Maliki prove Bush-McCain out of the loop and out of their minds

07/19/2008 02:11 PM'AS SOON AS POSSIBLE'
Iraq Leader Maliki Supports Obama's Withdrawal Plans
In an interview with SPIEGEL, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Barack Obama "is right when he talks about 16 months." It is time, he said, for an official timetable.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki supports US presidential candidate Barack Obama's plan to withdraw US troops from Iraq within 16 months. When asked in and interview with SPIEGEL when he thinks US troops should leave Iraq, Maliki responded "as soon as possible, as far as we are concerned." He then continued: "US presidential candidate Barack Obama is right when he talks about 16 months."
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linked from RawStory

Police still searching for Caylee Anthony

Police conduct grim search for 2-year-old girl
Walter Pacheco and Bianca Prieto Sentinel Staff Writers
9:03 AM EDT, July 18, 2008

Crime-scene technicians are digging through Cindy Anthony's backyard this morning, looking for clues into the disappearance of her 2-year-old granddaughter, Caylee Marie Anthony.

Capt. Angelo Nieves of the Orange County Sheriff's Office did not give details on the investigation, but said the property was the focus of the probe.

Cadaver dogs roamed the Hopespring Drive property Thursday after a neighbor told investigators that 22-year-old Casey Anthony had borrowed a shovel about a month ago. Detectives recovered that shovel as evidence.

While investigators probed the backyard, residents in the south Orange County neighborhood woke up to news crews and media trucks parked along their streets.
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McCain caught on video again

From VoteVets but they missed the part where he used Iraq instead of Afghanistan saying that Karzai has controll of most of Iraq!!!

A recent video has been unearthed, in which Senator John McCain in 2003 says we can just "muddle through in Afghanistan."
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO AND WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The video offers a glimpse into the true thinking of those, like McCain, who backed launching the war in Iraq and committing our forces there indefinitely. Particularly, they believed that Afghanistan wasn't a concern and we didn't need to take it seriously. In fact, just a year earlier, on CBS' Face the Nation, McCain said capturing Osama bin Laden wasn't "that important."
Five years later, we now see where that poor judgment and lack of insight has gotten us. The Taliban has regained large swaths of Afghanistan, al Qaeda has reconstituted itself, Osama bin Laden still is free, and Afghanistan is in crisis. All of that lends itself to our nation being that much less secure, and in much greater danger of another terrorist attack from extremists from the Pakistan/Afghanistan region.
This is not the way to win the war on terror and keep America safe. But, don't expect the mainstream media to report on and analyze all of this. It's up to you. That's why we've set up a Letter to the Editor tool, where you can view this video, and send a letter to your local newspaper about it.
CLICK HERE TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor are the most read section of the daily paper. So when you write a letter, it will be seen by thousands of people in your area. So, take a moment to view this shocking video, and tell your local newspapers what you think.
Thanks for all of your support.
Sincerely,
Jon SoltzIraq War VeteranChairman, VoteVets.org

China Still Owes Billions Of Dollars In Unpaid Bonds

Memories May Fade, But Fine Print Doesn’t
China Still Owes Billions Of Dollars In Unpaid Bonds To 15,000 U.S. Families

July 17, 2008


(CBS) This story was written by CBS News producer Stephanie Lambidakis for CBSNews.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more than a half century, the Laband family of Orange County, California, has been waging an unsuccessful legal fight to force China to make good on a promise that was etched in gold. The promise came in the form of bonds sold by China, backed by gold reserves along with the full faith and credit of China's government.

From 1900 to 1938, the Labands and thousand of other Americans eagerly snapped up the bonds as a sound investment and a patriotic way to help China, an ally, build its economy.

But since 1939, China hasn’t paid a nickel to the Labands or the 15,000 other mostly working-class families who counted on the interest payments for economic survival. By their tally, The People’s Republic of China owes them collectively at least $260 billion.

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McCain says Obama Europe trip amounts to politics

McCain says Obama Europe trip amounts to politics

Source: Reuters (1 hour ago)

By Steve Holland
GRAND HAVEN, Mich., July 17 (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Thursday he believes Democrat Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Europe is tantamount to holding political rallies abroad.
McCain, speaking to reporters, also ridiculed Obama's vow to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq in 16 months as risking losing the hard-fought gains won by U.S. soldiers under a troop build-up ordered 18 months ago.
Obama is soon to leave on a trip that will take him to Europe and the Middle East. At some stage the trip is also expected to take him to Iraq and Afghanistan, the two thorniest foreign policy challenges that will face the next president.

go here for more

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N17375366.htm

This is just almost as bad as the rape joke he told when we have women in the military risking their lives and being attacked.

