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Be Thankful for the Fourth Amendment!

2012-01-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

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.

MLK Was More Than a Dreamer

2012-01-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

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...

Why can't we have civil discourse in our politics?

2012-01-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

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=

Evaluating 2011 for Obama' - and Congress

2012-01-01T11:38:00.001-08:00

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?

News of Interest from Dec 24

2011-12-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

Some news stories that caught my attention:

Justice Dept. Cites Race in Halting Law Over Voter ID

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

The department said a new South Carolina law that would require voters to present photo identification would disproportionately suppress turnout among eligible minority voters.

Obama Challenges Provisions in Budget Bill

By CHARLIE SAVAGE

When President Obama signed a budget bill on Friday, he issued a signing statement claiming a right to bypass dozens of provisions that placed requirements or restrictions on the executive branch, saying he had “well-founded constitutional objections” to the new statutes.

The Death of a Tyrant - Kim Jung-il

2011-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Only the second leader of communist North Korea, Kim Jung-il died yesterday at age 69. Most believe he will be succeeded by his son, Kim Jung-un. The first leader of communist North Korea was Kim Jung-il's father.

University of Arizona to Open Civility Institute - NYTimes.com

2011-12-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

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=

Notice here, one simple example. Republican Senator Lindsay Graham refers to Obama's new regulatory agency as "something out of the Stalin era":

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Michael Jackson's doctor sentenced

2011-11-29T18:41:00.001-08:00

From NBC news:

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He was convicted of manslaughter defined as: the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.

Was justice done in this case?

WA Legislature Special Session Begins With Turmoil

2011-11-29T18:04:00.001-08:00

Monday, the State Legislature was back for a "special session" that was called by Governor Christine Gregoire to deal with the $2 billion dollar budget shortfall.

That is $2 billion more than they expected when they passed the budget in the spring, which already made deep cuts in state government programs such as K-12 education, state universities, and health care services for the state's poorest residents.

So, lots of people showed up to protest the state making any more cuts. Here was the scene at the State Capitol on Monday:

Last week, Governor Gregoire gave a forceful, and passionate speech urging the legislature to increase the state sales tax by 1/2 cent to cover some of the shortfall. The legislature can't do that with a simple majority however, so Gregoire has asked them to put it on the ballot as a referendum to be voted on by the people of WA in March.

I'm with the Gregoire on this one, except in my perfect world, the solution would be to institute a state income tax, which would fall most heavily on those able to pay. A sales tax hurts the poor, unemployed, and lower middle classes much more.

What do you think the government should do? Do you think the legislature will raise taxes, or make deeper cuts?

No Deal from the Super Committee

2011-11-21T19:15:00.001-08:00

Thanks for nothing Congress. Of course this isn't over because new legislation can replace the legislation calling for the automatic spending cuts triggered by the committee's failure. The cuts don't begin to take effect until 2013, and cooperation may be easier after the election.

From the USA Today: Panel's inability to cut debt deal reflects divide

From the NBC Nightly News:

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Super Committee Standoff?

2011-11-21T06:24:00.001-08:00

Prospects look dim for a budget deal to be reached by the November 23rd deadline:

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UC Davis - Police Use Pepper Spray on Passive, Non-Violent student protesters

2011-11-19T12:55:00.001-08:00

The video of seemingly indefensible police action:

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The police claim they were surrounded and the protesters would not move. From the CBS news article:

"according to Annette Spicuzza, UC Davis police chief...police used the pepper spray after they were surrounded. Protesters were warned repeatedly beforehand that force would be used if they didn't move, she said.

Meanwhile in Seattle, as a part of the Occupy Seattle protests:

An 84-year-old woman who was pepper sprayed this week at an Occupy Seattle protest said the national attention she received can help the movement's cause.

This info is taken from an article from CBS news you can connect to here.

Supreme Court to Hear Legal Challenge to Health Care Law

2011-11-15T18:29:00.001-08:00

Note: I will try to get a brief summary of the law and the controversy surrounding it posted here soon.

The signing of the law was a high moment for the Obama Administration, which promised to solve many of the problems plaguing the American health care system, including estimates that 47 million Americans don't have health care insurance.

However, many conservatives, especially "Tea Party" activists thought the law went too far and challenged the constitutionality of it in court. Those challenges have quickly worked their way through the system and Monday, the Supreme Court, announced its decision to hear the case in March of 2012.

