From The G-Man: 12/11/11

On December 16, after careful consultation with the new Libyan government, the United States rolled back most U.S. sanctions on the Government of Libya to keep our commitment to the Libyan people. Just days after the Qadhafi regime’s attacks against the Libyan people, the United States imposed a complete freeze on Government of Libya assets.

The international financial sanctions that followed prevented Libya's assets from being used by Qadhafi to perpetrate violence and preserved Libya’s wealth for its rightful owners, the Libyan people. Due to the bravery and perseverance of the Libyan people, the Qadhafi regime was defeated and Libya is now undertaking a transition to democracy.

Today’s action unfreezes all government and Central Bank funds within U.S. jurisdiction, with limited exceptions. Assets in the U.S. of the Qadhafi family and former Qadhafi regime members remain frozen. These measures, along with the steps taken today by the United Nations Security Council, will allow the Libyan government to access most of its worldwide holdings and will help the new government oversee the country’s transition and reconstruction in a responsible manner. The United States is also assisting the Libyan government with the technical steps required to make these assets available from financial institutions as soon as possible.

The United States is proud of the role we played in supporting the Libyan peoples' efforts to end the Qadhafi regime. We look forward to a continued close partnership with the new government of Libya during this transitional period and beyond, and believe that these assets can be an important resource for the Libyan people.

White House Chat Session: Obama and Medvedev

President Dimitri Medvedev

Presidents Discuss Russia's Invitation to Join World Trade Organization

President Obama spoke with Russian President Medvedev recently to congratulate him on the World Trade Organization’s decision to extend a formal invitation to Russia to join the WTO. The Presidents hailed this achievement as yet another result of the reset in bilateral relations, which will benefit both the United States and Russia.

Russia’s membership in the WTO will lower tariffs, improve access to Russia’s services markets, hold the Russian government accountable to a system of rules governing trade behavior, and provide the means to enforce those rules. Russia’s membership in the WTO will generate more export opportunities for American manufacturers and farmers, which in turn will support well-paying jobs in the United States.

President Obama told President Medvedev that the Administration is committed to working with Congress to end the application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Russia in order to ensure that American firms and American exporters will enjoy the same benefits of Russian WTO membership as their international competitors.

The two presidents also discussed the recent elections and subsequent demonstrations in Russia. President Obama raised the reports of flaws in the way the elections were conducted, and welcomed President Medvedev’s commitment to investigate these allegations.

President Obama also noted the peaceful demonstrations held throughout Russia, and praised how Russian government authorities enabled the permissive conditions that allowed these demonstrations to occur peacefully and lawfully.

The president noted how this expression of civil society is consistent with the modernizing Russia that President Medvev has sought to foster over the last four years. The two presidents said they looked forward to meeting next at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea in March 2012.

Photo source: http://www.kremlin.ru/eng/articles/bigphoto.shtml
Author: Presidential Press and Information Office

Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported

Thursday, December 15, 2011

White House Briefs

President Obama on Ensuring Fair Pay for In-Home Care Workers

President Obama announces a new rule that will ensure in-home care workers are included in the same minimum wage and overtime protections afforded to other workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Newsy Now: Breaking News Headlines

U.S. formally ends war in Iraq; toxic alcohol kills more than 100 people in India; and Elizabeth Smart speaks publicly about her kidnapping.

Sources:CNN AlJazeera ABC NBC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newsy-now-december-15-gmt-1200/

By JJ Bailey and Mallory Perryman

Anchor: Christina Hartman

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

'Locked Up': The Book Every American Must Read

Lockhart: "The Information in the Book is Needed More Than Ever to Assist in Preventing Wrongful Convictions"

A FROM THE G-MAN EXCLUSIVE

Nancy Lockhart, M.J., is a non-attorney legal analyst with a sincere passion for researching and publicizing grave issues of injustice and wrongful convictions. Lockhart is most notably recognized for her work in the Scott Sisters case. Her relentless petitioning and long-term involvement in the controversial case played a major role in having Gladys and Jamie Scott released.

