Monday, December 1:
LATIN AMERICA: Indigenous Journalists Plant a Seed
Journalists from indigenous communities in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Guatemala and Bolivia came together in La Paz to take the first step towards creating a network to work together and support each other.
Martha Moffett:
A reservation at the Taj Mahal Hotel
A friend reflects on the history of British Empires and its contribution to the tragedy in Mumbai.
Obama aims at broad shift in national security
The shift, which would come partly out of the military's huge budget, would create a greatly expanded corps of diplomats and aid workers that, in the vision of the incoming Obama administration, would be engaged in projects around the world aimed at preventing conflicts and rebuilding failed states.
The kindest cut: How circumcision is the secret weapon in the battle against HIV/Aids
In Zambia, an experiment in the battle with HIV/Aids is producing staggering results. If this were a vaccine trial, the medical world would be hailing it as a miracle. But instead of a wonder drug, the secret weapon is circumcision.
The ongoing disgrace of NBC News and Brian Williams
The active suppression of this story by the networks-their decision to conceal from their own viewers the fact that,for years,they presented as "independent" analysts individuals who were working in tandem on "message amplification" with the Pentagon&who had significant business interests in their analysis-was so severe,so remarkable,even establishment defenders such as Howie Kurtz emphatically protested the networks' silence
Tommy News:
*World AIDS Day Events Monday December First is World AIDS Day
(1 comments) World AIDS Day Events Monday December First is World AIDS Day
Sandy Sand:
Bush White House: That Ain't No Christmas Tree, It's a Chanukah Bush
The Bushies can't do the simplest damn thing right, not even send out invitations to a White House Chanukah party.
Sunday, November 30:
Swap Defaults: The Next Installment of the Financial Crisis
What will happen if the derivative markets collapse? This is the question we don't seem to be asking in public. Maybe the answer is too scary. Take a deep breath and read this article and links...
Pipelines race out of the mountains, into yards
(1 comments) Proven natural gas reserves have jumped 10 of the past 11 years, according to the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration, and thousands of miles of new pipelines have snaked in every direction.
In just the past 10 years alone, more than 20,000 miles of new natural gas pipelines have been built and brought on line. Those pipelines can carry more than 97 billion cubic feet of natural gas every day.
JGideon:
'Daily Voting News' For November 29 and 30, 2008
a collection of local, state, national and international articles on electronic voting and election issues
Martha Rosenberg:
With Mad Cow, The Only Thing Cattlemen Have To Fear Is the Press Itself
Texas doesn't want to risk its beef industry or "multi-billion dollar hunting industry" as the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission refers to it, because of a mere food scare.
Martha Rosenberg:
With Mad Cow, The Only Thing Cattlemen Have To Fear Is the Press Itself
Texas doesn't want to risk its beef industry or "multi-billion dollar hunting industry" as the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission refers to it, because of a mere food scare.
Joint Chiefs Chairman 'Very Positive' After Meeting With Obama
Obama has said he will meet with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs as well as the service chiefs during his first week in office. At the top of his agenda for that meeting will be what he has called the military's "new mission" of planning the 16-month withdrawal timeline for Iraq. Senior officers have publicly grumbled about the risk involved.
At the Last Minute, a Raft of Rules
In the environmental area, the latest rules indicate that the Bush administration wants to lend a final assist to industries that feel burdened by looming pollution controls or wilderness-protection laws. A rule approved by the White House three days after the presidential election, for example, would ease constraints on environmentally damaging oil shale development throughout the West, despite objections.
Federal Workers Unions Want 'Burrowers' Lists
Leaders of the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union of federal workers, and the Senior Executives Association, the group representing federal executives, said they want the government to release lists of political appointees who have been hired for career jobs and show whether agencies sought competition for the positions.
One Man’s Military-Industrial-Media Complex
General McCaffrey did not mention his new contract with Defense Solutions in his letter to General Petraeus. Nor did he disclose it when he went on CNBC that same week and praised the commander Defense Solutions was now counting on for help — “He’s got the heart of a lion” — or when he told Congress the next month that it should immediately supply Iraq with large numbers of armored vehicles and other equipment.
Palin's Hometown Newspaper Blasts Her "Georgia Pal" Saxby Chambliss Support
Palin is putting her conservative Republican fame to work in Georgia, stumping for Republican US Sen Saxby Chambliss, who is in a tough runoff for re-election. I wonder if she knows the true measure of the man she is eagerly helping...she might ask herself why she is using her conservative star power to support such a reprehensible Republican chicken hawk.
PENTAGON'S PUNDITS: One Man’s Military-Industrial-Media Complex
Many retired officers hold a perch in the world of military contracting, but Gen McCaffrey is among a select few who also command platforms in the news media and as govt advisers on military matters. These overlapping roles offer them an array of opportunities to advance policy goals as well as business objectives. But with their business ties left undisclosed, secret conflicts of interest abound fed at the taxpayers' tit.