The NBC Evening News report:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

You can also read more detailed coverage from the New York Times:

Justices to Hear Health Care Case as Race Heats Up

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in GPS Tracking Case

2011-11-13T15:53:00.001-08:00

One of the more controversial cases of the Supreme Court term was heard this past week.

Below NBC has a short report on the case, and the oral arguments made before the Court.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Two more detailed sources on the case:

From the NY Times:

CourtCasts a Wary Eye on Tracking by GPS

In an argument studded with references to George Orwell’s “1984”and the possibility that rapid advances in technology would soon allow thegovernment to monitor everyone’s movements, the Supreme Court on Tuesdaystruggled to articulate how the Fourth Amendment’s ban on unreasonable searchesand seizures should apply to the tracking of cars using GPSdevices. The fit between 18th-century principles and 21st-century surveillanceseemed to leave several justices frustrated.

From the NewsHour on PBS:

Americans Coming Home from Iraq - What will be the legacy?

2011-10-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

This question is posed by the following report from NBC news:

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Gadhafi Killed in Libya - War is Over

2011-10-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

Now the nation of Libya must work to unify under new leadership, after the end of 42 years of authoritarian rule by Gadhafi. A look back at his reign by PBS:

Watch Looking Back at Gadhafi's Brutal, Sometimes Bizarre 42-Year Reign on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

E-Verify bill opens new front in debateTimes Newspaper

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Good idea or a way to hassle immigrants?

Opinions vary on this law enacted by Congress, but the Governor of Washington thinks proposed changes would hurt the farming business in our state.

E-Verify bill opens new front in debate over immigration | Seattle Times Newspaper

Costco's $22 million sets record for initiative spending

2011-10-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

What does it say that Costco is willing to spend this much money to pass this initiative?

Politics Northwest | Costco's $22 million sets record for initiative spending | Seattle Times Newspaper

MLK Memorial Finally Dedicated

2011-10-18T11:39:00.001-07:00

A summary of the dedication ceremony from the NewsHour on PBS:

Watch Obama, Civil Rights Leaders Formally Dedicate MLK Memorial on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.

More complete remarks from Civil Rights icon John Lewis - Freedom Rider and now Congressman from Georgia:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Interesting Article on Romney

2011-10-16T10:06:00.001-07:00

An interesting portrait ofMitt Romney's faith and how it has influenced his life and work. I found it tobe generally positive, portraying Governor Romney as a caring and dedicatedperson. From today's N.Y. Times:

TheLong Run: For Romney, a Role of Faith and Authority

From 1981 through1994, Mitt Romney operated as clergyman, organization man
and defender of the Mormon faith.

Another attempt to change WA's liquor laws

2011-10-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

From the Seattle Times:

Liquor distributors feeling bottled up by I-1183 | Seattle Times Newspaper

Global protests

2011-10-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, people all over the world are demanding more from their governments. A look at some of the protests posted at the end of September in a great blog called "The Big Picture Blog" of Boston.com.

Global protests:

There are many forms of protest, many ways to express an objection to particular events, situations, policies, and even people. Protests can also take many forms - from individual statements to mass demonstrations - both peaceful and violent. In the last 30 days, there have been numerous protests across the globe in many countries. The following post is a collection of only some of those protests, but the images convey a gamut of emotions as citizens stand up for their political, economic, religious and lifestyle rights. -- Paula Nelson (51 photos total)

As protesters sleep in Zuccotti Park, N.Y. police officers receive instructions. A group of activists calling themselves Occupy Wall Street targeted the Financial District for more than a week of demonstrations in late September. The group said they sought to bring attention to corporate malfeasance, social inequality, and the yawning gap in income between America's rich and poor. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Local Freedom of Religion Issue

2011-10-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

20 year-old shuttle driver, Zainab Aweis, suspended by Hertz for praying while on the clock.

The story from the Seattle Times: Hertz suspends praying Muslim shuttle drivers

Was the Killing of al-Alawaki Legal?

2011-09-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

He was a U.S. citizen living in Yemen, who called for and inspired terror attacks against the U.S. Does that give the U.S. President the right to order the military to assassinate him? Today, a drone attack did just that.

