05.02.2013
Under Chairman Bernanke, the combination of ZIRP and QE completed the passage of the Fed from sober protector of a fiat currency to ineffective collection of frantically-flailing, over-educated, posturing bureaucrats engaged in ever more-astounding experiments in monetary extremism.
Article continues..
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Union spends teachers’ money on politics, says suit
05.04.2013
A group of teachers is suing to stop the California teachers union from collecting mandatory agency fees from non-members and spending the money on political activity.
FULL STORY>>
A group of teachers is suing to stop the California teachers union from collecting mandatory agency fees from non-members and spending the money on political activity.
FULL STORY>>
Insider Leak: Number Of Names On Secret U.S. Terror Database Jumps To Nearly A Million
05.04.2013
The number of names on a highly classified U.S. central database used to track suspected terrorists has jumped to 875,000 from 540,000 only five years ago, a U.S. official familiar with the matter said. FULL STORY>>
The number of names on a highly classified U.S. central database used to track suspected terrorists has jumped to 875,000 from 540,000 only five years ago, a U.S. official familiar with the matter said. FULL STORY>>
Israeli warplanes strike Syrian weapons facility
May 4, 2013
"Israel is determined to prevent the transfer of chemical weapons or other game-changing weaponry by the Syrian regime to terrorists, specially to Hizbullah in Lebanon"
FULL STORY
"Israel is determined to prevent the transfer of chemical weapons or other game-changing weaponry by the Syrian regime to terrorists, specially to Hizbullah in Lebanon"
FULL STORY
Friday, May 3, 2013
Where Are Syria’s Chemical Weapons?
05.03.2013
Multiple U.S. officials tell Eli Lake the scary truth: in many cases, we simply don’t know. Plus: irregular militias loyal to Assad have reportedly been training in how to use them.
Continue to article..
Continue to article..
Court OKs Barring High IQs for Cops
05/03/2013
A man whose bid to become a police officer was rejected after he scored too high on an intelligence test has lost an appeal in his federal lawsuit against the city.
Read the Full Story
Read the Full Story
Bombshell CNN Investigation: 3 Al Qaeda Operatives Took Part In Attack On Benghazi Consulate
05.03.2013
According to an investigation by CNN reporters, three Yemeni members of Al Qaeda took part on the coordinated attack on an American consulate and a safe house in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. “One senior U.S. law enforcement official told CNN that “three or four members of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula,” or AQAP, took part in the attack,” CNN reports. FULL STORY
Officials: Boston suspect says bombings were initially planned for 4th of July
05.03.2013
The surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings told the FBI that he and his brother initially considered committing suicide bombings and also planned attacking on the Fourth of July at Boston’s large celebration along the Charles River, according to two law enforcement officials.
Continue to article>>
The surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings told the FBI that he and his brother initially considered committing suicide bombings and also planned attacking on the Fourth of July at Boston’s large celebration along the Charles River, according to two law enforcement officials.
Continue to article>>
Does the Obama Government Really Want to Catch Anyone Involved in the Benghazi Attack?
05.03.2013
A day after the FBI released photos of individuals it says it’s seeking in connection with the Benghazi terrorist attack, I’m still scratching my head. Eight months after an attack that left four Americans dead, this is all the FBI has?
Read the Full Story>>
Read the Full Story>>
The old order is dying. We are living in the age of Farage
05.03.2013
If something can't go on forever it won't. This is the bitter lesson the Coalition has learned today, and will again next year at the European elections. Some of us have been predicting this for some time but I think even the most optimistic among us have been surprised by the suddenness of the change. In the space of half a year, Ukip have gone from being the party of the protest vote to the revolutionary force which threatens to transform the British political scene almost beyond recognition. READ MORE
If something can't go on forever it won't. This is the bitter lesson the Coalition has learned today, and will again next year at the European elections. Some of us have been predicting this for some time but I think even the most optimistic among us have been surprised by the suddenness of the change. In the space of half a year, Ukip have gone from being the party of the protest vote to the revolutionary force which threatens to transform the British political scene almost beyond recognition. READ MORE
On Gitmo, President Obama Isn't Fooling the Press Anymore
05.03.2013
Before Barack Obama was elected president, he won over many civil libertarians and Bush Administration critics by promising to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, arguing that it was wrong and unnecessary to indefinitely lock people in cages without charges, trial, or hope of release. The strong stance he took during the campaign has led many defenders of his White House to conclude that his failure to keep his promises on Gitmo isn't actually his fault. They blame an intransigent Congress. It is, in fact, the case that Congressional Republicans and many Democrats have done their best to thwart all efforts to try, transfer, or release the Gitmo detainees. MORE
Before Barack Obama was elected president, he won over many civil libertarians and Bush Administration critics by promising to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, arguing that it was wrong and unnecessary to indefinitely lock people in cages without charges, trial, or hope of release. The strong stance he took during the campaign has led many defenders of his White House to conclude that his failure to keep his promises on Gitmo isn't actually his fault. They blame an intransigent Congress. It is, in fact, the case that Congressional Republicans and many Democrats have done their best to thwart all efforts to try, transfer, or release the Gitmo detainees. MORE
Small Business Struggles to Survive, All Because of Gun-Shaped Lighter
May 03, 2013
The owner of a small business in New York City is facing a $60,000 fine, thousands in legal fees, and the potential loss of his business — all because he carried a dozen three-inch, gun-shaped lighters which caught the eye of a city inspector. MORE
The owner of a small business in New York City is facing a $60,000 fine, thousands in legal fees, and the potential loss of his business — all because he carried a dozen three-inch, gun-shaped lighters which caught the eye of a city inspector. MORE
How many lone wolves make a pack?
05.03.2013
Of course, we’re still supposed to believe this was a “lone-wolf” operation. A lone wolf here, a lone wolf there, three more lone wolves brought into court on Wednesday. How many lone wolves, as somebody asked, does it take to make a wolf pack? Continue reading..
Of course, we’re still supposed to believe this was a “lone-wolf” operation. A lone wolf here, a lone wolf there, three more lone wolves brought into court on Wednesday. How many lone wolves, as somebody asked, does it take to make a wolf pack? Continue reading..
Free Speech Under Fire in Canada
05.03.2013
Here is yet another instance of the Islamic supremacist/leftist war on free speech -- particularly egregious in the wake of the Boston Marathon jihad bombings. FULL STORY
Here is yet another instance of the Islamic supremacist/leftist war on free speech -- particularly egregious in the wake of the Boston Marathon jihad bombings. FULL STORY
Radicalizing the Military
5.3.13
Until recently, the military had seemed able to preserve its traditions and principles against radical outside influences. This was due largely to the fact that members voluntarily surrendered their self-interest. By enlisting, they accepted the limits and code of the service they joined, and implicitly made their individuality secondary to the greater good. GO TO STORY
Until recently, the military had seemed able to preserve its traditions and principles against radical outside influences. This was due largely to the fact that members voluntarily surrendered their self-interest. By enlisting, they accepted the limits and code of the service they joined, and implicitly made their individuality secondary to the greater good. GO TO STORY
Clarence Thomas: Obama 'Approved By The Elites' Because He Says What They 'Expect From A Black Person'
May 3, 2013
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas ripped the media and took a subtle dig at President Obama during an CSPAN interview dated from April 6th.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas ripped the media and took a subtle dig at President Obama during an CSPAN interview dated from April 6th.
WATCH THE VIDEO
Social Distortion: President Obama Calls on Americans to 'Reflect on Sacredness of Life' on Nat'l Day of Prayer
May 3, 2013
President Obama issued his annual proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer, a long-standing 62-year tradition that began with Democratic President Harry Truman MORE
President Obama issued his annual proclamation declaring the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer, a long-standing 62-year tradition that began with Democratic President Harry Truman MORE
SHERIFF: 'We want people to call us if guy down street hates government'
5.3.13
Palm Beach County sheriff gets $1 million for violence prevention unit amid questions about civil liberties, care for mentally ill
READ MORE
Palm Beach County sheriff gets $1 million for violence prevention unit amid questions about civil liberties, care for mentally ill
READ MORE
CBS: Illegals Entering US Triple With Talk of Immigration Reform
5.3.13
Arrests of illegal immigrants crossing into the United States have nearly tripled in recent months in anticipation of Congressional efforts to enact comprehensive immigration legislation, border patrol agents told CBS News Wednesday.