Steven Rosenfeld:
Hard Lesson for Franken: Not All Votes Get Counted
(5 comments) The Franken campaign said it would not appeal the board's decision. That means that the 3,700 challenged ballots will now play a prominent role in deciding if Franken will become the Senate's 59th Democratic member. The Canvassing Board also told both campaigns to stop frivolously challenging ballots. Local election boards will now review those ballots.
Steven Rosenfeld:
More Unfinished 2008 Election Business: Verifiable Vote Counts
(2 comments) Lawyers for the Franken and Coleman campaigns may posture in the press about sloppy ballots, but there is little doubt that the Minnesota recount has integrity and voters will accept the final outcome. In Georgia, in contrast, there is no corollary. It is one of six states where all voters use paperless computers with no means of auditing the vote.
Sherwood Ross:
Pentagon Recruiters Target Afro And Hispanic Kids
(4 comments) Not exactly flooded with determined citizens ready to fight to defend their country, the Pentagon has turned to strategically recruiting African-American and Hispanic kids to fight in its war of aggression.
Saturday, November 29:
Ashin Mettacara:
*Myanmar: Burma's Congratulation to Comedian Zaganar
International Award for Burma's comedian who was sentenced on Friday to a 45 year term for "disaffection towards state and government."
Citigroup Should Be Held Accountable, Obama Aide Podesta Says
(2 comments) The U.S. government should demand accountability and changes at Citigroup Inc., as well as from automakers, in exchange for any financial assistance, a top transition official for President-elect Barack Obama said. “It seems to me that the government ought to demand accountability,” including on executive compensation, John Podesta said in an interview.
'Coalition of the willing' leaving Iraq
Thirteen countries with troops currently stationed in Iraq will remove their soldiers by the end of the year from the war-torn country.
America's Child Soldiers: US Military Recruiting Children to Serve in the Armed Forces
In violation of its pledge to the United Nations not to recruit children into the military, the Pentagon “regularly target(s) children under 17,” the American Civil Liberties Union(ACLU) says. The Pentagon “heavily recruits on high school campuses, targeting students for recruitment as early as possible and generally without limits on the age of students they contact.
New York Times Misleads on Taliban Role in Opium Trade
(1 comments) The total export value of opium and its derivatives (morphine and heroin) this year was estimated by the UNODC to be $3.4 billion. Therefore a logical corollary of the Times’ own account is that the majority of profits from the opium trade are going to non-insurgents. What is clear is that the Taliban, while profiting from the opium trade, do not control it.
Press and "Psy Ops" to merge at NATO Afghan HQ: sources
The U.S. general commanding NATO forces in Afghanistan has ordered a merger of the office that releases news with "Psy Ops," which deals with propaganda, a move that goes against the alliance's policy. Germany has already threatened to pull out of media operations in Afghanistan -- and the officials said it could undermine the credibility of information released to the public.
Downturn Drives Military Rolls Up
(2 comments) No matter what benefits recruiters offer, one of the main draws continues to be service to country, said Army recruiter SFC Thad Copeland. Even if someone is joining because he can't find a job elsewhere, he needs to know that decision could mean a trip to the front lines. "I know what your first question is, and the answer is yes," Copeland tells his prospects. "You are getting deployed."
U.S. Moves Ahead on Oil, Gas Leases on Public Land
(2 comments) "The Bush administration started its energy policy in back rooms with oil lobbyists, and it's fitting that's how they want to end it," said Bobby McEnaney, a public lands expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group. "They're destroying the whole process that is designed to protect these lands. Once you get rid of wilderness, you can't get it back."
Swiss vote on prescription heroin
(1 comments) Polls suggest the Swiss - pleased that their streets are now free of addicts and used syringes - are likely to approve heroin prescription.
Attacks Imperil Delicate U.S. Role Between Rivals India and Pakistan
American officials may have trouble preventing an Indian military response against Pakistan. Dr. George W. Strangelove to the rescue?
Sherwood Ross:
No Child Left Behind "Trojan Horse" For Pentagon Recruiters
No Child Left Behind was enacted early in the Bush administration and it gave military recruiters unprecedented access to the public school population. Did the Bush Gang know then they were going to make a war and had they decided to fill the ranks from the poor and minorities rather than reinstitute the draft? One wonders.
U.S. 'Not Getting What We Pay For' -- Health-Care System Inefficient, Wasteful, and Dangerous
EXPERTS: As much as half of the $2.3 trillion spent today does nothing to improve health. Not only is American health care inefficient and wasteful, says Kaiser Permanente chief executive George Halvorson, much of it is dangerous.
