They are just words, aren't they Bill O'Reilly? Referring to late-term abortion doctor George Tiller as "Tiller the baby killer."
But now, Tiller is dead. Murdered in his church while attending Sunday services.
I wonder if the Fox News Channel host now regrets his words. Or whether he'll push ahead and simply express regret about Tiller's murder. But standby what he called him.
There are many reasons to oppose late term abortions. But no justification for what happened today. Those of us who are in the public eye, encouraging our audiences to take one point of view or another, need to be careful to be certain that our words don't encourage people to cause harm upon others, even by implication.
I don't know if the person who killed Dr. Tiller even watched O'Reilly, nor whether, if he did, O'Reilly's words motivated his actions. But I do know that what we say can influence our respective audiences. And that what we say are not just words.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
More People Turning To Faith In Harsh Economic Times
In financially depressed Detroit, people affected by the economic downturn are turning to God in larger numbers.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sazbean/2540494428/
Starfish Thrive Despite Global Warming
The group the Seekers, in their hit song Red Rubber Ball, sang, "now I know you're not the only starfish in the sea." Who would have thought that those lyrics would have meaning today?
Scientists are a bit confounded by a starfish species that are thriving during this time of global warming.
The common belief is that sea creatures with calcified shells - like starfish - would start dying out if temperatures rise. But, in an article published in New Scientist, we are learning that research conducted at the University of British Columbia shows that, well, the Pisaster ochraceus, a starfish they introduced to water that was warmer and more acid actually thrived.
The scientists caution, however, that other species might still start dying off as the sea becomes warmer.
New Tactic In Taliban Fight In Pakistan - Teenage Suicide Bombers
The Taliban has begun a new tactic in its fight against Pakistani troops in the Swat region of that country. They've begun recruiting teenagers as suicide bombers to use against local security forces.
The following is the chilling video of a young suicide bomber's final video message.
The use of suicide bombers is repulsive enough. To recruit teenagers to become human weapons is beyond reprehensible and, once again, illustrates the extent to which terrorist organizations will go to meet their ends.
While we in the west struggle - as we should - with the issue of interrogation techniques and treatment of detained terrorist suspects - let's not lose sight of the fact that the more serious human rights violations are being made by them, not us. Using children as soldiers, as we have sadly seen in many areas of the world, including, most recently, Sri Lanka, is a form of child abuse and disgusting. To use them as suicide bombers is the ultimate example of child abuse.
The following is the chilling video of a young suicide bomber's final video message.
The use of suicide bombers is repulsive enough. To recruit teenagers to become human weapons is beyond reprehensible and, once again, illustrates the extent to which terrorist organizations will go to meet their ends.
While we in the west struggle - as we should - with the issue of interrogation techniques and treatment of detained terrorist suspects - let's not lose sight of the fact that the more serious human rights violations are being made by them, not us. Using children as soldiers, as we have sadly seen in many areas of the world, including, most recently, Sri Lanka, is a form of child abuse and disgusting. To use them as suicide bombers is the ultimate example of child abuse.
Woman Uses Google, Facebook To Find Son Kidnapped Nearly 30 Years Ago
Two days ago I told you the story of the bank robber who got captured because the FBI checked his MySpace page and found that he had bragged there about pulling the heist. Today, I bring you a story about another person found - the son of a woman who lost him to a parental kidnapping nearly three decades ago. Found, also, thanks to the Internet.
The woman, Avril Grube, entered her missing son's name into a Google search and was led to his Facebook page. She sent him a message and waited several weeks before receiving an answer.
Now, she and 30-year-old Gavin Paros, who was abducted by his father to Budapest when he was just 3-years-old, have been reunited in his native England.
Does Feminism Make Women Less Happy?
A new report suggests women are less happy now than they were before the advent of feminism.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bertwerk/1468436153/
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bank Robber Busted After MySpace Boast
A blabber mouth bank robber was busted after boasting about his heist on his MySpace account. Proving, once again, you don't have to be a brain surgeon to pull off a bank robbery.
Joseph Wade Northington, 27, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to a reduced charge of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Joseph Wade Northington, 27, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Columbia to a reduced charge of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
On January 20, Northington robbed the Security Federal Bank in North Augusta of $3,924. After surveillance photos were shown on television, a man notified authorities that he recognized the robber as Northington, who had stayed with him while visiting the area on the date of the robbery but had since returned to Virginia.
Investigators checked Northington's MySpace page where he posted this as his status: " On tha run for robbin a bank Love all of yall.” Agents caught up with and arrested Northington in Virginia nine days later.
News Talk Online May 29, 2009
Three topics were on the agenda of today's News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
North Korea did another short-range missile test today, but there are continuing concerns about its long-range and nuclear capabilities.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Republican radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh crossed over the line when they referred to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as a racist. Probably hurting the Republican Party far more than they hurt her chances of confirmation.
And President Obama's announcement that he wants to appoint a cyber security czar raises privacy concern questions.
North Korea did another short-range missile test today, but there are continuing concerns about its long-range and nuclear capabilities.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Republican radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh crossed over the line when they referred to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor as a racist. Probably hurting the Republican Party far more than they hurt her chances of confirmation.
And President Obama's announcement that he wants to appoint a cyber security czar raises privacy concern questions.
Test of Biometric Exit Procedures Begins At 2 U.S. Airports
The Homeland Security Department has started collecting digital fingerprints from non‑U.S. citizens departing the United States as part of a pilot program at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International and Detroit Metropolitan airports.
“Collecting biometrics allows us to determine faster and more accurately whether non-U.S. citizens have departed the United States on time or remained in the country illegally,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The pilot program is expected to run a little over a month and then will likely be expanded to other airports sometime next year.
Obama Announces Need For Cyber Security Chief
As he announced the creation of the position of a cyber security czar, President Obama acknowledged for the first time that his campaign was victimized online.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Soyuz Space Ship International Space Station Docking LIVE On Paltalk
A Russian cosmonaut, a Canadian astronaut and a Belgian crew member are on board. They will join three other Russians, an American and a Japanese space flyer aboard the ISS.
To join in the coverage at 8 AM New York time Friday CLICK HERE.
Paltalk is the largest multimedia interactive program on the Internet with more than 4 million unique users.
News Talk Online May 28, 2009
It was open forum today on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. Among the issues discussed:
* How a major terrorist suspect rolled over after an FBI interrogator gave him chocolate chip cookies.
* How the Taliban is threatening retaliation in Pakistan for that nation's army's push against the terrorist organization.
* How Israel's upcoming war games could provoke a real military confrontation.
* Whether the Obama administration is pressuring reporters to mute their criticism of the president's nomination for the Supreme Court.
* How the U.S. government has run out of money.
* Whether the economy is truly recovering.
* How those who expose human rights violations in Iran are harassed by regime supporters on Paltalk.
* How a major terrorist suspect rolled over after an FBI interrogator gave him chocolate chip cookies.
* How the Taliban is threatening retaliation in Pakistan for that nation's army's push against the terrorist organization.
* How Israel's upcoming war games could provoke a real military confrontation.
* Whether the Obama administration is pressuring reporters to mute their criticism of the president's nomination for the Supreme Court.
* How the U.S. government has run out of money.
* Whether the economy is truly recovering.
* How those who expose human rights violations in Iran are harassed by regime supporters on Paltalk.
