Kwanzaa Message from the White House

Statement from the President and the First Lady

Michelle and I extend our warm thoughts and best wishes to all those celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season. Today marks the first day of the week-long celebration of African-American history and culture through the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

To many, Kwanzaa serves as a time of reflection--taking lessons learned from our past and looking forward to a more promising tomorrow. It reminds us that though there is much to be thankful for we must recommit ourselves to building a country where all Americans have the opportunity to achieve their dreams.

As families across America light the Kinara today in the spirit of unity, our family extends our prayers and well wishes during this season.

Image courtesy of http://clipartmountain.com.

People and Power: 'The Organ Traders'

Air date: December 20, 2012

An investigation into illegal human organ trading in Kosovo, Turkey and Israel, and the challenges facing law enforcers.

'EOC' Activated as Winter Storm Hits New York

Utility Companies Will Be Held Accountable for Performances During the Storm 

Governor Cuomo today announced that he will activate the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 6:00 PM today to monitor the storm and any emergency needs.

Representatives from state agencies are present to coordinate storm response efforts, including the State Police, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Department of Health. 

Beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting through Thursday afternoon, a winter storm will bring moderate to heavy snow and some ice to parts of the state.

New Yorkers should monitor weather conditions; stay tuned to local radio and television stations or to NOAA weather radio for the latest information; plan their activities accordingly; and be particularly cautious while driving.

"Winter weather has arrived for many parts of the state, so as a precaution we have opened the emergency operation center to coordinate response efforts using all state and local resources," Governor Cuomo said.

"I also urge New Yorkers to closely watch local news reports for weather updates and adjust their travel plans accordingly. All non-essential travel should be avoided during and directly after the storm since roads will be icy with blizzard conditions in some places.” 

Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz this morning sent a letter to the CEOs of the utilities that operate in New York State saying that they will be held accountable for their performance during and after this storm if they do not meet their obligations to New Yorkers. 

Visit www.dhses.ny.gov/oem for more information on winter storm safety and preparedness. 

'If We're Not Careful, the Conflicts Could Get Out of Hand'

Regional Expert Says North Korea's a Concern, But Warns the U.S. Could Be Drawn into a War Between China and Japan

THE G-MAN INTERVIEWS

Welcome.  

Charles Armstrong, PhD., is a member of the steering committee for the National Committee on North Korea (http:/www.ncnk.org). One of the leading observers and scholars in the country on matters concerning the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), he has authored several books on Korea, most notably “The North Korean Revolution: 1945-1950", which was published by Cornell University Press in 2003. 

He has also written numerous articles and chapters on the DPRK, US-Korean relations, and contemporary Korean affairs. 

While working and living in the Republic of Korea (ROK), Dr. Armstrong worked closely with organizations and international leaders to resolve DPRK and North-South Korean issues. 

In addition to this post, he is the Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies and Director of the Center for Korean Research at Columbia University.

Dr. Armstrong has served as a commentator for global news media outlets, including the New York Times, Newsweek, CNN and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 

In this installment of "The G-Man Interviews", he joins us to discuss some major developments regarding the Asian region and the affect they could have on the United States and its allies.

The interview, which was conducted via Skype, was conceived, directed, edited and written by Gary Glennell Toms. 

Deadly Storm Spreads Snow, Twister Risk to Atlantic Coast

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Obama Cuts Vacation Short to Tackle Fiscal Cliff

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Bill Moyers Essay: Washington’s Revolving Door

Moyers & Company

Air Date: December 14, 2012

Bill takes you through the revolving door between Washington leaders and lobbyists to see how you lose and they win.

Political Events in 2012

Air date: December 25, 2012

Juan Williams talked about significant political events for 2012, including the debate between the White House and the House over spending, President Obama’s re-election and the 2012 campaign, what Washington did to strengthen the U.S. economy, and renewed discussions on gun control.

James Taylor on His Involvement with Politics

Air date: December 7, 2012

James Taylor talked about his background and political views, as well as election laws and reforms, such as a national holiday for voting, voter fraud and identification laws, and the Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United v. Federal Election Commission decision. Other topics included the George W. Bush administration’s involvement in Iraq, and his work for President Obama’s campaign. In between remarks, he played guitar and sang several songs including “Carolina in My Mind” and “Something in the Way She Moves.”

Today in History: December 26th

A tsunami kills more than 200-thousand people is Southeast Asia; Six-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey is found beaten to death; Winston Churchill addresses joint session of Congress; Presidents Truman and Ford die.

Safety Concerns Persist for Bangladesh Garment Workers

Labor activists in Bangladesh are accusing big-name brands of not taking fire safety seriously. There have been more than a dozen factory fires in the past month - killing more than a hundred people. Despite these incidents, large companies continue to produce from Bangladesh. Nicolas Haque reports.

