I would like to thank everbody who followed this blog and commented on it for doing so. I do not know if this will be my last post or not. The reason for this is because this blog was a class project for Religion, Politics, and Media with Professor William Lobdell at University of California: Irvine, where i attend. I was surprised so many people decided to be involved with this blog.
In addition, I want to apologize for everybody whose comments were deleted. For some reason my blog was erased and all the work i had done up until the last couple weeks was erased.
(This post is relevant to the blog because I am explaining ha source of media!)
Thanks again.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Karzai's response to troops surge
In an interview with Christiane Amanpour, Hamid Karzai gave his response to President Obama's announcement for a troop surge in his country, saying that the United States must have patience, and that he is unsure if the intended goal of a 2011 exit plan will be accomplished.
"We will try our best as the Afghan people to do it the soonest possible," Karzai said. "But the international community must have also the patience with us and the realization of the realities in Afghanistan. If it takes longer, then they must be with us."
He gave his goals: to be able to assume security control in some parts of the country in two years, and to lead security for the entire country by the end of his five-year term.
See CNN's full article and Amanpour's interview with Karzai here.
"We will try our best as the Afghan people to do it the soonest possible," Karzai said. "But the international community must have also the patience with us and the realization of the realities in Afghanistan. If it takes longer, then they must be with us."
He gave his goals: to be able to assume security control in some parts of the country in two years, and to lead security for the entire country by the end of his five-year term.
See CNN's full article and Amanpour's interview with Karzai here.
This Angers me
A man who has been molesting a child for more than 8 years on a regular basis had his prison sentence suspended because he was too obese to go to prison. The judge ruled that because he was too heavy and his mobility suffered, 66-year old church elder John William McConaghy's three year prison sentence was not suspended. While he was fined £10,000 (pounds), Judge David Smyth at Antrim Crown Court suspended his term saying "McConaghy's lack of mobility, ulcerated legs and need for frequent dressings amounted to 'wholly exceptional circumstances'".
Luckily as McConaghy's unnamed victim reached adulthood, she began to fight back and ended the abuse, however, she is now 44 (and most likely is experiencing mental repercussions). She had this to say, "I am happy with the sentence he got, I think that was a fair sentence, but I am not happy with the suspension of it, but I understand the reason for it on medical grounds."
Do you think it was fair for McConaghy's jail sentence to be suspended? Post comments below!
Guinea President Assassination Attempt
Today the Guinea president, Moussa Dadis Camara, leader of the military junta that seized power 11 months ago, was shot at by Aboubacar "Toumba" Diakite, according to communications minister Idrissa Cherif. Nobody knows whether the bullet grazed or pierced the President, however he is said to be in "good condition."
Camara seized power in a bloodless coup last December after the death of president Lansana Conte. He pledged to allow a transition to civilian rule but has since delayed elections and refused to give up power.
Diakite was part of the President's military aide, the leader of the presidential guard. The attempted assassination took place in the same military camp run by Toumba in the capital, Conakry, as the massacre on 28 September in which over a hundred people were gunned down and dozens of women were drugged and gang raped by soldiers. Toumba is accused of having led the presidential guard that opened fire on the peaceful protesters.
Thankfully both Toumba and Camara may face charges of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.
See the full Guardian article.
British Child Health Care
Today the British government announced it is dropping its plans to cut the tax relief to child health care.
Gordon Brown was going to dissolve tax relief on childcare vouchers from 2011 because he believed it supported the families who needed it less. Instead, he wanted the money to fund the expansion of free nursery places for toddlers.
The government has now announced that top rate taxpayers would have their benefits halved rather than removed entirely, but basic rate taxpayers would see no change.
However the government said the concession meant it would take longer for its pledge to expand free nursery places to 250,000 two year-olds by 2015.
After the concession, however, the vouchers were not trashed, but the tax relief on all of them will be applied at a rate of 20%. Currently, the taxpayers at the highest tax bracket receive relief at 40%, with the result that the richest 6% of eligible parents enjoy 33% of the benefits.
Statistics given by The Guardian.
Bus Explosion in Damascus
An unfortunate accident in Syria, today, as a bus exploded while being pumped. It is believed the bus contained Iranian pilgrims, on their way to Sayyida Zeinab shrine for Shia Muslims.
Last year a car bomb killed 17 people on a road leading to the shrine. The bombing was blamed on Sunni militants, however Syrian Interior Minister Said Sammour ruled the bus explosion as an accident. Unfortunately, three people died at the scene, including a thirteen year-old boy.
The official story is that as air was being pumped into the tire, it ruptured and exploded, however pictures and videos of the actual bus may cause some people to be skeptical. The entire bus is ripped in half, which many believe would not occur had a tire exploded.
BBC video of the bus explosion.
Do you think the bus exploded because of the tire? Post comments in the comment sections.