“Once the first group gets across, they call their family, they call their friends and let them know, ‘Hey the time is right, come on over,’” Border Patrol agent and union representative Chris Cabrera told CBS News.
In March, 7,500 illegals were arrested in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, which includes McAllen, Cabrera told CBS News. That’s up from 2,800 in January. READ MORE
Arrests of illegal immigrants crossing into the United States have nearly tripled in recent months in anticipation of Congressional efforts to enact comprehensive immigration legislation, border patrol agents told CBS News Wednesday.
“Once the first group gets across, they call their family, they call their friends and let them know, ‘Hey the time is right, come on over,’” Border Patrol agent and union representative Chris Cabrera told CBS News.
In March, 7,500 illegals were arrested in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, which includes McAllen, Cabrera told CBS News. That’s up from 2,800 in January. READ MORE
Drinking Ice Tea While Being Black: Man Drinking Iced Tea In Parking Lot Gets Arrested
5.3.13
A recent YouTube video captured an overzealous security guard accusing a 24-year-old man of drinking alcohol in the parking lot of a liquor store, and then subsequently arresting him. The kicker, of course, was that the 24-year-old was only drinking Arizona brand Half and Half Iced Tea.
Warning, video contains strong language
A recent YouTube video captured an overzealous security guard accusing a 24-year-old man of drinking alcohol in the parking lot of a liquor store, and then subsequently arresting him. The kicker, of course, was that the 24-year-old was only drinking Arizona brand Half and Half Iced Tea.
Warning, video contains strong language
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Chinese Hackers Steal Info from US Defense Contractor for Several Years
05.02.2013
Starting with 2007, at least 30 US defense contractors have been targeted by the Comment Crew, the notorious hacker collective that’s believed to be funded by the Chinese government. One of these companies was QinetiQ North America.
QinetiQ provides the US government with software used by the military, drones, robots, helicopters, satellites, weapon systems, and many other technologies that contribute to national security.
According to an extensive report from Bloomberg, the hackers targeted the company since at least 2007. Since at least 2009, it’s believed they’ve been continuously operating in the organization’s networks, stealing a wide range of classified documents.
FULL STORY
Starting with 2007, at least 30 US defense contractors have been targeted by the Comment Crew, the notorious hacker collective that’s believed to be funded by the Chinese government. One of these companies was QinetiQ North America.
QinetiQ provides the US government with software used by the military, drones, robots, helicopters, satellites, weapon systems, and many other technologies that contribute to national security.
According to an extensive report from Bloomberg, the hackers targeted the company since at least 2007. Since at least 2009, it’s believed they’ve been continuously operating in the organization’s networks, stealing a wide range of classified documents.
FULL STORY
Nevermind 94% of Blacks Voting for Obama: Obama housing nominee: Most white people won’t vote for black candidate, should be excluded from ‘democratic process’
May 2nd, 2013
President Obama’s pick to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency once said that a “majority of white voters” would never vote for a black candidate and that they should be excluded from “the democratic process.”
The White House announced Wednesday that Obama will nominate Democratic North Carolina Congressman Mel Watt to take over the FHFA, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the country’s government sponsored mortgage companies.
FULL STORY
President Obama’s pick to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency once said that a “majority of white voters” would never vote for a black candidate and that they should be excluded from “the democratic process.”
The White House announced Wednesday that Obama will nominate Democratic North Carolina Congressman Mel Watt to take over the FHFA, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the country’s government sponsored mortgage companies.
FULL STORY
BUSTED: Nasty Lib Activist Threatened Herself With Rape – Blamed It on Conservatives …Update: Think Progress Award-Winning Blogger and Pals With Bill Ayers
May 2nd, 2013
Stunner!
Nasty liberal student activist Meg Lanker-Simons faked a hate crime last week. The liberal threatened herself with rape and blamed it on local conservatives. Police later discovered Lanker-Simons posted the threats herself. MORE>>
Stunner!
 |
| Eww! As if... |
He-She-It-Ville: New Washington State Law Bans Words 'Penmanship,' 'Freshman,' 'Fisherman' as Sexist
May 2nd, 2013
Political correctness is alive and well in the state of Washington. Governor Jay Inslee recently signed legislation requiring the state to rewrite it laws using gender-neutral vocabulary – replacing terms such as “fisherman” and “freshman” with “fisher” and “first-year student.” Seriously. From Reuters:
Washington lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to eliminate gender bias in the state’s statutes, and a 1983 mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms – unless a specification of gender was intended....
Keep Reading....
Political correctness is alive and well in the state of Washington. Governor Jay Inslee recently signed legislation requiring the state to rewrite it laws using gender-neutral vocabulary – replacing terms such as “fisherman” and “freshman” with “fisher” and “first-year student.” Seriously. From Reuters:
Washington lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to eliminate gender bias in the state’s statutes, and a 1983 mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms – unless a specification of gender was intended....
Keep Reading....
Botched ObamaCare rollout tops Democratic fears for 2014 election
May 2nd, 2013
Anxious Democrats fear a botched implementation of ObamaCare could dash their hopes of controlling the House and Senate for President Obama’s last two years in office.
At his press conference Tuesday, Obama acknowledged “glitches and bumps” in the law’s rollout, but some congressional Democrats fear much worse.
FULL STORY
Anxious Democrats fear a botched implementation of ObamaCare could dash their hopes of controlling the House and Senate for President Obama’s last two years in office.
At his press conference Tuesday, Obama acknowledged “glitches and bumps” in the law’s rollout, but some congressional Democrats fear much worse.
FULL STORY
Poll: Obamacare Support Slumps to 35 Percent
May 2nd, 2013
“Obamacare’s popularity has plunged steadily since November, according to monthly polling … by the Kaiser Family Foundation. … statistically tied with its lowest level of support since it passed in March 2010. … The poll … found that just 35 percent of Americans view Obamacare ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ favorably, down 8 points since Election Day. Only once since the law passed has support run lower … 34 percent … in October 2011. … The poll found that with just a few months until the key coverage expansion provisions go into effect, more than 40 percent of Americans don’t know it’s on the books. About half of that group believes it’s been repealed by Congress or overturned by the Supreme Court, and the rest aren’t sure.”
Continue to article...
Continue to article...
Psychotic Democrats throw as much shit against the wall as possible to keep "The Sky is Falling" mentality alive
May 2nd, 2013
Just When You Think Democrats Couldn’t Possibly Get Any Crazier …
Lance Burri points out the oddity of “early marriage” — an evil as bad as HIV, according to Democrats — being listed among the harmful effects attributed to global warming.
KEEP READING>>
Just When You Think Democrats Couldn’t Possibly Get Any Crazier …
Lance Burri points out the oddity of “early marriage” — an evil as bad as HIV, according to Democrats — being listed among the harmful effects attributed to global warming.
KEEP READING>>
Indoctrinational FAIL: 41% of College Graduates Underemployed
May 2nd, 2013
The Accenture 2013 College Graduate Employment Survey explored expectations and experiences of US college graduates from the classes of 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to education, skills, job searches, salary expectations, debt and post-graduation living arrangements.
The research suggests that many US college graduates are underemployed and working in jobs that do not require their college degrees. The research also shows that, despite their degrees, most college graduates think they need additional education or training to secure the jobs they want.
Read the Outlook Point of View
The Accenture 2013 College Graduate Employment Survey explored expectations and experiences of US college graduates from the classes of 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to education, skills, job searches, salary expectations, debt and post-graduation living arrangements.
