Should American Born Children Of Illegal Immigrants Be Deported?

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Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) wants children - American citizens by birth - born to illegal immigrants - to be deported along with their parents.

That was the primary topic on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network, but we also discussed the oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico with reports from Washington and Texas.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

911 Operator: 'This Is Confusing'

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - Normally a dateline on a story just gives the city. But I'm going to give you a more precise dateline than New York. To test you. To see if it confuses you.

Here's the dateline: On 34th, east of 8th Avenue in the borough of Manhattan.

Now, is that confusing to you? Because it was for a New York City 911 operator this afternoon.

I was enjoying the spring weather on a plaza on 34th east of 8th Avenue adjacent to a building called 1 Penn Plaza when it happened. A window several stories above blew out, showering me, and the others who were pausing in the plaza with flying flying glass.

At first I thought it might have been a bomb. But no. There had been no explosion and there was no smoke.

Then I thought someone had jumped out the window. But, thankfully, there were no bodies at the foot of the building.

But one man had been cut. Not from flying glass. But because he tripped and fell in the rush to get out of the way.

So I pulled my cellphone from my pocket and I dialed 911.

The following is an approximation of the exact conversation based on my recollection. But I'm convince the tapes the city keeps of all 911 calls will verify its intended accuracy.

911 operator: 911 where is the problem

Me: On 34th east of 8th Avenue in the borough of Manhattan --

911: Sir, you have to tell me which borough

Me: In the borough of Manhattan. On 34th east of 8th Avenue --

911: You have to give me a building address. This is confusing

Me: At 1 Penn Plaza, in the borough of Manhattan --

911: 110? 110 Street?

Me: No, 1 Penn Plaza. Paul Edward Nora Nora Plaza

911: Sir this is confusing

Me: Nevermind, there's an officer here and she's calling it in on her radio

Thank God it wasn't a life and death emergency. God forbid the 911 operator be confused about that!

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York Time weekday on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.paltalknewsnetwork.com. There is no charge

Obama Administration Goes After Reporter's Sources

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - If you think it's only Republicans who try to get reporters to cough up their sources in the name of national security, think again.

Remember when former New York times reporter Judith Miller was incarcerated while George W. Bush was president? She spent three months behind bars for refusing to reveal her sources in a CIA leak about the identify of Valerie Plame, a covert CIA agent and wife of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson.

Well now it's time for a bit of deja vu.

Attorney General Eric Holder has authorized the issuance of subpoena which compels New York Times reporter James Risen to turn over documents and to testify before a federal Grand Jury.

Why?

He reported in his book, State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration, about screw ups in the CIA's attempts to undermine Iran's nuclear weapons program.

So, let's get this straight.

The CIA fails in a mission to disrupt the Iranian program. But what's more important is - not its inability to do its job. Nope. What the government wants to rectify is the leaking of the information about the failure.

And to do that, it subpoenas the person who wrote about it.

Apparently, this administration, like the last, doesn't really understand that there's a First Amendment in the United States. Which grants Risen and Miller the right to report on the government - even if it's embarrassing - without fear of official retribution.

This is what separates the United States from totalitarian regimes where people are imprisoned or killed for their criticism of government.

The decision to subpoena Risen was ill conceived. It also shows that it really doesn't matter who is in power. It's the kind of authority that leads to abuses.

Risen's attorney says he will refuse to comply and will ask a judge to quash the subpoena. Let's hope he's successful. If not, another reporter likely will find himself imprisoned. And with him, so too will be some of the freedoms the Founding Fathers fought so hard for ensuing generations to enjoy.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York times weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. Just go to www.paltalknewsnetwork.com and click on the Join the Chat button. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 28, 2010: Who's 'Anti-American?'

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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has called the behavior of his GOP colleagues - who voted against moving forward Wall Street reform legislation, "anti-American." But isn't that itself - contrary to American principles? Calling one with whom one disagrees "anti-American?"

And what of Rep. Michele Bachmann? The Minnesota Republican has said much the same thing about Democrats?

Today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network explored this rhetoric, sadly reminiscent of the Sen. Joe McCarthy witch hunts for communists during the Army-McCarthy hearings of the 50s.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 27, 2010: Is The AZ Immigration Law An Invitation To Racial Profiling?

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Arizona's new immigration law gives local police officers the authority to stop people they suspect may be illegal immigrants. On today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network we explored the question of whether that opens the door to racial profiling.

Debunking The Debunkers

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

There's a chain email letter going around that attempts to "uncover" who is really behind Snopes.com.

The folklore busting website - run by a California couple - investigates email missives like the one I got and checks for accuracy. This one, purportedly written by a software programmer, takes great pains to point out that the folks that run Snopes are Obama-supporting liberals. So of course, the Snopes research into alarmist rhetoric about the president can't be trusted, according to the letter.

Interestingly, the email credits Wikipedia for finally revealing those behind Snopes:

"Only recently did Wikipedia get to the bottom of it - kinda made you wonder
what they were hiding."

