Tasers a form of torture, says UN | The Daily Telegraph: "'The use of these weapons causes acute pain, constituting a form of torture,'' the UN's Committee against Torture said.
'In certain cases, they can even cause death, as has been shown by reliable studies and recent real-life events,'' the committee of 10 experts said.
Three men, all in their early 20s, were reported to have died in the United States this week, days after a Polish man died at Vancouver airport after being Tasered by Canadian police."
The verdict is in, the UN considers Tasers torture, and therefore, US citizens are being tortured everyday. It is just too bad that the United States chooses when, and when it will not, listen to advice from the UN.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
AP IMPACT: Firefighter help on terrorism - Yahoo! News
AP IMPACT: Firefighter help on terrorism - Yahoo! News: "Firefighters in major cities are being trained to take on a new role as lookouts for terrorism, raising concerns of eroding their standing as American icons and infringing on people's privacy.
Unlike police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel don't need warrants to access hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings each year, putting them in a position to spot behavior that could indicate terrorist activity or planning.
But there are fears that they could lose the faith of a skeptical public by becoming the eyes of the government, looking for suspicious items such as building blueprints or bomb-making manuals or materials.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Americans have given up some of their privacy rights in an effort to prevent future strikes. The government monitors phone calls and e-mails; people who fly have their belongings searched before boarding and are limited in what they can carry; and some people have trouble traveling because their names are similar to those on terrorist watch lists.
The American Civil Liberties Union says using firefighters to gather intelligence is another step in that direction. Mike German, a former FBI agent who is now national security policy counsel to the ACLU, said the concept is dangerously close to the Bush administration's 2002 proposal to have workers with access to private homes — such as postal carriers and telephone repairmen — report suspicious behavior to the FBI.
Unlike police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel don't need warrants to access hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings each year, putting them in a position to spot behavior that could indicate terrorist activity or planning.
But there are fears that they could lose the faith of a skeptical public by becoming the eyes of the government, looking for suspicious items such as building blueprints or bomb-making manuals or materials.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Americans have given up some of their privacy rights in an effort to prevent future strikes. The government monitors phone calls and e-mails; people who fly have their belongings searched before boarding and are limited in what they can carry; and some people have trouble traveling because their names are similar to those on terrorist watch lists.
The American Civil Liberties Union says using firefighters to gather intelligence is another step in that direction. Mike German, a former FBI agent who is now national security policy counsel to the ACLU, said the concept is dangerously close to the Bush administration's 2002 proposal to have workers with access to private homes — such as postal carriers and telephone repairmen — report suspicious behavior to the FBI.
'Americans universally abhorred that idea,' German said.
The Homeland Security Department is testing a program with the New York City fire department to share intelligence information so firefighters are better prepared when they respond to emergency calls. Homeland Security also trains the New York City fire service in how to identify material or behavior that may indicate terrorist activities. If it's successful, the government intends to expand the program to other major metropolitan areas.
As part of the program, which started last December, Homeland Security gave secret clearances to nine New York fire chiefs, according to reports obtained by The Associated Press.
'They're really doing technical inspections, and if perchance they find something like, you know, a bunch of RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) rounds in somebody's basement, I think it's a no-brainer,' said Jack Tomarchio, a senior official in Homeland Security's intelligence division. 'The police ought to know about that; the fire service ought to know about that; and potentially maybe somebody in the intelligence community should know about that.'
Even before the federal program began, New York firefighters and inspectors had been training to recognize materials and behavior the government identifies as 'signs of planning and support for terrorism.'
When going to private residences, for example, they are told to be alert for a person who is hostile, uncooperative or expressing hate or discontent with the United States; unusual chemicals or other materials that seem out of place; ammunition, firearms or weapons boxes; surveillance equipment; still and video cameras; night-vision goggles; maps, photos, blueprints; police manuals, training manuals, flight manuals; and little or no furniture other than a bed or mattress.
The trial program with Homeland Security opens a clear information-sharing channel — which did not exist before — between the fire service and Homeland Security's intelligence division.
'We're there to help people, and by discovering these type of events, we're helping people,' said New York City Fire Chief Salvatore Cassano. 'There are many things that firefighters do that other law enforcement or other agents aren't able to do." He added, 'A normal person that doesn't have this training wouldn't be looking for it.'
Cassano would not discuss specifics, but he did say that some terrorism-related information has been passed along to law enforcement since firefighters and officers began the training three years ago. 'They've had some hits,' Cassano said. 'It's working.'"
Hate or discontent for the United States? I hate what the US is now, a police state. And now we have government agents searching your house when you call 911. I have my elderly father living with me. The last time he had a stroke, I called 911, and let them in my house, because I could not get him down the stairs by myself. Do I need to reconsider that now? That is the thing, when someone is having a medical emergency, you will not think twice about letting these spies into your house. And you sure will not think about taking down anything that can be construed as anti-American. This is a DIRECT ASSAULT on the constitution. This is ABSOLUTE PROOF for those that do not believe we are a police state. This is an attack on not only the 4th amendment, that protects against unreasonable searches, but it is a direct attach on the 1st amendment, freedom of speech. Don't you dare be anti-American in your own home. This is another incantation of the THOUGHT POLICE.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Raw Story | Honey, I doomed the universe
The Raw Story | Honey, I doomed the universe: "'Incredible as it seems, our detection of the dark energy may have reduced the life expectancy of the universe,' said Mr. Krauss.
'We may have snatched away the possibility of long-term survival for our universe and made it more likely it will decay.'"