The research suggests that many US college graduates are underemployed and working in jobs that do not require their college degrees. The research also shows that, despite their degrees, most college graduates think they need additional education or training to secure the jobs they want.
Read the Outlook Point of View
New York School Used as Testing Ground for Meatless Agenda. Free School Lunch? You'll eat what we feed ya, or pack your own!
May 2nd, 2013
Elementary School Cafeteria Goes Vegetarian
"If the herbivore-friendly grub doesn't suit students, Groff said they're always welcome to pack their lunch, including meat."
FULL STORY>>
Elementary School Cafeteria Goes Vegetarian
"If the herbivore-friendly grub doesn't suit students, Groff said they're always welcome to pack their lunch, including meat."
FULL STORY>>
Foreign Holdings of US Securities Have Exploded
May 2nd, 2013
Foreign holdings have more than doubled since 2005 and are getting close to the $15 trillion total size of the U.S. economy
Full Story>>
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Full Story>>
Sorry Obama-shielding Democrats: Ted Cruz Can Be Born in Canada and Still Become President of the U.S.
May 2nd, 2013
The Calgary-born Texas senator is considering a bid for the Oval Office. Let's nip those birther questions in the bud right now.
FULL STORY>>
The Calgary-born Texas senator is considering a bid for the Oval Office. Let's nip those birther questions in the bud right now.
FULL STORY>>
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Mother Finds Out Aborted Baby Feet Gosnell Kept Belonged to Her Baby
5.1.13
As the nation awaits the results of the Kermit Gosnell murder trial, a columnist who helped get some national coverage of the trial of the abortion practitioner is highlighting one woman’s tragic story. FULL STORY
As the nation awaits the results of the Kermit Gosnell murder trial, a columnist who helped get some national coverage of the trial of the abortion practitioner is highlighting one woman’s tragic story. FULL STORY
Saudi Arabia 'warned the United States IN WRITING about Boston Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev in 2012'
5.1.13
Saudis developed intelligence separately from Russia, which also warned the U.S. about the accused Boston bomber
A letter to the Department of Homeland Security allegedly named Tsarnaev and three Pakistanis as potential jihadis worthy of U.S. investigation
Red flags from Saudi Arabia to have included Tsarnaev's name and information about a planned explosive attack on a major U.S. city
Saudi foreign minister, national security chief both met with Obama in the oval office in early 2013
FULL STORY
Saudis developed intelligence separately from Russia, which also warned the U.S. about the accused Boston bomber
A letter to the Department of Homeland Security allegedly named Tsarnaev and three Pakistanis as potential jihadis worthy of U.S. investigation
Red flags from Saudi Arabia to have included Tsarnaev's name and information about a planned explosive attack on a major U.S. city
Saudi foreign minister, national security chief both met with Obama in the oval office in early 2013
FULL STORY
Redskins Star QB RGIII Blasts ‘Tyranny of Political Correctness’ — The Left Freaks Out
5.1.13
“In a land of freedom we are held hostage by the tyranny of political correctness,” Griffin tweeted.
The comment may seem innocent, but it was enough to send the left into a frenzy, as noted on Twitchy.
Here are some of the responses:
“In a land of freedom we are held hostage by the tyranny of political correctness,” Griffin tweeted.
The comment may seem innocent, but it was enough to send the left into a frenzy, as noted on Twitchy.
Here are some of the responses:
Here we go: Obama preparing to send “lethal arms” to Syrian rebels, say senior admin officials
5.1.13
President Obama is preparing to send lethal weaponry to the Syrian opposition and has taken steps to assert more aggressive U.S. leadership among allies and partners seeking the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, according to senior administration officials.
What could go wrong?
READ MORE
President Obama is preparing to send lethal weaponry to the Syrian opposition and has taken steps to assert more aggressive U.S. leadership among allies and partners seeking the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, according to senior administration officials.
What could go wrong?
READ MORE
BREAKING: Rep. Trey Gowdy Says Eyewitnesses Will Testify Next Week at Benghazi Hearing (Video)
5.1.13
Hear Come the Whistle-Blowers–
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) spilled the beans tonight on the Benghazi hearings scheduled for May 8th. Gowdy said “first hand witnesses” will be testifying on the massacre and coverup. He told Greta – she won’t want to miss it...
FULL STORY
Hear Come the Whistle-Blowers–
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) spilled the beans tonight on the Benghazi hearings scheduled for May 8th. Gowdy said “first hand witnesses” will be testifying on the massacre and coverup. He told Greta – she won’t want to miss it...
FULL STORY
VIDEO: 14 Illegals in 24 Seconds (Crossing the Border Into Arizona)
5.1.13
Did you know that last year alone, 7,518 illegal aliens from terror-sponsoring nations were apprehended after crossing the border? How many did we miss? After all we only catch 40% of illegals who cross the border.
KEEP READING
Did you know that last year alone, 7,518 illegal aliens from terror-sponsoring nations were apprehended after crossing the border? How many did we miss? After all we only catch 40% of illegals who cross the border.
KEEP READING
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Arrested
5.1.13
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was arrested and held for seven hours Monday and warned to keep his mouth shut about matters detrimental to the Islamic regime before he was released, according to a source within the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence unit.
FULL STORY
FULL STORY
The Culture of Death Marches On: FDA Approves Sale of Plan B Morning After Pill to Teenagers
5.1.13
The FDA made it official today saying the morning after pill known as Plan B should be available without a prescription for teenagers starting at age 15.
“Plan B One-Step will not stop a pregnancy when a woman is already pregnant, and there is no medical evidence that the product will harm a developing fetus,” the FDA said in a statement.
Continue to article..
The FDA made it official today saying the morning after pill known as Plan B should be available without a prescription for teenagers starting at age 15.
“Plan B One-Step will not stop a pregnancy when a woman is already pregnant, and there is no medical evidence that the product will harm a developing fetus,” the FDA said in a statement.
Continue to article..
Abbas: Palestinians who kill Jews cannot be punished
5.1.13
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas again insisted at a two-day “Freedom and Dignity” conference in Ramallah last week that Palestinians who murder Israeli Jews cannot be punished.
FULL STORY
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas again insisted at a two-day “Freedom and Dignity” conference in Ramallah last week that Palestinians who murder Israeli Jews cannot be punished.
FULL STORY
NBC Cancels Radical Left Wing “The Chris Matthews Show”
5.1.13
Tuesday NBC News, a radical left wing news organization, announced they mercifully will be ending “The Chris Matthews Show,” an unwatched syndicated public affairs production broadcast out of the NBC News Washington D.C. bureau.
The final edition of the dismal program will be forced onto the airwaves July 21.
Article continues...
The final edition of the dismal program will be forced onto the airwaves July 21.
Article continues...
No really.... Democrats: Global Warming will force women into prostitution
5/1/13
A number House Democrats have written a resolution calling on Congress to recognize that climate change will hurt the plight of women more than men; driving women into “transactional sex” for survival — among other horrible fates.
FULL STORY
FULL STORY
Roy Moore making eligibility backers desperate?
5.1.13
Democrat brief quotes late-night comedian in effort to get case dismissed
The Democratic Party has jumped into a Barack Obama eligibility case before Judge Roy Moore’s Alabama Supreme Court, filing an uninvited brief that even quotes late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel in an effort to see the case dismissed.
FULL STORY
Democrat brief quotes late-night comedian in effort to get case dismissed
The Democratic Party has jumped into a Barack Obama eligibility case before Judge Roy Moore’s Alabama Supreme Court, filing an uninvited brief that even quotes late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel in an effort to see the case dismissed.
FULL STORY
Update: Sheriff Joe's Obama Identity Document Fraud Investigation Headed For Prosecution?
