Privacy Looms Over Gay Rights Vote

Privacy Looms Over Gay Rights Vote - NYTimes.com

Gay marriage fight fuels debate over petitioners' rights

Gay marriage fight fuels debate over petitioners' rights -- latimes.com

The Public Option is Back!

Senate healthcare bill revives public option. But can it pass? | csmonitor.com

Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature

The Senate passed the bill that the House passed a few weeks ago. It now includes assaults on individuals because of their sexual identity.

Hate crimes bill goes to Obama for signature - CNN.com

Sad saga of Uighurs at Guantanamo goes on

This sad chapter of the United States not living up to it's ideals on the rule of law goes on - even nine months into the Obama administration. Is justice delayed, justice denied?

Justices to hear Uighurs' bid for release - Guantanamo- msnbc.com

Tough 1st Amendment Issue in our State

The Washington State Legislature passed a far reaching gay rights measure last session that provided for benefits for same-sex domestic partnerships (pretty much everything except the word "marriage").

Now let's say you don't think the state should recognize same sex marriages/partnerships/unions.

You sign a petition to put the new law up for a vote by the people of the state in the hope that they will reject it, and nullify the bill passed by the legislature (our State Constitution allows for this).

If those signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State for validation, do you have a right to expect that your name will be kept private? If your name is made public, you could be the object of public criticism. If you sign a petition to the government, do you give up the right to remain an anonymous opponent of gay marriage (or any other issue for that matter)?

That is the question we are in the middle of in our state right now. While we are awaiting a trial to settle this issue, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice stepped in and made a temporary ruling.

Local News | Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names | Seattle Times Newspaper

Young People Should Be Very Concerned About I-1033

Do you want education to get more expensive? Higher tuition, less services from our universities? If you don't, you should get educated about Washington State's I-1033, and make others aware of what is at stake.

Education | I-1033 could hit higher ed especially hard | Seattle Times Newspaper

Public Support Increasing for Active Government Role in Health Care Reform

Many back public option, insurance mandate - Washington Post- msnbc.com

New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com

Good example of federalism at work; and executive agencies creating quasi-legislation.

New Medical Marijuana Policy Issued - NYTimes.com

Putting Politics Aside - POTUS 41 & 44

George H.W. Bush invited Barack Obama to an event to celebrate and encourage volunteerism in the United States. With all the screaming and yelling we see in politics today, it is nice to see political opponents come together.

George H.W. Bush, Obama Celebrate Volunteerism - washingtonpost.com

Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed

Justice stands by refusal to give interracial couple license to wed - CNN.com

Given the fact that laws against inter-racial marriages were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1967 (Loving v. Virginia) I don't see how this judge thinks this ruling is going to stand. I'm pretty sure he will lose his job as a Louisiana judge within a few days since he is being so defiant and obnoxious about it.

A more detailed article here:

Local News | Gun ban at Seattle parks facilities goes into effect | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Gun ban at Seattle parks facilities goes into effect | Seattle Times Newspaper

At long last, the Senate Finance Committee passes health care reform bill

The bill not the far-reaching reform that I am still hoping for, but it is still progress. One Republican, Senator Olympia Snowe, did vote for the bill drafted by Committee Chairman Baucus. Of course this was just a committee vote, and the full Senate still has to take up the issue. There are still three health care reform bills in the House of Representatives.

It will be very interesting to see what happens at the conference committee that will have to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Update on the Health Care Reform Bill

Congress Is Split on Effort to Tax Costly Health Plans - NYTimes.com

Democrats Call Insurance Industry Report Flawed - NYTimes.com

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

From the Seattle Times:

Nobel Peace Prize stuns Obama, the world
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

House passes Hate Crimes Bill

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/09/us/politics/09hate.html?hpw

America's Racial Past & Present

The New York Times did a front page story today that uncovered previously unknown details about Michelle Obama's ancestry. Yes, her ancestors were slaves, but she also had some white relatives dating from the 1850's. I found the story of her family tree very interesting.