Not only are the United States and the Earth on the verge of spontaneous destruction, but, as it turns out, the universe may be as well. Physics is an interesting realm of science, because the truth is, in reality, we still do not understand the basic underpinnings of our universe and our lives. Much of the study is based on theories, and if something is not understood, an imaginary thing, such as dark matter or dark energy, is invented to explain the inconsistencies in the theory.
'We may have snatched away the possibility of long-term survival for our universe and made it more likely it will decay.'"
Not only are the United States and the Earth on the verge of spontaneous destruction, but, as it turns out, the universe may be as well. Physics is an interesting realm of science, because the truth is, in reality, we still do not understand the basic underpinnings of our universe and our lives. Much of the study is based on theories, and if something is not understood, an imaginary thing, such as dark matter or dark energy, is invented to explain the inconsistencies in the theory.
The Raw Story | Dems bill on Iraq wouldnt end war
The Raw Story | Dems bill on Iraq wouldnt end war: "This reality — readily acknowledged by Democrats who say it's still their best shot at curbing the nearly five-year war — has drawn the ire of anti-war groups and bolstered President Bush's prediction that the United States will most likely wind up maintaining a hefty long-term presence in Iraq, much like in South Korea.
For those who want troops out, 'you've got more holes in here than Swiss cheese,' said Tom Andrews, national director of the war protest group Win Without War and a former congressman from Maine.
The Democratic proposal would order troops to begin leaving Iraq within 30 days, a requirement Bush is already on track to meet as he begins reversing this year's 30,000 troop buildup. The proposal also sets a goal of ending combat by Dec. 15, 2008.
After that, troops remaining in Iraq would be restricted to three missions: counterterrorism, training Iraqi security forces and protecting U.S. assets, including diplomats."
What a surprise, the bill will not really do anything, even if it passes. Go Democrats!
For those who want troops out, 'you've got more holes in here than Swiss cheese,' said Tom Andrews, national director of the war protest group Win Without War and a former congressman from Maine.
The Democratic proposal would order troops to begin leaving Iraq within 30 days, a requirement Bush is already on track to meet as he begins reversing this year's 30,000 troop buildup. The proposal also sets a goal of ending combat by Dec. 15, 2008.
After that, troops remaining in Iraq would be restricted to three missions: counterterrorism, training Iraqi security forces and protecting U.S. assets, including diplomats."
What a surprise, the bill will not really do anything, even if it passes. Go Democrats!
For Thanksgiving...
This video is on the long side, nearly an hour, but it is well worth the watch. The speaker, Naomi Wolf, explains exactly how the country is being transformed into a fascist state. I know this, and have known this, but when someone puts it all together in such a way, I always get a renewed feeling of dread. It truly is amazing exactly how much the US, in its current state, resembles Germany before the rise of Hitler, or any other country just before a dictator took over.
Then think about the recent advice from the TSA, informing air travelers how to avoid delays: They actually advised people to pack their bags in an orderly way, to make the luggage searches easier and quicker... Welcome to the Fascist States of America...
[This is the link to the video on YouTube]
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Wounded soldiers asked to return signing bonuses - The Carpetbagger Report
Wounded soldiers asked to return signing bonuses - The Carpetbagger Report: "Last week, the Pentagon sent him a bill: Fox owed the government nearly $3,000 of his signing bonus.
'I tried to do my best and serve my country. I was unfortunately hurt in the process. Now they’re telling me they want their money back,' Fox said.
Look, if a soldier signed a contract, collected a signing bonus, and then quit, I can understand the military asking for the signing bonus back.
But we’re talking about troops who volunteered, served, and were seriously injured. It’s not their fault they got hurt.
How on earth is the Pentagon justified in asking for a refund?
In Jordan Fox’s case, he doesn’t have $3,000 lying around to give the government, and his injuries are such that he had to give up on his goal of becoming a police officer."
Only the government would be capable of this... I think the only thing that is worse is when the military bills soldiers for items lost or cut off them when they are shot or bombed...
That's right, support the troops.
'I tried to do my best and serve my country. I was unfortunately hurt in the process. Now they’re telling me they want their money back,' Fox said.
Look, if a soldier signed a contract, collected a signing bonus, and then quit, I can understand the military asking for the signing bonus back.
But we’re talking about troops who volunteered, served, and were seriously injured. It’s not their fault they got hurt.
How on earth is the Pentagon justified in asking for a refund?
In Jordan Fox’s case, he doesn’t have $3,000 lying around to give the government, and his injuries are such that he had to give up on his goal of becoming a police officer."
Only the government would be capable of this... I think the only thing that is worse is when the military bills soldiers for items lost or cut off them when they are shot or bombed...
That's right, support the troops.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Raw Story | Boston cops seek invites to search homes
The Raw Story | Boston cops seek invites to search homes: "Boston police will ask parents in high-crime areas to let detectives search their children's bedrooms for guns without warrants in a new anti-crime program.
Police believe parents are so worried their teenagers will be caught up in gun violence that they'll be willing to allow police into their homes. If the parents say no, the police will leave.
'They don't know what to do when faced with the problem of dealing with a teenage boy in possession of a firearm,' police Commissioner Edward Davis said of parents. We're giving them an option in that case.'
Davis announced the program Friday in a meeting with community leaders.
During the next two weeks, teams of three plainclothes officers assigned to schools will go to homes where they believe teens have guns and ask their parents or legal guardians for permission to search."
I hope that the residents of Boston have the courage to say no to these searches... Otherwise, it will not be long before this program spreads to other cities...
Police believe parents are so worried their teenagers will be caught up in gun violence that they'll be willing to allow police into their homes. If the parents say no, the police will leave.
'They don't know what to do when faced with the problem of dealing with a teenage boy in possession of a firearm,' police Commissioner Edward Davis said of parents. We're giving them an option in that case.'
