US Politics Sitemap - Page 8 2013-05-22
Supremes to Hear Ten Commandments Case
Is displaying the Ten Commandments on goverment property constitutional or is it a violation of separation of church and state? Yesterday, the US Supreme Court
Approval Ratings Suggest Defeat
No modern sitting President has been re-elected with job approval ratings as low as those posted by President Bush, whose approval rating hit 47 percent last
More on Iraqi-Kuwaiti Debt
Former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright is part of the consortium that made a controversial proposal to Kuwait which, according to the Washington Post,
Platoon Disobeys "Suicide" Order
A Mississippi paper has reported that an Army Reserve platoon refused to deliver fuel to another base without a Humvee escort; the 17 members were reportedly
Faith and Politics
One of my co-workers, David Domke, has written, what was to me, a fascinating book on religion and the presidency. And on Sunday, the NY Times magazine
Gerrymandering, Texas Style
Funny, but when I was in school, gerrymandering was a bad thing. Given the latest US Supreme Court decision on the Texas redistricting process -- pushed through
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Vote for a bi-partisan measure -- which is supported by the business community -- and then get slammed for the vote just before the election by a Republican
Presidential Endorsements
With less than two weeks to go before the election, Sen. Kerry leads President Bush in editorial endorsements, by any measure: number of papers or circulation.
Baseball Forecast
For a bit of fun ... benchmark how well the World Series winner has predicted the winner of the Presidential election since 1918 (when the Red Sox were last
Candidates on the Environment
The Seattle Times produced a five-part series that examines how President Bush and Senator Kerry approach environmental issues: energy, endangered species, air
eVoting Snafu in NM
The Albuquerque Journal reported Friday on touchscreen problems in two New Mexico voting precincts. In both polling places, voters say that they pressed the
State Spotlight: Washington
Washington State leads the nation in the number of women involved in elected politics and is poised to have women hold four statewide offices: Governor, Senator
Newspapers Switch Horses
In the race for newspaper editorial endorsements, 34 newspapers that endorsed President Bush in 2000 have switched their endorsement to Senator Kerry; the
Surprise - The President Has No Local Church
I was surprised to read in The New Republic that President Bush does not regularly attend church in DC. Given the devout nature of his presidency -- and poll
And the Winner Is ...
Cast your vote for President today in the US Politics Forum! Are we as evenly split as the country appears to be?
Turner on Media Mergers
Washington Monthly has an excellent analysis of media concentration, written by Ted Turner. He explains how the regulatory landscape has changed since the 70s
Diesel Prices Hit Record Highs
Gasoline prices (regular, not premium) have increased 46 cents a gallon compared to a year ago; however, diesel has jumped 72 cents a gallon. This week the
Sports Projections
According to Snopes, the Redskins home-game loss this weekend bodes well for Kerry. According to baseball champion ... well, the picture is mixed. Historically,
The Economist Picks Kerry
The Economist, a weekly London news magazine with global reach, has endorsed Kerry over Bush. It joins a long list of media that have endorsed Kerry over Bush.
Zogby: Young Voters Pick Kerry
Zogby reported Sunday that Kerry leads Bush -- 55% to 40% -- among 18-29 year-old likely voters in a joint poll with Rock the Vote Mobile. It was conducted
Kerry Concedes
Sen. John Kerry conceded in a phone call Wednesday morning, according to various news reports. He is slated to make a public comment sometime after noon eastern
Read Lakoff
The country seems to be cut almost in two, a polarization that was first evident in 2000 and in some ways more so today. For those on either side who are
To Ohio Secretary of State
Political Junkies editor Stephen Gheer has written a passionate but reasoned series of recommendations to J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio Secretary of State, on how
A Middle East Without Arafat
Media around the world are looking into their crystal balls to try to foresee the future of the Middle East and Israeli-Palestinian relations in a era with
Bush Wins Iowa
CBS News reports that Bush has won Iowa, giving him 286 electoral votes; 270 are needed to secure the Presidency.
Fallujah Under Attack
The Guardian reports that US jets hit Fallujah five times in 12 hours, in preparation for a major attack. Also, see Bloomberg, Boston Globe, Newsday,
Ohio Error, Lines; Voter Complaints
The Guardian is reporting that President Bush received an extra 3,893 extra votes in suburban Columbus, Ohio; there were only 638 voters in that precinct. And
Another Voting Glitch
Broward County -- made infamous in 2000 for hanging chads -- took the spotlight again on Friday. The Miami Herald reports that a controversial referendum was
Ashcroft to Go?
Fox News reports that John Ashcroft may resign as Attorney General in January.
Education and The Vote
States with above average percentages of citizens with advanced degrees were more likely to vote for Kerry and those with below average percentages of citizens
More Purple than Red or Blue
The binary approach to coloring the national map inflates the appearance of diviseness in this election. When state colors reflect how close the vote was, a
Fallujah: "Skies Burn Red"
Perhaps best-known for the brutal murder of four US contractors in March, Fallujah is a Sunni city with 300,000 inhabitants located 60 kilometers west of
News Visualization
News site 10x10 presents the top news of the hour as a 10x10 grid of images, ranked in the current order of importance. Mouseover an image - see its ranking and
F911 : A Fact Check
Lawyer and former journalist Stephen Lee has published FootnoteFahrenheit.com, providing context and fact-checking for much of the narrative. In a quick site
eVoting Blog
Several computing industry experts have started a blog focused on e-voting issues. It includes internationally-known security expert Peter G. Neumann, who runs
Slippery Slope
There is a movement across the country to allow an individual pharmacist the right to decide not to fulfill a legitimate prescription, if so doing would
Violence in Asia
News reports suggest a bomb has exploded in the Indonesian city of Paso, on an island 900 miles east of Jakarta, killing at least five. This is the latest
And The Count Goes On
In Washington State, where 2.8 million votes have been cast for Governor, Republican candidate Dino Rossi leads Democratic candidate Christine Gregroire by 19
Intelligence Reform Stalled
House Republicans have blocked a bill designed to overhaul the US intelligence infrastructure, in part due to legislator insistence on amending bills perceived
Debate Recap
Drowning in Debt
How bad is it? If we closed the doors on almost every federal agency during fiscal 2005 -- currently funded to the tune of $388 billion according to Associated
Ohio Recount Request Filed; Florida Troubles, Too
Third party candidates Nader and Badnarik filed for a recount of the Ohio vote on Monday. A spokesman for the state Democratic party says they will join the
Lawyer on Equal Protection
In the wake of 11 new state constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage, a Montana lawyer clearly explains the equal protection clause of the US
Continued Cabinet Shuffle
One resignation (Homeland Security Chief Tom Ridge) and one announcement (Kellogg CEO Carlos Gutierrez for Commerce Secretary) add to the second term Cabinet
Shunning the Press?
At this point in their Presidencies, George H.W. Bush (who also fought a war in Iraq) had held 84 solo news conferences; Bill Clinton, 43; and Ronald Reagan,
This Day In History
On 01 December 1824, the House of Representatives convened to decide the presidential election because no candidate had received an Electoral College majority.
