Thursday, February 23, 2012
'The United States Stands in Solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani'
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Case of Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms reports that Iranian authorities’ reaffirmed a death sentence for Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith. This action is yet another shocking breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution, and stated religious values.
The United States stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family, and all those who seek to practice their religion without fear of persecution—a fundamental and universal human right. The trial and sentencing process for Pastor Nadarkhani demonstrates the Iranian government’s total disregard for religious freedom, and further demonstrates Iran's continuing violation of the universal rights of its citizens.
The United States calls upon the Iranian authorities to immediately lift the sentence, release Pastor Nadarkhani, and demonstrate a commitment to basic, universal human rights, including freedom of religion. The United States renews its calls for people of conscience and governments around the world to reach out to Iranian authorities and demand Pastor Nadarkhani's immediate release.
Photo courtesy of http://archbishop-cranmer.blogspot.com
Gen. Colin Powell: The GOP's Savior in 2012
Sorry-Ass Field of Republican Contenders Would Be Obliterated if Powell Entered RaceNote: This commentary was originally published in May of 2011, but it is being reprinted because of the fact that a brokered convention may be planned by the Republican Party if Mitt Romney isn't able to obtain enough delegates to get the nomination. Political analysts have noted that former Florida governor Jeb Bush would be sought as a potential nominee, but I suspect millions of voters in this country no longer want to be placed in position to be "Bush-whacked". Based on conversations I've had, many believe twice was enough.
Having said that, the following is directed at Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Sharon Day, Co-Chair of the Committee, and every registered Republican voter in the country. You can push for Bush if "The Fake" (Santorum), "Flipper" (Romney) or "Nu-Nu" (Gingrich) can't close the deal by the time you get to Tampa, Florida, but you all would be incredibly stupid if you fail to approach someone that many Americans, be they Republican, Democrat or Independent, consider to be a true symbol of the GOP. That person is General Colin Powell.
I know how much the mainstream news organizations enjoy taking polls on any given day, so I'd like to ask them to consider conducting national polls based on these questions:
1. With political upheaval and the threat of war looming in so many areas of the world, which Republican would you trust most to lead America if she were thrust into a third world war?
Having said that, the following is directed at Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Sharon Day, Co-Chair of the Committee, and every registered Republican voter in the country. You can push for Bush if "The Fake" (Santorum), "Flipper" (Romney) or "Nu-Nu" (Gingrich) can't close the deal by the time you get to Tampa, Florida, but you all would be incredibly stupid if you fail to approach someone that many Americans, be they Republican, Democrat or Independent, consider to be a true symbol of the GOP. That person is General Colin Powell.
*******
I know how much the mainstream news organizations enjoy taking polls on any given day, so I'd like to ask them to consider conducting national polls based on these questions:
1. With political upheaval and the threat of war looming in so many areas of the world, which Republican would you trust most to lead America if she were thrust into a third world war?
Rudy Giuliani
Mike Huckabee
John McCain
Sarah Palin
Ron Paul
Colin Powell
Mitt Romney
Mike Huckabee
John McCain
Sarah Palin
Ron Paul
Colin Powell
Mitt Romney
2. If the 2012 presidential election came down to these two candidates, whom would you choose?
Barack Obama
Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Hopefully, someone in the mainstream media will consider my request. However, in the event that they piss on it, I'm confident that I know what the poll results would be. You folks out there in cyberspace ready for this? Colin Powell would win the first poll by more than 80 percent! The second poll would probably be much closer, with Powell winning 54-46 percent.
Allow me to explain by revisiting sections of an article I wrote back in February of 2007 entitled, "Colin Powell: The X-Factor in the 2008 Presidential Race". Heading into 2012, I strongly support the comments made back then.
(Stated in 2007) It would make perfect sense to tout Powell as the Republican's savior because, as an insider, he had enough conviction to stand toe-to-toe with staunch supporters of the war in Iraq, as well as other members of the Bush Administration, and challenge them on foreign policy and war strategy. They refused to listen, let alone cooperate, and Powell ultimately "bounced".
