Prop. 8 trial: Debate over judge's sexual orientation not likely to affect Prop. 8 case - latimes.com: "Reporting from San Francisco— Gay and lesbian judges may preside over gay-rights cases and rule on same-sex marriage disputes as long as the jurists are not attempting to marry their partners, according to the nation's top experts in legal ethics.
But ethicists disagree on whether retired federal judge Vaughn R. Walker, 67, should have disclosed his 10-year relationship with his partner before presiding over the challenge to Proposition 8, the 2008 California ballot measure that reinstated a ban on same-sex marriage. Walker ruled in August that the ban was unconstitutional, and his decision is now before an appeals court.
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Support in polls for same-sex marriage could influence Proposition 8 legal battle, experts say
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Obama hints shift on gay marriage
A conservative Christian group has asked a federal judge to void Walker's ruling against Proposition 8 on the grounds that he might benefit from it if he wishes to marry his partner. Although Walker is openly gay and his sexual orientation was known to lawyers in the Proposition 8 case, Walker did not publicly confirm it or disclose his long-term relationship until after he retired from the bench in February."
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Medicare Could Cost the GOP in 2012 Election - The Daily Beast
Medicare Could Cost the GOP in 2012 Election - The Daily Beast: "Every few years, members of the majority party in Congress unite to cast a vote that breaks through the din of daily procedural motions and defines a congressional career, for better or worse. And it happened again Wednesday.
In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress voted to approve President Bill Clinton's budget, complete with a call for deficit reduction and a tax increase. Fifteen months later, Democrats lost control of the House and Senate and watched dozens of their colleagues pack up their offices and go home in defeat.
Under President George W. Bush, Senate Republicans followed their president's lead and voted to approve a controversial bill reforming the immigration system". The legislation failed to pass Congress, but ignited a furor among conservative voters across the country and cost Republicans crucial support in the 2006 and 2008 elections.
In 1993, the Democratic-controlled Congress voted to approve President Bill Clinton's budget, complete with a call for deficit reduction and a tax increase. Fifteen months later, Democrats lost control of the House and Senate and watched dozens of their colleagues pack up their offices and go home in defeat.
Under President George W. Bush, Senate Republicans followed their president's lead and voted to approve a controversial bill reforming the immigration system". The legislation failed to pass Congress, but ignited a furor among conservative voters across the country and cost Republicans crucial support in the 2006 and 2008 elections.
Howard Kurtz: GOP's 2012 Presidential Candidates Need to Get in the Race - The Daily Beast
Howard Kurtz: GOP's 2012 Presidential Candidates Need to Get in the Race - The Daily Beast: "First, the presidency is a pretty cool job. You get a nice mansion with backyard, a bowling alley, a chef, your own helicopter, and an impressive pile of nuclear weapons. No one forced these folks to stir up presidential speculation. The agonizing is getting old.
Second, as nutty and nightmarish as the process may be, it's not an irrational way to pick a president. The pressures of running, defining a message, mastering the issues, and fending off attacks is a rough proxy for managing the burdens of the Oval Office. If a candidate can't galvanize supporters during a campaign, how can he or she rally the country during a Wall Street meltdown or a war? 'In a classic mythological sense,' says former Joe Biden aide Ron Klain, 'it tests the candidate in every respect—physically, mentally, emotionally. It weeds people out.'
Donald Trump loudly proclaimed he was serious this time, right until the day he had to re-up with Celebrity Apprentice—for a payday worth up to $60 million. 'It was very hard because I was doing so well in terms of the polls,' Trump tells me. 'Do you give up a top show on television with a tremendous amount of money for the privilege of running for a year and a half?' Well, some people might."
Second, as nutty and nightmarish as the process may be, it's not an irrational way to pick a president. The pressures of running, defining a message, mastering the issues, and fending off attacks is a rough proxy for managing the burdens of the Oval Office. If a candidate can't galvanize supporters during a campaign, how can he or she rally the country during a Wall Street meltdown or a war? 'In a classic mythological sense,' says former Joe Biden aide Ron Klain, 'it tests the candidate in every respect—physically, mentally, emotionally. It weeds people out.'
Donald Trump loudly proclaimed he was serious this time, right until the day he had to re-up with Celebrity Apprentice—for a payday worth up to $60 million. 'It was very hard because I was doing so well in terms of the polls,' Trump tells me. 'Do you give up a top show on television with a tremendous amount of money for the privilege of running for a year and a half?' Well, some people might."
Obama Fails on Immigration Reform - The Daily Beast
Obama Fails on Immigration Reform - The Daily Beast: "Obama spoke boldly to the League of Latin American Citizens during the campaign, saying “we need a president who isn't going to walk away from something as important as comprehensive immigration reform when it becomes politically unpopular.”
But three years later, with no immigration bill on the horizon and a record number of illegal immigrants being deported by the Obama administration, Latinos on Capitol Hill and across the country say they feel disillusioned and even betrayed by the man who promised them so much as a candidate and has delivered so little as president."
But three years later, with no immigration bill on the horizon and a record number of illegal immigrants being deported by the Obama administration, Latinos on Capitol Hill and across the country say they feel disillusioned and even betrayed by the man who promised them so much as a candidate and has delivered so little as president."
South Sudan threatens to retaliate against North in border dispute - CSMonitor.com
South Sudan threatens to retaliate against North in border dispute - CSMonitor.com: "uba, South Sudan
The growing possibility of civil war over Sudan's most disputed border zone was confirmed Monday when the South Sudanese army said it would retaliate if the North's army continued to move south.
Skip to next paragraph
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'Our mission is to protect the borders … any step south of this [North-South] border will not be tolerated,' says South Sudan's military spokesman Philip Aguer.
