This week, the President established a new, national monument in honor of Cesar Chavez, declared Fire Prevention Week, and sat down with Diane Sawyer, while the White House honored educational innovators and 4-H and FFA Champions of Change.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Hispanic America's Turn
MOYERS & COMPANY
Air Date: October 5, 2012
Univision’s Jorge Ramos and María Elena Salinas on Hispanic influence and power in America.
State Department Briefing
Air date: October 11, 2012
Victoria Nuland gave the daily State Department briefing. She announced that the new Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Pope was on the ground in Libya and she then fielded questions about the Benghazi attack, in which the U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.
Victoria Nuland gave the daily State Department briefing. She announced that the new Charge D'Affaires Lawrence Pope was on the ground in Libya and she then fielded questions about the Benghazi attack, in which the U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.
Today in History: October 12th
Highlights of this day in history: Columbus lands in Americas; USS Cole bombed in Yemen; Soviet leader Khrushchev bangs shoe at UN; Blast rips Bali nightclub; Opera's Luciano Pavarotti born; Singer John Denver dies in plane crash.
Debate Fact Check: Biden, Ryan Bend Some Truths
Sources:YouTubeNational JournalC-Span
CBSThe Washington PostPolitifactCNN
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Malala Yousafzai: 'Successful' Surgery Removes Bullet
Sources:CNNGuardianNBC NewsNew York Times
By John O'Connor
Anchor: Logan Tittle
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Hezbollah Claims It Sent Drone Shot Down Over Israel
Sources:CNNCouncil on Foreign Relations
The New York Times
By Harumendhah Helmy
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
BBC Denies Cover-Up of Savile 'Abuse'
He was a British institution, a flamboyant TV host who raised millions for charity. But a year after his death, Jimmy Savile's reputation has been destroyed by a series of allegations of sex abuse. And the company he worked for, the BBC, has been forced to defend itself against accusations that it tried to cover up the scandal. In December it decided not to broadcast an investigation into the charges. Al Jazeera's Tim Friend reports from London.
Turkey Says Syrian Plane 'Carried Russian-Made Munitions'
Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said munitions for the Syrian military were on board a plane forced to land on Wednesday. The Syrian passenger plane was travelling from Moscow to Damascus - but was intercepted by the Turkish air-force Russia's arms export agency has denied it had any cargo on the jet. Al Jazeera's Hyder Abbasi reports.
U.S. Cracks Down on Criminal Gang MS-13
For the first time, the US government has listed a street gang as an international criminal organisation. Mara Salvatrucha -- better known as MS-13 -- is considered one of the fastest growing criminal networks in the world with thousands of members across the US and Latin America. At least 30 thousand of its members trade in drugs, kidnapping, human smuggling, blackmail and assassinations throughout Central America and Mexico. But another 8,000 MS-13 followers are believed to operate in the US, that's where the group originated among young refugees in the streets of Los Angeles. Al Jazeera's Tom Ackerman reports from Washington.
Bangladesh Scientists Decode Fungus DNA
The country is one of the world's largest exporters of the fiber jute, and scientists have just decoded the DNA of a fungus which destroys it. Finding a cure to the fungus could increase the production of jute by 30 per cent. 40 million Bangladeshis, most of them farmers, depend on the plant. Once treated, the natural fiber is exported across the world. It's used to make heavy duty bags in South America, rugs in the Middle East, and the American automobile industry increasingly uses the natural fiber over synthetic alternatives to carpet and pad the interiors of cars. Al Jazeera's Nicolas Haque reports from Narsingdi, Bangladesh.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
White House Praises Malala Yousufzai on First Annual International Day of the Girl
Carney: "As We Pray for Malala’s Recovery, We Honor Her Bravery"
The following statement was issued today by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
On this first International Day of the Girl, the United States reaffirms our abiding commitment to promoting the rights and status of girls here in the United States and around the world. We know that when girls have access to education and health care, are safe from violence, and have equal opportunities to reach their full potential, families and communities are more likely to thrive and countries are more likely to prosper. That is why the Obama Administration has worked to ensure access to quality health care for all our young people; to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including human trafficking; and to promote gender equity in education, including in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
We are reminded of the urgency of this work by
the outrageous attack this week by the Pakistani Taliban on 14-year-old Malala Yousafzai. Malala’s courage and determination as a champion for girls’
education and opportunity stands in stark contrast to the cowards who seek to
silence her. Like so many Pakistanis and people of goodwill around the
world, the American people are shocked by this deplorable shooting of a girl
who was targeted because she dared to attend school, and we reaffirm our
commitment to working with the Pakistani people toward a future that delivers
progress, justice and peace to all its citizens.