He later appeared on several talk shows, and while not outright demeaning the people closest to President Bush, Powell made it abundantly clear that he could not support the policies and strategies put forth by key figures in charge of handling the war in Iraq. His willingness to distance himself from the inept, callous and pragmatic hawks spoke volumes about the character, soul and leadership of Colin Powell.
Powell served as National Security Advisor during the Reagan Administration.
Despite his debacle at the U.N., I am convinced that Powell's opposition to Bush Administration policymakers has earned him the respect and admiration of many Americans, and this could prove to be a significant selling point for voters searching for a true stalwart within the Republican Party.
Backing Powell as the Republican nominee would send shockwaves across the country, and it would serve as a warning shot to the Democrats that Republicans fully intend to regain their power base, and most importantly, the respect and confidence of the American people in the wake of numerous scandals.
Supporting Powell would also serve as a way to mend fences. Powell has been extremely forthright when stating how he now feels about making the case for war against Iraq, since the allegations of WMD proved false. To say he was not happy would be an understatement. Simply put, the Republican Party owes Colin Powell, and they owe him bigtime! Endorsing him would be the ultimate payback.
I am going to state this is the strongest possible terms. There is no candidate in the Republican field that would be able to match or beat Colin Powell for the nomination. Period!
McCain has
lost major support because many voters no longer view him as the maverick he once was; where he often denounced President Bush and battled him to the point where it became personal. To many voters, he has simply morphed into a true politician.
In the case of "America's Mayor", Rudy Giuliani, he is a dead candidate walking. Once those skeletons start jumping out of the closet to bite him in the ass, you can stick a fork in old "Julie". Moreover, he is going to catch major hell from many key African-American leaders over the issue of race and the polarizing affect he had on Black communities in New York City. The videotape footage of him taking part in a riot with New York City police officers at City Hall will not help, either.
That leaves Romney and Brownback. I'm sorry, but did I just hear you folks say, "Who?" That's my point exactly. These two face the same uphill battle as Obama. The public has no idea who they really are. Powell has charm, charisma, appeals to Black and white voters, and has a proven track record of leadership at many different levels.
Furthermore, if Powell entered the race and a poll was taken the day after his announcement asking, "Which candidate would you trust most to lead the country during wartime or an unprecedented number of terrorist attacks on America?", I feel confident in saying Powell would win by a huge margin. McCain, because of his prisoner of war experience, would place a distant second. The rest of the field would be left twisting in the wind.
Given the fact that wars could erupt anywhere in the future, and terrorists may launch chemical and biological attacks on American soil, Powell's background as a four-star general and Secretary of State give him an enormous advantage over not just challengers for the Republican nomination, but Clinton and Obama as well.
General Powell also served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George H.W. Bush.
Again, I made these comments back in 2007, and my feelings have not changed. I don't care who the GOP trots out in front of America, they will never be as "certified" or genuine as Colin Powell. They won't have the level of trust that he has with voters, and they certainly won't have his resume. Moreover, Powell, unlike any potential nominee the GOP may consider, would be able to siphon off a percentage of the Black vote from President Barack Obama, particularly those that have become disillusioned with Obama and his policies.
Why the Republicans aren't courting Powell is a complete mystery to me. They'd rather waste time promoting "Prime-Time Palin", Lyle Waggoner from the "Carol Burnett Show" (aka Mitt Romney), or "The Huck", none of whom are fit to spit-shine Powell's old army boots.
When will they learn that voters are sick and tired of the same, sorry-ass cast of "Just For Men" and "Aqua Velva"-using candidates. They really need to get with the damn program and stop behaving like a bunch of old farts!
In closing, I have a special message for General Powell. You have been a loyal servant of the GOP for many, many years. Some may argue that fact after you appeared on "Meet the Press" and endorsed Barack Obama for president. Others may respect what you did on the show as your Constitutional right, regardless of political affiliation. No matter what the case, I truly believe many in this great nation hold you in extremely high regard -- enough to make you the 45th President of the United States of America.