But as far back as 2001, CNN did a story featuring Barbara and David Mikkelson, the creators of Snopes. So it's a bit hard to believe that they have been, as the email argues, "hiding."

As for the purported Mikkelson liberal political leanings, the same Wikipedia source cited in the discrediting email, says otherwise:

Snopes receives more complaints that it is too liberal than that it is too conservative, but insists that it applies the same debunking standards to all political stories. FactCheck reviewed a sample of Snopes' responses to political rumors regarding George W. Bush, Sarah Palin and Barack Obama, and found them to be free from bias in all cases. FactCheck noted that Barbara Mikkelson was a Canadian citizen (and thus unable to vote in American elections) and David Mikkelson was an independent who was once a registered Republican. "You’d be hard-pressed to find two more apolitical people," David Mikkelson told them.

Not that Wikipedia is the ultimate authority on anything - but it is, after all, the source cited in the email. (For further on what FactCheck, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center found about the email go to http://www.factcheck.org/2009/04/snopescom/.)

It's no wonder that anyone who his an avid consumer of alarmist statements about President Obama would want to discredit anyone who actually researches and references those allegations - proving them wrong.

Which leads us to the bigger issue here. If President Obama is so toxic to the nation, then why does it become necessary to make things up to further malign him? Why not just stick with the facts?

Getting back to the email that snipes at Snopes. The email, which has been circulating since 2008, urges people to discard Snopes as a reliable source for fact checking in favor of Truth or Fiction - another Internet site that investigates rumors and claims. Well, if the author wants us to believe Truth or Fiction, then, let's see what that site has to say about the anti-Snopes email:

Snopes.com is an excellent site that has become an authoritative source for information about urban legends and forwarded emails. We regard David and Barbara Mikkelson, the founders and operators of Snopes.com, as colleagues and professional researchers who have earned a good reputation for what they do.

Finally, I phoned the purported author of the email, a computer programmer by the name of Alan Strong, and left a message. As of this posting, he has not returned my call.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.paltalknewsnetwork.com. Just click on the Join the Chat button. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 26, 2010 Should Obama Impose A Middle East Peace Treaty?

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At a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is urging him to return to the peace table, Paltestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has an interesting suggestion to create peace in the Middle East: let Obama decide.

In politics, sometimes perception masks the reality. And it's clear that the PA president perceives the recent rift between the United States and Israel as an indication that Obama is turning his back on Israel. A wonderful opportunity to name the U.S. president arbiter. Then, he undoubtedly reasons, the Palestinians will get what they want.

He's not alone in that impression by the way. Many Jews, both in Israel and in the United States, are distrustful of Obama over the Middle East.

While one's initial reaction to this may be, "what right has the United States to impose anything on the Israelis and the Palestinians?" - Abbas' suggestion actually has some - perhaps unintended - merit.

If the Palestinians and the Israelis agree ahead of time that whatever Obama comes up with is binding, then both sides may be forced into boundaries that neither find particularly palatable - an agreement that they would otherwise reject.

Of course, this is all just wishful thinking. There's no way the Israelis would give up their rights to self-determination. Nor should they, really, be asked to. And of course, the proposal conveniently ignores one important thing. Abbas doesn't represent nor control all of the Palestinian territories. A more difficult task than getting Israel to sign on would be getting Hamas to agree.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

A Paltalk News Network Call For Citizen Journalists

The Paltalk News Network is soliciting citizen journalists to offer varying perspectives from across the globe. We believe the exchange of ideas and reporting of events and issues from around the world increases understandings between people.

To become a Paltalk News Network citizen journalist, please write me at reportergary@gmail.com. Include your email address and your byline.

You may use a nickname as your byline, but for consideration for promotion to the front page, use your real name as your byline.

We will reply with your unique url and password so you can start contributing immediately!

We're also looking for people who believe they have the Right Stuff to become a show host on the Paltalk News Network.

If so, send an mp3 sample of your work to reportergary@gmail.com for consideration.

Also include a synopsis of what your show would be about, the preferred date and time you'd like to be on, and a little bit about yourself.

You'll need a webcam and a headset/mic and an account on Paltalk as well.

If we think you really do have the Right Stuff, we'll get back to you to set you up with a show.

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Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shuttercat7/1340707824/

News Talk Online April 23, 2010: Suicide Prevention & Is Their Privacy In Public Space

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Filmmaker Woody Bavota was the first guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today to discuss his new project about suicide called Power of Purpose.

Our second guest was artist Wendy Richmond, who recently explored the question of privacy in public, by surreptitiously recording people in public places with her cellphone and then displayed her work in a California art museum.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 23, 2010: Suicide Prevention & Is Their Privacy In Public Space

Filmmaker Woody Bavota was the first guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today to discuss his new project about suicide called Power of Purpose.

Our second guest was artist Wendy Richmond, who recently explored the question of privacy in public, by surreptitiously recording people in public places with her cellphone and then displayed her work in a California art museum.

News Talk Online April 22, 2010: Sal Manzo & President Obama's Wall Street Speech

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Singer Sal Manzo was the guest during the first segment of News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today.