NRO on California's Medicinal Pot Law
Case Western University Law Professor Jonathan H. Adler takes on Ashcroft v. Raich in defense of limiting the scope of the federal government. He notes that
Dow Does Not Accept Responsibility
The BBC was duped into reporting that Dow Chemical had accepted responsiblility for the Bhopal, India chemical disaster. Today is the 20th anniversary; in the
This Day In History
The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Also, more from History 1900s, Hawaii, and Romantic Movies from about.com.
Not Counted: Almost 1000 Votes
King County, Washington officials have discovered more uncounted ballots, bringing the total to 723, according to news reports. Officials say that the ballots
Rumsfeld Under Fire
Conservatives, including former Senate Majority Leader Lott (R-MS) and Sen. McCain (R-AZ), have begun a campaign against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld,
Unprecedented Reversal in Washington
For the first time in Washington state history, it appears that a statewide election may be reversed after a recount in the 2004 gubernatorial race. Preliminary
Working At Cross Purposes
In Congress, the right and left hands often work at cross purposes. Take Medicare and Medicaid and prescription drugs. The controversial - and not very popular,
Montana Ruling Sides With Gay Couple
In a 4-3 decision, the Montana Supreme Court has ruled that the state university system must provide the same benefits to homosexual couples that it provides to
Tort Reform Takes Spotlight
President Bush has launched a major campaign for tort reform, continuing his claim that frivolous lawsuits are driving doctors out of medicine. But are they?
Tort Reform Black Eye in Washington
As President Bush promotes federal tort reform, a Washington state physician-led initiative is marred by relevation that a doctor dropped a four-months pregnant
Celebrating MLK
All 50 states now celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., slain civil rights leader and minister. Learn more about his life from The Martin Luther King,
Abu Ghraib Back in the News
The drama of Abu Ghraib found its way back into the spotlight with the military trial of Specialist Charles A. Graner Jr. The International Herald Tribune
Inaugural Words
Most Presidential speeches are ho-hum, both in a rhetorical and news sense. Inaugural addresses, however, provide a unique platform for the President to
Gonzoles Eeeks Out Affirmation
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines (10-8) to support the nomination of Alberto R. Gonzales for Attorney General. Unless Republican Senators
More Rented Press
Columnist Maggie Gallagher received $41,500 in contracts from the US Department of Education and the US Justice Department to work on and promote the
A Billion Here, A Billion There ...
The Special Inspector-General for Iraqi Reconstruction, charged with auditing spending in post-war Iraq, says that the US occupation authority in Iraq has
Dean to Head DNC?
The Association of State Democratic Chairs overwhelming (56-21) endorsed Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and Presidential candidate, as the next
Guantanamo Prisoners Win Favorable Ruling
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Joyce Hens Green rejected a request by the Bush Administration to throw out lawsuits filed by 54 inmates at Guantanamo Bay,
Bush Budget Analysis
The Bush budget released Monday proposes the largest cut in domestic spending since President Reagan was in office; excluding military-related expenditures,
Private Sector Jobs: Net Four-Year Loss
News reports suggested that January job data spared President Bush from joining Herbert Hoover as the only president to see a net job loss during a four-year
Is It The "V" Word?
The word of the day, as Howard Dean prepares to be elected the head of the Democratic National Party, is values. Led by George Lakoff, a professor at the
Pentagon Confirms Questionable Tactics
Al Jazeera reports that the Pentagon has confirmed that female interrogators used sexually suggestive tactics on prisoners at Guantanamo. The story, based on a
FOI and DOJ
The Santa Maria Times, in an editorial, blasts the Department of Justice for demanding almost $400,000 in advance for a Freedom of Information (FOI) request
Journalists Found in Contempt of Court
Reporters Judith Miller (NYT) and Matthew Cooper (Time) have been found in contempt of court and the Federal Appeals Court in Washington unanimously held that
Treatise on Blogging
Steve Safran, in Lost Remote, lists five suggestions to help improve both the dialog and reputation of political blogs. The list might apply equally as well to
What's Next for WA State?
Two Republicans have unsuccessfully tried to recall Republican Secretary of State Sam Reed for misfeasance or malfeasance, assserting that he should not have
More on Greenspan and Social Security
In prepared testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services Thursday, Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan repeated, word for word, what he said to the Senate
Feds on POW Compensation
Acree v Iraq and the USA deals with a $1 billion judgment for compensation in favor of US POWs captured and tortured in Iraq during the first Gulf War. The
Senator: Raise SS Payroll Taxes?
The third highest ranking Republican in the Senate has endorsed increasing the Social Security payroll tax as a way to engage Democratic support for President
Supremes Pass on Abortion Case
Last week, the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of Roe v Wade, affirming two lower court decisions that refused to reconsider the ruling. See LA
Supremes To Hear Arguments on 10 Commandments
The US Supreme Court will hear arguments in a Texas and Kentucky case over the 10 Commandments this week. Should this religious icon be housed in public
Hate Crime?
A Chicago Judge who returned home to find her husband of 30 years and her 89 year old mother killed has been placed under protective custody, along with her
Iraqi Tribunal Member Killed
Two people -- a judge and his son, a lawyer -- associated with the Iraqi Special Tribunal slated to try Saddam Hussein have been shot and killed outside their
SS Plan A Hard Row to Hoe
New reports suggest that President Bush faces an uphill battle as he and others criss-cross the country -- 60-days, 60-cities -- promoting the idea of private
North Georgia Focus of Protest
Spotlight on my home state: Tiny Cleveland, GA, 77 miles north of Atlanta, is the latest protest site for the Topeka, KS-based Westboro Baptist Church that
White House Pass for DC Blogger
The NY Times reports that DC blogger Garrett M. Graf can join the regular press corps for daily White House briefs, making him the firsr blogger to
Mt St Helens Awakens
Some excitement out here in the Northwest tonight as Mt St Helens decided to burp a bit, about 5.25 PST on Tuesday 8 March. USGS says the plume was probably
Military Recruiters Face Uphill Sale
For the first time since May 2000, the Army missed its recruiting goal in February, falling short by almost a third despite enlistment incentives, according to
FOI Under Seige; Amendments Offered
Wired profiles a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests that are casualties of the post-9-11 era, unwittingly, perhaps, building the case for amending
Homeland Security No-Bid Contract
In February, the Department of Homeland Security announced it was entering into a no-bid contract with a private, Catholic school in Erie, PA (enrollment, 3100)
Congress Moves on Florida Case
Reuters reports that Republican leaders of the House and Senate have worked out an agreement on Federal intervention in the Florida case of Terri Schaivo. Legal
Texas Infant Does Not Get Schiavo Treatment
Republican Congressmen who are championing due process for Terri Schiavo were AWOL last week when the Texas Christian Hospital in Houston removed a six-month
Text of Compromise Schiavo Legislation
The National Right to Life Committee has posted a copy of the compromise legislation passed by the US Senate on Palm Sunday. There was nothing on the Senate
Who is Funding the Schiavo Court Battle?