This commentary is from the heart and.....From The G-Man.
Allow me to explain by revisiting sections of an article I wrote back in February of 2007 entitled, "Colin Powell: The X-Factor in the 2008 Presidential Race". Heading into 2012, I strongly support the comments made back then.
(Stated in 2007) It would make perfect sense to tout Powell as the Republican's savior because, as an insider, he had enough conviction to stand toe-to-toe with staunch supporters of the war in Iraq, as well as other members of the Bush Administration, and challenge them on foreign policy and war strategy. They refused to listen, let alone cooperate, and Powell ultimately "bounced".
He later appeared on several talk shows, and while not outright demeaning the people closest to President Bush, Powell made it abundantly clear that he could not support the policies and strategies put forth by key figures in charge of handling the war in Iraq. His willingness to distance himself from the inept, callous and pragmatic hawks spoke volumes about the character, soul and leadership of Colin Powell.
Powell served as National Security Advisor during the Reagan Administration.Despite his debacle at the U.N., I am convinced that Powell's opposition to Bush Administration policymakers has earned him the respect and admiration of many Americans, and this could prove to be a significant selling point for voters searching for a true stalwart within the Republican Party.
Backing Powell as the Republican nominee would send shockwaves across the country, and it would serve as a warning shot to the Democrats that Republicans fully intend to regain their power base, and most importantly, the respect and confidence of the American people in the wake of numerous scandals.
Supporting Powell would also serve as a way to mend fences. Powell has been extremely forthright when stating how he now feels about making the case for war against Iraq, since the allegations of WMD proved false. To say he was not happy would be an understatement. Simply put, the Republican Party owes Colin Powell, and they owe him bigtime! Endorsing him would be the ultimate payback.
I am going to state this is the strongest possible terms. There is no candidate in the Republican field that would be able to match or beat Colin Powell for the nomination. Period!
McCain has
lost major support because many voters no longer view him as the maverick he once was; where he often denounced President Bush and battled him to the point where it became personal. To many voters, he has simply morphed into a true politician.In the case of "America's Mayor", Rudy Giuliani, he is a dead candidate walking. Once those skeletons start jumping out of the closet to bite him in the ass, you can stick a fork in old "Julie". Moreover, he is going to catch major hell from many key African-American leaders over the issue of race and the polarizing affect he had on Black communities in New York City. The videotape footage of him taking part in a riot with New York City police officers at City Hall will not help, either.
That leaves Romney and Brownback. I'm sorry, but did I just hear you folks say, "Who?" That's my point exactly. These two face the same uphill battle as Obama. The public has no idea who they really are. Powell has charm, charisma, appeals to Black and white voters, and has a proven track record of leadership at many different levels.
Furthermore, if Powell entered the race and a poll was taken the day after his announcement asking, "Which candidate would you trust most to lead the country during wartime or an unprecedented number of terrorist attacks on America?", I feel confident in saying Powell would win by a huge margin. McCain, because of his prisoner of war experience, would place a distant second. The rest of the field would be left twisting in the wind.
Given the fact that wars could erupt anywhere in the future, and terrorists may launch chemical and biological attacks on American soil, Powell's background as a four-star general and Secretary of State give him an enormous advantage over not just challengers for the Republican nomination, but Clinton and Obama as well.
General Powell also served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George H.W. Bush.Again, I made these comments back in 2007, and my feelings have not changed. I don't care who the GOP trots out in front of America, they will never be as "certified" or genuine as Colin Powell. They won't have the level of trust that he has with voters, and they certainly won't have his resume. Moreover, Powell, unlike any potential nominee the GOP may consider, would be able to siphon off a percentage of the Black vote from President Barack Obama, particularly those that have become disillusioned with Obama and his policies.
Why the Republicans aren't courting Powell is a complete mystery to me. They'd rather waste time promoting "Prime-Time Palin", Lyle Waggoner from the "Carol Burnett Show" (aka Mitt Romney), or "The Huck", none of whom are fit to spit-shine Powell's old army boots.