Parents try to cope after daughter murdered

Bennett family grieves, offers advice to parents
Play video
(Anya Huneke, NECN: Randolph, VT) - Jim and Janet Bennett have only just begun the grieving process. For them the past few weeks have been a surreal blur.
Janet: "It still feels like I'm dreaming, It feels like I haven't woken up yet, And when I do, it's going to be the weekend. And she's going to be coming."
They are trying to return to daily family life... But at every turn is a reminder that one key member is missing: Brooke-- Jim's 12 year-old daughter. Janet's step-daughter. One of their three children.
Janet: "she was giggly when she was young. All she did was giggle."
Click here to watch more from Brooke's stepmother.
They make an effort to think positive thoughts... But these days that's hard. Brooke disappeared in nearby Randolph three weeks ago...
She was found - murdered - one week later.Jim "we were hoping for the best right up until we knew otherwise... That's the only thing we could do."
Click here to watch more from Brooke's father.
Brooke's death has shaken this central Vermont community to its core. Not only because a young life was taken... But because two of Brooke's relatives have been arrested in connection with the case.
Michael

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/
Bennett-family-grieves-offers-advice-to-parents/1216259460.html

Doctor indicted after death of abortion patient

Doctor indicted after death of abortion patient
Play video
(Kristen Caira, NECN) - The family of a Cape Cod woman who died after going for an abortion says it wants justice. The doctor who performed the procedure is now charged with manslaughter in the death of Laura Hope Smith.
Smith died during the procedure in Hyannis, Massachusetts last September.
Karen Trott was with her best friend 22-year-old Laura Hope Smith when she went to have an abortion at the women's health center in Hyannis. After a long wait in the lobby she knew something was terribly wrong.
Now the doctor who performed the abortion, Dr. Rabin Osaphannon has been indicted for manslaughter.
The Smith family's attorney says Dr. Osaphannon did not have the proper equipment to monitor his patient under anesthesia and when Laura stopped breathing he failed to call 911 right away.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/Doctor-indicted-
after-death-of-abortion-patient/1216331262.html

2 year old missing, Mom didn't tell anyone

Have you seen this child?


Judge denies bond for mother of missing 2-year-old daughter
Walter Pacheco, Susan Jacobson and Willoughby Mariano Sentinel Staff Writer
9:53 AM EDT, July 17, 2008

A judge this morning denied Casey Marie Anthony bond, saying she showed "no regret or concern for her actions" following the disappearance of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Marie Anthony.

Despite Casey Anthony's lack of a criminal history, Orange County Judge John Jordan said no condition of release could protect the community from harm.

Casey Anthony, 22, just nodded as Jordan offered his comments.

"You left your 2-year-old child with a person who does not exist at an apartment you cannot identify and you lied to your parents about your child's whereabouts," Jordan said. "You cared so little about your child."
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TSA launches leak investigation

TSA launches leak investigation
Story Highlights
TSA questions former air marshal about e-mail encouraging him to talk to CNN

In March, CNN reported that armed air marshals are on fewer than 1 percent of flights

TSA denied findings, says it is investigating possible release of classified info

Employee says he sent e-mail because he wanted to expose problems in TSA

By Drew Griffin and Kathleen Johnston
CNN Special Investigation Unit

(CNN) -- Federal officers charged with keeping terrorists off planes are now searching their own ranks for staff who told CNN that few flights were protected by air marshals.




CNN learned of the TSA investigation from a former federal air marshal and Iraq war veteran, Jeff Denning. He was not connected to the original story.

Denning said he was called by TSA investigator Greg Neiderer a few days after he came back from the front lines of Iraq.

Denning said Neiderer grilled him on an e-mail he received on his personal account while he was in Iraq.
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HBO miniseries "John Adams" receives 23 nominations

'John Adams,' 'Mad Men,' '30 Rock' lead in Emmy nods
Story Highlights
"Mad Men" and "Damages" earn best drama nominations

HBO miniseries "John Adams" receives 23 nominations

Emmys snub "The Wire," "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives"

Ceremony will be broadcast on ABC on September 21
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/17/emmy.nominations/index.html


If you haven't seen John Adams, it is still playing on HBO,,,watch it an learn some history.

HBO's Generation Kill: life governed by morons and maniacs

HBO's Generation Kill: life governed by morons and maniacs
By Glenn Garvin | Miami Herald
Two bedraggled enlisted men, exhausted after days of dodging snipers and artillery barrages, are awakened to search for a captain who went to a latrine outside the perimeter and got lost in the desert. 'Bleepin' officers will be the death of us yet,'' grumbles one as they resignedly head off into the night.

