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Morning headlines brought to you by Carolyn Kay MakeThemAccountable.com Top StoryBush Lawyers Discussed Fate of C.I.A.Tapes
At least four top White House lawyers took part in discussions with the C.I.A. about whether to destroy videotapes showing the secret interrogations of two Qaeda operatives.
FBI withdrew from interrogation due to CIA’s ‘harsh tactics.’ (Think Progress)
In 2002, as the CIA used “harsh tactics” to interrogate al Qaeda operative Abu Zubaida, FBI agents involved in his detention increasingly “protested the aggressive methods that were used.” Reportedly, “one agent was so offended he threatened to arrest the CIA interrogators.” The Washington Post reports today that the tensions between the two agencies became so bad that FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III “eventually ordered the FBI team to withdraw from the interrogation” because of the tactics being used.
Judge orders hearing on CIA videos
WASHINGTON - The administration must answer questions about the destruction of CIA interrogation videos of two al-Qaida suspects, a federal judge said Tuesday, rejecting the government's efforts to keep the courts out of the investigation. Distressed American at Seeds of Doubt
The WorldKurds: We will defend civilians
BAGHDAD - Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq said Wednesday that their forces would defend civilians if they were caught up in any fighting between Turkish troops and Kurdish rebels from the outlawed PKK in the area.
Angry Kurdish president won't meet with Rice
BAGHDAD — The president of Iraq's Kurdish Regional Government refused to meet Tuesday with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, charging that the United States had given Turkey the "green light" to attack separatist Kurdish guerrillas in northern Iraq.
Despite drop in violence, Pentagon finds little long-term progress in Iraq
WASHINGTON — Despite significant security gains in much of Iraq, nothing has changed within Iraq's political leadership to guarantee sustainable peace, a Pentagon report released Tuesday found.
Hamas seeks truce talks with Israel
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Gaza's embattled Hamas leaders are seeking a cease-fire after months of Israeli attacks and sanctions, going so far as to make an unprecedented appeal through the Israeli media, a Hamas official confirmed Wednesday.
Millions of Muslims mark high point of hajj in Saudi Arabia
MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia - Millions of Muslims marked the zenith of the annual hajj yesterday, praying for God's forgiveness on a rocky desert hill here where in Muslim tradition Adam and Eve were reunited after leaving Eden. The ritual of standing at Mount Rahma is the most spiritual moment of the pilgrimage, when Muslims believe God will grant whatever prayers they make. Among the faithful this year is President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, who yesterday stopped by the vast tent city where pilgrims are housed on the plateau called Mount Arafat to visit with Iranians there, Tehran's state broadcasting company said.
Iran: Russia nuclear fuel enhances ties
TEHRAN, Iran - Russia's first shipment of nuclear fuel for Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant will strengthen strategic ties between Tehran and Moscow, a top nuclear official said Wednesday.
In S. Korea, Lee Wins Landslide Victory
SEOUL, Dec. 19 -- Lee Myung-bak, a former construction boss known as "the bulldozer," won a landslide victory Wednesday in South Korea's presidential election, promoting a brand of pro-American, pro-business politics that voters here were eager to buy. "I know what you want so well," Lee told the nation after his opponents, including Liberal Party candidate Chung Dong-young, had conceded. "I will revive Korea's economy at the bidding of the people. I will unify our society, which has been torn apart."
8 former Argentina officers convicted
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Seven former army officers and an ex-police official were convicted Tuesday and sentenced to at least 20 years in prison for human rights abuses during Argentina's bloody dictatorship.
German finance minister calls for minimum wage
FRANKFURT (AFP) - Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck called for a common minimum wage for workers in Germany in an interview Wednesday, taking up an key issue that divides the coalition government.
South Africa heads into uncertainty with Zuma victory
POLOKWANE, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa faced deep uncertainty on Wednesday after the greatest political shake-up since the end of apartheid set populist Jacob Zuma on the road to the state presidency. The NationThis Senator’s Words Should Shock the American Conscience (Unamerican Revolution)
(Monday) morning I watched CSPAN2 to listen in on Congress as it discussed the issue of warrant-less wiretapping. Senators are intent on overhauling the outdated FISA legislation… As the debate on cloture unfolded, I was shocked at one statement in particular! Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama said in a derogatory tone: “The civil libertarians among us would rather defend the constitution than protect our nation’s security.” (Emphasis added.)