Bush's 11th-Hour Rush to Allow Toxic Workplace Rule That Obama Fought and Will Fight
Bush's Labor Dept is racing to complete a new rule, strenuously opposed by Obama, hat would make it much harder for the government to regulate toxic substances and hazardous chemicals to which workers are exposed on the job while making your health insurance unaffordable or non-existent, and certainly not the responsibility of the employer poisoning you.
Laura Warman:
Canada to Have Coalition Government?
(1 comments) A Canadian from Alberta takes a look at the possibility that a coalition government may replace Harper's conservative minority.
dick overfield:
Can A Neo-conservative Rule Left-of-Center Canada?
(1 comments) Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears perilously close to his Humpty Dumpty moment in history.
Bush Admin Issues New Medicaid Rule That Forces Struggling Americans To Pay More For Health Care
(2 comments) Under Bush new Medicaid rules states will now "charge premiums and higher co-payments for doctors' services, hospital care and prescription drugs provided to low-income people under Medicaid." In other words, the Bush administration's approach is to force the poorest Americans to pay more for health care during the economic crisis of his own creation.
Kristol Calls On Bush To Pardon Torturers And Wiretappers, Reward Them With Medal Of Freedom
(1 comments) In his new Weekly Standard column, right-wing pundit Bill Kristol lays out a to-do list for President Bush before he leaves office...the idea is this: "The CIA agents who waterboarded Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and the NSA officials who listened in on phone calls from Pakistan, should not have to worry about legal bills or public defamation. In fact, Bush might want to give some of these public servants the Medal of Freedom..."
Rob Kall:
Samantha Power Returns to Obama Team
(8 comments) Obama staffer who called Clinton a "monster" now working on interim team for dept Hillary is expected to head
Friday, November 28:
Rady Ananda:
Florida Gay Adoption Ban Ruled 'Not Rational'
(8 comments)
On Tuesday, a Miami-Dade County judge granted adoption of two children to Martin Gill, a gay man who has fostered them for four years, along with his partner. Judge Ledermen further ruled Florida's gay adoption ban unconstitutional, calling the state's arguments "not rational." The State has appealed the decision.
Sherwood Ross:
Pentagon Recruits Kids Under 17, Violating UN Protocol
(7 comments) Hard-up Pentagon recruiters are actually propagandizing children as young as 13 to join the military, in violation of the Senate's 2002 ratification of a UN Protocol banning such conduct.
Why Rachel Maddow is 'thankful' Bush administration is ending
(2 comments) Rachel is a jewel. She has assembled that long list of Bush administration officials indicted, convicted, in jail... Watch and recall with fond memories such goodies as Interior Dept. personnel snorting meth with oil industry execs off a toaster oven before or after sex???
The GOP's Southern problem
South Carolina's Republican Chair Katon Dawson is an absolute poster child for the Republican Party's long-term demographic ills. The "whites only" country club clod is tossing his hat in the ring for RNC national chair. Do Da Do Da
Citigroup Should Be Held Accountable, Obama Aide Podesta Says
The U.S. government should demand accountability and changes at Citigroup Inc., as well as from automakers, in exchange for any financial assistance, a top transition official for President-elect Barack Obama said.
"It seems to me that the government ought to demand accountability," including on executive compensation, John Podesta said...
Five more members of Congress being probed in bribery affair
Cunningham expert says Katherine Harris likely among those eyed Though none of the additional congressmembers are named, but a source believes they are "no doubt" Republican Reps. Virgil Goode and Katherine Harris. Harris became famous during the Florida recount in 2000, was elected to Congress in 2002, and was defeated in a run for the Senate in 2006.
Media Begins the Assault on Instant-Runoff Voting to Minimize 3rd Party Candidate Influence
(3 comments) The Minneapolis Star and Tribune has published a pure propaganda piece in my opinion describing how difficult a hand-recount would be using Instant-Runoff Voting (IRV). Keep in mind the Stribe endorsed Republican Norm Coleman and has been moving to the right for years now. They purposefully leave out the obvious fact that had IRV been used a clear winner would have already been determined.
Michael Richardson:
'Omaha Two' prosecutor: "It doesn't make any difference what the truth is"
(3 comments)
COINTELPRO prosecutor Art O'Leary didn't care about truth in trial against Black Panthers Ed Poindexter and Mondo we Langa
Ex-Diplomat Says Georgia Started War With Russia
(1 comments) A former confidant of President Mikheil Saakashvili, Mr. Kitsmarishvili said Georgian officials told him in April that they planned to start a war in Abkhazia, one of two breakaway regions at issue in the war, and had received a green light from the United States government to do so. He said the Georgian government later decided to start the war in South Ossetia, the other region, and continue into Abkhazia.