5.1.13
Carl Gallups of PPSIMMONS and the Freedom Friday With Carl Gallups Radio Program reports that he just had a lengthy conversation with Lt. Mike Zullo, lead investigator in the Obama Fraud case. Gallups says that there is late breaking news in the rapidly growing movement for a potential prosecution of this matter. KEEP READING
Obama critic disinvited from Morehouse graduation ceremonies
5/1/13
A prominent pastor was allegedly disinvited from speaking at Morehouse College’s baccalaureate service this week after he criticized President Barack Obama, who will deliver the school’s commencement address. FULL STORY
OUCH! Pope: Dignity for the Dhaka workers, dignity for the jobless
5/1/13
(Vatican Radio) A society that “does not pay a just wage”, that “does not give work” to people; a society that “that only looks to its balance books, that only seeks profit” is unjust and goes against God. It is work - not power, not money, not culture – that gives men and women a sense of dignity. By stripping them of work, society strips them of their God given dignity...
(Vatican Radio) A society that “does not pay a just wage”, that “does not give work” to people; a society that “that only looks to its balance books, that only seeks profit” is unjust and goes against God. It is work - not power, not money, not culture – that gives men and women a sense of dignity. By stripping them of work, society strips them of their God given dignity...
ACLU wants police to hire drug dealer
May 1, 2013
Pittsburgh defends effort to hire minorities as police officers
Pittsburgh officials defended their efforts to improve police bureau diversity Tuesday, assailing the backgrounds of plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit, while an audit suggested that recruiting of minorities had improved, even if hiring had not. READ MORE
Pittsburgh defends effort to hire minorities as police officers
Pittsburgh officials defended their efforts to improve police bureau diversity Tuesday, assailing the backgrounds of plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit, while an audit suggested that recruiting of minorities had improved, even if hiring had not. READ MORE
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Female DNA Found on Bomb in Boston
04/30/2013
Investigators Unsure Whether Evidence Means a Woman Aided in the Attack; Russians Allege Suspect's Ties to Jihadists
Investigators have found female DNA on at least one of the bombs used in the Boston Marathon attacks, though they haven't determined whose DNA it is or whether its presence means a woman helped the two brothers suspected in the bombings, according to U.S. officials briefed on the probe.
In another development, Russian officials revealed details about contacts between the older brother and suspected Islamist radicals in the Caucasus, including Internet exchanges that led to concerns by investigators that he was trying to join up with jihadist fighters.
Speaking Monday about the DNA discovery, the U.S. officials cautioned that there could be multiple explanations for why genetic material from someone other than the two bombing suspects—Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his younger brother, Dzhokhar—could have been found on remnants of the exploded devices. It could have come, for example, from a store clerk who handled materials used in the bombs or a stray hair that ended up in the bomb.
Monday, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents visited the Rhode Island home of the parents of Katherine Russell, the widow of Tamerlan Tsarnaev. He died after a shootout with police four days after the April 15 bombings.
"The FBI is there as part of our ongoing investigation, but we aren't permitted to discuss specific aspects of the case," said FBI spokesman Jason Pack.
Ms. Russell has been staying with her parents since the bombings, and FBI agents have been seen posted outside the house since her late husband was identified as one of the bombers. Her lawyer has said she is "doing everything she can to assist with the investigation."
One official familiar with the case said agents went to the house Monday to collect a DNA sample from Ms. Russell, the culmination of days of negotiations. FBI officials also have been negotiating with Ms. Russell's attorney in recent days to gain fuller access to question her, the officials familiar with the case said. The officials said the DNA request was needed to determine whether it matched the DNA found on the bomb remnants.
Ms. Russell is one of as many as a half-dozen people in whom investigators are interested as they seek to determine if the brothers had any help in the bomb attack or the days afterward, the officials said. Ms. Russell's lawyer didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about the latest developments.
Investigators have no evidence that any of the associates of the brothers had knowledge of the bombing plot, and they believe that if anyone helped to dispose of evidence—a point that remains uncertain—it may have been unwitting, according to officials briefed on the investigation.
Both U.S. and Russian authorities are trying to learn more about Tamerlan Tsarnaev's activities while staying in Russia from January to July of 2012. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Monday and agreed to boost antiterror cooperation, officials on both sides said.
Two Russian government officials said Tamerlan Tsarnaev exchanged notes over the Internet with William Plotnikov, a boxer who moved with his parents from Russia to Canada before joining militants in the North Caucasus. And they said Mr. Tsarnaev met several times in early 2012 with Mansur Makhmud Nidal, an alleged militant from the Russian province of Dagestan and suspected jihadist recruiter. The meetings happened in a mosque in Dagestan's capital of Makhachkala known for its adherence to a puritanical strain of Islam, they said.
The Tsarnaevs' parents have denied their sons were involved in terrorism.
Mr. Nidal died in a firefight in Makhachkala last May after a five-hour standoff that ended with him throwing a grenade at police officials, according to Russian authorities. Mr. Plotnikov died two months later, in mid-July, during a raid in the hinterland of Utamysh, a village southwest of Makhachkala.
Mr. Tsarnaev was in the region at the time of both raids but left Russia for the U.S. three days after the second one. He left before picking up a Russian passport that had been prepared for him at the local migration office in Dagestan's capital.
"He intended to join the fighters, but he lost his contacts," one of the Russian officials said. "In the end he picked an easier enemy in Boston."
The Russian officials said it was unclear whether Mr. Tsarnaev and Mr. Plotnikov ever met in person. The parents of the two boxers say they don't recall any interaction between the two. There are no indications that the two men ever boxed together, and Russian officials haven't yet produced any of the online communication that they say exists.
A U.S. official said Russian authorities haven't shared any information about Mr. Tsarnaev related to contact with any suspected militants during his trip last year to Dagestan. Several U.S. officials, however, said they believe Russia has more information about Mr. Tsarnaev that hasn't been handed over.
—Paul Sonne contributed to this article.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Investigators Unsure Whether Evidence Means a Woman Aided in the Attack; Russians Allege Suspect's Ties to Jihadists
 |
| Remnants of a pressure-cooker bomb used in the Boston attack that killed three people. |
In another development, Russian officials revealed details about contacts between the older brother and suspected Islamist radicals in the Caucasus, including Internet exchanges that led to concerns by investigators that he was trying to join up with jihadist fighters.
Speaking Monday about the DNA discovery, the U.S. officials cautioned that there could be multiple explanations for why genetic material from someone other than the two bombing suspects—Tamerlan Tsarnaev and his younger brother, Dzhokhar—could have been found on remnants of the exploded devices. It could have come, for example, from a store clerk who handled materials used in the bombs or a stray hair that ended up in the bomb.
Monday, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents visited the Rhode Island home of the parents of Katherine Russell, the widow of Tamerlan Tsarnaev. He died after a shootout with police four days after the April 15 bombings.
"The FBI is there as part of our ongoing investigation, but we aren't permitted to discuss specific aspects of the case," said FBI spokesman Jason Pack.
Ms. Russell has been staying with her parents since the bombings, and FBI agents have been seen posted outside the house since her late husband was identified as one of the bombers. Her lawyer has said she is "doing everything she can to assist with the investigation."
One official familiar with the case said agents went to the house Monday to collect a DNA sample from Ms. Russell, the culmination of days of negotiations. FBI officials also have been negotiating with Ms. Russell's attorney in recent days to gain fuller access to question her, the officials familiar with the case said. The officials said the DNA request was needed to determine whether it matched the DNA found on the bomb remnants.
Ms. Russell is one of as many as a half-dozen people in whom investigators are interested as they seek to determine if the brothers had any help in the bomb attack or the days afterward, the officials said. Ms. Russell's lawyer didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about the latest developments.
Investigators have no evidence that any of the associates of the brothers had knowledge of the bombing plot, and they believe that if anyone helped to dispose of evidence—a point that remains uncertain—it may have been unwitting, according to officials briefed on the investigation.
Both U.S. and Russian authorities are trying to learn more about Tamerlan Tsarnaev's activities while staying in Russia from January to July of 2012. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Monday and agreed to boost antiterror cooperation, officials on both sides said.