Indeed, we would, Senator. There is no long-term security if the government can spy on anyone at will.—Caro
GAO says government failed yet another financial audit
For the 11th straight year, the federal government failed its financial audit, GAO announced Monday, in a widely anticipated finding that Comptroller General David Walker used to underscore the government's troubled fiscal health… Walker also used the speech to criticize the spending habits of "too many Americans," the lack of serious policy debate in the media and "the widespread myopia, tunnel vision and self-centeredness in Washington."
Bush DoD nominee gives Iraqi government an ‘F.’ (Think Progress)
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, President Bush’s nominee to be assistant secretary of Defense for international security affairs, Mary Beth Long, criticized the Iraqi government’s failure to meet key legislative benchmarks. “At this time, I would give the Maliki government an ‘F’,” said Long. (Sub. Req.) Long added that Maliki’s government has not acted in an “exemplary manner” towards passing legislation.
House passes Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act. (Think Progress)
Last month, Iraq war vet Jordan Fox revealed that some wounded soldiers were being asked by the Pentagon to return part of their enlistment bonuses. Today, the House passed the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act to ensure that future soldiers aren’t treated like Fox. The legislation will ensure that members of the armed services who are discharged as a result of combat-related wounds receive the full compensation to which they are entitled by the Department of Defense. Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA), one of the bill’s primary sponsors, spoke on the floor (Tuesday) morning.
Click through to watch the video.—Caro
House to vote on $70 billion for wars
WASHINGTON - The Democratic-controlled House is expected to give President Bush an end-of-session victory in his yearlong battle with anti-war lawmakers over Iraq by approving $70 billion for U.S. military operations there and in Afghanistan.
House to vote on preventing expanded tax
WASHINGTON - After agonizing for weeks, the House planned to vote Wednesday on legislation that would protect more than 20 million people from seeing their tax bill balloon this year as a result of the dreaded alternative minimum tax.
Bush to sign bill to boost auto mileage
WASHINGTON - President Bush, who has said he doesn't believe the government should set arbitrary automobile mileage standards, is signing into law a requirement that motor vehicles meet an average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
Waxman to Mukasey: Ahem (by Paul Kiel at TPM Muckraker)
The White House has arbitrarily blocked former Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald from turning over records of his interviews during the Valerie Plame leak investigation of White House officials, including the President, (House Oversight Committee Chairman Henry) Waxman wrote (two weeks ago). Apparently Waxman got no response. Waxman adds helpfully in his letter (Tuesday) … that since Scooter Libby has dropped his appeal, "there remains no further pending litigation associated with the Fitzgerald investigation." He concludes: "I urge you to cooperate with Congress' investigation into these unanswered questions."
Coburn Pushes for Investigation of Young's Secret Earmark Edit (by Paul Kiel at TPM Muckraker)
We may finally get some answers about how Rep. Don Young (R-AK) managed to change the text of a bill after it was passed by Congress in order to benefit a major campaign contributor. In a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) called for the creation of a select committee comprised of both representatives and senators to investigate the miraculous change to the 2005 transportation bill.
Edwards Takes Back Lead in Iowa (Political Wire)
A new InsiderAdvantage poll in Iowa shows John Edwards leading among likely caucus-goers with 30% support, followed by Sen. Hillary Clinton at 26% and Sen. Barack Obama at 24%.
This is the first poll to show Edwards ahead of his rivals since summer… In the Republican race, Mike Huckabee leads with 28%, followed by Mitt Romney at 25%, Fred Thompson at 10%, Sen. John McCain at 9%, Rep. Ron Paul at 6%, and Rudy Giuliani also at 6%.
Giuliani's once-leading campaign is slipping in key early states
These are tough times for Rudy Giuliani. He's still the leading GOP presidential candidate in national polls, but only by two percentage points over Mike Huckabee. And in early-voting states, Giuliani's sinking fast.
Report: Magnet and PDA Sufficient to Change Votes on Voting Machine (By Kim Zetter, Wired)
A new study … on the security of voting machines was released in Ohio on Friday. The report, one of the most comprehensive and informative that I've seen yet, contains some pretty astounding information about the security of voting machines that hasn't been revealed before. Unfortunately, the report isn't receiving the kind of attention it deserves. MediaPermanent link to MTA daily media news
Free Press Blasts FCC Media Ownership Vote
Despite strong congressional opposition and over 100,000 public comments against another big media giveaway, … "The public simply won’t stand for another massive giveaway. They are sick and tired of partisan shouting and celebrity trash being passed off as news. They want more choices, more variety, more diversity—not more of the same. The growing public outcry is only going to get louder."