The second segment focused on President Obama's speech in New York today, carried live by the Paltalk News Network, in which he urged top financial leaders to support his Wall Street reform legislation.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 22, 2010 Wall Street Protests NY City

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Wall Street Protests

News Talk Online April 21, 2010: High Anxiety & Veiled Women

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Psychologist Patricia Farrell spoke about the anxiety people feel over the economy, fears of terrorism and the political discourse during the first segment of today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Second segment dealt with French President Nicholas Sarkozy's initiative to outlaw the wearing of Islamic veils that completely cover a woman's face and body.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Another Journalist Killed In Honduras

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

An Honduras television reporter was gunned down as he left the studios in San Pedro Sula. Police are not saying that the murder of Georgino Orellana is connected with his job. But given the location of the killing, and the fact that he is the sixth Honduran journalist to be killed since last month, there's a likelihood that they will eventually reach that conclusion.

Carlos Lauria of the Committee to Protect Journalists, which has documented six killings since March 1, says reporters in Honduras are working in an atmosphere of "rampant crime" - creating a climate where journalists can be easily targeted.

Most of those killed, he says, had been reporting on organized crime, land disputes or had taken strong political stances. One journalist who was killed was an entertainment reporter but was the driver of a car that also carried a political reporter who was believed to be the actual target of the attack.

Lauria says that in addition to the six journalists killed, a seventh fled the country after armed men invaded his home.

CPJ is still investigating the latest killing, so it's not yet known whether Orellana was murdered because of his work.

Lauria says that the police have made no arrests and have initiated no prosecutions. He calls the lack of progress in the police investigations "very discouraging."

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.paltalknewsnetwork.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 20, 2010 Israeli-Palestinian Tensions

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The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a serious strategic problem for the United States throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. It makes any progress in negotiations with Iran extremely difficult.


Analysts predict that the Obama administration will release a peace plan for Israel and Palestine that will give the Palestinians the West Bank territories they lost during the 1967 war.


The U.S. is concerned that relations with Israel are growing cold. This became apparent when the Israeli authorities announced plans for new Jewish housing in Jerusalem during a visit from Vice President Biden, despite objections by the United States and the Palestinian Authority. In response, President Obama gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a list of demands, yet emphasized unwavering support for Israel.


Among them, the requirement that Israel compensate Palestinian refugees who lost their homes in the take-over of the West Bank. The plan is also expected to include a system for both Israel and Palestine to share Jerusalem.


Obama says that resolving the conflict is a "vital national interest of the United States," and that such conflicts are "costing us significantly in terms of blood and treasure." But what will it take to bring peace to the Middle East? And will the new housing settlements create renewed conflict? If so, where will the U.S. stand?


Our guest today  on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to try to answer these questions was Stephen Zunes, professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco.

Israeli-Palestinian Tensions Topic On Paltalk

The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a serious strategic problem for the United States throughout the Arab and Islamic worlds, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. It makes any progress in negotiations with Iran extremely difficult.

Analysts predict that the Obama administration will release a peace plan for Israel and Palestine that will give the Palestinians the West Bank territories they lost during the 1967 war.

The U.S. is concerned that relations with Israel are growing cold. This became apparent when the Israeli authorities announced plans for new Jewish housing in Jerusalem during a visit from Vice President Biden, despite objections by the United States and the Palestinian Authority. In response, President Obama gave Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a list of demands, yet emphasized unwavering support for Israel.

Among them, the requirement that Israel compensate Palestine refugees who lost their homes in the take-over of the West Bank. The plan is also expected to include a system for both Israel and Palestine to share Jerusalem.

Obama says that resolving the conflict is a "vital national interest of the United States," and that such conflicts are "costing us significantly in terms of blood and treasure." But what will it take to bring peace to the Middle East? And will the new housing settlements create renewed conflict? If so, where will the U.S. stand?

Joining us at 5 PM New York time today on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network to try to answer these questions will be Stephen Zunes, professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco. Please go to www.paltalknewsnetwork.com to join in the conversation. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 19, 2010: A Rise In Extremism Or Healthy Political Rhetoric?

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There are those who believe that the heated political debate that is taking shape in the United States and elsewhere is leading to extremism - possibly domestic terrorist attacks. But others believe that it's just healthy political rhetoric.

This issue was explored extensively on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

When The Source Controls The Media

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

It's a slippery slope - this new business of newspapers getting the sports franchise to pay for the reporters covering their teams. But, what's next, politicians paying reporters to cover government?

That's what's happening with sports coverage in New Jersey, where the Gannett newspaper reporters who cover the New Jersey Devils are paid by - not the newspapers - but by the Devils.

Gannett, to its credit, is transparent about the relationship. But how healthy is it?

How can a reporter criticize a decision to hire or fire a player? Pull a goalie? It's decisions on disciplinary matters? Even critiquing a player's performance?

Does this put the player in the position of being able to pressure - through his common employer - the reporter to back off?