Davis announced the program Friday in a meeting with community leaders.
During the next two weeks, teams of three plainclothes officers assigned to schools will go to homes where they believe teens have guns and ask their parents or legal guardians for permission to search."
I hope that the residents of Boston have the courage to say no to these searches... Otherwise, it will not be long before this program spreads to other cities...
Saturday, November 17, 2007
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Dollars no good for the Taj Mahal
BBC NEWS | South Asia | Dollars no good for the Taj Mahal: "Foreign tourists to many of India's most famous landmarks will no longer be able to pay the entrance fee in dollars, the government says. The ruling is aimed at safeguarding tourism revenues following the recent falls in the dollar. Until now, foreign tourists to sites such at the Taj Mahal have had the option of paying in dollars or rupees. The ruling will affect nearly 120 sites of interest run by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Of these, at least 27 are World Heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal."
India is running from the dollar as well...
India is running from the dollar as well...
Al Jazeera English turns one
Al Jazeera has been broadcasting in English for a year now, and it still is not offered by most American cable outlets. I guess our American propaganda outlets, especially Fox news, cannot take the competition...
BBC NEWS | UK | England | West Yorkshire | Terror police 'shot' man in coma
BBC NEWS | UK | England | West Yorkshire | Terror police 'shot' man in coma: "Mr Gaubert said he was on his way to meet friends when he suffered a fit on the bus and slipped into a coma which left him slumped on his seat clutching his rucksack.
Armed police were called to the bus depot in Headingley and when he failed to respond to their challenges he was shot with the Taser.
He said as this was happening, another officer was pointing a real gun at his head. He was restrained and eventually came round in the police van.
He said it was only then that the officers realised it was a medical emergency, despite him wearing a medical tag round his neck to warn of his condition, and took him to hospital.
Mr Gaubert said he was told the police believed he looked 'Egyptian'."
And then we have this guy, who was passed out in a diabetic coma and got tasered. I am betting that he is very thankful the cops had tasers, otherwise he may have been shot to death, and for "looking" Egyptian, no less.
Armed police were called to the bus depot in Headingley and when he failed to respond to their challenges he was shot with the Taser.
He said as this was happening, another officer was pointing a real gun at his head. He was restrained and eventually came round in the police van.
He said it was only then that the officers realised it was a medical emergency, despite him wearing a medical tag round his neck to warn of his condition, and took him to hospital.
Mr Gaubert said he was told the police believed he looked 'Egyptian'."
And then we have this guy, who was passed out in a diabetic coma and got tasered. I am betting that he is very thankful the cops had tasers, otherwise he may have been shot to death, and for "looking" Egyptian, no less.
Video of Taser Death in Canada Sparks Probe - CommonDreams.org
Video of Taser Death in Canada Sparks Probe - CommonDreams.org: "A video of a Polish man dying while being restrained with a taser by Canadian policemen sparked a diplomatic protest and controversy on Thursday over the use of stun guns. Canada’s public safety minister ordered a review of Taser stun guns one day after the release of a tourist’s video of the death of Robert Dziekanski.
The 40-year-old immigrant died on October 14 about 10 hours after he arrived at western Canada’s biggest airport here.
Dziekanski, who had traveled to Canada to live with his mother, died after a bizarre series of events that culminated in police approaching him and, in less than one minute, zapping him repeatedly with a Taser stun gun."
This is a good example of why I hate to see unnecessary use of tasers... They can and do kill people. In the recent case of Meyers at the Kerry rally, there was absolutely no reason to use the taser, when there were several cops surrounding the kid already. The police view it as a non-lethal device, so they use it more than it is really necessary. I am sure it puts a smile on their faces to see someone writhing around on the ground, in intense pain...
The 40-year-old immigrant died on October 14 about 10 hours after he arrived at western Canada’s biggest airport here.
Dziekanski, who had traveled to Canada to live with his mother, died after a bizarre series of events that culminated in police approaching him and, in less than one minute, zapping him repeatedly with a Taser stun gun."
This is a good example of why I hate to see unnecessary use of tasers... They can and do kill people. In the recent case of Meyers at the Kerry rally, there was absolutely no reason to use the taser, when there were several cops surrounding the kid already. The police view it as a non-lethal device, so they use it more than it is really necessary. I am sure it puts a smile on their faces to see someone writhing around on the ground, in intense pain...
Dump the Dollar: Chinese State TV - Economy * US * News * Story - CNBC.com
Dump the Dollar: Chinese State TV - Economy * US * News * Story - CNBC.com: "Chinese lunchtime television on Friday gave ordinary people a basic tip on how to play the currency markets: sell the dollar! A state news program, quoting unnamed 'wealth management experts,' told residents with dollar accounts on the mainland to convert their holdings into yuan or a range of other foreign currencies, including the pound and the euro."
More trouble for the failing economy of the United States...
Meanwhile, the Government just raided the Liberty Dollar offices, stealing all the gold, silver, and other metals that back their currency. Think of this as foreshadowing. During the great depression, the government seized all the gold from private citizens, and made it illegal to own gold.
More trouble for the failing economy of the United States...
Meanwhile, the Government just raided the Liberty Dollar offices, stealing all the gold, silver, and other metals that back their currency. Think of this as foreshadowing. During the great depression, the government seized all the gold from private citizens, and made it illegal to own gold.
Court Deals Blow to Wiretapping Case
Court Deals Blow to Wiretapping Case: "A federal appeals court dealt a near-fatal blow Friday to an Islamic charity's lawsuit alleging federal investigators illegally wiretapped it, saying a key piece of evidence the charity planned to use is a protected state secret.
