Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is being made to watch his appearance in cult cartoon South Park while he is behind bars. The deposed leader on trial in Iraq was featured in the movie spin-off as the lover of the devil. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut featured Hussein and Satan attempting to take over the world together. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said US Marines guarding the former dictator during his trial for genocide were making him watch the movie "repeatedly".
Now you just get to visualize just how bad Saddam has it in prison. They are letting him watch South Park cartoons. It's a good thing the world is seeing justice for what this man did to all those innocent people of Iraq. I applaud you the court and prison system for a job well done.
Two Asian students were kicked off a flight from Malaga to Manchester because other passengers feared they were suicide bombers. The two Asians, both 22, said they sympathized with nervous travelers, but urged people not to be paranoid about Muslims. The pair were marched of the jet at gunpoint after fellow passengers alerted officials on the flight back from Spain. The passengers, alarmed at the men's behavior, demanded that the air staff remove them from the plane. Cabin crew informed Spanish authorities of the passengers' fears and the men were taken off the Monarch Airlines flight. Some passengers stormed off the aircraft and refused to fly unless the pair were removed. The Asians were questioned by officers for several hours, but then put up in a hotel and allowed to fly back to the UK later that day.
It is shame in my eyes that this had to happen. It is a shame that we as Americans are lumping all Muslims into the classification of terrorist. Not all Muslims are terrorists. Only a small few of Muslims actually want to commit terrorist acts against the United States. Most of these men are fairly decent and would just like to live in America and do like you and me and make a living for themselves. We cannot discriminate against everyone with middle-eastern descent. Let's start acting civilized and give some of these people the respect and decency they deserve.
First of all I would just like to thank my lovely girlfriend, Sarah, for giving me the opportunity to go see these four great bands play in the Lafayette Cajun Dome on August 28th. Normally she wouldn't have spent this much money on me for just a birthday present, but since hurricane Katrina ruined my birthday last year this was her way of making it up to me. Sarah is very special to me, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her. She is my everything. When I'm not with her I miss her dearly. I honestly could not live without her. We are both very anxious to start building a family together, and I hope that dream will come true very soon. I love her through and through ,and there is no doubt in my mind that we will be together forever.
Now on to the concert. If you are not familiar, Nickelback is touring with Hinder, Chevelle, and Hoobastank in what is called "All The Right Reasons". This was my very first concert that I have ever went to, and I must say I had a very good time. They were all really entertaining, and it really is something to see.
Hinder was the opening act, and I find they did a really good job. They played for a total of about 35 minutes before the first intermission. I was familiar with only about 3 of their songs, but I feel they have a lot of potential. I would watch out for this band in the future because I feel they could really make it big.
Chevelle was on next, and they too did awesome. I am a huge Chevelle fan and was really impressed. I did not know that they only consisted of 3 men. The lead singer/guitarist is awesome. This guy got some talent. He performed a little bit of a solo on his electric guitar, and it sounded killer. All I got to say is he got some skill.
Hoobastank came on and this is where the fun really began. They were really entertaining and got the crowd into it. They made everyone stand up and sing along with them. They have more hit songs than I really remembered they had, and they were awesome. This is where the crowd surfers started to appear. I was really happy about the fact that the security guards didn't kick out the crowd surfers. They would grab them off the crowd and let them go right back around onto the floor. Hoobastank played for about 50 minutes, which really paved the way for the main event.
Nickelback finally came on and they really stole the show. They played for a total of 90 minutes, and I cannot say that I was bored or restless during any of those minutes. They kicked the concert off with a bang...literally. They brought with them they old pyrotechnician from Pantera, and he lit it up. They had fireworks, flames shooting out of the stage, flame around the guitarist, and huge loud cannons. Nickelback also set up a huge TV screen behind them where at different times you could see them play, see their music videos, or see slide shows of them.
If you have a chance to go see this tour, I would highly recommend it. This is not something that you can do everyday. This is definitely worth the $45 ticket price. You will not regret it.
Nine black children attending Red River Elementary School in Louisiana were directed last week to the back of the school bus by a white driver who designated the front seats for white children. The situation has outraged relatives of the black children who have filed a complaint with school officials.
Of course, of all places for this innocent to take place, this has to be conducted in my home state of Louisiana. What was this school bus driver thinking? Has he not heard of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)? I am completely outraged about this type of behavior, and I am a white guy. This just cannot go on in this day and age.
From my understanding, this is still under investigation, and the driver will remain suspended until some conclusions are drawn. I think this is completely bogus. This guy needs to be fired with no questions asked. He broke the law and totally discriminated against black kids and should lose his job and reputation over this. This is completely and utterly unacceptable. I would love to see the ACLU get involved to make a statement to all people who think that doing something like this is allowable.
Above is the actual audio from CBS National News Correspondent Byron Pitts of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin which will be broadcast on 60 Minutes, Sunday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. EDT. The audio practically speaks for itself. I cannot believe he made these comments. You just can't say things like this. Since his "Chocolate City" comments I didn't really like the guy. Now after this "Hole in the Ground" comment I definitely don't like the man. I hope this is political suicide for him, because nobody should be allowed to hold a public office after making a comment like this.
Click Here to see the video of the interview and to read more regarding his comments.
The female airport security guard held the small, black, squeezable rubber object she'd just plucked out of Mardin Amin's backpack, and eyed it suspiciously. Standing next to his mother, an embarrassed Amin, 29, whispered out of one corner of his mouth that it was a "pump" -- as in a penis pump. The guard misunderstood the Iraqi man and thought she heard the word "bomb," Amin's attorney told a Cook County judge Wednesday.