Millions of dollars have been spent by conservative political organizations that are using the Terri Schiavo case as a means to further their political agenda.
House Passes Schiavo Bill
After extensive commentary -- some of it quite eloquent -- on a 203-58 vote the US House of Representatives suspended the House rules of House and passed the
Americans Disagree With Congressional Action
ABC News reports that about seven in 10 Americans believe that Congressional Palm Sunday actions on behalf of the parents of Terri Schiavo were inappropriate
Editorial Boards Weigh In on Palm Sunday Action
Some newspapers, like the Washington Post, had editorialized against Congressional intervention in a state judicial matter long before Palm Sunday. Others
Video-Tape Medicine
One Senator and several Representatives who once practiced medicine have arrogantly asserted -- based on their viewing of videotapes and anecdotal discussions
Chartjunk, Polljunk
Can someone with bucks please send CNN a set of Edward Tufte books and a complimentary registration to his next conference? Talk about using an image to
Political Theatre Overshadows EPA Controversy
The media frenzy and political theatre associated with the Congressional Palm Sunday sessions have overshadowed news that EPA may have cooked the books, so to
Case Goes to Supreme Court
On three prior occasions, the US Supreme Court has refused to let itself be drawn into the Terri Schiavo case. About eight hours after the 11th Circuit Court
More Political Drama in the Schiavo Case
Reuters reports that state Circuit Judge Greer -- who has managed the Terri Schiavo case since the beginning in 1998 -- ruled that the a petition by the Jeb
The Man Who "Guards" Schiavo
When did this nation -- and our media -- decide that the best way to debate issues is to stoop to character assassination rather than discuss the issues? Can we
The Appeals Continue
Reuters reports that a federal court in Florida rejected yet another parental appeal of the decision to remove the feeding tube that keeps Terri Schiavo alive.
Spotlight on End of Life Decisions
The Terri Schiavo case has shined a spotlight on end-of-life decisions that are made each day in the US and throughout the world. The Christian Science Monitor
Forecast Leads to Oil Price Jump
On the heels of a Goldman-Sachs forecast that oil prices could pass $100 per barrel, oil prices reached record levels Friday. On the New York Mercantile
The Pope Has Died
Reuters reports that Pope John Paul II died on Saturday at 9:37 p.m. (2:37 p.m. EST). He had ruled the Vatican for 26 years. He suffered from arthritis and
Attack at Abu Ghraib Jail
News reports suggest at least 20 US soldiers and 12 Iraqi prisoners were injured Saturday in a well-organized attack at Abu Ghraib. The attack, conducted by
Oil Prices Moderate
After briefly topping $58 per barrel, on Monday oil futures (sweet, light crude) closed at $57.01, despite published data showing increased supplies of gasoline
IRA Protected from Bankruptcy
In a unanimous decision, the US Supreme Court ruled Monday that Americans who file for bankruptcy protection can keep their Individual Retirement Accounts
Weekly Paper Takes Pulitzer
Willamette Week (Portland, OR) has become the third alternative newspaper in the US to win a Pulitzer Prize. It was honored for an investigative story on
Presidential Approval Ratings
The USA Today/Gallup Poll conducted last week gives the President low marks on Social Security, the Terri Schiavo case, the economy and the war in Iraq ... but
Armchair Tourist
Google recently released a beta satellite map service ... and one of my friends has put together a list of interesting sites. Take a look at the Pentagon, the
Pharmacists v Patients
In the escalating battle between patients with legal prescriptions and pharamacists refusing to dispense drugs, citing religious beliefs, the Governor of
Justices Request Budget Boost, Respond to Critcism
US Supreme Court Justices Thomas and Kennedy asked the US House Appropriations committee to boost funding for security at the US Supreme Court Building. This
The Politics of Space
In its 15 years in orbit, the Hubble Telescope has captured three-quarters of a million images of the universe. To celebrate, NASA has released two new images.
Sports Projections
Shunning the Press?
Gonzales Hearings Begin; Pentagon Eyes Guantanemo
Guantanamo Prisoners Win Favorable Ruling
Supremes To Hear Arguments on 10 Commandments
Bush On Energy : New Construction
On Wednesday, President Bush called on the private sector to explore new technology as a means of digging us out of our energy hole. He called for construction
Proposed Book Bans: Alabama
Alabama Rep. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) has introduced a bill that would ban schools from buying books that feature homosexuals or that are authored by gays.
He Said, She Said
Italy disagrees with official US findings about the March incident that led to the death of Italian Giuliana Sgrena (a journalist who had just been released
Supreme Court to Hear Free Speech Case
The US Supreme Court will review a case that challenges the 1994 Solomon Amendment (amended in 2003) which requires that universities that receive federal
The Election That Won't Die
In Washington State, the Republican challenge to the election of Democrat Christine Gregoire as governor has moved one step closer to a trial date. Wenatchee
Singapore Threatens Blogger
In a case with implications about the power of government censorship of personal publishing, Singapore has threatened a student with libel after the student
FCC Approves Cable Sale
The FCC has approved the controversial sale of Tyco International assets to an Indian firm, Tata Group, which has 25 percent government stake. Unless an
On Liberals and Conservatives
For a totally tongue-in-check review of the difference between liberals and conservatives (in American politics), kick back and read Fred.
United's Pension Woes
Reflecting what may be the tip of a financial iceburg, United Airlines has joined the growing ranks of American corporations that have punted support for their
Art Emulating Real Life?
George Lucas received one of the highest possible awards in film this week, winning the Cannes Trophy of the Festival as Star Wars III launched its world
City of Angels Elects Latino Mayor
Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa is first Los Angeles mayor with Mexican-American roots since 1872, when Mayor Cristobal Aguilar completed his second term. Los
Libraries and Patriot Act
A Washington State librarian has penned an op-ed in USA Today, sharing her experiences after the FBI dropped in last June and demanded a list of the people who
WSJ Poll : Congressional Disapproval
A Wall Street Journal / NBC poll shows that Americans are unhappy with Congressional performance, with polling data showing the lowest approval ratings since
Ancient Tribal Site Comes to Life
While preparinig ground for a dry-dock, the state of Washington uncovered a 2,700 year old tribal village near Port Angeles, on the Olympic Peninsula. After
Republicans Turn on Voinovich
Senate Republican leadership is confident that John Bolton will be confirmed as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. However, Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH)
Senate Confirms Owens
On what was basically a party-line vote (56-43), the US Senate confirmed Texas Supreme Court Judge Priscilla Owen to federal appeals court. She was elected to
Books That Harm
Human Events Online, the conservative news weekly, has published its compilation of the 10 most harmful books of the 19th and 20th centuries. Hang on to your
Judge Rules in DeLay PAC Case
Texas District Judge Joe Hart (Austin) ruled last week that a political action committee (PAC) established by US House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom
Bloody May in Iraq
More Americans died in Iraq in May (at least 77) than in any month since January (107), according to MSNBC. Officials estimate that 670 (or more) Iraqis were
Medical Malpractice Premiums Not Justified Based on Claims
A new study on medical malpractice insurance shows that patient payments resulting from malpractice claims grew 4 percent annually from 1991 and 2003 (and only
Pentagon on the Koran
In a statement released after business hours on Friday night and after the major TV networks had aired evening news, the Pentagon confirmed several incidents
Supremes Just Say No
The Supreme Court has ruled (6-3) against medical use of marijuana, asserting that federal law trumps state law in a California case. In reversing a Ninth U.S.