Last year a car bomb killed 17 people on a road leading to the shrine. The bombing was blamed on Sunni militants, however Syrian Interior Minister Said Sammour ruled the bus explosion as an accident. Unfortunately, three people died at the scene, including a thirteen year-old boy.
The official story is that as air was being pumped into the tire, it ruptured and exploded, however pictures and videos of the actual bus may cause some people to be skeptical. The entire bus is ripped in half, which many believe would not occur had a tire exploded.
BBC video of the bus explosion.
Do you think the bus exploded because of the tire? Post comments in the comment sections.
Iranian Protesters
After fleeing the post election dangers, Iranian citizens, in Turkey, are claiming they are being intimidated and harassed by the Islamic agents.
Those claiming harassment are seeking asylum in the west after alleging instances of rape and torture after protests following Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's much disputed reelection, which many believe was achieved through fraud. They continue that Iranian authorities have put them under surveillance to silence them about such allegations when they first surfaced in August. Some say their families in Iran have also been targeted.
The Guardian reports an account of a man who was raped: "I went to the bedroom window so I could shout for help, but there I discovered two more men. I was terrified. I switched off the lights and piled the sofa behind the living room door. They left after a few minutes, but I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night. The following day I was on the internet when a chat-room message appeared under the name of one of my friends, who has been arrested in Iran. It said, 'you witnessed last night what we are capable of – keep your wits about you and don't think you can do whatever you like'. It wasn't the first such message I had received." (see the full article)
Many more instances like this have occurred since.
Those claiming harassment are seeking asylum in the west after alleging instances of rape and torture after protests following Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's much disputed reelection, which many believe was achieved through fraud. They continue that Iranian authorities have put them under surveillance to silence them about such allegations when they first surfaced in August. Some say their families in Iran have also been targeted.
The Guardian reports an account of a man who was raped: "I went to the bedroom window so I could shout for help, but there I discovered two more men. I was terrified. I switched off the lights and piled the sofa behind the living room door. They left after a few minutes, but I couldn't sleep for the rest of the night. The following day I was on the internet when a chat-room message appeared under the name of one of my friends, who has been arrested in Iran. It said, 'you witnessed last night what we are capable of – keep your wits about you and don't think you can do whatever you like'. It wasn't the first such message I had received." (see the full article)
Many more instances like this have occurred since.
Gordon Brown's demand for Pakistan to kill Bin Laden
Today, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani denied British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's previous request that Osama Bin Laden be "taken out." In addition, Gilani further denied additional requests for American intelligence agents to flood Pakistan in efforts to catch Bin Laden. Gilani states that his intelligence informs him that Bin Laden is not residing in Pakistan currently. He further states, "If they [the US and British intelligence services] have any credible or actionable information, they can share it and we can act on it."
Tensions between the Unites States, Britain, and Pakistan seem stable, even after Pakistani citizens were seized in Britain previously. In addition, while Gilani believes President Obama should "seriously study the implications"of his troops surge, he is delighted at the fact that the President is so concerned with ending the war.
Read BBC's take on this story here.
High Unemployment
President Obama, today, requested business leaders to help "kickstart" hiring as unemployment reaches its highest level in 26 years (The nation is expected to have lost another 114,000 jobs, with unemployment remaining at 10.2% according to an economists' survey).
"While I believe that government has a critical role in creating the conditions for economic growth, ultimately true economic recovery is only going to come from the private sector," Obama said. "We don't have enough public dollars to fill the hole of private dollars that was created as a consequence of the crisis."
Nearly 16 million Americans are jobless, with more than 25% of them being in that state for more than 6 months and many are doubting the effectiveness of such economic policies as the stimulus plan as this unemployment climbs higher.
Putin 2012?
Vladimir Putin (former Russian president from 2000-2008) has announced his bid for the 2012 Russian Presidency.
He believes that between Friday's Train Incident and the United States hindering Russia's ability to join the World Trade Organization, Russia needs strong leadership that he can provide.
Putin took a break from the presidency after two consecutive terms. After his announcement Putin held a four hour Q&A on the subject, and answered almost a hundred questions as to what he will do, how he will do it, and why he is the most eligible person to handle the state of the country.
According to a recent poll, Vladimir Putin has a 70% approval rating, almost 20% higher than that of Medvedev.
Somalian Ministers Killed by Suicide Bomber
Today, a suicide bomber dressed as a woman killed over 15 people in Mogadishu. The death toll included "at least four government ministers" as reported by BBC.
The bomber attacked during a crowed graduation ceremony for the recently graduated medical students at Benadir University, where local students were being trained to fill the roles of doctors and other medical personal who had fled the country because of the violence.
