6/6 News

McCain compounds wiretapping problem

A recent statement from the McCain campaign asserted McCain’s often-criticized view that Bush’s warrantless-wiretapping was lawful, bringing the hopeful President even closer to Bush’s executive power grabs.

The advisor, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, posted in the National Review that Bush’s authorization of NSA international and email monitoring was within the bounds of the Constitution. “Neither the administration nor the telecoms need apologize for actions that most people, except for the A.C.L.U. and trial lawyers, understand were constitutional and appropriate in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.”

The criticism has compounded because in a Boston Globe interview six months ago, McCain stated he would obey the 1978 statute requiring a warrant for spying.

NY Times

Democrats may back down on FISA

House Democrats may be ready to compromise on last year’s controversial FISA bill. A version including retroactive immunity for telecom companies managed to pass in the Senate but was stalled until winter recess by the House.

Recently House Intelligence Committee chair Silvestre Reyes said he was “fine” with the wording proposed by Senate Republicans that allows immunity.

The ACLU has responded quickly, stating “Congress should remember that the majority of Americans are against unwarranted and warrantless surveillance.”

Raw Story

Congress passed $3 trillion budget

Congress passed a $3 trillion budget yesterday, which included modest increases in domestic programs but was criticized for piling on the national debt. It’s the first budget passed in an election year since 2000, Democrat Steny Hower proclaims the first budget passed in an election year since 2000 “a demonstration of our ability to govern effectively.”

Republicans attacked the Democrats for loading onto Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. “We shouldn’t be doing this to our children” says Rep. Paul Ryan.

Budget Committee Chairman John M. Spratt defended the budget. “President Bush told the country we could have it all: guns, butter and tax cuts, too, and never mind the deficits. It takes a long time to turn this battleship around, but that’s what we do in this budget.”

Washington Post

New poll reveals Iran diplomacy is favorable

A recent Public Agenda poll reports that nearly 50% of Americans say diplomacy with Iran is the best solution to the “current situation.” That’s a nearly 15% increase since last fall. The poll also reports that a mere 7% favor military action.

Think Progress

5/25 News

French documentary attacks biotech giant Monsanto

A recent French documentary, Le Monde selon Monsanto (The World According to Monsanto) is attacking the bioengineering giant Monsanto. Award-winning investigative journalist Marie-Monique Robin filmed an amateur-style report about how the company has bullied and lured governments and farmers to to become the dominant genetically-modified seed distributor on the market. Monsanto refused to be interviewed because they said it would make them look bad.

Monsanto produces Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production despite proven health risks to both the cows and consumers. It was the only company to sell PCBs in the US and has also produced products like Agent Orange and aspartame. Robin illustrates how the company has wedged itself into both the government and local agriculture distributors in order to sell such questionable products.

747 crashes, splits on runway

A cargo Boeing 747 crashed split in half while attempting takeoff at a Brussels airport early this morning. Four of the five crew members had minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. It’s not clear what caused the plane to crash near the end of the runway, close to a rail line and housing. Firefighters coated the plane in flame-retardant foam since the plane was still full of fuel.

Pirate attacks rising

According to the International Maritime Bureau’s latest report, pirate attacks are rising for the first time since 1990. Though not as romantic as Johnny Depp, modern pirates create just as many horrific stories. Last March pirates shot a passenger boat captain and two crew members near the Philippines and tied them to the ship’s anchor before shooting the remaining crew members. The organization says some blame rests on the political instability in coastal countries like Somalia and Nigeria.

Mugabe threatens to expel US ambassador

Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe threatened today to expel US ambassador James McGee from the country if “he makes one more step wrong,” according to Mugabe.

“He says he fought in Vietnam, but fighting in Vietnam does not give him the right to interfere in our domestic affairs.” He also accused the State Department’s top diplomat Jendayi Frazer of behaving like a prostitute. “You saw this little American girl trotting around like a prostitute celebrating that the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) had won. A disgraceful act.”

Pirate attacks
Mugabe
Boeing split
Monsanto

5/23 News

Senate adds veto-proof domestic provisions to Iraq spending bill

Yesterday the Senate ignored Bush’s pledge to veto extra provisions on the Iraq spending bill and added $10 billion more in domestic programs. 25 Senate Republicans broke ranks to provide veto-proof funding for fighting wildfires, heating for the poor and infrastructure repair. The Senate also voted 70-26 for Bush’s military operations bill while adding extensive G.I. benefits.

The House recently rejected an earlier spending bill but has endorsed the veteran and unemployed benefits in the new bill. However, its version omitted most domestic programs and included a slight upper-class tax increase to fund the GI bill. However, the House vote lacked a 2/3 majority and its bill will have to be compromised with the Senate version which, if the GI benefits are included, Bush will veto.

Myanmar to allow aid workers

According to U.N. officials, Myanmar’s military junta will admit foreign aid workers to harder-hit areas of the region. A cyclone three weeks ago left 2.4 million destitute and foreign aid has been trickling in. The government has also asked for 11.7 billion and will allow its Yangon airport to distribute aid packages.

McCain rejects Hagee’s comments, endorsement

John McCain told CNN’s Brian Todd Thursday that he rejected the comments and endorsement of the controversial Reverend John Hagee after Todd brought to McCain’s attention Hagee’s claim that Hitler was fulfilling God’s will by trying to exterminate them.

“Obviously, I find these remarks and others deeply offensive and indefensible, and I repudiate them. I did not know of them before Rev. Hagee’s endorsement, and I feel I must reject his endorsement as well.” said McCain in a statement to CNN. Hagee soon withdrew his endorsement and pledged to abstain from the 2008 presidential election.

FBI includes Guantanamo Bay in war crimes report

The FBI Inspector General released a 370-page report this week which included a “War Crimes” file regarding the torture the FBI witnessed at Guantanamo Bay prison. The administration ordered the FBI to stop writing the reports but a government official’s confirmation of what many already suspect adds to the war crime firestorm brewing over Guantanamo.

Spending bill

Myanmar

Hagee

War crimes