On Saturday, northern forces seized the strategic, contested border town of Abyei and Mr. Aguer is warning the North that it is at risk of shattering the fragile 2005 peace deal that ended two decades of war."
The growing possibility of civil war over Sudan's most disputed border zone was confirmed Monday when the South Sudanese army said it would retaliate if the North's army continued to move south.
Skip to next paragraph
Related Stories
Sudan's seizure of key border town reignites concerns of civil war
Taking care of business in South Sudan
Election in Sudan's Southern Kordofan marred by disputed results
'Our mission is to protect the borders … any step south of this [North-South] border will not be tolerated,' says South Sudan's military spokesman Philip Aguer.
On Saturday, northern forces seized the strategic, contested border town of Abyei and Mr. Aguer is warning the North that it is at risk of shattering the fragile 2005 peace deal that ended two decades of war."
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Republican Presidential Contest Suddenly Heats Up
Republican Presidential Contest Suddenly Heats Up: "WASHINGTON — The still unsettled race for the Republican nomination to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012 is getting more interesting.
After months of resisting calls to join the contest, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Friday he would consider it. That could reshape the GOP field, adding a sitting governor who has never lost an election.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin also sent a jolt through the party with the announcement of a campaign-style bus tour along the East Coast, the latest possible contender to stand up since Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels announced last weekend that he would not run.
And former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is heading to New Hampshire next week, further stirring speculation that he will jump into the still-gelling field."
After months of resisting calls to join the contest, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Friday he would consider it. That could reshape the GOP field, adding a sitting governor who has never lost an election.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin also sent a jolt through the party with the announcement of a campaign-style bus tour along the East Coast, the latest possible contender to stand up since Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels announced last weekend that he would not run.
And former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is heading to New Hampshire next week, further stirring speculation that he will jump into the still-gelling field."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
House Passes Patriot Act Extension, Sends Bill To Obama
House Passes Patriot Act Extension, Sends Bill To Obama: "WASHINGTON — Congress on Thursday passed a four-year extension of post-Sept. 11 powers to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists. Votes taken in rapid succession in the Senate and House came after lawmakers rejected attempts to temper the law enforcement powers to ensure that individual liberties are not abused.
Following the 250-153 evening vote in the House, the legislation to renew three terrorism-fighting authorities headed for the president's signature with only hours to go before the provisions expire at midnight.
With Obama currently in Europe, the White House said the president would use an autopen machine that holds a pen and signs his actual signature. It is only used with proper authorization of the president. Obama will be awakened by 5:45 a.m. in France so he can review and approve the bill and authorize his signature, the White House said."
Following the 250-153 evening vote in the House, the legislation to renew three terrorism-fighting authorities headed for the president's signature with only hours to go before the provisions expire at midnight.
With Obama currently in Europe, the White House said the president would use an autopen machine that holds a pen and signs his actual signature. It is only used with proper authorization of the president. Obama will be awakened by 5:45 a.m. in France so he can review and approve the bill and authorize his signature, the White House said."
Michele Bachmann 2012 Presidential Announcement Expected Next Month
Michele Bachmann 2012 Presidential Announcement Expected Next Month: "Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) signaled on Thursday night that she can be expected to make a presidential announcement next month in the key early primary state of Iowa.
The Tea Party favorite trickled out the details in a conference call with reporters Thursday night but said she could still reverse course and sit out the 2012 White House campaign. Bachmann was supposed to speak in person at a GOP dinner in downtown Des Moines, but a vote in Washington turned the appearance into a video message.
Bachmann says she has staff lined up in the states that start the presidential nominating process: Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
She says strong fundraising and other indicators make her confident about making a run."
The Tea Party favorite trickled out the details in a conference call with reporters Thursday night but said she could still reverse course and sit out the 2012 White House campaign. Bachmann was supposed to speak in person at a GOP dinner in downtown Des Moines, but a vote in Washington turned the appearance into a video message.
Bachmann says she has staff lined up in the states that start the presidential nominating process: Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
She says strong fundraising and other indicators make her confident about making a run."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Fox News Chief Roger Ailes Thinks Sarah Palin Is 'Stupid': New York Magazine (UPDATE)
Fox News Chief Roger Ailes Thinks Sarah Palin Is 'Stupid': New York Magazine (UPDATE): "NEW YORK -- Fox News still dominates the cable news ratings, but chairman Roger Ailes wants something more: to help elect the next president.
That's the takeaway from Gabriel Sherman's New York magazine cover story hitting newsstands Monday. Sherman, who's currently writing a book on Fox News for Random House, looks at how Ailes -- who built up a stable of possible presidential contenders after the 2008 election, including Sarah Palin -- isn't so pleased with their chances at beating President Barack Obama in 2012.
Ailes doesn't speak on the record in the article, but several Republicans close to the Fox News chief describe his concerns going into an election year. [See Update]"
That's the takeaway from Gabriel Sherman's New York magazine cover story hitting newsstands Monday. Sherman, who's currently writing a book on Fox News for Random House, looks at how Ailes -- who built up a stable of possible presidential contenders after the 2008 election, including Sarah Palin -- isn't so pleased with their chances at beating President Barack Obama in 2012.
Ailes doesn't speak on the record in the article, but several Republicans close to the Fox News chief describe his concerns going into an election year. [See Update]"
More Solid Proof That Obamacare Is Working - Rick Ungar - The Policy Page - Forbes
More Solid Proof That Obamacare Is Working - Rick Ungar - The Policy Page - Forbes: "Recent data provided by the nation’s largest health insurance companies reveals that a provision of the Affordable Care Act – or Obamacare – is bringing big numbers of the uninsured into the health care insurance system.