The moment is both the perfect distillation of every grunt's war, from Thermopylae to Valley Forge to Fajullah, and the perfect summation of Generation Kill, a raucous, raunchy and utterly loving account of life at the bottom of the military food chain.

A seven-part miniseries that debuted Sunday on HBO, Generation Kill is adapted from the nonfiction book of the same name by Evan Wright, a Rolling Stone reporter embedded with a Marine reconnaissance platoon during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

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Linked from ICasualties.org

I didn't like it. I'll admit I was very tired when I was watching it so I'll give it another try but for an hour, my brain was having a hard time keeping up or caring about the men in this program.

Casinos and jails got Katrina supplies instead of victims

Mississippi casinos got items meant for Katrina victims
Story Highlights
Mississippi Gaming Commission received items meant for hurricane victims

It was among 11 state agencies that got the household items from FEMA

CNN revealed that FEMA let 121 truckloads of supplies linger in a warehouse

By Abbie Boudreau and Scott Zamost
CNN Special Investigations Unit


(CNN) -- The agency that regulates Mississippi's casinos got pillows, stoves, dinnerware and other items that were originally meant for Hurricane Katrina victims, according to state records obtained by CNN.


The Mississippi Gaming Commission was among 11 state agencies that received the household items from the state's surplus agency.

A breakdown of what each agency received shows the commission took a coffee maker, a case of pillows, wash kits, two dual-burner stoves, plates and utensils, two cases of hand sanitizers and 20 five-gallon containers.

Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, could not be reached for comment. But an aide, Becky Clark, said the agency is keeping the items "in case of another hurricane."

The Mississippi Department of Corrections also got 20 coffee makers, 15 tents, four cases of pillows, five cases of men's underwear and other supplies.
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World Court orders U.S. to halt executions of 5 Mexicans in Texas

July 16, 2008, 11:21AM
World Court orders U.S. to halt executions of 5 Mexicans in Texas


By MIKE CORDER
Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The U.N.'s highest court ordered U.S. authorities today to do everything possible to halt the executions of five Mexicans in Texas until their cases are reviewed.

The Bush administration has unsuccessfully tried to get Texas courts to review the cases and said it expected the World Court's order to have little impact.

The World Court told U.S. authorities in 2004 to review the cases of 51 Mexicans sentenced to death by state courts after finding they had been denied the right to seek help from consular officials.

The World Court has no enforcement powers but President Bush issued a directive to the Texas courts to abide by the 2004 ruling. The state courts refused to review the cases and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in March that the president cannot compel the state courts to comply.

Mexico turned again to the U.N. court in The Hague last month, arguing that the United States was defying the 2004 World Court order and asking the judges to issue an emergency injunction to stop the killings of five men whose executions were imminent.

Chief State Department advocate John B. Bellinger III argued that the World Court, the U.N.'s judicial arm for resolving disputes among nations, lacked jurisdiction because the Bush administration agreed with Mexico and there was no dispute.
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5890690.html

Great white shark washes up on Nantucket

Great white shark washes up on Nantucket
Discovery provides a rare opportunity
By Martin Finucane
Globe Staff / July 16, 2008
This one was for real. State shark specialists have determined that a big fish that washed up on a beach in Nantucket Monday was a 6 1/2-foot great white shark.

It is a rare find for the scientists, who have not seen a great white carcass wash up on a Massachusetts beach in at least two decades, said Lisa Capone, a spokeswoman for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

"It's an opportunity to try to learn something," she said.

The discovery of the young female shark's carcass at a beach off Sheep Pond Road follows an unconfirmed sighting by lifeguards last week that led to the closing of South Beach on Martha's Vineyard.

Another sighting reported at the Vineyard's State Beach caused a commotion but turned out to be a hoax.

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Bombings in Iraq kill at least 32

Civilians, army recruits, U.S. soldier
Bombings in Iraq kill at least 32
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 2:58 AM
By Alexandra Zavis

Los Angeles Times

BAGHDAD -- One minute, Salam Munim was waiting patiently yesterday among a crowd of recruits, eager to join the Iraqi army's next major offensive against Sunni insurgents in his home province, Diyala.

The next, a suicide bomber blew up, and just minutes later, another did, too, at the Iraqi army base in an eastern suburb of Baqouba. Twenty-seven people were killed and 68 hurt, Iraqi security officials said.

The U.S. military put the toll at 20 dead and 55 wounded. The reason for the discrepancy was not immediately clear.

"I cannot forget the mingled smell of sand and flesh," Munim said from a hospital, where he was being treated for shrapnel wounds.

In addition, the Associated Press reported that a U.S. soldier was killed yesterday by an explosive in Diyala province. Bombings in the northern city of Mosul and in Baghdad claimed at least 11 more lives.
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