News Talk Online June 2, 2009: Radio Talk Show Host Threatened By Terrorists
Humphries
Rusty Humphries, the host of a nationally syndicated show on Talk Radio Network, and who says he has been threatened with murder by online Islamists linked with pro-al Qaeda groups will be my guest Tuesday June 2 on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
On an anti-Semitic blog called The Jew Report, there is posted a photo of Humphries and an accusation charging that "the brothers in Florida" have been harassed by police officers who listen to his shows. The blog blames or credits Humphries for police and FBI raids of mosques. It calls on Muslims who live near Humphries to stop him from driving to his studio in Orlando, and prays that, "Inshallah we will see his Fat rottan [sic] torso dumped in the side of the road or in some Florida swomp [sic]."
Humphries has been outspoken in his condemnation of Islamist terrorism on his show. He's met face-to-face with Palestinian terrorist leaders who, during at least one interview, became enraged with what he was saying.
Humphries says he has reported the online death threat to both local and federal law enforcement officials who are investigating.
Humphries reported the "Jew Report" death threat to local and federal law enforcement officials, who are investigating. He has also invited his detractors to appear on his show to debate him.
Forget Waterboarding. Try Chocolate Chip Cookies
Terrorist interrogator's best friend
According to the print media industry publication Editor and Publisher, a story that will appear in tomorrow's Time Magazine reveals that an interrogation technique that worked with one of the world's most notorious terrorists involved feeding him sugar free chocolate chip cookies.
That's right. Time correspondent Bobby Gosh reports that a former FBI interrogator gave Osama bin Laden lieutenant Abu Jandal - a diabetic - sugar free chocolate chip cookies to soften him up. Gosh reports that the interrogator, Ali Soufan, told members of Congress that showing Jandal respect softened him up and he sang like a canary.
Former FBI agent Jack Cloonan, who also interrogated terrorism suspects, said in an interview on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com that he too rejected torture. He said doing small favors for suspects often resulted in them giving him information vital to national security. Torture, he said, only would cause a suspect to tell you what they think you want to know just to get the interrogator to stop.
We talk about issues like these and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelfordjames/3431949081/
Fight Rising Energy Costs - Convert Food Scraps Into Methane
Yesterday I told you about a plan to paint cities and towns white to reflect the sun's heat and reduce the threat of global warming.
Now comes a plan to turn food wastes into methane. Methane that can be siphoned off and turned into energy.
What a great idea - presuming it works. We are all guilty of tossing away good, edible food, from our dinner tables. Restaurants trash food all the time - left overs from their customer's plates and excess food they've cooked but haven't served.
Imagine that food being turned into methane that could help power your car or warm your house or even turn on your lights. Brilliant!
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32123311@N00/771241506/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
News Talk Online May 27, 2009: North Korea Threatens U.S. Navy
North Korea today announced that it was no longer recognizing the truce that ended the Korean war. And threatened to attack South Korea and U.S. naval vessels over the interdiction of cargo ships to ensure that no nuclear bomb making materials are being shipped into or out of the country.
The question is, what should the United States and the rest of the international community do to counter North Korea's provocation? More importantly, what is the U.S. willing to do if North Korea makes good on its threat?
The implications extend far beyond just North Korea. Iran is watching closely these developments and will likely feel emboldened with regard to its nuclear weapons program should North Korea manage to continue with its without severe consequences.
The question is, what should the United States and the rest of the international community do to counter North Korea's provocation? More importantly, what is the U.S. willing to do if North Korea makes good on its threat?
The implications extend far beyond just North Korea. Iran is watching closely these developments and will likely feel emboldened with regard to its nuclear weapons program should North Korea manage to continue with its without severe consequences.
What Happened To Obama's Bill Signing Promise?
Politicians make lots of promises they can't keep. But sometimes they make promises they can keep but just won't.
Such is the case with President Obama's promise to post bills on the White web page for constituent review before signing them. Clearly this is one pledge well within the control of the president. It's not like others that require - say - congressional approval.
The Washington Times is reporting that just last week, the president signed four bills within one or two days of their passage in Congress. He had promised to post bills on the web site for five days after they reached his desk to allow for public comment.
So much for transparency in government.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krcla/3254363767/
Fight Global Warming, Paint The Town White
Has low-tech solution to global warming
There's a saying about painting the town red when you're going out to party.
The Rolling Stones recorded a song called "Paint It Black."
But the U.S. energy secretary says they've go it all wrong. We should be painting our towns and cities white.
White roofs. White roads.
Why? Steven Chu, who is a Nobel prize-winning physicist, says that painting as much of the surface of the earth white will combat global warming. It would be so effective, he says, that it would be like removing all cars from all roads for 11 years.
White surfaces reflect sunlight therefore, Chu says, countering global warming.
So, if you want to stop global warming, get out the whitewash!
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
Ron Paul To Obama: Cut Spending!
Time to stop spending
"We're out of money."
Those words - not from his Republican detractors, but from President Obama himself, during a holiday interview on C-Span.
The president has been spending our taxpayer money like it's water in the hopes of stimulating the economy. Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul, a failed candidate for his party's nomination for president last year, says the only solution now is to cut spending.
In an interview on CNN this morning, Paul suggested that the government can't raise taxes. The American people can't afford that. So the president has to do what he probably anticipated that he'd inevitably have to do. Reduce government spending.
It may be time to do just that. A group of leading economists is saying today that we're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - that the recession is winding to an end. They predict moderate growth in the second half of the year. One major counter indicator - the unemployment rate continues to rise.
If taxpayer spending continues out-of-control, one sector that will surely add to the unemployment rate may be the government. It may have to follow the lead of the private sector. Lots of companies that are still solvent but less profitable are taking prudent steps by cutting staff. And they aren't out of money like the government.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
News Talk Online May 26, 2009: A Nomination To The Supreme Court And North Korea's Defiance
President Obama's nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court and North Korea's defiance of the international community were the topics on today's News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., partner with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s appellate and constitutional Law practice group in Washington, DC was my first guest, giving insight into Sotomayor's judicial temperament. Dupree has argued many cases in front of Judge Sotomayor and describes her as a smart judge who has a forceful and direct questioning style from the bench. "As a lawyer arguing a case before her, you would always want to make sure that you were fully prepared because she would be likely to zero in on any weaknesses in your argument and ask you the tough questions," he said.
My second guest was Matthew Rojansky, executive director of Partnership for a Secure America. Rojansky said it's difficult to overstate the threat North Korea poses by continuing with its nuclear weapons program. His fear is that it will cause other nations, including Iran and Japan, to abandon their adoption of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty causing nations and non-state players to embrace nuclear weapons in their arsenals.
Thomas H. Dupree, Jr., partner with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s appellate and constitutional Law practice group in Washington, DC was my first guest, giving insight into Sotomayor's judicial temperament. Dupree has argued many cases in front of Judge Sotomayor and describes her as a smart judge who has a forceful and direct questioning style from the bench. "As a lawyer arguing a case before her, you would always want to make sure that you were fully prepared because she would be likely to zero in on any weaknesses in your argument and ask you the tough questions," he said.
My second guest was Matthew Rojansky, executive director of Partnership for a Secure America. Rojansky said it's difficult to overstate the threat North Korea poses by continuing with its nuclear weapons program. His fear is that it will cause other nations, including Iran and Japan, to abandon their adoption of the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty causing nations and non-state players to embrace nuclear weapons in their arsenals.