And they are precisely the uninsured that we want– the young people who tend not to get sick.
The provision of the law that permits young adults under 26, long the largest uninsured demographic in the country, to remain on their parents’ health insurance program resulted in at least 600,000 newly insured Americans during the first quarter of 2011."
And they are precisely the uninsured that we want– the young people who tend not to get sick.
The provision of the law that permits young adults under 26, long the largest uninsured demographic in the country, to remain on their parents’ health insurance program resulted in at least 600,000 newly insured Americans during the first quarter of 2011."
Indiana’s Planned Parenthood Uproar: Women React to New Medicaid Bill - The Daily Beast
Indiana’s Planned Parenthood Uproar: Women React to New Medicaid Bill - The Daily Beast: "On May 10, Gov. Mitch Daniels signed a bill that made Indiana the first state in history to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. The bill also bans abortion after 20 weeks and requires that Indiana women seeking abortions be read a statement advising that life begins at fertilization. Indiana State GOP Rep. Eric Turner told The Daily Beast, “I believe this will make us the most pro-life state in America.”
After a U.S. district judge denied Planned Parenthood’s request for a temporary hold on the measure, more than $50,000 in donations have poured in to the organization—enough to continue services through May 30. But when private funding runs out, the state’s 9,300 Medicaid recipients who rely on the clinics as their primary medical providers will be left in the lurch. Planned Parenthood has already filed an injunction against the state of Indiana, set to go to federal court June 6."
After a U.S. district judge denied Planned Parenthood’s request for a temporary hold on the measure, more than $50,000 in donations have poured in to the organization—enough to continue services through May 30. But when private funding runs out, the state’s 9,300 Medicaid recipients who rely on the clinics as their primary medical providers will be left in the lurch. Planned Parenthood has already filed an injunction against the state of Indiana, set to go to federal court June 6."
Israeli Prime Minister Gets 29 Standing Ovations in Congress, Sends Message to White House* - The Note
Israeli Prime Minister Gets 29 Standing Ovations in Congress, Sends Message to White House* - The Note: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before a joint meeting of Congress had all trappings of a State of the Union address by a president with sky-high approval ratings.
Speaking to a packed House chamber with Speaker Boehner and Vice President Biden over his shoulders, Netanyahu was repeatedly interrupted by applause – including more than 20 standing ovations.
One of his biggest applause lines was aimed directly at President Obama.
“Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967,” Netanyahu said, prompting a big standing ovation.
Later he added: “Israel on the 1967 lines would be only 9 miles wide. So much for defensible borders.”"
Speaking to a packed House chamber with Speaker Boehner and Vice President Biden over his shoulders, Netanyahu was repeatedly interrupted by applause – including more than 20 standing ovations.
One of his biggest applause lines was aimed directly at President Obama.
“Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967,” Netanyahu said, prompting a big standing ovation.
Later he added: “Israel on the 1967 lines would be only 9 miles wide. So much for defensible borders.”"
Monday, May 23, 2011
Scott Brown: Paul Ryan Medicare Plan Won't Get My Vote
Scott Brown: Paul Ryan Medicare Plan Won't Get My Vote: "After wavering in his position on a controversial proposal to reform Medicare put forth by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) took a stand on the plan in a Politico op-ed published on Monday.
'While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan — and therefore will vote 'no' on his budget,' wrote the Republican senator.
Here's an excerpt of what Brown had to say in defining his position on the issue:"
'While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan — and therefore will vote 'no' on his budget,' wrote the Republican senator.
Here's an excerpt of what Brown had to say in defining his position on the issue:"
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Republican Governor Popularity Plummets, From Ohio's Kasich to Florida's Scott to Wisconsin's Walker - The Daily Beast
Republican Governor Popularity Plummets, From Ohio's Kasich to Florida's Scott to Wisconsin's Walker - The Daily Beast: "The cycle of over-reach and backlash is in over-drive these days—with significant implications for the 2012 presidential election. In pivotal swing-states where voters narrowly elected Republican governors in 2010—like Florida and Ohio (with 47 electoral votes between them)—evidence of buyer's remorse is piling up fast.
The latest sign: on Tuesday, Alvin Brown became the first Democrat elected mayor of Jacksonville—Florida's largest city—in 20 years."
The latest sign: on Tuesday, Alvin Brown became the first Democrat elected mayor of Jacksonville—Florida's largest city—in 20 years."
Understanding Obama’s shift on Israel and the ‘1967 lines’ - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post
Understanding Obama’s shift on Israel and the ‘1967 lines’ - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post: "This sentence in President Obama’s much-anticipated speech on the Middle East caused much consternation Thursday among supporters of the Jewish state. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who will meet with Obama on Friday, adamantly rejected it.
For people not trained in the nuances of Middle East diplomacy, the sentence might appear unremarkable. However, many experts say it represents a significant shift in U.S. policy, and it is certainly a change for the Obama administration.
As is often the case with diplomacy, the context and the speaker are nearly as important as the words. Ever since the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, it has been clear that peace with the Palestinians would be achieved through some exchange of land for security."
For people not trained in the nuances of Middle East diplomacy, the sentence might appear unremarkable. However, many experts say it represents a significant shift in U.S. policy, and it is certainly a change for the Obama administration.
As is often the case with diplomacy, the context and the speaker are nearly as important as the words. Ever since the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors, it has been clear that peace with the Palestinians would be achieved through some exchange of land for security."
Arizona's ethnic studies ban whitewashes history
Arizona's ethnic studies ban whitewashes history: "When Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed the infamous anti-immigrant bill into law, it was clear that people in that state lost their minds. But apparently that was not enough. Now, the governor just signed a bill into law on Tuesday that bans ethnic studies programs in the schools. Really?