In First Lady’s Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery - NYTimes.com

There are many parts of America where Caucasians are overwhelming majorities, and there aren't too many people of color to be found. An African-American author traveled to some of these places in Idaho, Utah, and Georgia to research them for a book that has just been published. He calls these places Whitopias.

A Black Author's Journey Into American 'Whitopia' : NPR

Our Three Bombs - Challenges Facing our World

Sometimes I like Thomas Friedman, and sometimes not so much, but it is hard to disagree that these are three tremendous challenges facing our nation & world.

Op-Ed Columnist - Our Three Bombs - NYTimes.com

Does this cross in the desert conflict with the 1st Amendment?

Another year, another controversy over religion and the 1st Amendment. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

A radio story from NPR, and a print story from the L.A. Times:

World War I Cross Neglects Soldiers Of Other Faiths, Critics Say : NPR

Supreme Court debates legality of Mojave cross -- latimes.com

U.S. plans to overhaul how immigrants are detained -- latimes.com

U.S. plans to overhaul how immigrants are detained -- latimes.com

Panel finds no fault with Obama system of policy 'czars' -- latimes.com

Panel finds no fault with Obama system of policy 'czars' -- latimes.com

Supreme Court refuses Confederate flag T-shirt case | csmonitor.com

So, a bunch of Tennessee high school students thought the school was violating their rights by banning t-shirts displaying the Confederate Flag.

Supreme Court refuses Confederate flag T-shirt case | csmonitor.com

Obama to lawmakers: Many won’t like my Afghanistan decision | csmonitor.com

Obama to lawmakers: Many won’t like my Afghanistan decision | csmonitor.com

Are dog fighting videos protected by the First Amendment?

This was one of the most unusual oral arguments at the Supreme Court I've read about. At issue is whether a federal law banning animal cruelty is overly broad. You have got to read this.

Supreme Court questions animal cruelty law | csmonitor.com

CNN's coverage: High court debates dog fighting videos - CNN.com

Finally, video coverage from The Newshour on PBS

FBI, Police Strive to Get Help From and BuildTrust With American Muslims

FBI, Police Strive to Get Help, Engender Trust From Muslims - washingtonpost.com

Afghanistan: The Road Ahead - CBS News

For the next couple of nights, the CBS Evening News is doing some in-depth reporting on the war in Afghanistan. It is a complicated job, and its going to get messier as more U.S. troops become engaged with Taliban and/or al-Queda fighters. At least 8 more U.S. soldiers were killed over the weekend.

The home page of the CBS story is here.

Afghanistan: The Road Ahead - CBS News

Will Referendum 71 take away gay rights?

Referendum 71 seeks to undo a new law passed by the WA Legislature in it's last term providing for protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. It is shaping up to be a divisive and emotional debate.

Politics | Stakes high in fight over gay rights | Seattle Times Newspaper

The Supremes are Back!

The Supreme Court begins its session tomorrow as it does every year on the "First Monday of October". This year, the court will include Sonia Sotomayor, our first Latina Justice.

As usual, the Court will be hearing it's share of controversial cases.

Nation’s high court gets new term, justice - Politics- msnbc.com

Pivotal term for Supreme Court

Tell us what you really think, Mr. President

Would we be better off if Presidents came out and said what they really think? (Obama was caught doing this with regard to Kanye West recently.) Writer Timothy Egan thinks so:
Secret Lives of the Presidents - Timothy Egan Blog - NYTimes.com

What is Socialism in 2009?

What Is Socialism in 2009?

An interesting debate. The following is from the intro to the NY Times article featuring the opinions of eight political commentators.

It seems that whatever President Obama talks about — whether it’s overhauling health care, or regulating Wall Street, or telling schoolchildren to study hard — his opponents have called him a socialist. What does the word mean today, nearly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall? What role has the label played in American political history?

Have some critics of Obama gone over the top?

There is no 'we' in American politics
Columnist Thomas L. Friedman has no problem with substantive criticism of President Obama, but criticism from the far right has begun tipping over into delegitimation and is creating a climate that poisons attempts to collectively deal with the nation's pressing problems.

