Former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention about her family's history in the armed forces, and about her experiences in the military. She also spoke about the significance of President Obama's support for policies that benefit veterans.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mike Lofgren on Dysfunction in Our Political Parties
Moyers and Company - Air Date: August 31, 2012
Long-time Republican Mike Lofgren describes the modern corruption and dysfunction of both Republican and Democratic parties.
Today in History: September 6th
Highlights of this day in history: President William McKinley shot in Buffalo, N.Y.; Funeral held for Britain's Princess Diana; Mother Teresa mourned in India; Movie director Akira Kurosawa dies; Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame born. (Sept. 6)
Hackers Claim to Have Romney's Taxes, Holding Them Ransom
Sources:KGOYouTubePastebinTPMMuckraker
WSMVBusinessInsiderInternationalBusinessTimes
By Ferdous Al-Faruque
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Other Newsy videos will play following this report.
South African Miners Due to Appear in Court
Remaining workers, held over deaths of their colleagues, expected to be released while peace talks hit a stalemate.
Nigerians Head to Court Over Contested Land
Hundreds of thousands of Nigerians living in informal settlements face having their homes demolished. Authorities say the households were built illegally on government land, but the people who live there argue they are the legal owners. Now they are taking their claim to court. Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports from Mpape, the largest settlement in Abuja, the capital, facing demolition.
Shooting at Quebec Rally Leaves One Dead
The man who opened fire at a political rally in Quebec is due to appear in court later on Thursday. The 62-year-old killed one person and injured another as a separatist party was celebrating its success in local elections. Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher reports.
Deadly Fire in India Kills Dozens
At least 40 people have been killed by a massive blaze in a fireworks factory in southern India. Firefighters have battled for hours to control the flames, which swept through the building in Tamil Nadu state. Al Jazeera's Prerna Suri reports from New Delhi.
Families Remain Victims of Syria Bombardments
Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, have been blamed for using warplanes, tanks and mortars to indiscriminately bombard opposition-controlled areas across the country. The action has left many residential buildings destroyed and thousands of civilians dead. In an Al Jazeera exclusive, Khadija Magardie reports on how one family, a married couple and their four children, died after their home in Aleppo was shelled as they slept. The couple's newborn child was the only survivor of the attack.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Bill Aims to Protect NY Youth from Cigarettes
The New Law Expands the Ban on Smoking on School Grounds
Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed two bills to
protect New York's children and teenagers from the harmful effects of
cigarettes.
The new laws include measures to prohibit smoking within 100 feet of the entrances or exits of any public or private schools (A.10141-B / S.6854-B), as well as prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18 (A.9044-B /S.2926-B).
"Cigarette smoking – as well as exposure to secondhand smoke – is dangerous, particularly for our children," Governor Cuomo said.
"These two new laws will strengthen our
state's protections to help our young people avoid nicotine addiction as well
as the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. I thank the sponsors of both these
bills for their efforts to protect the health of our youth."
Prohibiting Smoking Outside School Entrances
There are tens of thousands of deaths each year in New York related to tobacco use. In addition to smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke may cause various illnesses and is known to be particularly detrimental to the health of children who are in their early years of physical development.
The new law expands the ban on smoking on school grounds to prohibit smoking within 100 feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of public and private schools. Residences or residential property within the 100 foot perimeter would be excluded from the new law's smoking ban.
This new law takes effect immediately.
"I want to thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important piece of legislation into law that will make our communities healthier by extending the ban on smoking to within 100 feet of school entrances and exits,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera.
“I worked with Assembly Member Dinowitz to pass
this law so that young people in the Bronx and throughout the state can enjoy a
smoke-free school year. This is the first in a series of bills to be signed
into law that came directly from the Bronx CAN Health Initiative that Borough
President Diaz Jr. and I launched last year with community partners."
Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz added, "The scourge of smoking is a terrible public health issue for all New Yorkers, especially our children. This new law will make sure that hazardous smoke is kept at a reasonable distance from our public or private educational institutions, providing a great relief for many parents who worry about poisonous carcinogens sickening their children. I applaud Governor Cuomo for supporting this measure and signing it into law."
Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz added, "The scourge of smoking is a terrible public health issue for all New Yorkers, especially our children. This new law will make sure that hazardous smoke is kept at a reasonable distance from our public or private educational institutions, providing a great relief for many parents who worry about poisonous carcinogens sickening their children. I applaud Governor Cuomo for supporting this measure and signing it into law."
Prohibiting Sale of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors
Research has shown that cigarette smoking
delivers toxins and carcinogens to the body, leading to diseases such as lung
cancer and emphysema which are often fatal.
Nicotine is the addictive ingredient in
cigarettes that makes it very difficult for smokers to quit, despite knowledge
of the devastating health effects of cigarette use.
The majority of Americans who use tobacco products become addicted to the nicotine in those products before reaching the age of 18 years. Electronic cigarettes, often known as “e-cigarettes”, are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale a vaporized liquid nicotine solution instead of tobacco smoke.
Image courtesy of
Latino Voters and the 2012 Elections
Janet Marguia talked about Latino voters and the 2012 elections, and she responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. Ms. Garguia said that some of the reasons Latino voters were tending to be more supportive of President Obama than Mitt Romney were related to immigration issues and Mr. Romney's lack of specifics on issues that are relevant to Latinos in general. She also discussed the different blocs among Latinos, such as Mexican-Americans or Cuban-Americans.
NARAL Pro-Choice New York Endorses Addabbo
Group Cites Senator's Dedication to Protecting Women’s Rights as Key Reason for its Support
New York, NY- Today, NARAL Pro-Choice New York endorsed Senator Joe Addabbo for his third term representing New York Senate’s 15th district, citing his dedication to protect women’s rights.
“On behalf of women and pro-choice New Yorkers across the state, we are proud to endorse Joseph Addabbo for State Senate,” said Andrea Miller, President of NARAL Pro-choice New York.
Miller highlighted Senator Addabbo’s record both in the Senate and previously in the City Council. She said, “Joe has fought for every possible piece of legislation that would improve the lives of women and families in Queens and across New York.”
“These are trying times for progressive, pro-woman, pro-choice issues in the State Senate, and we need to ensure that Senator Addabbo, one of the true champions for women’s health and well-being, remains in Albany,” said Miller.
“I am honored to have the support of NARAL Pro-choice New York,” said Addabbo,
“The protection of women’s rights is incredibly important and I am committed to making sure our laws protect women’s rights at home and in the work place.”
As the extreme Romney/Ryan ticket threatens to roll back women’s rights considerably, women are finding themselves having to defend their most personal rights, which they thought were ensured decades ago.
Ryan has voted against a bill that allows women to challenge unequal pay, and has even called rape a “method of conception.”
As the Romney/Ryan New York Campaign Chairman, Eric Ulrich, who is also running for New York Senate’s 15th district, is actively working to decrease women’s rights and has come out against women’s reproduction rights.
“It is unacceptable that in 2012 women’s rights are still being threatened,” stated Addabbo.
“The women in the 15th district and throughout New York deserve a State Senator who will fight for them. We should be going forwards not backwards.”
Senator Addabbo has made women’s issues a top priority, fighting to help families reduce childcare costs, so women can work outside of the home, increasing women’s participation in small business ownership by fighting for laws in the Senate that support Minority and Women Business Enterprises, and protecting women’s reproduction rights and access to quality healthcare.
Image courtesy of http://www.prochoiceny.org.
Image courtesy of http://www.prochoiceny.org.
"A Family Affair"
President Barack Obama and his daughters, Malia,
left, and Sasha, watch on television as First Lady Michelle Obama takes the
stage to deliver her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the
Treaty Room of the White House, Tuesday night, Sept. 4, 2012.
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Today in History: September 5th
Highlights of this day in history: A massacre at the Munich Olympics; President Gerald Ford escapes the first of two assassination attempts, weeks apart; Jack Kerouac's 'On the Road' published; Missionary nun Mother Teresa dies. (Sept. 5)
First Lady's Impact on President Obama's Campaign
Following a rousing speech by Michelle Obama, first lady of the United States, at last night's Democratic National Convention, many have asked if Michelle's high favorability and well-received remarks can help her husband's campaign for re-election. Speaking to Al Jazeera, James Boys, a visiting fellow at Kings College specialising in US government, said speeches like those of Ann Romney and Michelle Obama at their respective party's conventions embody the "evolving role for first ladies" in the United States. Contemporary first ladies, Boys said, exhibit the "increasing professionalism of politicians and their wives".