The new law prohibits classes that 'promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, promote resentment of a particular race or class of people, are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.' Schools that fail to comply will lose their state funding."
The new law prohibits classes that 'promote the overthrow of the U.S. government, promote resentment of a particular race or class of people, are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group or advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.' Schools that fail to comply will lose their state funding."
Newt Gingrich’s Pinocchio-laden debut - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post
Newt Gingrich’s Pinocchio-laden debut - The Fact Checker - The Washington Post: " The Fact Checker covered Gingrich during his speakership, which lasted a tumultuous four years in the late 1990s, and by turns found him to be fascinating and frustrating. Gingrich speaks with such conviction and certainty, but every assertion he made needed to be checked and rechecked. Sometimes you couldn’t quite be sure if he was just making it up on the spot."
Friday, May 20, 2011
Willie Nelson Withdraws Gary Johnson 2012 Endorsement
Willie Nelson Withdraws Gary Johnson 2012 Endorsement: "(NEWSER) – After voicing support for pro-pot Gary Johnson as a presidential candidate, Willie Nelson has apparently changed his tune, notes the Daily Caller. It's 'too early for me to endorse anyone,” the singer said in an email to a member of his marijuana-legalization activist group, the Teapot Party. (The exchange is recounted here.) Though he acknowledged backing New Mexico's former GOP governor, who no longer indulges himself but backs legalization, Nelson wrote: “I think I will wait and see where he stands on other things. My bad. Sorry.'
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Texas Sonogram Abortion Law Signed By Rick Perry
Texas Sonogram Abortion Law Signed By Rick Perry: "AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Texas Governor Rick Perry Thursday signed into law a measure requiring women seeking an abortion in the state to first get a sonogram.
Texas is one of several U.S. states with strong Republican legislative majorities proposing new restrictions on abortion this year. The Republican governor had designated the bill as an emergency legislative priority, putting it on a fast track.
Under the law, women will have to wait 24 hours after the sonogram before having an abortion, though the waiting time is two hours for those who live more than 100 miles from an abortion provider.
'Governor Perry was pleased to sign this important legislation, which bolsters our efforts to protect life by ensuring Texans are fully"
Texas is one of several U.S. states with strong Republican legislative majorities proposing new restrictions on abortion this year. The Republican governor had designated the bill as an emergency legislative priority, putting it on a fast track.
Under the law, women will have to wait 24 hours after the sonogram before having an abortion, though the waiting time is two hours for those who live more than 100 miles from an abortion provider.
'Governor Perry was pleased to sign this important legislation, which bolsters our efforts to protect life by ensuring Texans are fully"
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Patriot Act Extension Agreement Reached By Congressional Leaders
Patriot Act Extension Agreement Reached By Congressional Leaders: "WASHINGTON — Top congressional leaders agreed Thursday to a four-year extension of the anti-terrorist Patriot Act, the controversial law passed after the Sept. 11 attacks that governs the search for terrorists on American soil.
The deal between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner calls for a vote before May 27, when parts of the current act expire. The idea is to pass the extension with as little debate as possible to avoid a protracted and familiar argument over the expanded power the law gives to the government.
Support for the extension was unclear. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., wanted tighter restrictions on the government's power and may seek to amend it. In the House, members of the freshman class elected on promises of making government smaller were skeptical."
The deal between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner calls for a vote before May 27, when parts of the current act expire. The idea is to pass the extension with as little debate as possible to avoid a protracted and familiar argument over the expanded power the law gives to the government.
Support for the extension was unclear. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., wanted tighter restrictions on the government's power and may seek to amend it. In the House, members of the freshman class elected on promises of making government smaller were skeptical."
Fox News Poll: Voters Say Country in Worse Shape, Still Expect Obama Will Prevail in 2012 - FoxNews.com
Fox News Poll: Voters Say Country in Worse Shape, Still Expect Obama Will Prevail in 2012 - FoxNews.com: "Despite a majority believing the country is in worse shape than it was four years ago, American voters -- by a wide margin -- think President Barack Obama will be re-elected in 2012.
That’s a reversal from how voters felt six months ago, according to a Fox News poll released Thursday.
Today, 57 percent of voters think President Obama will be re-elected. That’s about double the 29 percent who thought so in December. And the 36 percent of voters who don’t expect him to be re-elected is a major shift from the 64 percent who felt that way previously (December 14-15, 2010).
This change is likely due -- at least in part -- to the killing of Usama bin Laden and the lack of a clear Republican opponent."
That’s a reversal from how voters felt six months ago, according to a Fox News poll released Thursday.
Today, 57 percent of voters think President Obama will be re-elected. That’s about double the 29 percent who thought so in December. And the 36 percent of voters who don’t expect him to be re-elected is a major shift from the 64 percent who felt that way previously (December 14-15, 2010).
This change is likely due -- at least in part -- to the killing of Usama bin Laden and the lack of a clear Republican opponent."
Mitch Daniels Not Only Took ObamaCare Funds, He Pushed Similar Reforms
Mitch Daniels Not Only Took ObamaCare Funds, He Pushed Similar Reforms: "WASHINGTON -- A race to pre-define the prospective presidential candidacy of Republican Mitch Daniels took off in haste on Thursday, as Democrats heaped praise on the Indiana governor for his implementation of the president's health care law.
It's low-hanging fruit, as far as political attacks go. The Affordable Care Act is toxic among Republican voters -- something that those attacking Daniels are implicitly acknowledging. While the Indiana governor has called for ObamaCare's repeal, his acceptance of the ACA money does set him apart from some of his GOP colleagues.