How about decisions on ticket and concession pricing? Will the reporter feel constrained about writing about that?

Yes, radio and TV sports announcers are often compensated by the clubs they cover. But they are almost expected to be cheerleaders for the teams, aren't they? Not so the sports reporters covering the them. If you've ever been in the locker room following a loss, you'll feel the tension between the reporters asking probing questions and the team managers and players. It may be an uncomfortable setting - but it's healthy. Because those reporters are supposed to be representing the fans. It's their job to ask probing questions.

Hopefully, those who work for the Gannett papers, will keep asking away!

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. There is no charge.

New York Is Hurt, Too, By The Volcanic Ash

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

It's obvious that the grounding of flights in and out of Europe is costing that continent untold amounts of money. But there's a residual affect on the other side of the Atlantic as well.

Officials in New York City are estimating that they are losing some $250 million in revenue due to the grounding of European tourists who had booked flights to JFK.

Weekend test flights through the ash proved successful, and there are calls on the European Union to allow flights to resume. But aviation experts are concerned that it might not be until a second or third flight that a jet engine sucking in the fine particles spewed by the Icelandic volcano could bring a jet down. So they are urging a continuation of the ground stop as a prudent cautionary move.

The volcano has sent new tremors and the spewed ash is hanging at a lower altitude today.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.paltalknewsnetwork.com. There is no charge.

April 15, 2010 News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network: Tea Party Rally in NY

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Gary Baumgarten covers Health Care Reform Protests in NY

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 16, 2010: Sexting, Iceland's Volcano, UK Elections, Scud Missiles

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Today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network covered a smorgasbord of topics.

First topic was the problem of teenagers sexting - sending compromising photos of themselves to friends - photos that then get circulated on the Internet.

We also discussed the volcano that has, for a second day, disrupted air travel to and from Europe. As well as the UK debate - and how it affected the voter's perceptions of the leaders of the three top parties vying for seats in parliament.

Finally, the reported sale of Scud missiles by Syria to Hezbollah and the threat that presents to Israel was discussed.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 15, 2010: Tax Day, UK Debate

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Historian and author Ray Raphael, who has written books busting myths about the American Revolution was the first Tax Day guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network. One of the myths he busted is that the patriots were against paying taxes - in actual fact, he said, they favored paying taxes in order to properly fund the newly formed nation.

Talk Radio News Service correspondent Bob Ney also reported from Washington, DC about the Tea Party protest there.

And Paltalk News Network correspondent Cassandra Wood joined us from England to report on the first ever party leader debate in advance of a parliamentary election there.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

New York Boneheads

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - The lead story in today's New York Post, "Jump Dummy!' is about an art exhibit which placed bronze statues on building ledges and roofs. The one on a ledge of the Empire State Building is so realistic looking from street level that people are dialing 911 to report a jumper. The cops are rushing to the building unnecessarily. Worse, some cops aren't rushing - which means that if there's a real jumper before this exhibit ends they may not get there in time.

"Boneheaded" is how the Post describes it. But more boneheaded is another story, headlined "School Revenge". that appears on page seven.

Seems things are so bad at the Paul Robeson High School in Brooklyn that a brave student spoke out earlier this week to the Post. Complaining that sex in the staircases is a common practice. And that security guards and teachers are too lazy to do anything about that - or other transgressions going on in the school.

But instead of addressing the problems that put students at risk - the school has rallied against the whistle blower Alisha Strawder. Her mother tells the Post that she's been told by the school's acting interim principal that they can't assure her protection from enraged students and staff who are upset over her spilling the beans to the newspaper.

Alisha is being offered a transfer to another school. Her mother, Kasyra Strawder, told the Post that she told the principal, Simone Grey, "you're telling me ... your staff members want to attack her because she told the truth?"

Of the many unbelievable stories in New York, this one make take the cake.

By the way, the reason Roberson has an "acting interim principal" is because the "permanent" principal was removed for, among other things, boozing on the job.

The problematic school has been slated for closure. But the teacher's union has been fighting to keep it open.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 14, 2010: Haiti Is Still A Mess, Is The Obama Agenda Un-American?

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Andy Levin of www.100eyes.org, who has been documenting the Haitian recovery effort, brought his images and his frustrations about the slow pace of improvement to today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Sarah Palin's pronouncement during a Tea Party rally in Boston today that President Obama's agenda is un-American was the focus of the second segment of the show.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Homelessness Is NOT A Crime

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network


If you're homeless you - by definition - have no home. But whatever you do, don't camp out on public land. Because if you do - you'll face arrest.

Of course, you can't camp out on private land either - because you'll face arrest for trespassing.

In Camden, New Jersey, homeless people have been encamped between a highway and railroad tracks for months. But now, they have until tomorrow to move out. Or the county may come and clear them away.

This is not the first time this has happened to homeless people in the United States. A country where - not only are you ostracized if  you're homeless, you face arrest for simply existing.

You can't rest on private property. And you can't rest on public land.

Many of the homeless in Camden's tent city say they will not leave if ordered tomorrow. Setting the stage for a possible confrontation with authorities. And the prospect of their being arrested.