But after listening to the female guard testify she heard Amin "clearly" say the word bomb during the Aug. 16 incident at O'Hare Airport. Judge Gerald Winiecki decided there was enough evidence for the case to move forward. Amin is charged with felony disorderly conduct and faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
For some reason, this just doesn't surprise me one bit. After banning bottled water and breast milk from planes, this really doesn't strike me as funny anymore. What would have made this even more bazaar is if the penis pump was really a bomb. I'm all for airport security, but come on lets use a little bit of common sense here.
U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman's lead over anti-war challenger Ned Lamont has narrowed to a razor-thin margin, two polls showed on Wednesday. The 2000 vice presidential candidate lost the Democratic primary vote in Connecticut to Lamont this month, but is running for re-election as an independent in a contest that has exposed deep divisions over the unpopular Iraq war. An American Research Group poll conducted Thursday through Monday said the race was a statistical tie, putting Lieberman's support among 790 likely voters at 44 percent versus 42 percent for Lamont, a political novice and wealthy cable TV executive. Republican Alan Schlesinger, a former state legislator, had 3 percent. Another poll of 500 likely voters by Rasmussen Reports showed Lieberman's lead over Lamont narrowing to two points, 45 percent to 43 percent, from five points in an August 12 poll. Its margin of error was 4.5 percentage points.
The race has attracted national attention for its emphasis on the war and Democratic anger at Bush. Lamont cast the race as a referendum on the war and urged voters to send a message to Bush and the Democratic establishment that was slow to embrace calls for a quick pullout of troops.
If I were a registered voter of Connecticut, I would cast my vote to Ned Lamont. His view of war in Iraq is dead on in my opinion. Our troops are on extended leaves and need to come back home. This is where Lieberman is hurting himself politically. He sides with the President on this issue. Lamont is a good man and would do a great job as a U.S. Senator.
A Stuart Middle School teacher has been removed from the classroom after he burned two American flags in class during a lesson on freedom of speech. Dan Holden, who teaches seventh-grade social studies, burned small flags in two different classes Friday and asked students to write an opinion paper about it. Holden has been temporarily reassigned to non-instructional duties pending a district investigation. Roberts said the flag burning did not appear to be politically motivated.
Kentucky has a statute last amended in 1992 making desecration of a national or state flag in a public place a misdemeanor, but the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that flag desecration is protected speech. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky said the federal ruling would trump the state statute. Congress has tried unsuccessfully to prohibit flag burning with a constitutional amendment. The latest attempt failed in the Senate this year.
What this teacher did was appalling. No one can argue with that. I do however believe that this teacher should not be fired for what he did and should be allowed to resume teaching his class as soon as possible. Under United States law, teacher Dan Holden did nothing illegal by burning this flag. I do not agree with his teaching method on the issue of freedom of speech, but I don't feel he should lose his job over it. He could have presented this topic in a little less graphic manner and still got his point across. I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and also a firm believer in that a teacher should do whatever it takes to get through to his or her students. This however is taking the matter a little too far only because of the danger he put his students in by lighting a fire inside a public building. Other than that, I don't see anything illegal with what he did.
On the political left, raising the youth vote is one of the most common goals. Simply put, liberals have a big baby problem: They're not having enough of them, they haven't for a long time, and their pool of potential new voters is suffering as a result. According to the 2004 General Social Survey, if you picked 100 unrelated politically liberal adults at random, you would find that they had, between them, 147 children. If you picked 100 conservatives, you would find 208 kids. That's a "fertility gap" of 41%. Given that about 80% of people with an identifiable party preference grow up to vote the same way as their parents, this gap translates into lots more little Republicans than little Democrats to vote in future elections.
I don't think this is anything to worry about if you are a liberal. If everyone voted like their parent's did, everyone would be conservatives. I have a history of voting Democrat and my parents do as well. The difference between us is that I am much more of a liberal than they are. If I would have to characterize my parent's political views, I would say they are conservative Democrats. I, as you well know, am a liberal Democrat. I'm not worried about this poll at all. We liberals are very strong, and I believe that in the future we will continue to gain members, gain support, and therefore gain power.
President George W. Bush said on Monday he supports restricting access to emergency contraception for minors. "I believe that Plan B ... ought to require a prescription for minors. That's what I believe," Bush said at a news conference.
Plan B, approved as a prescription in 1999, is a set of two hormone pills that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. Supporters, including Planned Parenthood and the American Medical Association, say easing access will lead to fewer abortions. The FDA says Plan B works mainly by blocking the release of an egg from an ovary. The drug also may prevent an egg and sperm from uniting.
Personally, I endorse the Plan B pill. In a recent post entitled "Government To Consider OTC Sell of Morning-After Pill", I discussed what exactly this pill does and how it works. I am still a supporter of this pill which is why I disagree with the President's statement regarding it.
I do not think this pill should require a prescription for minors, and let me tell you why. A pregnancy for a minor whether in high school or college is a life changing experience. In most cases, this change is not for the good. An unwanted pregnancy is not something young people want to have. I think this pill should be made extremely easy for women of all age groups to receive if they want it. Just think about this for a second. By allowing this pill to be distributed to anyone that wants it, it will greatly reduce the number for abortions because this makes a better alternative possible. This will also reduce the number of single mothers that have to raise a child of an unwanted pregnancy, and everyone knows just how difficult that is in today's world.