It also underscores that extent to which Daniel is vulnerable on the health care front. Like nearly every other candidate in the GOP field, his record contains several potential points of friction among conservative voters. The most obvious one would be his previous support for the notion that the government could mandate individuals to purchase insurance. Below, for instance, is an October 23, 2003, South Bend Tribune article about Daniels on the gubernatorial campaign trail."
It's low-hanging fruit, as far as political attacks go. The Affordable Care Act is toxic among Republican voters -- something that those attacking Daniels are implicitly acknowledging. While the Indiana governor has called for ObamaCare's repeal, his acceptance of the ACA money does set him apart from some of his GOP colleagues.
It also underscores that extent to which Daniel is vulnerable on the health care front. Like nearly every other candidate in the GOP field, his record contains several potential points of friction among conservative voters. The most obvious one would be his previous support for the notion that the government could mandate individuals to purchase insurance. Below, for instance, is an October 23, 2003, South Bend Tribune article about Daniels on the gubernatorial campaign trail."
Peter Fonda calls Obama 'traitor' at Cannes - Yahoo! News
Peter Fonda calls Obama 'traitor' at Cannes - Yahoo! News: "CANNES, France (AFP) – Peter Fonda launched a four-letter attack on US President Barack Obama at the Cannes film festival on Wednesday, calling him a traitor over the handling of the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill.
The star of the 1969 road movie 'Easy Rider' was in Cannes for the premiere of 'The Big Fix' by Rebecca and Josh Tickell, the only feature documentary in the official selection at the Cannes film festival this year.
Fonda -- a keen environmentalist and co-producer of the film which centres on the explosion of the BP oil rig Deepwater Horizon, the ensuing spill and its consequences -- accused Washington of trying to gag reporting on the issue.
'I sent an email to President Obama saying, 'You are a f(expletive) traitor,' using those words... 'You're a traitor, you allowed foreign boots on our soil telling our military -- in this case the coastguard -- what they can and could not do, and telling us, the citizens of the United States, what we could or could not do'.'
Fonda, who said he sent the email last week, appears in 'The Big Fix' trying to get on to Louisiana beaches to assess the impact of the biggest oil spill in US history, only to be turned away by BP clean-up personnel."
The star of the 1969 road movie 'Easy Rider' was in Cannes for the premiere of 'The Big Fix' by Rebecca and Josh Tickell, the only feature documentary in the official selection at the Cannes film festival this year.
Fonda -- a keen environmentalist and co-producer of the film which centres on the explosion of the BP oil rig Deepwater Horizon, the ensuing spill and its consequences -- accused Washington of trying to gag reporting on the issue.
'I sent an email to President Obama saying, 'You are a f(expletive) traitor,' using those words... 'You're a traitor, you allowed foreign boots on our soil telling our military -- in this case the coastguard -- what they can and could not do, and telling us, the citizens of the United States, what we could or could not do'.'
Fonda, who said he sent the email last week, appears in 'The Big Fix' trying to get on to Louisiana beaches to assess the impact of the biggest oil spill in US history, only to be turned away by BP clean-up personnel."
For Obama Middle East Speech, Several American Audiences - NYTimes.com
For Obama Middle East Speech, Several American Audiences - NYTimes.com: "Thursday’s speech by President Obama on the upheaval in the Middle East is aimed at a global audience. But it will also play out in a domestic — and political — context as Mr. Obama seeks a second term in the White House.
Since taking office, Mr. Obama has sought to strike a balance between reaching out to the Muslim world while also combating terrorism and pushing for progress toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The as-yet unfulfilled promise of that approach, which he described in a speech in Cairo in 2009, helped win him the Nobel Peace Prize early in his presidency.
But the effort to construct a cohesive narrative for American voters about his administration’s efforts in the region has proved more difficult. The peace process has been largely halted. The move away from Bush-era terrorism policies has gone more slowly than expected. And the uprisings in the Arab world have forced case-by-case decisions that sometimes appear contradictory."
Since taking office, Mr. Obama has sought to strike a balance between reaching out to the Muslim world while also combating terrorism and pushing for progress toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The as-yet unfulfilled promise of that approach, which he described in a speech in Cairo in 2009, helped win him the Nobel Peace Prize early in his presidency.
But the effort to construct a cohesive narrative for American voters about his administration’s efforts in the region has proved more difficult. The peace process has been largely halted. The move away from Bush-era terrorism policies has gone more slowly than expected. And the uprisings in the Arab world have forced case-by-case decisions that sometimes appear contradictory."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Senate keeps oil industry tax breaks - UPI.com
Senate keeps oil industry tax breaks - UPI.com: "WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday not to strip major oil companies of $21 billion in tax incentives over the next decade.
The vote was 52-48 with oil-state Democrats joining Republicans in tanking the measure, Politico reported.
While Republicans are adamant there be no tax increases, Senate Democratic leaders, who knew going into the vote it would fail, say they will keep pushing to end the tax breaks for the largest oil companies at a time when they are reaping phenomenal profits.
'I am confident that before we finish our budget negotiations here and in anticipation of raising the debt ceiling that that would be part of it,' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada told reporters before coming out on the losing end of the vote."
The vote was 52-48 with oil-state Democrats joining Republicans in tanking the measure, Politico reported.
While Republicans are adamant there be no tax increases, Senate Democratic leaders, who knew going into the vote it would fail, say they will keep pushing to end the tax breaks for the largest oil companies at a time when they are reaping phenomenal profits.
'I am confident that before we finish our budget negotiations here and in anticipation of raising the debt ceiling that that would be part of it,' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada told reporters before coming out on the losing end of the vote."