I guess I was wrong. I guess homelessness is a crime after all.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

PETA Calls For Ringling Brothers To Close, Nuke Summit Success, Threats To Vacationing Israelis

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PETA spokesman Ryan Huling was the first guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network, explaining why his organization is demanding that Ringling Brother's circus close down because of its treatment of elephants.

We then discussed the just-ended nuclear summit in Washington where 47 nations agreed to a 12 point communique that would secure all nuclear material in four years and in which they committed to retarding the ability of non-state actors from procuring nuclear and weaponizing nuclear materials.

Finally, we discussed Israel's call to its vacationing citizens to leave the Sinai immediately because of intel that suggests a terrorist threat against Israelis there on

Gubernatorial Hopeful Sends Racist Emails

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - He wants to be governor of New York. But Carl Paladino is under attack today for sending racist emails.

Among the missives Paladino, who seeks the Republican nomination for governor and who has the support of the Tea Party, emailed was a video mocking President Obama - one that's popular among white supremacists. It depicted an African tribal dance and is described as an "Obama inauguration dress rehearsal."  Another email contains the "n" word.

He also emailed porn - including one that involves bestiality.

He's lost the support of his own party. The state Republican party has joined the Democratic party in condemning Paladino, a millionaire, who maintains he is not a racist.

Paladino has shown no indication that he will withdraw from the race. It won't be particularly shocking if he continues his run. What will be shocking is that, in this day and age, anyone would actually vote for him.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 12, 2010: Protecting Ourselves From Terror

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The increased counter-terrorism measures, their effect on civil liberties and their successes was the topic on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

How Close We Came To Another Terrorist Attack On New York City

By GARY BAUMGARTEN  
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - New details are emerging about the attempt in September to attack the subway system in New York City.

The plan was to blow up several trains on or near the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

According to the New York Daily News, suicide bombers were going to position themselves on packed trains and blow themselves up. They were going to target the Grand Central and Times Square stations - the busiest in the city.

I remember being shocked as a young man when I traveled to Mexico and saw armed guards carrying semi-automatic weapons outside banks. And saddened that, when I traveled to Israel, it was so necessary to subject myself to intense security measures each time I entered  sensitive buildings.

Now, we see similar images throughout New York - especially at transportation hubs. Police officers and national guardsmen patrolling - some carrying semiautomatic weapons - others with explosives sniffing dogs at their sides.

There are those who would minimize the threat terrorists pose to the homeland. They feel the government and law enforcement are overreacting. After all, they argue, there's been no attack since 2001!

But the reason there's been no attack  is that the intelligence community and law enforcement are working hard to prevent them.

This alleged planned  September subway attack is not the only one that has been thwarted. Some have resulted in charges and have been reported in the news media. Others, I have been told, remain under the public radar.


People are quick to criticize the security measures. I too, value my civil liberties, and bemoan the post-9/11 enhanced security procedures that are in place. But I promise you - if one of these planned attacks had been successful - there would have been far more criticism over the failure of the security measures to protect us than there are now of their successes.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

Arab Israeli Singer Cancels London Appearance Due To Death Threats

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

An Arab Israeli singer who - along with her Jewish Israeli partner has been performing songs promoting peace and understanding between Arabs and Jews - has canceled an appearance in London due to death threats.

The popular rhetoric would have it that the Israelis are the ones who oppose peace in the Middle East. But the threats against Mira Awad indicates that there are those on the Arab side of this issue who will do anything to prevent a peace.

Israel, of course, should not be indemnified from criticism. But it's not Israel that has repeatedly walked away from the peace table.

The Palestinians have been given opportunity after opportunity to sign onto a two-state solution but have - for one reason or another - I call it excuses - failed to act.

There's no question that the Israeli government's building of West Bank settlements is a point of contention. But that should not preclude the Palestinians from accepting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's invitation to return to the peace table.

The question of boundaries should be negotiated, not decided through rocket attacks from the Palestinians and retaliatory military strikes by the Israelis. But that can't take place unless the Arabs come to the table and actually negotiate - and reach a deal - for peace.

The threats against Awad are indicative of a mindset that's still not ready for peace.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchat now.com. There is no charge.

Shades Of The Past: Adam Clayton Powell Vs. Charles Rangel!

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

NEW YORK - In a year of political battles that tire our souls comes a potential epic fight for a coveted congressional seat that will capture the area - and most likely the nation's - attention.

It looks like Adam Clayton Powell IV - a New York state assemblyman and son of the legendary congressman who held the Harlem congressional seat before it was wrestled away from his father by Charles Rangel - will be taking on the embattled Rangel in the Democratic primary.

Rangel is in political trouble because of a number of questionable actions he's recently taken. But without a strong challenge in the primary (the district is heavily Democratic) it's unlikely he'd be unseated. Powell - with his almost equal name recognition - represents that threat.

