Thursday, October 18, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
NDAA's Indefinate Detention Provision Blocked by Judge
The National Defense Authorization Act was a great disappointment to civil libertarians. However, they must take heart in this news:
Judge Rules Against Law on Indefinite Detention
From the NY Times article:
Judge Rules Against Law on Indefinite Detention
From the NY Times article:
...the debate over the balance between national security and civil liberties is still unfolding 11 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.I hope the Federal Courts continue to uphold constitutional principles as Judge Forrest has done in this case.
In the detention case, Judge Katherine B. Forrest of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a permanent injunction barring the government from relying on the defense authorization law to hold people in indefinite military detention on suspicion that they “substantially supported” Al Qaeda or its allies — at least if they had no connection to the Sept. 11 attacks.
The United States has been detaining terrorism suspects indefinitely since 2001, relying on an authorization by Congress to use military force against perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks and those who helped them. Last year, Congress decided to create a federal statute that codified authority for such detentions.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
American Ambassador to Libya Killed by Extremists
Protesters had been angered by a U.S. filmmaker's work that was critical of Islam.
With Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by his side, President Obama made a five minute address to reporters outside the White House this morning. Video of that address can be viewed below:
A short video report on the protests yesterday where the American Embassy was under seige:
Monday, September 10, 2012
Friday, September 07, 2012
Bill Clinton's DNC Speech
Clinton got rave reviews for his 50 minute speech making the case for why people should vote for Obama and the Democrats over Romney and the Republicans.
Clinton is seen as one of our generations best political speakers for his ability to combine a mastery of issues and facts, and explain them in a "folksy" southern manner. Some have called him a great "Explainer-in-Chief".
Here is a short segment of his speech:
The article on Clinton as Obama's Chief Defender can be found in the Christian Science Monitor.
Clinton is seen as one of our generations best political speakers for his ability to combine a mastery of issues and facts, and explain them in a "folksy" southern manner. Some have called him a great "Explainer-in-Chief".
Here is a short segment of his speech:
The article on Clinton as Obama's Chief Defender can be found in the Christian Science Monitor.
Monday, September 03, 2012
Barack Obama: The Competitor in Chief
A story in today's New York Times describes the competitive nature of Obama's personality, from politics to sports, to well, reading Green Eggs and Ham to school children. This video accompanied the story: http://nyti.ms/NGNd2K
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The Republican National Convention - Key Speeches
From the New York Times, this page contains all the major speeches, in video and transcript form, of the 2012 Republican National Convention.
Key Speeches From the Republican National Convention - Video Feature - NYTimes.com:
'via Blog this'
Key Speeches From the Republican National Convention - Video Feature - NYTimes.com:
'via Blog this'
Thursday, June 28, 2012
The Health Care Law is upheld by Supreme Court 5-4
The Affordable Care Act (sometimes called ObamaCare) was upheld by the Supreme Court today in a 5-4 decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts. The case is known as National Federation of Independent. Business v. Sebelius.
Information about the case and the decision.
The mandate is constitutional: In Plain English : SCOTUSblog:
'via Blog this'
Information about the case and the decision.
The mandate is constitutional: In Plain English : SCOTUSblog:
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
High Court Rulings on Campaign Spending, Sentencing of Juveniles
Two other important Supreme Court decisions were announced yesterday. The first upheld the Citizens United decision allowing unlimited corporate campaign donations. (They struck down a Montana law which restricted campaign donations.)
The second decision by the Court said that it was a violation of the 8th Amendment to sentence juveniles to life imprisonment without a chance of parole.
The second decision by the Court said that it was a violation of the 8th Amendment to sentence juveniles to life imprisonment without a chance of parole.
Watch High Court Reaffirms Campaign Finance on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
Supreme Court Ruling on Arizona's Controversial Immigration Law
Three important parts of the law were struck down, another upheld (for now at least). The part that was upheld, sometimes called the "show me your papers" provision is seen by some as the most controversial part of the law. A good explanation from Marcia Coyle on the NewsHour on PBS last night:
Watch Supreme Court Upholds Controversial Part of Immigration Law on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Obama's Drone Program: Author of new book interviewed
The following interview of Dan Klaidman done by Jake Tapper of ABC News:
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Obama Publicly States Support for Gay Marriage
While he claimed his views were "evolving" for the last several years, the president who has done much to support LGBT rights, has never gone further on the issue than saying he supported "civil unions". But yesterday, he made public his support:
And historian Doris Kearns Goodwin thinks history will smile on Obama for his public statements
And historian Doris Kearns Goodwin thinks history will smile on Obama for his public statements
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Chinese Dissident Wants Out of China
A confusing story with a lot of twists and turns took another one yesterday. Chen Guangcheng had been imprisoned by the Chinese government for investigating and publishing information critical of the government's family planning policy, including information about forced abortions. (Below the jump-break is a background video Chen and other issues the Chinese are facing.)