Two Russian government officials said Tamerlan Tsarnaev exchanged notes over the Internet with William Plotnikov, a boxer who moved with his parents from Russia to Canada before joining militants in the North Caucasus. And they said Mr. Tsarnaev met several times in early 2012 with Mansur Makhmud Nidal, an alleged militant from the Russian province of Dagestan and suspected jihadist recruiter. The meetings happened in a mosque in Dagestan's capital of Makhachkala known for its adherence to a puritanical strain of Islam, they said.
The Tsarnaevs' parents have denied their sons were involved in terrorism.
Mr. Nidal died in a firefight in Makhachkala last May after a five-hour standoff that ended with him throwing a grenade at police officials, according to Russian authorities. Mr. Plotnikov died two months later, in mid-July, during a raid in the hinterland of Utamysh, a village southwest of Makhachkala.
Mr. Tsarnaev was in the region at the time of both raids but left Russia for the U.S. three days after the second one. He left before picking up a Russian passport that had been prepared for him at the local migration office in Dagestan's capital.
"He intended to join the fighters, but he lost his contacts," one of the Russian officials said. "In the end he picked an easier enemy in Boston."
The Russian officials said it was unclear whether Mr. Tsarnaev and Mr. Plotnikov ever met in person. The parents of the two boxers say they don't recall any interaction between the two. There are no indications that the two men ever boxed together, and Russian officials haven't yet produced any of the online communication that they say exists.
A U.S. official said Russian authorities haven't shared any information about Mr. Tsarnaev related to contact with any suspected militants during his trip last year to Dagestan. Several U.S. officials, however, said they believe Russia has more information about Mr. Tsarnaev that hasn't been handed over.
—Paul Sonne contributed to this article.
Source: Wall Street Journal
How many people in Pa. are on food stamps?
04/30/2013
Food stamp usage across the United States is at an all-time high. Here's what the picture looks like in Pennsylvania.
Food stamp usage across the United States is at an all-time high. Here's what the picture looks like in Pennsylvania.
LISTEN: State Dept. Blocks Lawyers from Representing Benghazi Whistleblowers
04/30/2013
The State Department is blocking local lawyer Victoria Toensing from representing whistleblowers on the 2012 Benghazi attacks, according to her legal partner and husband Joe DiGenova. Teonsing wants to represent such whistleblowers at the upcoming Congressional hearings about the Benghazi case.
"The Department of State is refusing to grant clearances to Victoria and other people who want to represent the whistleblowers in an attempt to prevent the testimony," DiGenova said.
On April 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Ca) sent a letter to Dept. of State secretary John Kerry demanding that lawyers who would represent these whistleblowers would be given clearances so they could talk to their clients about classified information, DiGenova said.
DiGenova added that there will be a "constitutional showdown" if Toensing and other lawyers don't get clearance.
"Congress is going to win," he said. "The administration's effort to cover up what happened in Benghazi is going to fail."
Source: WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved
"The Department of State is refusing to grant clearances to Victoria and other people who want to represent the whistleblowers in an attempt to prevent the testimony," DiGenova said.
On April 26, Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Ca) sent a letter to Dept. of State secretary John Kerry demanding that lawyers who would represent these whistleblowers would be given clearances so they could talk to their clients about classified information, DiGenova said.
DiGenova added that there will be a "constitutional showdown" if Toensing and other lawyers don't get clearance.
"Congress is going to win," he said. "The administration's effort to cover up what happened in Benghazi is going to fail."
Source: WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved
"Liberal Chick" Gets College Students to Sign Pressure Cooker Ban!
04/30/2013
Liberal Chick is back and completely off her rocker. This time the zany Leftist wants pressure cookers banned in light of the Boston Terrorist Attack. The sad thing is she finds dozens of college students ready to outlaw them as well. Cockle-Doodle-Do!
Source: Clash Daily
Liberal Chick is back and completely off her rocker. This time the zany Leftist wants pressure cookers banned in light of the Boston Terrorist Attack. The sad thing is she finds dozens of college students ready to outlaw them as well. Cockle-Doodle-Do!
Source: Clash Daily
5 Stats That Show Obama Isn't Focused On the Economy
04/30/2013
(IJReview) - President Obama has focused on many, many things, but it seems like the economy is not his top priority. What leads me to believe this?
4-years into his presidency, the civilian workforce participation rate hit its lowest level since the fall of 1978 …when Jimmy Carter was president.
After promising taxes on the middle class would not go up, the middle class was hit with a 2% hike in the payroll tax.
The White House acknowledges that their budget proposal doesn’t balance the budget …ever.
Do I really need to discuss the $6 trillion in new debt added under Obama after he promised to cut deficits in half?
For the Liberals out there reading this, I’ll save you some time commenting: Bush wasn’t good for the economy either. But this is not about Bush vs. Obama or Republicans vs. Democrats; this is about the solvency of a nation. Continuing to neglect our debt will have consequences. Sure, we might not see those consequences today or tomorrow, but they are definitively there, and continuing to scoff at our debt situation will prove to weigh down our economic growth, and subsequently our power.
We’ve seen a lot of attention paid to health care, gun control, and immigration, but the economy is still the most important issue to Americans …by a long shot.
Below you will find 5 statistics about Obama’s presidency that will make you wish he was more focused on the economy.
[Source: Government Accountability Institute's Presidential Calendar: A Time-Based Analysis]
 |
| President Obama has spent 3.6% of his total work time in economic meetings or briefings of any kind (assuming a 6-day, 10-hour work week) throughout his entire presidency. |
4-years into his presidency, the civilian workforce participation rate hit its lowest level since the fall of 1978 …when Jimmy Carter was president.
After promising taxes on the middle class would not go up, the middle class was hit with a 2% hike in the payroll tax.
The White House acknowledges that their budget proposal doesn’t balance the budget …ever.
Do I really need to discuss the $6 trillion in new debt added under Obama after he promised to cut deficits in half?
For the Liberals out there reading this, I’ll save you some time commenting: Bush wasn’t good for the economy either. But this is not about Bush vs. Obama or Republicans vs. Democrats; this is about the solvency of a nation. Continuing to neglect our debt will have consequences. Sure, we might not see those consequences today or tomorrow, but they are definitively there, and continuing to scoff at our debt situation will prove to weigh down our economic growth, and subsequently our power.
We’ve seen a lot of attention paid to health care, gun control, and immigration, but the economy is still the most important issue to Americans …by a long shot.
Below you will find 5 statistics about Obama’s presidency that will make you wish he was more focused on the economy.
 |
| President Obama has spent a total of 474.4 hours in economic meetings or briefings of any kind. That’s equivalent to 47.4 10-hour workweeks. |
 |
| In 2013, President Obama has spent 6 total hours in economic meetings of any kind. |
 |
| Throughout 2009, President Obama had 140 days with economic meetings. By 2012, the number of days with a scheduled economic meeting decreased to 29. |
 |
| Throughout his time in office, President Obama has played 115 total rounds of golf and spent 86 days on vacation, for an estimated combined total of 976 hours. (Assumes 4-hours for round of golf, 6-hours of leisure time each day of vacation.) |
[Source: Government Accountability Institute's Presidential Calendar: A Time-Based Analysis]
A racist Michigan Republican rears her head.
04/30/2013
(Wake Up Black America) - I guess I have to admit it. Liberals always told me that racism is a Republican thing solely, but I didn't listen. They said that the "R" in republican stood for racist, but did I listen? Of course I didn't listen, and do you now why I didn't listen? Because what progressives have been saying about the both parties is now and will always bee "ABSOLUTE BS"!! Progressives Democrats still live in a self created dream land. They have convinced themselves that any sort of white racism is a Republican thing, yet they have managed to turn a blind eye to the racist traits of white Democrats. Oh you didn't know that there is such a thing as "white" Democrats? I know, if you listened to the left, one couldn't help to come to the conclusion that all whites belong to the Republican Party. Leave it to me to once again debunk insanity passed off as the new reality by progressives. Can anyone imagine what would happen if a Republican female who held a position in the local or state party called a black person an "arrogant nigger"? Oh snap!!,the response would be fierce, it would be national news. I've always said that racism or racial hatred isn't owned by any political party. Progressives haven't figured that out. In their la la land childish way of thinking, they believe that the Democratic Party is all about racial harmony and diversity. They might be in need of a cold slap wake up call. Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko is resisting demands that she step down after another local official, Interim Township Manager Dexter Mitchell (a Democrat), taped a phone conversation in which Platko referred to Township Supervisor Dwayne Parker (also a Democrat) as “an arrogant nigger.”