Mexico City Offers Exchange of Cash for Guns

Mexico City is offering people in one neighborhood the chance to exchange their firearms for cash and electronic goods. The move is the latest attempt by authorities to rid the streets of gun crime and gangs. The violence has claimed more than 60,000 lives across Mexico in the past six years. Al Jazeera's Hyder Abbasi reports.

Chavez 'Walking' After Cancer Surgery

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's vice president, says President Hugo Chavez is walking and even exercising, as he recuperates in Cuba after cancer surgery. The announcement comes as the main opposition leader is backtracking on his initial call for new elections if Chavez doesn't make it to his swearing-in ceremony on January 10. Henrique Capriles now says a new election will not be immediately required. Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman reports From Caracas.

Israel's Netanyahu Launches Election Campaign

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially launched his campaign for next month's general election. It is a joint election campaign alongside former Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. Netanyahu told supporters that radical Islam poses huge challenges to Israel. He also, once again, criticised Iran and its nuclear programme. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Elevating Acidity Threatens Corals

One of the biggest impacts of climate change is on the oceans. They absorb up to 30 percent of all the carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere. This is making sea water more corrosive in such a fast pace that scientists fear marine life will not be able to adapt. Al Jazeera's Nicole Johnston reports from Eilat in Israel.

South Africa Compensates Apartheid Victims

The Natives Land Act is a Apartheid-era legislation that meant Blacks could not live in areas designated for white homes and businesses. South Africa's government has agreed to compensate more than 700 people who were pushed from their land during this time. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports from Germiston in South Africa.

Wishing You and Your Family a Very....

"The G-Man"

Images courtesy of http://www.amazing-animations.com

Storm System Moves to Northeast, Causes Flight Cancellations

Air date: December 24, 2012 

Travel trouble looms across the U.S. as a storm system that hit the West coast over the weekend travels east, and threatens to cause problems throughout the holiday week. Anna Werner reports.

Guns, Fiscal Cliff at the Forefront of Debate

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Citizens Hold Gun Company’s Owner Accountable

Moyers & Company

The video was posted on the Moyers website on December 23, 2012.

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, concerned New Yorkers held a vigil to bring attention to gun control and corporate responsibility.

Fiscal Cliff Options

Air date: December 23, 2012

Stan Collender and Joshua Gordon talked about “fiscal cliff” negotiations and gauge what Congress can get done before the end of the year. They discussed the policy options on the table and what they could mean for 2013. Topics included what Congress can do with the remainder of 2012, Democratic and Republican strategies for dealing with the “fiscal cliff” tax increases and budget cuts set to take place in January 2013, and federal spending and revenues in 2013.

Today in History: December 24th

Apollo Eight astronauts orbit the moon; Ku Klux Klan is founded; Human voice first transmitted via radio; Suez Canal opened.

NRA Defends Response to Newtown Massacre

The powerful pro-gun lobby group in the United States has began a full media offensive. The National Rifle Association is defending its response to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut that left 26 people dead - including 20 children. Al Jazeera's John Terrett reports from Washington DC.

Journalist Shot Dead in Northeastern India

In India, five policeman have been suspended in the northeastern state of Manipur after a journalist was shot dead. Protesters took to the streets in the state capital, Imphal, on Sunday, over an alleged attack on a local actress. They were demanding the man accused of the assault be arrested. Police say they accidentally shot the man while trying to disperse the protesters. Chitra Ahanthem is Associate Editor of the Imphal Free Press and joined Al Jazeera via Skype.

Analysis: Russia-India Arms Deal

Russia has agreed a deal to sell India military helicopters and jet parts worth almost $3 billion. It's the first of a number of multi-billion dollar deals the two countries are considering during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Ajai Shukla is the editor of the Strategic Affairs Business Standard and joined Al Jazeera from New Delhi via Skype.

Pakistani Sportswoman Overcomes Hurdles

Pakistan's top female squash player, Maria Toorpakai Wazir has gone to extraordinary lengths to keep playing the game she loves. The 22-year-old moved to Canada from a deeply conservative area of Pakistan where women are denied the right to play. Her family has received threats from militant opposition groups, but she pursues her goals elsewhere. Al Jazeera's Daniel Lak reports from Toronto, Canada.

Hardship in Hong Kong for China's Migrants

A new study shows poverty affects more than a third of families that move from mainland China to Hong Kong. The situation is even worse for single parents without any family or support. Al Jazeera's Stephanie Scawen reports.

