News

News Roundup 2.9.10

Ah, yes. The news.

NPR is in perpetual telethon mode, so we’d thought we’d get everyone up to speed.

The new senator from Massachusetts has his first day today, where senate Republicans and one Democrat will exercise their 41% majority to filibuster federal nominations.

American manufacturers are chanting “USA” celebrating Toyota’s massive brake recall.

Sarah Palin is both lambasting and being lambasted for the practice of preparing speeches with notes. Irony think as molasses on both sides.

Iran is moving forward to further enrich uranium for nuclear purposes. Cue maniacal laughter.

Haiti is still a mess. Please donate to the Red Cross, … Continue Reading

The D.C. Sniper executed in Virginia

The DC sniper was executed Wednesday, November 11 by lethal injection.

Read more at The Washington Post

Ex-lawmaker Jefferson guilty in bribery scheme

Surprise, surprise…
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Former U.S. Representative William Jefferson, who was caught with $90,000 in cash in his freezer, was found guilty on Wednesday of bribery and money laundering, Louisiana television reported.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/05/us.rep.trial/index.html

Palestine has a new leader: bets anyone?

abbas

By Jason Ward Boyte

Due in large part of Richard Gere’s urging on behalf of all the American people who were not able to make it down there in the post-holiday shuffle (oh, how it is a bear this time of year), Palestinians came out in droves and voted in Abbas for president, and as Yassar Arafat’s replacement.

What does this mean? Well, not too sure. He vowed today to get back on the roadmap to peace, saying specifically that it meant reigning in Palestinian violence. Hamas is less enthused, but said they … Continue Reading

Ukraining on his Parade

By Jason Ward Boyte

yushenkoUkraine is in a bitter fight that makes the US’s 2000 presidential election look like a love fest. Outgoing president’s pick and current PM Yanukovych – openly endorsed by Russia’s Putin – is accused of stealing the election from opposition party candidate Viktor Yushenko, not to mention poisoning him in the process.

In a battle widely viewed as an East vs. West, Capitalism vs. Socialism (or at least more and more socialist-leaning), Ukraine is seen as a barometer of what may come in the region. With Russia pinching civil … Continue Reading

Powell excuses himself; Bush says “More Rice, please.”

powell_riceToday it was announced that Rice will take Powell’s spot as Secretary of the Defense. In a move that made the shiver that went down the world’s spine on election day go back up for a return trip, Bush has effectively replaced who was widely condsidered the most palatable and moderate member of his cabinet with a bona fide hawk.

One would wonder why, that is, if Iraq is indeed in hand and we are indeed looking to recreate alliances to create a broader, more stable peace in the area. Perhaps it … Continue Reading