As we pray for Malala’s recovery, we honor her
bravery, we celebrate the accomplishments of girls here in the United States
and throughout the world, and we salute the leadership of all those working to
advance gender equality. On this International Day of the Girl, we pledge
to carry on our work and keep advancing our shared vision of a world where our
daughters enjoy the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons.
Julian Zelizer on the Vice Presidential Debate
Julian Zelizer talked about the historical significance of vice presidential debates, and he responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. He discussed the 2012 vice presidential debate in comparison with prior years, and the influence on vice presidential candidates on prior elections, and he previewed the evening's debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Representative Paul Ryan.
NYS Agencies Now Providing Free Language Access Services
Governor Cuomo: "New York State Government Needs to be Able to Serve All of its Residents No Matter What Language They Speak"
New York State agencies are now
providing free language interpretation in six major non-English languages,
helping all New Yorkers have access to vital government services.
On October 6, 2011, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order No. 26 that directed state agencies that provide direct services to the public to increase their foreign language access to help the approximately 2.5 million New Yorkers deemed to have Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
On October 6, 2011, Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order No. 26 that directed state agencies that provide direct services to the public to increase their foreign language access to help the approximately 2.5 million New Yorkers deemed to have Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
As of October 10, state
agencies are now equipped to provide free interpretation in Spanish, Chinese,
Russian, Italian, Korean and Haitian Creole, the six non-English languages
spoken by the majority of the LEP community in New York, according to the U.S.
Census.
Agencies also have translated
essential documents, forms and written notices of rights into those six
languages.
“New York State government needs to be able to serve all of its residents no matter what language they speak,” said Governor Cuomo.
“Today our agencies are ready
to provide assistance in the foreign languages that are spoken by most
non-English speakers in our state. With the implementation of this executive
order I am proud to say we are making state government truly work for the many
diverse cultures and communities that have made their home in New York.”
According to the United States Census Bureau, almost 22% of New Yorkers were born outside of the U.S. and almost 30% speak a language at home other than English. Immigrants make up over 27% of New York’s workforce.
In New York City, immigrants
make up more than one-third (37%) of the population and almost one-half (46%)
of the workforce.
The Governor's language access directive requires each agency to conduct a language reassessment at least every two years to determine if additional languages will be needed.
Theo Oshiro from Make the Road New York and a member of The New York State Language Access Coalition noted, “Thanks to Governor Cuomo, millions of New Yorkers will now have equal access to crucial services, programs and benefits in a language they understand. This is a great triumph for the immigrant population.” Members of the coalition include Make the Road New York, Center for Popular Democracy, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Legal Services NYC, Minkwon Center for Community Action and New York Immigration Coalition.
“Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order opens doors for many immigrants new to the state and those who have limited English proficiency. We believe that language will no longer be an impediment to access government resources for Asian Americans and immigrants throughout New York,” stated Steve Choi from MinKwon Center.
Katherine Terenzi from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest added, “For all those that have come and made New York their home, the Executive Order has made it possible for residents to communicate effectively with state government.”
For more information about Language Access, visit the Department of Labor’s website at http://labor.ny.gov/
Translated versions of this announcement are available below:
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
www.governor.ny.gov/assets/
Today in History: October 11th
Highlights of this day in history: Congress OK's U.S. military force against Iraq; Former President Jimmy Carter wins Nobel Peace Prize; Anita Hill accuses Supreme Court pick Clarence Thomas; Second Vatican Council opens; 'SNL' premieres.
Romney Criticized for 'Flip-Flopping' Abortion Comments
Sources:Talking Points MemoWHDHABCPolitico
Des Moines RegisterDes Moines Register
By Shanley Reynolds
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Plane Incident Marks New Low in Syria-Turkey Relations
A Syrian passenger plane has taken off from Ankara after it was detained by Turkish authorities. The government said it was carrying suspicious materials, but has yet to say what those were. The incident marks a new low in relations between the two countries. Al Jazeera's Mereana Hond reports.