A top secret call log that the Treasury Department accidentally turned over to the now-defunct U.S. arm of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation's lawyers can't be used as evidence, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled.
Al-Haramain, which the U.S. government labeled a terrorist organization, alleged it had been wiretapped by the Bush administration without a warrant. But without the call log, the court said, the foundation has little proof it was wiretapped."
Sorry, you cannot use the secret evidence we accidentally turned over to you in your defense...
State secrets, secret evidence, warrantless wiretapping... Welcome to America...
A top secret call log that the Treasury Department accidentally turned over to the now-defunct U.S. arm of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation's lawyers can't be used as evidence, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled.
Al-Haramain, which the U.S. government labeled a terrorist organization, alleged it had been wiretapped by the Bush administration without a warrant. But without the call log, the court said, the foundation has little proof it was wiretapped."
Sorry, you cannot use the secret evidence we accidentally turned over to you in your defense...
State secrets, secret evidence, warrantless wiretapping... Welcome to America...
The Raw Story | House to telecoms: Fight your own lawsuits
The Raw Story | House to telecoms: Fight your own lawsuits: "On a 227-189 vote, the House passed its FISA update, known as the RESTORE Act, which reinstates judicial oversight that was eliminated from a temporary update passed in August and pointedly does not include language granting immunity to telecommunications companies.
Thursday also saw the Senate Judiciary Committee consider companion legislation. Although an amendment offered by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) to strip an immunity provision from that bill failed on a 12-7 vote (with three Democrats voting with Republicans), the panel's chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) avoided that setback by moving to discharge from the committee only the part of the bill that did not include immunity. That vote passed along party lines.
To be sure, the fight over immunity is far from over, as activists expect Senate Republicans to try to re-insert an immunity provision during the Senate floor debate over the FISA update."
Wow, I am surprised that the congress made it that far. There is still a good chance, however, that immunity will still make it into the bill...
Thursday also saw the Senate Judiciary Committee consider companion legislation. Although an amendment offered by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) to strip an immunity provision from that bill failed on a 12-7 vote (with three Democrats voting with Republicans), the panel's chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) avoided that setback by moving to discharge from the committee only the part of the bill that did not include immunity. That vote passed along party lines.
To be sure, the fight over immunity is far from over, as activists expect Senate Republicans to try to re-insert an immunity provision during the Senate floor debate over the FISA update."
Wow, I am surprised that the congress made it that far. There is still a good chance, however, that immunity will still make it into the bill...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Iran wants Western apology after IAEA report | International | Reuters
Iran wants Western apology after IAEA report | International | Reuters: "Iran called on its Western foes on Friday to apologize to the Islamic Republic after the release of a U.N. nuclear agency report which Tehran said showed it had been telling the truth about its atomic plans, according to state media.
The United States, which accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear bombs, said Thursday's report showed Tehran still defying the international community and that Washington would proceed with allies to draft broader United Nations sanctions against it."
In other words, the Bush administration really does not care if Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it is just a great excuse to bomb the hell out of them. Forget the apology, Iran, only bunker-busters are coming your way...
The United States, which accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear bombs, said Thursday's report showed Tehran still defying the international community and that Washington would proceed with allies to draft broader United Nations sanctions against it."
In other words, the Bush administration really does not care if Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, it is just a great excuse to bomb the hell out of them. Forget the apology, Iran, only bunker-busters are coming your way...
The Raw Story | Senate blocks Iraq war money
The Raw Story | Senate blocks Iraq war money: "The Senate on Friday blocked a Democratic proposal to pay for the Iraq war but require that troops start coming home. The 53-45 vote was seven votes short of the 60 needed to advance. It came minutes after the Senate rejected a Republican proposal to pay for the Iraq war without strings attached. The Republican measure failed 45-53, 15 short of the number of votes needed to go forward."
Big surprise, the impotent Democrats failed to get their non-binding withdrawal version of the bill through the senate. I guess the only real surprise is that the withdrawal version got more votes than the non-withdrawal version. Too bad it will never make it past the king.
Big surprise, the impotent Democrats failed to get their non-binding withdrawal version of the bill through the senate. I guess the only real surprise is that the withdrawal version got more votes than the non-withdrawal version. Too bad it will never make it past the king.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Raw Story | US, Israel refuse to cooperate with inquest into Syria strike
The Raw Story | US, Israel refuse to cooperate with inquest into Syria strike: "The International Atomic Energy Agency - the United Nations nuclear watchdog - has not been able to conduct an investigation into the events surrounding the Sept. 6 Israeli bombing of a Syrian military installation because neither the Bush administration nor Israel are cooperating.
A diplomatic source close to the Vienna based IAEA told Raw Story that both the United States and Israel have been approached by the organization requesting supporting evidence of a nuclear reactor which media sources have cited, based on anonymous sources in both governments, as the reason for the Israeli strike.
The source also explained that the satellite footage, which the IAEA obtained through commercial channels for lack of any “credible evidence,” does not show a nuclear reactor in the early construction phase.
Another source, close to the IAEA, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the topic, told RAW STORY last week that based on satellite imagery, evidence that 'it was nuclear related is shaky' and pointed out that even basic security for such a facility - such as 'security fences' - is missing."
You have to wonder what they are hiding here... A prelude to war?
A diplomatic source close to the Vienna based IAEA told Raw Story that both the United States and Israel have been approached by the organization requesting supporting evidence of a nuclear reactor which media sources have cited, based on anonymous sources in both governments, as the reason for the Israeli strike.
The source also explained that the satellite footage, which the IAEA obtained through commercial channels for lack of any “credible evidence,” does not show a nuclear reactor in the early construction phase.
