Monday, July 9, 2012
Obama to Push Bush Tax Cut Extension for Middle Class
Sources:TheNewYorkTimesPolitico
NationalJournal
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
'Malware Monday' Internet Doomsday Overblown?
Sources:WNACFoxNewsWAGATheMiamiHerald
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
No Holds Barred: Democrats Hit Romney on Offshore Accounts
Sources:FoxNewsCNNABCBarackObama.com
NationalJournalVanityFairBusinessInsider
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Egypt Parliament: President Recalls Dissolved Assembly
Egypt's highest court is to decide on Monday if an order from the president, demanding the parliament reconvene, is legal. Mohamed Morsi ordered parliament back to work, overturning the military council's move to dissolve it nearly a month ago. With no parliament, the military still holds all the law-making power. Some critics, however, say the president has overstepped his authority. Al Jazeera's Imran Khan reports.
NATO: Afghan Army Still Ineffective
One of the main challenges facing Afghanistan's army is the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country. NATO commanders are finding it difficult to get the Afghans to create an efficient system to keep the military well supplied. The Afghan Army says it carries out 70% of the operations out of this base on its own now, and when coalition forces eventually pull-out they'll leave behind them just two or three small advisory teams. But what foreign commanders need is a dramatic improvement in logistics if they're to have a chance to hold on to the security gains that have been made here. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Nimroz province, Afghanistan.
"Black Flight" in America's Rust Belt
The US cities of Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo have lost more than a quarter of their population over the last decade. Once home to predominantly black Americans, many are now leaving in search of better opportunities and a different lifestyle. Al Jazeera's John Hendren reports from Detroit.
Scandals Shut Catholic Churches, Schools
Dozens of Catholic churches and schools are being shut down across the US as the church defends itself against accusations of sexual abuse. Parishioners blame financial mismanagement and a series of high-profile sex abuse scandals for the fall from grace. Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports from Philadelphia.
South Sudan Anniversary Marred by Ongoing Fighting
One of the youngest countries in the world, South Sudan, will mark its first year of independence from the North on Monday. Almost half a century of bloodshed in South Sudan has has also made it one of the most underdeveloped countries on the world. But, an end to fighting which the split with its neighbour was meant to bring about, has been marred by conflicts between the two sides over territory and crucial oil revenues. Al Jazeera's Nazanine Moshiri reports from Juba in South Sudan.
Rebels Seize More Ground in DRC
Rebel fighters in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of four more towns in the eastern part of the country. Thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting, which has pitted the rebels against UN-backed troops. And as Peter Greste reports from Rutshuru, they want the government to do more to protect them.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Reince Priebus: 'Mr. Freeze'
From The G-Man Treated Rudely and Unfairly During Efforts to Provide Equal Time to the GOP
Hey, folks. While From The G-Man tends to report
on prominent Democrats and their policies, including President Obama, I
would like to state that repeated and sincere efforts have been made to present
Republican viewpoints.
Over a period of several months, I contacted the
office of Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus to
request an interview and obtain information or statements regarding the
economic, political or social issues that are of great concern to the
Republican Party.
During two attempts to gain access and information,
an RNC representative Googled this news and information site while I was on the phone.
There was a strange period of silence before the representative indicated that
someone would contact the site as soon as possible. You can guess how that turned out.
There was also the time when a rep told me “Sir,
any information you’re looking for is available on the RNC website. You do know
that, right?” Translation, “Are you a dumb-ass?” When I explained that I wanted
to pose certain questions to the chairman or his spokesperson, the woman acted
as though I was being a first-class pain in the ass. Needless to say, she
proved to be as useless as the initial person I spoke to.
Quite frankly, I’m extremely annoyed by the way
I was treated and the lack of response of the part of Chairman Preibus,
especially since I reached out in good faith and with no agenda other than to
offer an independent news venue by which the GOP could present its views. Given
that many news outlets and networks in America offer biased coverage, you would
think the RNC and Chairman Priebus would appreciate the offer. Sadly, they
proved me wrong.