Rangel heads the House Ways and Means Committee. But he has - at least temporarily - relinquished the reigns of the powerful committee because of an ethics probe of his accepting corporate trips to the Caribbean. He's also been under scrutiny for questionable income tax filings and for expensing an apartment as part of a district office.

Powell has his own legal woes. He was recently nabbed for driving under the influence.

If all other things were equal, Rangel's age - he's 79 - might work against him. With that age comes experience as a crafty politician. But this could be the political fight of his life. And the fight for his political life.

Powell's father, the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., represented the district from 1945-1971. But then he was unseated - by Rangel - over allegations of corruption. In spite of that - he may be best remembered as a trailblazing congressman who fought for civil rights and other important legislation. He was one of only two black members of Congress - and he successfully challenged a ban on black members in congressional facilities. He also fought for important civil rights legislation - and was considered instrumental in the passage of a law that made segregation of public schools illegal.

It's ironic that the elder Powell was brought down by scandal - and that his successor - who is now being challenged by his son - is being weighed down by a similar political albatross around his neck.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

How The Fed & The Banks Conned Us

The Dylan Ratigan Show on MSNBC did an amazing job this past week of explaining how the Federal Reserve and the banks conspired to con the American people into borrowing money creating the bubble that burst and resulting in the recession and people losing their homes, their jobs and their life savings.


Most amazingly, the segment, which appears below, points out that the new banking reform legislation puts the fox in charge of the chicken coop - giving the Fed the responsibility to oversee banking "reform."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

News Talk Online April 9, 2010: Retarding Nuclear Prolifieration, The Upcoming UK Election

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Jennifer Smyser of the the Stanley Foundation was the first guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network, talking about the SMART treaty and next week's world leader's nuclear summit in Washington sans Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jack Rice from the Talk Radio News Service in Washington reported further about the attempts to reduce the nuclear threat and the strained relations between the United States and Israel.

And Paltalk News Network Correspondent Cassandra Wood reported from England on the announcement that the UK parliament will be dissolved on Monday for four weeks of campaigning and the difficulties anticipated in forming a new government after the culminating elections.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Conservatives Force Conservative Out

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

What a topsy turvy world we live in.

Bart Stupak, the anti-abortion Democratic congressman from Michigan who helped win passage of the health reform bill by getting President Obama to agree to sign an executive order precluding the use of federal funds to pay for abortions - is retiring under pressure from those who would otherwise be considered his base.

He was vilified because, well, of course, an executive order can always be overturned. So Stupak, a pro-life champion, was painted as having gone over to the other side.

How absurd.

The anti-Obamaers - packaging themselves as Tea Party conservatives - are doubtlessly overjoyed by this news. Smelling political blood anew.

In this heady time for conservatives, some are, as I had predicted, taking things too far. Ever since this health reform debate began, the number of serious threats against members of Congress has increased three-fold. One fellow was busted after allegedly repeatedly phoning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with disturbing and threatening messages.

Meanwhile, the folks that have set the atmosphere for all of this are quickly leaving the sidelines and heading for the mainstream of American politics. That's at least Minnesota Republican member of Congress Michele Bachmann's take on it. Bachmann says the Tea Party is - essentially - merging with the GOP. Which means that - if she's right - the political complexion of the Republican Party is changing.

Whether that helps or hurts Republicans in the long-run remains to be seen.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 8, 2010: Christie Kane, Illegal Immigration

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Model Christie Kane was the first guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today.

Later, Dustin Carnevale from the Federation For American Immigration Reform joined us to talk about the killing of Arizona rancher Robert Krentz, apparently by an illegal immigrant.

Model Christie Kane was the first guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network today.

News Talk Online April 7, 2010: Obama's Refinition Of Terrorism

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President Obama is contemplating removing from the National Security Strategy the words Islamic and jihad. That was the focus of today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

April 7, 2010 News Talk Online Tour Central Park In NY City With Gary Baumgarten

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Tour Central Park In NY City With Gary Baumgarten


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Lasting Lung Damage For 9/11 Responders

A study of nearly 13,000 rescue workers from the New York Fire Department shows that the significant proportion who suffered acute lung damage after exposure to World Trade Center dust have not recovered normal lung function in the years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The seven-year study, with almost 62,000 individual measurements, is the largest longitudinal study ever reported of occupational influences on lung function. It is the only group of WTC workers for which pre-9/11 lung function measurements were available. The study, led by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and Montefiore Medical Center, in collaboration with FDNY, appears in today's print edition of The New England Journal of Medicine.

“This exposure at Ground Zero was so unique that no one could have predicted the impact on lung function. We demonstrated dramatic decline in lung function, mostly in the first six months after 9/11 and these declines persisted with little or no meaningful recovery of lung function among FDNY rescue workers (firefighters and emergency medical service workers) over the next six-and-a-half years,” said Dr. David Prezant,professor of medicine at Einstein and senior author of the study.

For Prezant and his team, the critical mission remains identifying the individuals most affected and providing them with treatment to improve their quality of life and prevent further declines in lung function.