Some analysis and opinions:
A slide show about his life from the Washington Post
Analysis from the Washington Post

Obama Clashes with Arizona Sheriff over Immigration

2011-09-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

A report on the President's criticism:

Federal Government's Definition of Rape Criticized

2011-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Are incidents of rape under-reported in the United States?

That is what critics some critics believe is happening because of the way the 80 year-old law defines rape.

From the NY Times:Rape Definition Too Narrow in Federal Statistics, Critics Say

A More Diverse Union

2011-09-29T17:55:00.000-07:00

Census numbers are helping us understand the changing cultural and ethnic landscape of the United States.

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Can this government be fixed? Three steps that might help

2011-09-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Really good article about the political situation the United States is in, and some possible solutions. From the USA Today.

Can this government be fixed? Three steps that might help: Americans are frustrated by the disconnect between what they want from Washington and what they get. Here are three steps that might help

Republican Opposition to President's Economic Plan

2011-09-19T10:18:00.001-07:00

From NBC Nightly News:

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More Detail from NBC's Today Show

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Obama yields on smog rule in face of GOP demands

2011-09-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

Business groups are happy, environmentalists are angered, and Republicans fear Obama may have stolen an election campaign issue they wanted to run on. Strange things happen in the world of politics.

In a dramatic reversal, President Barack Obama on Friday scrubbed a clean-air regulation that aimed to reduce health-threatening smog, yielding to bitterly protesting businesses and congressional Republicans who complained the rule would kill jobs in America's ailing economy.

Full article from the Seattle Times/AP: Obama yields on smog rule in face of GOP demands

Really!?!

2011-09-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Gimme a break....

Former Vice President Cheney Defends Practice of Waterboarding: WASHINGTON - Former Vice President Dick Cheney says there's no contradiction in advocating harsh interrogation tactics against suspected U.S. enemies and opposing those practices when used against American citizens.

Cheney was asked about a hypothetical case in which Iran would decide to use waterboarding on an American suspected of spying.

Cheney replies, "I think we would object on the grounds that we have obligations to our citizens."

Cheney, who is promoting his new memoir "In My Time," has been associated with waterboarding, considered by many to be torture. Asked on NBC's "Today" show if he was embracing a double-standard, he said, "These are not American citizens."

In the interview that aired Tuesday morning, Cheney also conceded he'd been a lightning rod for criticism during the Bush administration. "I'm Darth Vader," he said.

---

Online:

http://on.today.com/oYhjaC

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.

Why is Washington State's Government so White?

2011-08-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Why aren't racial and ethnic minorities more well represented in our government? According to the article, non-whites make up over 1/4 of our state's population, but 24/26 of her cabinet members are white. Is this at odds with the ideals of representative democracy?

Local News | Diversity lacking in Washington state government, analysis finds | Seattle Times Newspaper: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Judg rules Indiana teens' racy social media photos are protected speech

2011-08-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Does a school that punishes students for posting "racy" photos on Facebook (available only to "friends") violate the 1st Amendment rights of the students? For some details on this case read the story on CNN:

Judge: Indiana teens' racy social media photos are protected speech

Gadhafi is gone, but where to?

2011-08-23T20:43:00.001-07:00

From NBC news:

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Nostalgia for the USSR?

2011-08-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Why would you want to go back to the old days of the Soviet Union? Maybe if your democracy isn't performing so well, you begin to get frustrated. Check out this report:

20 Years After Soviet Fall, Some Look Back Longingly: As the anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union approaches, some Russians believe that two decades of lurching attempts at reform have given democracy a bad name.

A Step Closer to the DREAM (Act) Goals

2011-08-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is some of the best news I've heard out of the White House in a while. I know the hardliners will be furious, but come on, these young people deserve a chance to make it in this country.

Obama policy lifts deportation threat for many young immigrants | Seattle Times Newspaper

Is the President too calm & cool?

2011-08-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

Lots of progressives have found that the article below, speaks to their frustrations with President Obama. Written by a professor of psychology, it has generated a lot of reaction. In a nutshell, he asks if Obama is too nice to his rivals?

In it, he claims that Obama has not used his speaking skills to tell a story of how he will fight the "bad guys" that are to blame for the problems of this nation, and the opposition has instead been repeating a story where Mr. Obama is the "bad guy" that has steered the nation in the wrong direction. Obama's personality has created problems because

...his deep-seated aversion to conflict and his profound failure to understand bully dynamics — in which conciliation is always the wrong course of action, because bullies perceive it as weakness and just punch harder the next time...