The 8 Green Steps To Solartopia
Ban waste
By Harvey Wasserman
The noble vision of a Solartopian green-powered Earth is at last upon us.
Our eco-future is defined by the four Great Green Truths: we have a global crisis, it has a solution, the solution is winnable, and winning requires a "middle path" of action that is both non-violent and non-stop.
There are technological solutions to the crisis, but they demand political action. Together they comprise the Eight Green Steps to a sustainable world:
1.BAN WASTE AND WAR: Nothing may be produced that cannot be fully recycled or that will not completely bio-degrade. This includes weapons whose sole purpose is death and destruction, and whose manufacture and use must be ended by a global community that knows war to be the ultimate act of ecological suicide.
2.MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY & CONSERVATION: From energy to building materials, food to fiber, water to paper, our resources must be preserved. Our unsustainable consumption and wasteful industries must be made appropriate and efficient, starting with a reborn mass transit system and complete preservation of all remaining virgin land and waters.
3.TRANSCEND FOSSIL/NUKE: King CONG (Coal, Oil, Nukes & Gas) must take its place in the compost heap of history. Our addiction to filthy, finite fossil/nuclear fuels has led us to the brink of economic and ecological collapse. In the new green millennium, we either kick the habit, or it kills us.
4. CONVERT TO RENEWABLES: Solar, wind, tidal, geothermal, ocean thermal, wave, current, sustainable bio-fuels and their green siblings are proven, profitable and have time on their side. Each has its imperfections, and no single source will dominate. But union-made renewables sing in economic and ecological harmony, and are the ultimate job-creators.
5. GO ORGANIC: Factory farming, genetically modified crops and chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are unsustainable. Diverse, community-scaled, reliably organic agriculture is the key to a future fed by food that's fit to eat.
6. TRANSFORM THE CORPORATION: Our most powerful---and destructive---institution claims human rights without human responsibilities. Corporate charters must require social service, ecological accountability and establish a barrier between capitalism and cannibalism. "Green" corporations whose legal mandate still remains limited to accumulating profits will make a mess of the planet as surely as all those that have come before.
7. ASSURE SOCIAL DEMOCRACY: Universal hand-counted (recycled) paper ballots and curbs on the power of money to sway elections are the essence of global democracy, as is the demand for social justice. Until all humans are assured the basics of life---food, shelter, clothing, health care, education---democracy and freedom are shallow illusions.
8. EMPOWER WOMEN / CONTROL POPULATION: Where enfranchised, educated, fairly paid and in control of their own bodies, the natural union of women with Mother Earth brings us the children She wishes to support. On a healthy planet, birth rates find their natural level when all children are loved and wanted, which is where Solartopia starts.
This list follows the form of Buddhism's Four Noble Truths and Eight-Fold Path to Enlightenment. But all religions at their core call for universal harmony between people and the planet.
Solartopia is diverse, sustainable, and socially just, the necessary, possible vision of a civilization in which we can all survive and thrive.
See you there!
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Harvey Wasserman's SOLARTOPIA! OUR GREEN-POWERED EARTH is at www.solartopia.org, along with the DVD of his conversation with Ernest Callenbach "From Ecotopia to Solartopia," at YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/
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Iran Unbans Facebook
Good news for those of you who have Facebook friends in Iran. You can communicate with them once again.
The international outrage from Iran's banning Facebook for political reasons caught the government there by storm and it has rescinded the banning order.
You'll recall that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pulled Facebook from his country after he learned that his opponent in next month's election had more Facebook friends than he did.
What I suggest as a tactic to avoid a reinstatement of the ban is this: We should all add Ahmadinejad as a friend. Maybe then he won't feel like the little lonely guy out on the playground. Hell, he might even play nice nice with the rest of the world, except, of course, Israel. That would just bee too much to expect!
The international outrage from Iran's banning Facebook for political reasons caught the government there by storm and it has rescinded the banning order.
You'll recall that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad pulled Facebook from his country after he learned that his opponent in next month's election had more Facebook friends than he did.
What I suggest as a tactic to avoid a reinstatement of the ban is this: We should all add Ahmadinejad as a friend. Maybe then he won't feel like the little lonely guy out on the playground. Hell, he might even play nice nice with the rest of the world, except, of course, Israel. That would just bee too much to expect!
Support For Gitmo Closing Eroding
Guantanamo Bay holding cells
Here's another reason why the U.S. Senate may have voted against funding President Obama's planned closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. Constituent support of the plan is less than overwhelming.
The latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds that 49 percent of Americans oppose closing Gitmo. And that only 38 percent actually agree with the president's decision.
Perhaps even more politically revealing: 57 percent do not want any Gitmo detainees in their backyard. Meaning anywhere on the U.S. homeland.
The president may be right that closing Guantanamo Bay will improve the nation's security (though the survey finds that most Americans disagree with that too). But he may find this item on his ambitious agenda politically unpalatable and unattainable.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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New York City's Water Supply Could Be In Danger
Part of watershed that feeds NY City taps
The waters that flow to the taps in New York City and downstream in New Jersey and Pennsylvania may be in serious jeopardy - and not from the threat of terrorism.
Chris Hedges reports for Truthdig that a project to drill for natural gas in Pennsylvania could, if something goes wrong, pollute the Delaware Watershed. If it does, the drinking water in the most populous region of the nation could be polluted so badly that it could not be used for human consumption.
Once again, the real threats to our well being may be coming from within - not from without. Or as the cartoon character Pogo would say: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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Photo credit: Francis Huber
Concerns About Enchanced Checks On The U.S.-Canadian Border
Entering Detroit from the Detroit-Windsor tunnel
As Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napoliatano prepares to discuss border security at the Detroit-Windsor border and in Ottawa, renewed concerns are being raised about enhanced measures already in place on the border - and additional steps that will go into effect on June 1.
The economies and the social structure from both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border have long been intertwined - in large measure due to the ease of crossing. As a young man in Detroit, going to Windsor for a bite to eat at a restaurant on Ouellette Avenue or to play BINGO at one of Windsor's many halls was as seamless as driving to Toledo to go to the zoo. In fact, it was less of a drive and therefore less of a hassle. But the last time I went to Windsor to visit a friend, I was treated almost like a suspect by border agents on both sides of the Ambassador Bridge.
Business people on both sides of the Detroit River - and I am sure elsewhere along the border - are expressing concerns about the increased security - put into place because of a fear of terrorism. It will be interesting to see what Napoliatano has to say about that today.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
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As A Bombs Goes Off And Missiles Fly A Threat Of 'A Resolution With Teeth' For North Korea
People in the darkened streets of North Korea have been celebrating. Protests have been held in the lighted streets of South Korea. Over the north's underground testing of a nuclear bomb. And, this morning, the test firing of two more missiles. In open defiance of international pressure and condemnation.
This morning on CNN Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the UN Security Council had met Monday and will come together again to put together "a resolution with teeth" for North Korea. The question almost is, why bother?
Pyongyang has indicated that it is not willing to pay attention much less comply with previous UN resolutions. Its promises to the past two U.S. administrations to stand down on its nuclear program have proven to lack veracity. What possibly could both entice and, more importantly, assure, future agreement and compliance with any demands to stop?