When will they learn that voters are sick and tired of the same, sorry-ass cast of "Just For Men" and "Aqua Velva"-using candidates. They really need to get with the damn program and stop behaving like a bunch of old farts!
In closing, I have a special message for General Powell. You have been a loyal servant of the GOP for many, many years. Some may argue that fact after you appeared on "Meet the Press" and endorsed Barack Obama for president. Others may respect what you did on the show as your Constitutional right, regardless of political affiliation. No matter what the case, I truly believe many in this great nation hold you in extremely high regard -- enough to make you the 45th President of the United States of America.
This commentary is from the heart and.....From The G-Man.
Photo 1 source: Cropped from Gen. Colin Powell on Flickr (Pictured in 2005)
Author: Charles Haynes
Permission: Creative Commons Attributions -Share Alike 2.0 Generic License
Photo 2 source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, ID C46448-13
Author: Unknown
Permission: Public Domain
Photo 3 source: http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/1991/Army/DA-SC-91-07109.JPEG
Author: Russell Roederer
Permission: Public Domain
Author: Charles Haynes
Permission: Creative Commons Attributions -Share Alike 2.0 Generic License
Photo 2 source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, ID C46448-13
Author: Unknown
Permission: Public Domain
Photo 3 source: http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/1991/Army/DA-SC-91-07109.JPEG
Author: Russell Roederer
Permission: Public Domain
Romney, Santorum Trade Jabs at CNN Debate
Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum fought for the spotlight in Wednesday's CNN debate.
By Alyssa Cartee
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Chavez's Health Concerns Spark Political Uncertainty
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's continuing health problems spark debate over whether he will be able to complete his campaign to keep his job.
Sources:CBSNBCWashingtonPostBloomberg
By Niels Schack Norgaard
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Abkhazian Leader Survives Assassination Attempt
Abkhazian President Alexander Ankvab survives what may be the sixth attempt on his life since 2005.
By Zakiyyah Wahab
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Fannie and Freddie Rack Up Millions in Attorney's Fees
Government-backed mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac spend millions for fees defending their executives.
Sources:KPTVWashingtonPostBloomberg
By David Earl
Anchor: David Earl
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Investigates Overdraft
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating banks' overdraft fees and their impact on low-income and young consumers.
Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/fed-financial-protection-bureau-investigates-overdraft-fees/
By Katarina Sostaric
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Australia's Foreign Minister Resigns
Kevin Rudd resigns amid speculation he'll challenge Prime Minister Julia Gillard for leadership of the Labor party.
Sources:CNNSBSWorldNewsThePunch
By Celia Murray
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
CDC: Raw Milk Has Highest Health Risk of All Dairy Products
A CDC study says the states where raw milk is legal have 'more than twice the rate of outbreaks as states where it was illegal.'
Sources:CDC.govBloombergLosAngelesTimes
Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/cdc-raw-milk-has-highest-health-risk-of-all-dairy-products/
By Xiaonan Wang
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Power of the Pen: Bills Signed into Law
Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 3630
On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, the President signed into law:
H.R. 3630, the “Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012,” which extends through December 31, 2012: (1) a reduction in employment tax rates for employees and the self-employed: (2) an initial eligibility for emergency unemployment compensation and 100 percent Federal funding for extended unemployment insurance benefits: and (3) a Medicare physician payment update delaying a rate reduction for physician services. Also extends assistance for needy families through September 30, 2012.
Veterans March in Support of Ron Paul
Mainstream News Organizations Provide No Coverage of Event
After receiving numerous phone calls, From The G-Man followed up on reports that the majority of mainstream news organizations in America failed to provide coverage of hundreds of former and current service members that marched to the White House in support of GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul.
The march, which took place on February 20, President's Day, received brief mention on an ABC News blog, but not on the network. Moreover, ABC News had to issue a public apology and retraction on its website after reporting that only a few dozen veterans were on hand for the event, when there were actually hundreds.