Do you agree with his analysis of the President's personality flaws?

What Happened to Obama’s Passion? - NYTimes.com

People Think Congress Doing a Bad Job

2011-08-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

The American People are even more unhappy than Congress than they've been in the past. It used to be that only about 30% of Americans would approve of the job Congress was doing. A New York Times poll released today states that 82% disapprove of the job Congress is doing.

Public Views Congress as Top Culprit in Debt Debate, Poll Finds - NYTimes.com

House Republicans push Anti-Environmental Rules

2011-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

It isn't just the debt and taxes the Republicans are after, but also relaxing environmental restrictions, and its not just about what light bulbs will be sold.

House Republicans Try to Roll Back Environmental Rules - NYTimes.com

A User's Guide To The Budget Battles : NPR

2011-07-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Some help in understanding all of the economic news from National Public Radio in three parts

the short-term: 2012 budget
the medium-term: debt-ceiling debate
the long term: the social security debate

A User's Guide To The Budget Battles : NPR: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Worse than Texas | The Economist

2011-07-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

It turns out Alabama executes a higher percentage of convicts than Texas...

The death penalty: Worse than Texas | The Economist: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Supreme Court: Violent Video Games Protected by 1st Amendment

2011-07-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

California enacted a law in 2005 restricting the sale or rental of violent video games to minors. In a 7-2 decision, the United States struck down that law as a violation of the free expression rights protected in the U.S. Constitution. Do you agree with the Court in this case, or do the representatives of the citizens of California have the right to enact laws they feel will protect young people (without the federal courts intervening)?

You can read the story here: Justices Reject Ban on Violent Video Games for Children

Some editorials which praise the Court's decision:

Editorials | U.S. Supreme Court got it right: Video-game ban restricts free speech

It’s Perverse, but It’s Also Pretend

(The case is Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association.)

North Korea

2011-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most repressive and secretive societies in the world, the instability of North Korea's leadership creates concern around the world. Some interesting resources on North Korea:

An article about the son of Kim Jong-Il, who may be taking over for the ailing leader is the subject of this article: Rising Son.

Forbidden Art in China

2011-05-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

More about how artists are finding ways to express displeasure with the lack of freedom to criticize China's Communist Party. Video from the New York Times:

Fighting for Human Rights in China

2011-05-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

China has recently arrested renowned artist Ai Weiwei. His story was recently featured in Time Magazine. Read about him here.

You can see a photo gallery of other activists that have recently been jailed or harassed by the Chinese government here.

Daily Life in China

2011-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

A photo slide show of Daily Life in China from the web site of Boston.com:

China: daily life

Each day, wire service photographers from around the world file photos to their member papers that fall under the category of "daily life." ...They are ordinary, random moments captured around a city or in the countryside and they give us just a glimpse of something in that particular place that we might not ordinarily be able to experience. The images in this post are by photographers from the Associated Press based in China. Again, they contain very little caption information and are intended to provide a small window into another culture perhaps far from our own yet reflecting elements of universality. (Note: These images were collected over the first three months of 2011.) -- Paula Nelson. (34 photos total)

2011-05-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

From the New York Times:

Environmental Cost of China's Growth

When the Chinese government tried to calculate a national "Green G.D.P.," the formula showed the soaring economy in a more sober light. (Remember G.D.P. stands for Gross National Product, the total amount of goods and services produced by a nation's economy in one year.) This report is about China's attempt to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

The video report can be watched here. It is mostly interviews with experts, but very informative.

WA Legislature Finally Agrees on Painful Budget Cuts

2011-05-25T07:55:00.001-07:00

We all knew it was going to be ugly, but now we've got the details. As of this writing, the House has already passed it, and the Senate should take action soon. You can read the ugly details in the Seattle Times which include less money for schools, teachers, administrators, the poor who rely on state medical programs, and college students who will probably face steep tuition increases.

Good times.

A few of the budget highlights from the Times Article:

$356 million in pay cuts, including a 1.9 percent cut for teachers and 3 percent for state workers.

$535 million cut from colleges and universities, partially offset with tuition increases.

$344 million saved by ending cost-of-living increases for certain state pension recipients.

