Series of big quakes mean more on the way?

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

Is the Libya Mission Really Limited?

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

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

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

What is the Exit Plan for Libya?

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

Listen to the Audio

"

Obama's Speech on Libya Highlights pt 1

From CBS News

Obama Speech on Libya Highlights - pt 2

From CBS News

Obama Speech on Libya Highlights - Pt 3

From CBS News

CNN - Unions in the Crosshairs

Video from CNN

Airstrikes on Libyan Government Forces Continue

From the NewsHour on PBS

Watch the full episode. See more PBS NewsHour.

Hearings on Radicalization of Muslim Americans

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

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

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

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

Who is Moammar Gadhafi?

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

From NBC News:

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

Egypt Protests - Day 17

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

From PBS NewsHour

Clashes Today in Egypt

From the New York Times:

MIllions March, Mubarak Says He Will Not Run Again

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....

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

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

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks on CNN:

Protests in Egypt

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

Colbert's Nazi-Ometer

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

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

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

Protests in Tunisia

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

A step toward reforming our criminal justice system

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?

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

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

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

The Shooter

From NBC's Today Show:

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

Rhetoric Tangled Up with Tragedy

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

911 Tapes Capture Horror of Shooting

From NBC News

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

Update on Congresswoman Giffords

Brain Trauma & Surgical procedures explained on CBS News

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

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

Update on the "lame-duck" Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speech and Harm - NYTimes.com

Statistics on Poverty that are a national & international embarassment

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

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

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

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

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.

"

5 reasons Murray bucked trend, got re-elected

The Seattle Times offered these reasons for why Patty Murray was able to win in a year that favored Republicans. Some of this is speculation and some based on hard data, but they all seem like pretty reasonable factors in her election.

Finally, I would add, that as far as politicians go, Patty Murray isn't exciting, but she is a likable sort of person, and her brand of liberalism is a very good fit with western WA.

Local News | 5 reasons Murray bucked trend, got re-elected | Seattle Times Newspaper:

Election worsens WA State's budget problems

Well now what? Is this what voters really wanted in rejecting various tax initiatives?

Part of the problem is that few voters seem to know what kind of government services and programs will be cut when they vote against tax measures.

Take a look and see what you think:

Election worsens state's budget pain | Seattle Times Newspaper:

Video Games (violent ones) considered at the Supreme Court

High court case on violent games tests limits on speech: "On Tuesday, Supreme Court justices will hear arguments in the case involving the ban on the sale of violent video games to minors"

Haiti's woes, and some hope

Haiti still has a long way to go, and an outbreak of cholera has brought new tragedy to a nation that has seen too much of it.

There's Gotta Be a Better Way

When you think of all the problems of our nation, it is a shame to see so much money spent on trying to win elections.

Local News | Murray-Rossi race draws $12M in independent spending | Seattle Times Newspaper

I-1098 a State Income-tax for the Wealthy

I believe this to be a very important issue, and am supporting it's passage. Read about it in the Seattle Times Income-tax measure took years to shape or in the Online Voters Guide.

OMG - The Political Ads!

I couldn't agree more with the disappointment and disgust over the political ads that appear on television and in my mailbox. It is really hard to feel hopeful about our democratic society when political campaign operatives spend so much money on these attack ads based on half-truths and statements taken out of context.

The worst thing about it is that the reason these ads are so prevalent - the are believed to be very effective. So, my life's work is dedicated to strengthening our democracy through education - it is really disheartening to see the money and media that work against the pursuit of a healthy democracy.

Check out the following editorial from the staff at the Seattle Times:

Editorials | Shady, negative television ads muck up campaign season | Seattle Times Newspaper

What do you think? Are there any particular ads that are bothering you? Reply and let us know where to find them!

Unit 5 - Freedom of Religion

Youths, adults sign on to wear purple, support gay teens

I heard on the MRHS announcements this morning that tomorrow (Wednesday, Oct. 20) some in our school will be wearing purple.

A worthy way to exercise your First Amendment rights. Now if I can find something purple...

From USA Today:
Youths, adults sign on to wear purple, support gay teens:
"When Tammy Aaberg wears her purple T-shirt that says "End the Hate" on Wednesday, she'll be thinking of her son Justin. He killed himself after he was bullied at school for being gay."

If you are interested in becoming more involved in this issue, a good place to start might be with the The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Or our school's very own Gay/Straight Alliance.

10 years after Bush v. Gore, new concerns about voting

Bush v. Gore refers not only to the election of 2000, but the Supreme Court case, that ordered an end to the recount process in Florida and gave the victory to George Bush.