Welfare-queen states - The Washington Post
Welfare-queen states - The Washington Post: "Okay. Just for the hell of it, let’s go after the debt and the deficit the Republican way. No new taxes. All through cutbacks. And I’ll confine my quibbles to a few parenthetical asides.
To begin, then: We’re broke! We can’t afford any more taxes! (Well, America’s 400 wealthiest taxpayers certainly can. In 1955, according to the Campaign for America’s Future, the country’s 400 wealthiest taxpayers had an average income of $13.3 million (in 2008 dollars) and paid 51.2 percent of that in federal income taxes. In 2008, according to IRS calculations, they had an average income of $270.5 million and paid 18 percent of that in federal income taxes. And in 1955, by the way, we could afford to pave roads.)"Republicans’ concern over the growth of government is moral as well as fiscal. To quote the House Republican “road map” that accompanied the release of Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget, “Americans were known and admired everywhere for their hopeful determination to assume responsibility for the quality of their own lives; to rely on their own work and initiative. . . . But over time, Americans have been lured into viewing government . . . as their main source of support; they have been drawn toward depending on the public sector for growing shares of their material and personal well-being. The trend drains individual initiative and personal responsibility.”
To remedy this, House Republicans passed a budget that chiefly increases the opportunities for initiative and responsibility available to seniors by reducing their dependence on Medicare and Medicaid (which devotes two-thirds of its funding to nursing-home care). By converting Medicare from a guarantee of payment for medical care to a voucher to purchase insurance, the Congressional Budget Office calculated, the share of medical bills that seniors would have to pay themselves would rise from 25 percent to 68 percent.
Republicans are right to aim big if they mean to reduce the deficit through cuts alone. By most measures, seniors are the major spongers on taxpayers, chiefly through their insistence on not working productively once they hit 65, 78, 92 or whatever. But for the sake of argument, suppose we don’t want to put that burden on our mothers, fathers, grandparents and ourselves. Where else can we identify a comparably large group of drainers of the public till?
Happily, the Tax Foundation — a conservative Washington-based think tank — has, however unintentionally, provided the answer. In 2007, the foundation published a survey of 2005 federal spending in each state and compared that with each state’s contribution in federal taxes. In other words, the foundation identified the states that sponge off the federal government and those that subsidize it. The welfare-queen states and the responsible, producing states, as it were.
The list, alas, hasn’t been updated — in part, no doubt, because conservatives didn’t like what it revealed: that those states that got more back from our government than they paid in were overwhelmingly Republican. The 10 biggest net recipients of taxpayers’ largess were, in order, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alaska, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Dakota, Alabama, South Dakota, Kentucky and Virginia. The 10 states that paid in the most and got back the least were New Jersey, Nevada, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Illinois, Delaware, California, New York and Colorado.
To begin, then: We’re broke! We can’t afford any more taxes! (Well, America’s 400 wealthiest taxpayers certainly can. In 1955, according to the Campaign for America’s Future, the country’s 400 wealthiest taxpayers had an average income of $13.3 million (in 2008 dollars) and paid 51.2 percent of that in federal income taxes. In 2008, according to IRS calculations, they had an average income of $270.5 million and paid 18 percent of that in federal income taxes. And in 1955, by the way, we could afford to pave roads.)"Republicans’ concern over the growth of government is moral as well as fiscal. To quote the House Republican “road map” that accompanied the release of Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget, “Americans were known and admired everywhere for their hopeful determination to assume responsibility for the quality of their own lives; to rely on their own work and initiative. . . . But over time, Americans have been lured into viewing government . . . as their main source of support; they have been drawn toward depending on the public sector for growing shares of their material and personal well-being. The trend drains individual initiative and personal responsibility.”
To remedy this, House Republicans passed a budget that chiefly increases the opportunities for initiative and responsibility available to seniors by reducing their dependence on Medicare and Medicaid (which devotes two-thirds of its funding to nursing-home care). By converting Medicare from a guarantee of payment for medical care to a voucher to purchase insurance, the Congressional Budget Office calculated, the share of medical bills that seniors would have to pay themselves would rise from 25 percent to 68 percent.
Republicans are right to aim big if they mean to reduce the deficit through cuts alone. By most measures, seniors are the major spongers on taxpayers, chiefly through their insistence on not working productively once they hit 65, 78, 92 or whatever. But for the sake of argument, suppose we don’t want to put that burden on our mothers, fathers, grandparents and ourselves. Where else can we identify a comparably large group of drainers of the public till?
Happily, the Tax Foundation — a conservative Washington-based think tank — has, however unintentionally, provided the answer. In 2007, the foundation published a survey of 2005 federal spending in each state and compared that with each state’s contribution in federal taxes. In other words, the foundation identified the states that sponge off the federal government and those that subsidize it. The welfare-queen states and the responsible, producing states, as it were.
The list, alas, hasn’t been updated — in part, no doubt, because conservatives didn’t like what it revealed: that those states that got more back from our government than they paid in were overwhelmingly Republican. The 10 biggest net recipients of taxpayers’ largess were, in order, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alaska, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Dakota, Alabama, South Dakota, Kentucky and Virginia. The 10 states that paid in the most and got back the least were New Jersey, Nevada, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Illinois, Delaware, California, New York and Colorado.
Congressman's Meeting Interrupted By Shouting - West Palm Beach News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach
Congressman's Meeting Interrupted By Shouting - West Palm Beach News Story - WPBF West Palm Beach: "RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. -- Another town hall meeting organized by U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, devolved into a shouting match Monday night.
About 100 people came to hear the congressman speak. Police escorted one person out of the meeting.
West is continuing a 22-town tour of his district. West's district stretches from Jupiter to Deerfield Beach.