Countdown: Senator Chris Dodd On The FISA Victory (by Logan Murphy at Crooks and Liars)
Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Chris Dodd, appeared on Tuesday’s Countdown to discuss his victory on the Senate floor… Senator Dodd showed the same passion and leadership talking with guest host Alison Stewart as he did (Monday) night on the Senate floor, vowing once again to filibuster the bill in January if immunity is still included and saying that to do so would be pretending like these crimes never happened. Dodd, unlike most of the Democratic leadership, shows no fear of President Bush, excoriating him for trampling all over our Constitution.
Click through to watch the video.—Caro
MSNBC Analyst Blames Hillary For Not Talking About Vince Foster's Death (by Greg Sargent at TPM Horse’s Mouth)
(MSNBC media analyst) Steve Adubato hits Bill Clinton for blaming the media for unfair coverage of his wife, writing: “What’s really ironic about Clinton’s argument is that it has been the Clinton campaign that has been exceedingly secretive about disclosing the former First Lady’s records when she was in the White House. Bill and Hillary want the media to focus on are only the positive aspects of her experience but won’t say a word about such topics as ‘Travelgate;’ ‘Whitewater;’ exactly how Vince Foster died; missing billing records; or Hillary’s role as architect of the failed effort for universal healthcare.”
Earth to Adubato: It’s exactly the media’s overplaying of the non-scandals you mention that Bill Clinton was complaining about. I guess you missed all the exoneration memos.—Caro
Editor: Check Snopes.com before accusing us of a cover-up
A caller to the Tampa Tribune wanted to know why the media weren't reporting a story about Hillary Clinton and the Black Panthers -- a tale the woman had heard on Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story." Joseph H. Brown writes: "The reason the press hasn't 'covered' this story is that it's totally untrue. It's an urban legend that's been snaking its way across the Internet for years."
Hardball: Chris Matthews Calls Hillary Clinton Supporters “Castratos” (by Nicole Belle at Crooks and Liars)
We’ve documented and made fun of Chris Matthews’ man-crushes before. How many times have we seen him get starry-eyed and gushy over Bush’s raw manliness, Fred Thompson’s manly smell or Mitt Romney’s broad shoulders? But his misogyny–especially as it applies to Hillary Clinton–is really offensive. (Speaking of male supporters of Hillary Clinton, Matthews asked,) “aren’t you appalled at the willingness of these people to become castratos in the eunuch chorus here, or whatever they are? What do you call them? I don’t know what they are. What do you think of these people?”
Click through to watch the video.—Caro
Prager’s Hypocrisy: Romney’s Religion Shouldn’t Matter, Ellison’s Religion ‘Undermines America’ (Think Progress)
Last November, Keith Ellison became the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress. When he announced that he was going to take the oath of office with his hand on the Koran, right-wing talk show host Dennis Prager protested, arguing that Ellison would “embolden Islamic extremists”… What’s most interesting is that (Tuesday) — when a Republican candidate, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, is under attack for his Mormon beliefs — Prager seems suddenly concerned about the role religion plays in the political choices of some Americans.
Phone-jammistas Behold! (by Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo)
The guy close to the center of the (2002 New Hampshire phone-jamming scancal) was the media operative/consultant hired to run the operation, Allen Raymond. And he's written a new tell-all book, How to Rig an Election: Confessions of a Republican Operative… Of all the phone-jam scammers, he was the only one who not only took his criminal justice lumps but seemed genuinely to want to wash his hands of the whole rotten business. The rest, as you'd expect, are back on the GOP payroll in most cases after a short pitstop in the can. Raymond on his sojourn in the slammer: "After 10 full years inside the GOP, 90 days among honest criminals wasn't really any great ordeal."
Jonah Goldberg’s got a new book and guess what it’s about? (by John Amato at Crooks and Liars)
“Liberal fascism,” I kid you not.
SPECIAL REPORT: Outlook for Campaign Ad Revenue 2008
Are free videos taking the place of paid spots in print -- and on TV? Not completely. For the first time since John Kennedy beat Richard Nixon, newspapers are daring to believe they and their Web sites will get more than their usual miniscule share of candidates' media buys.