A Question of Congressional Power

Part of the health care reform bills making their way through Congress right now have stirred a Constitutional debate: Does Congress have the power to require individuals to buy health insurance? A very good analysis of the issue was done by the non-partisan FactCheck.org. What do you think?

Health Care Overhaul: Constitutional? | FactCheck.org

Justices Will Weigh Challenges to Gun Laws - NYTimes.com

Justices Will Weigh Challenges to Gun Laws - NYTimes.com

Higher Taxes Necessary in our State?

Washington gov. leaves door open for higher taxes
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire said Tuesday she would consider tax increases as officials run out of ways to fix the state's recession-hammered budget.

Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals - NYTimes.com

Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals - NYTimes.com

The Public Option Is Dead, Long Live the Public Option

The Beating of Derrion Albert Is Must-See TV

A story about the tragic result of violence.

From TheRoot.com:

Three Charged with Murder in Death of Derrion Albert

The Beating of Derrion Albert Is Must-See TV

Violation of Privacy Rights?

How much information about you should businesses and advertisers be able to collect when you go online?

Advertising - Two-Thirds of Americans Object to Online Tracking, Study Says - NYTimes.com

What is up with Iran and Nuclear Weapons?

The U.S. believes the government of Iran is trying to enrich uranium for the purposes of building nuclear weapons, and is developing missile technology to deliver those weapons across the Middle East.

Iran claims they are only developing the technology and materials for peaceful nuclear energy.

A Nuclear Debate - Is Iran Designing Warheads? - NYTimes.com

What can the United States do about it?

White House to Go After Iran's Oil Income
Obama Administration to Push for Tough New Economic Sanctions if Iran Doesn't Come Clean on Nuclear Plans

A CBS news story:

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Are British Gettring Ready to Dump Their Prime Minister?

The British system is different from that of the U.S., but it is similar in that the people seem ready to vote against a political party that has been in power during bad economic times - especially when that party has been in power for a long time.

In Free Fall, British Leader, Brown, Tries to Rally Labour - NYTimes.com

Obama and Afghanistan

A story on NPR lays out the dilemma for the U.S. (and President Obama) in Afghanistan.

A Turning Point for Afghan War, and Obama

Glenn Beck speaks to 7,000 at Seattle

I have to admit I haven't watched or listened to that much of Glenn Beck. But with all the publicity he has received lately, I've become more aware of both the style and substance of his politics.

Local News | Beck speaks to 7,000 at Seattle: 'The American people have not surrendered' | Seattle Times Newspaper

What really gets me about some of the commentators like Glenn Beck is that only 9 months into the Obama administration, they are ranting and raving about the American people losing their country to the monstrous liberal policies of the Obama administration.

There is one very important logical flaw in all that lies behind all that flows from Beck's exhortations to "take back America" and that is that the American people, after the longest campaign in history, elected Barack Obama president by a very wide margin.

Obama was clear about the direction in which he would lead America: out of Iraq, toward universal health insurance coverage, greater regulation of business that emit carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming, and toward greater regulation of Wall Street financial institutions that recklessly drove our economy off a cliff into a recession.

If Obama's agenda is enacted, that simply means that representative democracy still works in America. If Glenn Beck has a problem with fair elections, representative democracy that carries out the will of the people, and a president trying to enact the program he ran on, then I think he and other like him, need to come to grips with what living in a republic is all about - sometimes you lose elections, because the old ideas and ways of doing things were rejected by the people.

The President's Speech to the U.N. General Assembly

Obama's speech given September 23, 2009

Is increasing the gas tax a good idea?

A viewpoint worth considering!

Op-Ed Columnist - Real Men Tax Gas - NYTimes.com

Some Political Developments

Obama Rejects Race as Lead Cause of Criticism - NYTimes.com

Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?

Mad Man: Is Glenn Beck Bad for America?

I want to say yes, but I think the question should be "Are people who listen to Glenn Beck uncritically bad for America?"

The answer is an emphatic yes.