Child Marriages Common in Afghanistan
The UN marks Thursday as International Day of the Girl Child. The focus this year is on ending child marriages. In Afghanistan, the practice is illegal under the law but still very common. Al Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse has been speaking to one woman who was forced into a marriage at the age of 11.
U.S. Congress Holds Hearing on Libya Attack
Diplomatic security for the US mission in Benghazi was "a struggle" and security teams in Libya were drawn down ahead of last month's fatal attack, the former head of a US security team in Libya has told lawmakers. "The security in Benghazi was a struggle and remained a struggle throughout my time there," Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Wood told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday. The hearing was Congress' first on the September assault that killed US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan reports from Washington.
Shell to Face Dutch Court Over Nigeria Spills
Four Nigerian farmers are taking on Royal-Dutch Shell saying pollution from oil extraction has damaged the crops and fish farms they depend upon. Civil court proceedings are now under way at the Hague. Al Jazeera's Gerald Tan explains how the outcome of the case could set a precedent for standards in global environmental responsibility.
Japan Heavily Invested in Myanmar
Japan is taking the lead in helping the nation of Myanmar overcome its economic problems. Tokyo has already agreed to waive billions of dollars in debt, and is helping Myanmar pay back loans. And it's expected to ask other nations to contribute - as the IMF and World Bank meet in the Japanese capital. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay has more.
Bitter-Sweet Outcome for Pussy Riot
A Russian appeal court has freed one of the members of the Pussy Riot group. Two other women will serve out their two year jail terms. All three were convicted of hooliganism after staging a controversial performance in a Moscow cathedral. Al Jazeera's Robin Forestier-Walker reports from Moscow.
Maoists Call for Bollywood Ban in Nepal
A breakaway faction of the ruling the Communist party in Nepal has called for a boycott of Indian films and banned cinema owners from screening them. They claim Bollywood films have dual negative impacts on Nepali culture and economy. The popular films, they say, show negative depictions of Nepali people and keep locals from patronizing locally-created cinema. Al Jazeera's Subina Shrestha reports from Kathmandu.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Lloyd Strayhorn: 'According to Numerology, Biden Will Win the Debate'
Renowned Astro-Numerologist Reveals Stunning Facts and Similarities Between the 2008 and 2012 Vice Presidential Candidates and Debates
A FROM THE G-MAN EXCLUSIVE
The following was noted in a previous From The G-Man article on Strayhorn.
"Born and raised in Harlem, New York, the incomparable Lloyd Strayhorn is a proud resident of what he calls “a community of change”. Strayhorn attended Public Schools 133 and 68 in Harlem and later graduated from George Washington High School. Ultimately, he received a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Virginia Union University.
Shortly after graduating college, Strayhorn returned to New York and worked at Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, CBS Radio and Television and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. His diverse media background and intense work ethic led him to the offices of Inner-City Broadcasting Company. It was here that he developed a loyal following as a radio personality and served as a spiritual guide for millions of listeners for more than 25 years.
From the time he launched his career, Strayhorn devoted himself to his fans and mission by freely giving his time to lecture at numerous elementary and high schools and rehab centers. Always using numerology as a backdrop, he continues to encourage everyone to become better by seizing control of his or her actions, lives and careers. He has authored three popular books, including the best-selling “Numbers and You”, and wrote numerous magazine and newspaper articles on numerology."
The G-Man recently spoke with Strayhorn and asked him to forecast the upcoming vice presidential debate between incumbent Joe Biden and challenger Paul Ryan. The segment was conceived, directed, edited, produced and written by The G-Man.
Lloyd Strayhorn can be reached at (800) 581-4401 or lloydstrayhorn@msn.com.
Lloyd Strayhorn can be reached at (800) 581-4401 or lloydstrayhorn@msn.com.
Allen and Dunford Nominated for New Posts
General John Allen
Statement by President Obama
Statement by President Obama
I am proud to nominate General
John Allen as the
next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European
Command. For more than a year, General Allen has served with distinction
as the Commander of U.S. Forces and NATO International Security Assistances
Forces (ISAF) in Afghanistan, seeing us through a critical period in our
military efforts and in Afghanistan’s transition. I have personally relied on his
counsel and am grateful for his devotion to our national security and to the
safety of the men and women with whom he serves. Under General Allen’s command,
we have made important progress towards our core goal of defeating Al Qaeda and
ensuring they can never return to a sovereign Afghanistan. Working with our
Afghan partners and international civilians, the forces under General Allen’s
command have moved forward with a transition to Afghan Security Forces, who
will take the lead for security across the country next year.