Another source, close to the IAEA, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the topic, told RAW STORY last week that based on satellite imagery, evidence that 'it was nuclear related is shaky' and pointed out that even basic security for such a facility - such as 'security fences' - is missing."
You have to wonder what they are hiding here... A prelude to war?
CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker New Attorney General opposes changes to wiretap law «
CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker New Attorney General opposes changes to wiretap law «: "In his second day on the job, Attorney General Michael Mukasey leaped into the political fray, telling a key Democratic senator he opposes his electronic surveillance plan and would recommend the president veto it if it is passed.
In a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., on the eve of crucial committee votes to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Mukasey was adamant in opposing Leahy's plan for changing the law."
Big surprise, Mukasey supports the administration's spying program... Thanks again Democrats for confirming this guy who cannot decide if waterboarding is torture(can you say red flag?). It is too bad the power to impeach lies solely in the congress, because the entire administration, congress included, should be impeached, found guilty, and thrown in jail. Congress has failed again, and they will continue to fail us when the FISA and the war funding bills come up for a vote. But then again, that is their plan, now isn't it? Show enough opposition to the administration to say "we tried."
In a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., on the eve of crucial committee votes to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Mukasey was adamant in opposing Leahy's plan for changing the law."
Big surprise, Mukasey supports the administration's spying program... Thanks again Democrats for confirming this guy who cannot decide if waterboarding is torture(can you say red flag?). It is too bad the power to impeach lies solely in the congress, because the entire administration, congress included, should be impeached, found guilty, and thrown in jail. Congress has failed again, and they will continue to fail us when the FISA and the war funding bills come up for a vote. But then again, that is their plan, now isn't it? Show enough opposition to the administration to say "we tried."
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Harris County's adjusted votes stir security worry | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle
Harris County's adjusted votes stir security worry | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "Behrman said he was shocked when he saw German use a series of passwords and an 'encryption key' — a series of numbers on a nail file-size computer memory storage device — to reach a computer program that said 'Adjustment.'
'A hundred percent of precincts reporting, and everything had been distributed to the press,' he said. 'Then and only then did I see how they were going to do this, and frankly I never thought it was possible.
'Basically it turns out, without regard to any ballots that have been cast, you can enter arbitrary numbers in there and report them out in such a way that, unless you go back to these giant (computer) logs and interpret the logs, you wouldn't know it has been done.'"
Yeah, I just cannot wait until the presidential "election." I am sure they will have all the problems fixed by then...
'A hundred percent of precincts reporting, and everything had been distributed to the press,' he said. 'Then and only then did I see how they were going to do this, and frankly I never thought it was possible.
'Basically it turns out, without regard to any ballots that have been cast, you can enter arbitrary numbers in there and report them out in such a way that, unless you go back to these giant (computer) logs and interpret the logs, you wouldn't know it has been done.'"
Yeah, I just cannot wait until the presidential "election." I am sure they will have all the problems fixed by then...
AlterNet: Health and Wellness: Moody Is the New Bipolar
AlterNet: Health and Wellness: Moody Is the New Bipolar: "The reality is that when patients report Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft as 'working,' it is not because these drugs are correcting any kind of chemical imbalance. These drugs can temporarily 'take the edge off' -- as is the case with many psychotropic drugs, legal or illegal. But for a significant number of people, these drugs produce extremely unpleasant side effects, while for many others, these drugs have little or no effect. So, overall, the difference in effectiveness between antidepressants and a sugar-pill placebo is 'clinically negligible.' This was the conclusion of University of Connecticut professor of psychology Irving Kirsch, who used the Freedom of Information Act to gain access to 47 antidepressant studies sponsored by drug companies on Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Celexa, and Serzone that had been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (but many of which had not been published). Kirsch discovered that in the majority of the trials, the antidepressant failed to outperform a sugar-pill placebo."
A very good article about the farce we call "Mental Health Care." Millions of people are getting doped up with drugs that are no better than a sugar pill, and the pharmaceutical industries, Government policy makers, and metal health "professionals" are laughing all the way to the bank... Meanwhile, they are working feverishly to manufacture new diseases and drugs to sell to the unwitting public.
A very good article about the farce we call "Mental Health Care." Millions of people are getting doped up with drugs that are no better than a sugar pill, and the pharmaceutical industries, Government policy makers, and metal health "professionals" are laughing all the way to the bank... Meanwhile, they are working feverishly to manufacture new diseases and drugs to sell to the unwitting public.
When did we become like Syria? | Salon.com
When did we become like Syria? | Salon.com: "Arar's story is chilling. A Syrian-born Canadian citizen and high-tech worker, Arar was detained in 2002 at JFK Airport while he was on his way back to Canada after a vacation. He was questioned about alleged links to al-Qaida. He was denied access to counsel and access to a court. Twelve days later he was sent in chains and shackles to Syria. There he was tortured for nearly a year and coerced into making a false confession, before being released after the tireless campaigning of his wife.
Under pressure from Canadian human rights organizations and citizens, Canada announced a commission of inquiry into Arar's case, which cleared Arar of all terrorism allegations. Now Arar seeks damages from the U.S. government for its role.
The story is already disturbing, surreal, Kafkaesque. It also left me with this realization: The sharp line I had drawn as a child -- between what could happen to a person under a dictatorship like Syria's and what could never happen to a person under a constitutional democracy like that of the U.S. -- seemed to be disappearing."
This account is written by a Syrian-American... Very telling.
Under pressure from Canadian human rights organizations and citizens, Canada announced a commission of inquiry into Arar's case, which cleared Arar of all terrorism allegations. Now Arar seeks damages from the U.S. government for its role.