Lockhart created and spearheaded a grass-roots campaign along with Evelyn Rasco, the mother of the Scott sisters, in her quest for justice. The movement became a viral, global phenomenon via social networking and field organizing -- combining creative planning with online and off-line strategies.

Additionally, Lockhart launched the Compassionate Medical Release petition on behalf of Patricia Wright and others, as well as assisted in negotiating structured plea bargains. Wright, who was incarcerated in 1998 after being convicted of killing her husband, with no evidence or motive linking her to the crime, was diagnosed with fourth-stage terminal cancer while serving her sentence.

Lockhart holds a Masters of Jurisprudence from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. While attending, she supported herself by working as a consultant for the RainbowPUSH Coalition. It was at PUSH that she initially began championing the cause of the Scott Sisters.

Upon graduating from the university and leaving PUSH, Lockhart continued to seek justice on behalf of the Scott Sisters. Her efforts proved successful when Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour suspended their life sentence with the stipulation that Gladys, then 36, give Jamie, who was 38, one of her kidneys. The sisters were released in January of 2011.

From The G-Man recently conducted an exclusive interview with Lockhart to discuss her new book "Locked Up - What to Do When Your AZZ Gets Locked Up", a book that she believes will be crucially important to every American in the future.

Nancy Lockhart, M.J.

G-Man: You were instrumental in the Scott Sisters case. Could you elaborate on why you decided to become a legal advocate for the sisters and their family?

Lockhart: Allow me to state this, emphatically. Advocating for the Scott Sisters was simply the right thing to do. I championed their cause because no one else had done so and apparently, no one else would. Mrs. Rasco - the mother of The Scott Sisters - was actually my first contact with the case. She fought tirelessly for 11 years (at that time) and after researching everything that she shared with me, I found that she told the truth about the trumped up charges. I realized that she was poor financially but, very rich in spirit and determination. Mrs. Rasco cared for their children when she could have easily placed them in foster care, all of which motivated me to research the case of her daughters.

G-Man: Did the case, ultimately, play a role in your decision to write the book?

Lockhart: Ultimately, the case did play a large role in my decision to write the book. I consistently receive numerous requests from individuals nationwide who unfortunately have criminal, legal issues. I was inspired by those numerous requests.

G-Man: What was the most difficult aspect of writing "Locked Up"?

Lockhart: The most difficult aspect of writing this volume was narrowing the information. What To Do When Your AZZ Gets Locked up is the first in a Locked Up series. I will continue to address those issues affecting poor people, and minorities. Justice is expensive - I am an advocate for lowering the bar on mass incarceration and raising the bar on legal education in our communities. With the appropriate education - negative statistics decrease.

G-Man: Without giving too much away, can you discuss one thing people should do immediately if they're jailed?

Lockhart: Never feel that you can negoitiate with the police. Keep your mouth shut! Talk only when your lawyer is present. This starts with being arrested and when jailed.

G-Man: Having spent many years as a legal analyst, what have you found to be the most disturbing and shocking element of the court system?

Lockhart: One case in particular. A young man (juvenile) was offered a plea deal to avoid a life sentence. No one was murdered. The bargain was 125 years. He is currently incarcerated. The shocking and disturbing elements for me currently are the egregious plea deals and excessive sentences.

G-Man: Do you address this issue in your book?

Lockhart: This issue is addressed, but will be elaborated on fully in the third volume of the series.

G-Man: To date, what experience or case would you cite as an absolute travesty of justice and why?

Lockhart: The Troy Davis case. There was absolutely too much doubt in Troy's case to murder him.

G-Man: Based on your knowledge and observations, regarding the rate of incarceration, do Black males or Black females face the greatest danger?

Lockhart: I believe that Black males face the greatest danger of mass incarceration although; there is a steady increase in Black women and both males and females of Hispanic decent.