$1.2 billion saved by suspending two education-related initiatives.

$130 million saved by reducing enrollment in the state Basic Health Plan.

$116 million saved by eliminating Disability Lifeline grants and replacing them with an essential needs and housing program.

$215 million cut to funding that reduced K-4 class sizes.

New $30 annual vehicle fee to visit state parks and other state recreational lands.

Osama bin Laden Dead - a short bio

2011-05-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

From CBS News:

Don't Let Ignorant People Vote?

2011-04-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

That was the suggestion from a recent opinion piece by CNN contributor LZ Granderson:.

"We all know people who gleefully admit they know nothing about politics, don't have time to find out what the current issues are or even know how the government works, but go out and vote. Want to know why it seems Washington is run by a bunch of idiots? Blame this hiccup in our political system for starters. What's a solution? Weed out some of the ignorant by making people who want to vote first pass a test modeled on the one given to those who want to become citizens."

The full essay can be read online; here he reads and reacts to some of the letters his essay generated:

Continued Violence in Libya and Syria

2011-04-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

From NBC News:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

More Embarassing Details on Guantanamo Bay Prison

2011-04-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

From The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Series of big quakes mean more on the way?

2011-04-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from the Seattle Times of Saturday, April 17:

First came 2004's killer quake and tsunami off Sumatra. Then a year ago, Chile was rocked almost as hard. Now Japan is reeling from its biggest quake in recorded history. The juxtaposition of three of the world's most powerful earthquakes within a span of seven years has some scientists asking the question: Are we in an age of megaquakes? Entire article here.

France's Burqua Ban Goes Into Effect

2011-04-11T10:48:00.001-07:00

Is the Libya Mission Really Limited?

2011-03-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

Did Obama sugarcoat what is really a more aggressive operation to overthrow the Qaddafi?

NewsHour Extra: News for Students | March 29, 2011 | PBS

2011-03-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

NewsHour Extra: Political and Social Unrest Escalates to Violence in Middle East | March 29, 2011 | PBS:

What is the Exit Plan for Libya?

2011-03-29T22:21:00.000-07:00

Gadhafi's Exit Remains Central to U.S., Coalition Strategy in Libya: "

Listen to the Audio

Obama's Speech on Libya Highlights pt 1

2011-03-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

From CBS News

Obama Speech on Libya Highlights - pt 2

2011-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

From CBS News

Obama Speech on Libya Highlights - Pt 3

2011-03-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

From CBS News

CNN - Unions in the Crosshairs

2011-03-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Video from CNN

Airstrikes on Libyan Government Forces Continue

2011-03-22T22:15:00.001-07:00

From the NewsHour on PBS

Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.

Hearings on Radicalization of Muslim Americans

2011-03-09T08:11:00.000-08:00

I'm with Congressman Keith Ellison on this one - what do you think? BTW, it was uncovered today, that Congressman Peter King, the chairman of this committee that is calling for these hearings supported the IRA in the 1980's!

Ghadhafi continues the fight; exaggerates his victories

2011-03-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

The warring in Libya continues to create tragedy, most of the violence seems to be provoked by Qaddafi's supporters. The following clip is from Anderson Cooper 360 weighs the claims by him.
Which of his claims appear to be false?

CNN doing special reports on modern slavery

2011-03-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

CNN is doing a series on modern slavery in today's world.

Below is a segment that aired this week on forced labor (slavery) in India:

Gadhafi's Insanity Continues for Another Day

2011-02-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

I hope the international community can muster the cooperation necessary to rid the Libyan people of this man soon.

Who is Moammar Gadhafi?

2011-02-26T22:37:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, one of the worst leaders in the world, and he has shown this week that he is willing to slaughter Libyan civilians to keep control of the nation. He gave a really ugly speech early in the week calling on his supporters to attack the protesters. I don't see how he gets out of this mess alive, but how many people will he take down with him in the process.

It seems that if he wasn't mad decades ago, he certainly gone completely mad at this point.

A short profile from PBS:

The New Egypt

2011-02-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

From NBC News:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Egypt Protests - Day 17

2011-02-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

One of the young leaders of the protest movement had been jailed and released and has begun to get attention from the media. Wael Ghonim, has emerged as an engaging spokesperson for a group, according to the New York Times that includes about 15 other leaders of the so-called youth movement. A video of ____________ and the NY Times has a video of an interview with another protest leader.