Unlike its neighbor to the south, North Korea is an impoverished nation, one which can't even provide electricity to all of its inhabitants. Possession of The Bomb - and defiance of international condemnation - gives an otherwise pitiful nation a much needed feeling of self worth. They may not have much, but they have nuclear weapons and missiles capable of delivering them. So they are just like the big boys on the block. They can and will demand respect. Let the world come to us, seems to be the message in the north. Let them treat us with respect. Respect we wouldn't have if we didn't have The Bomb.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
This morning on CNN Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said the UN Security Council had met Monday and will come together again to put together "a resolution with teeth" for North Korea. The question almost is, why bother?
Pyongyang has indicated that it is not willing to pay attention much less comply with previous UN resolutions. Its promises to the past two U.S. administrations to stand down on its nuclear program have proven to lack veracity. What possibly could both entice and, more importantly, assure, future agreement and compliance with any demands to stop?
Unlike its neighbor to the south, North Korea is an impoverished nation, one which can't even provide electricity to all of its inhabitants. Possession of The Bomb - and defiance of international condemnation - gives an otherwise pitiful nation a much needed feeling of self worth. They may not have much, but they have nuclear weapons and missiles capable of delivering them. So they are just like the big boys on the block. They can and will demand respect. Let the world come to us, seems to be the message in the north. Let them treat us with respect. Respect we wouldn't have if we didn't have The Bomb.
We talk about issues like this and more weekdays at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com
Monday, May 25, 2009
News Talk Online May 25, 2009: Standing Up To North Korea And Iran
President Obama said today that the world must stand up to North Korea after it conducted an underground nuclear test. But what exactly does that mean?
North Korea has toiled under sanctions and was previously pressured to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Not only did Pyongyang agree, but it supposedly blew up its facility that was developing nuclear weapons.
Obviously, North Korea's word is not its bond. And the same is likely true about Iran.
North Korea and Iran are joined at the hip when it comes to development of nuclear weapons. President Obama still wants to put international pressure on Iran to not build the bomb. But Iran's word is about as good as is North Korea.
North Korea's test today is a wake up call when it comes to Iran. Like Hamas, which agrees to cease fires with Israel to give itself opportunity to re-arm, the word of tyrants like the ones who control North Korea and Iran cannot be believed.
So how will the world now stand up to, not just North Korea, but Iran as well?
North Korea has toiled under sanctions and was previously pressured to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Not only did Pyongyang agree, but it supposedly blew up its facility that was developing nuclear weapons.
Obviously, North Korea's word is not its bond. And the same is likely true about Iran.
North Korea and Iran are joined at the hip when it comes to development of nuclear weapons. President Obama still wants to put international pressure on Iran to not build the bomb. But Iran's word is about as good as is North Korea.
North Korea's test today is a wake up call when it comes to Iran. Like Hamas, which agrees to cease fires with Israel to give itself opportunity to re-arm, the word of tyrants like the ones who control North Korea and Iran cannot be believed.
So how will the world now stand up to, not just North Korea, but Iran as well?
America's Love Affair With Guns
More than 1 billion rounds sold in 1 month alone
People from nations around the world sometimes have a hard time wrapping their minds around the gun culture in the United States. One in which gun advocates scream loudly that they fear their constitutional right to bear arms will be stripped away from them with the advent of any legislation regulating guns.
They generally prevail, so much so that even candidates for office who support greater gun control usually end up backing down to declare their support for the Second Amendment. Well, they are politicians, after all, and they clearly recognize that support for maintaining guns is high in the United States. But I wonder if they realize how massive that support is?
According to the gun industry news site Ammo Land, in just a three month period, Americans bought enough guns to outfit the entire Chinese and Indian armies combined. Ammo Land sites government statistics to back up this claim.
In addition, the site reports that in the month of December, 2008 alone, Americans bought more than 1 billion rounds of ammunition.
I have many friends who are gun owners and I respect their right to bear arms. But these figures are absolutely staggering.
They also underscore the argument that many put forth that - with so many Americans owning guns - the United States would be a difficult country to invade.
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Scientology On Trial
February 2008 protest outside New York Scientology HQ
Scientology - embraced by celebrities like Tom Cruise and John Travolta, protested as a cult by detractors, considered a religion by others - is on trial in France where it is considered a sect.
A woman who joined the Church of Scientology is claiming that she was mentally coerced into giving up large sums of money to the organization after she agreed to a free personality test.
Scientology rejects psychiatry. It has been accused of pressuring its members to give up large sums of money.
In an on-the-street interview during a protest outside its church near Times Square, the president of Scientology in New York, Rev. John Carmichael, denied it was a cult but declined an invitation to appear as a guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
The outcome of the case could have wide-ranging implications for Scientology. If the church loses, it could be banned from France - and that could influence how it is viewed elsewhere in the world.
Clearly this is a case that will be closely watched by supporters and detractors alike.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Recruiting Radical Muslims In Prison
There are some outstanding questions about the four men busted on charges that they planned attacks on two Bronx synagogues and on aircraft of the Air National Guard in New York state. Including whether the conversion of one of the men in prison was an attempt to turn him into a radical Muslim.
But investigative reporter Steve Emerson says there is a concerted effort to convert prisoners to the Islamic religion in an attempt to radicalize them. After all, what better place to find a pool of potential terrorists than among criminals?
Emerson, in a piece he penned for the New York Post, chronicles several examples of radical conversions in the prisons. Including, shockingly, a statement by the head Muslim chaplain of the New York State prisons calling the 9/11 terrorists martyrs. And the prison conversion of convicted terrorist Jose Padilla.
My guest on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com on Friday, Fordham University law professor John Pfaff, described the four would-be synagogue bombers as low level criminals who, certainly were anti-Semites. But who, according to what's publicly known at this time, weren't pressed into radical service when some of them were converted in prison. But it's clear from Emerson's article that there is cause for concern. Pfaff says there's no reason for the prison system to spend time investigating allegations of recruitment of prisoners to become terrorist. I wonder, however, if he'd have reached the same conclusion if the four arrested last week had actually succeeded in executing their alleged plot.
Iran Blocks Facebook
No gays and now no Facebook in Iran
If you have any friends from Iran on your Facebook the chances are you won't be able to contact them any longer.
The French news agency AFP is reporting that Iran has taken Facebook down because President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's opponent is using the social networking site to reach potential voters.
So much for a free "election" in Iran!
Did An FBI Informant Entice Accused Terrorists?
Let me start out by saying that what the four alleged New York terrorists are charged with plotting was diabolical and unforgivable. That I'm happy they were stopped by the FBI and the NYPD. And that, ultimately, they are responsible for their alleged actions.
But there are some new questions being raised today about the way they were trapped. And those questions focus on the manner in which they were led toward their alleged terrorist plot by an FBI informant.
The New York Daily News is reporting that other members of the mosque the alleged terrorist ringleader attended were suspicious of the FBI informant who would snare people in the parking lot and offer them assistance. Many thought he was a man to avoid. Too friendly.
The implication here is that he may have put into the mind of suspect James Cromitie the idea of committing a terrorist attack. If that is true, then, not only may the case be in jeopardy, but one must question the tactics used.
The good news is, according to the police and FBI, most of the operation was recorded. The house of one of the men was bugged. As they allegedly planned their attacks on two Bronx synagogues and Air National Guard aircraft, their words were being listened to and retained as evidence. Evidence that will be presented against them at trial. Evidence that the court will hear and use to judge the men.
But here's the question that still needs to be answered. Did law enforcement have information about suspected terrorist activities at the mosque before they sent the informant in? If so, then one could argue that the feds had reason to investigate further.