NJ Voters Head to Polls
New Jersey voters head to the polls Tuesday in the first step towards electing a new governor this fall. There are seven Republicans vying to run against
Renew Patriot Act - Bush to Congress
President Bush has urged Congress to renew portions of the Patriot Act, passed in haste post-9/11, that are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2005. Tuesday,
When The President Talks to God
Nebraska singer-songwriter Conor Oberst, known as Bright Eyes, performed this controversial single on The Tonight Show. Watch the video (Quicktime, Media
Supremes Send Conviction Back to Texas
On Monday the US Supreme Court remanded a 20-year-old murder conviction back to the state of Texas because of racial bias in jury selection. At issue is the use
The Sad Case of Terri Schiavo
Reporting autopsy results, Florida Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin said that Terri Schiavo could not have benefited from therapy or treatment; her brain had
House Cuts PBS, NCLB
On a voice vote, the House Appropriations Committee approved a 25 percent cut in the Corporation for Public Broadcasting budget; the cut would be effective the
Percent Military Deployed Abroad Exceeds Vietnam Era
According to Heritage Foundation data, 27.1 percent of all US troops were stationed abroad from 2003-2004. That compares with 26.8 percent during the Vietnam
LA Times Closes Wiki
On Friday, the LA Times launched an experiment in reader interactivity with the paper: a wikitorial feature allowing readers to express collaborative opinion
KKK Leader Guilty of Manslaughter
On Tuesday, a Mississippi jury found Edgar Ray Killen, 80, guilty of manslaughter in the 1964 killings of three civil rights activists; Killen was found guilty
More Fodder for Parents with Military Aged Children
A reminder that this Administration advocates running the government like a business: The Defense Department yesterday began working with a private marketing
Technorati Launches Live8 Blog
Technorati announced today at Gnomedex that they have launched a blog for Live8, becoming the latest software firm to venture into social issues. On the
eDemocracy Conference Planned
Interested in eDemocracy? Then check out the
Possible New SC Nominees
Slate runs down several possible nominees to replace the soon-expected-to-retire Chief Justice. Their profile covers (in alpha order): Samuel Alito (55),
Selfish Cable Gets Supreme Blessing; WiFi Targeted
The line that comes into your house and provides you with telephone service, by law, is open to competition. As a result, homeowners can shop for the best deal
Supremes Rule Against Grokster
The Supreme Court remanded a copyright case to the lower courts, unanimously ruling in MGM v Grokster that the summary judgment ruling against MGM was in error:
War Talk Tonight
Tonight at 8 pm EDT -- with Ft. Bragg, NC soliders as his backdrop -- President Bush will talk to the nation -- and the world -- about the war in Iraq, his
Ethics Logjam Broken
The US House of Representatives Ethics Committee has been out to a long lunch this year; it has met exactly one day since the House convened in January. For
About that Promised Volley ...
The conservatives launched a pre-emptive strike last week, according to this Fact Check article from 20 June: A pro-Bush group fired the opening salvo – they
O'Connor to Resign
The anticipated Senate (uh, political) battle over appointment of a new Supreme Court justice begins. The catalyst, however, was not the retirement of Chief
SCOTUS News Eclipses Zogby Poll
The Bush Administration is a master at releasing bad news at the close of business Friday. In that vein, the early Friday morning announcement of Sandra Day
Rove Source of Plame Leak?
Editor & Publisher reported this just before midnight Friday. Time Magazine has turned over documents to the Grand Jury which is investigating the Valerie
Potpourri
Wrapping up a gorgeous Independence Day in Seattle ... diehard neighborhood celebrants are still popping away at midnight! Here are a few gems to either end or
Compassion and Respect: Another View
Just found this opinion piece on diversity and political acceptance. Although written when gay marriage was first sanctioned in San Francisco, the message goes
NYT Reporter Jailed
Judith Miller, a NY Times reporter who has refused to reveal a source for a story she did not write, was taken to jail Wednesday. She will serve a four month
How the Foreign Press Views The Rove Flack
A review of foreign press coverage of the Valerie Plame / Karl Rove scandal reveals a world that views this country with skepticism. From London Telegraph: The
Rove Puts White House In Hot Seat
White House press secretary Scott McClellan has had back-to-back press briefings featuring repeated, pointed questions from the press corps about Karl Rove and
Attack Politics: The Beat Goes On
Until the grand jury makes its findings public, speculation about Karl Rove, Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame is the name of the game. Republicans continue the
Potpourri : In Other News
Eyes (tongues and keyboards) are so focused on Karl Rove, Joseph Wilson and Valerie Plame, that many stories are floating under the radar. Try to keep your eye
Novak Leaked to Rove? A Side-Story?
This story makes my head hurt. According (yet another) anonymous source, Karl Rove testified to the grand jury last year that he learned that Valerie Plame
Abu Ghraib Techniques Developed, Approved at Gitmo
As I noted earlier this week, the bouncing ball that is the Karl Rove story has deflected attention from a variety of events, not the least being Gitmo. On
Focus on State Memo
Reportedly, Special Prosecutor Fitzgerald is looking closely at a State Department memo which accompanied Secretary of State Colin Powell and President Bush on
Energy Bill Slated for Vote
The joint Senate-House energy bill conference committee has approved an estimated $11.5 billion energy bill (Energy Policy Act of 2005, HR 6) which includes
Not a Bad ROI
The Energy Bill (HR 6) pours about $9 billion into the oil and gas sector in tax credits and incentives. The industry, which is rolling in dough due to record
Summer Recess Puts Energy Bill on Fast-Track
Congress is set to recess for the month of August, and the looming date has both chambers working double-time. The Energy Bill (HR 6) is six years in the making
Energized Pork
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the 1700+ page energy bill (HR 6) contains fine print benefiting Atlanta-based Home Depot (relating to California
Frist Supports Stem Cell Research
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) endorsed a House-passed bill (HR 810 PCS) Friday which would expand federal financing for embryonic cell research.
