq. And has been for the past five years.
The declaration by militia leader Moqtada al-Sadr is, instead, more like a threat of an escalation of the conflict. This at a time when the United States is claiming gains in suppressing the insurgency.
Al-Sadr's threat comes on the heels of the deaths of 20 of his fighters at the hands of U.S. troops. It also coincides with an unannounced one-day visit to Iraq by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
9/11 Family Members 'Appalled' At Security Issues At Ground Zero
A future view
The Skyscraper Safety Campaign says it is appalled and outraged, but not surprised, at the revelations of critically lax security at the World Trade Center site.
Blue prints of the plans for the new World Trade Center were found in a street corner trash can in New York City this week. Something the SSC calls "another example of why the non-accountable" Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The SSC is in agreement with city officials. That the NYPD should be, instead, put in charge of security at Ground Zero. But unlike the city, which wants the New York cops to take over when the Freedom Tower is completed, the campaign is calling for the Port Authority to turn over security to the NYPD now.
The SSC is also calling for exemptions from fire and building codes enjoyed by the Port Authority to be removed.
Friday, April 18, 2008
A Former President Meets With A Terrorist Leader
His reception in Israel was lukewarm at best.
The Israelis don't particularly like former Pres. Jimmy Carter. Not since Carter compared Israel with South Africa under apartheid. Not since Carter announced plans to meet with a Hamas leader in Syria.
But Carter was all smiles today as he fulfilled that pledge. His sit down session with exiled Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal in Damascus probably made him feel like he's accomplishing something.
Carter has suggested that he is opening a back channel with Hamas. But who is he back channeling to?
Certainly not the Israelis. And certainly not the White House.
See, the White House, and the Israelis, believe Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Something Carter, conveniently, ignores.
A former president should never conduct his own foreign policy initiatives in contradiction to a sitting administration. Carter wouldn't have appreciated it if it had occurred while he was president. He should be affording the same courtesy he expected as president to President Bush.
The Israelis don't particularly like former Pres. Jimmy Carter. Not since Carter compared Israel with South Africa under apartheid. Not since Carter announced plans to meet with a Hamas leader in Syria.
But Carter was all smiles today as he fulfilled that pledge. His sit down session with exiled Hamas leader Khalid Meshaal in Damascus probably made him feel like he's accomplishing something.
Carter has suggested that he is opening a back channel with Hamas. But who is he back channeling to?
Certainly not the Israelis. And certainly not the White House.
See, the White House, and the Israelis, believe Hamas to be a terrorist organization. Something Carter, conveniently, ignores.
A former president should never conduct his own foreign policy initiatives in contradiction to a sitting administration. Carter wouldn't have appreciated it if it had occurred while he was president. He should be affording the same courtesy he expected as president to President Bush.
Famed TV Producer Gary Goldberg Doesn't Watch Much Television
He lives in Vermont.
He doesn't even own a computer. He writes long hand on paper (who does that these days)? And he doesn't watch much TV at all.
He's friends with Larry David, but has never seen his show.
He's never seen a so-called reality TV show. But he's responsible for so many great television productions.
Gary David Goldberg says he was blessed with working with some of the greatest writers in the business. And some of the greatest actors. Tops among them, Michael J. Fox.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Goldberg said it takes time for television shows to grow an audience. The networks, he says, are impatient these days. Not willing to give shows time to develop.
They also are afraid to take chances. And that's why the caliber of programming, he says, has diminished.
He doesn't even own a computer. He writes long hand on paper (who does that these days)? And he doesn't watch much TV at all.
He's friends with Larry David, but has never seen his show.
He's never seen a so-called reality TV show. But he's responsible for so many great television productions.
Gary David Goldberg says he was blessed with working with some of the greatest writers in the business. And some of the greatest actors. Tops among them, Michael J. Fox.
Speaking on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com, Goldberg said it takes time for television shows to grow an audience. The networks, he says, are impatient these days. Not willing to give shows time to develop.
They also are afraid to take chances. And that's why the caliber of programming, he says, has diminished.
The Fires In Argentina - Another View
The sun attempts to break through the smoke over Buenos Aires
Editor's note: The following commentary about the fires and the shroud of smoke over Buenos Aires was written by Martin Suarez.
BUENOS AIRES - The fires on the grassland in the Argentine Delta were not set by farmers for political reasons as suggested by the government.
Each year at this time, farmers set fires to impede the growth of dangerous vegetation. Unfortunately, the fires this year are causing serious health and environmental problems, in large part due to climatic conditions which have impeded the dissipation of the smoke.
The resulting damage is obvious. Smoke is spreading over metropolitan Buenos Aires. Virtually all access to and from the nation’s capital has been cut off. Air travel is impossible. Highways are unsafe to negotiate because of the blanket of smoke.
The weather forecast calls for a shift in winds, but not for another several days. In the meantime, we in Buenos Aires suffer from increased levels of carbon monoxide. Although we’ve been advised that the smoke that is invading our homes is not toxic, it is, to many of us who are non-smokers, like suffering from the second hand smoke of those puffing cigarettes.
Hospitals are on alert for children, people with allergies, asthmatics and those with heart problems, who, medical experts say are the most vulnerable among us.
Many of the fires are now out but the smoke continues to migrate over an even larger area creating a huge curtain literally cutting us out from the rest of the world.
This practice of deforestation obviously must be now reviewed. But the government’s allegations that the fires were intentionally set to create this kind of emergency lacks veracity.
But for now, we in Buenos Aires await a change of wind direction to the west to take the smoke over the Rio de la Plata and away from our homes and lungs.
Each year at this time, farmers set fires to impede the growth of dangerous vegetation. Unfortunately, the fires this year are causing serious health and environmental problems, in large part due to climatic conditions which have impeded the dissipation of the smoke.
The resulting damage is obvious. Smoke is spreading over metropolitan Buenos Aires. Virtually all access to and from the nation’s capital has been cut off. Air travel is impossible. Highways are unsafe to negotiate because of the blanket of smoke.
The weather forecast calls for a shift in winds, but not for another several days. In the meantime, we in Buenos Aires suffer from increased levels of carbon monoxide. Although we’ve been advised that the smoke that is invading our homes is not toxic, it is, to many of us who are non-smokers, like suffering from the second hand smoke of those puffing cigarettes.
Hospitals are on alert for children, people with allergies, asthmatics and those with heart problems, who, medical experts say are the most vulnerable among us.
Many of the fires are now out but the smoke continues to migrate over an even larger area creating a huge curtain literally cutting us out from the rest of the world.
This practice of deforestation obviously must be now reviewed. But the government’s allegations that the fires were intentionally set to create this kind of emergency lacks veracity.
But for now, we in Buenos Aires await a change of wind direction to the west to take the smoke over the Rio de la Plata and away from our homes and lungs.
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