To sum up everything, I think Plan B should be distributed on a wide scale without the need of a prescription. This will greatly reduce the number of abortions and single mothers of an unwanted pregnancy. This is a great alternative that needs to be considered much to the opposition of what Conservative's and the President's agenda for it is.
In a recent poll conducted by CNN, 60 percent of Americans oppose the U.S. war in Iraq and a majority would support a partial withdrawal of troops by year's end. The telephone survey showed 61 percent believed at least some U.S. troops should be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of 2006.
I personally did not receive a phone call to vote in this recent poll. If I would have, I too would have voted in opposition to the war in Iraq, and a troop withdrawal by year's end. This war in my opinion has gone on for too long and many have no idea what the cause is anymore. Our troops are on over-extended missions and many are growing more and more tired and restless. The pressure these troops are under is causing them to murder innocent Iraqi civilians. It is time for these troops to come back home where they belong.
My question to you would be: If you received that phone call, how would you have voted? What would you have told them? Are you in favor of the war, or are you against it? Are you for a troop withdrawal, or would you like to see the U.S. stay for the long haul without a time set?
Personal Info Birth: June 10, 1953 Religion: Methodist
On the Issues Abortion: Right to abortion is constitutionally protected Stem Cell Research: Expand embryonic stem cell research Budget & Economy: More funds for education, health care, and defense Gay Marriage: Supports gay marriage Death Penalty: Death penalty OK despite flaws, should be a state-by-state decision Drugs: Supports drug courts and alternatives to incarceration Education: No Child Left Behind program is much underfunded, higher teacher pay in low-income schools School Vouchers: Private school vouchers drain resources from public schools, pro-public schools Environment: Protect ANWR, lead in global warming battle Gun Control: Right to bear arms protected by Second Amendment, with rules Health Care: Provide a real patients' bill of rights, it is wrong to leave so many Americans uninsured Homeland Security: Make better use of our National Guard Immigration: Roadmap to citizenship for undocumented immigrants Jobs: Provide tax breaks for companies that keep jobs in America Minimum Wage: Raise minimum wage to at least $6.65 Social Security: Federal match for every dollar put into savings Tax Reform: For more tax cuts for middle class, not millionaires
Voting Record Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses Voted YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors Voted NO on Educational Savings Accounts Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages Voted YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8% Voted NO on killing an increase in the minimum wage Voted NO on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions
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I cannot personally vouch for the authenticity of this video. More info can be found at 911truestory.com and on the internet in general. If this video is at all accurate then this could change the way people view the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, and the way they view this nation. Personally, I would not put it past the current administration to do such a thing, and I'll explain why later. Please remind yourself that I am NOT the creator of this video nor did I have any hand in its creation nor do I know the creators of this video. As my First Amendment right guarantees me, I am simply publishing this video to allow the World Trade Center conspiracy theorist a chance to be heard.
This is a 36 minute video of evidence that the World Trade Center Towers did not collapse without inside help. It shows actual detonation explosions taking place inside the tower acting as a propellant to the collapse as it is falling. Prior to 9/11/2001, no building in human history has ever collapsed solely from burning. The collapse of the three fallen towers is said to be a result from the building burning melting away its steel supports. Like I just mentioned, no building in history has ever done this before September 11th. True, the inside of the building rose to extremely high temperatures, but these temperatures were not the highest recorded among burning buildings, and these buildings were not the longest burning buildings in history either. The odds of a building collapsing due to a fire is said to be very slim due to the fact that it has never happened prior to 9/11, but the odds of three collapsing by fire alone on the same day are virtually slim to none.
Something you need to remember before you draw any conclusions from this video is let's recall what exactly is going on in the U.S. prior to this attack. President Bush has only been in office since January of that year which is a total of only eight months. With only this short time in office, he and his administration are not exactly sitting too high with American's support. It is shaping up to be a short presidency for this young Texan. He is beginning to be regarded as the worst President the U.S. has ever had in history. He and his administration knew they needed to turn this around but how. Something big and drastic needed to done to gain support from his fellow Americans, and time is of the essence. In history a great way for a leader to become more popular was by pulling through a war or through a major disaster. At this time, war probably seemed to be a little lengthy and risky to just do alone. Something immediate needed to done. Why not try to create a huge disaster leaving the President looking like the hero of the day?
Could this administration have orchestrated this September 11th attack on America? I think the answer to that is yes, it is more than possible that this could have been planned and carried out. Could the terrorist have infiltrated the WTC and planted explosives prior to the attacks? I think this too is a plausible explanation. Could the administration actually think they can get away with not telling Americans the real truth about what happened? I am convinced that there is a huge cover-up going on here. If word got out that the towers fell not just by plane crashes the nation as we know it would be completely different. This would lead to a fall of the American economy, and the American faith in our leadership.
Personally, there is no doubt in my mind that the World Trade Center Towers were not taken down by a plane crash and fire alone. This video does a great job of showing all the evidence of controlled explosions to aid the tower's collapse. I did not draw this conclusion based on just this video alone. I did a lot of outside research and found a remarkable amount of evidence to prove this conspiracy theory to be true. There is seismographic evidence drafted by FEMA and plenty more first hand videos to re-emphasize this theory. All this evidence can be found easily via the internet, and I believe every American has the right to know the truth. Whoever planted these explosives deserve to pay for what they did. It is extremely hard for me to stomach the fact that this could have been done. How can one live with themselves knowing that what they did killed completely innocent Americans. The only thing that is keeping me going is that I know one day all these people involved will have to face their maker, and they will ultimately pay for what they did to America.