Banquet Ban for Chinese Military 'A Small Step'

China has banned senior military officers from holding alcohol-fueled banquets or from staying in luxury hotels when on work trips. Gordon Chang, author of The Coming Collapse of China, joins Al Jazeera from Hong Kong to explain the new rule.

Scientists Resume Drilling Mission in Antarctic

A team of British scientists is trying to restart a drilling mission through the Antarctic Ice Shelf to reach a prehistoric lake. It is hoped that it will reveal evidence of life that could be found elsewhere in the solar system. Drilling down deep into the earth through a lake, they are faced with small time windows before the borehole refreezes to an unusable size, ultimately sealing the lake off again. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Mario Monti Considers Return as Italian PM

Italy's outgoing prime minister Mario Monti says he is willing to lead the country again after the next election. But he is not actually taking part. Al Jazeera's Claudio Lavanga explains.

South Africa Youth Skateboarding Out of Trouble

In South Africa, kids from poor neighborhoods are often exposed to crime at an early age. But a group of children are taking up a new sport to keep themselves off the streets and out of trouble. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reports.

Ben Ali's Riches Go to Auction

He ruled Tunisia for a quarter of a century, but was the first leader to be ousted in the Arab Spring, almost two years ago. Now Former President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali's ill-gotten gains are going under the hammer. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane reports.

Weekly Address: The President and First Lady Extend a Holiday Greeting and Thank Our Troops for Their Service

Obama: Kerry 'Perfect Choice' for Secretary of State

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NRA Execs Hold Conference on Guns and Violence

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"From The G-Man" to End Four-Year Run on 12/31

Inability to Obtain Advertisers, Donations Forces Shut Down

Yes, I'm afraid it's true. My dream of building one of the most popular independent news and information sites in America has come to an end. Due to a lack advertisers and/or donations, I can no longer continue to publish breaking or original news stories, special features and exclusive interviews or maintain the site's base of operations. 

This decision was excruciatingly painful because I absolutely loved what I was doing, especially for young people that became fans of the site, but I was left with no choice. 

In the nearly four years that From The G-Man has been operating, I have never received compensation or anything in the way of funding for the enormous amount of work generated on a daily basis. My goal has always been to obtain major advertisers, sponsors or substantial donations so I could pay myself a salary and manage the site as a full-time job. I held on to the belief that people of influence would take notice of my effort and help me in my quest to maintain my creation. For whatever reason, this never came to pass.

In 2011, I edited and published nearly 1,699 news stories. With under two weeks to go in 2012, I've already published 3,686 news items, which roughly breaks down to 10 news stories/features or more a day, every day, since the beginning of 2012! Moreover, this was accomplished with no staff! 

Yes, I was solely responsible for analyzing and editing all news content provided by numerous sources, configuring HTML codes for all news videos that are posted, writing breaking and original news stories and exclusive features, and conceiving, editing, directing and writing all segments for "The G-Man Interviews" series.

The effort was painstaking, but I continued with the thought that if it happened for Matt Drudge and Arianna Huffington, it could happen for me, too. Again, for whatever reason, it never came to pass.  Nonetheless, I thank Drudge and Huffington for serving as sources of inspiration. 

On December 31, I will post a special farewell video in honor of all the people who stood by me and offered daily encouragement, moral support and praise. The undertaking has not been easy, but I have no regrets. Creating and managing this site has been one of the true highlights of my life, and maybe, just maybe, something will happen prior to December 31 that will allow From The G-Man to remain operational. After all, the Christmas season is a time of miracles, right? (Smiles) If not, I'll be happy knowing From The G-Man ended its run with the respect of many.....in and outside of the news industry. 

Special acknowledgements to Tom Osborne, Les Payne, Mike Hodge, Herb Boyd and Jim Flink, five journalism greats that helped me stand strong during the storm. 

This message is from the heart and.....from "The G-Man" 

President Obama Responds to We the People Petitions Related to Gun Violence

In the days since the tragedy in Newtown, Americans from all over the country have called for action to deter mass shootings and reduce gun violence, and hundreds of thousands of people have signed petitions on whitehouse.gov's We the People platform. In this video message, President Obama responds, explaining a comprehensive effort to come up with a broader set of serious proposals and encouraging Americans to continue their participation in this important process.

West Wing Week: 12/21/12

This week, the President addressed the national tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and promised meaningful action to address gun violence, while the White House invited some of its newest Pinterest followers, and the President spread some holiday cheer.

House Goes Home with No Vote on 'Plan B'

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Bill Moyers Essay: Remember The Victims, Reject The Violence

Moyers & Company

Air date: December 20, 2012

Bill urges us to remember the victims of the Newtown tragedy, to reject doubling down on guns and armor, and to work toward moral solutions.