But if the informant was just given direction to go find suspected terrorists and then started attending the mosque with the intent of creating suspects to prosecute, then doesn't that make him, and by extension, the FBI, culpable in this plot?
The Muslim advocacy organization CAIR had been complaining before these arrests about alleged infiltration of mosques by informants and/or undercover agents. This case may, more than just determine the guilt or innocence of the four men charged, determine the propriety of the tactics of law enforcement in their attempts to protect us from terrorist attacks.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Somalia, A New Destination For Americans And Brits
Mass burial of those killed in Mogadishu fighting
Black Hawk down. Lawlessness. Pirates. Pitched battles. Ah, Somalia. What a beautiful vacation spot for Americans and Brits.
Well, at least those Americans and Brits who want to spend their holiday in a jihadist fight against the fragile government there.
That's right. According to a report in the Times of London, Brits and Yanks and even Canadians who want an exciting summer vacation fighting on the streets of Mogadishu are answering the call for more jihadist fighters. In fact, that's what has been tipping the balance of the war in favor of the insurgency.
The Times has seen a confidential report about this problem that's about to be presented to members of Congress. My question is, if any of these guys survive the battle, what will happen when they return to their respective countries? Will they be welcomed back with open arms as citizens of the United States or Canada or subjects of Britain? And if, legally, they have the right to return home after fighting over there, will they be put on some kind of watch list? Because the thought of veteran jihadists loose in the United States makes me, for one, a bit nervous.
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Photo credit: Abdurrahman Warsameh, ISN Security Watch
Radio Show Host Gets Waterboarded, Calls It Torture
Mancow
I've been calling the disputed Bush administration's means of questioning terror suspects "enhanced interrogation techniques" because - well - how am I to judge whether they should be called torture, as some do, or not? But now a right wing radio show host from Chicago - a previous supporter of waterboarding - is in a position to know - and he is calling it torture.
WLS radio's syndicated talk show host Eric "Mancow" Muller decided to get himself waterboarded on the air - to prove to his audience - and himself - it was not torture. He lasted just six seconds - and when he came up for air he declared, with some reluctance, that waterboarding is, indeed, torture.
Had it been a left-leaning host who reached this conclusion the on air stunt would have had less impact. Because the suspect would have been predisposed to calling it torture. But Mancow was trying to prove that it was not - and concluded that it was.
Whether the other enhanced interrogation techniques that President Obama has banned can be considered torture or not may remain a matter of debate. Perhaps Mancow will now volunteer to subject himself to them as well - and report back to the rest of us his observations.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Taking A Vacation Can Stress You Out
You call this stressful?
This is the Memorial Day weekend in the United States, the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. And with more Americans overworked because of the economy, you'd think they'd be looking forward with anticipation to taking a break from the grind. But a new survey suggests - maybe not. Maybe the thought of going on vacation - and the thought of returning with work piled up - actually stresses them out - rather than relieves their stress.
It seems with so many people getting laid off and the workloads of so many of us increasing, getting out of the office is - well - a bit more difficult than in year's past. It also means there's no one around to take up the slack when we're gone. Therefore, it becomes stressful to leave. And even more stressful to come back.
But one thing's for sure. With so many people losing their jobs, those of us who are still working - and who are actually granted a vacation - should relax, enjoy and appreciate what we have. I mean, the potential alternative is a permanent vacation, isn't it?
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zivturner/2543978765/
Ridge Breaks With Cheney On Obama Criticism
Ridge
The first national homeland security secretary says he disagrees with former Vice President Dick Cheney's assertion that President Obama has made the nation less safe.
Tom Ridge's comments came in an interview with CNN's John King that will air this Sunday. In it, Ridge says he doesn't believe that Obama's decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and his rejection of enhanced interrogation techniques makes the United States any less safe.
What makes this disagreement with Cheney so significant is that Ridge - a Republican - served in the Bush-Cheney administration and was recruited for the job by Cheney. And, presumably, as a former homeland security secretary, Ridge would know a little bit about what it takes to keep the nation safe.
Terror Suspect Converted To Islam In Prison Mislead Topic On Paltalk
Stewart ANG tower
An imam who spoke with one of the four men who were arrested for allegedly planning attacks on Jewish synagogues in New York and on aircraft at Stewart Air National Guard base says the man had a terrible misunderstanding of Islam - an indoctrination he received when he was converted in prison.
Many inmates find people of like mind to run with while in prison - whether gangs or practitioners of a common religion. Freelancing in the joint provides no protection from predator inmates. So the question arises, how mislead are those who are converted to Islam while in prison?
Joining us to talk about this issue on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com at 5 PM New York time today will be Fordham Law Professor John Pfaff, an expert in prison sentencing and guidelines. CLICK HERE to talk to him then.
Pelosi Obfuscates
Mums the word
We all gathered in the News Talk Online room on Paltalk.com today to hear what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would say about her claims that the CIA mislead her about interrogation techniques during the Bush administration. We sat patiently, waiting while she and other Democrats spoke about all the great legislation they've passed in this Congress. We let them go through the motions of patting themselves on the back - awaiting the first question about her rift with the CIA. When it finally came, we were woefully disappointed.
Pelosi - at a news conference that she called - decided to not answer the reporter's question. Saying that she is standing by her previous comments and "staying on our course" and "not being distracted by it."
"I won't," she concluded, "have anything more to say about it."
Well, I, for one, am deeply offended by her response.
Look, she may be telling the truth when she says the CIA mislead her. Or the CIA may be telling the truth when it says it's "not in the business" of misleading Congress. Either way, this is a serious allegation that demands proof.
Now it's true that Pelosi has asked the CIA to release notes from the briefings so she can back up her claims. But it's also true that she knew before she asked for the proofs that the CIA can't release what was said during a confidential congressional briefing.
Her allegations are serious. They deserve further investigation. And she owes the American public more than what she offered today. So much for transparency in government.
Her problem may be that she realizes now, when it's too late, that she's taking on the wrong agency. One whose middle name is Intellegence.
The Changing, Dangerous Scene In Mexico
I used to go to Mexico all the time, and not just to border towns.
Along with my ex-wife, who is of Mexican heritage, I would travel into the interior, where we would enjoy the culture by living with relatives - giving us an insight we wouldn't have experienced by just going to tourist areas and hanging out with fellow norteamericanos.
My parents, too, were winter Texans, living near McAllen on the Mexican border. So when I'd visit them, we'd just walk across the bridge into Reynosa and enjoy the town, the culture, and the people. And, as a reporter, I've traveled to Mexico City on assignment.
I have such fond memories of Mexico. But I fear, that if things continue the way they are today, they will remain just that - memories. Because today I have no desire to travel to Mexico, for business or for pleasure.
The drug wars there, frankly, give cause for pause. The deaths of four young people traveling from California to Mexico recently underscores how dangerous it is to go there now. And today comes word of a prison escape. A prison escape that, if not aided and abetted by guards, was certainly not stopped by them.
The guards stood by as more than 50 prisoners walked out. That's right - they just stood by. Of course, the fact that those who broke them out were armed and dressed as police officers may have contributed to their reticence to take action.
Now, these were not just your ordinary run-of-the-mill petty criminals. Those who escaped include some of the most dangerous men behind bars in Mexico.
So, forgive me if my love affair with Mexico is tarnished by all this. But at least, like with all love affairs that come to an end, I have my memories.