When I really think about it, maybe I shouldn’t
be surprised that this happened. I say this in light of the fact that I watched
Priebus, aka “Mr. Freeze”, on two editions of NBC’s Meet the Press. In my humble opinion, the man came across as
callous and cold when grilled about the policies of President Barack Obama.
Priebus seemed to become even more cantankerous
when discussing the Democratic Party and what Priebus described as “a president
that has been a disaster”. I seriously doubt that GOP heavyweight Colin Powell
would ever take to the airwaves to bash a sitting president the way Priebus
has, even if Powell didn’t agree with President Obama’s policies. Priebus could
learn a thing or two by watching Powell’s previous Meet the Press appearances.
I don’t know why From The G-Man was treated in
this fashion, especially when it has received a New York State Senate proclamation
and earned the praise and respect of people like Pulitzer Prize-winner Les
Payne and Emmy Award-winner Tom Osborne, former United Nations bureau chief for
ABC World News Tonight. I’m really hoping
the reason for how I was treated wasn’t “a Black thing”. If the GOP is serious
about diversity in its ranks, as it so often claims and plans to prove by
embracing its rising star Mia Love, I never got that impression from the RNC
chairman’s office.
Granted, From The G-Man has a long way to go
before generating a massive following like the Drudge Report, Huffington Post
or The Grio, but that doesn’t give Priebus or the RNC the right to dismiss the
site. Moreover, Priebus and the RNC practically fall to their knees with mouths
drooling when major news outlets, Matt Drudge, or “conservative-friendly” news
sources come calling. That’s just not right, and it needs to change. A free and
independent press demands it!
From The G-Man provides news and information
from a variety of sources and asks the hard questions, but it continuously strives
to do so in a manner that’s truly “fair and balanced”. It’s sad and unfortunate
that Chairman Priebus and the RNC never gave this site a chance to prove it.
This commentary is from the heart and…..from The G-Man.
Photo source: Own work
Author: Gage Skidmore
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
McCain: U.S. Leadership on Syria "Shameful and Disgraceful"
(CBS News) The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee said Sunday the United States is not doing enough to help the rebels defeat Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying the U.S. should be providing the Syrian rebels with weapons.
'The Libyan People Can Count on the Continued Friendship and Support of the United States
Statement from President Obama on Election in Libya
On behalf of the American people, I extend my
congratulations to the people of Libya for another milestone on their
extraordinary transition to democracy. After more than 40 years in which Libya
was in the grip of a dictator, today’s historic election underscores that the
future of Libya is in the hands of the Libyan people. Across Libya yesterday,
voters turned out to exercise their hard-earned freedoms, most participating in
an election for the first time in their lives. They cast ballots for
representatives of a National Congress that will lead the next stage of Libya’s
transition.
The United States is proud of the role that we
played in supporting the Libyan revolution and protecting the Libyan people,
and we look forward to working closely with the new Libya – including the
elected Congress and Libya’s new leaders. We will engage as partners as the
Libyan people work to build open and transparent institutions, establish
security and the rule of law, advance opportunity, and promote unity and
national reconciliation. There are still difficult challenges ahead and voting
needs to be completed in some areas. As they begin this new chapter, the Libyan
people can count on the continued friendship and support of the United States.
Zimmerman Posts $1 Million Bond With New Restrictions
Sources:11Alive.comOrlandoSentinelWOFL
By Christian Bryant
Anchor: Christian Bryant
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
China Lifts Ban on Lesbians Donating Blood
Sources:GlobalTimesCNNPerezHiltonJezebel
By Kerry Leary
Anchor: Neville Miller
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Libyans Vote Amid Protests, Still Must Form a Government
FSA Holding Ground Against Assad's Forces
The bombardment often goes on for hours on end. Tank rounds, missiles from helicopter gunships, rockets and mortars, as well as small arms fire. The border town of Al Qusayr has been shelled repeatedly for over a month now. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) in this town are hopelessly out-gunned. They have just small arms, RPGs and a handful of mortars. Yet they are making progress. An assault was staged on the main headquarters of the Assad forces, a town hall. After taking control of the building, they then demolished it so it could not be retaken. Al Jazeera's James Bays reports from Al Qusayr, southern Syria.