CBO Energy Bill Estimates Multi-Billion Dollar Budget Hit
The Oil & Gas Journal reports that the Congressional Budget Office, in a letter dated 27 July (before either the House or Senate voted on HR 6, The Energy
Iraqi Blogger Murdered
An American blogger in Basra, Iraq -- Steven Vincent -- was found dead alongside the road; he had been shot three times. Vincent, 49, had recently written a
Reagan Leads Recess Appointments
Since 1976, President Reagan clearly leads in the recess appointment race, averaging 30 recess appointments per year. President Clinton averaged only nine per
Gone But Not Forgotten: Energy, Oil and Alaska
President Bush signed the 2005 Energy Bill on Monday, partially fulfilling a 2000 election promise; conspicuous by its absence, the bill fails to address
Roberts SCOTUS Case Details
OYEZ has details on the 14 cases that John Roberts has argued (1995-2002) before the US Supreme Court. Oral arguments for some cases are available (Real Audio
Making Friends and Influencing Others
In 2003, the US and European Union (EU) signed extradition and mutual legal assistance agreements that then Attorney General Ashcroft said would provide
Former Prosecutor on the Plame Case
Former federal prosectuor Elizabeth de la Vega explores, in TomDispatch, the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 and explains why the popular pundits
Gas Rationing Milestone
Update: Gasoline prices in five states have topped $3 a gallon: California, Illinois, Nevada, Washington and Hawaii. It has been 60 years since President
Everything But the Squeal
And maybe that, too. The six-year (and two years overdue) transportation bill that President Bush signed last week has even more pork than the energy bill:
Clear Channel Station Refuses Anti-War Ad
KTVX, an ABC affiliate (and Clear Channel property) in Salt Lake City, UT, has refused to run an anti-war ad in the days before a scheduled speech by President
Stem-Cell Debate Takes a Detour?
Over the weekend, the journal of Science released research from Harvard showing that scientists have turned ordinary skin cells into embryonic stem cells. If
Death Does Not End Conflict
He Said, She Said
Books That Harm
O'Connor to Resign
Robertson Back-Pedals
Pat Robertson denies he said the US should assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, even though a transcript of his show contradicts this assertion
Hawaii Caps Gas Prices
Hawaii is the first state to cap gasoline prices, according to a Detroit TV station. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has capped the wholesale price, with
Gulf Coast: A Grim Picture
The news from the US Gulf Coast is not good. Martial law reported (but not confirmed) and 80 percent of New Orleans is flooded. The main artery across Lake
Downsize DC!
Anyone who is appalled or outraged that Congress passed the 1700 page energy bill before the ink was dry (figuratively speaking) should make haste to Downsize
President Approval Hits All-Time Low
For the first time in his Presidency, Bush disapproval ratings exceed approvals by more than the margin of error of the survey. In answer to the question: Do
Should We Rebuild New Orleans?
Chris Mooney must be feeling clairvoyant. In May, his article in American Prospect outlined what might happen to New Orleans should it be hit by a Category 4 or
State Laws on Price Increases
I reported Monday that Hawaii had become the first state to cap wholesale gasoline prices. Are there price controls for gasoline or natural gas -- at the
Another Warning Unheeded
In 2001, after a mild hurricane season, the Houston Chronicle reported: [A 2001 FEMA report] ranked the potential damage to New Orleans as among the three
More Bad News
Suicide bomber rumors have led to the death of upwards of 1,000 Shiite Muslims in Iraq during a religious pilgrimage. See CNN, Christain Science Monitor,
NOLA Disaster Plan Outsourced
Updated 16 September The private firm charged with developing the New Orleans hurricane disaster plan identified the need for 1,000 shelters and said that they
Satellite Images of the Devastation
Digital Globe has satellite images as well as analysis (before/after) of the main areas hit by Hurricane Katrina: Biloxi, Mississippi, New Orleans (all links
More First Person Accounts
My mailbox is overflowing with personal stories, links to news and useful information, and listserv discussions of NOLA. Notes from Inside New Orleans landed in
NOLA Disaster Plan
US Information Guide Robert Longley has details of the July 2004 planning exercise that IEM, Inc. ran for FEMA; the exercise involved the expected impact if
Rehnquist Dies
With his death on Saturday, Chief Justice William Rehnquist gave President Bush an opportunity unlike any since President Nixon was in office: two concurrent
NOLA : An Economic Centerpiece
Talk to a farmer in the upper midwest about grain harvest, sales, transportation. Chances are, that farmer is almost as concerned about New Orleans as its
Arnie Says He'll Veto Marriage Bill
On Tuesday, the California legislature passed a bill (AB 849) that would make California the first state to legalize marriage between same-gender couples. On
"Worse Than Iraq"
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Natalie Pompilio wrote these words last week in an e-mail to friends and family about her experience covering the post-hurricane
Bush Signs Additional Relief Bill
Today President Bush signed an additional relief bill for the disaster-struck Gulf Coast, which is costing $2 billion a day. The storm has radically changed the
Little NEW Money For the Gulf
The latest money appropriated by Congress for Gulf Coast relief efforts -- which President Bush signed today -- is being reallocated from existing budgets.
Ophelia Bears Down on Carolinas
Demonstrating the fallacy that New Orleans, Louisiana or FEMA officials could have reasonably begun forced evacuation of the city on Friday or Saturday before
Ophelia Still a Threat
As of 11 pm Saturday (eastern), Hurricane Ophelia was still heading towards the Carolinas at 80 mph, but NOAA now says there is a only 19 percent chance it
Ophelia Targets NC
CORRECTED 10 am Pacific, Saturday According to an 11 pm NOAH report on Friday, Hurricane Ophelia has a 22 percent chance of coming within 65 nautical miles
The September Project
In its second year, the September Project, a grassroots effort to encourage freedom, democracy, and citizenship in libraries on or around September 11, has
Virginia Governor's Race Remains Tie
According to a Washington Post poll, Republican Gubernatorial candidate Jerry W. Kilgore would get 45 percent of the vote if the election were held today;
Katrina Response: A Timeline
The Chicago Tribune has an excellent timeline of who did what when regarding Katrina. Read before you point a finger. Technorati Tags: FEMA,
FEMA Head Brown Resigns
Updated at 1.39 pm Pacific On the heels of his demotion Friday, embattled FEMA Chief Mike Brown has stepped down, according to CNN. (video - requires Windows)
Katrina and Unintended Consequences
Yet another reminder that technological innovation and political decisions (like allowing construction in wetlands) all-too-often have painful unintended
Katrina Archive Updated
My archive of Katrina-related news has been updated. It includes news items from other About.com sites; see complete About.com coverage. Technorati Tags:
Ophelia Serious Threat to NC, SC
A hurricane warning is in effect for the coasts of North and South Carolina, as Hurricane Ophelia slowly makes her way towards the mainland. Landfall could come
Senate Upholds EPA Mercury Rule
Invoking a 1996 law that allows Congress to challenge agency rulemaking, New England Senators Leahy (D-VT) and Collins (R-ME) forced a vote on an unpopular EPA
Times-Pic Again Writes the President
The first Times-Picayune editoral addressed to the President ran on 4 September; one of its demands was that FEMA Chief Brown be fired. On the heels of his
Blogosphere on FEMA and Brown
Updated 4.55 PM PDT The scorn being heaped upon ex-FEMA Chief Brown and his agency crosses political stripes; some is now being directed at the Department of
New Mexico National Guard Speaks
From Thoughts from the Frontline comes this illuminating and heartfelt letter from Brigadier General Gregory Zanetti of the New Mexico National Guard, telling
Marriage Amendment Fails in MA
Massachusetts legislators have resoundingly rejected (157-39) a constitutional amendment (bill text) that would have banned same-sex marriage while establishing
More Airline Bankruptcies
Delta and Northwest Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday. The number three and four largest airlines join United and US Airways. This is the
Pledge Ruled Unconstitutional
The ping-pong ball that is the Pledge of Allegiance is in play again. In 2004, the Supreme Court dismissed a California case on the grounds that the father,
Now It's Rita
Tropical Storm Rita is bearing down on the Florida Keys and is predicted to become a hurricane before reaching the US. World crude oil prices have spiked, due
The News from Mississippi
Abandoned for five days. Widespread looting (theft other than food). Undelivered generators. Trucks ... idling, ice melting ... waiting for orders that never
Frist's Blind Trust
Insider trading? Talking Points Memo has a thread going about blind trusts, a topic launched by the timing of the sale of shares of HCA in a blind trust held
"Nip and Tuck"
Kevin Drum has a list of federal budget cuts totalling $800 billion over 10 years. Just helping. Technorati Tags: Budget Deficit, FederalBudget,
Evacuee Bus Explodes Outside Dallas
11.20 AM PDT - Prior coverage. A bus carrying elderly evacuees exploded south of Dallas on Interstate 45 early Friday morning, closing the highway. News
Gulf Oil Shuts Down
The combination punch that is Katrina+Rita has taken 14 percent of national oil refining capacity offline, according to Reuters. Six Texas refineries have
Nepotism + Cronyism -- Here We Go Again
A tip from Politry: President Bush has nominated the wife of DHS Chief Chertoff’s chief of staff DHS Chief Chertoff’s chief of staff’s daughter-in-law to
This Day in History
In 1862, President Lincoln issued the draft Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate states would be freed effective 1 January
Hurricane Rita Floods New Orleans
10.50 AM PDT Friday - Prior coverage I reported last night that there was a foot of water in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, an area that had been dry on
Katrina v Rita : Side-by-Side
If Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were three year old Thoroughbreds, the money would be on Rita to win the Preakness and Katrina to win the Kentucky Derby -- but
SEC Examining Frist Stock Sale
On Saturday, the AP reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating a stock transaction that Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) made this summer.