The BBC article further reports that the government ministers were specifically targeted by this attack and the "Health Minister Qamar Aden Ali, Education Minister Ahmed Abdulahi Waayeel, Higher Education Minister Ibrahim Hassan Addow and Sports Minister Saleban Olad Roble were all killed" by the attack.
The attack has been described as a national disaster by the Somalian President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad.
What do you think should be done about this? Please leave comments in the comment section.
Drug Dealer Turned Fighter
One of the blog followers, Brian, tipped me off to a story about a heroin dealer and addict who gained refuge through his religion and turned his hatred into learning how to fight.
The BBC article that Brian showed me is very interesting, and I think everyone should check it out.
The article dictates the lengths at which Urfan Azad and the BBC reporter go to in order to visit the site which he was trained. It was a site where Taliban forces had pillaged and destroyed, except for a small mosque that they left standing. Next to the mosque, Azad learned how to crawl with an ak-47 and field strip it.
The article shows how devastated areas are in the Middle East at this time.
I suggest you all read the article and tell me what you think about it and the importance of religion in your life in the comments section.
Dodd Backs Benanke
After Senator Bernie Sander's "hold" on Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's reelection (see below post for story/links), Senator Christopher Dodd endorsed Bernanke saying, ""I believe you are the right leader for this moment in the nation's economic history and it would send the right message to markets." However, Dodd also believes that the Fed's powers need to be curbed, saying, "I admire what we you did the last two years, but we never should have gone where we did the last two years. We needed more cops on the street."
I think it is ironic that only democrats are defending Ben Bernanke, whereas Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Richard Shelby (R-AL) are attacking him. CNN reports "But the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, was far more critical of Bernanke in his opening statement, telling Bernanke 'I fear now our trust and confidence (in the Federal Reserve) was misplaced.'" -View the entire article here.
Gay Marriage
In New York, law makers rejected law to make gay marriage legal which would have made NY the 6th to allow gay marriage. The bill was rejected by a 24-48 vote, which, sadly was less than was predicted.
Similarly, the same bill was rejected in Maine last month.
New York Governor Patterson criticized senators as claiming to support gay marriage but not "have the intestinal fortitude to vote for it" in response to only one senator speaking out against the bill but the bill still failing.
In addition, openly homosexual Senator Thomas Duane expresses his anger and disappointment of the issue saying "I wasn't expecting betrayal" He continued saying, "There's never a good time for civil rights. There's never, ever, ever, ever a good time for civil rights. I know. I get that. But the paradox is, it's always the time to be on the right side of history."
Why its illegal if you can fly to another state and get a same-sex marriage?
See the CNN article here.
Please post comments on whether you think gay marriage should be legal or not, and why or why not.
Similarly, the same bill was rejected in Maine last month.
New York Governor Patterson criticized senators as claiming to support gay marriage but not "have the intestinal fortitude to vote for it" in response to only one senator speaking out against the bill but the bill still failing.
In addition, openly homosexual Senator Thomas Duane expresses his anger and disappointment of the issue saying "I wasn't expecting betrayal" He continued saying, "There's never a good time for civil rights. There's never, ever, ever, ever a good time for civil rights. I know. I get that. But the paradox is, it's always the time to be on the right side of history."
Why its illegal if you can fly to another state and get a same-sex marriage?
See the CNN article here.
Please post comments on whether you think gay marriage should be legal or not, and why or why not.
Youtube - the media of the future
Youtube has become a staple in every American home. If you look at my blog, almost all of my videos are embedded from Youtube.
Youtube is the end all place for anyone who needs quick information, especially if you need to know how to make anything.
For instance I was bored writing this blog so i decided to link a funny Youtube video :
However, jokes aside, Youtube has been instrument in allowing people to keep up with anything they need to. For instance, President Obama used Youtube as a "fireside chat"-like medium where he sent out weekly updates about the state of the country and many musical bands and organizations have their own "youtube pages" where you can listen to their music and view their videos.
Youtube is the end all place for anyone who needs quick information, especially if you need to know how to make anything.
For instance I was bored writing this blog so i decided to link a funny Youtube video :
However, jokes aside, Youtube has been instrument in allowing people to keep up with anything they need to. For instance, President Obama used Youtube as a "fireside chat"-like medium where he sent out weekly updates about the state of the country and many musical bands and organizations have their own "youtube pages" where you can listen to their music and view their videos.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Fatal Weezing
Rivers Cuomo, the lead singer of Weezer, complained of rib pain and was transferred, along with one other passenger, to St. Mary's Hospital in New York after he and 4 other passengers were involved in a bus accident.
His wife, child, and one other passenger are unharmed, however Cuomo and another passenger were hurt.
The driver said the back end of the bus slid on ice, then went into the median and hit some reflective posts before crossing back over the highway, going over the guardrail and landing in a ditch.
The reason this is in my blog is because I would like to highlight my disgust with what is "breaking news." I do believe this is important and I do enjoy the band's musics, however, the media and people are more concerned with Weezer than the state of our economy. Good times.