Congressman Paul has bitterly complained for months that news analysts and organizations have not treated him fairly and have purposely sought to downplay his candidacy -- after reporting that Paul has virtually no chance of winning the GOP nomination.
Congressman Paul has bitterly complained for months that news analysts and organizations have not treated him fairly and have purposely sought to downplay his candidacy -- after reporting that Paul has virtually no chance of winning the GOP nomination.
Published reports have indicated that Paul receives more campaign contributions from active and retired members of the military than any other candidate in the GOP field and President Obama.
"RT", a Russian news network that provides around-the-clock national and international coverage in English, was one of the few news venues to showcase the march.
Biden to Travel to Mexico and Honduras
Expected to Meet with Presidents Calderon and Lobo
Vice President Joe Biden will travel to Mexico and Honduras from March 4-6.
In Mexico City, the Vice President will meet with President Calderón and will underscore the United States’ commitment to deepening our close dialogue and cooperation with Mexico on a broad range of issues.
In Mexico City, the Vice President will meet with President Calderón and will underscore the United States’ commitment to deepening our close dialogue and cooperation with Mexico on a broad range of issues.
In Tegucigalpa, the Vice President will hold a bilateral meeting with President Lobo. In addition, he will take part in a meeting with Central American leaders, who have been invited to a joint meeting by President Lobo, the current President Pro Tempore of the Central American Integration System.
In both countries, the Vice President will also consult with our partners about the Summit of the Americas, scheduled to be held in Colombia in mid-April, which will focus on leveraging Hemispheric connections and partnerships to improve the lives of people throughout the region.
Image courtesy of http://www.seymourjohnson.af.mil
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Author: Airman First Class Rae Perry
Administration Releases Framework for Business Tax Reform
Says Plan Would Simplify Tax Code, Eliminate Tax Loop Holes and Subsidies, Among Other Things
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury today released the President’s framework for reforming the U.S. business tax system, which would enhance American competitiveness by simplifying the tax code and eliminating dozens of tax loopholes and subsidies, incentivizing job creation and investment here at home and lowering the business rate while broadening the tax base.
“In order to make us more competitive and create jobs here at home, we must reform our corporate tax code,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.
“The President’s framework would boost growth and provide American companies with incentives to invest in the U.S. while simplifying and cutting taxes for our small businesses.”
According to the Administration, under the current tax system, the United States will soon have the highest statutory corporate tax rate among developed countries, within a system that features a large number of tax expenditures for special interests.
This puts American businesses—especially those in areas like manufacturing that are subject to more intense international competition—at a disadvantage. And this system is also unnecessarily complicated for America’s small businesses.
For these reasons, the current business tax system is uncompetitive, unfair, and inefficient—distorting choices about where to produce, what to invest in, how to finance a business, and how to incorporate.
As a result, the U.S. business tax system does too little to encourage job creation and investment in the United States and creates too many opportunities that encourage shifting production and profits overseas.
The President’s framework for reform seeks to address those deficiencies in a way that is fiscally responsible.
The details put forward today also make clear that the Administration is committed to working with experts, stakeholders and lawmakers on a bipartisan basis to enact tax reform, including business tax reform that improves the tax treatment of a range of businesses from large corporations to small businesses and does so with fewer tax expenditures, less complexity and lower rates without adding to the deficit.
This report describes the current state of the U.S. business tax system and lays out a framework for reform that includes five major elements:
Eliminate dozens of tax loopholes and subsidies, broaden the base and cut the corporate tax rate to spur growth in America: The framework eliminates dozens of different tax expenditures and fundamentally reforms the business tax base to reduce distortions that hurt productivity and growth. It reinvests these savings to lower the corporate tax rate to 28 percent, putting the United States in line with major competitor countries and encouraging greater investment.
Strengthen American manufacturing and innovation: The framework would refocus the manufacturing deduction and use the savings to reduce the effective rate on manufacturing to no more than 25 percent, while encouraging greater research and development and the production of clean energy.