'I think that when you continue to share the information, you know, and have that open dialogue and communication with people, you can't -- they can't find you at fault,' West said.
West focused on everything from health care, the energy crisis, the future of the military to creating jobs and government spending during the speech.
'It's not a revenue problem that we have in the United States of America. The problem is with us up in Washington, D.C.,' West said.
But not everyone agreed with West's ideas on how to fix the nation's problems."
About 100 people came to hear the congressman speak. Police escorted one person out of the meeting.
West is continuing a 22-town tour of his district. West's district stretches from Jupiter to Deerfield Beach.
'I think that when you continue to share the information, you know, and have that open dialogue and communication with people, you can't -- they can't find you at fault,' West said.
West focused on everything from health care, the energy crisis, the future of the military to creating jobs and government spending during the speech.
'It's not a revenue problem that we have in the United States of America. The problem is with us up in Washington, D.C.,' West said.
But not everyone agreed with West's ideas on how to fix the nation's problems."
House Republicans Face Backlash At Home Over Medicare Vote
House Republicans Face Backlash At Home Over Medicare Vote: "WASHINGTON -- House Republicans returning to their districts on Monday faced harsh criticism for voting to turn Medicare, the federal health care program for retirees, into a voucher system. GOP lawmakers faced this same constituent ire mere weeks ago when they first voted to support House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) budget plan, which would lower tax rates for corporations and the wealthy while replacing Medicare with private-insurance subsidies for those under 55.
Speaking in his home state of Arizona Monday night, freshman Rep. Ben Quayle (R), son of former vice president Dan Quayle, took heat from constituents who demanded to know why he supported turning Medicare over to private insurers."
Speaking in his home state of Arizona Monday night, freshman Rep. Ben Quayle (R), son of former vice president Dan Quayle, took heat from constituents who demanded to know why he supported turning Medicare over to private insurers."
John Boehner Stuck Between Tea Party And A Hard Place
John Boehner Stuck Between Tea Party And A Hard Place: "DAYTON, Ohio (Reuters) - This John Boehner was not the John Boehner that Tea Party leaders in the room thought they knew.
Compared to the Boehner who talked tough on spending ahead of last November's elections, the one who showed up at Club 55, just off Interstate 75 in Troy in southwestern Ohio, struck them as timid.
The private April 25 meeting was convened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the request of Tea Party leaders, who were seething over recent Republican compromises, most notably on the 2011 budget.
One of the 25 or so leaders, all from Boehner's district, asked him if Republicans would raise America's $14.3 trillion debt limit.
According to half a dozen attendees interviewed by Reuters, the most powerful Republican in Washington said 'yes.'"
Compared to the Boehner who talked tough on spending ahead of last November's elections, the one who showed up at Club 55, just off Interstate 75 in Troy in southwestern Ohio, struck them as timid.
The private April 25 meeting was convened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the request of Tea Party leaders, who were seething over recent Republican compromises, most notably on the 2011 budget.
One of the 25 or so leaders, all from Boehner's district, asked him if Republicans would raise America's $14.3 trillion debt limit.
According to half a dozen attendees interviewed by Reuters, the most powerful Republican in Washington said 'yes.'"
Newt Gingrich Apologizes To Paul Ryan For Criticism Of Medicare Reform Proposal
Newt Gingrich Apologizes To Paul Ryan For Criticism Of Medicare Reform Proposal: "ATLANTA — Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has apologized to congressman Paul Ryan for criticizing his proposal to overhaul Medicare.
Spokesmen for both Gingrich and Ryan tell The Associated Press that the former House speaker called Ryan on Tuesday and offered an apology.
Ryan spokesman Conor Sweeney said the Wisconsin Republican accepted Gingrich's apology. Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler says the call to Ryan 'went very well.'
The House Budget Committee chairman, Ryan proposes replacing Medicare with vouchers that older Americans could use to purchase private health insurance coverage."
Spokesmen for both Gingrich and Ryan tell The Associated Press that the former House speaker called Ryan on Tuesday and offered an apology.
Ryan spokesman Conor Sweeney said the Wisconsin Republican accepted Gingrich's apology. Gingrich spokesman Rick Tyler says the call to Ryan 'went very well.'
The House Budget Committee chairman, Ryan proposes replacing Medicare with vouchers that older Americans could use to purchase private health insurance coverage."
Santorum: McCain 'Doesn't Understand' Interrogation
Santorum: McCain 'Doesn't Understand' Interrogation: "WASHINGTON -- Former Sen. Rick Santorum said Tuesday that Sen. John McCain, who spent 5 1/2 years enduring brutal treatment at the hands of his North Vietnamese captors, doesn't know how effective waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques can be. The Republican presidential contender insisted the tactics led the United States to al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.
McCain, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a speech last week that waterboarding al-Qaida's No. 3 leader, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, did not provide information that led to bin Laden's compound in Pakistan."
McCain, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a speech last week that waterboarding al-Qaida's No. 3 leader, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, did not provide information that led to bin Laden's compound in Pakistan."
Monday, May 16, 2011
Gingrich Racist for Calling Obama a 'Food Stamp' President?