His wife, child, and one other passenger are unharmed, however Cuomo and another passenger were hurt.
The driver said the back end of the bus slid on ice, then went into the median and hit some reflective posts before crossing back over the highway, going over the guardrail and landing in a ditch.
The reason this is in my blog is because I would like to highlight my disgust with what is "breaking news." I do believe this is important and I do enjoy the band's musics, however, the media and people are more concerned with Weezer than the state of our economy. Good times.
President of Europe
On the 19th of November, European Union leaders named the Belgium Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy, as the first President of the European Union. The vote was a consensus in favor of the Belgium Prime minister, however many have a problem with this because actual citizens were given no choice in the matter.
Although this job is still vague, many applied to the job, including former British Prime Minister, Tony Blaire.
The President of the EU will become the face of the 27 countries in the Union as he serves two and a half year in this position.
Read more about this on CNN's article on the subject.
Although this job is still vague, many applied to the job, including former British Prime Minister, Tony Blaire.
The President of the EU will become the face of the 27 countries in the Union as he serves two and a half year in this position.
Read more about this on CNN's article on the subject.
Copenhagen Climate Change Summit
Next week President Obama is attending the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit which is to renew the idea of the Kyoto Protocol. It is important, according to scientists that the world decreases greenhouse gases, or the world may cross the 2c mark.
It is debatable which countries should cut down on their carbon footprints, however I believe the major industrialized countries, such as the United States, Britain, and Japan, should reduce their emissions.
One scientists, however, believes that we should eliminate the ideas of the Kyoto Protocol and start our climate change policy from scratch. This scientist, James Hansen, is believed to be "the world's pre-eminent climate scientist" according to an article by The Guardian.
It is debatable which countries should cut down on their carbon footprints, however I believe the major industrialized countries, such as the United States, Britain, and Japan, should reduce their emissions.
One scientists, however, believes that we should eliminate the ideas of the Kyoto Protocol and start our climate change policy from scratch. This scientist, James Hansen, is believed to be "the world's pre-eminent climate scientist" according to an article by The Guardian.
Bernie Sanders: Waste of Time
Today Bernie Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, has put a "hold" on Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's reelection to a second term. A hold is an informal practice in which a senator informs the majority leader that he does not want a measure or nomination to reach the floor for a vote.
Sanders justified his hold by saying, "The American people overwhelmingly voted last year for a change in our national priorities to put the interest of ordinary people ahead of the greed of Wall Street and the wealthy few," said Sanders, one of Bernanke's sharpest critics, in a statement. "What American people did not bargain for was another four years for one of the key architects of the Bush economy."
Bernie Sanders question Ben Bernanke:
(Sanders is being an @$$H0LE)
Warren Buffet rated Bernanke's progress as an A on the elementary grading scale.
CNN article and Warren Buffet Video can be found here
Sanders justified his hold by saying, "The American people overwhelmingly voted last year for a change in our national priorities to put the interest of ordinary people ahead of the greed of Wall Street and the wealthy few," said Sanders, one of Bernanke's sharpest critics, in a statement. "What American people did not bargain for was another four years for one of the key architects of the Bush economy."
Bernie Sanders question Ben Bernanke:
(Sanders is being an @$$H0LE)
Warren Buffet rated Bernanke's progress as an A on the elementary grading scale.
CNN article and Warren Buffet Video can be found here
Sometimes the stuff on CNN makes me sick
BREAKING NEWS: HULK HOGAN MIGHT BE ENGAGED!!!!
How is that news? When looking at CNN's website videos, this is the second video after "Hollywood's Message on War." If you're really interested, I guess I can link the video, but I am posting this with disgust about what gets on major news sites. They cited TMZ...enough said.
View the breaking news here!
*UPDATE*
Ok so i was frequenting on CNN again, and i though this video goes along with the theme of this post.
A. This is what our country has come to, and its quite depressing.
B. How did this make it on an only news channel?
How is that news? When looking at CNN's website videos, this is the second video after "Hollywood's Message on War." If you're really interested, I guess I can link the video, but I am posting this with disgust about what gets on major news sites. They cited TMZ...enough said.
View the breaking news here!
*UPDATE*
Ok so i was frequenting on CNN again, and i though this video goes along with the theme of this post.
A. This is what our country has come to, and its quite depressing.
B. How did this make it on an only news channel?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Google Limiting Free News?
An exciting turn of events in the free online news world. Google has put limits that companies can set on their website that will limit how many free articles viewers can see. This comes at a very prevalent time because as it is right now, the newspaper industry has started to fail, and even major newspaper companies are cutting back because they cannot compete with the amount of free news that is circulating on the internet.