He escaped from jail a week ago and took refuge in the U.S. Embassy. It seemed like there was an agreement for him to stay in China without the government harassing him, but he claims that is not possible.
From last night's NBC Evening News:
He escaped from jail a week ago and took refuge in the U.S. Embassy. It seemed like there was an agreement for him to stay in China without the government harassing him, but he claims that is not possible.
From last night's NBC Evening News:
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Video: Obama signs strategic agreement in Kabul
Video: Obama signs strategic agreement in Kabul:
During an unannounced trip to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said the U.S. and Afghanistan are now committed to replacing war with peace. The new Strategic Partnership Agreement establishes a framework for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from 2014 to 2024, and pledges economic and security resources from the U.S. NBC’s Chuck Todd reports. (Nightly News)
During an unannounced trip to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said the U.S. and Afghanistan are now committed to replacing war with peace. The new Strategic Partnership Agreement establishes a framework for U.S. involvement in Afghanistan from 2014 to 2024, and pledges economic and security resources from the U.S. NBC’s Chuck Todd reports. (Nightly News)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Liberia's Taylor Found Guilty of Aiding, Abetting Sierra Leone War Crimes
Liberia's Taylor Found Guilty of Aiding, Abetting Sierra Leone War Crimes:
Watch Video | Listen to the Audio
JUDY WOODRUFF: For the first time since World War II, a head of state has been convicted of war crimes. The verdict came today at The Hague in the Netherlands against Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia.
Recalling Horrors in Liberia Wrought by Taylor: The soldiers of Charles Taylor, who on Thursday was found guilty of war crimes, ripped apart the lives of a reporter’s family members in the 1990s.
Watch Video | Listen to the Audio
JUDY WOODRUFF: For the first time since World War II, a head of state has been convicted of war crimes. The verdict came today at The Hague in the Netherlands against Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia.
Recalling Horrors in Liberia Wrought by Taylor: The soldiers of Charles Taylor, who on Thursday was found guilty of war crimes, ripped apart the lives of a reporter’s family members in the 1990s.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Zimmerman Out on Bail
The controversy over this case continues - George Zimmerman was released on bail after unexpectedly apologizing to the parents of Trayvon Martin.
Some details from the CBS morning news:
Some details from the CBS morning news:
Friday, April 20, 2012
Are Ted Nugent's comments protected by the 1st Amendment?
So the rock "star" from the 70's, Ted Nugent, has become an active political conservative. Apparently he also has a radio talk show and he made remarks about President Obama that have caught the attention of the Secret Service.
The report from last night's NBC news:
The report from last night's NBC news:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Monday, April 16, 2012
After Rocket Failure, North Korea's Leader Speaks
After the embarrassment of the failed rocket launch a few days ago, Kim Jong-un spoke in public at a big rally/parade. A first ever for the young leader.
First, the story on the failed rocket launch that North Korea went ahead with in defiance of the United Nations:
As a result, the United States halted shipments of food aid that were going to be sent to North Korea. But that didn't spoil the party for the Party. The government went ahead with a big celebration of their military might anyway.
First, the story on the failed rocket launch that North Korea went ahead with in defiance of the United Nations:
As a result, the United States halted shipments of food aid that were going to be sent to North Korea. But that didn't spoil the party for the Party. The government went ahead with a big celebration of their military might anyway.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Orthodox Christians Celebrate Christmas
A week after Catholic and Protestant churches celebrated Easter, the celebrations took place around the world for Orthodox Christians. Here are scenes from celebrations in the Middle East:
And here in Seattle, the Ethiopian Orthodox community celebrated as well:
More photos can be viewed at the Seattle Times website by clicking here.
And here in Seattle, the Ethiopian Orthodox community celebrated as well:
More photos can be viewed at the Seattle Times website by clicking here.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Violence Continues in Syria
Even though the government of Bashir al-Assad has promised to withdraw its military from population centers by April 10th, there has been no slow-down in the violent crackdown on its citizens who are demanding change.