Strengthen the international tax system, including establishing a new minimum tax on foreign earnings, to encourage domestic investment: Our tax system should not give companies an incentive to locate production overseas or engage in accounting games to shift profits abroad, eroding the U.S. tax base. Introducing the principle of a minimum tax on foreign earnings would help address these problems and discourage a global race to the bottom in tax rates.
Simplify and cut taxes for America’s small businesses: Tax reform should make tax filing simpler for small businesses and entrepreneurs so that they can focus on growing their businesses rather than filling out tax returns.
Restore fiscal responsibility and not add a dime to the deficit: Business tax reform should be fully paid for and lead to greater fiscal responsibility than our current business tax system by either eliminating or making permanent and fully paying for temporary tax provisions now in the tax code.
To view the President’s framework for reforming business taxation, please visit this link.
Image courtesy of http://www.easyvectors.com
Oglala Sioux Tribe Files Complaint Against Whiteclay Distributors and Retailers
Seeks Court Injunction to Limit Beer Sales
LINCOLN, Neb. – Attorney Tom White, legal counsel for the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), has filed an amended complaint seeking injunctive relief in the Tribe's lawsuit against the brewers, retailers and distributors of beer sold in Whiteclay, Nebraska.
The amended complaint, filed Friday in Federal Court in Lincoln, requests an injunction to limit beer sales in Whiteclay.
Public comments made by Nebraska State Attorney General Jon Bruning subsequent to the original filing indicate, according to the amended complaint, that it is “not reasonable to expect that in the future the State of Nebraska will enforce its laws regulating the sale of alcohol at Whiteclay.”
Speaking about the lawsuit and alcohol problems on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (PRIR), home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Bruning told the Nebraska Radio Network on February 10, 2012 that the solution is not shutting down the beer stores in Whiteclay, and that if the state shuts them down it is feared Pine Ridge residents will then travel to other areas to buy beer.
As a result, the amended complaint alleges, the OST has “no adequate remedies at law to protect its Federally granted rights under 18 U.S.C. § 1161 and to protect its sovereignty over the use and possession of alcohol and the integrity of its borders, and therefore the OST requests this Court to uphold the Federal law in this matter by granting injunctive relief against the named Defendants.”
The amended complaint further states: “The OST respectfully suggests that such relief take the form of an Order limiting the total volume of beer sold by the Defendants out of Whiteclay stores to an amount that can reasonably be consumed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska and the OST. Such an order will protect the balance contemplated by Congress 18 U.S.C. § 1161 between the State of Nebraska's right to regulate alcohol within its borders and the OST's right to do the same within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.”
Congress, in 18 U.S.C. § 1161, prohibits the sale of alcohol in Indian country unless the sale is made in conformity with the laws of the State in which such acts occur and with an ordinance duly adopted by the tribe having jurisdiction over such area.
The original complaint, filed February 9, charges that the defendants are engaged in a common enterprise focused on assisting and participating in the illegal importation of alcohol sold at Whiteclay onto the PRIR.
The sale, possession and consumption of alcohol is illegal on the PRIR, where tribal members suffer from crippling poverty and alcoholism rates.
Whiteclay, which lies less than 250 feet from the PRIR border, has fewer than a dozen residents and four retail stores licensed by the State of Nebraska to sell beer.
According to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission in 2010 these stores sold the equivalent of 4.9 million 12-ounce servings of beer—or over 13,000 cans a day.
“Virtually all of this beer is sold to a population that has no legal place to drink it,” states Mark Vasina, president of Nebraskans for Peace. “Much of the beer is bootlegged onto the Pine Ridge for illegal resale.”
“The Oglala Sioux Tribe seeks compensation for all of the damages the Lakota people have suffered as a result of illegal alcohol sales,” said White, who is with White and Jorgensen Law Offices in Omaha.
“The defendants have failed to make reasonable efforts to ensure their products are distributed and sold in obedience to the laws of the State of Nebraska and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.”