The current research follows up on a previous 2006 study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, that assessed lung function one year after the 9/11 attacks. In that study, Dr. Prezant and colleagues found that 9/11 FDNY rescue workers suffered substantial loss in lung function in the year following the attacks — more than 12 times the decline in lung function that would be expected to occur with normal aging. The largest decline was observed among workers who arrived at the WTC site the morning of 9/11, when the dust cloud was most intense.

And I Thought Congress Went Against The Will Of The People

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

Michele Bachmann was still stoking the fires of repeal yesterday during a GOP rally in her home state of Minnesota, declaring that she thought she heard cries of "repeal" emanating from the crowd. But other Republican members of Congress are apparently distancing themselves from those who-  immediately upon its being signed into law - called for the repealing of the health reform bill. Could it be that our representative form of government actually worked last month?

After all, members of Congress are elected to, presumably, represent their constituencies.   Those who voted for the health reform bill put themselves in political peril if their vote was not reflective of the will of their district's electorate.

The ink wasn't even dried on the bill when we heard so many people say that passage of the bill spelled a change in the balance of power in Congress after this fall's mid-term elections. Everyone who voted "yes" would be tested. Many of  them - all Democrats of course - would fall into political oblivion. And this would be the harbinger of the political death of President Obama two years later. "Obama," they declared, "is a one-term president!"

All this may turn out to be true. I haven't a crystal ball at my immediate disposal so I don't know. But, then, why are so many Republicans backtracking from their calls to repeal the bill?

Could it be that their internal polling in their districts shows that people aren't really as upset about this bill as the rhetoric might indicate?

Yes, it is true that national polling shows that Americans remain skeptical of a bill that they still do not fully understand. But then, why, if this is the political bellwether issue of 2010,  are Republicans cooling to the idea of demanding repeal?

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

Redefining Islamic Terrorism

The Obama administration is changing the nation's definition of terrorism, expunging the words Islamic and jihad from the National Security Strategy.

While it is proper to guard against blanket allegations of terrorism against Muslims, it is dangerous to ignore that there are extremist Islamists who are using violence as a means to an end.

There are declared Islamic states, as well, such as Iran, who have used their surrogates to commit acts of terrorism in other lands. So it's really an institutionalized problem.

The other day, a militant Christian group was taken down in Michigan because it was planning terrorist attacks in the name of religion in the United States. It was properly identified as Christian - though no reasonable person would say that the group is in anyway representative of Christianity.

There have also been white separatist groups - correctly named - in the United States. But, again, correctly identifying them is not a reflection on Caucasians as a whole.

Officially ignoring that there are Muslim extremist organizations is a blatant attempt at political correctness at a time when we need - more than ever - political honesty. The honest approach is one that recognizes that the majority of Muslims are not fundamental terrorists  - but that Islamic terrorism does exist. This pending action by the Obama administration only serves as fodder for those who feel the president has become an apologist for Islamic terrorists.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 6, 2010: Vincent Pastore & Homer Hickman

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Actor Vincent Pastore was the first guest on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Pastore was interviewed in front of Manhattan's Grammercy Theater, where on Monday, he will be hosting - along with Paltalk's own Diana Falzone - Big Pussy's Rat Pack Review (tickets available at www.livenation.com).

The second half of the show featured best selling author Homer Hickman who reported about safety concerns raised by the mining tragedy in West Virginia that has claimed at least 25 lives.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

News Talk Online April 6, 2010: Should The Pope Resign

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Today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network asked the question: should Pope Benedict resign over revelations that as a cardinal he neglected to take action when an Arizona bishop pleaded with him to defrock two priests who had been molesting children.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Easter Day Thoughts On Protecting The Children

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

It's Easter, and in Rome, Pope Benedict XVI is being heralded as an "unfailing leader" - and the criticism of his failure - as a Vatican cardinal to protect children from pedophile priests are being compared to anti-Semitism.

Meanwhile, new allegations have arisn that then- Cardinal Ratzinger failed to act on pleas from a bishop who desperately wanted a priest accused of being a major risk to children removed.  

The other day I wrote about school officials in Massachusetts who failed to take action when a child was being bullied until it was too late: the girl committed suicide. I wrote about how everyone has a responsibility when a child is at risk. The same, obviously, goes for church officials.

The failure of the church to address these concerns about the pope's ignoring an Arizona's bishop's request to remove the priest sends a terrible message to both religious leaders and congregants. The use of the term "unfailing" to defend him, and dismissing the evidence as "gossip" does as well.

The Catholic Church is, by no means, the only institution where pedophilia has occurred. And publicity about inappropriate interaction between some priests and children has resulted in a new approach to the problem. It's more difficult now to sweep such allegations under the carpet. But that doesn't indemnify the pope from the criticism flowing his way.

Already there has been discussion about whether Benedict should resign. This circling of the wagons at the Vatican won't mute this discourse. Rather, it will cause it to grow louder. 

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

The United States: A House Divided

A house divided against itself cannot stand Abraham Lincoln

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

It's been this way for years. We've seen it during the last three presidential elections. The nation split along party lines. But usually after the elections, the partisan bickering subsides.