Texans Begin Long Trip Home
Updated 6.50 PM PDT More than 2.5 million Texans have begun the long journey home in the wake of Hurricane Rita, hopefully in a more staggered fashion than the
Bush Pushes Pentagon as Emergency Lead
Newsday reports that President Bush wants to give the US military a leading role in post-disaster recovery. Major General John White told the President this
Evolution on the Front Burner
Today, in a Harrisburg, PA courtroom, the 21st century equivalent of the Scopes Trial begins. (legal docs) The case involves how public schools teach biology
Investigating Katrina
Lost in the hubbub over Hurricane Rita: last week, the President appointed Francis Fargos Townsend to lead the White House investigation into government
Largest Anti-War Protest Since Vietnam
A handful of news reports on the anti-Iraq war march on Washington, DC this past weekend puts the number of protestors between 150,000-500,000, and yet Ron
Not Gone: FEMA Chief Brown
Updated 1.20 PM PDT Wednesday Hold on to your hats, pilgrims. Disgraced FEMA Chief Michael Brown is still on the FEMA payroll. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) blasted
SEC Chief Recuses Himself Over Frist
Reuters reports that SEC Chairman Christopher Cox has recused himself from investigating Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) and the sale of HCA stock. Cox was in the House
FEMA Press Office: Mum on Brown
Updated 12.45 PM PDT - Wednesday Still waiting for a call back. Not holding my breath. Not an easy job finding a FEMA spokesperson. Neither FEMA nor DHS have
Carnival Contract Criticized
Lambasted might be the better choice of verb. Yesterday, former FEMA Chief Mike Brown told a Congressional panel that one of his failings during Katrina was
DeLay Indicted, Steps Down as Majority Leader
DeLay Was Invited to Testify - Friday 1.30 PM PDT Updated at 11.35 PM PDT Thursday House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been indicted by a Texas grand
Roberts Sworn In As Chief Justice
Updated 2.58 PM PDT John Roberts has been sworn in as the 17th Chief Justice of the US the Supreme Court. As our US Liberals Guide forecast last week, the
DeLay Invited to Testify, Lawyer Concedes
What would Judge Judy say? The attorney representing Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) told the Houston Chronicle that the former House Majority Leader had been invited to
Ronnie Earle's Political Prosecutions
Travis County (TX) District Attorney Ronnie Earle has a record of prosecuting politicians. Texas law does not allow the Attorney General to prosecute
DeLay Indicted - Again; Ties to Abramoff Also Under Investigation
The Washington Post reports that Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) has been indicted in Texas on two new charges, brought by a new grand jury on Monday. One count is
Bush on Terrorism, Iraq
President Bush said today that since September 11, 2001, the United States and its partners have thwarted 10 al Qaeda plots, three inside US borders. In
Rove to Testify for Fourth Time
Federal prosecutors have invited Karl Rove to provide 11th hour testimony before the grand jury investigating the leak of CIA officer Valerie Plame, according
House Ethics Committee Criticized
The Seattle Times reported yesterday that Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA), chair of the House Ethics Committee, did not plan to investigate a 15-month old ethics
Suspects in NY Plot Arrested, In Iraq
ABC News reports that three men suspected of involvement in a terrorist plot involving New York City subways have been arrested in Iraq. A fourth remains at
Bush Approval Rating Hits New Low
US Liberals Guide Deborah White reports on the results of the latest CBS poll, which suggests that only 37% of us approve and 58% disapprove of how President
The Truth About Global Warming
On Sunday, the Seattle Times devoted a mind-boggling number of column inches (3+ pages, no ads) to its lead story, The Truth About Global Warming. The author,
Frist Hot Seat
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has subpoenaed Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to obtain copies of his personal records as it investigates
Rove Testifies in Plame Investigation
White House Advisor Karl Rove testified, for the fourth time, in the Valerie Plame Wilson investigation today. He spent about 4.5 hours in the federal
Inflation Hits 25 Year High
Nationally, consumer prices jumped 1.2 percent last month - and 4.7 percent over the 12 month period ending in September - the Labor Department announced on
Bush Threatens Veto
Despite the fact that he has yet to veto anything coming out of Congress (a streak unmatched in modern American history), President Bush is threatening to veto
Miller Talks; Confessional Contradicts Prior Reports of Libby's Role
New York Times reporter Judith Miller tells us what she told the grand jury investigating the Valerie Plame leak. In short, I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby, Vice
The Blogosphere on Miller (update 2)
I pulled out the laptop tonight Saturday night to begin ordering my thoughts about Good Night and Good Luck ... but after a quick peek at GoogleNews, I
DeLay Turned Down Deal
Texas prosecutor Ronnie Earle offered Rep. Tom DeLay the chance to plead guilty to a misdemeanor before being indicted on a felony charge and turned it down,
Dam Break Threatens Massachusetts
A vulnerable, privately-owned 100-old wooden dam on the Mill River threatens Taunton, MA (map) with flooding up to 6 feet, according to ABC. Officials have
Intelligent Designer is God, Professor Says
In a Pennsylvania case that pits evolutionary theory against intelligent design, a Lehigh University biochemistry professor said he believes God is the
Hurricane Wilma Ties Records (updated)
Update: Wilma is the 12th hurricane of the 2005 season and is projected to become a major hurricane. Long-range forecasts, which have a high probability of
House OKs Religious Discrimination
Forty-year old legislation mandating non-discriminatory hiring practices is being slowly dismantled by this Republican Congress, with approval of the
This Day in Political Infamy
Two infamous actions in political history took place today: In 1947, the US House of Representatives Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) launched hearings
The Slow March to HDTV
As the nation makes a slow march towards high-definition TV (digital transmission), what role will the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have in
National Review: Just Say No to Miers
In calling for President Bush to withdraw her nomination, the National Review has joined other liberal and conservative voices criticizing Harriet Miers as a
Pentagon Financials Continue to Raise Questions
A Pentagon purchasing program run by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is costing taxpayers an extra 20 percent, according to a Knight-Ridder report in
Senate Rejects Reallocation Amendment
Last week, freshman Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) tried, in vain, to trim some of the pork from the 2005 Transportation Bill and reallocate that money to
Wilma Headed to Florida (update 7)
Updated 1.45 am PDT Hurricane Wilma, still a category 3 storm, is moving at 20 mph and is headed slightly less easterly than prior forecasts. There is a 71
King Fahd Dies
Reflecting on the Not So Lovely Katrina
Meeting Notes Implicate Cheney; Fitzgerald Explores Forgeries
Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has obtained notes from a 12 June 2003 meeting between Vice President Cheney and his chief of staff, Scooter Libby, which
Bush Concedes Wage Battle
An under-reported story in the fallout from Hurricane Katrina is how the federal government suspended prevailing wage law, effectively lowering the minimum
Grand Jury Indictments Today? (update 3)
Update 11.25 am PDT No indictments today. Still no leak on whether Friday will mean indictments, call for empanelling new grand jury, or case closed.