Donor Nations Pledge $16 Billion to Afghanistan
Tokyo summit agrees to four-year aid plan aimed at stabilising nation, as roadside bombs kill 23 in Kandahar province. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Kabul.
China Accidents: Mine Safety Under the Spotlight
Health and safety is in the spotlight in China's southern Hunan province. Three separate incidents there - two in a mine and one in a railway tunnel - have led to several deaths and large scale rescue operations. Al Jazeera's Bhanu Bhatnagar reports
African Migrants Tortured in Sinai
Egyptian border control officers have arrested 68 African migrants trying to cross into Israel. But many other migrants travelling through the Sinai region are picked up by Bedouin gangs who are smuggling drugs, weapons and even people into the peninusla. Ake Mehari, a migrant from Eritrea told Al Jazeera: "They drove us to Sinai. They tortured me because I could not pay the money. Then they started beating me. I begged for mercy, but the traffickers wouldn't listen. They just wanted the money." Mehari and the others were dreaming of a better future after escaping compulsary military service in Eritrea. They say they would never have embarked on this journey if they had known how it would end. Al Jazeera's Jacky Rowland has this exclusive report from Northern Sinai.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
President Obama Signs HR 4348
President Obama signs legislation that will keep thousands of construction workers on the job rebuilding American infrastructure and stop interest rates on federal loans from doubling this year for more than seven million students.
Marriage Equality Act Upheld by NYS Appellate Court
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"On July 6 the New York State Appellate Court, Fourth Department, upheld New York's Marriage Equality Act, which ensures that marriage is available to all New York couples regardless of sexual orientation. This law was passed by both houses of the legislature and signed into law in June 2011. The court’s decision affirms that in our state, there is marriage equality for all, and with this decision New York continues to stand as a progressive leader for the nation."
Information on the Appellate Court ruling available here: Marriage Equality Act Upheld
Information on the Appellate Court ruling available here: Marriage Equality Act Upheld
Researchers Build 'Biologically Correct' Walking Robot Legs
Sources:InstituteofPhysicsTIME
WiredScientificAmerican
By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Weak Jobs Report Sparks Political Reaction
Sources:CNNMoneyBloombergFoxBusiness
HLNCNBC
By Matthew Picht
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Palestinians from Syria Flee to Jordan
Human Rights Watch has criticized Jordan for discriminating against Palestinian refugees who have escaped from Syria. Syrian refugees are allowed to rent homes and work, but Palestinians arriving in Jordan are held at a heavily guarded compound in Ramtha. Almost half of Jordan's population is of Palestinian origin, enjoying Jordanian nationality. The country now fears the that with the refugee influx Palestinians could outnumber citizens of Jordanian origin. Nisreen El-Shamayleh reports from the northern Jordanian city of Ramtha.
Russia Reels from "Deluge of Rainfall"
Al Jazeera's Jonah Hull reports from Moscow on flooding in the Krasnodar region that has killed at least 87 people and left another 13,000 impacted.
Impact of Foreign Aid on Afghanistan's Poorest Province
In the last 10 years Afghanistan has received $60bn in foreign aid, but Bamiyan, the nation's poorest province once known to tourists for its beauty, stands as an example of the Central Asian nation's reliance on foreign aid. Though electricity has been brought to the province with the help of the Norwegian government and the Aga Khan Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation, the relative peacefulness of Bamiyan means it has received less infrastructure attention than its more dangerous neighbours. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports from Bamiyan.