The story is already disturbing, surreal, Kafkaesque. It also left me with this realization: The sharp line I had drawn as a child -- between what could happen to a person under a dictatorship like Syria's and what could never happen to a person under a constitutional democracy like that of the U.S. -- seemed to be disappearing."
This account is written by a Syrian-American... Very telling.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Police kill unarmed man who was holding hairbrush - CNN.com
Police kill unarmed man who was holding hairbrush - CNN.com: "After officers arrived at the mother's Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment, the teen refused to stop as he approached police with a black object in his hand hidden under his shirt, Browne said. Police then fired 20 shots at the teen, killing him, said Browne. But he said Coppin was found unarmed and only carrying a black hairbrush."
To protect and serve. With our gung-ho, militarized police in this nation, you must be absolutely sure that you have nothing in your hands and make no sudden moves as the cops are barking orders at you. Otherwise, you will end up looking like swiss cheese before you can get two words out of your mouth...
To protect and serve. With our gung-ho, militarized police in this nation, you must be absolutely sure that you have nothing in your hands and make no sudden moves as the cops are barking orders at you. Otherwise, you will end up looking like swiss cheese before you can get two words out of your mouth...
Vets' Suicide Rate "Stunning", Armen Keteyian: Analysis Reveals What Some Are Calling "Hidden Epidemic" - CBS News
Vets' Suicide Rate "Stunning", Armen Keteyian: Analysis Reveals What Some Are Calling "Hidden Epidemic" - CBS News: "The five-month CBS News probe, based upon a detailed analysis of data obtained from death records from 2004 and 2005, found that veterans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide in 2005 as non-vets.
A recent Veteran Affairs Department estimate says some 5,000 ex-servicemen and women will commit suicide this year, largely as a result of mental health issues, and Keteyian says, 'Our numbers are much higher than that, overall.'
He says the numbers in the CBS News study shocked everyone from Sen. Patty Murray (D, Wash.) to veterans' rights advocate Paul Sullivan."
Disgusting... How much is oil worth? Even if our soldiers make it back to the states with no physical injuries, they may have serious mental injuries that will last forever.
Here is a very sad story from the LA Times about the way the war changed one soldier's life...
A recent Veteran Affairs Department estimate says some 5,000 ex-servicemen and women will commit suicide this year, largely as a result of mental health issues, and Keteyian says, 'Our numbers are much higher than that, overall.'
He says the numbers in the CBS News study shocked everyone from Sen. Patty Murray (D, Wash.) to veterans' rights advocate Paul Sullivan."
Disgusting... How much is oil worth? Even if our soldiers make it back to the states with no physical injuries, they may have serious mental injuries that will last forever.
Here is a very sad story from the LA Times about the way the war changed one soldier's life...
Kelpie Wilson | Energy Bill to Sacrifice Renewables
Kelpie Wilson | Energy Bill to Sacrifice Renewables: "Last Thursday, Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid said that they would jettison the renewable energy provisions in both the House and Senate versions of the 2007 energy bill in the interest of passing a bill before the Thanksgiving recess begins on November 17."
Another vacation is coming, and the democrats are already starting to fold to the republicans. Can't wait to see what happens to the FISA bill over this holiday season. Continued domestic spying, with full immunity for the telecoms will surely be the result...
Another vacation is coming, and the democrats are already starting to fold to the republicans. Can't wait to see what happens to the FISA bill over this holiday season. Continued domestic spying, with full immunity for the telecoms will surely be the result...
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Raw Story | Hitler's globe goes under hammer, 62 years on
The Raw Story | Hitler's globe goes under hammer, 62 years on: "For more than 60 years, one of Adolf Hitler's most prized possessions has been gathering dust in the attic of John Barsamian's home in a sleepy suburb overlooking San Francisco Bay. On Tuesday, however, Barsamian will part company with the unique World War II relic taken from Hitler's 'Eagle's Nest' retreat 62 years ago, a desktop globe upon which the Fuhrer may well have once plotted world domination."
Sounds like the perfect present for either Bush or Cheney...
Sounds like the perfect present for either Bush or Cheney...
The Raw Story | Intel official: Say goodbye to privacy
The Raw Story | Intel official: Say goodbye to privacy: "As Congress debates new rules for government eavesdropping, a top intelligence official says it is time that people in the United States changed their definition of privacy. Privacy no longer can mean anonymity, says Donald Kerr, the principal deputy director of national intelligence. Instead, it should mean that government and businesses properly safeguards people's private communications and financial information."
Yes, they already have a great track record of safeguarding our information... Forget all of the spying, just think about what happens when some moron from some big corporation leaves a laptop in plain view in their car... Thousands of social security numbers stolen... Yes, let's trust the government and the corporations with our privacy...
Yes, they already have a great track record of safeguarding our information... Forget all of the spying, just think about what happens when some moron from some big corporation leaves a laptop in plain view in their car... Thousands of social security numbers stolen... Yes, let's trust the government and the corporations with our privacy...
U.S. Digs In to Guard Iraq Oil Exports - WSJ.com
U.S. Digs In to Guard Iraq Oil Exports - WSJ.com: "KHAWR AL AMAYA OIL TERMINAL, Iraq -- The U.S. Navy is building a military installation atop this petroleum-export platform as the U.S. establishes a more lasting military mission in the oil-rich north Persian Gulf."
Sure, the Iraq war is not about the oil... Meanwhile we are turning the oil terminal into a U.S. military base...