In that election, Al Gore won about a half million more votes than Bush, and if not for our electoral college system, would have been the President. Florida's electoral votes (unfairly many would say) were awarded to Bush after a month of counting and recounting, and a lawsuit over the process had reached the Supreme Court.

There were lots of reports of voting irregularities including confusing ballots, and out-dated voting machines that didn't properly record some people's votes on computer punch cards. The bottom line was that a lot of Americans never believed George Bush deserved to become President of the United States, and the Supreme Court, in a divided decision, was seen as making a unwarranted decision to stop the election for political reasons.

Since that time, the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was passed by Congress to deal with some of the issues that led to the problems. This article helps update us on where we are today with voting processes across the many states and counties that all do it a little differently.

10 years after Bush v. Gore, new concerns about voting - USATODAY.com:

BTW - The change some wanted us to see, a reform of the electoral college system, has yet to happen.

Court allows agents to secretly put GPS trackers on cars

Without any thoughtful constitutional analysis, my first impression is this is just wrong. What do you think? Is this a violation of 4th Amendment rights?

Court allows agents to secretly put GPS trackers on cars - CNN.com:

Courage by Activists for Gay Rights in Belgrade, Serbia

These marchers were not afraid to put themselves in harm's way to fight for equality and a more democratic society.

Judge Orders End to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy

It seems as though nobody knows for sure what is going to happen next, but for now a judge has ruled that the military policy barring openly gay men and women from serving in the military has to end immediately. But will it? There are a lot of political hurdles...

The story from USA Today.

Another News Clip of Liu Xiaobo

News Clip of Nobel Peace Prize

Some Encouraging Words from Mormon Church

After agreeing to accept a petition from the Human Rights Campaign, LDS leaders issued a statement condemning "acts of cruelty, or attempts to belittle or mock any group that is different...such actions have no place in our society." The statement specifically included people who are targeted because of sexual orientation.

Could the Church statement have gone farther? Of course, but religious institutions tend not to turn on a dime, and I think this is a welcome advance in the cause of seeing all of humanity treated with respect, dignity, and equality.

Mormon church says cruelty toward gays is wrong - USATODAY.com:

The Elusive Youth Vote

The Elusive Youth Vote: - In the last two midterm elections, only one in four people under age 30 voted, about half the rate for recent presidential elections

Is there any reason to expect that the turnout will be different this time? Usually without the excitement of a presidential race, less young people exercise their right to vote. With two wars, an economy that is slumping, and the cost of higher education zooming into the stratosphere, you would think there would be enough incentive for young people to get out there this year.

Any predictions?

Murray vs. Rossi

Who will be representing us in the Senate for the next six years (alongside Maria Cantwell)? Does liberal Democrat Patty Murray deserve a fourth term as U.S. Senator or should former State Senator (and candidate for governor) Dino Rossi, a fairly conservative Republican, deserve a shot at the job?

The T.V. ads have had so many distortions in them, I'd suggest digging around yourself. Here are a few feature articles on the candidates done by the Seattle Times - They are a pretty good place to start.

Local News | Sen. Patty Murray: suburban mom to D.C. power broker | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Rossi counts on voter anger in Senate bid | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Candidates on taxes, Wall Street, Afghanistan | Seattle Times Newspaper

How much protection does offensive speech deserve?

How does the First Amendment deal with this?

The story of the religious fringe group behind the case argued at the Supreme Court this week.

In Topeka, the Price of Free Speech

9 Accused of Torturing 3 in Bronx for Being Gay

This news story was just sickening. On the heels of several suicides involving young gay people, this is just too much. From the N.Y. Times:

9 Accused of Torturing 3 in Bronx for Being Gay - NYTimes.com

Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Chinese Dissident Liu Xiaobo

A very good choice this year - good job Nobel committee - and let us all stand in solidarity with Liu Xiaobo.


Nobel Peace Prize Goes to Chinese Dissident Liu Xiaobo - NYTimes.com

From CBS News:

The First Monday in October

The Supreme Court begins it's term with newcomer Elena Kagan today. A few video reports from NBC news:

First a look at some of the cases the Court will be hearing:


Then, a look at the first day:

Tyler Clementi's Suicide Prompts Debate Over Online Privacy

A debate of the issues raised by Tyler Clementi's suicide:



You can view the debate on the site of PBS NewsHour.