General Joseph Dunford
Very difficult work remains ahead in Afghanistan
and to lead those efforts for the United States and NATO-ISAF, I will nominate General
Joseph Dunford as the new ISAF Commander (COMISAF). General Dunford
currently serves as the Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and I
have full confidence in his extensive experience, strategic leadership and
vision. If confirmed by the Senate, he will lead our forces through key
milestones in our effort that will allow us to bring the war to a close responsibly
as Afghanistan takes full responsibility for its security.
If confirmed by the Senate, General Allen will
replace Admiral Jim Stavridis as the SACEUR in the Spring. During his tenure in
Afghanistan, General Allen established his credibility with our NATO allies and
ISAF partners as a strong and effective military leader. I would also
like to thank Admiral Stavridis for his steadfast service on behalf of the
United States and NATO. He has played a critical role in helping to make
NATO a stronger Alliance and ensuring we have the capabilities and partnerships
to meet the challenges of the next century.
Teenage Rights Activist Shot in Pakistan
Malala Yusufzai, a 14-year-old education rights activist, has been shot and injured while on her way home from school in Mingora, the main town in the Swat Valley region of northwest Pakistan. She was with one other girl, taking a school van home following an examination at the Khushal public school, witnesses told Al Jazeera. Unidentified men stopped the vehicle, asking if it was the transport from Khushal school. When told that it was, one man asked: "Where is Malala?" As she was identified, the assailant reportedly drew a pistol and shot Yusufzai in the head and the neck. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports.
Brennan Meets with Senior Libyan Officials
John Brennan
Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor
Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor
Today, Assistant to the
President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan met with
senior Libyan officials, including President Magariaf, in Tripoli. Mr. Brennan,
on behalf of President Obama, expressed support for Libya's ongoing government
formation and transition to democracy and accepted condolences for the tragic
deaths of four Americans in Benghazi last month.
The two sides discussed the continuing investigation into the Benghazi attacks, including specific additional steps Libya can take to better assist the U.S. in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to countering terrorism and violent extremism. Mr. Brennan encouraged Libyan officials to move quickly on refining their policies and advancing government capabilities in the security and justice sectors, and urged Libya to take full and timely advantage of specific offers of assistance from the United States and other international partners.
Finally, Mr. Brennan reinforced U.S. support and commitment to the Libyan people and their leaders as they undertake the hard work of governance and reform necessary to build a new Libya.
Cuomo Appoints Allison Gollust as Director of Communications
Appointee Served as Senior Vice President of NBC News Communications
On October 9, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the
appointment of Allison Gollust to serve as Director of Communications. She will
replace Richard A. Bamberger, who has served in the position since January 1,
2011.
"It is an honor to welcome Allison to our
team and I thank her for bringing her talents to New York state
government," said Governor Cuomo.
"Allison is a consummate professional who
has a wealth of experience in communications and management. Her extraordinary
work ethic, intellect and dedication will be essential to this position and I
look forward to working with her."
“Since Rich started at the Attorney General’s
office in 2008, he has been a vital member of a team that has delivered for the
people of the state of New York. There is no doubt he will be missed. I thank
him for his dedication, public service and friendship,” Governor Cuomo added.
"The opportunity to join the Governor and
his team to build on the tremendous success they have already achieved in
transforming the state is one that I truly could not pass up," stated Ms.
Gollust.
"Communication in this day and age moves at
a lightning pace and serves a critical role in informing the public. I look
forward to working with the administration to continue spreading the Governor’s
message of a new New York throughout the state."
"It has been my great honor and privilege
to serve with such a dedicated public servant as Governor Cuomo. What started
out as a one-year endeavor has lasted for four years, and that is a testament
to the compelling work that the Governor and his team are doing on behalf of
New Yorkers everywhere," noted Mr. Bamberger.