FDA Draws Fire Over Chemicals In Baby Formula
The FDA found melamine and cyanuric acid, a related chemical, in samples of baby formula made by major U.S. manufacturers. Melamine can cause kidney and bladder stones and, in worst cases, kidney failure and death. If melamine and cyanuric acid combine, they can form round yellow crystals that can also damage kidneys and destroy renal function.
`This is shaping up to be India's 9/11'
Two Canadians have been shot and a number of others injured and missing after militants attacked targets throughout Mumbai, killing at least 119 people. Some 315 people were hurt in a series of bloody attacks by bands of gunmen on 10 targets in India's financial capital. The targets included two five-star hotels, a popular restaurant, a crowded train station, and a Jewish centre.
Contractor for military committed serious violations
(2 comments) Pentagon officials now say at least 18 troops have been electrocuted since 2003--many due to faulty wiring and improper grounding. The number could be higher when Afghanistan is included, say congressional sources. KBR will now have to come up with a corrective plan that is acceptable to the Pentagon. The company could still receive fines or penalties. KBR has denied liability in the lawsuits.
Afghan president wishes he could down U.S. planes
Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Wednesday he would bring down U.S. planes bombing villages if he could, in a sign of growing tension between Afghanistan and its Western backers as the Taliban insurgency grows in strength. As Western dissatisfaction with Karzai has grown over his failure to crack down on corruption and govern effectively, he has hit back over the killing of dozens of civilians in foreign air strikes.
Thursday, November 27:
Gates: Active force, reserves must integrate
In a Monday memo sent to every senior uniformed and civilian Pentagon leader and copied to three other cabinet secretaries, Gates directed the development of a new Total Force Integration Policy that recognizes the “cultural divide that exists” between the active and reserve components. “All vestiges of the cultural prejudice” that remain in law “should be removed” by Congress, he wrote.
Kevin Gosztola:
To Shop or Not to Shop, That is the Question
(11 comments) One of the busiest shopping days of the year is upon us.
The day is coming in the midst of a massive financial meltdown that few Americans fully understand. They've heard the words "bailout" and "stimulus" but have many questions---questions which some in Congress may not even be able to answer themselves.
Banana Republic: America downscales
maybe the embattled activist should be cut some slack,considering the frustration she&others have experienced in trying to ensure an election count that voters can believe in.Maybe the obvious passion that Brodsky&others feel for voting rights should be rewarded by including them in much-needed citizens advisory board.Snipes:her language is"outside the lines of decency."Maybe.But so is an election process no one believes in.
Militant complains of army abuses in Kashmir
"Are you aware how many people have been killed in Kashmir? Are you aware how your army has killed Muslims. Are you aware how many of them have been killed in Kashmir this week?"
Deccan Mujahideen claims it behind Mumbai attacks
An organisation calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen has claimed it was behind attacks in India's financial capital Mumbai...India has suffered a wave of bomb attacks in recent years. Most have been blamed on Islamist militants, although police have also arrested suspected Hindu extremists thought to be behind some of the attacks.
Cheryl Biren-Wright:
D.A. does right! Charges to be dismissed vs. Hempstead 15
In a remarkable reversal, the Nassau County District Attorney's Office has agreed to dismiss all charges against the Hempstead 15 following a six month adjournment in what's called an "ACD" (Adjournment to Contemplate Dismissal).
Ashin Mettacara:
*Myanmar: Unfinished Burmas Jail News; Popular Burmese Comedian Gets Total 59 Years
Unfinished Burma's Jail News
Sandy Sand:
One Tiny Bit of Justice to be Thankful For
(2 comments) The call it cyberbullying; it's really torture.
Wednesday, November 26:
Afghan Police Say Bomb Explodes Near U.S. Embassy, 1 Dead, 6 Wounded
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan police say a suicide car bomb has exploded about 200 yards (meters) outside the main entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul in an attack against an American convoy.
Kabul police chief Mohammad Ayub Salangi says one person was killed and six wounded in the attack.
Barack Obama forced to deny abandoning 'change' amid insider appointments
(1 comments) “What we are going to do is combine experience with fresh thinking,” Mr Obama said at his third press conference in as many days. He said he would be foolish, at such a “critical time in our history”, to pick people who “had no experience in Washington whatsoever”.
JGideon:
'Daily Voting News' For November 26, 2008
a collection of local, state, national and international articles on electronic voting and election issues
Iraqi parliament delays troop pact vote over unrelated issues
Iraq postponed a vote on a US-Iraq security agreement Wednesday. The US has a much looser understanding of key provisions than the Iraqi government. Included is language that bans launching attacks on other countries from Iraq, a requirement to notify Iraqis in advance of military operations and the question of Iraqi legal jurisdiction over American troops and military contractors.