White House Seeks Renewal of Surveillance Laws, Perhaps With Tweaks - washingtonpost.com

White House Seeks Renewal of Surveillance Laws, Perhaps With Tweaks - washingtonpost.com

What Is Socialism in 2009? - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com

What Is Socialism in 2009? - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com

Thousands Rally in Capital to Protest Big Government

Once again, this is a debate that we have had in America for well over 200 years - how much power, authority, and responsibility should the federal government have?

Today, thousands of conservatives who feel that Obama and Democrats in Congress want to create to much government involvement in the economy, health care, etc. exercised their First Amendment rights by marching on D.C.

Thousands Rally in Capital to Protest Big Government - NYTimes.com

Obama's Speech on Health Care Reform

I thought, as usual, Obama did a great job in delivering the speech, and in the second half of the speech got back to speaking with passion about the need for change in American health care. (I think he has been too dispassionate in recent months to rally people around his cause.)

It was weird that at one point during the speech a Republican member of Congress lost it and yelled out "You lie!" (Article here; clip from speech here.)

The last part of the speech is something I'd like us to watch together at some point, because he talked about the importance of liberalism and conservatism in the American tradition of political thought. While he favors the liberal or progressive impulses toward government, he recognized that the debate between the two sides goes way back (to Jefferson and Hamilton) and often results in common-sense compromise. (See commentary on RealClearPolitics.)

Read about the speech here: Obama's Plea: 'Deliver On Health Care' : NPR

Sudan Court Fines Woman for Wearing Trousers

Sudan Court Fines Woman for Wearing Trousers - NYTimes.com

Controversy over Obama speech to students

I find the whole idea of people objecting to the President speaking to kids and encouraging them to make the most of their education absolutely ridiculous. It would be funny if it weren't an indication of how rabid politics has become.

Politics | Analysis: Furor over speech typifies polarization | Seattle Times Newspaper

However, all of this is not new: There was opposition from conservatives from the time the federal government created the Department of Education in the 1960's. Many of them believed that it was unreasonable for the federal government to become more involved in public education, which is primarily the province of state and local governments. The following article gives you some background on political battles conservatives have waged over federal policy on public education.

The history behind opposition to Obama’s speech to students | csmonitor.com

Teenage Unemployment Reaches High of 25.5%

Teenage Unemployment Reaches High of 25.5% - NYTimes.com

Campaign finance laws before the Supreme Court

Politics | Campaign finance laws before the Supreme Court | Seattle Times Newspaper

9.7% Unemployment!

In Unemployment Report, a Sign of Continued Joblessness - NYTimes.com

The White House Celebrates Ramadan

The White House Celebrates Ramadan - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com

General: New Strategy Needed In Afghanistan

McChrystal: New Strategy Needed In Afghanistan : NPR

Senators Question System of Replacing Retirees

Senators Question System of Replacing Retirees: National Constitution Center: News Feed

Cheney Offers Sharp Defense of C.I.A. Interrogation Tactics - NYTimes.com

Cheney Offers Sharp Defense of C.I.A. Interrogation Tactics - NYTimes.com

And the Fox News version of the story - which includes video of the interview with the former V.P.)
Cheney Slams Obama's 'Politicized' Probe of CIA Interrogations - Political News - FOXNews.com

Democrats: Use civil debate to honor Kennedy - Capitol Hill- msnbc.com

Democrats: Use civil debate to honor Kennedy - Capitol Hill- msnbc.com

Kidnapped at 11, Woman Emerges After 18 Years

A bizarre and horrific crime -

Kidnapped at 11, Woman Emerges After 18 Years - NYTimes.com

MAJOR Death Penalty News out of Texas

Daily Kos: MAJOR Death Penalty News out of Texas

Expert contradicts evidence used to convict man of arson -
http://www.abajournal.comnews/expert_hits_arson_finding_in_case_that_led_to_defendants_execution/

Teddy Kennedy, RIP

1932 - 2009

Edward "Teddy" Kennedy served as a Senator from the state of Massachusetts from 1963 until his death yesterday. There are many great tributes to the youngest of the four Kennedy boys all over the internet right now. Here are a few I thought I would share:

The NY Times had a pretty comprehensive obituary covering the ups and downs of his life that I enjoyed reading last night. Politico.com has a nice article collecting tributes made by some of the most influencial Democrats and Republicans in U.S. politics. They also have a video of highlights from speeches ranging from a eulogy for his brother in the sixties to him campaigning for Obama last year.