States With The Worse Drivers
Cruising along I-80 in Pennsylvania, I glance in my rear view mirror to see an aggressive driver barreling down on me. "I bet that car is from New Jersey," I tell my son.
Sure enough, as the guy flies by me like I'm standing still, I see the car does have a Jersey plate on it.
"See," I comment, "New Jersey has the worse drivers in the nation."
"Either New Jersey or New York," he responded. "I think New York drivers may even be worse than those in New Jersey."
How perceptive he is!
Last year's GMAC ratings of the states with the worse drivers did name Jersey motorists the most dangerous behind the wheel. But this year's list - which has just been released - says the worse drivers are in New York. New Jersey is now only second in the dubious listing.
Oh, and if you're looking for safe, courteous drivers, you need only go to Idaho or Wisconsin, which tied for best.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdcapasso/3389973724/
One Automaker Moves Toward Bankruptcy While Another Moves Out
The Washington Post is reporting today that the Obama administration is moving General Motors into bankruptcy as soon as early next week. Almost simultaneously, Chrysler Corporation is being moved out of bankruptcy.
It's the government's tool to force restructuring and solvency on two of the former Big Three automakers. But, as in the case of cancer treatment, the question remains: will they survive the efforts to save them or will the cure kill them?
Add to the mix the president's laudable goal of making the U.S. auto fleet fuel efficient and environmentally friendly - adding a cost of up to several thousand dollars per car - and you stop to wonder if these efforts are really designed to save or kill the auto industry.
One of the aspects of bankruptcy is the closing of dealerships and that erodes public confidence in the manufacturer. People are used to the convenience of going to a dealer in their immediate vicinity. They become attached to a sales person or a dealer. They don't want to be inconvenienced when their car needs service by having to drive an extra 10, 20 or 30 miles or more.
And the current economic climate makes the prospect of having to pay more for cars that are fuel efficient and better on the environment makes many drivers cringe. This is something the government should have pushed back in the 70s during the OPEC oil shortage. Not now when people are combining trips to the grocery store with driving their kids to soccer practice to save on gasoline.
Of course, one could argue - as some do - that to not intervene and let the market resolve this itself would have meant the end of both GM and Chrysler. So that the bitter pill that Obama is telling his car company patients to take is far more palatable than the prospect of shutting down.
Only time will tell if the patients, and the U.S. auto industry, survive.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/harry_nl/3100591401/
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Swine Flu May Be Kind To Older People
Usually during flu season the concerns are for the old, the very young and those who have compromised immune systems. They are the ones most likely to get very ill - or die - from the flu.
But now comes evidence that the swine flu may be more respectful to older people than are their grandchildren.
Researchers are noting that the older population seems, well, immune to the swine flu.
There are possible explanations - something about a flu strain that appeared from 1918 to 1957 making those of us born before 1957 less susceptible to this new strain.
Whatever the reason, those of us old enough to qualify are happy that we get an unexpected benefit beyond what the AARP offers.
But now comes evidence that the swine flu may be more respectful to older people than are their grandchildren.
Researchers are noting that the older population seems, well, immune to the swine flu.
There are possible explanations - something about a flu strain that appeared from 1918 to 1957 making those of us born before 1957 less susceptible to this new strain.
Whatever the reason, those of us old enough to qualify are happy that we get an unexpected benefit beyond what the AARP offers.
Those Reassuring Words 'Make The Next Legal U-Turn' Won't Be Silenced
It's not the talk of the shortage of water, pollution, swine flu or the threat of another terrorist attack that got to me. Like millions of others, a government report that suggested that the U.S. GPS system may fail next year got me really concerned.
Oh, how my life has changed since Garmin and I became acquainted. No longer do I have to worry about getting disoriented on the very confusing highway structure of New Jersey. My friendly GPS is always there to point me in the right direction. Or, if I fail to follow her commands, tell me to "make the next legal u-turn."
That's because an Air Force general says today that the threat is overblown and that there's only a very minimal chance Miss Garmin, my constant car companion, will be silenced next year.
News Talk Online May 21, 2009: Obama, Cheney Face Off With Dueling Speeches
The rhetorical battle between the current and immediate past administrations about national security came to a head today as President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney gave successive speeches before separate audiences in Washington - speeches that were both carried in their entirety live on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com.
Cheney has been very vocal of late, criticizing the Obama administration for making the nation less safe with its elimination of enhanced interrogation of terrorist suspects.
The president who has been trying to make his case for the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, received a major setback this week when Senate Democrats joined with Republicans in turning down funding for its mothballing over concerns that some detainees might end up loose on the streets of the United States.
So Obama had to go public and restate his case for its closing. He emphasized that no one who is a "danger to the American people" will be released. He said they will be transferred to maximum security federal pens, from which there has never been an escape. And he said he is confident that the federal court system will successfully prosecute terrorists. Though that sidesteps the emotional issue driving the opposition to closing Gitmo of what would be done with those who are acquitted.
Cheney, on the other hand, lambasted the Obama administration for having little regard for the valuable information detainees might provide - information that, he argues, could be used to thwart future terrorist attacks in the United States. The former vice president argued that the issue of waterboarding has been overblown by detractors, noting that only three people ever were waterboarded. And he said, several times, that torture was never permitted on the Bush administration's watch, noting that the enhanced interrogation techniques were only authorized after having been given what he called "careful" legal review.
He says the most vocal critics of the interrogation techniques come from those exhibiting "contrived indignation" and who "distort the truth."
CIA intelligence officers, he asserted, were only attempting to prevent future killings of Americans. And he repeated his assertion that completely prohibiting such techniques makes the United States less safe.
He concluded by citing the Bush administration's record of preventing terrorist attacks for the seven-and-a-half years following the September 11, 2001 attack. A record he says that should not be scorned "much less criminalized." Which goes directly to the heart of the issue. Because Cheney, seemingly, is not just concerned about future terrorist attacks. He's appears concerned that he and others might face prosecution for the decisions made on his watch.
We'll talk about the closing of Guantanamo and the enhance interrogation techniques of the Bush administration at 5 PM New York time today on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. CLICK HERE to join the conversation.
Cheney has been very vocal of late, criticizing the Obama administration for making the nation less safe with its elimination of enhanced interrogation of terrorist suspects.
The president who has been trying to make his case for the closing of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, received a major setback this week when Senate Democrats joined with Republicans in turning down funding for its mothballing over concerns that some detainees might end up loose on the streets of the United States.
So Obama had to go public and restate his case for its closing. He emphasized that no one who is a "danger to the American people" will be released. He said they will be transferred to maximum security federal pens, from which there has never been an escape. And he said he is confident that the federal court system will successfully prosecute terrorists. Though that sidesteps the emotional issue driving the opposition to closing Gitmo of what would be done with those who are acquitted.
Cheney, on the other hand, lambasted the Obama administration for having little regard for the valuable information detainees might provide - information that, he argues, could be used to thwart future terrorist attacks in the United States. The former vice president argued that the issue of waterboarding has been overblown by detractors, noting that only three people ever were waterboarded. And he said, several times, that torture was never permitted on the Bush administration's watch, noting that the enhanced interrogation techniques were only authorized after having been given what he called "careful" legal review.
He says the most vocal critics of the interrogation techniques come from those exhibiting "contrived indignation" and who "distort the truth."
CIA intelligence officers, he asserted, were only attempting to prevent future killings of Americans. And he repeated his assertion that completely prohibiting such techniques makes the United States less safe.