IAEA overrides U.S., clears Syria nuclear aid plan
The UN atomic agency approved a contested Syrian bid for nuclear aid, overcoming US-led resistance to the project while Damascus is under investigation for covert activity that could lead to atom bombs. Diplomats said it was a victory for ElBaradei and Syria and a slap in the face of the United States, which has skirmished with ElBaradei over what it sees as his "soft" attitude toward suspect proliferators such as Iran.
Sherwood Ross:
Federal Judges' Junkets To Spas Raises Ethical Issues
If the Federal judiciary appears to be to the right of Herbert Hoover maybe it's because they owe a few favors to Corporate America.
Olmert wins U.S. backing for Iran war
Israel's prime minister says Washington has not rejected a request by Tel Aviv to take any action it deems "necessary" against Iran. Ehud Olmert, the outgoing premier, said he had extensively discussed Iran and its nuclear program with "Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the (US) president". "There is a basic, deep understanding about the Iranian threat and the need to remove the threat."
Democrats may play hardball in Pennsylvania
Democrats are circling Arlen Specter's seat in Pennsylvania, convinced the party is well-positioned for 2010 election. Leading the pack of prospects--at least in celebrity--is Chris Matthews, the MSNBC "Hardball" host and former Capitol Hill Democratic staffer. The Pa native has been toying with a run for months, and this week he sat down with state Democrats to discuss the prospect of taking on the five-term GOP senator.
U.S. troops killed during humanitarian mission in Iraq
(1 comments) A U.S. Marine and a soldier were shot to death Tuesday while conducting a humanitarian mission north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said. Another two Marines and three civilians also were wounded in the attack, which occurred in Baaj, in the northern province of Nineveh.
Real News Video: Bailout costs $8.5 trillion
US Federal Government has pledged $8.56 trillion in economic bailout for financial institutions so far. While world debated bailout, Treasury snuck bank merger tax break under congress' nose.
U.S. Commander: Al Qaeda's focus is Pakistan, not Iraq.
Yet, US still funneling $13 billion a month down that Bush/Cheney wet dream.
Rob Kall:
Terror Attack in Mumbai-- Twitter Covers It Amazingly
Mumbai terror attack-- max your info through twitter.
Jason Leopold:
'Culture of Dishonesty' At Department of Veterans Affairs
The economic meltdown that has dominated media coverage over the past several months has overshadowed a crisis at the Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency in dire need of new leadership, veterans groups and Democratic lawmakers say.
EU Raids Pharmaceutical Companies in Antitrust Probe (Update2)
The EU inspections come three days ahead of a report on possible antitrust abuses in the pharmaceutical industry. The commission began that probe in January after raiding offices of GlaxoSmithKline Plc, AstraZeneca Plc, Sanofi-Aventis SA, France's largest drugmaker, and several competitors.
Spokesmen for Glaxo, Europe's largest drugmaker, Novartis AG, Sanofi and AstraZeneca said they weren't aware of yesterday's raids.
Economic times are tough, ignore your Pentagon holiday party invitation
In one sign of the tough times that Barack Obama's newly announced economic team will face, the nation's top military officer is disinviting people from his annual holiday party.
Citing "these trying financial times" Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Michael Mullen and his wife, Deborah, last week mailed formal printed cards, topped with the admiral's pale-blue flag with four stars, disinviting guests from the annual holiday par
Greta Berlin:
*HUMAN RIGHTS OBSERVERS START HUNGER STRIKE IN ISRAEL
(3 comments) On Tuesday 18th November, the Israeli Navy forcibly abducted 15 unarmed Palestinian fishermen and three International Human Rights Observers from the waters 7 miles off the Gaza coast. Although the fishermen were well within their rights to fish in their own waters, the Israeli Navy boarded and confiscated their boats, and illegally detained all of the civilians in Israel.
chris rice:
Strikers Shut Down Airports!
Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) broke through police lines and roamed through the sprawling $4 billion terminal, southeast of Bangkok, as startled tourists looked on
Transgeneros Unidas: Transgender Day of Remembrance
(1 comments) November 20, 2008 was the 10th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Each year communities across the country gather to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The first DOR was held in memory of Rita Hester who was murdered in San Francisco. Features coverage from actions in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Rochester, and more
Roger Shuler:
A Siegelman Update: Were Whistleblower's Charges Taken Seriously?
(1 comments) Did a notorious Bush appointee help cover up allegations of wrongdoing in the Don Siegelman prosecution?
Friday, November 21:
Gene Cappa:
9/11 Traced Back To Cheney's Energy Task Force Meeting-Do You Agree?
(29 comments) 9/11 can be traced back to Cheney's secret energy task force meeting. Do you agree?