Navy SEAL's Book on Killing of Bin Laden Contradicts U.S. Government Statements
Most of the details of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May 2011 are still a secret. After the operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan, the Obama administration released some information about what happened. But details of the planning, how it was carried out, and what happened afterwards are still classified. Now a former Navy SEAL has written a book, called "No Easy Day", about the mission, some of which contradict the public statements made about what happened that day. Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan reports from Washington, DC.
Domestic Violence in the West Bank on the Rise
Domestic violence is a growing problem in the occupied West Bank. According to new figures, nearly 40 per cent of married women have experienced some form of abuse in the past year. Al Jazeera's Cal Perry met some of them in Bethlehem.
New UN Syria Envoy Says Conflict 'Intensifying'
As the situation in Syria goes from bad to worse, Lakhdar Brahimi stepped into the role of UN Special Representative on Syria and picked up where his predecessor left off. He called for a Syrian-led political process, leading to a leadership transition but stopped short of calling for the Syrian president to step aside. Al Jazeera's Kristen Saloomey reports.
South Africa Mining Unrest Threatens Zuma Second Term
It's an election year for the ruling party, the African National Congress. Zuma wants a second term as party leader. Shadrack Gutto, a political analyst says "there have been a lot of bad decisions in his term... he mustn't take it as a given he will win." This latest unrest started in the platinum sector last month and has now spread to the lucrative gold mines. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports.
In One Town, Afghan Police Make Strides
Mohammed Talib is one of the 235 members of the Afghan National Police working to provide security to the 145,00 people in the Sarobi district of Kabul province. Al Jazeera's Jennifer Glasse reports on the progress his forces have made since French troops left last month.
Continued Clashes in Northern Ireland
Police in Northern Ireland have battled protesters for a third night running. Protestants say a parade held by local area Catholics is a provocation, especially because, they say many of their own planned parades have been cancelled or diverted. The tension comes in a still deeply divided area of Belfast, where Catholic nationalists and Protestant unionists live in close proximity to one another. Al Jazeera's Simon McGregor Wood reports from North Belfast.
UK Declines Probe into Batang Kali Killings
The families of men killed, in what was then known as Malaya, by British soldiers have lost their fight for a full judicial review of the case. The soldiers killed 24 people at Batang Kali nearly 65 years ago, claiming they were communist insurgents. But now London's High Court has upheld the British government's decision not to hold a public inquiry. Al Jazeera's Florence Looi reports from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
In Memoriam....Spec. Kyle R. Rookey
Died in Jalalabad, Afghanistan
Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, September 7, 2012 in honor of a New York soldier who died in Jalalabad, Afghanistan on September 2, 2012.
Spec. Kyle R. Rookey of Oswego died in a non-combat related incident. He was a member of the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team. The division is based at Fort Carson, Colorado.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to the friends, family and fellow soldiers of Specialist Rookey," Governor Cuomo said.
"We will mourn his death, but we will remember his service to our nation with pride."
From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Spec. Kyle R. Rookey, his love of country, and his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace.
Colombia, FARC to Conduct Peace Talks
Statement by Press Secretary Jay Carney
President Obama today
welcomed the announcement that Colombian President Santos reached a framework
for peace negotiations between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The President noted
that the “Santos administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to
seeking a durable peace and ensuring a better life for all Colombians through
its security and social inclusion policies.”
The Colombian
government’s conclusion of this framework for negotiations sets the stage for
talks that hold out the promise of ending the 50-year conflict with the FARC,
in order to permit all Colombians to live with greater peace, security, and
prosperity.
President Obama
welcomes President Santos’ deep commitment to working for peace and recognizes
the courage and sacrifice of successive Colombian governments – and most
especially of the Colombian people – in achieving this milestone.