He concluded by citing the Bush administration's record of preventing terrorist attacks for the seven-and-a-half years following the September 11, 2001 attack. A record he says that should not be scorned "much less criminalized." Which goes directly to the heart of the issue. Because Cheney, seemingly, is not just concerned about future terrorist attacks. He's appears concerned that he and others might face prosecution for the decisions made on his watch.
We'll talk about the closing of Guantanamo and the enhance interrogation techniques of the Bush administration at 5 PM New York time today on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com. CLICK HERE to join the conversation.
Gitmo Suspect In Embassy Bombings To Be Tried In New York
Ghailani
As President Obama fights with members of his own party as well as Republicans for the funding to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and send the suspects to the United States for trial comes word that one Gitmo detainee is Manhattan bound.
Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani, a Tanzanian national has been held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility since September 2006 on suspicion of participating in the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.
A federal grand jury indicted Ghailani on Dec. 16, 1998 on charges that he conspired with Osama bin Laden and other members of al-Qaeda to kill Americans overseas and for his role in the Aug. 7, 1998, bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, which killed 11 people and injured 85 more. He was subsequently charged with 286 counts for his role, as well, in the murders of more than 200 people in the bombing that same day of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. He is also charged with participating in an al-Qaeda conspiracy to murder, bomb, and maim U.S. civilians elsewhere in the world.
It is charged that Ghailani assisted in the purchase of the Nissan truck as well as the oxygen and acetylene tanks that were used in the bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania and that he helped load boxes of TNT, cylinder tanks, batteries, detonators, fertilizer and sand bags into the back of the truck in the weeks immediately before the bombing. Ghailani left Africa for Pakistan the night before the bombing.
Ghailani was captured in July 2004. In September 2006, he and several other "high value detainees" were transferred to Guantanamo Bay. Ghailani has remained in Defense Department custody at Guantanamo Bay since that time.
On March 31, 2008, the Office of the Chief Prosecutor of the Military Commissions charged Ghailani under the Military Commissions Act for his alleged role in the 1998 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania and for his alleged service to al-Qaeda after the bombing, including serving as a document forger, physical trainer at an al-Qaeda camp and as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
News Talk Online May 20, 2009: Iran Missile Launch Unnerves Many
Nuclear plant in Iran
Iran's missile launch, on the heels of President Obama's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has many wondering about the timing. And concerned that, if Iran is successful in developing nuclear weapons, that it now has the capability to launch a nuclear missile that could reach Israel or southern Europe.
Coincidentally, a team of U.S. and Russian scientists are predicting that Iran will, if not otherwise impeded, create a nuclear warhead within the next five years.
There's an ever-increasing chorus among some Israelis, Americans and others to take preemptive action against Iran. And perhaps that will be necessary, sooner than some may have previously expected.
But, hopefully, President Obama's plan for diplomacy and sanctions will work. If he is successful in uniting the Arab world against Iran - and is able, with its help - to take the Palestinian issue, which Tehran has been exploiting, off the table, he may be successful. Imagine both a Middle East peace and an isolated Iran!
The president should be encouraged to continue pursuing this dream. But he needs to be pragmatic, as well, about the possibility that it may have to be someday abandoned for a military approach. Waiting too long, and letting Iran develop a nuclear weapon, is a mistake that the world cannot, and should not, accept.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hamed/237790717/
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Former Top Clinton Fund Raiser Guilty Of Federal Election Laws
Hsu
Norman Hsu, a former top Democratic fund raiser was found guilty today on all four counts of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act by making contributions to various political campaigns in the names of others. The conviction follows a six-day trial in federal court in New York City.
The evidence presented at trial showed that every year from 2004 through 2007, Hsu asked other individuals to make contributions to designated federal candidates. Hsu directly reimbursed the individuals for the political contributions they had made on his behalf. Contributions amounted to in excess of $2,000, but rose to exceed $25,000 in each of the following three years.
Earlier this month Hsu pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud and five counts of wire fraud in connection with an investment scheme in which he defrauded investors across the United States of millions of dollars.
Each of the mail fraud and wire fraud counts carries a maximum prison term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or less from the offense. Each of the four counts of federal campaign finance fraud of which Hsu was found guilty carries a maximum prison term of five years in prison and a maximum fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Hsu, 57, is scheduled to be sentenced on the campaign finance, mail and wire fraud counts on August 19.
News Talk Online May 19, 2009: The UK Sex Scandal, Aid To Pakistan & Obama's Car Emissions Standards
If Americans were to hear or see the headline, "House Speaker Resigns" they would undoubtedly think it referred to Nancy Pelosi who is embroiled in a controversy with the CIA about what she knew and when about waterboarding of terrorist suspects. But today's announcement about the resignation of a House speaker comes, not from Washington, but from London, where Michael Martin is stepping down as leader of the House of Commons for his mismanagement of a parliamentary expense scandal that included such things as swimming pools, moat and pornography.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced a $110 million aid package for Pakistan due to the displacement of as many as 1.5 million civilians as a result of fighting between the army and the Taliban in the Swat region.
The United States needed to do this of course because it has encouraged the Pakistani government to take the fight to the Taliban. But in making the announcement, Clinton also acknowledged the United States' role in making the Taliban a military power by arming the Mujaheddin during its war with the then-Soviet Union.
Finally, President Obama announced today new emissions and MPG standards for new automobiles. They'll have to get 35.5 MPG by 2016. A laudable goal, but one must wonder if now, while the automobile industry is hanging by a thread, is the time for such an announcement.
Perhaps worse, the federal government is dictating standards that will make the cars of the future cost more. Which means car owners will have to absorb those costs when they purchase their cars. With the economy in a near-depression forcing people to make difficult financial choices, buying a more expensive new car may be something they just can't afford to do.
To join in the conversation on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com at 5 PM New York time CLICK HERE.
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.
Meanwhile, in the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced a $110 million aid package for Pakistan due to the displacement of as many as 1.5 million civilians as a result of fighting between the army and the Taliban in the Swat region.
The United States needed to do this of course because it has encouraged the Pakistani government to take the fight to the Taliban. But in making the announcement, Clinton also acknowledged the United States' role in making the Taliban a military power by arming the Mujaheddin during its war with the then-Soviet Union.
Finally, President Obama announced today new emissions and MPG standards for new automobiles. They'll have to get 35.5 MPG by 2016. A laudable goal, but one must wonder if now, while the automobile industry is hanging by a thread, is the time for such an announcement.
Perhaps worse, the federal government is dictating standards that will make the cars of the future cost more. Which means car owners will have to absorb those costs when they purchase their cars. With the economy in a near-depression forcing people to make difficult financial choices, buying a more expensive new car may be something they just can't afford to do.
To join in the conversation on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com at 5 PM New York time CLICK HERE.
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.
Drug Overdoses Not Just From Street Narcotics
It's not just illicit drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin that are causing drug overdoses and deaths in the United States. A growing number of overdoses can be attributed to prescription drugs abuse.
The DEA will make that case tomorrow with the release of a report on the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs. The report finds pharmaceutical crimes pose a serious threat to public health and safety with unintentional overdoses increasing "significantly."
The report cites prescription pain relievers as the most abused drugs. It finds that young adults are the biggest abusers but also documents abuse among teens, adults and even the elderly.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/erix/142789779/
Monday, May 18, 2009
News Talk Online May 18, 2009: First Obama-Netanyahu Meeting
All eyes will be on Washington today as the leaders of the United States and Israel meet for the first time since each took office to discuss Middle East peace.