To make a quick summary about everything discussed here. I am not saying that the U.S. government ordered the attack on 9/11. It is a possibility but there is not enough evidence to prove this theory to be true. The more feasible explanation would be to say that the terrorist infiltrated the World Trade Center and planted these explosives right under our noses. They flew the planes into the Trade Center towers and later detonated the explosives to aid in the collapse. One day these people who were involved in killing innocent Americans will ultimately pay the price.
Adham Abdelhamid Othman, 21, of Dallas, and Maruan Awad Muhareb, 18, and Louai Abdelhamied Othman, 23, both of Mesquite, Texas, were stopped by police Friday outside a Wal-Mart store in Caro, about 80 miles north of Detroit after employees became suspicious when they purchased about 80 cell phones. The FBI said it had no information to indicate that the three Texas men arrested with about 1,000 cell phones in their van had any connections to a known terrorist group. Authorities had increased patrols on Michigan's 5-mile-long Mackinac Bridge after local prosecutors said investigators believed the men were targeting the bridge. Local authorities didn't say what they believe the men intended to do with the phones, most of which were prepaid TracFones, but Caro's police chief noted that cell phones can be untraceable and used as detonators. Local prosecutors charged them with collecting or providing materials for terrorist acts and surveillance of a vulnerable target for terrorist purposes.
The suspected target, the Mackinac Bridge, is located in northern Michigan at the Straits of Mackinac. The bridge connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. The total length of the bridge is about 5 miles long, and annually hosts a bridge walk near Labor Day which can hold up to 60,000 people at one time.
At first when I heard about these men being arrested for having 1,000 cell phones, I was outraged, but now I that I'm seeing the whole picture it's all coming together. The suspected terrorist said that they purchased the cell phones in order to resell them for a profit. I believed them at first until I found out that when authorities found the phones most of them where ripped out of the packages and disassembled into their components. How can you resell cell phones with them in this sort of shape? Later authorities found pictures and plans of the Mackinac Bridge in their possession. Still to this point I wasn't drawing too many conclusions. When I heard a woman from Michigan speak on the Sean Hannity Show is when I really got suspicious. The lady said that the Mackinac Bridge hosts an annual "Bridge Walk" on or near labor day. This year the bridge walk would be on September 4th, and at any given time could hold up to 60,000 people. Now it all started coming together for me. These three men, all of middle-eastern decent, were more than likely going to plot a terrorist attack on this bridge for the sole purpose of killing innocent Americans.
I would like to give a hats off to the Wal-mart employees that alerted the proper authorities of this action and to the police and FBI who tracked down and foiled this potentially dangerous terrorist attempt.
Personal Info Birth: July 9, 1955 Religion: Southern Baptist
On the Issues Abortion: Pro-life Civil rights: Anti-civil rights voting record Gay Marriage: Against gay marriages Crime: More prisons, more enforcement, effective death penalty Drugs: Supports random drug tests School Vouchers: Supports voucher program School Prayer: Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer Education: Anti-public education voting record Environment: Anti-environment voting record Free Trade: Pro-fair trade voting record Jobs: Supports raising the minimum wage Government: Government is too big, too intrusive, supports term limits on Congress Gun Control: Supports the NRA indicating a pro-gun rights voting record Health Care: Anti-public health voting record Homeland Security: Supports the Patriot Act and more defense spending Social Security: Reduce taxes on Social Security earnings Tax Reform: Repeal marriage tax, cut middle class taxes, phaseout death tax Technology: Criminal penalties for e-mail spamming War: We need more troops for long haul in Iraq Welfare: Limit welfare to 2 years and cut welfare spending
Voting Record Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC Voted YES on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions Voted YES on making federal death penalty appeals harder Voted YES on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime Voted NO on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism Voted YES on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests Voted YES on allowing vouchers Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror Voted NO on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's AMWR Voted NO on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO Voted YES on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1 Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide Voted NO on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25 Voted YES on eliminating the "marriage penalty" Voted YES on making the Bush tax cuts permanent
Personal Info Birth: Feb 22,1932 Religion: Catholic
On The Issues Abortion: Pro-choice voting record Stem Cell Research: Expand embryonic stem cell research Gay Marriage: For gay marriage Crime: Moratorium on death penalty; more DNA testing Drugs: Supports fewer penalties on drug related crimes, supports rehab Education: Steadfast opponent of vouchers, pro-public education voting record Environment: Pro-environment voting record Free Trade: Pro-fair trade voting record Jobs: Raise minimum wage Gun Control: Supports stricter gun laws Health Care: Pro-public health record, end government propaganda on Medicare bill War: Pro-peace voting record Government: All-powerful executive branch is genuinely troubling Immigration: Yes to guest worker program Social Security: Pro-senior voting record
Voting Record Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life Voted NO on banning human cloning Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses Voted YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors Voted NO on school vouchers Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer Voted YES on national education standards Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Voted NO on expanding trade to the third world Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration Voted YES on background checks at gun shows Voted NO on loosening license & background checks at gun shows Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions Voted YES on banning chemical weapons Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program Voted NO on visas for skilled workers Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25 Voted YES on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007 Voted NO on welfare overhaul
Personal Info Birth: Aug 29, 1936 Religion: Baptist