Wednesday, November 19:
Rob Kall:
Did Hillary Cut The Secretary of State Deal Months Ago, Before Obama Picked Biden?
(8 comments) Maybe Hillary didn't want to be VP. Maybe what she wanted all along, if she couldn't be president, was Secretary of State. Maybe she cut the deal before Obama settled on his VP pick.
Douglas Smyth:
Should the Obama Administration Prosecute Bush-Cheney Crimes?
(34 comments) Should the Obama administration pursue the Bush-Cheney crimes committed in the war, its run-up, in intelligence and interrogation and in Justice? Or shouldn't it? If a broad Bush pardon constrains the new administration, is there a middle way?
Monday, November 17:
Kevin Gosztola:
Bail Out the Big Three Automakers?
(36 comments) The Senate and the House will be deliberating and deciding whether or not to bail out the Big Three auto makers this week (Chrysler, Ford, GM).
Here's what you should know when deciding whether or not to support a bailout. This is what you may not hear from network news or cable news.
Thursday, November 13:
Gene Cappa:
Obama And The Imperial Presidency-Will He Give It Up?
(13 comments) Obama inherits an imperial presidency chock-full of new powers. Will he give it up or embrace it?
Monday, November 10:
Rob Kall:
Assassination Conversation Poll
(80 comments) Have you been in a conversation or overhead a conversation expressing concern for Obama's assassination in the past week?
Gene Cappa:
CAN Obama Reverse The Economic Slide?
(8 comments) The ruinous Bush fiscal and monetary policies have brought the American economy to near collapse. Can Obama reverse the slide?
Sunday, November 9:
PrMaine:
So, Why Was This Election Not Stolen?
(68 comments) What made things go right this time?
Gene Cappa:
Obama Should Use That Secret Tool Chest-Do You Agree?
(17 comments) Obama inherited a secret tool chest from Bush. Should he use it like Bush did?
Saturday, November 8:
Kevin Gosztola:
Will You Speak Up or "Give Obama a Chance"?
(54 comments) How long will it be before you question Obama's decisions or seek to influence him if he is slow to make the changes you wish to see. How will you organize and pressure to enact real change or will you choose to not organize and apply pressure at all?
Friday, November 7:
Steve Windisch (jibbguy):
... And the justification against Impeachment is now what??
(19 comments) The election of '08 is now over.. What justifications against Impeachment will Pelosi and Conyers come up with next?
Wednesday, November 5:
Gene Cappa:
LBJ Was Behind the JFK Assasination? Do You Agree?
(23 comments) The "Big Event", code words for the JFK hit, is laid at the doorstep of LBJ.
Tuesday, November 4:
Gene Cappa:
Tony Blair To The Hague For Trial-Do You Agree?
(13 comments) Blair lied Britain to war with Iraq. He should be sent to the Hague for trial.
Monday, November 3:
Rob Kall:
When Will We Know the Results of the Presidential Election
(4 comments) We knew pretty quickly for Kerry. It took weeks for Gore. How long will it take to be sure on this election?
Sunday, November 2:
PrMaine:
What Punishment?
(7 comments) Vote caging and purges, systematic voter intimidation, vote-flipping and corrupt tallies of votes all go on in our elections and for the most part they go unpunished. Should this attitude change in the future?
karmacounselor:
Do you know if your county is at risk for election fraud
(6 comments) After reading an article warning of election fraud, what have you done, if anything, to speak up, verify, and ensure your vote is safe?
Kris Malmquist:
Should We Legalize/Decriminalize Marijuana?
(26 comments) Cast your vote on whether or not the time has come to stop locking people up for smoking a doobie or two.
Thursday, October 30:
Michael Bonanno:
Please rate "Shock And Awe"
(2 comments) ...one of the candidates for the presidency is still in shock and awe mode while the other has a word for that mode.
Wednesday, October 29:
PrMaine:
Who is John McCain?
(9 comments) The John McCain we see today seems to many to be a totally different person than the one we knew, say in the 1990's. Which John McCain is the one of today?
Tuesday, October 28:
Dave Kisor:
Does homeland security make you feel safe?
(11 comments) The disestablishment of the Department of Homeland Security
Sunday, October 26:
John Kusumi:
Presidential Preference Poll
(6 comments) Straight up, plain vanilla presidential preference poll.
Saturday, October 25:
Patricia 0rmsby:
Anyone you know been disenfrachised yet?
(5 comments) We hear about millions of people being disqualified to vote in the upcoming election or falling victim to registration fraud. Has this happened to you or anyone you know?
Tuesday, October 21:
Rob Kall:
Should OpEdNews Notify Members When Their Content is Most Popular?