In the meanwhile the Mubarak regime is threatening a more violent crackdown, and the Egyptian Vice-President is making a lot of statements that the U.S. and many protesters are interpreting as signs that they are not serious about reforming the political system and making meaningful changes to Egypt's constitution.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pro and Anti Mubarak Protests

2011-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

From PBS NewsHour

Clashes Today in Egypt

2011-02-02T08:27:00.001-08:00

From the New York Times:

MIllions March, Mubarak Says He Will Not Run Again

2011-02-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

It isn't everything the Egyptian protesters want, but after a meeting with a chief U.S. diplomat, Hosni Mubarak, President of Egypt since 1981, has promised not to run in the Presidential election that will take place in late 2011.

This is a good report from PBS, I think the images in the last three minutes or so of the street protesters is something amazing to watch.

Way to Tick Mom Off, Dude....

2011-01-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

This sort of parenting, I think we can all agree, is a bit extreme.

In Egypt, Who Does the U.S. Support?

2011-01-30T20:42:00.000-08:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks on CNN:

Protests in Egypt

2011-01-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

A short CNN report dealing with the events of the weekend, and what might happen next:

Colbert's Nazi-Ometer

2011-01-26T11:07:00.001-08:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nazi-ometer

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

Video Archive

$10 Million Dollar Settlement Reached

2011-01-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

In the case of the plain clothes police officer shoving this guy and injuring him for life. Details at the Seattle Times website.

State of the Union Preview

2011-01-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

To be delivered tonight at 6:00 p.m PST.

Protests in Tunisia

2011-01-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

The President/Dictator has been overthrown, but the people want more change.

A step toward reforming our criminal justice system

2011-01-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Sometimes ideas that sound good at first, can have a lot of troublesome unintended consequences. Such is the case with our "Three Strikes and You're Out" law.

Local News | Seattle lawmaker's bill would soften '3 strikes' | Seattle Times Newspaper

Disaster averted at MLK event in Spokane?

2011-01-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

It is still early in the investigation on this one...

Local News | Backpack bomb found at MLK event rattles Spokane | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Gregoire: Lawmakers need to be 'bold' | Seattle Times Newspaper

2011-01-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

Local News | Gregoire: Lawmakers need to be 'bold' | Seattle Times Newspaper: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Federal judge upholds Wash. top 2 primary system | Seattle Times Newspaper

2011-01-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Local News | Federal judge upholds Wash. top 2 primary system | Seattle Times Newspaper:

The Shooter

2011-01-10T12:08:00.001-08:00

From NBC's Today Show:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rhetoric Tangled Up with Tragedy

2011-01-10T08:09:00.001-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

911 Tapes Capture Horror of Shooting

2011-01-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

From NBC News

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Update on Congresswoman Giffords

2011-01-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Brain Trauma & Surgical procedures explained on CBS News

Editorials | Seattle police should welcome federal civil-rights probe | Seattle Times Newspaper

2010-12-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

Editorials | Seattle police should welcome federal civil-rights probe | Seattle Times Newspaper

Update on the "lame-duck" Congress

2010-12-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ah, Congress, let's see what you've been up to:

Nation & World | Add-ons turn tax cut bill into 'Christmas tree' | Seattle Times Newspaper

Unfinished Business - Handy interactive about what is happening with the major bills being considered in the "lame-duck" session of Congress.

A chair and a photo stand in for Liu Xiaobo at Nobel peace prize ceremony

2010-12-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

A chair and a photo stand in for Liu Xiaobo at Nobel peace prize ceremony | World news | The Guardian

Clinton Gets Comfortable At White House Podium

2010-12-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

Clinton Gets Comfortable At White House Podium

President Obama enlisted the support of Bill Clinton to sell his tax-cut deal Friday. After meeting for two hours, the two presidents spoke to the press in the White House briefing room. It was supposed to be brief, but after 10 minutes Obama excused himself. His predecessor carried on for another 20 minutes. Guy Raz talks with NPR's Don Gonyea, who watched the briefing.

Jobless benefits end for 2 million

2010-12-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it's come to things like this. The Republicans and conservatives in Congress are blocking an extension of unemployment insurance for those that have been out of work more than 99 weeks. Opponents of extending benefits say they don't want to add to the deficit, it will create severe hardships for many (1st article) and could hurt the overall economy as well.