What Ms Platko said is perfectly ok actually. "She had thanksgiving dinner with black people".! I wonder did she take any of the dark meat on the turkey? At least she didn't do like what white Democratic politicians do around election time, go to black churches for 15 minutes to 20 minutes and clap off key. This story will never make the national news, because Ms Platko is a Democrat and the national media has to keep the illusion going, but at least the local media did their job in reporting on the not so racially compassionate "Democrat".
(Wake Up Black America) - I guess I have to admit it. Liberals always told me that racism is a Republican thing solely, but I didn't listen. They said that the "R" in republican stood for racist, but did I listen? Of course I didn't listen, and do you now why I didn't listen? Because what progressives have been saying about the both parties is now and will always bee "ABSOLUTE BS"!! Progressives Democrats still live in a self created dream land. They have convinced themselves that any sort of white racism is a Republican thing, yet they have managed to turn a blind eye to the racist traits of white Democrats. Oh you didn't know that there is such a thing as "white" Democrats? I know, if you listened to the left, one couldn't help to come to the conclusion that all whites belong to the Republican Party. Leave it to me to once again debunk insanity passed off as the new reality by progressives. Can anyone imagine what would happen if a Republican female who held a position in the local or state party called a black person an "arrogant nigger"? Oh snap!!,the response would be fierce, it would be national news. I've always said that racism or racial hatred isn't owned by any political party. Progressives haven't figured that out. In their la la land childish way of thinking, they believe that the Democratic Party is all about racial harmony and diversity. They might be in need of a cold slap wake up call. Buena Vista Township Clerk Gloria Platko is resisting demands that she step down after another local official, Interim Township Manager Dexter Mitchell (a Democrat), taped a phone conversation in which Platko referred to Township Supervisor Dwayne Parker (also a Democrat) as “an arrogant nigger.”
What Ms Platko said is perfectly ok actually. "She had thanksgiving dinner with black people".! I wonder did she take any of the dark meat on the turkey? At least she didn't do like what white Democratic politicians do around election time, go to black churches for 15 minutes to 20 minutes and clap off key. This story will never make the national news, because Ms Platko is a Democrat and the national media has to keep the illusion going, but at least the local media did their job in reporting on the not so racially compassionate "Democrat".
Obama Administration Alleged To Have Deliberately Edited and Whitewashed Benghazi Talking Points
04/30/2013
A new report by five House Republican committee chairmen, released Tuesday afternoon, claims the White House and State Department deliberately removed references to al Qaeda, as well as references to other recent attacks in Benghazi, from its talking points regarding the Benghazi attack. According to the report, internal emails, during the days immediately following the September 11, 2012 attack on the compound, show that such references were removed.
FULL STORY
A new report by five House Republican committee chairmen, released Tuesday afternoon, claims the White House and State Department deliberately removed references to al Qaeda, as well as references to other recent attacks in Benghazi, from its talking points regarding the Benghazi attack. According to the report, internal emails, during the days immediately following the September 11, 2012 attack on the compound, show that such references were removed.
FULL STORY
Monday, April 29, 2013
Name That Party: Aftermath of forgery trial
April 29, 2013
Broden: Significant changes in voter registration office.
SOUTH BEND -- Local party leaders and others reacted Friday to the verdict in the forgery trial involving former longtime chair of the county and congressional district Democratic Party Butch Morgan and party member Dustin Blythe.
Accused of conspiring to forge signatures on petitions to place Democratic candidates on the state primary ballot in 2008, the two were convicted Thursday on multiple felony counts after three days of testimony.
Morgan faces up to 22 years in prison, and Blythe faces up to 75 years.
Co-defendants Pam Brunette and Bev Shelton, who pleaded guilty prior to this week, each face more than 10 years but fewer than 15 years.
A sentencing hearing for all four of the defendants has been set for 1:30 p.m. June 17.
"Certainly I respect the decision of the jury," state Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend, a South Bend attorney and chair of the county Democratic Party, said Friday. "I know they had all the information and all the facts before them, so I respect the decision they reached."
He added, "Certainly for so many reasons, I wish this entire incident had never occurred, but certainly I think it's important for the public to know the party fully cooperated with the state police investigation, and we've made significant changes in the Voter Registration Office, both from a personnel standpoint and a policy standpoint."
Brunette, who had been the Democratic board member in the office of Voter Registration under Morgan, has since been replaced by Terry Coleman. Shelton also no longer works in the office.
"Certainly I want everyone in St. Joseph County to know that anyone on the ballot in St. Joseph County to have certainty that those signatures have been reviewed very carefully," Broden said.
If the case proves anything, Broden said, it's that "whether in our own community or our own family ... we all know good people make mistakes in their lives.
"But I do believe in redemption," he said, "and I do believe that what you do throughout your life is what you'll be judged by, not one single incident."
He said he did not believe the verdict would result in any long-term damage to the party.
"This whole trial, this whole case, never, at any time, was any candidate alleged to have been involved; no officeholder was alleged to have been involved," he said. "And I think it's important to note that the St. Joseph County prosecutor who handled this was a Democrat.
"So I think those things mitigate any short-term damage to the party," he said.
The chair of the county Republican Party, meanwhile, called the trial "fair" and the verdict "just."
"We hope that this is the beginning of the end of the culture of corruption that has plagued our county for far too long," Deb Fleming said in a statement.
She added, "We ask that local Democrats continue to disavow this type of behavior and move towards professionalism. Let's get to work creating a brighter future for Saint Joseph County."
In broader terms, the case raises questions about the electoral process in Indiana, and whether it's time to drop the requirement that certain candidates carry petitions in order to get on the ballot, according to Ed Feigenbaum of INGroup, a provider of news about Indiana government and politics.
"We've seen this discussion, we've seen actual changes in many other states in recent years, particularly as petition cases get subsumed in bigger questions related to election law, including privacy issues, whether to disclose who signed petitions and stuff like that," Feigenbaum said.
At the same time, he said, "It's disappointing that anyone involved with the system would end up being charged and convicted of a crime that certainly detracts from all of their contributions over the years to the system and people's confidence in the system."
At the time of the crimes, Indiana had the second-toughest requirements in the country to gain access to the ballot, 500 signatures from registered voters in each congressional district.
Last month, Virginia lowered its requirements from 10,000 votes to 5,000, making Indiana's the most exclusionary ballot in the nation. Even though Virginia requires 500 more signatures than Indiana, Virginia's population is about 1.7 million higher.
The person in charge of elections in Indiana, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, also weighed in.
"I'm pleased the jury found Butch Morgan ... guilty on all counts," Lawson, a Republican, said in a statement. "Tampering with an election makes citizens question the integrity of our electoral process and our government. This behavior can't be tolerated and this verdict will serve as a warning to those who ponder jeopardizing the security of our elections in the future."
She added, "I applaud the South Bend Tribune and Howey Politics for digging this up and (former Secretary of State) Congressman Todd Rokita for pushing prosecutors to take this case."
source: wsbt
Broden: Significant changes in voter registration office.
Accused of conspiring to forge signatures on petitions to place Democratic candidates on the state primary ballot in 2008, the two were convicted Thursday on multiple felony counts after three days of testimony.
Morgan faces up to 22 years in prison, and Blythe faces up to 75 years.
Co-defendants Pam Brunette and Bev Shelton, who pleaded guilty prior to this week, each face more than 10 years but fewer than 15 years.