On the Issues Abortion: Overturn Roe vs. Wade but keep incest and rape exceptions Gay Rights: Not against same-sex marriage Death Penalty: More death penalty, stricter sentencing Drug Policy: Stricter penalties, stricter enforcement School Vouchers: For vouchers and charters Energy: Supports alternative fuels Gun Control: Supports ban on certain assault weapons, ban cheap guns Health Care: Higher taxes on cigarettes, allow paying extra for choice of doctors Gays in Military: Accepts gays in the military Immigration: Make possible for immigrants to do a job Americans won't do Ethanol: Ethanol is bad for environment and not worth it Social Security: Allow workers to invest privately Tax Reform: For a flat tax system War: Iraq war is necessary
Voting Record Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer Voted NO on Bush Energy Policy Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows Voted NO on background checks at gun shows Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007
Personal Info Birth: Dec 11, 1943 Religion: Roman Catholic
On the Issues Abortion: Does not intend to overturn Roe vs Wade Gay Rights: Against prohibiting same-sex marriages Death Penalty: Opposes death penalty Drugs: Opposes increased penalties for drug offenses School Vouchers: Against the voucher program Education: Fully supports No child Left Behind Gun Control: Supports assault weapons ban & Brady Bill Health Care: Not a privilege but a right for all Homeland Security: Need the best intelligence and cooperation to make us safe Bush Policy on War: Military is overextended and there's a back door draft Immigration: Temporary workers are OK and earned amnesty is OK Social Security: Against privatized Social Security Tax Reform: More tax cuts for people earning less than $200,000 War: Focus on real war on terror and find bin Laden Pre-emptive War: Only OK when U.S. survival at stake
Voting Record Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex marriage Voted YES on national education standards Voted NO on defunding renewable and solar energy Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages Voted NO on killing an increase in the minimum wage Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline Voted YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world Voted NO on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration Voted YES on background checks at gun shows Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8% Voted YES on welfare overhaul
Personal Info Birth: Mar 31, 1948 Religion: Baptist
On the Issues Abortion: Woman's choice no place for government's decision Gay Rights: Supports same-sex partnerships but not "marriage" title Death Penalty: Supports death penalty for deterrence, but carefully Drug Policy: tougher drug policies, more enforcement College: more student loans and grants, make 2 years of college free School Vouchers: Against, spend resources rebuilding public schools Oil Drilling: no in ANWR and off coasts, protect pristine areas, ban oil and gas drilling off Florida coast Free Trade: Free and fair trade means economic growth and jobs Gun Control: Tough gun laws but no ban Health Care: Wants some form of non-government universal heath care War: Focus on bin Laden not Iraq Missile Defense: "Star Wars" is unrealistic and too expensive Social Security: Against privatization Tax Reform: Cut taxes for 99% of middle class not wealthiest 1%
On the Issues Abortion: Pro-choice, no ban on partial-birth abortions Civil Rights: Pro-gay marriage Drugs: Drug policy should be an integral part of foreign policy Education: Open schools on weekends for remedial catch-up School Vouchers: Supports vouchers, privitize failing schools, create charter schools Oil: Oil crisis is compelling justification to use Reserves Gun Control: Pro-gun control, All gun owners should pass written test Tax Reform: Eliminate sales tax on clothes, reduce real estate tax Welfare: Change welfare offices into job centers
On the Issues Death Penalty: Supports death penalty Education: Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer Government: Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money Homeland Security: More defense spending, no troops under UN command Social Security: Reduce taxes on Social Security earnings Tax Reform: Repeal marriage tax, cut middle class taxes War & Peace: Iraq policy is a mess
Voting Record Voted NO on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment Voted YES on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer
Personal Info Birth: March 2, 1953 Religion: Jewish
On the Issues Abortion: Pro-choice voting record Stem Cell Research: Expand embryonic stem cell research Gay Marriage: Shouldn't change the Constitutions to ban gay marriage Death Penalty: Against death penalty, death penalty defendants don't get adequate counsel Crime: Pro-rehabilitation Education: Against school voucher system, pro-public school education Energy & Oil: Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy Environment: EPA must do better on mercury clean-up, pro-environment Free Trade: Pro-fair trade voting record Gun Control: For stricter laws Health Care: pro-public health voting record Homeland Security: Al-Quaeda is a priority not Iraq War: Pro-peace voting record Immigration: Supports a Guest Worker program and allow guest workers a path to citizenship Jobs: Supports a minimum wage increase, pro-union voting record Social Security: Against privatization
Voting Record Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions Voted NO on banning human cloning Voted NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage Voted NO on limiting death penalty appeals Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms Voted NO on increasing penalties for drug offenses Voted YES on national education standards Voted YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's AMWR Voted YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Voted NO on defunding renewable and solar energy Voted YES on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests Voted NO on expanding trade to the third world Voted NO on more penalties for gun & drug violations Voted YES on background checks at gun shows Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions Voted YES on including prescription drugs under Medicare Voted NO on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25 Voted NO on allowing personal retirement accounts Voted YES on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007
On the Issues Stem Cell Research: Supports stem-cell research Abortion: Against abortion rights exceptions for rape and incest Gay Marriage: Gay marriage should be an issue for the states Gays in Military: Keep ban on gays in military and ban women in combat Death Penalty: Okay for espionage and treason Crime: Funds to fight gangs, more parole, juvenile clearinghouse, stricter and mandatory sentencing Drugs: More federal and foreign cooperation Education: Supports prayer in schools, against Head Start Environment: Against Clean Water Act and air pollution sanctions Gun Control: Supports weaker gun control laws, outlaw plastic guns & cop-killer bullets, opposed 7-day waiting period for buying guns Immigration: Toughen up on deportations Jobs: Tax relief for small business means more new jobs Social Security: Privatize because social security will go bust without individual investment Tax Reform: Need to make sure tax relief is permanent