Rescue Efforts to Save Trapped Chinese Workers
Authorities in China are trying to reach three men trapped underground when the rail tunnel they were working on collapsed. Despite being cut off for over a week they've been in touch with their rescuers. Hundreds of people are involved in the operation. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.
Chicago Struggles With Street Violence
The city of Chicago in the US is struggling with street violence - the murder rate has increased there by almost 40 per cent in a year. It has not improved in recent weeks, either; gun violence has killed dozens, including a child. John Hendren has more.
Burkina Faso Children Toil in Gold Mines
Burkina Faso is enjoying something akin to a gold rush. The precious metal generates a huge amount of money for the government, but there is a downside to the boom. Of the thousands taking up work in illegal gold mines, many are children, often opting out of school to enjoy the meagre gains earned at mine pits. Al Jazeera's Laura Kyle reports from Essakane in northern Burkina Faso.
Libyan Polling Stations Prepare for Historic Day
It's an historic day in Libya as nearly three million people go to the polls, in the first democratic elections for nearly half a century. Turnout is expected to be high, with around 80% registered to vote. Although the shooting down of a helicopter carrying election materials near Benghazi on Friday has cast a dark shadow on the eve of the ballot, the election organisers say they are ready to make it work. Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports from Tripoli.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Krueger: 'Employment is Growing, But it is Not Growing Fast Enough'
Statement by Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers Alan Krueger on the Employment Situation in June
While the economy is continuing to heal from the
worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, much more remains to be
done to repair the damage from the financial crisis and deep recession that
followed. It is critical that we continue the policies that build an
economy that works for the middle class and makes us stronger and more secure
as we dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the severe
recession.
There are no quick fixes to the problems we face that were more
than a decade in the making. President Obama has proposals to create jobs by
ending tax breaks for companies to ship jobs overseas and supporting State and
local governments to prevent layoffs and rehire hundreds of thousands of
teachers.
Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) shows that private establishments added 84,000 jobs last
month, and overall non-farm payroll employment rose by 80,000. The economy
has now added private sector jobs for 28 straight months, for a total of 4.4
million payroll jobs during that period. Employment is growing, but it is
not growing fast enough given the jobs deficit caused by the deep recession.
The average work week for private sector workers
rose by 0.1 hour in June. Aggregate private sector work hours posted
their largest gain since February, rising by 0.4 percent. The stronger
increase in work hours than in payroll employment suggests that many businesses
chose to expand on the intensive margin as opposed to the extensive margin in June.
The unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2
percent in June, according to the BLS household survey. The
unemployment rate is 0.9 percentage point below its level a year ago.
Manufacturing employment continues to expand and
manufacturers added 11,000 jobs in June. After losing millions of manufacturing
jobs in the years before and during the recession, the economy has added
504,000 manufacturing jobs since January 2010--the strongest growth for any
29-month period since April 1995. To continue the revival in
manufacturing jobs and output, the President has proposed tax incentives for
manufacturers, enhanced training for the workforce, and measures to create
manufacturing hubs and discourage sending jobs overseas.
Other sectors with net job increases included
temporary help services (+25,200), leisure and hospitality (+13,000), and
wholesale trade (+8,800). Retail trade lost 5,400 jobs, government lost
4,000 jobs, and motion pictures and sound recording lost 4,200 jobs.
Local governments shed 14,000 education jobs.
As the Administration stresses every month, the
monthly employment and unemployment figures can be volatile, and employment
estimates can be subject to substantial revision. Therefore, it is
important not to read too much into any one monthly report and it is
informative to consider each report in the context of other data that are
becoming available.
Murdoch Criticism Suggests Rift with Romney
Sources:TwitterMSNBCCBSTheWallStreetJournal
TheNewYorkTimesTheWashingtonPost
By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Major Central Banks Move to Boost Growth
Sources:BloombergNewYorkTimes
WallStreetJournal Twitter
By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Romney 'Confused' on Individual Mandate Tax Label: WSJ
Sources:MSNBCCBSPBS
WallStreetJournalTwitter
By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
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