A sentencing hearing for all four of the defendants has been set for 1:30 p.m. June 17.
"Certainly I respect the decision of the jury," state Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend, a South Bend attorney and chair of the county Democratic Party, said Friday. "I know they had all the information and all the facts before them, so I respect the decision they reached."
He added, "Certainly for so many reasons, I wish this entire incident had never occurred, but certainly I think it's important for the public to know the party fully cooperated with the state police investigation, and we've made significant changes in the Voter Registration Office, both from a personnel standpoint and a policy standpoint."
Brunette, who had been the Democratic board member in the office of Voter Registration under Morgan, has since been replaced by Terry Coleman. Shelton also no longer works in the office.
"Certainly I want everyone in St. Joseph County to know that anyone on the ballot in St. Joseph County to have certainty that those signatures have been reviewed very carefully," Broden said.
If the case proves anything, Broden said, it's that "whether in our own community or our own family ... we all know good people make mistakes in their lives.
"But I do believe in redemption," he said, "and I do believe that what you do throughout your life is what you'll be judged by, not one single incident."
He said he did not believe the verdict would result in any long-term damage to the party.
"This whole trial, this whole case, never, at any time, was any candidate alleged to have been involved; no officeholder was alleged to have been involved," he said. "And I think it's important to note that the St. Joseph County prosecutor who handled this was a Democrat.
"So I think those things mitigate any short-term damage to the party," he said.
The chair of the county Republican Party, meanwhile, called the trial "fair" and the verdict "just."
"We hope that this is the beginning of the end of the culture of corruption that has plagued our county for far too long," Deb Fleming said in a statement.
She added, "We ask that local Democrats continue to disavow this type of behavior and move towards professionalism. Let's get to work creating a brighter future for Saint Joseph County."
In broader terms, the case raises questions about the electoral process in Indiana, and whether it's time to drop the requirement that certain candidates carry petitions in order to get on the ballot, according to Ed Feigenbaum of INGroup, a provider of news about Indiana government and politics.
"We've seen this discussion, we've seen actual changes in many other states in recent years, particularly as petition cases get subsumed in bigger questions related to election law, including privacy issues, whether to disclose who signed petitions and stuff like that," Feigenbaum said.
At the same time, he said, "It's disappointing that anyone involved with the system would end up being charged and convicted of a crime that certainly detracts from all of their contributions over the years to the system and people's confidence in the system."
At the time of the crimes, Indiana had the second-toughest requirements in the country to gain access to the ballot, 500 signatures from registered voters in each congressional district.
Last month, Virginia lowered its requirements from 10,000 votes to 5,000, making Indiana's the most exclusionary ballot in the nation. Even though Virginia requires 500 more signatures than Indiana, Virginia's population is about 1.7 million higher.
The person in charge of elections in Indiana, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, also weighed in.
"I'm pleased the jury found Butch Morgan ... guilty on all counts," Lawson, a Republican, said in a statement. "Tampering with an election makes citizens question the integrity of our electoral process and our government. This behavior can't be tolerated and this verdict will serve as a warning to those who ponder jeopardizing the security of our elections in the future."
She added, "I applaud the South Bend Tribune and Howey Politics for digging this up and (former Secretary of State) Congressman Todd Rokita for pushing prosecutors to take this case."
source: wsbt
Boston terror suspects uncle was married to CIA officer's daughter and even shared a home with the agent
APRIL 29, 2013
An uncle of the Boston bombers was previously married to a CIA officer's daughter for three years, it emerged today.
Ruslan Tsarni, who publicly denounced his two terrorist nephews' actions and called them 'Losers', even lived with his father-in-law agent Graham Fuller in his Maryland home for a year.
Mr Fuller was forced to explain the relationship today as news of the family link emerged online. Read the full story>>
An uncle of the Boston bombers was previously married to a CIA officer's daughter for three years, it emerged today.
Ruslan Tsarni, who publicly denounced his two terrorist nephews' actions and called them 'Losers', even lived with his father-in-law agent Graham Fuller in his Maryland home for a year.
Mr Fuller was forced to explain the relationship today as news of the family link emerged online. Read the full story>>
Pentagon Taps Anti-Christian Extremist for Religious Tolerance Policy
APRIL 29, 2013
“Today, we face incredibly well-funded gangs of fundamentalist Christian monsters who terrorize their fellow Americans by forcing their weaponized and twisted version of Christianity upon their helpless subordinates in our nation’s armed forces.”
Those words were recently written by Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), in a column he wrote for the Huffington Post. Weinstein will be a consultant to the Pentagon to develop new policies on religious tolerance, including a policy for court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling of American troops.
FULL STORY
Those words were recently written by Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), in a column he wrote for the Huffington Post. Weinstein will be a consultant to the Pentagon to develop new policies on religious tolerance, including a policy for court-martialing military chaplains who share the Christian Gospel during spiritual counseling of American troops.
FULL STORY
A new front for gun background checks: the ballot
APRIL 29, 2013
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — After struggling to sway both state and federal lawmakers, proponents of expanding background checks for gun sales are now exploring whether they will have more success by taking the issue directly to voters.
While advocates generally prefer that new gun laws be passed through the legislative process, especially at the national level, they are also concerned about how much sway the National Rifle Association has with lawmakers.
Washington Rep. Jamie Pedersen, a Democrat who had sponsored unsuccessful legislation on background checks at the state level, said a winning ballot initiative would make a statement with broad implications. READ MORE
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — After struggling to sway both state and federal lawmakers, proponents of expanding background checks for gun sales are now exploring whether they will have more success by taking the issue directly to voters.
While advocates generally prefer that new gun laws be passed through the legislative process, especially at the national level, they are also concerned about how much sway the National Rifle Association has with lawmakers.
Washington Rep. Jamie Pedersen, a Democrat who had sponsored unsuccessful legislation on background checks at the state level, said a winning ballot initiative would make a statement with broad implications. READ MORE
The twilight of entitlement
4.29.13
"We had a grand vision. We didn’t merely expect things to get better. We expected all social problems to be solved. We expected business cycles, economic insecurity, poverty, and racism to end. We expected almost limitless personal freedom and self-fulfillment. For those who couldn’t live life to its fullest (as a result of old age, disability, or bad luck), we expected a generous social safety net to guarantee decent lives. We blurred the distinction between progress and perfection."
Article continues..
"We had a grand vision. We didn’t merely expect things to get better. We expected all social problems to be solved. We expected business cycles, economic insecurity, poverty, and racism to end. We expected almost limitless personal freedom and self-fulfillment. For those who couldn’t live life to its fullest (as a result of old age, disability, or bad luck), we expected a generous social safety net to guarantee decent lives. We blurred the distinction between progress and perfection."
Article continues..
Judge Jeanine to 'Mother of Jihadis': We Don't Want You Here
4.29.13
Judge Jeanine Pirro is taking a stand against injustice! She has a strong message for the Boston bombing suspects' mother and for the Obama administration.
Go to story and video>>
Judge Jeanine Pirro is taking a stand against injustice! She has a strong message for the Boston bombing suspects' mother and for the Obama administration.
Go to story and video>>
Report: Obama Spent Twice as Much Time on Vacation/Golf as Economy
4.29.13
According to a new report by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Institute (GAI), President Barack Obama has spent over twice as many hours on vacation and golf (976 hours) as he has in economic meetings of any kind (474.4 hours).
The report, “Presidential Calendar: A Time-Based Analysis,” used the official White House calendar, Politico’s comprehensive presidential calendar, and media reports through March 31, 2013 to calculate its results.
GAI’s findings may actually understate Obama’s recreational hours.
KEEP READING>>
The report, “Presidential Calendar: A Time-Based Analysis,” used the official White House calendar, Politico’s comprehensive presidential calendar, and media reports through March 31, 2013 to calculate its results.
GAI’s findings may actually understate Obama’s recreational hours.