Joe Biden shared some heartfelt thoughts on the decades he and Kennedy shared together in the Senate:

Bernanke to be reappointed by Obama

Obama has just reappointed him, but a question remains for a lot of people who don't closely follow economic news: Who is Ben Bernanke and what does he do as Chairman of the Federal Reserve?
Bernanke to be reappointed by Obama - Aug. 25, 2009

Op/Ed - Obama, Lost at the Chalkboard

As reality sets in, and the Obama administration is losing the luster of the historic election and inauguration, there has been more dissatisfaction with the President than at any time in his still young presidency.

Admittedly, he is still personally popular, and he is dealing with some of the most difficult challenges any president has had to face in recent history. I must confess that I am still rooting for him and see great potential in him, I have been disappointed in a number of areas.

Many commentators have begun to opine on mistakes they believe Obama and his administration have made. I will collect what I believe to be some of the most insightful here:

Richard Cohen - Obama, Lost at the Chalkboard - washingtonpost.com

Rowdy Health Care Town Halls

Civil Discourse? A well-educated citizenry debating the effect of health care reform on the common good of the nation? Democracy and freedom of speech can be messy sometimes. It also reminds me why some in the Founding Generation were suspicious of too much democracy.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Reversal of fortunes as rich become poorer

Nation & World | Reversal of fortunes as rich become poorer | Seattle Times Newspaper

Primary Election Results

Politics | Hutchison, Constantine to face off for King County executive in November | Seattle Times Newspaper

Analysis: Liberals tired of health care compromise

Analysis: Liberals tired of health care compromise - Yahoo! News

Talking heads bite Barack Obama

Talking heads bite Barack Obama - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

Not Enough Money Or Time To Defend Detroit's Poor : NPR

Not Enough Money Or Time To Defend Detroit's Poor : NPR

Obama Administration Calls Marriage Law Unfair : NPR

Obama Administration Calls Marriage Law Unfair : NPR

Politics | Madison slave's descendants plan White House reunion | Seattle Times Newspaper

Politics | Madison slave's descendants plan White House reunion | Seattle Times Newspaper

Nation & World | Women in combat: an open secret in military | Seattle Times Newspaper

Nation & World | Women in combat: an open secret in military | Seattle Times Newspaper

What the House bill says on end-of-life care

What the House bill says on end-of-life care - Health care- msnbc.com

False ‘death panel’ rumor has familiar roots

Op-Ed Columnist - Republican Death Trip - NYTimes.com

Sotomayor Confirmed!

Health debate produces angry protests

CQ: Health debate produces angry protests - CQ Politics- msnbc.com

Distortions rife in health plan debate

Nation & World | Distortions rife in health plan debate | Seattle Times Newspaper

Did Obama Miss a Moment to Defend Constitution?

Colbert I. King - Obama Missed a Moment to Defend Constitution - washingtonpost.com

Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Gates-Crowley Settlement

First Vietnamese-American Federal Judge

These "firsts" are important. It is a way that we assure ourselves that we fully include and appreciate the status of an ethnic/gender group in the American dream.

According to Politico.com

"President Barack Obama announced today that he has nominated a county judge and former federal prosecutor from California, Jacqueline Nguyen, to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which is based in and around Los Angeles. If confirmed, Nguyen would become the first American of Vietnamese origin to serve as a so-called Article III, confirmed federal judge. (There is a Vietnamese-American federal magistrate in Tennessee, Tu Pham.)

Nguyen's confirmation would also boost the thin ranks of Asian-Americans on the federal bench by 12.5%--taking the tally from eight to nine out of more than 800.

Nguyen is a graduate of Occidental College and UCLA law school."

Burma's leading dissident honored by Amnesty International

A much deserved honor for Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma's democracy movement, who remains at the mercy of a tyrannical regime. They are currently putting her through another sham trial meant to silence the power of her message of freedom.