Defendants named in the complaint include the following:
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.SAB Miller d/b/a Miller Brewing Company
Molson Coors Brewing Company
Miller Coors, LLC
Pabst Brewing Company
Pivo, Inc. d/b/a High Plains Budweiser
Dietrich Distributing Co., Inc.
Arrowhead Distributing, Inc.
Coors Distributing of West Nebraska d/b/a Coors of West Nebraska
Jason Schwarting d/b/a Arrowhead Inn, Inc. (Whiteclay, Neb.)
Sanford Holdings, LLC d/b/a D&S Pioneer Service (Whiteclay, Neb.)
Stuart Kozal d/b/a/ Jumping Eagle Inn (Whiteclay, Neb.)
Clay Brehmer and Daniel Brehmer d/b/a State Line Liquor (Whiteclay, Neb.)
For more information or to download a copy of the original and amended complaint, visit: www.SavePineRidge.org
Image courtesy of http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe/
'NYSStore' on eBAY to Sell State Vehicles and Other Assets
First Sale Will Make Almost 500 Vehicles Available Directly to Buyers
The Office of General Services (OGS) will launch "NYSStore," a new eBay-based online platform to sell unneeded state vehicles and other excess state assets. NYSStore will offer a spectrum of surplus state goods including office supplies, computers, cell phones, furniture, medical equipment, cameras, generators, tools, and other supplies that are no longer needed by the state.
The sale will begin in early April with inventories updated regularly.
As part of Governor Cuomo's overhaul of New York’s government operations, a new fleet management system has been set up to consolidate the state’s vehicle fleet.
As a result of this effort, the state has already identified nearly 500 vehicles to be part of the first online sale. The sale of these cars and other goods could generate hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as millions of dollars in reduced costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
"By selling unneeded equipment and supplies, New York State will reduce operating costs and cut back on excess spending and inventory," Governor Cuomo said.
"This initiative is a small part of our work to overhaul government operations and make the state work more efficiently for the taxpayer."
The nearly 500 passenger vehicles that will be offered in the initial sale on NYSStore include numerous makes and models. Many vehicles are late model (after 2000), have high mileage and will be sold “as-is”.
Vehicles not sold through NYSStore will be offered through the traditional Office of General Services on-site auction at a later date.
The vehicles will be offered through the NYSStore (http://www.nysstore.com), via eBay, beginning in April.
Vehicles will be available for inspection at the Harriman State Office Campus, and the Department of Motor Vehicles will have a satellite office on the Campus to facilitate the sale and registration of the vehicles.
Vehicles will be offered at a “buy it now” price, or for auction with a minimum price.
Image courtesy of http://www.fg-a.com
Cuomo to Improve State's Disaster and Response Capabilities
Overhaul Designed to Make New York's Emergency Management Operation the Best in the Country
The Cuomo Administration has introduced a series of major initiatives to transform New York State's disaster and emergency response capabilities.
The initiatives include creating five Regional Disaster Logistics Centers to serve as staging areas and store emergency equipment; launching a state agency emergency network to coordinate disaster response equipment; establishing Regional Rapid Response and Incident Management Teams to expedite deployment and coordinate with local governments; creating a statewide network of emergency responders; hosting a statewide Emergency Preparedness conference; and selling unnecessary and outdated equipment.
"We learned from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that we must be ready and have the capabilities to respond to all emergencies. Our state's first responders are second to none, but they need a highly coordinated network to support them," Governor Cuomo said.
"Today we are launching a series of new actions to ensure that our first responders are properly equipped to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency anywhere and anytime."
The initiatives come after a Governor-ordered review following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee revealed both strengths and weaknesses in the state's emergency response capabilities.
The initiatives come after a Governor-ordered review following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee revealed both strengths and weaknesses in the state's emergency response capabilities.
While New York's first responders showed tremendous leadership and ability, the review found shortcomings in the state's coordination and preparation, including assets not being aligned with needs, a lack of resources pre-deployed to regions in the storms' paths, and response units with outdated equipment in place.