BBC reports (here) that Google has updated their program so that publishes can limit users so at most five free pages a day. This will stop users from cheating the system by using Google as a way around the costs in order to view articles that would normally require payment to view.
This comes after Rupert Murdoch accused such companies as Google for generating revenue through advertisement on multiple articles without limiting them.
This may be the future of news, websites where people pay for their stories, and while the idea is very close to that of newspapers,
Tiger Woods
Recently Mr. Woods was involved in a car accident that police attribute to "reckless driving." There were no injuries to anyone as Woods hit a tree and a fire hydrant. While this is not a big deal, it seems that the media is making a big deal out of it, and therefore i am adding it to this blog because of that. As i read the article on BBC World News, (found at here,) it reminds me of other articles i have read on the subject. Such articles give mention to a possible affair that Tiger Woods may be having, which he denied on his personal website (http://web.tigerwoods.com/index). Due to injury from the accident, Woods claims he cannot play, and therefore has dropped out of his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge.
Funny Video by Wanda Sykes :
Funny Video by Wanda Sykes :
30,000 more troops...
President Obama has just made the decision to send 30,000 additional troops to the front in Afghanistan. This decision obviously comes with heavy heart, however the President believes it is necessary in order to withdraw by 2011. "I opposed the war in Iraq precisely because I believe that we must exercise restraint in the use of military force" quoted Obama in his speech today at Westpoint Military Academy.
President Obama believes the Taliban has gained "momentum" and that it is necessary to increase troops because at the moment we will not be able to sustain conditions.
This worries many who have already doubted the President's withdrawal plan for 2011.
An article with a video:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/01/obama.afghanistan/index.html
President Obama believes the Taliban has gained "momentum" and that it is necessary to increase troops because at the moment we will not be able to sustain conditions.
This worries many who have already doubted the President's withdrawal plan for 2011.
An article with a video:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/01/obama.afghanistan/index.html
Secuity Breach at the White House
Michaele and Tareq Salahi attended the State dinner for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week after not being invited. At the moment they are cooperating with the Secret Service investigation as to how they crashed the dinner.
Luckily the party crashers were subject to the same security checks as the rest of the guests, however it is unsettling that they were able to walk in through the front door.
For the full story, visit the CNN article at:http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Couple-Crashes-White-House-State-Dinner-Investigation-Launched-74650777.html
(Just for kicks, another clip of the daily show)
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| The Real Asswipes of Washington, D.C. | ||||
| ||||
Luckily the party crashers were subject to the same security checks as the rest of the guests, however it is unsettling that they were able to walk in through the front door.
For the full story, visit the CNN article at:http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Couple-Crashes-White-House-State-Dinner-Investigation-Launched-74650777.html
(Just for kicks, another clip of the daily show)
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Moment of Zen - Uninvited Crazy Person at the White House | ||||
| ||||
GM on the "Fritz"
Today the now former General Motors executive chief Fritz Henderson announced he was stepping down from the organization. This comes as a shock to everyone within GM. This means general motors will have lost its third CEO within one year. Chairman Ed Whitacre has stepped up as temporary CEO until a replacement has been found.
This is especially surprising after Henderson's speech to the SCC about reconstructing GM. This video of this can be found at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhdPQB1qepk&feature=PlayList&p=F144C5DCA5ECE0C6&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=77
Henderson was the replacement for Rick Wagner who was fired from his job by the Obama Administration after the bailout.
There has been no answer to why Henderson left or what the future of the company entails.
The CNN article can be found : http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/01/autos/gm_henderson/index.htm
Speed of News
Before, one would have to wait weeks, if not months to receive news. However in today's technological world, you can pick up your hand-held device and find the news as it breaks. for instance, by utilizing the internet, CNN.com (and other sites of course) is able to write press releases within 10 minutes of the story actually happening. This is often the case, and leads to a faster informed nation. The speed of the internet, however, in reporting news has devastated the newspaper industry
Hopefully the news industry will not fall due to free internet news, however at the moment, it is looking that way.
Hopefully the news industry will not fall due to free internet news, however at the moment, it is looking that way.
British Sailers Captured By Iran
Again British civilians have been captured and taken into Iran. A week ago, five British sailors on their way to a gulf yacht race were captured by the Iranian Navy. Officials from London contacted those in Tehran, and Britain is being assured that the crew members are being treated properly.
British officials believe that the boat, after its propeller was damaged, strayed into Iranian waters. In March of 2007, British crew members of the HMS Cornwall were taken hostage at gunpoint.
In addition, three Americans were taken hostage after straying across the Iranian border while hiking. These Americans may be put on trial due to the fact that they were labeled as spies by the Iranian government.
This event occurs just after relations between Britain and Iran have weakened due to Iran's announcement to build ten nuclear enriching facilities. Many are hoping that these "hostages" will not be used as a factor in negotiation so the enriching stations will be approved.