For the first time in recent history, there are concerns among Israelis about the U.S. commitment to the Jewish state. Especially because President Obama wants to bring all the Arab nations into the peace process. And is pushing for a two-state solution.
The second issue is, of course, nothing new. All recent administrations, Democratic and Republican, have favored a two-state solution. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has broken from his predecessors. He's not ready to embrace the concept of a Palestinian state. Not while the Palestinians fail to recognize the legitimacy and borders of the state of Israel.
Netanyahu might not be easily swayed by Obama's charm. Last week he traveled to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah, who has been quarterbacking Obama's yet-to-be-officially announced Middle East strategy. He walked away still entrenched in his opposition to granting the Palestinians statehood.
We'll be tackling this thorny issue head on during today's News Talk Online on Paltalk.com at 5 PM New York time. CLICK HERE to join the conversation.
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: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/2697058088/
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Questions About Terror Suspect Detention Policies As Gitmo Prisoner Is Freed
Released from Gitmo
A Guantanamo Bay detainee who was being held since 2001 on suspicion that he participated in a plot to blow up a U.S. Embassy is starting a new life as a free man in France.
Lakhdar Boumediene is from Algiers. But France has agreed to take him because he has relatives there.
He and four others who have been held there because the government believed they had planned to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia had been ordered released by a federal judge for lack of evidence.
His case goes right to the heart of the issue over the holding of suspected terrorists off of U.S. soil. Should the government continue to keep them detained because it fears that, if released, they will return to participate in terrorist activities against the United States or others? Or should they be permitted to go free because it can't be proven in a court of law that they actually are terrorists?
If the latter, does that mean there are innocent people who are being held in questionable conditions? And, if so, are those who were previously not extremists going to be so enraged upon their release that they then join the ranks of al Qadea to seek revenge?
All of this points to the need to be certain before the extra judicial incarceration of people that you aren't making a mistake. And the need for a process to adjudicate their cases promptly.
The issue of the treatment of prisoners also needs to be further discussed, especially in light of the current debate about the Bush administration's interrogation techniques. Are there people in U.S. custody who have been subjected to extraordinary interrogation techniques who are innocent?
These questions are difficult ones. But, if the United States is to be a beacon of freedom and rights - including human rights - they need to answered.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Egyptian Religious Ministry Official Calls Jews Pigs, Says They Need To Be Slaughtered
I've long held that you can't control what's in the hearts and minds and souls of others - and if someone wants to live with hatred in all three, then it's a toxin that person needs to deal with.
But when a government official spews putrid hateful comments designed to get others to follow, then it's time to pressure that government to muzzle the hater.
Once again, we see the ugliness of anti-Semitism raising its head in Egypt where a religious endowments ministry official is declaring that the Jews of today are descendants of pigs and should be slaughtered.
It's interesting that these repeated anti-Jewish missives from Egyptian officialdom (I previously reported on state-run newspapers posting similar opinion pieces) come in advance of President Obama's scheduled trip to that nation. A trip where he is going to address the world's Arabs.
Let's hope that while he speaks out for peace and understanding between the Middle East and the West, and presumably calls for peace between the Israelis and the Arabs he uses his bully pulpit to address this issue of official hateful declarations against the Jews.
But when a government official spews putrid hateful comments designed to get others to follow, then it's time to pressure that government to muzzle the hater.
Once again, we see the ugliness of anti-Semitism raising its head in Egypt where a religious endowments ministry official is declaring that the Jews of today are descendants of pigs and should be slaughtered.
It's interesting that these repeated anti-Jewish missives from Egyptian officialdom (I previously reported on state-run newspapers posting similar opinion pieces) come in advance of President Obama's scheduled trip to that nation. A trip where he is going to address the world's Arabs.
Let's hope that while he speaks out for peace and understanding between the Middle East and the West, and presumably calls for peace between the Israelis and the Arabs he uses his bully pulpit to address this issue of official hateful declarations against the Jews.
Obama Reinstating Gitmo Tribunals
On the heels of his flipping on the issue of releasing additional photos of terrorist suspects who have undergone extreme interrogation (first he didn't oppose their release now he does), President Obama is now backtracking on eliminating military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay.
The Associated Press is reporting that the administration will, later today, be announcing a reinstatement of the tribunals but with more guarantees of legal protection for the detainees on trial.
This will be heralded by those who don't believe the terror suspects should be tried in the civilian criminal courts. Opponents of that policy - which still remains in effect - fear information that could compromise national security might come out in public testimony. They also fear the eventual release into their communities of suspected terrorists who may be exonerated at trial.
But those who hoped for openness and an end to the Bush style of government in the war on terror (now - like the battle to reduce illicit drugs - no longer being called a "war" by the Obama administration) will be dismayed. They are already disappointed in the president for his flipping on the release of the photos. And on the administration's earlier decision to not prosecute those who authorized the still hotly debated Bush-era interrogation techniques.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/publik15/3330826341/
Could Melting Ice Change The Way Earth Spins?
Melting
It's nice to know that when I wake up in the morning the sun will be rising in the east, predictable today and all the tomorrows of my life just as it has been in all my yesterday's. But now comes the latest dire prediction from science.
No, this time it's not a sky is falling threat that we're going to be hit by a huge meteor and go the way of the dinosaurs. Now we're being told that all the ice that's melting due to climate changes - natural or not - could change the Earth's rotation.
I don't know about you, but that prospect makes me worry a bit.
It has, according to the Independent newspaper in the UK, to do with the gravitational shifts that could be created by the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. We've already been warned that coastal areas might end up under water and that it might be a good idea to have your apartment or office in New York City on one of the higher floors to escape the resulting flooding.
But all of these concerns pale in comparison with the suggestion that the Earth's rotation may be thrown off kilter. And that gravity as we've been accustomed to might change.
The good news is that scientists now say that the melting of the ice sheet won't create their previously predicted rises in sea level. Oh, they'll still rise and there will still be coastal flooding they say. Just not as much as previously projected.
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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hazy-daisy/2309555909/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Bibi Won't Be Moved On 2-State Plan
Even a king can't sway Benjamin Netanyahu. Perhaps a president can but, in all likelihood, today's meeting between the Israeli prime minister and Jordan's King Abdullah is a precursor to Netanyahu's meeting Monday with President Obama. And in all probability, the same result will ensue
Obama has enlisted Abdullah's help - and that of the rest of the Arab world - in guiding the Palestinians and Israelis to a peace accord. But for it to work, Israel would have to recognize the Palestinian's right to a homeland. Something that even with Abdullah's prodding today, Netanyahu continues to reject.
So long as he says no to Palestinian statehood and the Palestinians say no to recognizing Israel's legitimacy and borders it really doesn't much matter what the United States, King Abdullah and the rest of the world thinks.
Obama has enlisted Abdullah's help - and that of the rest of the Arab world - in guiding the Palestinians and Israelis to a peace accord. But for it to work, Israel would have to recognize the Palestinian's right to a homeland. Something that even with Abdullah's prodding today, Netanyahu continues to reject.
So long as he says no to Palestinian statehood and the Palestinians say no to recognizing Israel's legitimacy and borders it really doesn't much matter what the United States, King Abdullah and the rest of the world thinks.
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