On the Issues Abortion: Ban abortion with Constitutional amendment Gay Rights: Homosexuality is incompatible with military service Gay Marriage: Strongly oppose, states should not recognize gay marriage from other states Death Penalty: Death penalty is an effective deterrent Crime: Harsher penalties for certain crimes Drugs: Jail time and school drug tests Education: Promote home-schooling and school choice, limit federal government in education Environment: No mandatory carbon emissions controls Free Trade: U.S. should position itself to dominate trade, promote free trade with American setting the standards Gun Control: No gun licensing, will protect right to bear arms, open more public land to hunting Stem Cell Research: Ethical research yes; embryo cells no; cloning no Health Care: No Government run universal health care Jobs: Small business deserves better treatment from government Social Security: Privatization of social security where works will invest their payroll taxes Tax Reform: Cut taxes to stimulate economic growth Welfare: Privatize health welfare
On the Issues Abortion: Pursue stem cell research, abortion is woman's choice Budget and Economy: Cut the deficit by half over next 4 years Marriage: Keep marriage at state level, no federal gay marriage ban Patriot Act: Strengthen some parts and change others Equal Employment: Led fight for ERA and equal employment Crime: Crack down on gangs and drugs, fight crime with prevention Death Penalty: Against death penalty Education: Charter school OK, vouchers are not Oil: We cannot drill our way to energy independence Energy: Develop renewable energy and more efficient vehicles Environment: Honor hunting & fishing heritage with more conservation lands Space Travel: Encourage open space travel Family & Children: Improve child-care and fully fund Head Start Free Trade: Knock down barriers to free and balanced trade Gun Control: Strengthen gun control to reduce violence Health Care: Add prescription drug benefit to Medicare, expand coverage and cut health care costs Military: Develop limited missile defense system Social Security: Oppose privatization and oppose raising retirement age Tax Reform: Cut taxes for middle class not the wealthy Technology: Put science ahead of ideology in research and policymaking Welfare: Raise EITC & minimum wage
On the Issues Abortion: Opposes Roe vs Wade, restrict abortion, life begins at conception Abortion Crimes: Would enforce laws against abortion clinic attacks Civil Rights: No American should suffer based on skin color Gay Marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage Education: Supports school vouchers Family & Children: More parental involvement to reduce juvenile crime Government Reform: Make government smaller, cut corporate welfare Gun Control: Tough penalties for gun crimes but allow concealed carry, loosening license and background checks at gun shows Missile Defense: Deploy National Missile Defense ASAP Jobs: More focus on agricultural trade abroad Tax Reform: Cut tax rates to 10% for middle class and 25% maximum Technology: Microsoft has a monopoly share of the market
Voting Record Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions Voted YES on disallowing overseas military abortions Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits Voted YES on increasing penalties for drug offenses Voted YES on school vouchers in DC Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests Voted NO on restricting violent videos to minors Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world Voted NO on background checks at gun shows Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows Voted YES on banning human cloning Voted NO on increasing tobacco restrictions Voted NO on medical savings accounts Voted YES on killing an increase in the minimum wage Voted YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions
As you've probably heard by now, a plot to blow up planes in flight from the UK to the U.S. has been disrupted yesterday. The plan was to detonate liquid explosive devices smuggled in hand luggage on to as many as ten aircraft. The threat level to the UK has been raised by MI5 to critical after this terrorist attempt. The U.S. government raised its security alert to its highest level for the first time, invoking a severe threat level. British police currently have arrested 24 people in connection with the foiled terrorist plot.
I give a standing ovation to the British intelligence agency and the British police department for a job well done. They foiled this plot before it ever really got off the ground. This is absolutely amazing work , and I applaud everyone that worked to get this done.
My only question from this would be, could the U.S. have performed this good and stopped something like this from happening? I mean seriously, could we have got it right for once? I am sorry to say this, but I currently don't have too much faith for our Homeland Security Agency. I just hope and pray that if something like this would originate from U.S. soil that we could have had the resources and the ability to stop it.
I've heard the President say that we are more secure now than prior to 9/11. After this attempt, I just don't know if this still holds true. The terrorist almost got this plot to work and to tell you the truth, that scares me and many other Americans. This could have been a real terrible tragedy for all the world just like 9/11 was. I'll just come out and say this and leave it at that. I think we desperately need to do something in order to beef up our national security by whatever means necessary. A country without a strong national security these days is just asking be a victim of terrorist attacks.
A "Presidential Bust" of U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton was unveiled on Wednesday at New York's Museum of Sex, where sculptor Daniel Edwards hopes it will spark discussion about sex, politics, and celebrity. Edwards, the artist who also created a life-size nude of Britney Spears giving birth on a bear-skin rug, said he wanted to capture Clinton's age and femininity in the sculpture.
Edwards said his work features soft "presidential smile" and wrinkles framing her eyes. A floral pattern runs across her breasts, part of Edwards' effort to present Clinton "as a woman -- not a covered up person, but as a woman."
Does this guy really have nothing else to do with his time. I know he is getting paid for this but wow. I can't wait to see who is going to be scultped next. What else is there to do after you sculpt Hillary Clinton nude?
Yesterday's Connecticut Democratic Senate primary did not turn out the way Senator Joe Lieberman would have liked, but this is not going to stop him from running for his seat. His opposition, millionaire Ned Lamont, took 52 percent of the votes granting him the Democratic nod. In order for Lieberman to be eligible to be on the ticket as a write-in for the November election, he must collect 7,500 signatures from registered voters by the deadline of tomorrow. Anticipating his yesterday's loss, Lieberman has already collected the majority of the required signatures.