The Guardian reports all of this and more in this article.
British officials believe that the boat, after its propeller was damaged, strayed into Iranian waters. In March of 2007, British crew members of the HMS Cornwall were taken hostage at gunpoint.
In addition, three Americans were taken hostage after straying across the Iranian border while hiking. These Americans may be put on trial due to the fact that they were labeled as spies by the Iranian government.
This event occurs just after relations between Britain and Iran have weakened due to Iran's announcement to build ten nuclear enriching facilities. Many are hoping that these "hostages" will not be used as a factor in negotiation so the enriching stations will be approved.
The Guardian reports all of this and more in this article.
Monday, November 30, 2009
2010 Senators
With 2009 coming to an end, senators begin preparing for the next year's senatorial elections. A lot banks on these elections, and many people have many questions. Will Democrats retain their filibuster proof? Will Dems keep their majority? If they do not, what happens to the Obama administration? This is a very important time for both the Democrats and Republicans. If the Republicans gain hold of Congress, any attempts by President Obama to push his health care reform bill will fail.
Even the Republicans are sweating the next election. A few of their senatorial seats have been opened up due to resignation or unpopularity.
The Democrats have seats opening up, such as the seat of the late Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
The current list of senators can be found at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
More information about specific senator seats opening up can be found here.
Even the Republicans are sweating the next election. A few of their senatorial seats have been opened up due to resignation or unpopularity.
The Democrats have seats opening up, such as the seat of the late Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
The current list of senators can be found at: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
More information about specific senator seats opening up can be found here.
Lou Dobbs, A Thing of the Past
Lou Dobbs announced his retirement from his anchor job on CNN, lately, on Bill O'Reilly's show. This comes as a shock to everyone who worked personally with Lou Dobbs as stated by Ed Rollins in a CNN article.
The article goes on to say that Lou became separated from the rest of the network due to his policy of choosing a side of an issue and fighting for it, whereas CNN president Jonathon Klein believes it is the public's right to make their own decision. Many at the CNN network miss Lou Dobbs, as he was an original anchor from when Ted Turner owned the station.
Dobbs states Klein released him from his contract so he could "pursue other options." What these options are I do not know.
CNN article written by Ed Rollins
The article goes on to say that Lou became separated from the rest of the network due to his policy of choosing a side of an issue and fighting for it, whereas CNN president Jonathon Klein believes it is the public's right to make their own decision. Many at the CNN network miss Lou Dobbs, as he was an original anchor from when Ted Turner owned the station.
Dobbs states Klein released him from his contract so he could "pursue other options." What these options are I do not know.
CNN article written by Ed Rollins
Maersk Alabama
The Maersk Alabama was in danger of being attacked again on November 18, 2009. More than half a year previously, this ship was taken hostage by east African Pirates and the captain was taken off the ship onto a lifeboat for almost a week until a U.S. navy crew gunned down his captors. This time, it was a different story, however, and the crew was able to repel another pirate brigade that was trying to capture the ship.
Story here.
This is the latest in a lengthy story of modern piracy that has arisen in African countries. Last year, the piracy scare was larger, and many ships, many carrying weapons, were stolen off the coast of Africa.
As the world starts to get smarter with respect to dealing with these pirates, the piracy around Africa's coast lessens, yet that does not necessarily mean that attempts to hijack ships will end any time soon.
Story here.
This is the latest in a lengthy story of modern piracy that has arisen in African countries. Last year, the piracy scare was larger, and many ships, many carrying weapons, were stolen off the coast of Africa.
As the world starts to get smarter with respect to dealing with these pirates, the piracy around Africa's coast lessens, yet that does not necessarily mean that attempts to hijack ships will end any time soon.
Is the Market Bouncing Back too Fast?
After the latest recession, the economy has been steadily building back to where it was. Many are starting to believe another crash is inevitable.
This causes doubt in the minds of consumers, which leads to people pulling their money out of the stock market (which will definitely cause the market to crash). Since jobs are still being lost and the housing market is still "up in the air" the market may drop in the near future, however, how much it drops depends on whether people begin to fear for their money and take it out of the market.
There are many alternatives that are far better than hiding your money in the bank. In a CNN-Money article, Walter Updegrave explains these alternative options. Basically, he believes in a mix of different bond options and a diverse range of stocks in order to make sure your money is protected if the market crashes. This is the safest way to still make money.
Updegrave's entire article can be found here.
This causes doubt in the minds of consumers, which leads to people pulling their money out of the stock market (which will definitely cause the market to crash). Since jobs are still being lost and the housing market is still "up in the air" the market may drop in the near future, however, how much it drops depends on whether people begin to fear for their money and take it out of the market.
There are many alternatives that are far better than hiding your money in the bank. In a CNN-Money article, Walter Updegrave explains these alternative options. Basically, he believes in a mix of different bond options and a diverse range of stocks in order to make sure your money is protected if the market crashes. This is the safest way to still make money.