Amazon Selling Sellaband Artists, and You Get a Profit (by Kristen Nicole at Mashable)
Sellaband asks the users to become investors in up and coming artists and bands, in return for a stake in the band. $10 will get you a one five thousandth stake, and you get to keep some of the profits once the band makes it big. So you’d better do your part to help promote. Now Amazon is doing its part as well, by dedicating a special section to the music produced by those artists from Sellaband. Technology & ScienceHigh-Tech Brings Rural Towns Back To Life
The dot-com world is merging with small-town Americana. High-tech pioneers are helping small town, rural locales branch out beyond the cotton and corn fields.
Stand-alone printers giving way to all-in-ones
Sales of stand-alone ink-jet printers are fading fast, replaced by popular "all-in-one" printers that usually combine a printer, copier and scanner.
I had an idea for a combined printer, scanner, copier, and fax machine back in the early nineties. Was I able to make a dime from the idea? Of course not.—Caro
Divorced Parents do a Good Job
Divorced parents do just as good a job as married couples in raising kids, a new study claims. This new research overturns a commonly held belief that families fractured by divorced parents become inferior havens for children compared with stable homes.
Brrrr: Scientists trace the roots of feeling cold
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Nerves that sense the icy slap of an arctic wind or just a cool breeze take their orders from a single protein, U.S. researchers said on Monday, shedding new light on how we experience cold.
Sperm's Immune-protection Properties Could Provide Link To How Cancers Spread
ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2007) — Sugar-based markers on human sperm cells which may prevent them from being attacked by the female immune system could provide a vital clue to how some cancers spread in the human body, according to new research.
You’d think this research would also help discover treatments for autoimmune diseases.—Caro
Intensive Training Post-spinal Cord Injury Can Stimulate Repair In Brain And Spinal Cord
ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2007) — Intensive rehabilitation training for patients with spinal cord injuries can stimulate new branches growing from severed nerve fibers, alongside compensatory changes in the brain, say Canadian researchers. Most importantly, it could lead to restoring hand function and the ability to walk.
Magna Carta sells for $21.3 million
A rare 710-year-old copy of the Magna Carta was sold at auction for $21.3 million by The Perot Foundation at Sotheby’s in New York, the auction house said on Tuesday.
Why are treasures like this in private hands?—Caro
Baffling Cosmic Explosion Comes Out of Nowhere
A cosmic explosion that seems to have come out of nowhere—thousands of light-years from the nearest collection of stars—has left astronomers baffled… "Here we have this very bright burst, yet it's surrounded by darkness on all sides," said team member Brad Cenko of the California Institute of Technology. "The nearest galaxy is more than 88,000 light-years away, and there's almost no gas lying between the burst and Earth." EnvironmentCities Play the Green Card to Achieve Success
Bali, Indonesia, 11 December 2007- From the use of horse-drawn carriages to solve public transport shortage in Bayamo, Cuba to an emissions trading scheme in Taiyuan, China, cities around the world are providing inspiring examples in the global quest for sustainability and the fight against climate change. The report "Liveable Cities: The Benefits of Urban Environmental Planning", published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Cities Alliance and ICLEI -Local Governments for Sustainability, showcases 12 examples of cities around the world.
EU agrees steep fines to cut car CO2
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission agreed on proposed legislation on Wednesday to force down emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from cars with steeply rising fines on manufacturers that fail to comply, an EU source said. The European Union executive set a four-year phase-in period for fines on manufacturers whose fleets exceed an average of 120 grams per km of the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming from 2012.
Biofuels: Let’s look before we leap
A commitment to biofuels should be based on a careful assessment of their prospective benefits and costs, not a blind leap of faith. Several years ago, faced with growing food shortages, the government of Burma — now Myanmar — ordered farmers throughout the country to start growing rice, whatever type of land they owned. But rice proved to be totally unsuitable for many of the regions in the country, with the result that many farmers were forced even further into poverty, from which they have yet to recover.
Nano Flakes May Revolutionize Solar Cells
ScienceDaily (Dec. 19, 2007) — A new material, nano flakes, may revolutionise the transformation of solar energy to electricity. If so, even ordinary households can benefit from solar electricity and save money in the future.
IBM Study Finds Consumers Willing to Pay Extra for Clean Energy
ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2007 -- Across industrialized nations, two-thirds of respondents in a recent survey said they would pay 20 percent more for green power; American consumers led the pack in overall willingness although a lack of options is hindering progress.
PG&E Set to Tap Into Wave Power
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 19, 2007 -- The utility will buy commercial wave energy from Finavera Renewables Inc. and its Humboldt County Offshore Wave Energy Power Plant. For more headlines, visit MakeThemAccountable.com.
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