G-Man: As you may be well aware, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide if juveniles should be prosecuted as adults. What is your view, particularly where heinous acts are concerned?

Lockhart: I believe that most juveniles (and adults) can be rehabilitated. On the other hand, I do not believe that proper rehabilitation exists in our country.

G-Man: The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a bill, S. 1867, which grants the president and U.S. military complete authority to arrest and indefinitely detain anyone suspected of being a terrorist or having links to terrorist organizations, including U.S. citizens, without due process. If this bill is signed into law by President Obama, would the information in your book still be applicable under the new law?

Lockhart: The information in the Locked Up series will be needed more than ever to assist in preventing wrongful convictions.

Lockhart is not an attorney, and those seeking legal services should contact their state bar association. Visit the links below if you would like to purchase a copy of Locked Up.

http://www.amazon.com/Locked-Up-What-Guide-Freedom/dp/146647677X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324498916&sr=8-1

https://www.createspace.com/3713913

http://nancylockhart.blogspot.com/p/buy-locked-up-what-to-do-when-your-azz.html

Photos courtesy of Nancy Lockhart.

Cuomo Launches Drive to Benefit Families in Flood-Affected Communities

All New Yorkers Encouraged to Donate Toys, Household Appliances and Money

Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched a statewide holiday giving drive to benefit families in flood affected communities.

The giving drive is part of the Governor's "NYGives" campaign, a statewide effort to encourage charitable giving and generosity throughout the holiday season. "NYGives" connects businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and those seeking to give with organizations that directly serve New Yorkers most in need.

The campaign will continue through the end of 2011.

The Governor invites businesses and individuals to donate toys and other supplies to be distributed among families in communities hard hit by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The Toy Industry Association has already pledged to donate 250 toys.

"This giving drive will bring some holiday cheer and household supplies to families and children in areas devastated by the late summer storms," Governor Cuomo said.

"This is what New Yorkers have always done best: stand together and look out for our neighbors. I invite all New Yorkers to support those in need this holiday season."

Carter Keithley, President of the Toy Industry Association, said, "The Toy Industry Association and its members are pleased to participate in Governor Cuomo's initiative. The toy industry is deeply committed to bringing joy and play to children in need, especially during the holiday season."

Cuomo notes that New Yorkers can help by bringing in unwrapped toys or supplies to Office of General Services (OGS) offices across the state, or mailing to OGS Mail Room, Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza P1, Dock J, Albany, New York 12242. OGS will arrange for these items to be distributed through charitable organizations.

Assistance can also be provided by donating to the United Way of New York State or other charitable organizations that benefit the flood regions, and by volunteering or bringing supplies to local food pantries. Pantry listings are provided at the following link:http://www.foodbankassocnys.org/find-food-bank.cfm)

The drive will also include a series of regional events hosted by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy and members of the Governor's Upstate Storm and Recovery Task Force. Next week, the Governor will visit communities in flood regions to deliver toys and other donated supplies.

For New Yorkers wishing to make a financial contribution to affected communities, donation of funds can be directed to charitable organizations that support flood relief efforts, such as the United Way of New York.

Contributions may be made by sending a check to the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund c/o United Way of New York State, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York 12110-2424 or by visiting www.uwnys.org and clicking on the link on the home page to make a secure donation via credit card.

All contributions to the United Way of New York will receive an acknowledgement. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to flood victims, and no administrative costs are taken out.

"The need remains great in communities hit hard by the flooding. We appreciate all donations, no matter the size, which we are using to help fund continued long term recovery efforts. We applaud Governor Cuomo's leadership and hard work to make sure those affected by these storms have all they need to rebuild," said Susan Hager, President of United Way of New York State.

"United Way thanks all New Yorkers who have contributed to the Fund for their generosity. We will continue to distribute proceeds to those in need for as long as that help is needed."

Male Model the Face of Push-Up Bra Campaign

Dutch retail brand Hema is using male model Andrej Pejic for its latest lingerie campaign, boasting its "Mega Push-Up Bra" adds two cup sizes.