AND the latest on the trial: Myanmar Court Delays Suu Kyi Verdict

Local News | Judge in Tacoma bars release of Ref. 71 petition signers — for now | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Judge in Tacoma bars release of Ref. 71 petition signers — for now | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Wash. gay partnership foes turn in signatures | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Wash. gay partnership foes turn in signatures | Seattle Times Newspaper

The Gates Case: Shocking, Yet Not Surprising : NPR

The Gates Case: Shocking, Yet Not Surprising : NPR

Health | Myths, truths of Canada's universal coverage | Seattle Times Newspaper

Health | Myths, truths of Canada's universal coverage | Seattle Times Newspaper

Obama won't meet Guantanamo deadlines - Los Angeles Times

Obama won't meet Guantanamo deadlines - Los Angeles Times

Dismissing the Risks of a Deadly Habit

Driven to Distraction - Dismissing the Risks of a Deadly Habit - Multitasking on the Road - Series - NYTimes.com

Should Cellphone Use by Drivers Be Illegal?

Paper or Plastic? In Seattle, either might cost you

Will Seattlites support continuing a surcharge on disposable grocery bags? The experiment to encourage the use of reusable bags will be on the ballot soon.

Politics | Seattle bag fee on ballot: Would it change our habits? | Seattle Times Newspaper

Limits on Logging Are Reinstated - NYTimes.com

Limits on Logging Are Reinstated - NYTimes.com

Camp Sues Pool Club for Discrimination

Camp Sues Pool Club for Discrimination - CBS News

Pool to Minority Kids: You Can't Swim Here
Suburban Club Accused of Racism For Rescinding Pool Privileges; State to Investigate Actions

Watch CBS Videos Online

Sotomayor Hearings - Day 2

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Obama Visits Ghana

There were adoring crowds to meet him. He spoke to their parliament and toured the ruins of an old slave trading fort on the coast. Overall, an amazing trip, one we can hope will pay rich dividends in the future for the U.S. and Africa.

Obama, in Ghana, Calls for Good Governance - NYTimes.com

Coverage from AllAfrica.com:
allAfrica.com: Africa: Obama - Ghana Shows Democracy Can Thrive in Africa (Page 1 of 1)

Obama sees Africa's dark past at slave fortress | U.S. | Reuters

U.S. Wiretapping of Limited Value, Officials Report - NYTimes.com

U.S. Wiretapping of Limited Value, Officials Report - NYTimes.com

Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project - NYTimes.com

Cheney Is Linked to Concealment of C.I.A. Project - NYTimes.com

Attorney General May Probe Bush Torture Policy | Newsweek Politics | Newsweek.com

Attorney General May Probe Bush Torture Policy | Newsweek Politics | Newsweek.com

Local News | Lethal-injection ruling could clear way for Cal Brown execution | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Lethal-injection ruling could clear way for Cal Brown execution | Seattle Times Newspaper

Mass. challenges federal Defense of Marriage Act - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

Mass. challenges federal Defense of Marriage Act - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe

US, Russia reach tentative nuclear-arms deal

Very good news for our world. The previous treaty (START) is due to expire in 6 months. This is an important first step in making our world a safer place. These weapons are too dangerous - and must be carefully monitored, limited, and eventually abolished.

Nation & World | US, Russia nuclear-arms deal a start for broader peace efforts | Seattle Times Newspaper

Sarah Palin Says She Will Resign as Alaska Governor

For Democrats, she is the gift that keeps on giving...

Sarah Palin Says She Will Resign as Alaska Governor - NYTimes.com

Myanmar Junta Blocks UN’s Ban From Meeting Aung San Suu Kyi - Bloomberg.com

Myanmar Junta Blocks UN’s Ban From Meeting Aung San Suu Kyi - Bloomberg.com

Board: Discharge gay NY National Guard officer

Former Army National Guard Lt. Dan Choi, an Arabic-speaking specialist is in the process of being dismissed from the military through the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. He served several years in Iraq, but "came out" about his sexual preference in March of 2009.

The Associated Press: Board: Discharge gay NY National Guard officer