(19 comments) Would you want an email notifying you that your article, poll, diary or member page was among the most viewed, most commented, most forwarded, highest rated, for a given period of time?
Gene Cappa:
9/11: Total Proof Bombs Were Planted-Do You Agree?
(48 comments) Bombs were planted and detonated to bring down the WTC on 9/11. Do you agree?
Monday, October 20:
Gene Cappa:
Should Bush Be Prosecuted for Murder?
(27 comments) Over 4,100 American soldiers got killed in Bush's war against Iraq on false pretenses. Should Bush be prosecuted for murder?
Monday, October 13:
Michael Morris:
America needs Leadership!
(8 comments) Did Congress show leadership in voting to pass the bailout?
Sunday, October 12:
UncleSim:
Voting the Lesser of Two Evils - A Poll
(54 comments) How strong is your support for the person who will get your vote?
This poll is an attempt to locate America's heart.
Karen Fish:
Will Sarah Palin now step down?
(11 comments) Does she stay or does she go? Why and by whom?
Thursday, October 9:
Rob Kall:
Will McCain or Obama Challenge Vote Counts?
(10 comments) Kerry wimped an quit. Gore gave up when the Supreme court waded in. If the election is close, will Obama challenge the results? Will McCain?
Gene Cappa:
FASCISM Came To America-Do You Agree?
(30 comments) The ten steps to fascism are now in place, and any crisis, real or make believe, can be used to declare a national emergency leading to martial law and tyranny over the land.
Wednesday, October 8:
chris rice:
Bail~Outs Were Wrong: How Do We Regain Control of Congress
(10 comments) You have ignored the hundreds of thousands of American people who have been calling, faxing and emailing you opposing this bailout at least 100 to 1. You have ignored the almost two hundred economists from around the country that have contacted you and who have no conflict of interest and told you this bill will outright fail.
My congressman's web site had a pole showing that 97.3% of his constituents were opposed.
Steph Fauxco:
Who do you think won the debate tonight? Obama or McCain VOTE NOW
(1 comments) Debate #2 McCain V Obama who do you think will won the debate?
PrMaine:
Are trolls effective?
(12 comments) Have Republican trolls been trying to influence voters through comments on progressive web sites? If so, are they effective in this effort?
Sunday, October 5:
Paul Kruger:
Are we safe from our own military?
(51 comments) Would members of our own military refuse an order to turn their weapons against American Citizens on US Soil?
Friday, October 3:
Steph Fauxco:
First Bail Out Bill VS New Bail Out Bill? VOTE!!!
(17 comments) Should Congress have voted in the less pork Bail out bill of last week vs. the one they have to TODAY?
Lance L. Landon:
Biden-Palin Debate, Who Won???
(15 comments) Vote for Joe Biden
Vote for Sarah Palin
Thursday, October 2:
Steph Fauxco:
Will Sarah Palin say "Alaska" more times than "Hero" tonight?
(3 comments) Palin, debate, Funny Poll, Alaska, Hero
Peter Dearman:
Do something, but ditch the Paulson Plan
(4 comments) Should Congress promise to do something major, but ditch the Paulson Plan and start listening to other informed voices?
JC Garrett:
Poll: Republican 'Capitalism' or Republican 'Socialism'?
(10 comments) The choice really isn't between real Capitalism and real Socialism. The choice is between the reality that occurs by applying the Republican definition of Capitalism and the Republican definition of Socialism. Which would you prefer?
Monday, September 29:
Steph Fauxco:
Did the Republicans commit extreme insider trading today?
(2 comments) Do you think the Republican's committed extreme insider trading today?
Sunday, September 28:
Rob Kall:
After Palin Bombs Debating Biden, & Withdraws from the Campaign, Who Will McCain Pick?
(14 comments) Sarah Palin bombed in her interview with Katie Couric and she's going to hit bottom and break into 700 billion ugly pieces when she debates with Joe Biden. Who Will McCain choose to replace her when Palin withdraws to "take care of her family."
Friday, September 26:
Robert Arend:
Are The Republicans Gaining Hero Status On The Bailout?
(14 comments) Are Democrats risking dilution of the public's blame of the Republicans for current ills of the economy when the Dems support bailing out Wall Street and the Repubs stand against it?
Wednesday, September 24:
Constance Lavender:
Bailout: Post-Bush Speech to Nation
(11 comments) Post-Bush Speech Bailout Gauge
Tuesday, September 23:
MedicalWhistleblower:
Should Medical Whistleblowers Be Protected?
(5 comments) Should Medical Whistleblowers Be Protected?
Kevin Gosztola:
How can America recover from the financial crisis?
(13 comments) Three prominent politicians (two of them presidential candidates) have plans for how to respond to the bailout. Neither suggest that they would support the Bush administration's or Paulson's proposal, which is being advanced in the halls of Congress right now (despite the fact that many details about the proposal are unknown).