A more detailed report was aired by the NewsHour on PBS:
A more detailed report was aired by the NewsHour on PBS:
Watch In Syria, Shells Rain Down Days Before Cease-Fire Deadline on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Update on Trayvon Martin Shooting
Video from CNN posted on Wednesday, March 28:
Also, Trayvon Martin's parent's spoke out on the conflicting accounts of the incident that have emerged in recent days:
Also, Trayvon Martin's parent's spoke out on the conflicting accounts of the incident that have emerged in recent days:
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Obama Speaks Out on Trayvon Martin Shooting
President Obama made these remarks in response to a question from a reporter last week:
Meanwhile, some have started wearing hoodies as a tribute/protest:
Congressman tries it too:
Meanwhile, some have started wearing hoodies as a tribute/protest:
Congressman tries it too:
Monday, March 19, 2012
Tragic Death of Trayvon Martin - Was it the result of racial injustice?
Outrage is building and today, there were protests in Florida and almost half a million people have signed an online petition calling for an arrest of the shooter, George Zimmerman.
An ABC News report on the release of the 911 tapes of the incident:
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Afghan Massacre
A horrific tragedy has cast new doubts on the U.S. presence in Afghanistan and the timetable for withdrawal.
First from NBC news the March 12th report on the shooting:
Sgt. Bales' Lawyer interviewed him on Monday, March 19th:
First from NBC news the March 12th report on the shooting:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
A report from NBC news on the U.S. soldier accused of committing the massacre:Sgt. Bales' Lawyer interviewed him on Monday, March 19th:
Monday, January 23, 2012
Be Thankful for the Fourth Amendment!
The Supreme Court issued three different opinions in this case, but I really think the Court made the right decision on this case of police putting GPS tracking devices on suspects cars without first obtaining a warrant.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Watch Want to Use a GPS-Tracking Device? Get a Warrant, Supreme Court Tells Police on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
MLK Was More Than a Dreamer
MLK Was More Than a Dreamer:
In the years since his assassination I have been troubled by what I consider to be the co-opting of Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision. What has troubled me over the years is how his revolutionary message has been hijacked, compromised and relegated to being that of just a dreamer.
People are comfortable with dreamers. Why? Dreamers are safe and in a restful state. Dreamers are docile and easy to manipulate. To cast King in the light of a dreamer allows people to be convinced that substantive change resulting from clear vision and direct action is not necessary.
Read full article...
In the years since his assassination I have been troubled by what I consider to be the co-opting of Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision. What has troubled me over the years is how his revolutionary message has been hijacked, compromised and relegated to being that of just a dreamer.
People are comfortable with dreamers. Why? Dreamers are safe and in a restful state. Dreamers are docile and easy to manipulate. To cast King in the light of a dreamer allows people to be convinced that substantive change resulting from clear vision and direct action is not necessary.
Read full article...
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Why can't we have civil discourse in our politics?
For those of you thinking about the themes of civil discourse, compromise, political parties, etc. this article just posted by USA Today is a must-read. I actually think it is good for everyone to read.
After Giffords shooting, civility still elusive: One year later, Americans and their elected leaders still struggle to show each other respect when opinions differ.
From a previous posting, here are some links that deal with the issue on modern American politics.
President Obama Asks Americans to Reflect on How We Talk to Each Other
Last school year, I showed most of the speech. If you are interested in watching it, here it is:
University of Arizona to Open Civility Institute - NYTimes.com
http://nicd.arizona.edu/
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june11/publicmedia_01-13.html?print=
After Giffords shooting, civility still elusive: One year later, Americans and their elected leaders still struggle to show each other respect when opinions differ.
From a previous posting, here are some links that deal with the issue on modern American politics.
President Obama Asks Americans to Reflect on How We Talk to Each Other
Last school year, I showed most of the speech. If you are interested in watching it, here it is:
http://nicd.arizona.edu/
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june11/publicmedia_01-13.html?print=
Evaluating 2011 for Obama' - and Congress
The conservative Washington Times criticizes Obama for making America weaker in 2011.On the other hand, National Public Radio ran a story yesterday claiming After A Year of Struggles, Obama Finds His Footing. One note in his favor after a very hard year is that his poll numbers have risen a bit since the battle with House Republicans over the bill to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for another two months. Gallup: Obama's approval rating at 5-month high
Obama has been putting a lot of the blame on Congress - more specifically Republicans in Congress for not being willing to compromise. As the New York Times reports this morning, running against Congress will be a part of his election year strategy.
Was Congress that bad? Well, I might be biased, but I think the polls showing the approval rating for Congress at about 12% tell us a lot. NPR also ran a very interesting story asking experts to evaluate the job Congress has done in the past year. This Year In Congress: Much Drama, Little To Show
How would you evaluate the job the President and Congress have done?
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