"Allison will be a great addition to the
administration and I wish her the best of luck. The Governor's mission has
always been to hire the best and the brightest to serve the people of New York,
and Allison is one of them. Governor Cuomo has been a mentor and friend and I
thank him for the opportunity to have worked beside him."
Gollust began her career as a reporter and
producer in Denver, Colorado. Following her work as a journalist, Ms. Gollust
became the director of communications and spokeswoman for Major League Soccer
and then joined NBC Universal where she worked most recently as the executive
vice president of Corporate Communications.
Gollust was responsible for communications
policies and strategic positioning of NBC Universal’s global assets, content,
and executives and oversaw the company’s domestic and international media
strategy and execution, executive communications, internal communications,
corporate philanthropy, and community relations.
In addition, she served as the chief
spokesperson for NBC Universal.
From 2005 to 2009, Gollust served as senior vice
president of NBC News Communications. In that role, she was chief spokesperson
for NBC News and had oversight of communications at NBC’s 24-hour cable news
channel, MSNBC; the leading global brand in business news, CNBC; and the
Weather Channel. She oversaw all internal and external communications for NBC
News and its programming, including Today, Nightly News with Brian
Williams, Dateline, and Meet the Press.
From 2002 to 2005, Gollust held the position of
vice president of NBC News Communications.
In the course of her tenure at NBC News, Gollust was responsible for managing communications strategy around three major
network anchor transitions, including the appointment of David Gregory
following the tragic death of Tim Russert in 2008, and the transitions from
Katie Couric to Meredith Vieira at Today in 2006, and from Tom Brokaw
to Brian Williams at NBC Nightly News in 2004.
Gollust joined NBC News Communications in
November 1998, as senior publicist for Today, serving as chief
spokesperson for the broadcast, as well as sole publicist and spokesperson for
anchors Katie Couric and Matt Lauer. Prior to her tenure with Today, she
was a publicist in NBC’s Corporate Communications division, where she oversaw
corporate and philanthropic events, as well as handled internal communications.
Gollust resides in New York City with her
husband and two daughters.
Mr. Bamberger will remain with the
administration to assist in the transition.
Senator Schumer on U.S. Tax Policy
Senator Chuck. Schumer (D-NY) talked about tax policy and the 2012 elections. In his remarks he rejected the idea of cutting tax rates, arguing that addressing the deficit should instead be the focus. He further said the top rate should rise as scheduled to 39.6 percent for the 2013 tax year.
Today in History: October 10th
Highlights of this day in history: Vice President Spiro Agnew resigns; Imperial rule ends in China; Achille Lauro hijackers forced to land; Movie legend Orson Welles dies; Opera composer Giuseppe Verdi born; Actor Christopher Reeve dies.
Swastikas, Protests Greet Germany's Merkel in Greece
Sources:ITVBBCRTThe Guardian
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
NATO Warns Syria: Keep Fighting Out of Turkey
Sources:CBSBBCAl JazeeraFox News
The Christian Science Monitor
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Mexico Says Body of Drug Kingpin 'Snatched'
Mexico says its forces have killed one of the nation's most feared drug lords. But now in a bizarre twist - the body of suspected Zetas gang leader Heriberto Lazcano has been stolen from a funeral home. Al Jazeera's Adam Rayney reports from Mexico City.
France and Spain to Discuss Economic Crisis
The leaders of France and Spain are due to meet in Paris to discuss their failing economies - and the Eurozone crisis. France is Spain's biggest trading partner, but as Spanish building projects grind to a halt, workers are crossing the border to find employment. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland reports from Spain.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Will Obama’s Poll Decline Finally Break the Silence on Climate?
A Special Guest Commentary by Renowned Activist Ted Glick
Future Hope column, October 9, 2012
Will Obama’s Poll Decline Finally Break the Silence on Climate?
By Ted Glick
Four years ago, when Barack Obama was running against John McCain for the Presidency and when the climate crisis was not as severe as it has become, both Obama and McCain were in agreement that 1) it existed and 2) action should be taken on it. As importantly, they both spoke about this issue throughout the campaign.
Obama’s program back then, put forward in early August 2008, projected 1 million plug-in hybrid cars by 2015, a commitment to energy efficiency, investing in an upgrade of the national utility grid, weatherizing one million homes annually, a 100% auction—with no freebies for polluters--of carbon emission permits, and a goal of 5 million new green jobs. He consistently incorporated language in his speeches for the US to advance wind and solar, to “heal the planet.”