Monday, September 22:
Rob Kall:
Screwed or Saved Bailout-wise?
(38 comments) will dems pass or fix the bailout, or will Republicans do it? Or will a bipartisan congress screw the taxpayers.
Saturday, September 20:
Constance Lavender:
Given the economic illness of the United States, What do you prefer to do?
(21 comments) Tell the World What Your Future Plans Are Going To Be....
Friday, September 19:
Rob Kall:
Has J. Edgar Hoover Styled Blackmail Come Back to Haunt Congress?
(18 comments) with all the access to phone tapping, has the Bush admin and its surrogates been digging up blackmail material on Dem leaders in congress?
Constance Lavender:
Do you support the government's bail out of Wall Street?
(14 comments) Do you support the government's bail out of Wall Street?
Rob Kall:
Government Welfare Buyouts and Rescues; Are They Over Yet?
(7 comments) Will there be more massive loans or government takeovers that amount to corporations become socialized-- even whole industries?
Wednesday, September 17:
Karen Fish:
Did George Bush bail out AIG to save AIG or John McCain and the Neocons?
(21 comments) What are the true motives behind the Bush bailout of AIG?
Monday, September 15:
Rob Kall:
Diagnose Sarah Palin Poll
(38 comments) Which diagnosis do you pick?
Bruce Cain:
A 20 Year Moritorium on Legal/Illegal Immigration Into the US
(14 comments) The "New Agenda for America" is composed of 10 "Planks." The 2nd plank calls for a 20 Year Moritorium on Legal/Illegal Immigration Into the US. [Goto www.newagecitizen.com/NAA.htm to read the full agenda].
joel kauffman:
"Under God," in the Pledge of Allegiance
(25 comments) The phrase has presently been held unconstitutional by a California federal district court. The decision is on appeal to the Federal Court of Appeals.
In 2006, a Florida federal district court has held that a 1942, state law requiring children to stand and recite the pledge violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments and is therefore, unconstitutional
Greg Purcell:
Does Rob Kall look like Tony Soprano?
(5 comments) Is James Gandolfini Rob Kall's cousin??
What do you think?
PrMaine:
Voting Motivations
(17 comments) This poll is an attempt to get some understanding of what is motivating people to vote.
Sunday, September 14:
Constance Lavender:
How much faith do you have in the American financial system?
(11 comments) Given these extraordinary developments in the American financial system, how much faith do you retain?
Constance Lavender:
Is Sarah Palin from the West or the Pacific?
Decide where Sarah Palin is from: the West or the Pacific.
Saturday, September 13:
Hal Smith:
Independent Candidates
(19 comments) Who will you vote for?
Tony Forest:
POLL: Will an Obama/Biden Victory Pacify The Movement ?
(19 comments) Offset with an inverted question: Will a McCain/Palin Victory Empower The Movement ?
Thursday, September 11:
Amanda Lang:
POLL: Should Vote Tampering or Vote Theft Crimes Be Prosecuted As Treason
(10 comments) Should the penalty for vote tampering or vote theft be more stringent than it is under current law? Should voting crimes be elevated to acts of high treason?
Amy Fried:
Poll: Does Sarah Palin Represent American Women?
(26 comments) Does the Republican V.P. nominee represent American women?
Amy Fried:
Unsolicited Absentee Ballots
(5 comments) Strange stories of unsolicited absentee being received by non-Republicans, are circulating.
Gene Cappa:
Congress Should Commence An Independent 9/11 Investigation-Do You Agree
(21 comments) Seven years after 9/11 Congress has yet to provide the American people with an independent scientific analysis of the collapses of all 3 World Trade Center buildings.
Tuesday, September 9:
John Wood Sr:
POLL: SHOULD WE REPLACE THE "STARS AND STRIPES"?
(18 comments) A way to save our Constitutional rights and liberties.
Edwin Rutsch:
Is Jim Hightower correct that grasping greed is a failed conservative value?
(7 comments) Is Jim Hightower correct that grasping greed is a failed conservative value?
Monday, September 8:
Hal Smith:
IN RELATION TO ROB'S POLL, ARE YOU VOTING FOR MCPALIN OR OBIDEN?
(8 comments) Poll to see who's voting for whom.
bhwhite:
None Of The Above Ballot Option
(7 comments) This poll asks voters if they would want a binding Voter Consent option in elections to office. The option, "None of the Above", would appear after the list of candidates for an office, and if it received the most votes, then no listed candidate for the office would be elected, and a new by-election with new candidates would have to be held.
Gene Cappa:
A Cowardly Hoyer Thwarts Impeachment - Do You Agree?
(16 comments) A co