The FARC should now
take this opportunity to end its decades of terrorism and narcotics
trafficking, and allow the Colombian people to continue building a democratic,
prosperous, and just society.
As the Santos
administration works toward a resolution of the conflict, the United States
reaffirms its longstanding defense and security partnership with Colombia and
its commitment to work with Colombia to promote citizen security, respect for
human rights, and economic prosperity for all its people.
More information is available in this article by The
Christian Science Monitor.
President Obama at UAW Labor Day Campaign Rally in Ohio
President Obama appeared at a Labor Day rally in Toledo, Ohio on the eve of Democratic National Convention. (Please allow several seconds for video to start.)
Ralph Reed: From Purgatory to Power
Moyers and Company - Air Date: August 31, 2012
Does the former Christian Coalition leader’s resurgence signal a new revolution or an old racket?
Today in History: September 4th
Highlights of this day in history: Crisis unfolds in Little Rock, Ark. over racial integration in schools; Ford rolls out its ill-fated Edsel; Attorney William Kunstler dies; Mark Spitz sets Olympic gold record; Singer Beyonce born. (Sept. 4)
RIP: Michael Clarke Duncan
Hollywood Mourns a "Gentle Giant"
The Grio reports the following:
"Academy Award nominee Michael Clarke Duncan, who gained fame for his acclaimed role in the hit film The Green Mile, is dead at age 54, according to his fiancée, reality TV star Rev. Omarosa Manigault Stallworth."
The complete news report can be read here: Michael
Clarke Duncan
From The G-Man salutes the legacy and life of the Oscar-nominated actor and gentle giant. May he forever rest in peace.
Ahead of DNC, GOP Readies 'Counter-Convention'
Sources:WFORMSNBCCentralFloridaNews
TampaBayTimesC-SPANFoxNews
By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Video courtesy of Newsy.com
Other Newsy videos will play following this report.
Obama's Greatest First Hits and Misses
Democrats from the US have arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their party's National Convention. Aside from a show of general support, the event will also be a chance for the forty-forth president of the United States and his party to lay out the agenda for 2012. Al Jazeera's Patty Culhane, reporting from Charlotte, looks back at Obama's biggest successes and most notable failures.
Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan Supporters Speak Out
A few interviews with Republican voters outside a Paul Ryan event in Greenville, North Carolina.
South Africa Frees First Batch of Miners
On Monday, dozens of detained South African miners were freed after murder charges against them were dropped. The men were part of a group of 270 people arrested last month when police shot dead 34 striking miners at a platinum mine. Al Jazeera's Tania Page reports from Ga-Rankuwa, south Africa.
South Africa Strikes Spread to Gold Mine
Workers at the world's fourth largest gold mine have gone on strike in South Africa. Some 12,000 miners in Johannesburg walked out in a dispute about pay and conditions. This comes weeks after 44 people were killed during protests at the Lonmin Platinum mine in the country's northwest. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from the Goldfields mine.
South Africa Withdraws Murder Charge Against Miners
There's been an about-turn in the case of 270 South African miners facing murder charges. Officials now say the charges will be dropped until the investigation into the shooting of their colleagues by police is complete. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from Johannesburg.
Japan-China Island Dispute Deepens
A Japanese survey team has visited a group of disputed islands in the East China Sea. The governor of Tokyo has a plan to buy some of the privately held islands and then hand them over to the Japanese government in order to strengthen that country's territorial claim. The Chinese government, however, says the islands belongs to China. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.
Laos Dam Project Stirs Regional Tensions
A dam project along the Mekong River in Laos is causing tension with neighboring Vietnam and Cambodia who fear the environmental impact. Both nations are downstream from the Xayaburi dam, where work is continuing despite their protests and promises by the Vientiane government that work would be suspended until November. Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett reports from Xayaburi province on the fears that the dam will affect migratory fish species and the flow of nutrient-rich sediment downstream to both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Britain's Religious Clash with Secular Society
Britain is a nation of many faiths each with its own set of religious values. But increasingly these strongly held religious beliefs are coming into collision with the secular world and the fall out from that clash is often painful. Al Jazeera's Peter Sharp reports from Bristol.
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