Miers Withdraws
Updated 10.55 am PDT Harriett Miers has withdrawn her embattled candidacy for the Supreme Court, citing concerns about Senate questions related to her
Libby Resigns; Rove Future Uncertain (update2)
Updated at 2.15 pm PDT In outlining the case against VP chief of staff I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby, special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald said this afternoon that
Wilma Still Impacting South Florida
Hurricane Wilma, which came ashore like a garden-variety storm after torturing eastern Mexico, has faded from the national news scene but is still causing
President Names Alito (upate2)
Update 11.30 am PDT Tuesday Moderate Republican and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Arlen Specter (R-PA) told MSNBC that Judge Samuel Alito is a
DeLay Succeeds in Removing Judge
The Houston Chronicle calls the decision to remove the judge slated to hear a money-laundering and conspiracy case involving US Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)
Senate Closes Doors to Discuss Iraq Probe
In a rare parlimentary maneuver, Democrats forced a closed two-hour Senate session Tuesday afternoon to discuss the investigation of intelligence prior to
Poll Numbers Plummet
Polls across the board show a drop in approval ratings for both President Bush and Vice President Cheney. From the Polling Report: the lastest Presidential job
Senate Passes Budget Bill; Opens Alaska Refuge
On Thursday, primarily along party lines, the Senate voted 51-47 to approve the 2006 budget and, in the process, agreed 51-48 to open the Arctic National
Around About in Politics
Good reading on politics from other About.com guides: Who Oversees Ethics in Government? US Government Info guide Robert Longley explains the process and
This Week in Media
It was a blockbuster week for news about media: on Thursday, the head of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) -- a close friend of Karl Rove -- was
Election Day 2005 : Important Races
Updated noon Wednesday Dems Take Both Governor Races, Citizens Just Say No At the Polls Updated 11.20 am PST Tuesday On Tuesday, voters in Virginia and
School Shooting in Tennessee Leaves One Dead
Updated 10.55 pm PST A 15-year old high school student allegedly shot and killed the assistant principal at Campbell County (TN) High School today. It is in
Voter Controversy in Seattle
Washington state suffered one of the longest recounts in US history in the 2004 gubernatorial race. In an advance strike, at the end of October, state
Dems Take Both Governor Races
Democrats Jon Corzine and Timothy Kaine have won the off-year gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. In New Jersey, Sen. Corzine won, 53-44 percent,
Citizenship in Small Town America : Three Teens Elected Mayor
Three 18-year-old high school students were elected mayor of their small towns on Tuesday -- two only turned 18 after the ballot registration cut-off or primary
eVoting Flawed : A GAO Review
Despite spending untold millions on new voting equipment, the 2004 election had both real and potential error, according to a recent GAO report. Moreover, due
Dover School Board Tossed; Pat Robertson Warns of God's Wrath
Voters in Dover, PA (map) have tossed out their eight school board members because of a controversial policy dealing with the teaching of intelligent design
On Going to War
Kevin Drum reminds us that Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to authorize war, then notes that no Congress has done so in 60
Agency Would Be Exempt from FOIA
Last month, Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced a bill which would create the first -- and only -- government agency granted immunity from the Freedom of
US Admits WP Used As Weapon
Ending extended blogosphere speculation, US Pentagon officials confirmed today -- after earlier denials -- that military forces used white phosophorus (WP) as
Earmark Killed, But Funds Still Head to Alaska
Republican leaders in the House and Senate have taken the unusual step of removing line-item funding for two controversial bridges in Alaska from the 2006
Update: Republican Leadership Legal Woes
Basie! writes that more documents have been subpoenaed in the money laundering case against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX). And the Washington
First Iraq Kickback Case Filed
A convicted felon hired by the US-run Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq to administer $82 million for Iraqi rebuilding projects has been charged with
Scanlon Turns State Evidence
On Friday, former Tom DeLay aide Michael Scanlon was charged with conspiracy to defraud American Indian tribes and bribe gonvernment officials; his partner was
Congressional Actions Would Increase National Debt
As the House and Senate continue to struggle with crafting a 2006 budget package, the two bodies took opposing actions. On Friday, the Senate (64-33) passed a
FEMA Calls Katrina Top Accomplishment; New Orleans Seems Forgotten
FEMA lists its response to Hurricane Katrina as one of its top three accomplishments of the year. (tip) And former FEMA Chief Mike Brown has launched a
Lobbyists, Congress and Corruption
The decision of former Tom DeLay aide Michael Scanlon (35) to plead guilty in a corruption case (which includes his paying $19 million in restitution)
Resource of the Day
The Iraq Coalition Casualty Count appears to be the definitive source for usable information about casualties. Whether your question deals with which US state
Mixed Layoff News; GM Lands a Broadside
Seasonally adjusted, 106,238 employees received proveribal pink slips last month, the fewest number of monthly layoffs since October 2000, according to the
Resource of the Day
Austin Bay - veteran, columnist, novelist, war-gaming consultant to the Pentagon, professor - publishes a provocative blog. Not surprisingly, it deals in depth
Army Calls Grandfather Back to Duty
Gary Olson (52), of Mosinee, WI (130 miles north of Madison) retired from the Army, as a sergeant first class mechanic, in 1992 after 17 years of service. On
Europe Begins Investigating Secret Prison Claims
Noah Leavitt writes at FindLaw that the Council of Europe (the European human rights watchdog organization) is investigating allegations that the US is
Resource of the Day
Do we want to experience riots in the US like those that have occurred in France? This op-ed in the Wall Street Journal asks that question to frame a discussion
US Military Places "News" In Iraqi Newspapers
According to the Los Angeles Times, the US military has paid Iraqi newspapers to print articles that are authored by military sources, then translated and
Resource of the Day
A not-so-new search engine to try: A9 from Amazon. One enticement: link it to your Amazon login/account and earn a teeny discount on future purchases. Another:
Death Penalty Executions Hit 1,000
Updated 2 December 5.26 am, EST North Carolina Governor denies clemency and both the US Supreme Court and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals reject final
Court Rules Video Game Law Ban Unconstitutional
On Friday, a US district court judge overturned a new Illinois law banning the sale of violent or sexually explicit video games to minors. Gov. Rod Blagojevich