The November election for this seat will no doubt be an interesting one. Lamont will run as the Democrat, Lieberman will run as an Independent although because of his stance on the war is like running as a Republican, and of course the Republican opposition to both will run as well. A recent poll among all registered voters of Connecticut shows some strange results. Lieberman actually is holding the lead with Lamont running a close second and the Republican candidate falling way behind the two. The way it's looking, Lieberman can still win his seat back even though he did not get the Democratic endorsment.
Lamont campaigned for the most part to be on the offense while Lieberman was greatly on the defensive. Lamont attacked Lieberman on the one issue that he knew would get the support among Democrats. This issue is of course the war in Iraq. Lieberman a strong supporter of the war and felt the heat about it from Lamont at every turn. I would imagine with the great success of Lamont's current campaign strategy, he will continue to use the war issue to his advantage, and hopefully win him the seat.
Ever since the mugshot taken when he was booked on money laundering charges, former Congressman Tom DeLay (R-Tex) has been going to court appearances and making resignation speeches. He even suggested recently on TV that Democratic efforts to keep him on the November ballot might prompt him to seek reelection. On Monday, the Democrats won the ballot battle and Republican sources say that DeLay is leaning to another surprising move. He is thinking of stepping aside and supporting a write-in candidate for his old seat. According to a Republican consultant, this strategy would be like handing the seat to the Democrats on a silver platter. The consultant went on to say that it is arrogant to think voters will support a write-in gambit.
This is just another race we'll have to watch to see how it plays out. I think that no matter what the Republicans do, it will not yield them the seat they desperately need to hold onto in order to keep control of Congress. With DeLay's name remaining on the ballot, even if a good write-in would be added the votes would still be split among the two Republicans. This would only allow for the Democrat to take the majority of the votes and win the seat.
DeLay's name remaining on the ballot is considered a huge court victory for the Democratic party. His name on the ballot would only remind Texas voters and the entire U.S. of the corruption within the Republican party. It's almost like Republicans are just handing over the control of Congress to the Democrats. With all these scandals and probes going on, I just don't see how the Republicans will be able to hold control of any house of Congress this November.
DeLay's name remaining on the ballot is a firm symbol of Republican corruption. Before you cast your vote, just remember which party is being probed and convicted, and ask yourself if this is the party you really want to support.
Rep. Bob Ney (R-Oh.), enmeshed in a congressional corruption scandal, abruptly abandoned his race for re-election Monday after months of prodding from Republican leaders worried about losing his seat this fall. Ney said in a statement he is innocent of any wrongdoings. The six-term lawmaker has long been involved in the influence-peddling investigation spawned by Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and is the second congressman to announce his retirement in the fallout from the probe. Several Republican officials said Ney had been prodded by Rep. John Boehner, (R-Oh.), the current majority leader, as well as other officials to quit his race for re-election.
Rep. Bob Ney (R-Oh.) is not currently charged with any crimes, but court papers released during the Jack Abramoff (R) plea deal say that Abramoff gave lavish gifts and contributions to an unnamed House member in return for officials acts. The unnamed House member has recently been confirmed at Rep. Ney.
This is just yet another case of crooked Republicans in congress. Is there any out there that are actually doing there jobs these days? Former Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-Tex.) resigned from Congress earlier this year due to wrong doings. The Republican party tried to get his name off the ballot to replace it with a Republican who can actually run for the seat. Just a few days ago a court judge ruled that the name had to stay on the November ballot.
I'm really glad to see that American voters are trying to get to know and understand the candidates they are voting for. Chances are these people that are corrupt in Congress now were once corrupt before they got into Congress. Rather than taking the time and trying to learn the candidates and understand the issues they stand for, these people are getting voted in because Americans too often vote strictly along party lines.
Just like the old phrase "Your mind is a terrible thing to waste", the "Environment" is also a terrible thing to waste. What we are doing to the earth and its environment now is by far worse than what has ever been done to it before. We are burning more fossil fuels and polluting it more than in the past. Common sense will tell you that this is not healthy for the planet we live on. Something must be done soon to help preserve this wonderful home of ours, or it will not be around for future generations to enjoy.
We need to develop alternative fuels, and distance ourselves from the burning of crude oil. The General Motors Corp. has developed an engine that runs on liquid hydrogen. Its only byproduct is pure, potable water. It gets roughly the same fuel economy as today's small cars. Another alternative fuel is ethanol. Ethanol is made from corn or sugar cane. It can be mixed with gasoline to produce a cleaner burning fuel which helps prevent the destruction of our environment.
Another thing we need to do is stop burning so much electricity for our homes. I know its the summer time, and the only way to beat the heat is to sit inside in the air condition. We still must do something to lower the consumption of our electric consumption. When possible, open a window shade to allow natural, free light to flow inside. Turn off the lights when they are not needed can help out a bunch especially if everyone would turn off at least one. when not at home, put the A/C on 80 to 85 degrees. You're not home, it doesn't need to be set in the 70s. You can't enjoy it anyway.
We need to preserve our forest and all the animals that live in it. Trees help refine our air and produce oxygen for us to breath. The sensible thing to do would be to not destroy all of our forest. By not doing this, it solves problems in it self. The wildlife gets to flourish and survive. New diseases are stirred up. How do you think the AIDS virus came about? It came from the logging of the Amazon Rain Forest.