Sure, the Iraq war is not about the oil... Meanwhile we are turning the oil terminal into a U.S. military base...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
TPMmuckraker | Talking Points Memo | U.S. Plan Envisioned Nuking Iran, Syria, Libya
TPMmuckraker | Talking Points Memo | U.S. Plan Envisioned Nuking Iran, Syria, Libya: "Despite years of denials, a secret planning document issued by the U.S. military's nuclear-weapons command in 2003 ordered preparations for nuclear strikes on countries seeking to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including Iran, Saddam Hussein-era Iraq, Libya and Syria."
You want nukes? We'll show you what nukes can do...
I guess oil is oil, irradiated or not...
You want nukes? We'll show you what nukes can do...
I guess oil is oil, irradiated or not...
Monday, November 5, 2007
FBI reviewing Tasering of sleeping man; no charges file - News - PennLive.com
FBI reviewing Tasering of sleeping man; no charges file - News - PennLive.com: "Two North Braddock police officers won't face criminal charges for Tasering a man who was asleep at home. But the FBI will review the incident for possible civil rights violations.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. says county police determined Officers Gerard Kraly and Lukas Laeuricia (loo-REE'-see-uh) didn't commit a crime when they Tasered Shawn Hicks, who was sleeping on his couch. Police came to Hicks home because they were alerted by a silent security alarm at his home about 2 a.m.
Hicks says the officers Tasered him again after he woke up and showed them ID to prove he lived at the home. Hicks' attorney says he will pursue civil action."
You are not even safe from the police when sleeping in your own home...
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr. says county police determined Officers Gerard Kraly and Lukas Laeuricia (loo-REE'-see-uh) didn't commit a crime when they Tasered Shawn Hicks, who was sleeping on his couch. Police came to Hicks home because they were alerted by a silent security alarm at his home about 2 a.m.
Hicks says the officers Tasered him again after he woke up and showed them ID to prove he lived at the home. Hicks' attorney says he will pursue civil action."
You are not even safe from the police when sleeping in your own home...
No email privacy rights under Constitution, US gov claims [printer-friendly] | The Register
No email privacy rights under Constitution, US gov claims| The Register: "This appears to be more than a mere argument in support of the constitutionality of a Congressional email privacy and access scheme. It represents what may be the fundamental governmental position on Constitutional email and electronic privacy - that there isn't any. What is important in this case is not the ultimate resolution of that narrow issue, but the position that the United States government is taking on the entire issue of electronic privacy. That position, if accepted, may mean that the government can read anybody's email at any time without a warrant."
Just lovely. I am sure the court will be swayed to the government's side...
Just lovely. I am sure the court will be swayed to the government's side...
Glenn Greenwald - Political Blogs and Opinions - Salon
Glenn Greenwald - Political Blogs and Opinions - Salon: "Only America-hating traitors believe in due process for journalists In 2001, Sami al-Haj was working as a camerman for Al Jazeera when he was detained by the U.S. military in Afghanistan and then transferred to Guantanamo, where he has remained for the last six years without ever being accused of any involvement in terrorism. Instead, as Washington Monthly editor Rachel Morris detailed in her superb cover story in Columbia Journalism Review a few months ago, virtually all of al-Haj's interrogations focused on Al Jazeera and his detention was fueled at least in part by the Bush administration's contempt for Al Jazeera's reporting. I wrote about Morris' story and al-Haj's plight here.
For obvious reasons, it is highly disturbing that the U.S. Government imprisons journalists for years without bothering to charge them with any crime. The U.S. is doing the same with A.P. photojournalist Bilal Hussein. These aren't 'prisoners of war' captured fighting on a battlefield, but rather, accredited journalists taking pictures and filming events that the U.S. Government dislikes."
Think of this case, and the other journalists locked up in GitMo, as we look in shock at what is going on in Pakistan, ignorantly thinking that it cannot happen here. Halliburton has already built the detention camps in the southern US, our police are militarized and ready to roll, the Posse Commitus act has been gutted to allow soldiers on our streets, habeas corpus has been nearly eliminated, and Bush already has given himself the ability to very easily declare martial law. I see Pakistan as an eerie vision of what may come to pass here.
And I am not the only one....
For obvious reasons, it is highly disturbing that the U.S. Government imprisons journalists for years without bothering to charge them with any crime. The U.S. is doing the same with A.P. photojournalist Bilal Hussein. These aren't 'prisoners of war' captured fighting on a battlefield, but rather, accredited journalists taking pictures and filming events that the U.S. Government dislikes."
Think of this case, and the other journalists locked up in GitMo, as we look in shock at what is going on in Pakistan, ignorantly thinking that it cannot happen here. Halliburton has already built the detention camps in the southern US, our police are militarized and ready to roll, the Posse Commitus act has been gutted to allow soldiers on our streets, habeas corpus has been nearly eliminated, and Bush already has given himself the ability to very easily declare martial law. I see Pakistan as an eerie vision of what may come to pass here.
And I am not the only one....
Martial Law in Pakistan: Could it Happen Here?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
500 Pakistani activists arrested - Focus on Pakistan - MSNBC.com
500 Pakistani activists arrested - Focus on Pakistan - MSNBC.com: "ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Police rounded up hundreds of opposition leaders and rights activists Sunday after Pakistan’s military ruler suspended the constitution, ousted the top judge and deployed troops to fight what he called rising Islamic extremism."
This is a bad turn for the middle east. How this works out could mean the difference between a semi-stable middle east (unlikely) or World War 3. Keep in mind that Pakistan has the only nuclear weapons in the middle east.