Updegrave's entire article can be found here.
Iranian Nuclear Enrichment
The UN found a nuclear site that was unauthorized in Iran recently, which has started the chain reaction of other countries denouncing Iran's actions. While the country maintains it needs nuclear energy to solve its energy crisis, countries remain adamant that they shut down the program since it was not authorized. Germany has threatened additional sanctions against Iran if they do not follow the request by multiple Countries. U.S. diplomat to Iran, Susan Rice, denounced the actions of Iran, saying "We view the Iranian announcement, if it is in fact accurate and implemented...as completely inappropriate and further isolating Iran from the international community."
See the BBC report.
See the BBC report.
Cheney/Palin '12?
Let's hope not, that would be good neither for the Republican party or the country. Both Dick Cheney (George Walker Bush's Vice President) and Sarah Palin (GOP VP nominee who ran with John McCain) have tested the American public with many scandals. For instance, Dick Cheney's involvement with the Enron scandal (where it seemed as if Enron was getting special treatment by the government due to Cheney's involvement in the company) makes him seem like a less than truthful character. In addition, many believe Sarah Palin to be incompetent. If her reason for quitting as governor of Alaska was to run for president, this notion would be furthered. Cheney is said to have taken the office of the Vice President to the highest stage of power it has ever had (not a good thing).
Many Jokes of Sarah Palin:
Many people have ridiculed these two people, even in serious news. In Katie Couric's interview, Palin paints herself as inept, forcing John McCain to sit in on the next interview.
So, let's hope that these two do not form a ticket or even run separately, this would not be a good idea for the country.
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Many Jokes of Sarah Palin:
Many people have ridiculed these two people, even in serious news. In Katie Couric's interview, Palin paints herself as inept, forcing John McCain to sit in on the next interview.
So, let's hope that these two do not form a ticket or even run separately, this would not be a good idea for the country.
U.S.-India Relations
At the State dinner for Manmohan Singh at the White House, President Obama reassured Singh of his many worries.
In my opinion, the most important issue is India's request of the United States for nuclear science to be shared to the Asian sub-continent. India has been searching for alternative energy due to their largest population per capita and their need to lessen dependency on foreign oil. Because of this they have turned to nuclear energy as the solution. At the State Dinner Fareed Zakaria reported that the Indian Prime Minister was supposedly relieved at the United States' stance towards India, and "there was a very warm feeling."
See the other worries of the Indian Prime.
In my opinion, the most important issue is India's request of the United States for nuclear science to be shared to the Asian sub-continent. India has been searching for alternative energy due to their largest population per capita and their need to lessen dependency on foreign oil. Because of this they have turned to nuclear energy as the solution. At the State Dinner Fareed Zakaria reported that the Indian Prime Minister was supposedly relieved at the United States' stance towards India, and "there was a very warm feeling."
See the other worries of the Indian Prime.
The "Colbert Bump"
The two stars of Comedy Central are undoubtedly The Daily Show's John Stewart and Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report. It is a question of how much influence these two wield in the political world.
Bill O'Reilly asks this question in an interview with John Stewart:
In addition, Stephen Colbert has been known to give his "Colbert Bump" to candidates who have appeared on his show. Also he has rallied the "Colbert Nation" into fulfilling his bidding, such as buying his album on i tunes and voting his name as the name that should appear on the NASA satellite.
This following clip,where he appears on Larry King Live, characterizes his importance in the media and politics.
It is clear that these two "news correspondents" do have influence over many people (mostly ages 18-25 as O'Reilly stated).
Bill O'Reilly asks this question in an interview with John Stewart:
In addition, Stephen Colbert has been known to give his "Colbert Bump" to candidates who have appeared on his show. Also he has rallied the "Colbert Nation" into fulfilling his bidding, such as buying his album on i tunes and voting his name as the name that should appear on the NASA satellite.
This following clip,where he appears on Larry King Live, characterizes his importance in the media and politics.
It is clear that these two "news correspondents" do have influence over many people (mostly ages 18-25 as O'Reilly stated).
"Faith in America"
Faith in America is a speech by Mitt Romney where he characterized his religion in his own view. He gives reasons why he will not leave his religion, and tells those who oppose his candidacy for the President of the United States because of his religion how ridiculous they are. Recently, Romney is under fire, again for his religion. While he was the runner-up in the primaries during the 2008 elections, an approximate 18% of Republicans refuse to vote for him solely based on his Mormon views. While he is the front runner (at this point) for the up coming 2012 election, this refusal of certain Republicans to vote for him may damage his chances at victory.
"Faith in America"
As always, there are critics of Romney. In this clip, John Stewart of the Daily Show pokes fun at Romney and certain things he has said.