Sources:Guyism Fashionista.com HeraldSun TheTelegraph

NewYorkMagazine Women24

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/male-model-face-of-push-up-bra-campaign/

By Julia Corderoy

Anchor: Julia Corderoy

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

FAA Allows iPads In Cockpits

The Federal Aviation Administration says iPads can replace navigation charts and manuals on American Airline flights.

Sources:ZDNet TechCrunch TheWallStreetJournal

CNN Mashable

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/faa-allows-ipads-during-takeoff-landing-for-pilots/

By Yutaka Hayashi

Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

President Obama and the First Lady Speak to Troops at Fort Bragg

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome home troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and thank them all for their service.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Laura Pollán Awarded 'Democracy Service Medal'

The late Laura Pollán, founder of Las Damas de Blanco

Statement by the President on the Legacy of Laura Pollan

Today, as the National Endowment for Democracy awards the Democracy Service Medal posthumously to Laura Pollán, the founder of Las Damas de Blanco, we honor and celebrate her life by recognizing her significant contributions to the struggle to defend human rights in Cuba.

Laura Pollán and the quiet dignity of the Ladies in White have courageously voiced the core desire of the Cuban people and of people everywhere to live in liberty. Taking to the streets in peaceful protest to draw attention to the plight of those unjustly held in Cuba’s prisons, Laura Pollán and the Ladies in White have stood bravely against Cuban authorities who unleash mobs, and resort to house arrest, and temporary detention in a failed attempt to silence them. Through Laura Pollán’s and the Damas’ brave actions, the world bore witness to the repressive actions of Cuban authorities, eventually leading to the release of political prisoners wrongly jailed in the Spring of 2003.

Though Laura is not with us today, her bravery in the face of repression and her selfless commitment to democracy and human rights in Cuba, offer a living legacy that inspires us to keep moving forward. To Las Damas de Blanco who will watch or listen to today’s ceremony, you have our utmost respect for your efforts to stand up for the rights of the Cuban people even in the face of this weekend’s crackdown directed at you and we honor each of you as well.

The United States is steadfast in supporting the simple desire of the Cuban people to freely determine their future and to enjoy the rights and freedoms that define the Americas, and that should be universal to all human beings. I remain committed to supporting civil society in Cuba, including by protecting the ability of Cuban Americans to support their families in Cuba through unrestricted family visits and remittances.

Photo courtesy of http://lasdamasdeblanco.blogspot.com/.

General Mills to Donate Cereal and Soup to NY Food Banks

Gesture Part of "Help Your Neighbor" Initiative

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that General Mills has signed on to the "Help Your Neighbor" initiative, pledging to donate thousands of boxes of cereal and cans of soup to regional food banks in New York State this holiday season.

General Mills will donate 15,000 boxes of Big G cereals to the Food Bank of Western New York in Buffalo, and a total of 3,000 cans of Progresso soup to be divided between the Food Bank for Westchester and the Food Bank for New York City.

"With shortages at food banks across the state, the 'Help Your Neighbor' campaign is bringing together businesses and organizations to serve those in need," Governor Cuomo said.

"I thank General Mills for its leadership in being one of the first companies to join this initiative and for helping to make sure vulnerable New Yorkers do not go hungry this holiday season."

The "Help Your Neighbor" initiative encourages New Yorkers and businesses to donate resources to help restock and fill the shelves of food banks across New York State. Regional food banks are the primary source of food for those in need, as they stock networks of food pantries and soup kitchens.

As a result of the recent storms and flooding as well as the difficult economic times, food banks have struggled to provide enough food for those seeking assistance. Governor Cuomo launched the "Help Your Neighbor" campaign on November 23 to fill the shelves of food banks across the state to ensure those in need do not go hungry during the holiday season.