This is a bad turn for the middle east. How this works out could mean the difference between a semi-stable middle east (unlikely) or World War 3. Keep in mind that Pakistan has the only nuclear weapons in the middle east.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
My Way News - Bush Tells Dems War Denial Is Dangerous
My Way News - Bush Tells Dems War Denial Is Dangerous: "President Bush compared Congress' Democratic leaders Thursday to people who ignored the rise of Lenin and Hitler early in the last century, saying 'the world paid a terrible price' then and risks similar consequences for inaction today.
Bush accused Congress of stalling important pieces of the fight to prevent new terrorist attacks by: dragging out and possibly jeopardizing confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general, a key part of his national security team; failing to act on a bill governing eavesdropping on terrorist suspects; and moving too slowly to approve spending measures for the Iraq war, Pentagon and veterans programs."
WOW!!! Right on Bush, congress is ignoring the rise of a Hitler-like person, as you re-create America to resemble the 4th Reich. Wiretapping, torture, kidnapping, punishment of political enemies, quelling of public dissent, and let's not forget imperialism.
Bush accused Congress of stalling important pieces of the fight to prevent new terrorist attacks by: dragging out and possibly jeopardizing confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general, a key part of his national security team; failing to act on a bill governing eavesdropping on terrorist suspects; and moving too slowly to approve spending measures for the Iraq war, Pentagon and veterans programs."
WOW!!! Right on Bush, congress is ignoring the rise of a Hitler-like person, as you re-create America to resemble the 4th Reich. Wiretapping, torture, kidnapping, punishment of political enemies, quelling of public dissent, and let's not forget imperialism.
The Raw Story | US courts routinely shackle teens accused of minor crimes
The Raw Story | US courts routinely shackle teens accused of minor crimes: "Many US juvenile courts routinely shackle teens accused of minor crimes and deny them adequate access to a lawyer, a study released Wednesday has found.
Most teens in the study did not get to meet with a lawyer before a hearing to determine whether they should be held in jail prior to trial. They also rarely got to adequately discuss their case with a lawyer prior to the trial date.
Anywhere from 70 to 100 percent of the teens ended up pleading guilty, many at their first court appearance."
Somehow this does not surprise me at all. It was not that long ago that the courts determined that a case cannot be thrown out simply because the "Miranda rights" were not read. This leads me to believe that the minors probably did not even know what their rights were, and even if they did, the totalitarian way things are done now probably scared the kids into doing whatever was told to them, without question.
Most teens in the study did not get to meet with a lawyer before a hearing to determine whether they should be held in jail prior to trial. They also rarely got to adequately discuss their case with a lawyer prior to the trial date.
Anywhere from 70 to 100 percent of the teens ended up pleading guilty, many at their first court appearance."
Somehow this does not surprise me at all. It was not that long ago that the courts determined that a case cannot be thrown out simply because the "Miranda rights" were not read. This leads me to believe that the minors probably did not even know what their rights were, and even if they did, the totalitarian way things are done now probably scared the kids into doing whatever was told to them, without question.
From the Desk of Donald Rumsfeld . . . - washingtonpost.com
From the Desk of Donald Rumsfeld . . . - washingtonpost.com: "In a series of internal musings and memos to his staff, then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld argued that Muslims avoid 'physical labor' and wrote of the need to 'keep elevating the threat,' 'link Iraq to Iran' and develop 'bumper sticker statements' to rally public support for an increasingly unpopular war.
The memos, often referred to as 'snowflakes,' shed light on Rumsfeld's brusque management style and on his efforts to address key challenges during his tenure as Pentagon chief. Spanning from 2002 to shortly after his resignation following the 2006 congressional elections, a sampling of his trademark missives obtained yesterday reveals a defense secretary disdainful of media criticism and driven to reshape public opinion of the Iraq war.
Rumsfeld, whose sometimes abrasive approach often alienated other Cabinet members and White House staff members, produced 20 to 60 snowflakes a day and regularly poured out his thoughts in writing as the basis for developing policy, aides said. The memos are not classified but are marked 'for official use only.'
The memos, often referred to as 'snowflakes,' shed light on Rumsfeld's brusque management style and on his efforts to address key challenges during his tenure as Pentagon chief. Spanning from 2002 to shortly after his resignation following the 2006 congressional elections, a sampling of his trademark missives obtained yesterday reveals a defense secretary disdainful of media criticism and driven to reshape public opinion of the Iraq war.
Rumsfeld, whose sometimes abrasive approach often alienated other Cabinet members and White House staff members, produced 20 to 60 snowflakes a day and regularly poured out his thoughts in writing as the basis for developing policy, aides said. The memos are not classified but are marked 'for official use only.'
In a 2004 memo on the deteriorating situation in Iraq, Rumsfeld concluded that the challenges there are 'not unusual.' Pessimistic news reports -- 'our publics risk falling prey to the argument that all is lost' -- simply result from the wrong standards being applied, he wrote in one of the memos obtained by The Washington Post.
Under siege in April 2006, when a series of retired generals denounced him and called for his resignation in newspaper op-ed pieces, Rumsfeld produced a memo after a conference call with military analysts. 'Talk about Somalia, the Philippines, etc. Make the American people realize they are surrounded in the world by violent extremists,' he wrote.
People will 'rally' to sacrifice, he noted after the meeting. 'They are looking for leadership. Sacrifice = Victory.'"
Here we have prime examples of the propaganda the administration uses to try and sway the people. Long before Bushco started openly linking Iran to Iraq violence, Rummy was ordering such evidence to be "found." Sounds a lot like the evidence that was "found" before we attacked Iraq, does it not?
SACRIFICE = VICTORY
Nov. 1 - Begin the Consumer Parade
Halloween is over...
Merry Xmas... Corporate America thanks you in advance... (And so does China)
Merry Xmas... Corporate America thanks you in advance... (And so does China)
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