If we leave nature along and treat it with kindness, nature in return will be treat us with the same. Not only will doing these things help save money, but they will also preserve this great place we live in for the future generations to admire as well.
With the Connecticut Democratic senate primary less than a week away. Ned Lamont opened up a double-digit lead over Senator Joe Lieberman according to a poll released yesterday. According to a recent poll, Lamont's lead is now up to 13% over Senator Lieberman.
Lieberman, now in his third term, has split support from the Democratic party. President Clinton campaigned for him only a few days ago, but that did not seem to get any rise in his poll numbers. Those campaigning against Lieberman include Rev. Al Sharpton and Al Franken. Lieberman, if he loses the primary, vows to run as an Independent in the Connecticut Senate race in November. In order to get his name on the ballot, Lieberman must get 7,500 voter signatures by August 9, a day after the primary. Lieberman has already began collecting signatures in anticipation of Lamont's victory.
The big issue that is pulling liberals to Lamont is the Iraqi war. Lamont is taking a liberal stance on this issue with a troop pull out to begin by the end of the year. Lieberman stands with the President on this issue. He wants our troops to stay in for the long haul.
Lieberman running as an Independent would only hurt his party's chance to hold a senate seat. By putting two Democrats on the ballot, this would split the votes between them not allowing Lamont to receive the majority. Either this would allow for the Republican to receive the majority, or it would draw a runoff between the top two.
In order for the Democrats to take control of the Senate, they need to pick up six seats from the Republicans. I hope the Lieberman/Lamont Senate race can keep the Connecticut seat Democrat. I guess we will just have to see how this plays out.
President Jalal Talabani predicted Wednesday that Iraqi troops will assume security duties for the whole country by the end of the year, even as more U.S. soldiers headed to the capital to bolster local forces struggling to contain violence. U.S. and other foreign troops now are responsible for security in all but one of Iraq's 18 provinces, and there has been no letup in insurgent attacks or sectarian violence. U.S. and Iraqi officials previously have spoken of Iraq taking on security in all provinces next year.
Do you really think Iraq will be ready to handle all the security duties on their own by the end of the year? Give me a break. Even if they could possibly do that, it's not like President Bush would pull out of Iraq. This guy already told the nation many of times that it is going to be up to the next president to decide when our troops come home. He is in it for the long haul. Bush's approval rating is back down to around 32% because of this war, but he could really careless. He is not up for re-election so what's the use.
The way I see it. If another Republican gets elected in 2008, the U.S. troops will remain in Iraq for at least another four years. There is no way a conservative will say the president was wrong about being in Iraq. By pulling out the troops this would admit his fault, and I really don't ever see that happening. Iraq will not be fully ready by the end of the year nor will they be ready by the end of the next hundred years. There will always be violence in this country, and we the United States have no business getting involved in that. Oh wait, yes we do. It's a little thing called oil that makes us involved.
Forget about "Risk," here's your chance to own the American government and become a Capitol Hill profiteer in the style of W., Dick Cheney and Tom DeLay!
How do you win "Wreck the Nation"?
You become the first Politician to spend all of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars to “Wreck the Nation"!
A military court opened a preliminary hearing to determine whether four U.S. soldiers charged over the deaths of three male prisoners in Iraq will face court martials. They have been charged with premeditated murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, communicating a threat, and obstructing justice in the killings in or around May 9 north of Baghdad. Premeditated murder charges can bring the death penalty under U.S. military law. It comes at a sensitive time when the military is investigating other cases of alleged abuses -- including the killings of up to 24 unarmed civilians in the town of Haditha last year by U.S. Marines -- which have infuriated Iraqis.
I'm happy to see that the allegations are being taking seriousally. If these men are in fact proven guilty they should be punished just like any other criminal would be. I'm getting really tired of hearing about how our armed forces are abusing their power and committing these heinous crimes. On July 10, 2006, I wrote a post titled "Soldiers Charged with Rape and Murder in Iraq." This describes another incident of the mistreating of Iraqis.
Like I said before, this is a real disgrace the U.S. military and the U.s. as a nation. There is absolutely no excuse for this kind of action to take place. We despirately need to send the message to all soldiers by prosecuting these men so that this kind of act will not take place again.
The government is considering allowing over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill, but only to women 18 and older. Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Plan B pills would be kept behind pharmacy counters, and women would need to ask for them. The pills can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. Women's groups say over-the-counter sales could reduce the number of abortions because more women would be able to get the pills in time without going through the hurdles of getting a prescription. Plan B is a set of two pills, that contain higher doses of a hormone used in birth control pills, taken 12 hours apart to block the release or fertilization of an egg. It is different from the RU-486 "abortion pill," which can terminate an early pregnancy by blocking a hormone that keeps a fertilized egg implanted in the uterus.
I hope the government allows this drug to be sold over-the-counter. I believe this would greatly reduce the number of abortions in the country, and who could be against that. This is no different than taking birth control to prevent pregnancy. This is just another form of contraceptive that would do a lot of good for this hormone driven country.
I hate to say it, but today more and more of our teenagers are becoming sexually active. There exists many reasons for this occurence, but unfortunetly there isn't any good suppressor. The fact is, teenagers will continue to have sex and there is nothing that can be done about it. You just have to hope and pray that you taught your child well enough to make the right decision when the time comes.
Pregnancy can totally mess the up the life of a teenager not only financially but psychologly as well. I hope the government does the right thing and allows this drug to be sold to those that need it. The only other alternative is abortion, and there are much worse repercussions from that.