It seems to me that Congress is failing to do what is needed at this difficult economic time.

Holidays about survival as jobless benefits end

Cutting back unemployment benefits would hurt the economy, too

Constitutionality of Taser Use in Hands of Court

2010-11-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Jayzel Mattos, a 39 year-old mother, was shot with a Taser gun by police during a domestic disturbance call.

According to the story published first in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:

Mattos' will get another hearing on her lawsuit alleging that shooting her with a Taser constituted excessive force in violation of her constitutional rights could help establish standards over the increasing use of the electronic gun by law enforcement here and in other states.
A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that Mattos' rights weren't violated, but in a rare move will rehear her case and another involving a Seattle woman who was seven months pregnant when she was stunned by the electronic gun during a traffic stop.

You can read more of the at:
National Constitution Center: News Feed

Controversy over New Airport Security

2010-11-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

Have U.S. fliers finally had enough with airport security? Well, at least some are complaining loudly about the newest security measures the Travel Safety Administration (TSA) is implementing.

The focus of the debate is over full-body scanners (which render a semi-nude image of the passenger) and "enhanced pat-downs" .

First a report on the controversy: Pat-Downs at Airports Prompt Complaints

A report in the Nov. 23rd Washington Post claims that despite protests, many are okay with the scanners: Poll: Nearly two-thirds of Americans support full-body scanners at airports.

NPR did some reports you can listen to that I found informative:

TSA Critics Call For Day Of Protest

The head of the TSA says he will reconsider the passenger screening procedures that have created a public backlash, but he warned the public not to expect changes anytime soon. Critics of the new procedures are planning a protest on Wednesday that could lengthen lines and disrupt holiday travel schedules.

TSA Is 'Far Behind The Curve' On Security, Lawmaker Says

Pat-downs and body scans of travelers might catch some of the would-be bombers of past years, says Rep. John Mica (R-FL), but won't stop terrorists intent on putting bombs on cargo planes.

Speech and Harm - NYTimes.com

2010-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

Speech and Harm - NYTimes.com

Statistics on Poverty that are a national & international embarassment

2010-11-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

BBC News - More US households short of food

BBC News - Number of Americans living in poverty 'increases by 4m'

BBC News - Hunger index shows one billion without enough food

The Release of Aung San Suu Kyi - and the story behind it

2010-11-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

She is simply one of the great heroes of freedom, democracy, and human rights in the world today. She has won the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership for non-violent change in Burma/Myanmar even though she has been imprisoned for most of the last two decades.

First, the latest on what the newly freed democracy leader has communicated to her followers:
Suu Kyi tells supporters to work with her for change - CNN.com

Some background on her story:

Suu Kyi: Symbol of hope

updated Sat November 13, 2010

She is small but only in physical stature. Aung San Suu Kyi is the very embodiment of Myanmar's long struggle for democracy.

Another background story from the BBC: BBC News - Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi

An interactive time-line of the troubled nation and the military dictatorship that has ruled the country with an iron fist:
Myanmar's recent history

updated Mon November 8, 2010

Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, has been under military rule since 1962.

The Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Violent Video Games

2010-11-12T01:22:00.000-08:00

Are video games that have extreme depictions of violence subject to 1st Amendment protection or should the government be able to regulate the amount of violence displayed in such games? The Supreme Court took up this case in November. I'd love to know what images they were shown in the Court briefings.

Anyhow, I found a few stories on this case:

The Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Violent Video Games: A First Step Into the Brave New World of Virtual Reality?

Here is the opinion of one game designer, that thinks such games deserve to be protected by the First Amendment: Why the Supreme Court should rule that violent video games are free speech

For Germans, a good day and a bad day

2010-11-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

A horrific attack upon Jews and the fall of the Berlin Wall both came on a November 9th although separated by many decades. How do Germans feel about remembrances on this date? of Nazi Germany are

In Berlin, Recalling Kristallnacht and the Wall - NYTimes.com

Myanmar Votes in Election Controlled by Military

2010-11-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

Myanmar Votes in Election Controlled by Military: "Polling places appeared nearly empty as the rest of the city went about its business in the first election in this tightly controlled nation in 20 years.

"