Compared to then-President George Bush, these were important, if limited, steps in the right direction, and Obama and the Democrats have made efforts, with some success, to move most of these and other clean energy programs forward.
But when it comes to talking about the much-worse, deepening climate crisis in 2012, Obama has essentially censored himself. It is stunning, and deeply disturbing, that this is happening, given events just this year like record heat and widespread drought and a new record for Arctic ice melt. Some climate scientists who have been studying the Arctic for many years believe that it is possible that before the next Presidential election in 2016, the Arctic could be ice-free during the last month of summer.
What is baffling about Obama’s silence is that polling shows consistently that taking action on climate is a winner politically. A poll of likely voters just last month conducted by Yale and George Mason University found these striking results:
“Most undecided likely voters (80%) believe that global warming is happening, while only 3% say it is not happening – which is very similar to likely Obama voters (86% and 4%, respectively).
“Two out of three Undecideds (65%) say that if global warming is happening, it is mostly human caused, the same as likely Obama voters (65%).
“Though few likely voters say global warming is the “single-most important” issue to them in this election, majorities of both likely Obama voters (75%) and Undecideds (61%) say it will be one of several important issues determining their vote for President.
“Undecideds as well as likely Obama voters say that President Obama (64% and 61% respectively) and Congress (72% and 78%) should be “doing more” about global warming.”
For several months many climate and environmental groups have tried to break the silence on climate in the Presidential election campaign, so far without success. An on-line petition effort, www.climatesilence.org, was recently launched. Over 150,000 people signed a petition to Jim Lehrer to get him to ask a question on climate in the first debate, without success.
But in retrospect, I wonder what would have happened even if Lehrer had asked such a question. Given Obama’s, and Romney’s, respective first debate performances, there’s a good chance they both would have said little of substance, done all they could to keep this from becoming a major issue.
Obama’s debate performance, as indicated by polls released over the last several days, show that Obama has pretty much lost the lead he had been slowly developing prior to the debate. All signs point to a very close election that, as of now, could go either way.
In that context, and given the results of the Yale/George Mason and other prior polls, it sure seems like it would be to Obama’s benefit that he regain his voice on climate. It’s true that, like debating, this is something that he’s not used to. He hasn’t been talking about climate for years, literally. Ever since the failed Copenhagen climate conference in late 2009, Obama has rarely mentioned the issue, and when he has said something that’s all that it has been, a mention.
But our current President does have a history of coming off the ropes with strength and passion when it has to do with his political standing or possible election defeat. If he and his campaign advisors finally realize that publicly speaking up for action to address the climate crisis is the right thing to do politically, maybe that will be what breaks the silence and, indeed, plays a key role in getting Obama elected.
It’s a shame if this ends up being what causes it, but given our desperate climate reality, it’s something to be welcomed. The planet, its people and all forms of life need a President who doesn’t make jokes about but who has a vision, however cloudy, of a time when the “rise of the oceans begins to slow and our planet begins to heal.”
Ted Glick has been a climate activist since 2004 and a progressive activist and organizer since 1968. Past writings and other information can be found at http://tedglick.com, and he can be followed on twitter at http://twitter.com/jtglick.
Bill Moyers Essay: Honoring a Fallen Soldier’s Plea
Moyers and Company
Air Date: October 5, 2012
Bill Moyers shares the story of a young U.S. soldier killed in Afghanistan, arguing it's time our presidential candidates decisively address the price of our presence there.
Foreign Policy and the 2012 Presidential Election
Susan Glasser talked about the role of foreign policy issues in the 2012 election. She answered questioned from viewers. Topics included presidential candidate Mitt Romney's previous day speech on foreign policy, the attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans.
Today in History: October 9th
Highlights of this day in history: Guerrilla leader Che Guevara executed in Bolivia; Anthrax-laced letters sent to Capitol Hill; Achille Lauro hijackers surrender; Andrei Sakharov wins Nobel Peace Prize; Musician John Lennon born.
Baumgartner Set To Skydive from The Edge of Space
Sources:Channel 4WPTVBay News 9
CTV NewsFox News
By Shanley Reynolds
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Video courtesy of Newsy.com