CNN's David Frum writes about Romney's religion in the article found here.
"Faith in America"
As always, there are critics of Romney. In this clip, John Stewart of the Daily Show pokes fun at Romney and certain things he has said.
CNN's David Frum writes about Romney's religion in the article found here.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Scientology
The Church of Scientology has always had criticism for their beliefs. In Paris, they were sued by a former member who held that they had, through psychological harassment, caused her to waste many thousands of dollars on their programs and vitamin supplements. This is just one of the many "scandals" that the Church of Scientology has gone through.
During the California gubernatorial election, the Church of Scientology endorsed the infamous Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage. A staunch member of the Church for 35 years, Paul Haggis (writer of such movies as "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash") came out in opposition of the Church's views saying he would not be in any organization that "gay-bashes."
The Church has many A-list celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, and most of the celebrities that have actually left the organization have done so quietly. However, Paul Haggis wrote a public letter to the leader stating his views about same-sex marriage and that even though he has implemented principles learned through his religion, he refuses to be part of a religion that is intolerant.
With such events like this, it is no wonder the Church has so many critics.
The entirety of this story can be found on CNN's website article.
During the California gubernatorial election, the Church of Scientology endorsed the infamous Proposition 8 which banned same-sex marriage. A staunch member of the Church for 35 years, Paul Haggis (writer of such movies as "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash") came out in opposition of the Church's views saying he would not be in any organization that "gay-bashes."
The Church has many A-list celebrities, such as Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley, and most of the celebrities that have actually left the organization have done so quietly. However, Paul Haggis wrote a public letter to the leader stating his views about same-sex marriage and that even though he has implemented principles learned through his religion, he refuses to be part of a religion that is intolerant.
With such events like this, it is no wonder the Church has so many critics.
The entirety of this story can be found on CNN's website article.
Afghanistan Fiasco
In a recent report after reviewing many documents, the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced its criticism of the Bush administration's failure to capture Bin Laden when U.S. forces had cornered in the Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan.
This comes at the same time as the Obama administration's announcement of an increase of troops being sent to the region.
A video from Russia Today in which the future troop increase is debated:
Many are skeptical about the increase of troops, especially because of the promised exit strategy that President Obama promised. The question arises: how can we exit when we are sending more troops?
This comes at the same time as the Obama administration's announcement of an increase of troops being sent to the region.
A video from Russia Today in which the future troop increase is debated:
Many are skeptical about the increase of troops, especially because of the promised exit strategy that President Obama promised. The question arises: how can we exit when we are sending more troops?
Abortion Rights
Recently, Patrick Kennedy (son of the late Edward Kennedy) was barred from receiving communion by a catholic bishop in Rhode Island due to his support for abortion rights. The request from Bishop Thomas Tobin dates back to February, 2007, however the Bishop has recently asked Kennedy to honor that request.
After such a request, and Kennedy's attack on the Church's views of abortion, he was denied communion.
A video by the associated press:
Abortion rights has been one of the longest on-going issues between conservatives and liberals. In my opinion, a family should be able to choose their options, and even though some religious individuals (such as Patrick Kennedy, a member of one of the most acclaimed Catholic family) are pro-choice, they are not necessarily in favor of abortion.
BBC elaborates more on the topic
After such a request, and Kennedy's attack on the Church's views of abortion, he was denied communion.
A video by the associated press:
Abortion rights has been one of the longest on-going issues between conservatives and liberals. In my opinion, a family should be able to choose their options, and even though some religious individuals (such as Patrick Kennedy, a member of one of the most acclaimed Catholic family) are pro-choice, they are not necessarily in favor of abortion.
BBC elaborates more on the topic
Health Reform
The health care reform bill is set to be debated in the Senate on the 30th of November. It remains to be seen if Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (shown below), will be able to form a filibuster proof to end Republicans' attempts to talk the bill to death, however it remains unsure that proof will be formed.
The bill's purpose is to create a government-funded health insurance option that will be competing against private insurance groups (it will not be mandatory that everyone switch to this group, however it will become mandatory that all citizens have health care).
The idea that all citizens need health care is an important notion due to the high cost of treatment that those without health care impose on hospitals. Even when patients lack health care, it is a hospitals duty to treat them, and many times this cost is eaten by that hospital. With a national health care bill, the cost of treatment should reduce.
For cnn's coverage of the senate health reform debate click here
The bill's purpose is to create a government-funded health insurance option that will be competing against private insurance groups (it will not be mandatory that everyone switch to this group, however it will become mandatory that all citizens have health care).
The idea that all citizens need health care is an important notion due to the high cost of treatment that those without health care impose on hospitals. Even when patients lack health care, it is a hospitals duty to treat them, and many times this cost is eaten by that hospital. With a national health care bill, the cost of treatment should reduce.
For cnn's coverage of the senate health reform debate click here
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