Final 9-11 Discourse Project Report Critical of Federal Response
Updated 7 December Monday, the 9/11 Public Discourse Project (formerly the 9/11 Commission) gave the federal government mediocre and failing grades for its
Mayor Recalled for Sex Scandal
Spokane, WA, Mayor Jim West lost a special recall election this week over allegations he offered a city job to someone he met in a gay chat room. As a state
Resource of the Day
An American Christmas: Decade by Decade. This online exhibit from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum traces how the way Americans have celebrated
Congressional Republicans Reach Deal on Patriot Act
The White House brokered a compromise deal with Congressional Republicans on Thursday that will move a Patriot Act reauthorization bill to the floor next week,
Resource of the Day
Northwest Biodiesel Network. High gasoline prices are prompting consumers to explore transporation alternatives. In the Northwest, some consumers are turning to
Eugene McCarthy: Dead at 89
Eulogies provide tribute to presidential candidate and former Sen. Eugene McCarthy (D-MN) who died Saturday at age 89. David Broder calls him parodoxical; the
Resource of the Day
Death Penalty : History, Statistics, Cases. This interactive exploration of capital punishment is designed for high school students bu approproiate for any9one
Resource of the Day
Voting Research: The Bay Area Center for Voting Research (BACVR) provides nonpartisan analysis of voter trends in the San Francisco Bay region and nationally.
House Passes Patriot Act Extension; Senate Passage Not Assured
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed an extension of the 2001 Patriot Act (HR 3199, 251-174) that gives the FBI authority to use roving wiretaps
Bipartisan Coalition Blocks Patriot Act Renewal
Updated 17 December, 1.11 am Civil libertarian Republicans broke ranks on Friday, joining 40 Democrats and one Independent to give President Bush a significant
Bush Defends By-Passing Courts, Asserts Wiretaps Are Legal
In his press conference this morning, President Bush peppered his remarks with 9-11 (seven references in 17 paragraphs in the press statement) and the cloak of
Resources of the Day
AARP - Retirement: This comprehensive resource from AARP provides research reports, opinion pieces, Congressional testimony, fact sheets and legal dockets on
House Wraps Up For the Year; Focus on Alaska Oil Refuge
The House of Representatives passed a $453 billion defense authorization bill (308-106) early Monday morning that included a provision to open the Alaska
Resource of the Day
Trends in Retirement Age in Four Countries, 1965-95 (pdf) : This Bureau of Labor Statistics report examines retirement patterns in Germany, Japan, Sweden and
Resource of the Day
National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month: Pause before season revelry to designate an unimpaired driver. Since 1981, every President has
Senate Blocks Spending Bill
Updated 4.23 pm EST The Senate successfully blocked a vote on a controversial House-authorized $453 billion defense appropriation bill today. Democratic
Cato Columnist Linked to Abramoff Resigns
Doug Bandow, senior scholar at the libertarian Cato Institute, has resigned after it became publich that he accepted payments from embattled lobbyist Jack
Resource of the Day
Digital Divide Affecting Student Success: A report from University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) suggests that having a home computer increases the odds that
Secret Court Judge Resigns
One member of the 11-judge secret court authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has resigned and the presiding judge, Dee Benson, is
Bush Appointee Husband of CIA Case Reporter
President Bush has appointed Democratic lawyer Robert D. Lenhard to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Neither the White House press statement nor the
Coalition Partners Pull Out of Iraq, Poland Stays
Coalition soldiers from Bulgaria and the Ukraine pulled out of Iraq today, with Polish troops soon to decline to 600, according to Ireland Online. However,
Impeachment Movement Gains Momentum
The movement to impeach President Bush is gaining momentum, according to US Liberals Guide Deborah White. An early December Rasmussen Reports survey suggested
New Moves in Information War
The Pentagon is ratcheting up the war of information for the hearts and minds of Iraqi and US citizens, according to the Washington Post. For example, military
Patriot Act Gets One-Month Extension
The Senate endorsed a House-passed bill (HR 4647) last week that extended the Patriot Act for another month instead of the six months in the original Senate
Secret Court Modified Record Number of Bush Wiretap Requests
Updated 10.15 am PST The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) modified almost 100 times as many Bush administration wiretap requests (179) as it
Most SBA 9/11 Loans Went to Unharmed Firms
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Inspector General reported Wednesday that 85 percent of post-9/11 Supplementary Terrorist Activity Relief (STAR) loans
Resource of the Day
Medical Marijuana Use in California : Background information about medicinal use of marijuana and conflicts between federal and state law, including
The Political Year in Review
In January, President Bush began his second term, buoyed by a clear numerical win at the polls. Although his popularity rating was about 50 percent, he vowed to
Abramoff Pleads Guilty
On Tuesday, embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff, 47, pleaded guilty to charges of mail fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy. The prominent lobbyist has close ties to
Strayhorn Announces As Independent; Supremes Turn Eye on Texas
Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn announced this week that she will run against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry as an independent, according to the San
Bush Returns Abramoff Cash
Foreign media are reporting that the Bush Campaign is among Republican campaign war chests divesting themselves of donations from embattled lobbyist Jack
Most Americans, CRS, Believe Warrants Necessary for Domestic Spying
An Associated Press poll shows that most Americans (56%) believe the government should be required to first obtain a warrant before tapping the overseas phone
Abramoff Net Snares Media, Highlights Op-Ed "Ethical Brothel"
From paid opinion pieces for major newspaper editorial pages to payoffs to a Congressional aide spouse, the wide net around the activities of lobbyist Jack
Alito: No "Blank Check" for the President
Supreme Court Nominee Samuel Alito told the US Senate Judiciary Committee today that he believes in judicial precedent and the right to privacy and, when
ID Fight Moves to California
A rural California high school is the latest battleground in the intelligent design (ID) culture war, according to MSNBC. A key difference in the Lebec, CA law
Maryland Mandates Wal-Mart Health Care Contribution
Update 4 - 5.30 pm Pacific Today the Maryland State Senate (30-17) and House of Delegates (88-50, at just after 7 pm Eastern) voted to override Republican