But not so during this presidency. The battleground now: the recently passed health reform bill.

It just passed. So now, the Republicans, who lost in their partisan attempt to block it, are trying to repeal it.

The debate over health reform divided the nation. But instead of the nation undergoing a healing process,  another divisive campaign is already underway.

A CNN poll finds that 47 percent of Americans agree with the Republicans that the bill should be repealed. The poll also finds that 50 percent of Americans don't. Clearly underscoring this divide.

It used to be that after legislation is fought over in Congress the winners toasted victory, the losers licked their wounds and regrouped to fight another day over another issue. Not this time. No sooner was the bill passed that a number of state attorneys general announced they were suing to challenge it. And now this - the very people who just lost the fight to to block the bill are beginning a new one to repeal it.

Of course, they know they lack the votes to do it. So they'll wait until after November - in the hope that the American people will throw out the Democrats who voted for it during the mid-term elections.

So the health reform debate will continue - at least until then. An issue decided - not decided at all. And the nation - still - a house divided.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 2, 2010: Increased Airport Security, Should The Plug Be Pulled On NASA?

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The new security procedures put into place for those boarding U.S.-bound planes from nations identified as hot beds of terrorist activity and the debate over NASA's budget were the topics on today's News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Why Don't The New Homeland Security Rules Protect Me?

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

The Department of Homeland Security is announcing new regulations that permit the profiling of passengers who are taking international flights into the United States. The rules follow the Christmas Day attempt to blow up a plane as it approached Detroit Metro Airport from Amsterdam. But if these new procedures truly will help better protect the flying public, why aren't they being put into effect domestically?

Perhaps had the underwear bomber gotten on in Anchorage or Atlanta instead of Amsterdam the new screening would be done here on U.S. soil. But since he didn't - the government feels compelled to only screen those getting on U.S.-bound planes originating overseas.

The new policy will be criticized by those who equate profiling with discrimination. It is discriminatory. But not in a bad sense.

The idea is to identify and further screen people who potentially pose a greater threat to air travel. Not to discriminate based on religion or national origin. Not if it's done correctly.

I want airport screeners to discriminate against those who are acting in a suspicious manner.

Here's a news flash. The border agents who ask questions before you enter the United States profile. They use their traning and instinct to determine who they will stop for further questioning in their quest to prevent contraband or those entering the country illegally from getting in.

Of course, this all pre-supposes that those doing the screening at airports have the same kind of training. But the point is this. If the government believes that enhanced screening better protects flights, why isn't it being done in the United States as well? All the planes that were used to attack us on 9/11 took off from U.S. airports.

Either the new screening procedures are effective and necessary. Or they're just window dressing. If the former - then those of use who fly domestically deserve the same protection. If the latter, they should be scrapped.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.

News Talk Online April 1, 2010: Move To Impeach Obama, Americans Sick Of Politics

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Floyd Brown, editor of www.exposeobama.com and blogger at www.impeachobamacampaign.com - who believes President Obama is malevolent towards the United States was the guest on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network.

The second half of the show focused on a USA Today/Gallup Poll which finds that Americans are discouraged with politics in the United States.

Join the chat on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at 5 PM NY time weekdays at www.joinchatnow.com

Poll: Americans Down On Politics

By GARY BAUMGARTEN
Paltalk News Network

I've been saying it for sometime now. The political discourse in this nation has hit new lows. The partisan infighting and bickering is out-of-control. It's enough to turn you off to politics.

Apparently it has.

A new USA Today/Gallup poll finds that Americans are fed up with what has become politics as usual in this nation.

And why wouldn't they be?

Republicans position themselves on issues in a way to get advantage over Democrats.

Democrats position themselves - likewise - to try to get a bead on Republicans.

The era of voting based on what's best for the nation - as opposed to what's best for the party - is gone.

And Americans have had it.

Not to say that all the genesis for all these frustrations can be found with the politicians. The news media, the political pundits and some groups of political activists are to blame as well.

Scare tactics and outright lies add to the angst of the citizenry.

Adding items to bills that have nothing to do with the legislation - in order to discredit those who vote for - or against it - also contributes to the public's distrust of the system.

This is not just hurting the two major political parities. It is damaging - as well - to the governmental process.

And it's dangerous as well.

Some of the rhetoric is enough to scare unstable people into regrettable action. If that happens, none of those who set the tone will accept responsibility,  Instead, they will react with words of shock and dismay.

But they know. The surely must know that they are contributing to this collective mental illness. And it is a mental illness when people are motivated to spit on members of Congress, shout epitaphs at them, shoot out campaign windows, accost their family members on the street, and plan attacks on members of law enforcement.

I'm not saying that the politicians and pundits are calling for any of the above. I'm just suggesting that they know that this is a toxic atmosphere that's not good for the nation.

If they didn't know yesterday - they certainly know today after reading the poll.

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Talk to Gary at 5 PM New York time weekdays on News Talk Online on the Paltalk News Network at www.joinchatnow.com. There is no charge.