The Governor tasked Jerry Hauer, the State's Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and a nationally recognized emergency management expert, to lead an overhaul that is designed to make New York's emergency response system the best in the country.
"One of my first priorities was to assess the State's disaster asset inventory," stated Jerome Hauer, DHSES Commissioner.
"We found that much of the equipment was inadequate to support an effective disaster response. By establishing these Disaster Preparedness Centers, we are ensuring that State and local responders have the right tools to respond to emergencies more rapidly and effectively. Governor Cuomo tasked me to create the best emergency operations system in the country, and this major overhaul has the potential to make New York State a national leader in disaster response capabilities."
Create Five Regional Disaster Logistics Centers
DHSES will work with state agencies, the National Guard, and localities to put in place five Disaster Logistics Centers in key regional locations across the New York State.
When completed, the state will have a total of five regionally located stockpile and staging areas that can be used to store emergency equipment and rescue vehicles, and provide expedited assistance to local governments during emergencies.
The Disaster Logistics Centers will ensure that the state has resources and equipment pre-positioned in areas where they would be most needed during an emergency.
The Centers will be located in the North Country, Western New York, Hudson Valley, Southern Tier, and Long Island.
Placing the Right Equipment and Supplies in the Right Place
The Regional Disaster Logistics Centers will ensure that the right vehicles and equipment are in the right place to respond rapidly to an emergency situation. Vehicles including ATVs, snowmobiles, high-clearance DOT trucks, and swift water rescue boats will be regionally positioned so they can be deployed immediately.
The centers will also have pre-positioned equipment and supplies, including generators, pumps, water filters, specialized rescue equipment, communications equipment, and personal care items such as food, water, cots and blankets.
Statewide Emergency Network
To coordinate the emergency response equipment distributed across numerous state agencies, DHSES will create a centralized inventory of all state agency assets that can be used to support local governments during crises. The centralized inventory will also include a new vehicle identification system.
Establish Regional Rapid Response and Incident Management Teams
Regional Rapid Response Teams
DHSES will organize ten new Rapid Response Support Teams (RRSTs) that will align with the new response areas to promptly deploy in emergency situations and coordinate state support with local governments.
The RRSTs will be co-led by State Commissioners that have been specially trained in emergency management and State Office of Emergency Management regional directors. The teams will also include representatives from the State Office of Emergency Management, State Police, National Guard, and other agencies.
Incident Management Teams
DHSES will create five additional regionally-based Incident Management Teams (IMTs) comprised of local public safety and first response personnel who have received specialized training to support localities and provide expertise during emergency situations.
New York currently has one state-level and two locally-based IMTs, each of which was instrumental in supporting disaster operations in two heavily flooded counties during the late summer storms of 2011.
First Responder Network and Statewide Credentialing System
DHSES will create a new statewide network of first responders that will give localities access to emergency response personnel when needed. The network will enhance uniform training across regions and agencies, and include an inventory of skills to help match first responder expertise with emergency needs.
The process is designed to create the best trained core of first responders in the country, and will include one of the nation's first statewide credentialing systems to ensure that emergency personnel are given rapid access to disaster scenes.
Statewide Conference
Governor Cuomo will host a statewide Emergency Management Summit this summer that will involve emergency management professionals from across the state and feature nationally and globally recognized experts on terrorism, natural disasters, and emergency preparedness.
Sale of Unnecessary Equipment
The Governor-directed review found an excess of unnecessary and outdated emergency response equipment. Unused equipment will be recalled for assessment or sold, and useable equipment will be centralized at the 5 DHSES Regional Disaster Logistics Centers.
Obamas Deliver Ash Wednesday Message
Statement by the President
Today, Michelle and I honor Ash Wednesday with Christians around the country and across the world. This is at once a solemn and joyous occasion, an opportunity to remember both the depths of sacrifice and the height of redemption. We join millions in entering the Lenten Season with truly thankful hearts, mindful of our faith and our obligations to one another.
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