Posts Tagged president
6/4 News
Obama makes history
Barack Obama addressed a roaring crowd yesterday as he declared himself the Democratic presidential candidate after passing the 2,118 delegate threshold. Obama weathered an improbable 17-month long campaign against once likely nominee Hillary Clinton. He praised the New York senator for her hard work and tenacity, as she pledged to unify the party without actually stating she was dropping out.
Obama’s delegate total kicked off the general election, as Republican presumptive nominee John McCain admitted either candidate would bring change. “But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward.”
Obama responded quickly with a similar tone, attacking McCain for supporting Bush’s policies.
“It’s not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year. It’s not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. … And it’s not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians.”
The first-term Illinois senator addressed 17,000 fans in a St. Paul stadium, where the GOP convention will be held in September. The historic campaign kicked off with a surprising Iowa victory on January 3. That began a firefight between the two popular candidates, Obama standing for change and Clinton standing for experience. Obama attracted the support of blacks, younger voters, more liberals and more well-off voters while Clinton was popular among Hispanics, working-class and women.
Clinton stopped shorting of formally ending her campaign as she spoke in New York. She admitted she was open to vice-president during a conference call with a New Mexico representative.
There are mixed numbers about the strength of this “dream ticket.” Critics said he needs Hispanic, southern and female support and point to candidates like New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, Nebraskan Republican Senator Chuck Hagel, Virginia Senator Jim Webb and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.
Add comment June 4, 2008
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.”
Add comment May 25, 2008