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Do the Right-Wing Thing
Do the Right-Wing Thing | Music | EW.com: "Sinéad O'Connor and George Bush may not quite be political allies,but they do seem to be on the same side of one hot issue: N.W.A. (Niggas With Attitude), the controversial L.A. rappers who made headlines with their song ''F--- Tha Police.'' O'Connor, an ardent hip-hop fan, was scheduled to make a cameo appearance on the band'sforthcoming album, Niggaz 4 Life, but conflicting work schedules gotin the way. Meanwhile, the band's entrepreneurial leader, Eazy-E(above, a.k.a. Eric Wright, 23), jetted off to D.C. for — of all things — a ''Salute to the Commander in Chief'' luncheon in Washington on March 18. The National Republican Senatorial Committee sponsored the fete, which featured a speech by President Bush and drew 1,400 Republicans. Wright wore a black leather suit to the event. Why was the rapper and self-proclaimed former drug dealer invited? Apparently his donations to various L.A. charities earned him an invitation tojoin the fund-raising Republican Senatorial Inner Circle. And Wright's spokesman says the rapper ''really loves the President. He thinks he's a great humanitarian and that he did a great job with Desert Storm.'' Senators Phil Gramm (R-Texas) and Robert Dole(R-Kansas), who'd asked Wright to attend the banquet, had nocomment."
Blast from the Past
Blast from the Past
White House Hires Communications Hand To Handle Issa Oversight
White House Hires Communications Hand To Handle Issa Oversight: "WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration is staffing up in preparation for expanded oversight and inquiries from a Republican-run House of Representatives.
Eric Schultz, the former communications director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, officially joined the White House on Monday. While his portfolio will include issues primarily dealing with the Department of Justice, another key function will be to handle matters relating to and resulting from investigations launched by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
“Eric Schultz started Monday. He will be one of three associate communications directors, alongside Kate Bedingfield and Sandra Abrevaya,' said a top administration official. 'Eric’s portfolio of issues will focus mainly on DOJ and other oversight-related topics.”
Issa’s investigatory arm has thus far been a bit more subdued than early reports suggested it might be. But that doesn't mean the California Republican lacks bite. Issa’s committee has held hearings on everything from environmental regulations to the Presidential Records Act, from freedom of information standards at the Department of Homeland Security to the underlying causes of the foreclosure crisis."
Eric Schultz, the former communications director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, officially joined the White House on Monday. While his portfolio will include issues primarily dealing with the Department of Justice, another key function will be to handle matters relating to and resulting from investigations launched by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Oversight Committee.
“Eric Schultz started Monday. He will be one of three associate communications directors, alongside Kate Bedingfield and Sandra Abrevaya,' said a top administration official. 'Eric’s portfolio of issues will focus mainly on DOJ and other oversight-related topics.”
Issa’s investigatory arm has thus far been a bit more subdued than early reports suggested it might be. But that doesn't mean the California Republican lacks bite. Issa’s committee has held hearings on everything from environmental regulations to the Presidential Records Act, from freedom of information standards at the Department of Homeland Security to the underlying causes of the foreclosure crisis."
Planned Parenthood Defunding Law To Proceed In Indiana
Planned Parenthood Defunding Law To Proceed In Indiana: "WASHINGTON -- A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that a new bill that cuts off government funding to Planned Parenthood stands. Planned Parenthood of Indiana had filed a temporary restraining order against the legislation, which bars Medicaid recipients from using that money to pay for services at the family planning provider.
Indiana House Bill 1210 is the first bill in U.S. history to prohibit the use of Medicaid at Planned Parenthood clinics. Roger Evans, the chief litigator for the family planning provider said the law violates federal Medicaid rules as well as the Constitution and should immediately be struck down in court.
“A very essence of something being a constitutional right is that the states cannot punish you for doing it,” Evans told HuffPost. “The problem here is that Indiana is penalizing Planned Parenthood for providing women with access to abortion services -- an obviously constitutional realm of conduct.”"
Indiana House Bill 1210 is the first bill in U.S. history to prohibit the use of Medicaid at Planned Parenthood clinics. Roger Evans, the chief litigator for the family planning provider said the law violates federal Medicaid rules as well as the Constitution and should immediately be struck down in court.
“A very essence of something being a constitutional right is that the states cannot punish you for doing it,” Evans told HuffPost. “The problem here is that Indiana is penalizing Planned Parenthood for providing women with access to abortion services -- an obviously constitutional realm of conduct.”"
The Nation: Town Halls Change The Medicare Debate
John Nichols writes for The Nation magazine as its Washington correspondent. He is also the associate editor of the Capital Times, the daily newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin.
Paul Ryan claims the protests heard so very loud and clear during the House Budget Committee chair's town hall meetings in April had no influence on his thinking about Medicare.
Perhaps Ryan really does have a tin ear.
But the outcry over his plan to mess with Medicare, heard in Wisconsin communities from Milton to Kenosha, and at spring recess sessions in the districts of Republican freshmen from Pennsylvania to Florida, obviously influenced other Republicans.
Images from Kenosha — a historic factory town in Ryan's district, where hundreds of people showed up to criticize his scheming to cut benefits for working Americans while giving billionaires and multinational corporations new tax breaks — were featured nationally on broadcast network news shows.
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/09/136135788/the-nation-town-halls-change-the-medicare-debate
Paul Ryan claims the protests heard so very loud and clear during the House Budget Committee chair's town hall meetings in April had no influence on his thinking about Medicare.
Perhaps Ryan really does have a tin ear.
But the outcry over his plan to mess with Medicare, heard in Wisconsin communities from Milton to Kenosha, and at spring recess sessions in the districts of Republican freshmen from Pennsylvania to Florida, obviously influenced other Republicans.
Images from Kenosha — a historic factory town in Ryan's district, where hundreds of people showed up to criticize his scheming to cut benefits for working Americans while giving billionaires and multinational corporations new tax breaks — were featured nationally on broadcast network news shows.
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/09/136135788/the-nation-town-halls-change-the-medicare-debate
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Obama After Bin Laden: No More Carter Comparisons?
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Monday, May 2, 2011
Did the U.S. Follow Islamic Tradition in Bin Laden Burial?
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
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