Shock at student's suicide over sex video

Shock, anger, outrage, and sadness. Just some of the emotions many are feeling after the suicide of 18-year old Tyler Clementi, a freshman at Rutgers University. A closeted gay man, his room mate secretly video recorded him having sex with another man and broadcast it on the internet. It was this action that prompted young Tyler Clementi to jump to his death off of the George Washington bridge.
A summary of the story from PBS:




Shock at student's suicide over sex video: Coverage of the reaction by the BBC

For bullied gay teens, the world is still far from accepting Some commentary by Petula Dvorak.

For Many, Health Care Relief Begins Today

For Many, Health Care Relief Begins Today: "As a number of the law’s central provisions take effect, The Times talked to three families about the changes.




"

Move to End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Stalls in Senate

Move to End ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Stalls in Senate: "The Senate voted not to proceed with debate of the annual authorization of military spending that included a provision allowing the repeal of the policy on gay soldiers.


"

Students Take Political Action on the "Dream Act"

Students Spell Out Messages on Immigration:

Support for the Dream Act - It would create a path to legal status for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrant students who arrived in this country before they were sixteen years old, have been here for at least five years, and have graduated high school. They would then need to complete either two years of military service or two years of college to earn the status of a legal resident. (Not citizenship, the naturalization process is yet another process to go through if they wanted to become citizens.)

What Else Was in That "DADT" Bill? A Lot. | Mother Jones

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA

Justice Breyer on the Constitution

No left wing radical, yet someone who stands up to the silly extremes of "originalism", I always enjoy the commentary of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. He's got a new book out, so it's a great time to listen in, as he is making the media rounds promoting his book and his judicial philosophy.

From the Washington Post: Breyer on the Constitution

Unit 2 2010

Question on differences between Virginia and N.J. Plans

Congressional Republicans to Compromise on Tax Cuts?

John Boenher is the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives (head of Republicans). Here is the latest:

Court Dismisses a Case Asserting Torture by C.I.A.

Court Dismisses a Case Asserting Torture by C.I.A.: "A sharply divided appeals court dismissed a lawsuit involving the C.I.A.’s “extraordinary rendition” program.

Visiting Ground Zero, Asking Allah for Comfort

Visiting Ground Zero, Asking Allah for Comfort: "Hadidjatou Karamoko Traoré is a 9/11 widow who has had to balance an overnight job, three children and her Muslim faith.




"

Judge Rules That Military Policy Violates Rights of Gays

Judge Rules That Military Policy Violates Rights of Gays: "While the policy, known as “don’t ask, don’t tell,” will not change right away, the ruling reflects others taking aim at discrimination against homosexuals.




"

Florida Pastor Cancels Koran Burning?

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

Pastor Wants to Burn Korans on 9/11

Sane Americans fear the damage this will do to our image abroad, and may encourage more extremist attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Story from PBS:



Also, a short print version of the story:
NewsHour Extra: Anniversary of Sept. 11 Attacks Highlights Different Attitudes Toward Islam | Sept. 10, 2010 | PBS:

Anti-Muslim Rhetoric on the Rise

From NBC:

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

Rights Groups Sue U.S. on Effort to Kill Cleric

Can the U.S. legally order this American born man to be killed or captured?


Read about the controversy in the N.Y. Times.

ACLU opposes policy of schools seizing student phones in Oak Harbor

Does the right to privacy include a right to your cell phone in school? The ACLU says yes. What do you say?


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2012765244_aclu31m.html

Court Rules Police Can Put GPS in Car

without a warrant.
From CNN

I'm Shocked by this Intolerance

This story really bummed me out. I can't believe there are people in America that think this way.

Battles Around Nation Over Proposed Mosques - NYTimes.com:

Judge blocks key parts of Arizona immigration law | Seattle Times Newspaper

Most of the law has been put on hold - this is not a final ruling, but definately a legal set-back for those in favor of the Arizona law. One of the biggest problems the judge had with the law was based on the Constitution's Supremacy Clause (Article VI) saying that the law would interfere with federal immigration enforcement.

Rights of individuals stopped under this law were also a concern. This article has a summary of major points in the ruling.

Nation & World | Judge blocks key parts of Arizona immigration law | Seattle Times Newspaper

How much has the Court changed under John Roberts?

An article in the NY Times this morning argues that the Court has definately moved to the right, but that the biggest change wasn't a result of Roberts becoming Chief Justice, it was Samuel Alito replacing Sandra Day O'Conner's more moderate swing vote.
Court Under Roberts Is Most Conservative in Decades - NYTimes.com

Also on the NY Times website: A nice 360 degree panoramic photo of the Supreme Court, where arguments with a short (1 minute) narration.