"Help Your Neighbor" is a part of Governor Cuomo's "NYGives" campaign, a statewide effort to encourage charitable giving and generosity throughout the holiday season. "NYGives" connects businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and those seeking to give with organizations that directly serve New Yorkers most in need.

The campaign will continue through the end of 2011. The first company to join the campaign, Jetro/Restaurant Depot, has committed to increase its food bank food donations by 25%, from $200,000 to $250,000.

"For generations – in good times and bad – General Mills has displayed a deep, unwavering commitment to our communities", said Ellen Luger, executive director of the General Mills Foundation and vice president, General Mills.

"We live our mission of nourishing lives each and every day by sharing not only our financial resources, but also our expertise and unique skills as we strive to improve the lives of children and families around the world. We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership in addressing these needs and are pleased to join this effort."

This donation continues General Mills' commitment to nourishing communities across the country, and around the world. General Mills is one of the largest corporate givers in the United States and last year the company contributed more than $118 million to strengthen families and communities through a focus on hunger and nutrition wellness initiatives.

Additionally, General Mills is one of the top contributors of food in the United States. Last year, it donated more than $28 million in products to Feeding America, the country's largest hunger relief organization whose network consists of more than 200 food banks.

Over the past five years, General Mills has donated more than 4.7 million pounds of food to food banks across New York State through its partnership with Feeding America.

Image courtesy of http://generalmillscoupons.blogspot.com/

Cuomo to Crack Down on Sexual Abuse at High Schools and Universities

Plan Would Expand Mandatory Reporting of Possible Abuse

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that he will introduce new legislation that will require additional persons, including coaches at high schools and colleges, to immediately report to law enforcement possible acts of child sexual abuse on their campuses.

Under current law, there are no requirements for any college employees to report acts of sex abuse to law enforcement. At high schools, many educational and health care professionals are subject to mandatory reporting requirements, but coaches are not.

Cuomo's proposal will address these gaps in order to better protect children who are present on high school and college campuses.

"Parents need to be sure that their children are safe in programs and activities that are organized by and at colleges," Governor Cuomo said.

"This legislation will ensure that those who harm our children are reported as quickly as possible to law enforcement."

Governor Cuomo's announcement of the new legislation comes after the recently publicized reports of alleged sexual abuse in the athletic programs at Syracuse University and Penn State.

The bill continues Cuomo's extensive efforts to protect children across New York State from sexual abuse.

In August, the Governor signed a law to better ensure individuals convicted of sexual offenses are disqualified from becoming school bus drivers.

As Attorney General, Cuomo authored the successful Electronic Securing and Targeting of Online Predators Act (e-STOP) law that requires convicted sex offenders to register their e-mail addresses and other online identifiers with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services' New York State Sex Offender Registry.

The e-STOP law is credited with forcing the removal of thousands of accounts associated with sex offenders from major social networking web sites.

In October, the Division of Criminal Justice Services launched a new feature that allows Facebook users to access information about medium and high-risk sex offenders living in their neighborhoods, near their workplaces and schools with just a few clicks and without leaving the popular networking site.

International Engagement Conference for South Sudan

Flag of South Sudan

Statement from National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor

On December 14th and 15th, the U.S. Government and the Republic of South Sudan will co-host an International Engagement Conference for South Sudan in Washington D.C. to support the world’s newest nation as it unveils its vision for development and economic growth priorities. The conference will bring together international partners, private sector and civil society leaders, to discuss opportunities for collaboration and investment in South Sudan. The conference is co-sponsored with several key international partners, including the governments of United Kingdom, Norway, Turkey, the European Union, the African Union, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, the Corporate Council on Africa, and InterAction.

Newsy Now: Breaking Headline News

Egyptians head to the polls; Pittsburgh Steelers coach backs James Harrison's suspension; and TIME names its 2011 person of the year.

Sources:CNN FoxSports TIME NBC

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/newsy-now-december-14-gmt-1530/

By JJ Bailey and Mallory Perryman

Anchor: Lauren Gores

Link courtesy of Newsy.com