KEEP READING>>
The black vote passed that of whites for the first time in history during 2012 election
APRIL 29, 2013
In 2012, for the first time in history blacks voted at a higher rate than any other group. Contrarily the white vote dipped as many voters opted not to go to the polls. FULL STORY>>
In 2012, for the first time in history blacks voted at a higher rate than any other group. Contrarily the white vote dipped as many voters opted not to go to the polls. FULL STORY>>
Debris haulers' windfall: Odd math jacks up Sandy tab
APRIL 29, 2013
Under the state’s contract with the cleanup firm, AshBritt Inc., 16 miles is a key distance — it’s when the cost of the haul goes up by 30 percent. In Ocean County alone, the additional, and potentially unwarranted, payouts totaled more than $500,000.
FULL STORY>>
FULL STORY>>
Rep. Trey Gowdy: ‘Explosive’ Benghazi hearings ‘coming quickly’
APRIL 29, 2013
Rep. Trey Gowdy, appearing on Fox News on Saturday afternoon, promised that “explosive” congressional hearings over the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, are “coming quickly.”
“There are more Benghazi hearings coming; I think they’re going to be explosive,” Mr. Gowdy, a South Carolina Republican who is a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told Fox’s Uma Pemmaraju.
CONTINUE TO STORY
Rep. Trey Gowdy, appearing on Fox News on Saturday afternoon, promised that “explosive” congressional hearings over the Sept. 11 attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, are “coming quickly.”
“There are more Benghazi hearings coming; I think they’re going to be explosive,” Mr. Gowdy, a South Carolina Republican who is a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, told Fox’s Uma Pemmaraju.
CONTINUE TO STORY
Exempting Congress From ObamaCare
4.29.13
The Members try to protect themselves from 'Medicaid plus.'
The Politico website broke the story Thursday morning that Congressional leaders were in hush-hush talks to exempt themselves and their staff from the wonders of ObamaCare. The story succeeded in blowing up the talks, but there's a bigger story here about Congressional intentions that is worth telling.
Read the full story>>
The Members try to protect themselves from 'Medicaid plus.'
The Politico website broke the story Thursday morning that Congressional leaders were in hush-hush talks to exempt themselves and their staff from the wonders of ObamaCare. The story succeeded in blowing up the talks, but there's a bigger story here about Congressional intentions that is worth telling.
Read the full story>>
'I'm not the young Muslim socialist I used to be!' Obama blasts his critics and even mocks Michelle's hair at Correspondents' Dinner
April 29, 2013
President Obama gives a confident performance at the annual event
He presents jokes ranging from his wife's hair to Michelle Bachmann and CNN's reporting mistakes
Controversially jokes he thought Buzzfeed was something he did in college and says he's no longer a 'strapping young Muslim socialist'
Followed by Conan O'Brien who says Boehner looks like tanning mom and that Rahm Emanuel looks like Stewie from Family Guy
Taking a hit at reporters' Twitter addiction, Conan also joked, 'If any of you are live-tweeting this event, please use the hashtag "#incapableoflivinginthemoment"'
READ MORE
President Obama gives a confident performance at the annual event
He presents jokes ranging from his wife's hair to Michelle Bachmann and CNN's reporting mistakes
Controversially jokes he thought Buzzfeed was something he did in college and says he's no longer a 'strapping young Muslim socialist'
Followed by Conan O'Brien who says Boehner looks like tanning mom and that Rahm Emanuel looks like Stewie from Family Guy
Taking a hit at reporters' Twitter addiction, Conan also joked, 'If any of you are live-tweeting this event, please use the hashtag "#incapableoflivinginthemoment"'
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AP Seizes the Opportunity to Sport it's Utopian Agenda, Omits 'Muslim' from Obama WHCD Joke
4.29.13
In some of its reports on Saturday night's White House Correspondents Dinner (WHCD), the Associated Press failed to include one of President Obama's own gags. FULL STORY
In some of its reports on Saturday night's White House Correspondents Dinner (WHCD), the Associated Press failed to include one of President Obama's own gags. FULL STORY
Greedy Pa. Teacher's Union Spewing Rhetoric while Pretending to be your Kids Best Friend
APRIL 29, 2013
York teachers protest plan to switch district to all charter schools
School board expected to get final financial recovery plan next month
Discussions continued Wednesday night about York schools financial problems and a plan that could cost teachers their jobs, and teachers did not go quietly outside William Penn High School.
The meeting was the latest in a series where a switch to all charter schools has been discussed to get the district out of debt. But it's the first where teachers protested.
"Save our schools," was chanted by district teachers for about an hour.
Teachers said they would lose their jobs if the district goes to all charter schools. Many are willing to take as much as a 10 percent pay cut to help shore up the $19 million deficit.
District teachers said they already have the right tools and the right ideas to get the district out of debt.
"I think the fix i$ more help from the $tate and more over$ight on the charter schools that have absolutely more accountability," said York High School coach Troy Sowers.
"Rather than bring in strangers that don't know our kids, don't have a history here and to provide inconsistent education, just doesn't seem like that would be the way to go," said Kim Schwarz, of the York Education Association.
Some teachers also sent a plea to Gov. Tom Corbett to increase state funds to inner city schools. One teacher protesting said he found the amount the state gives the York City school district to be unfair and considers it a civil rights issue.
Right now, there is no set recovery plan for York City schools. A final plan is expected to be presented to the school board sometime next month.
Recovery plan consultants said in an all-charter school plan, existing teachers could possibly be rehired.
source
York teachers protest plan to switch district to all charter schools
School board expected to get final financial recovery plan next month
The meeting was the latest in a series where a switch to all charter schools has been discussed to get the district out of debt. But it's the first where teachers protested.
"Save our schools," was chanted by district teachers for about an hour.
Teachers said they would lose their jobs if the district goes to all charter schools. Many are willing to take as much as a 10 percent pay cut to help shore up the $19 million deficit.
District teachers said they already have the right tools and the right ideas to get the district out of debt.
"I think the fix i$ more help from the $tate and more over$ight on the charter schools that have absolutely more accountability," said York High School coach Troy Sowers.
"Rather than bring in strangers that don't know our kids, don't have a history here and to provide inconsistent education, just doesn't seem like that would be the way to go," said Kim Schwarz, of the York Education Association.
Some teachers also sent a plea to Gov. Tom Corbett to increase state funds to inner city schools. One teacher protesting said he found the amount the state gives the York City school district to be unfair and considers it a civil rights issue.
Right now, there is no set recovery plan for York City schools. A final plan is expected to be presented to the school board sometime next month.
Recovery plan consultants said in an all-charter school plan, existing teachers could possibly be rehired.
source
The "Other" Hank: Congressman Hank Sling Blade Johnson (Dolt-Georgia): 'Imagine a World Without Balloons'
April 29, 2013
Imagine a world without crack cocaine...
Hank is the demented clown who gave us this nugget back in 2010, "My fear is that the whole island [Guam] will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize"
To Hank's great relief, Guam hasn't yet capsized.
While he waits for this inevitable calamity to occur, Johnson has turned his attention to a pressing social issue sweeping across our nation...Helium filled party balloons.
I've been huffing Helium and laughing hysterically while watching this vid clip over and over.
I used to imagine a world where Hank Johnson made sense.
I have found it.
If only temporarily.
Thanks Hank.
Kudos: Will Profit @ the Capitalist Preservation website
Imagine a world without crack cocaine...
Hank is the demented clown who gave us this nugget back in 2010, "My fear is that the whole island [Guam] will become so overly populated that it will tip over and capsize"
To Hank's great relief, Guam hasn't yet capsized.
While he waits for this inevitable calamity to occur, Johnson has turned his attention to a pressing social issue sweeping across our nation...Helium filled party balloons.
I've been huffing Helium and laughing hysterically while watching this vid clip over and over.
I used to imagine a world where Hank Johnson made sense.
I have found it.
If only temporarily.
Thanks Hank.
Kudos: Will Profit @ the Capitalist Preservation website
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